41 research outputs found
Understanding the causes of mortality and contaminant loads of stranded cetacean species in Sardinian waters (Italy) using Bayesian Hierarchical Models
Identification of <i>Helicobacter</i> spp. in gastric washings in cat
The bacterial genus Helicobacter contains at least 18 species which colonise the gastrointestinal tract of several
mammalian and avian hosts. In literature, Helicobacter spp. infection in cats is reported with a prevalence between
41% and 100%. Several studies showed the presence in cat of H. pylori e H. heilmannii, potential zoonotic agents. The
aim of this work was to show the presence of Helicobacter in feline gastric washings collected in small animals
veterinary clinics.
The samples were collected from cats presented for surgical operations. Eleven gastric fluids were centrifuged and
submitted to cytological examination (May Grünwald-Giemsa). Besides, the DNA extracted from samples was
examined by PCR, in order to reveal a fragment of 16S rRNA gene of Helicobacter. All tested samples resulted
positive. Nucleotide sequencing allowed to identify H. heilmannii in one case.
The collection method revealed to be useful in monitoring Helicobacter spread in feline population, being non-invasive,
reliable and easily feasible
Prevalence of Chlamydophila felis and feline herpesvirus 1 in cats with conjunctivitis in northern Italy.
The prevalence of Chlamydophila felis and feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) infection in cats with conjunctivitis in northern Italy was investigated by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. In cats with conjunctivitis, C felis and FHV-1 were detected in 14 of 70 (20%) and in 23 of 70 (33%) animals, respectively. None of the 35 control cats were positive for C felis, whereas 7 (20%) of these cats were positive for FHV-1. Mixed infections were present in 5 of 70 cats (7%). Cats positive for C felis were significantly younger than control animals (P = .02), whereas no significant age differences were observed between FHV-1-positive cats and control cats (P = .41) or between FHV-1-positive animals and C felis-positive animals (P = .16). Cats sampled during acute-phase conjunctivitis were also investigated for the presence of C felis by conjunctival scrapings. In this acute phase, substantial agreement was found when comparing the results of the 2 methods (K = .80). The association between PCR results and conjunctivitis was evaluated for the 2 pathogens. The presence of C felis was significantly associated with conjunctivitis (P = .004), whereas the detection of FHV-1 did not significantly correlate with the clinical sign (P = .25), suggesting that, by itself. PCR is not suitable for the diagnosis of FHV-1-related conjunctivitis
Effect of anabolics on bovine granulosa-luteal cell primary cultures.
Granulosa cell tumours are observed with increased frequency among calves slaughtered in Northern Italy. The use of illegal anabolics in breeding was taken into account as a cause of this pathology. An in vitro approach was used to detect the possible alterations of cell proliferation induced by anabolics on primary cultures of bovine granulosa-luteal cells. Cultures were treated with different concentrations of substances illegally used in cattle (17beta-estradiol, clenbuterol and boldione). Cytotoxicity was determined by means of MTT test, to exclude toxic effects induced by anabolics and to determine the highest concentration to be tested. Morphological changes were evaluated by means of routine cytology, while PCNA expression was quantified in order to estimate cell proliferation. Cytotoxic effects were revealed at the highest concentrations. The only stimulating effect on cell proliferation was detected in boldione treated cultures: after 48 h treated cells, compared to controls, showed a doubled expression of PCNA. In clenbuterol and 17beta-estradiol treated cells PCNA expression was similar to controls or even decreased. As the data suggest an alteration in cell proliferation, boldione could have a role in the early stage of pathogenesis of granulosa cell tumour in cattle
Evaluation of anatomical and histopathological changes in target organs of cattle slaughtered in Sardinia as a result of the illegal use of growth hormones. Preliminary results
Within the bovine specie, illegal use of anabolic agents can be grouped into four categories: beta-agonists,
thyrostatics, glucocorticoids, sexual steroids.
These substances, further their anabolic effect, cause morphological changes in target organs which can be
evidenced by anatomical and histopathological testing. Such investigations are extremely important to
screen and to detect in advance groups of animals in risk-breeding
Safety and Effects of a Commercial Ozone Foam Preparation on Endometrial Environment and Fertility of Mares
Pathology of sea turtles <i>Caretta caretta</i> found on the coast of Apulia (south Italy)
On the basis of the most recent scientific literature, little is known on sea turtle renal pathology, as most
published data mainly regard tortoises. The authors examined 49 carcasses of sea turtles belonging to the
species Caretta caretta, stranded on the coasts of Apulia (South Italy). The subjects were classified by
species and gender, weighed, morphometrical assessed, and submitted to pathological and bacteriological
examinations
Effect of anabolics on bovine granulosa-luteal cell primary cultures.
Granulosa cell tumours are observed with increased frequency among calves slaughtered in Northern Italy. The use of illegal anabolics in breeding was taken into account as a cause of this pathology. An in vitro approach was used to detect the possible alterations of cell proliferation induced by anabolics on primary cultures of bovine granulosa-luteal cells. Cultures were treated with different concentrations of substances illegally used in cattle (17beta-estradiol, clenbuterol and boldione). Cytotoxicity was determined by means of MTT test, to exclude toxic effects induced by anabolics and to determine the highest concentration to be tested. Morphological changes were evaluated by means of routine cytology, while PCNA expression was quantified in order to estimate cell proliferation. Cytotoxic effects were revealed at the highest concentrations. The only stimulating effect on cell proliferation was detected in boldione treated cultures: after 48 h treated cells, compared to controls, showed a doubled expression of PCNA. In clenbuterol and 17beta-estradiol treated cells PCNA expression was similar to controls or even decreased. As the data suggest an alteration in cell proliferation, boldione could have a role in the early stage of pathogenesis of granulosa cell tumour in cattle