Impact of the botanical insecticide Neem Azal on survival and reproduction of the biting louse Damalinia limbata on angora goats.

Secondary metabolites present in the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Meliaceae), exhibit a wide range of biological activities in insects. However, few studies have been undertaken to assess the potential of neem products as insecticides for the control of ectoparasites of domestic animals. This study was undertaken to estimate the efficacy of Neem Azal, an azadirachtin-rich extract of neem seeds, in controlling Damalinia limbata (Phthiraptera) louse infestation of angora goats. The study was conducted on a fibre animal farm situated in Central Italy. Groups of 11-12 goats were treated with Neem Azal at an azadirachtin concentration of 650ppm or 125ppm, with Neguvon or were left untreated. Their louse burden was assessed fortnightly to monthly for 22 weeks. A reduction in louse densities of 76-96% was observed from week 2 to week 18 after treatment with the neem solution containing azadirachtin at a concentration of 650ppm. At the lower test concentration (125ppm) a reduction of 60-92% could be recorded from week 2 to week 14. Neem Azal was found to reduce the survival of both adult and nymph stages of D. limbata and to interfere with oviposition and oogenesis of female lice. A decrease in oviposition was observed in neem exposed female lice and the examination of their ovaries revealed morphological alterations in both vitellogenic and previtellogenic ovarioles at the follicular and germinal level. Since neem compounds target different life stages and physiological processes of D. limbata, the development of insecticide resistance by biting lice exposed to neem-based insecticides appears unlikely. For this reason and for its prolonged activity, which in principle allows angora goats to be protected for a large part of the mohair production cycle, neem-based insecticides may have a potential interest for mohair producing breeders.

Role of computed tomography on large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma follow-up and the risk of radiation-induced neoplasm: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the role of surveillance computed tomography (CT) in detection of tumor relapse after complete remission for large-cell lymphoma and to estimate the cancer risk related to those examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified the cases of large-cell lymphoma diagnosed at our institution during a fifteen years period. We extracted from charts the information needed. Agreement between clinical and radiological evaluation for relapse detection was determined with index kappa and McNemar tests. We analysed the surveillance CT examinations performed to the patients in complete remission with no recurrence during the follow-up period and we estimated the life attributable risk (LAR) of radiation-induced cancer above base line using the approach of the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII. RESULTS: 184 patients with biopsy confirmed large-cell lymphoma were included. Complete remission was attained in 125 patients. After a median follow-up of 93.73 months, 97 of them remain in remission. Relapse was confirmed in 28 patients; only 3 of them were asymptomatic. Kappa and McNemar analyses revealed good agreement for diagnosis of recurrence and significant difference for exclusion of relapse. Patients in remission received a median of 6 surveillance CT examinations. Fifty-seven patients had total cumulative doses greater than 100mSv. The mean increase in estimated radiation-induced cancer risk was 0.5%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that periodic CT examinations have a limited role in detecting relapse in large-cell lymphoma as the clinical surveillance dictates the patient management.

Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis with localized perforation: CT and US findings.

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomography and ultrasound findings of five cases of small bowel diverticulitis with localized perforation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our database, from April 2003 to August 2007, was reviewed and five cases of small bowel diverticulitis were identified. RESULTS: Jejuno-ileal diverticulitis with covered perforation usually presents as wall thickening of a small bowel loop and an adjacent inflammatory mass containing air bubbles. CONCLUSION: Small bowel diverticula are rare and mostly asymptomatic. They become clinically relevant when complications arise, such as diverticulitis. The symptoms of jejuno-ileal diverticulitis are non-specific and the diagnosis is performed mainly by imaging studies.