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.

Effect of dehydroleucodine on the reproductive tract of male mice.

The effects of a sesquiterpene lactone, dehydroleucodine, on the reproductive tract were investigated using adult male mice. Dehydroleucodine was dissolved in tap water and administered as drinking water for 30 days. All the parameters were compared with a control group that received only vehicle. Animals were killed by decapitation and the trunk blood, the testes and the epididymes were collected. Plasma concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol, and testicular weight and concentration of spermatids did not change by dehydroleucodine. Nevertheless, in epididymal cauda dehydroleucodine treatment caused a diminution in sperm number, a decrease in the amount of tubular fluid and a reduction in the activity of the hydrolytic enzyme N-acetyl-ß-d-glucosaminidase. However, the sperm motility was not altered by dehydroleucodine treatment, although sperm binding to zona-free oocytes increased significantly. These results suggest that dehydroleucodine, which has been implicated in the inhibition of aromatase P450, does not affect the plasma concentration of testosterone and oestradiol or testicular activity, whereas altering several epididymal parameters. The epididymis is thus a more sensitive target for dehydroleucodine action.

High sensitivity measurement system for the direct-current, capacitance-voltage, and gate-drain low frequency noise characterization of field effect transistors.

Measurements of current fluctuations originating in electron devices have been largely used to understand the electrical properties of materials and ultimate device performances. In this work, we propose a high-sensitivity measurement setup topology suitable for the automatic and programmable Direct-Current (DC), Capacitance-Voltage (CV), and gate-drain low frequency noise characterization of field effect transistors at wafer level. Automatic and programmable operation is particularly useful when the device characteristics relax or degrade with time due to optical, bias, or temperature stress. The noise sensitivity of the proposed topology is in the order of fA/Hz(1/2), while DC performances are limited only by the source and measurement units used to bias the device under test. DC, CV, and NOISE measurements, down to 1 pA of DC gate and drain bias currents, in organic thin film transistors are reported to demonstrate system operation and performances.

Dehydroleucodine inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in G2 phase.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and in the vascular changes seen in hypertension. Dehydroleucodine (DhL) is a sesquiterpene lactone that inhibits cell proliferation in plant cells. In this paper, we study the effect of DhL in the proliferation of VSMCs stimulated with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Very low concentrations of DhL (2-6 microM) inhibited VSMC proliferation and induced cell accumulation in G2. DhL did not affect the dynamics of 3H-thymidine incorporation, and did not modify either the activity of DNA polymerase or the incorporation of deoxyribonucleotides in an in vitro assay. Moreover, DhL did not induce apoptosis in VSMCs. These results indicate that DhL, in very low concentration, induces a transient arrest of VSMCs in G2. Our data show that VSMCs are especially sensitive to DhL effect, suggesting that DhL could be potentially useful to prevent the vascular pathological changes seen in hypertension and other vascular diseases.

Structure-cytoprotective activity relationship of simple molecules containing an alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl system.

In previous reports we attributed the cytoprotective activity of several sesquiterpene lactones to the presence of a nonhindered electrophilic acceptor in their structure. We suggested that the mechanism of protection would be, at least in part, mediated through a reaction between the electrophilic acceptor and the sulfhydryl-containing groups of the mucosa. We report here the gastric cytoprotective effect of simple molecules containing an alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl group. In the present paper, we undertake the study of molecular accessibility and molecular shape, in addition to conformational, electronic, and steric factors. Our results helped to establish two important facts connecting chemical structure with cytoprotective effect. Firstly, an adequate molecular accessibility appears to be necessary to produce the biological response, and secondly, the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl system has to be included in a cyclic structure or, at least, in the proximity of a cyclic system.

Structure-activity relationship in the gastric cytoprotective effect of several sesquiterpene lactones.

The structural requirements for the gastric cytoprotective activity of several sesquiterpene lactones are reported. A theoretical-experimental study on the potentially active centers is carried out. The biological evaluation of reduced analogues and the simulation of the molecular interactions between these compounds and an endogenous cysteine residue suggest that the presence of a non sterically hindered Michael acceptor seems to be an essential structural requirement for the cytoprotective activity in this family of compounds. This observation suggests that cytoprotection is mediated through a Michael reaction between the sulfhydryl-containing peptides of the mucosa and Michael acceptors present in the molecules under study. This mechanism of action is in addition to and distinct from the one proposed in our previous paper, namely, that these sesquiterpenes stimulate endogenous synthesis of prostaglandins.

Icetexane and abietane diterpenoids from Salvia gilliessi.

One icetexane and two abietane diterpenes were isolated from the aerial parts of Salvia gilliesii, and characterized as 5-epi-icetexone; 12-hydroxy-11,14-diketo-6,8,12-abietatrien-19,20-olide and 6 alpha,12,19-trihydroxy-11,14-diketo-8,12-abietadien-20,7 beta-olide, respectively. The structures were established by analysis of their 1H and 13C NMR spectra with the aid of 2D experiments. The triterpene oleanolic acid was isolated from the same source.

Diterpenes from Laennecia sophiifolia.

From the aerial parts of Laennecia sophiifolia (Kunth) G.L. Nesom, a neo-clerodane and an acyclic furano diterpene were isolated, along with four known compounds, 2beta-hydroxyhardwickiic acid, hawtriwaic acid, apigenin, and beta-sitosterol. Their structures were established as 12-epi-bacchotricuneatin A and (2E,6E)-9-(3-furyl)-6-methyl-2-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)-nona-2,6-dienoic acid, by analysis of spectral evidence. The absolute structure of 12-epi-bacchotricuneatin A was determined by a circular dichroism spectral comparison with that of bacchotricuneatin A.

The sesquiterpene lactone dehydroleucodine (DhL) affects the growth of cultured epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Here, we report an inhibitory effect of a sesquiterpene lactone dehydroleucodine (DhL) on the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi in culture. At concentrations of the drug between 5 and 10 microg/ml in the medium,the parasites remained alive for at least 4 days. Higher concentrations of DhL were lethal for the parasites within a few hours. The effect of DhL is irreversible. Morphological changes induced by DhL were also observed in the parasites. The effect of DhL was blocked by the presence of reducing substrates such as glutathione or dithiothreitol, but these agents were not able to reverse the effect of DhL if added 2 days after the start of drug exposure.

The sesquiterpene lactone dehydroleucodine reversibly inhibits Allium cepa L. root growth.

Here, we prove that dehydroleucodine, a sesquiterpene lactone, at low concentrations (25-100 microM) slowed down the Allium cepa L root growth by 22-70% respectively neither affecting cell viability nor cell size. Removal of the drug after 24 h incubation restored the normal growth rate of the roots. Higher concentrations (200 microM) of dehydroleucodine were deleterious for the roots. As cell size did not change, it is most likely that dehydroleucodine affected some event of cell division cycle making it longer. Thus, dehydroleucodine could be a useful tool to slow down cell proliferation.

[Palliative endoscopic treatment of esophageal neoplastic stenosis]. / Considerazioni sul trattamento palliativo endoscopico delle stenosi tumorali dell'esofago.

The authors examined a series of 231 patients suffering from unoperable neoplastic dysphagia of the esophagus and treated using prevalently palliative endoscopic methods (photocoagulation and/or intubation) during the period 1980-1991. They draw the following conclusions: a) endoscopic methods are better than surgical techniques; b) there are a greater number of indications for endoscopic intubation than for photocoagulation (approximately 2 to 1); c) some situation which are indicated for photocoagulation are not contraindicated for intubation; d) the sole contraindication for intubation is stenosis in which the proximal limit is less than 2 cm from the upper esophageal sphincter; e) contraindications for photocoagulation are long stenoses and/or those of the infiltrating type, and/or involving the upper third of the esophagus; f) sometimes the two methods may be complementary in the sense that intubation may be preceded by a few photocoagulation sessions in order to necrotize the vegetating portion of an infiltrating tumour; g) it is best to choose intubation wherever possible since this technique is less expensive and the quality of remaining life better, even if the percentage of severe and generally fatal complications (perforation) is still too high; h) the possible introduction of expandable metal prostheses might increase indications for intubation and reduce the number of severe complication.

Phytochemical study and anti-inflammatory properties of Lampaya hieronymi Schum. ex Moldenke.

The chemical study of aerial parts of Lampaya hieronymi Schum. ex Moldenke yielded oleanolic acid, epi-oleanolic acid, epi-maslinic acid, 4'7-dimethoxyapigenin, p-hydroxyacetophenone, and p-hydroxyacetophenone-beta-glucoside. In searching for natural products as potential anti-inflammatory agents, all the compounds, except 4'7-dimethoxyapigenin were evaluated in vivo for their ability to inhibit acute inflammation. Our studies demonstrated that p-hydroxyacetophenone and the triterpenes produced protective effects in carrageenan induced paw edema in mouse, at 1-3 h and 3-5 h, respectively, after the injection of carrageenan. These results indicated that their effects might correlate with the release of histamine, serotonin, kinin and prostaglandins.

[A case of supernumerary spleen in the left pleural cavity]. / Su di un caso di milza soprannumeraria nel cavo pleurico di sinistra.

An extremely rare case of supernumerary spleen contained in the left pleural cavity is reported. Only one other case of this type is known. The anomaly, which was discovered by accident, may be explained by the probable delayed fusion of the mesenchymal tissue islands which form the spleen bud at the embryonic stage. One of these islands was imprisoned in the chest by the diaphragm, which was also in the final stages of development, thus creating the supernumerary spleen.

[Metachronous intra-abdominal fibromatosis of the gastro-spleno-colonic ligament and the mesentery: histopathogenetic interpretation. Report of a case]. / Fibromatosi intra-addominale metacrona del legamento gastro-spleno-colico e del mesentere: interpretazione istopatogenetica. A proposito di un caso.

The paper reports a case of intra-abdominal fibromatosis with an initial localisation in the gastro-spleno-colic ligament followed by a metachronous localisation in the mesentery. Both localisations preceded the appearance of sigmoidorectal polyps and ovarian polycystosis. The authors discuss the biological problems related to the pathology and tend to interpret it as a dys-reactive disease of connective tissue in a genetically predisposed, subject.

[Trans-sheath laparotomy of the rectus muscle in appendectomy]. / Laparotomia trans-guaina del muscolo retto per l'appendicectomia

Reference to personal experience covering 2035 appendicectomies is referred to in an account of the technique of transvaginal laparotomy of the rectus muscle. Here the sheath of the rectus and the peritoneum are incised at different levels and in different directions. The outside border of the sheath is not touched and the muscle is displaced medially, without section or displacement of the muscle fibres. If required, the operation can be extended upwards or downwards into a pararectal incision without departing from the context of the sheath. The technique is easy and gives ample vision. Closure is simple, rapid and cosmetically satisfying. The resulting solidity of the wall means that laparocele does not occur.

[Complication of spontaneous internal biliary fistulae (experiences in 46 cases)]. / Complicanze delle fistole biliari interne spontanee (esperienza di 46 casi).

Spontaneous internal biliary fistulas are complications of biliary disease and may themselves be the source of further complications. Instances of the latter observed in a series of 28 bilio-digestive and 18 bilio-biliary forms are described: angiocolitis, biliary peritonitis, cholangitic cirrhosis, diarrhoea and malabsorption syndrome, haemorrhage, biliary ileus and Bouveret syndrome. Stress is laid on the need for early diagnosis and early surgery. It is pointed out that there is no such thing as an innocuous biliary calculus.

[Spontaneous bilio-biliary fistulae. Experience in 18 cases]. / Fistole bilio-biliari spontanee. Esperienze di 18 casi

Six cholecyst-hepatic, nine cholecyst-hepatic-choledochic, and three cholecyst-choledochic spontaneous fistulae were observed in subjects (89% females) aged 28-76 (average 52) yr, forming 0.9% of a series of bile duct operands. Lithiasis is seen as the origin of these forms. A large calculus wedged in the gallbladder basis leads, due to decubitus, to symphysis between the basis and the main bile duct. Later, infection results in necrosis of the walls and gives rise to the fistula. The symptoms are not pathognomonic. Clinical diagnosis is virtually impossible and the condition is usually an unexpected surgical discovery. The only sound management consists of elimination of the fistula and calculus and reestablishment of free bilio-enteric transit. Anterograde cholecystectomy (including section of the organ in nearly every case) may or may not be accompanied by papillotomy. The fistulae is sutured or a bilio-enteric diversion is provided. Personal experience suggests that Y-diversion to the jejunal loop according to Roux is preferable to choledocho- or hepatico-duodenostomy. Very good results are usually obtained and mortality is low at 5-9%.

[Unusual case of urogenital anomaly]. / Singolare caso di anomalia uro-genitale.

A case of associated malformation of the urogenital apparatus, right renal aplasia associated with uterus unicornis with the second uterine duct being independent of the first and located in the corner of the right iliac vessels, in reported in a woman of 41. Three pregnancies had all terminated regularly with live foetus born from eutocic delivery. The unusual nature of the case is insisted on and it would not seem possible to include it in any of the five classes established by Musset et al.

[Spontaneous bilio-digestive fistula of lithiasic etiology. Experience of 41 cases]. / Fistole bilio-digestive spontanee di eziologia litiasica. Esperienza di 41 casi.

Spontaneous biliary-digestive fistulas represent a rare pathology, but an important one given the diagnostic difficulties and high operative mortality that still characterise the obstructive forms in particular. Personal experience of 41 cases is reported with a discussion of the symptoms, diagnostic procedures and surgical indications. The complete clinical aspecificity of the fistulas and their frequent association with choledocholithiasis and stricturing odditis are emphasised.

[Subfascial endoscopic perforating-vein surgery. Personal experience]. / Complicanze da suture meccaniche in chirurgia laparoscopica: occlusione intestinale da clip. Segnalazione di un caso clinico e revisione della letteratura.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to report our personal experience in the endoscopic treatment of chronic venous insufficiency associated with incompetent perforating veins. METHODS: In the region of 400 cases of chronic venous insufficiency, classified using the new CEAP criteria, were treated over the course of one year at the General Surgery unit of Ospedale SS. Trinità in Fossano (Cuneo). Of these, 47 patients, classified between C2 and C6, underwent endoscopic treatment of insufficient perforating veins showing persistent or recidivating trophic ulcerative lesions; radical internal saphenectomy was associated in 30 cases. RESULTS: The results were reappraised at 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 month, and trophic lesions had already healed after 5 weeks in 35 patients. There was a marked clinical improvement and a noticeable change in quality of life in 10 patients, whereas treatment failed in 2 cases. No cases of recidivation have been reported in the patients who were successfully treated, but in spite of an improvement in cutaneous skin trophism, there were persistent dyschromic lesions in 40 patients who underwent SEPS. CONCLUSIONS: Having compared our experience with that of other authors, we conclude that SEPS is undoubtedly an effective method for the surgical treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with incompetent perforating veins. However, it is harder to establish the real role played by SEPS when treatment is associated with saphenectomy. In view of this, we regard SEPS as a "complementary" treatment forming part of a wider therapeutic context.