Urinary capillariosis in a free-ranging Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus)

Extraintestinal nematodes have been seldom investigated in the brown bear (Ursus arctos). In this study, a case of urinary capillariosis and bladder associated lesions is reported in a deceased free-ranging Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus) from Central Italy. Gross lesions in the urinary bladder consisted of scattered foci of mucosal hyperemia, while at histological examination mild cystitis was observed. At microscopic examination of urine and bladder lavage fluid, capillariid adult female nematodes and eggs were found, suspected of belonging to the genus Pearsonema based on their location in the urinary bladder. This is the first report of Pearsonema infection and associated bladder lesions in a brown bear

LINEE GUIDA NAZIONALI PER LE AUTOPSIE A SCOPO FORENSE IN MEDICINA VETERINARIA

Vedi Prefazione nel testo

LINEE GUIDA NAZIONALI PER LE AUTOPSIE A SCOPO FORENSE IN MEDICINA VETERINARIA

Vedi Prefazione nel testo

How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons

COVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March-April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients' management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons' personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon-patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons' perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice

Structure property relationships in organic biradicals

textIn this work, structure-property relationships of several organic biradical ligands are explored. A basic understanding of these relationships is important in designing new molecular magnetic materials. The utility of studying biradicals is, that they represent the simplest high-spin system with which to build upon. All of the spin groups studied are air stable and are synthetically adaptable organic radicals. A series of bis(verdazyl) biradicals connected (at the nodal position of the verdazyl) to several different aromatic spacer groups (couplers), has been prepared to compare their properties to those of the non-spaced 1,1’,5,5’-tetramethyl-6,6’-dioxo-3,3’- bisverdazyl (1) and 1,1’,5,5’-tetramethyl-6,6’-dithio-3,3’-bisverdazyl (7). Cyclic voltammograms of 1,4-bis(1,5-dimethyl-6-oxo-3-verdazyl)benzene (5), 2,5-bis(1,5- dimethyl-6-oxo-3-verdazyl)thiophene (6), and 1,3-bis(1,5-dimethyl-6-oxo-3- verdazyl)benzene (4) show a single two-electron oxidation wave near 700 mV vs. SCE. In contrast 1 and 7 (non-spaced verdazyls) display two one-electron oxidation waves, with the first oxidative wave appearing also near 700 mV vs. SCE. The absorption spectrum of each of these biradicals is red-shifted from the maximum observed for 1. Biradicals 4, 5, and 6 exhibited linear Curie plots, although a curved Curie plot was observed for 7 with J = -280 cm-1 . A magneto-structural correlation of conformational exchange modulation within an isostructural series of TMM-type bis(semiquinone) biradical complexes is presented. Zero-field splitting parameters, X-ray crystal structures, and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements were used to evaluate electron spin exchange in this series of molecules. Our combined results indicate that the ferromagnetic portion of the exchange coupling occurs via the cross-conjugated p-system, while the antiferromagnetic portion occurs through space and is equivalent to incipient bond formation. Molecular conformation controls the relative amounts of ferro- and antiferromagnetic contributions to exchange coupling. In fact, the exchange parameter correlates with average semiquinone ring torsion angles via a Karplus-Conroy-type relation: J = 213 cos2 f- 44. This is the first clear assignment of ferro- and antiferromagnetic components of exchange coupling to specific molecular structure features in a series of biradicals. The molecular structures and magnetic properties of six TMM-type dinitroxide biradicals are also described. Five of the dinitroxides are trimethylenemethane-type (TMM-type) biradicals, i.e., the intramolecular exchange parameter, J, is modulated by a carbon-carbon double bond. However, the efficacy of the carbon-carbon double bond as an exchange coupler is determined by the molecular conformation. Our results show that the exchange parameters correlate with phenyl-ring torsion angles (f) via a simple Karplus-Conroy-type relation: J = 44 cos2 f- 17. Comparison of these results to those obtained for our isostructural series of bis(semiquinone) biradicals shows that both the magnitude of J and the resistance of ferromagnetic J to bond torsions is proportional to the spin density adjacent to the exchange coupler.Chemistry and BiochemistryChemistr

Mesola red deer: physical characteristics, population dynamics and conservation perspectives

<strong>Abstract</strong> The biometry, demography and genetics of red deer <em>Cervus elaphus</em> of Mesola Wood (NE Italy), are presented and discussed in relation to the conservation of this population. Modest body size, low stature, oversimplified antlers and a low reproductive performance characterise red deer from Mesola Wood. The mitochondrial genome showed a private haplotype, different from other red deer in Italy and central Europe. The uniqueness of this nucleus and its biogeographic importance make a long-term conservation plan particularly urgent. Management measures such as fallow deer reduction, winter feeding and pasture mowing were tested, giving promising results. The physical condition of the animals improved, calf and adult mortality declined, and a few cases of antlers with bez tine or crown were reported in this study after four decades. <strong>Riassunto</strong> <strong>Il Cervo della Mesola: caratteristiche fisiche, dinamica di popolazione e prospettive di conservazione</strong> La biometria, la demografia e la genetica del cervo <em>Cervus elaphus</em> del Gran Bosco della Mesola (Italia nord-orientale), vengono presentate e discusse in relazione alla salvaguardia di questa popolazione. Il cervo della Mesola risulta caratterizzato dalle modeste dimensioni corporee, dalla struttura semplificata dei palchi e da un basso rendimento riproduttivo. L'analisi del genoma mitocondriale ha evidenziato un aplotipo privato, diverso da quello degli altri cervi italiani e centroeuropei. L'unicità di questo nucleo e la sua importanza biogeografica rendono particolarmente urgente un piano di conservazione a lungo termine. Sono stati verificati interventi gestionali quali la riduzione numerica dei daini, il foraggiamento invernale e lo sfalcio delle superfici a pascolo, con risultati promettenti. Le condizioni fisiche degli animali sono migliorate, la mortalità tra i piccoli e gli adulti è diminuita, e sono stati registrati alcuni casi di palchi dotati di ago o corona per la prima volta dopo quattro decenni

Threats to the Reintroduction Program of the Northern Bald Ibis (<i>Geronticus eremita</i>) in Italy: A Forensic Investigation

The Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita is an endangered species, and recently it was reintroduced in Europe by the Waldrappteam. The reintroduction program has been strongly threatened by several sudden deaths, mainly in Italy. The present study used a forensic approach to analyze all of the 27 Northern Bald Ibises found dead in Italy between 2016 and 2022, which were suspected to have been victims of poaching, and it followed the veterinary forensic guidelines. Human-related causes accounted for 60% of the deaths, including illegal hunting (30%), blunt force trauma (26%), and electrocution (4%). Natural causes, starvation (15%), predation (11%) and disease (7%), accounted for 33% of the deaths. 7% of the causes of deaths remained undetermined. This study uses a forensic approach to analyze, for the first time, the main causes of death in Geronticus eremita and highlights the relevance of detecting illegal actions related to endangered species and stopping the phenomenon of poaching