Gastroenteric parasite of wild Galliformes in the Italian Alps: implication for conservation management.

This study provides insights about the diversity, prevalence and distribution of alpine wild galliformes gastrointestinal parasite community, trying to fill a gap in the scientific information currently available in scientific literature. The analysis included three host species: 77 rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis), 83 black grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix) and 26 rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta helveticus) shot during the hunting seasons 2008-2015. Parasites isolated were Ascaridia compar, Capillaria caudinflata and cestodes. The rock ptarmigan was free from gastrointestinal parasites, whereas the most prevalent helminth (37%) was A. compar in both black grouse and rock partridge. C. caudinflata occurrence was significantly higher in black grouse (prevalence = 10%, mean abundance = 0.6 parasites/sampled animal) than in rock partridge (prevalence = 1.20%, mean abundance = 0.01 parasites/sampled animal). Significant differences were detected among hunting districts. A. compar was found with a significant higher degree of infestation in the hunting districts in the northern part of the study area whereas cestodes abundance was higher in Lanzo Valley. Quantitative analysis of risk factors was carried out using a generalized linear model (GLM) only on the most common parasite (A. compar). Latitude was the only factors associated with infestation risk (OR = 52.4). This study provides information on the composition and variability of the parasite community in the alpine Galliformes species.

Ameloblastic fibroma in an alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra).

Spontaneous odontogenic tumors are neoplasms characterized by a mixed odontogenic ectomesenchymal and odontogenic epithelial origin; they are rare in both humans and animals. A 3-year-old male Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) was found dead in north-west Italy, and was referred for the necropsy to the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin (Italy). At the external examination a 10 × 8 cm, exophytic, red-pink, smooth, firm and ulcerated mass was observed on the inferior lip. Histologically the tumor was characterized by spindle shaped cells arranged in bundles in an abundant hyaline matrix. Multifocal and rare chords of odontogenic epithelium mixed with rare melanocytes that penetrate the neoplasia were visible. Immunohistochemistry showed a clear cytokeratin positivity of epithelial clusters. Macroscopical, histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with a diagnosis of locally infiltrative ameloblastic fibroma. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of this tumor in a wild ungulate and in Alpine Chamois.

[Psychological aspects of thalassemia]. / Aspetti psicologici della talassemia.

An account is given of the model employed for the provision of psychological care over the last 9 years at the Microcythemia Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Turin, by a team composed of paediatricians and child neuropsychiatrists. Reference is made to a series of 280 patients aged 0-25 years. The psychodynamic is adopted and provision is made for individual and group meetings with young and adolescent patients and their parents that are held as part of the Centre's ordinary activities. This procedure has made it possible to understand and face up to the psychological implications of thalassaemia and its treatment and has considerably improved both compliance and the quality of life. Stress is laid on the importance of a good rapport between patients and the Centre. This can be obtained through continuous collaboration between physicians and psychiatrists and or psychologists with a psychodynamic background.

Diflunisal ('Dolobid') once-a-day in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

A 4-week, double-blind, controlled multi-centre study was carried out in 235 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis to compare the efficacy and tolerance of 500 mg or 1000 mg diflunisal per day administered once daily, in the evening, or in divided, twice daily dosage. The results showed that diflunisal given once daily was at least as effective as diflunisal given twice daily. Day pain, morning stiffness, average grip strength and erythrocyte sedimentation rate improved similarly in both groups. Significant differences favouring the once-daily regimen were observed for improvement in night pain, Ritchie index and overall assessments by patient and investigator. Adverse experiences were slightly more common in patients taking diflunisal once daily (24% vs 19%) but this difference was not significant. It is concluded, therefore, that diflunisal once-a-day is an alternative regimen for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is at least as effective as the twice-daily regimen and may provide additional convenience to the patient and potential enhancement of compliance.