176 research outputs found
Online Networks, Social Interaction and Segregation: An Evolutionary Approach
We have developed an evolutionary game model, where agents can choose between
two forms of social participation: interaction via online social networks and
interaction by exclusive means of face-to-face encounters. We illustrate the
societal dynamics that the model predicts, in light of the empirical evidence
provided by previous literature. We then assess their welfare implications. We
show that dynamics, starting from a world in which online social interaction is
less gratifying than offline encounters, will lead to the extinction of the
sub-population of online networks users, thereby making Facebook and alike
disappear in the long run. Furthermore, we show that the higher the propensity
for discrimination between the two sub-populations of socially active
individuals, the greater the probability that individuals will ultimately
segregate themselves, making society fall into a social poverty trap
Online Networks, Social Interaction and Segregation: An Evolutionary Approach
We have developed an evolutionary game model, where agents can choose between two forms of social participation: interaction via online social networks and interaction by exclusive means of face-to-face encounters. We illustrate the societal dynamics that the model predicts, in light of the empirical evidence provided by previous literature. We then assess their welfare implications. We show that dynamics, starting from a world in which online social interaction is less gratifying than offline encounters, will lead to the extinction of the sub-population of online networks users, thereby making Facebook and alike disappear in the long run. Furthermore, we show that the higher the propensity for discrimination between the two sub-populations of socially active individuals, the greater the probability that individuals will ultimately segregate themselves, making society fall into a social poverty trap
Provoked Vestibulodynia and Topical Treatment: A New Option
Background: Provoked vestibulodynia is commonly associated with dyspareunia and affects 7% to 15% of women. This pathology has major implications on sexual function and quality of life, and several types of treatments are available for its management. However, a consensus has not been reached concerning the best treatment of vulvar pain. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a brand-new product, the vulvar emulgel Meclon (R) Lenex, for the management of provoked vestibulodynia and non-infective vulvitis. Methods: This was a monocentric, prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. We enrolled 40 women with provoked vestibulodynia; 20 patients received Meclon (R) Lenex, whereas the remaining received a placebo. Each woman was assessed subjectively (through questionnaires) and objectively by evaluating vaginal and vulvar symptoms (Friedrichs criteria and Marinoff dyspareunia grade). We evaluated efficacy, safety, compliance and tolerability of the brand-new product vulvar gel Meclon (R) Lenex in provoked vestibulodynia. Results: After administration of Meclon (R) Lenex, we evaluated all parameters of the Friedrichs criteria (burning, dyspareunia, erythema, vulvar pain at the 5 o'clock position and 7 o'clock position), as well as the levels of Marinoff dyspareunia. The active treatment showed to be statistically significantly effective (p value <= 0.05) in reducing all symptoms of Friedrichs criteria, vulvar pain and Marinoff dyspareunia. Conclusion: This prospective study showed that Meclon (R) Lenex vulvar emulgel revealed an excellent tolerability and compliance, demonstrating to be a safe and effective option in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia and non-infective vulvitis
New insights on Avian orthoreovirus and Chicken astrovirus co-infection in an Italian broiler flock: preliminary biomolecular and pathological results
Summary
Common pathogens of intensive poultry farms, either parasitic or bacterial, such as Coccidia or
Salmonella, are well known and strictly controlled by veterinary management. This case study
reports an unusual case of runting stunting syndrome (RSS) observed on a Sicilian poultry
farm of broiler chickens during 2019. The investigation was carried out on five chickens which
present delayed in body weight and growth performance. Animals showed also difficulty
in deambulation and diarrhea. At necropsy, intestinal lesions were detected in three of the
five clinical cases. Gut samples were collected and analyzed to identify potential pathogens
responsible for the RSS. Presence of viruses was detected by using quantitative reverse
transcription PCR (RTâqPCR), while selected tissues were fixed and embedded in paraffin wax
according to routine procedures. All histological sections were stained with hematoxylinâeosin.
RTâqPCR successfully detected both Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) and Avian orthoreovirus (ARV).
Histology evidenced severe specific lesions on the intestinal mucosa in liver and kidneys.
Chicken astrovirus and Avian orthoreovirus RNA was also detected in cecal tonsils, kidney
and liver, thus implying their possible primary role in inducing the disease. Further studies are
needed to evaluate the role of other possible factors (low biosecurity measures, e.g.) and, most
of all, the consequences in terms of economic losses and animal health impairment
Messa a punto di una metodologia innovativa per l'identificazione molecolare delle principali specie di Culicoides - IZS SI 16/16 RC
Convegno Nazionale "I RISULTATI DELLâATTIVITĂ DI RICERCA DELLâIZS SICILIA
Surgical approach and etiopathogenetic considerations to the umbilical tumefactions in cattle: Case review in twenty years (2000/2020)
B S T R A C T
Objective: Our investigation was conducted to evaluate the incidence of umbilical pathologies and the result of
related surgical interventions in Sicilian cattle.
Study design: 320 (214 females, 106 males) cattle with umbilical lesions were collected, anesthetized, operated on
and follow-up recorded. We evaluated the injury incidence rate.
Population: The animals considered were: high productivity dairy cattle (Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss);
meat breeds (Charolaise and Limousine) and some crosses.
Results: The highest injury rate was simple omphalocele, followed by purulent omphalitis. A high percentage was
found in young cattle. Friesians are the most prone to navel diseases. The dairy breeds, compared to the meat
breeds, and double aptitude and crosses, were the most affected. The most common was simple omphalocele,
with a small hernial port (1 to 3 cm), while the rest was greater than 3 cm, with severe organs or complications.
Methods: the most commonly used surgery was herniorraphy with autologous reinforcement, while classic su-
tures and mesh sutures were used in the remaining cases. Follow-up demonstrated healing in most of the treated
subjects.
Conclusions: The study aimed to estimate some surgical clinical cases in Sicilian cattle. Most injuries are lower
abdomen injuries, mostly simple or complicated umbilical hernias. Young dairy females were the most affected.
Meaning/Impact: Radical surgery is the treatment of choice in the vast majority of symptomatic or asymptomatic
umbilical diseases; moreover, the correct management and the choice of an appropriate surgical approach allow
to obtain an effective treatment of the lesions.
Simple summary: In cattle farm, the correct management of births is a fundamental step for the future of the
breeding. In fact, there are numerous critical factors in this phase: calving area management, umbilical disin-
fection, correct administration of colostrum, management of individual pens. Generally, after a few hours from
birth, the calf is transferred in individual pens, the walls of this box allow visual and tactile contact but avoid the
possibility of mutual sucking of the umbilical region, a risk factor, in that area, of infections and hernias. In the
study have been collected umbilical interventions carried out over twenty years by a team operating in south-
eastern Sicily: Ragusa. Out of a total of 320 cases, have been reported: the prevalence of types of umbilical
tumefactions, anesthetic techniques and surgical techniques performed. The purpose of the work was to highlight
any predispositions of race, sex, age regarding the lesion considered and above all, the effectiveness of the
surgical therap
Management Factors Influence AnimalWelfare and the Correlation to Infectious Diseases in Dairy Cows
Simple Summary: To investigate the relationship between some infectious diseases (Mycobacterium
avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Chlamydiophila abortus, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus,
and the bovine herpesvirus) and the dairy farmsâ welfare scores, 36 dairy farms were monitored using
the Italian National AnimalWelfare Reference Center (CreNBA) checklist. Farms and their animals
were scored in five different areas, namely: Area A, âFarm management and personnelâ; Area B,
âFacilities and equipmentâ; Area C, âAnimal-based measuresâ; Area D, âInspection of microclimatic
environmental conditions and alarm systemsâ; and Area E, âBiosecurityâ. The recorded scores were
compared between two farming conditions (access to pasture and indoor housing) and correlated
with the serum data. Our results indicated that an accurate application of the checklist could be an
instrument to prevent and control the spread of infections in dairy farms.
Abstract: The present study assessed dairy cow welfare through the application of the Italian National
Animal Welfare Reference Center (CReNBA) checklist in 36 dairy farms located in Ragusa (Italy)
subjected to two different management conditions, housing with free access to pasture (Group 1,
farms n = 17) and indoor housing (Group 2, farms n = 19). Five areas of investigation were considered:
Area A, âFarm management and personnelâ; Area B, âFacilities and equipmentâ; Area C,
âAnimal-based measuresâ; Area D, âInspection of microclimatic environmental conditions and alarm
systemsâ; and Area E, âBiosecurityâ. Blood samples were collected by coccygeal venipuncture from
all animals (4081 cows). The specific antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis,
Chlamydiophila abortus, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, and the bovine herpesvirus
were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serological test. Group 1 (access to
pasture) showed a lower value of percentage score recorded in Area A (p = 0.02) and E (p = 0.01)
than Group 2 (indoor housing). Herpesvirus (Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis - IBR - detection of
gB antibodies/IBR-gB) blood concentrations were higher in the cows housed indoor versus those
with access to pasture (p = 0.01). Farm management and personnel (score A) was correlated with the
level of bovine viral diarrhea virus ( = 0.3754) and bovine-herpesvirus-specific antibodies (IBR-gB)
( = 0.4159). âBiosecurityâ percentage score showed a significant correlation with Chlamydiophila
abortus ( = 0.4621) in the cows with access to pasture and IBR-gB ( = 0.3435) in the cows housed
fully indoors. Group 2 showed a significantly reduced level of antibodies against Neospora caninum.
In conclusion, differences in the welfare assessment score were observed in the âFarm management
and personnelâ and âBiosecurityâ between the two management conditions. It had an effect on
the prevalence of herpesvirus, which occurred more in cattle with access to pasture. Therefore, an
accurate application of the checklist could be an instrument to prevent and control the spread of
infections in farms
The Wide Range of Antibiotic Resistance and Variability of Genotypic Profiles in Escherichia coli from Domestic Animals in Eastern Sicily
serious public health threat. Escherichia coli, a usual host of intestinal microbiota, is recognized also as
etiological agent of numerous infections widespread in both humans and animals. The colibacillosis
is one of the most reported zoonoses worldwide, typically treated with antibiotics in the primary
stages. This strategy has promoted the onset of antibiotic-resistant serotypes of E. coli, reducing the
effectiveness of therapeutic treatments and contributing to antibiotic resistance spread. The current
study focused on biodiversity, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance profile of 104 E. coli strains
isolated from domestic animals in Eastern Sicily. The strains were isolated from sick animals and
carcasses of six different animal species and screened for resistance against 16 antibiotic molecules,
as recommended by WHO and OIE. The antibiotic resistance patterns highlighted that all strains
were multi-resistant, showing resistance to at least three antibiotic classes. The highest incidence of
resistance was observed against amoxicillin (100%), tylosin (97%), sulfamethoxazole (98%), and erythromycin
(92%), while the lowest for colistin (8%). The pathotype characterization identified two
EPEC strains and the study of genetic linkage (PFGE) showed a wide variety of profiles. The current
study emphasized the wide range of multidrug resistance and genotyping profiles in E. coli isolated
in Easter Sicily
Morphological and Immunohistochemical Examination of Lymphoproliferative Lesions Caused by Marek's Disease Virus in Breeder Chickens
Simple Summary
The poultry industry is the most intensive and fastest growing among all livestock production systems, and, in the last decades, it has expanded exponentially due to an increasing demand for meat and eggs. Marekâs disease is a highly contagious and rapidly progressive lymphoproliferative disease. It is one of the most dangerous diseases of those affecting the sector because it causes important economic losses. Although widely controlled by vaccination programs, sometimes chickens are not totally protected, and the presence of virulent field strains can allow outbreaks. This case describes the occurrence of Marekâs disease observed in a breeder chicken flock that reported an increase in mortality rate (+0.4â0.6%) after the 32nd week. Histological analysis has highlighted severe lesions on visceral organs of chickens caused by Marekâs disease, especially in the intestinal tract of a hen that had a tumor mass in the distal part of the cloaca. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the disease-associated tumor. The aim of this study was to underline the importance of vaccine administration related to the maintenance of proper biosecurity practice, especially in the first week of the raising cycle. In addition, monitoring for disease even after vaccination is crucial to minimize economic loss.
Abstract
Marekâs disease is widely controlled by vaccination programs; however, chickens are not totally protected, especially immediately after the vaccination when a strong challenge could interfere with the effectiveness of vaccination in the absence of proper biosecurity practice. This case report describes the occurrence of Marekâs disease (MD) observed in a breeder chicken flock reared southeast of Sicily. MD outbreak occurred from 32 to 47 weeks with an increase in weekly mortality rate (+0.4â0.6%). Overall, mortality rate related to Marekâs disease was about 6% at the end of the cycle. Carcasses of chickens found during the occurrence of disease underwent necropsy, and tissues were collected to confirm the infection. Gizzard, cecal tonsil, intestine, spleen and tumor mass were collected and analyzed from a carcass of one hen, 32 weeks old and apparently asymptomatic. Multiplex real-time PCR performed on spleen tissues detected the presence of MD virus pathogenic strain. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the rest of the samples confirmed the neoplastic disease. Moreover, the immunophenotype of the tumor cells was identified as CD3 positive by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The vaccinated flock had become rapidly infected with the MD virus, which proves that the challenge of the MD virus was too strong in the rearing house at the beginning of the cycle, causing the outbreak
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