SET-UP AND APPLICATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGICAL METHODS IN AVIAN FIELD

The use of biotechnology in avian field has been increased in the last decade especially on the track of the complete sequencing of chicken genome and on the global threat of avian flu pandemic which alerted the scientific community worldwide. Nevertheless, it is still on the whole a minor and spotty approach in avian field. Matter-of-factly, birds can be roughly divided into two groups on a research point of view: poultry and non-poultry (companion and wild birds). The economic impact of the latter is usually scarce if compared to the former and to other veterinary and human contexts. Thus, routine use of laboratory diagnostic tools including biotechnological methods is usually limited to the more expensive psittacines species (i.e. DNA-based determination of sex, diagnosis of chlamydiosis etc.) or to endangered species. As for poultry, extensive use of biotechnology is performed in vaccine research and genetic selection with a secondary role in avian and comparative pathology. Besides, chicken has historically assumed the role of avian model. Consequently, birds are often considered an uniform class but they are not, and a deep knowledge of the huge diversity which can exist among the several avian species is fundamental to correctly approach and interpret avian research no matter using biotechnology or not. For all these reasons it seemed an unique occasion to match the documented experience and activity in avian field (acquired during a previous doctorate) to biotechnological methods as the subject of this doctoral thesis. After a brief introduction revising fundamental principles of the molecular methods used, this thesis is divided into two parts. The first is focused on avian immunity and in particular on the TIR8-SIGIRR receptor which has been thoroughly investigate in chickens as a model for avian species and with an importance in itself as an ubiquitously diffused food production animal. The second part is made up of some diagnostic challenges arisen during the routine diagnostic activity of the Section of Avian Pathology of the Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health

AN EXCEPTIONAL REPTILE FIND IN THE NORIAN (LATE TRIASSIC) LAGERSTÄTTEN OF ENDENNA (ZOGNO, BERGAMO, ITALY)

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Epidemiology and genotyping of Candida rugosa strains responsible for persistent intramammary infections in dairy cows

The present study was undertaken during an outbreak of clinical and subclinical mastitis in 14 dairy cows caused by Candida rugosa, in which high somatic cell counts were seen and cases did not respond to antibiotic treatment. Intramammary infection cured spontaneously in 10 cows, whereas 4 cows were culled as a result of persistent infections. Repeated sampling of these cows and biomolecular analysis of the isolates showed that the infections were caused by the same genotype, even over a period of 2 lactations. Random amplification of the genome of C. rugosa milk isolates gave 3 different DNA banding patterns (genotypes G1, G2, and G3). Viable cells of C. rugosa were also isolated from various environmental sources and were present in high concentrations in total mixed ration samples, which could be considered the primary source of diffusion of viable yeast cells in the environment, as demonstrated by genotyping. The proven capacity of these microorganisms to survive in the environment of the cow, such as the total mixed ration, bedding, water, and cow skin, and to cause persistent intramammary infections highlights the importance of mycotic spread in dairy herds

US local action on heat and health: are we prepared for climate change?

OBJECTIVES: Global climate change is increasing the frequency of heat waves, hot weather, and temperature variability, which contribute to mortality and illness. Baseline information on local efforts to reduce heat vulnerability, including public advisories; minimizing greenhouse gas emissions; and mitigating urban heat islands, is lacking. METHODS: We designed a survey about local government programs to prevent health problems and reduce heat exposure during heatwaves and administered it to 285 US communities. RESULTS: Of 70 respondents, 26 indicated that excessive heat events are a significant issue for the local government; 30 had established preventive programs. Local government leadership and public health impacts of heat were cited most frequently as extremely important determinants of preventive programs, followed by implementation costs, economic impacts of hot weather, and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. Cool paving materials and vegetated roofs were common heat mitigation strategies. Fact sheets and case studies were desired guidance for protecting communities during hot weather. CONCLUSIONS: New partnerships and financial resources are needed to support more widespread local action to prevent adverse health consequences of climate change and promote environmental sustainability.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78375/1/ONeillJackman2010_IJPH.pd

Evidence of Simultaneous Circulation of West Nile and Usutu Viruses in Mosquitoes Sampled in Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) in 2009

BACKGROUND: In recent years human diseases due to mosquito-borne viruses were increasingly reported in Emilia-Romagna region (Italy), from the chikungunya virus in 2007 to the West Nile virus (WNV) in 2008. An extensive entomological survey was performed in 2009 to establish the presence and distribution of mosquito arboviruses in this region, with particular reference to flaviviruses. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: From May 6 to October 31, a total of 190,516 mosquitoes were sampled in georeferenced stations, grouped in 1,789 pools according date of collection, location, and species, and analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the presence of RNA belong to Flavivirus genus. WNV was detected in 27 mosquito pools, producing sequences similar to those of birds and human strains obtained in 2008 outbreak, pointed out the probable virus overwintering. Isolation of WNV was achieved from one of these pools. Moreover 56 pools of mosquitoes tested positive for Usutu virus (USUV). Most PCR positive pools consisted of Culex pipiens, which also was the most analyzed mosquito species (81.4% of specimens); interestingly, USUV RNA was also found in two Aedes albopictus mosquito pools. Simultaneous circulation of WNV and USUV in the survey area was highlighted by occurrence of 8 mosquito WNV- and USUV-positive pools and by the overlaying of the viruses "hot spots", obtained by kernel density estimation (KDE) analysis. Land use of sampled stations pointed out a higher proportion of WNV-positive Cx. pipiens pool in rural environments respect the provenience of total sampled pool, while the USUV-positive pools were uniformly captured in the different environments. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Obtained data highlighting the possible role of Cx. pipiens mosquito as the main vector for WNV and USUV in Northern Italy, and the possible involvement of Ae. albopictus mosquito in USUV cycle. The described mosquito-based surveillance could constitute the foundation for a public health alert system targeting mosquito borne arboviruses

Suggestions for the tourist-recreational valorization of the San Lucano Valley (Belluno Province, Italy)

openL’obiettivo della tesi è la valorizzazione turistico-ricreativa della Valle di San Lucano sita nel comune di Taibon Agordino (BL) dopo l’incendio e la tempesta Vaia. La scelta è ricaduta su questa Valle perché vi è molta biodiversità dato che il territorio è meno modificato rispetto ad altri circostanti. Questo può attirare un turismo sostenibile che consiste nella solidarietà, socialità, accoglienza, rispetto e conservazione degli habitat. Affinché ciò avvenga è necessario sperimentare nuovi modelli di sviluppo che abbiano le seguenti caratteristiche: polifunzionalità del territorio, a cui procede una diversificazione delle attività turistiche, la conseguente distribuzione di quest’ultime e la cooperazione tra i vari portatori d’interesse.The aim of the thesis is to suggest various enhancements to the San Lucano Valley, located in the municipality of Taibon Agordino (BL), above all regarding tourism and recreation. Specifically, after the devastation caused by fire and the storm Vaia. This valley was chosen due to its biodiversity and the fact that it is largely untouched compared to its immediate surrounding areas. These proposals can attract sustainable tourism which consists of solidarity, sociability, hospitality, respect and the conservation of its habitats. For this to happen, it is necessary to experiment with new development models that have the following characteristics: multi-functionality of the territory, which is followed by a diversification of tourist activities, the consequent distribution of the latter and cooperation between the various stakeholders