101 research outputs found
Relaxing state-access constraints in stateful programmable data planes
Supporting the programming of stateful packet forwarding functions in
hardware has recently attracted the interest of the research community. When
designing such switching chips, the challenge is to guarantee the ability to
program functions that can read and modify data plane's state, while keeping
line rate performance and state consistency. Current state-of-the-art designs
are based on a very conservative all-or-nothing model: programmability is
limited only to those functions that are guaranteed to sustain line rate, with
any traffic workload. In effect, this limits the maximum time to execute state
update operations. In this paper, we explore possible options to relax these
constraints by using simulations on real traffic traces. We then propose a
model in which functions can be executed in a larger but bounded time, while
preventing data hazards with memory locking. We present results showing that
such flexibility can be supported with little or no throughput degradation.Comment: 6 page
Prognostic value of soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A in non-small-cell lung cancer - significance and development
Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (sMICA) is a useful marker in surveillance of lung cancer. High serum sMICA level in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seems to be a poor prognostic factor being correlated with poor differentiation and advanced stage. However, the low specificity limits its role as a single prognostic marker of NSCLC, but its evaluation, in addition to standard serum markers, could improve the staging of NSCLC. Despite promising, all current studies are insufficient to assess the real efficiency of sMICA as a prognostic marker of NSCLC, and hence, future studies are required to validate it
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 (RT‑qPCR), while selected tissues were fixed and embedded in paraffin wax
according to routine procedures. All histological sections were stained with hematoxylin‑eosin.
RT‑qPCR 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
Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera cynipidae) in Sardegna
The chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus was detected in Sardinia in 2007. Two years later its biological control agent, Torymus sinensis, was released and was started the monitoring of native oak gall wasp parasitoids recruited by D. kuriphilus. Five years after its introduction the exotic parasitoid T. sinensis established itself in the study sites and more than 25 morphospecies of native parasitoids emerged from D. kuriphilus galls
Synchronous multiple primary non-small cell lung cancer or intrapulmonary metastasis from an index lesion: a dilemma—case report
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Effects of Microencapsulated Blends of Organics Acids (OA) and Essential Oils (EO) as a Feed Additive for Broiler Chicken. A Focus on Growth Performance, Gut Morphology and Microbiology
Simple Summary
Replacing antibiotics with natural alternative compounds in poultry feeding is being increased in the last few years to challenge the antibiotic resistance problem. Among natural compounds, organic acids and essential oils could be a favorable option. The goal of the trial was testing the dietary supplementation of a blend of organic acids and essential oils in broiler diets in order to evaluate growth performance and gut healthiness. The blend of organic acids and essential oils improved growth performances at the end of the growing period and favorably affected, to a certain extent, gut morphology at different gut districts. Moreover, a selective microbial control against Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci and Mesophilic bacteria was found. Additionally, in litter, organic acids and essential oils dietary treatment drove to an overall decrease of Mesophilic bacteria and Enterococci counts. Overall, dietary strategy oriented to a supplementation of a mixture of organic acids and essential oils in broiler diets could offer some favorable perspectives in order to maintain adequate growth performance and gut healthiness either in term of morphology or of microbiology. Nevertheless, improving knowledge on the mechanisms of action of these natural additives together with a potential synergistic action is pivotal to clarify their potential as antibiotic replacers.
Abstract
The goal of the trial was testing the effects of a blend of organic acids and essential oils dietary supplementation on growth performance and gut healthiness in broiler chickens. In total, 420 male Ross 308 chicks (1-day old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: basal (BD) and organic acids and essential oils (OA&EO) diets (three replicates/treatment; 70 broilers/replicate). BD group received commercial diets whereas OA&EO group basal diets + 5 g/kg of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils. OA&EO treatment improved the average daily gain (p < 0.01) and feed conversion ratio at 37–47 days compared to BD treatment. OA&EO treatment improved gut morphology mostly at ileum and duodenum levels in terms of villi height, crypt depth, number of villi, mucosa thickness and villi area at 24 and 34 sampling days. A certain selective action against Clostridium perfringens in ileum of OA&EO group was shown at 33 (p = 0.053) and 46 days (p = 0.09) together with lower median values for Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci, Mesophilic bacteria and Clostridium perfringens at ceca level. Overall, organic acids and essential oils supplementation improved growth performance in the final growth stage and some morphological gut traits and reduced to a certain extent Clostridium perfringens count in ileum
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. Marek’s 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 Marek’s disease observed in a breeder chicken flock that reported an increase in mortality rate (+0.4–0.6%) after the 32nd week. Histological analysis has highlighted severe lesions on visceral organs of chickens caused by Marek’s 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
Marek’s 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 Marek’s 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 (+0.4–0.6%). Overall, mortality rate related to Marek’s 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
Investigation of an Autochthonous Outbreak of Bovine Besnoitiosis in Northwestern Sicily
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Besnoitia besnoiti, leading to infertility in bulls and abortions in cows. In Italy, it is considered an emerging disease, recently introduced by the importation of animals from Spain and France. In the last decade, many outbreaks have been reported and confirmed in native cattle, mostly in northern and central Italy. This study reports on an autochthonous outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis in two nearby farms located in northwestern Sicily. A 15-month-old Limousine bull born on the farm showed typical clinical signs of the chronic disease phase, such as edema of the scrotum with subsequent hyperkeratosis associated with eschars and thickening of the skin. A histopathological examination revealed the presence of Besnoitia tissue cysts containing bradyzoites in the eyes, tendons, testicles, dermis, and nictitating membrane. A serological investigation using a commercial ELISA kit revealed a high seroprevalence of the antibody anti-B. besnoiti (79.2% for the farms in this study). Clinical disease showed low prevalence (1.5%) despite the high seroprevalence of specific antibodies in the herd, confirming that bovine besnoitiosis is an emergent endemic pathogen in Sicily, but its clinical behavior still remains sporadic
BOVINE BESNOITIOSIS: A CASE REPORT IN SICILY
IINTRODUCTION
Bovine besnoitiosis is a parasitic disease
caused by the tissue cyst forming protozoan Besnoitia
besnoiti The European Food Safety Authority ( has
reported that bovine besnoitiosis is re emerging in Europe 1
It represents a chronic and debilitating disease that is
responsible for severe economic losses such as poor body
condition, decreased milk production, infertility in bulls and
occasional abortion 2 Autochthonous outbreaks of the
disease were reported in Central Italy for the first time in 2009
3 In Sicily, although the disease was observed in a heifer in
2014 4 no epidemiological data is known
AIM OF THE WORK
This study describes an
autochthonous outbreak of Bovine besnoitiosis in North
Western Sicily a bull that shows typical clinical symptoms
related to bovine besnoitiosis and moreover, the serological
investigation of the herd, suspected of being infected by B
besnoiti
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a 16 month old affected
bull, clinical status was evaluated both in acute and chronic
stage After slaughtering, samples of skin, conjunctiva, tongue,
and tendons were collected for histopathological examination
Furthermore, i n the bull and in the Limousine herd of 72
animals, serological investigation using ID Screen® Besnoitia
Indirect 2 0 ID vet was performed.
RESULT
The bull showed typical clinical signs of besnoitiosis
such as: high fever, diffuse oedema at the joints of limbs and
scrotum, hyperemia of muzzle and eyes, orchitis , thickening of
the nasal planum and wheezing. About 1 0 12 days later, skin
lesions ( hyperkeratosis, alopecia, dandruff and scab) appeared
(Figure 1).
At the 58th day after the beginning of the first signs, the animal
showed diffuse skin thickening, was emaciated and reluctant to
move. Histological examination showed multifocal coalescing
thick wall cysts surrounding parasitophorous vacuole containing
thousands of banana shaped bradyzoites all the collected
samples (Figure 2 3).
ELISA confirmed the seropositivity of the bull, moreover,
79,17% of the herd resulted positive (Tab 1)
CONCLUSION.
Finally, since all the animals were born in the
farm or were bought from nearby farms this case confirms the
presence of autochthonous B. besnoiti also in Sicily and may
contribute to a further epidemiological study in this area.
REFERENCES
[1] EFSA Journal, 2010, EFSA Journal 8: 1499-514
[2]Gutiérrez Expósito et al., 2017 Int J Parasitol . 47: 737 51
[3]A. Gentile et al., 2012 Vet Parasitol . 184: 108 15
[4]Di Marco et al., 2016 LXX SISVET. 430
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