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Hattab J, Porrello A, Romano A, Rosamilia A, Ghidini S, Bernabò N, Capobianco Dondona A, Corradi A, Marruchella G. Scoring Enzootic Pneumonia-like Lesions in Slaughtered Pigs: Traditional vs. Artificial-Intelligence-Based Methods. Pathogens 2023; 12:1460. [PMID: 38133343 PMCID: PMC10747234 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial-intelligence-based methods are regularly used in the biomedical sciences, mainly in the field of diagnostic imaging. Recently, convolutional neural networks have been trained to score pleurisy and pneumonia in slaughtered pigs. The aim of this study is to further evaluate the performance of a convolutional neural network when compared with the gold standard (i.e., scores provided by a skilled operator along the slaughter chain through visual inspection and palpation). In total, 441 lungs (180 healthy and 261 diseased) are included in this study. Each lung was scored according to traditional methods, which represent the gold standard (Madec's and Christensen's grids). Moreover, the same lungs were photographed and thereafter scored by a trained convolutional neural network. Overall, the results reveal that the convolutional neural network is very specific (95.55%) and quite sensitive (85.05%), showing a rather high correlation when compared with the scores provided by a skilled veterinarian (Spearman's coefficient = 0.831, p < 0.01). In summary, this study suggests that convolutional neural networks could be effectively used at slaughterhouses and stimulates further investigation in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Hattab
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Angelo Porrello
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Anastasia Romano
- Associació Porcsa. GSP, Partida La Caparrella 97C, 25192 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Alfonso Rosamilia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini” (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Sergio Ghidini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via Renato Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | | | - Attilio Corradi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
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Gloria A, Bracco C, Di Francesco L, Marruchella G, Contri A. Stiffness estimated by strain elastography reflects canine testicular spermatogenesis and histology. Theriogenology 2023; 209:1-8. [PMID: 37352789 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound elastography was proposed for the evaluation of testicular focal lesions, but no studies verified the agreement between the whole histological architecture of the testis and the stiffness measured by elastography. The present study explored the use of strain elastography in the evaluation of testis with normal or abnormal spermatogenesis, classified based on epididymal sperm attributes, and the consistency between elastographic parameters and the testicular histological feature. Strain elastography was performed during the routine andrological examination in 22 dogs presented for elective orchiectomy. Epididymal sperm attributes and testicular histology were analyzed after orchiectomy. Based on the epididymal sperm characteristics, testes were classified according to normal or abnormal spermatogenesis, and strain elastographic attributes were compared between groups. Possible correlations between strain elastography and histological features were also explored. Consistent with the literature in humans, testes with abnormal spermatogenesis were stiffer (mean strain elastographic index 3.6 ± 0.6) compared with normal testes (mean strain elastographic index 1.9 ± 0.2; P < 0.01). The strain elastographic index was negatively correlated with the area occupied by seminiferous tubules (Pearson's rho = -0.716; P = 0.0003), the mean diameter (Pearson's rho = -0.742; P = 0.0002), and thickness of the seminiferous tubule (Pearson's rho = -0.728; P = 0.0002). Surprisingly, no correlations were found between the area occupied by connective tissue in histological sections and elastographic attributes, suggesting that the increased stiffness was not related to the increased amount of connective tissue. This study demonstrated that strain elastography could be used to support the andrological examination, but measurements should be acquired in specific regions to be reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- University of Teramo, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Claudia Bracco
- University of Teramo, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Francesco
- University of Teramo, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- University of Teramo, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Contri
- University of Teramo, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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Hattab J, Marruchella G, Sibra A, Tiscar PG, Todisco G. Canaries' Microbiota: The Gut Bacterial Communities along One Female Reproductive Cycle. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2289. [PMID: 37764133 PMCID: PMC10537324 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations of bacterial communities are on the rise both in human and veterinary medicine. Their role in health maintenance and pathogenic mechanisms is in the limelight of infectious, metabolic, and cancer research. Among the most considered, gut bacterial communities take the cake. Their part in animals was assessed mainly to improve animal production, public health, and pet management. In this regard, canaries deserve attention, being a popular pet and source of economic income for bird-keepers, for whom breeding represents a pivotal point. Thus, the present work aimed to follow gut bacterial communities' evolution along on whole reproductive cycle of 12 healthy female canaries. Feces were collected during parental care, molting, and resting phase, and submitted for 16S rRNA sequencing. Data were analyzed and a substantial presence of Lactobacillus aviarius along all the phases, and a relevant shift of microbiota during molting and rest due to an abrupt decrease of the Vermiphilaceae family were detected. Although the meaning of such change is not clear, future research may highlight unforeseen scenarios. Moreover, Lactobacillus aviarius may be deemed for normal bacteria flora restoration in debilitated birds, perhaps improving their health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Hattab
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, SP18 Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (J.H.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, SP18 Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (J.H.); (G.M.)
| | - Alessandra Sibra
- APHA—Animal & Plant Health Agency, Building 1, Sevington Inland Border Facility, Ashford TN25 6GE, UK;
| | - Pietro Giorgio Tiscar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, SP18 Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (J.H.); (G.M.)
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Maggi R, De Paolis L, De Santis D, Vellone VG, De Ciucis CG, Fruscione F, Mazzocco K, Ghelardi A, Marruchella G, Razzuoli E. Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 Infection in an Equine Congenital Papilloma. Pathogens 2023; 12:1059. [PMID: 37624019 PMCID: PMC10458069 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Papillomas are benign epithelial lesions protruding on the epithelial surfaces as finger-like or warty projections. These lesions are often caused by papillomavirus (PV) infection. Congenital papillomas have been reported in foals. However, to date, no evidence of PV infection has been provided. In the present paper, we describe the main clinical-pathological features of a congenital papilloma observed in a foal. In addition, biomolecular tests demonstrated BPV1 infection in the case under study. Such data stimulate further investigations, even on archived samples, aiming to clarifying the etiology of equine congenital papilloma and the clinical relevance, if any, of BPV1 vertical transmission in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Livia De Paolis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila 29/34, 16129 Genova, Italy; (L.D.P.); (C.G.D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Daria De Santis
- Veterinary Practitioner, Via San Manno 19, 03024 Cepranno, Italy;
| | - Valerio Gaetano Vellone
- U.O.C. Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (V.G.V.); (K.M.)
| | - Chiara Grazia De Ciucis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila 29/34, 16129 Genova, Italy; (L.D.P.); (C.G.D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Floriana Fruscione
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila 29/34, 16129 Genova, Italy; (L.D.P.); (C.G.D.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Katia Mazzocco
- U.O.C. Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (V.G.V.); (K.M.)
| | - Alessandro Ghelardi
- Azienda Usl Toscana-Ovest, UOC Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Ospedale Apuane, 54100 Massa, Italy;
| | | | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila 29/34, 16129 Genova, Italy; (L.D.P.); (C.G.D.C.); (F.F.)
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Straticò P, Hattab J, Guerri G, Carluccio A, Bandera L, Celani G, Marruchella G, Varasano V, Petrizzi L. Behavioral Disorders in Mares with Ovarian Disorders, Outcome after Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Series. Vet Sci 2023; 10:483. [PMID: 37624270 PMCID: PMC10458155 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10080483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Owner complaints of estrus-related behavior in mares are a common cause of referral for laparoscopic ovariectomy. Granulosa cell tumors are a common neoplastic condition affecting the equine ovary, causing behavioral changes at rest and reduced performance. The reported success rate of ovariectomy in treating behavioral disorders is 64-86%. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the long-term follow-up of laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares in our case series, focusing on the owner's perspective of the behavior of the mares after surgery. In addition, the histopathological features of the removed ovaries were investigated. The clinical records of mares that underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Owners complaining of poor behavior were interviewed about the main behavioral problem leading to referral and its eventual resolution after surgery. Eleven mares were included. The most common complaints were increased sensitivity on both flanks (10/11, 91%) and general riding problems (9/11, 82%). In 5/11 cases (45%), both ovaries were removed by laparoscopic ovariectomy. Histopathologic findings consistent with GCT/GTCT were found in five out of six examined ovaries (five granulosa theca cell tumors, GTCT). According to owner interviews, the scores assigned to each behavior improved significantly after surgery, regardless of histological findings. Although many factors can influence the behavior of horses, granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) proved to be a common cause and, as reported by the owners, ovariectomy resulted in improvement or complete resolution of the abnormal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Guerri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (P.S.); (J.H.); (A.C.); (L.B.); (G.C.); (G.M.); (V.V.); (L.P.)
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Rosamilia A, Galletti G, Benedetti S, Guarnieri C, Luppi A, Capezzuto S, Tamba M, Merialdi G, Marruchella G. Condemnation of Porcine Carcasses: A Two-Year Long Survey in an Italian High-Throughput Slaughterhouse. Vet Sci 2023; 10:482. [PMID: 37505886 PMCID: PMC10386549 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10070482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection at slaughter are performed by Official Veterinarians and it is essential to identify alterations/lesions, which can make organs/carcasses unsuitable for human consumption. Obviously, carcass condemnation must be regarded as a highly undesirable event for the entire swine industry chain, as it represents the total failure of a long period of challenging work. Therefore, it seems valuable to estimate the prevalence and causes of carcasses condemnation, in order to preserve consumers' health and pig farming profitability. Bearing that in mind, the present study aimed at providing a reliable picture of the condemnation of porcine carcasses in Italy, with a special emphasis being placed upon pathological findings. Data were collected in a high-throughput abattoir located in northern Italy, where a total of 2,062,278 pigs were slaughtered during the period of study (2021-2022). Overall, 1362 pigs were considered unfit for slaughtering after ante-mortem inspection, mostly because of death during transportation or in resting pens, after their arrival at the abattoir. Moreover, 2007 carcasses were condemned after post-mortem inspection. The most common causes of condemnation were severe and diffuse peritonitis, disseminated abscesses, jaundice, and erysipelas. In our opinion, the present survey may provide useful and updated information about the condemnation of pig carcasses in Italy. At the same time, it highlights the need to collect data in a more systematic and standardized way, thus making possible their comparison over time and among different geographic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Rosamilia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Luppi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Tamba
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merialdi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna "Bruno Ubertini" (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano d'Accio, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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De Paolis L, Armando F, Montemurro V, Petrizzi L, Straticò P, Mecocci S, Guarnieri C, Pezzolato M, Fruscione F, Passeri B, Marruchella G, Razzuoli E. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in an EcPV2-positive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma of a mare. Equine Vet J 2023. [PMID: 37395141 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) has been recently associated with Equus caballus papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) infection. Still, few reports concerning this disease are present in the literature. OBJECTIVE To describe a case of naturally occurring EcPV2-induced VSCC, by investigating tumour ability in undergoing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). STUDY DESIGN Case report. METHODS A 13-year-old Haflinger mare was referred for a rapidly growing vulvar mass. After surgical excision, the mass was submitted to histopathology and molecular analysis. Histopathological diagnosis was consistent with a VSCC. Real-time qPCR, real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-qPCR and RNAscope were carried out to detect EcPV2 infection and to evaluate E6/E7 oncogenes expression. To highlight the EMT, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed. Expression of EMT-related and innate immunity-related genes was investigated through RT-qPCR. RESULTS Real-time qPCR, RT-qPCR and RNAscope confirmed EcPV2 DNA presence and expression of EcPV2 oncoproteins (E6 and E7) within the neoplastic vulvar lesion. IHC highlighted a cadherin switch together with the expression of the EMT-related transcription factor HIF1α. With RT-qPCR, significantly increased gene expression of EBI3 (45.0 ± 1.62, p < 0.01), CDH2 (2445.3 ± 0.39, p < 0.001), CXCL8 (288.7 ± 0.40, p < 0.001) and decreased gene expression of CDH1 (0.3 ± 0.57, p < 0.05), IL12A (0.04 ± 1.06, p < 0.01) and IL17 (0.2 ± 0.64, p < 0.05) were detected. MAIN LIMITATIONS Lack of ability to generalise and danger of over-interpretation. CONCLUSION The results obtained were suggestive of an EMT event occurring within the neoplastic lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia De Paolis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Armando
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vittoria Montemurro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, Histopathology and Applied Technology Laboratory, Torino, Italy
| | - Lucio Petrizzi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Straticò
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Samanta Mecocci
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Guarnieri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marzia Pezzolato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, Histopathology and Applied Technology Laboratory, Torino, Italy
| | - Floriana Fruscione
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Genova, Italy
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Hattab J, Marruchella G, Trachtman AR, Gabrielli L, Bernabò N, Mosca F, Tiscar PG. Effect of Vaccination against Glässer's Disease in a Farm Suffering from Polyserositis in Weaned Pigs. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9120691. [PMID: 36548852 PMCID: PMC9782864 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9120691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyserositis mostly affects 4−8 weeks old piglets and is usually caused by Glaesserella parasuis, and/or Streptococcus suis, and/or Mycoplasma hyorhinis. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and etiology of polyserositis in a tricky pig herd. The concurrent effect of vaccination for Glässer’s disease was also assessed. A total of 46 sows and 387 piglets were herein investigated, subdivided into three groups based on their immune status (i.e., vaccination of sows and piglets). All the piglets found spontaneously dead between the 2nd and 16th week of age were recorded and necropsied. Whenever polyserositis was diagnosed, biomolecular investigations were carried out to detect the above-mentioned pathogens. Mycoplasma hyorhinis was detected most frequently (n = 23), often as the only causative agent (n = 15), whereas S. suis was observed in 8 cases (6 as the only pathogen). Moreover, Glaesserella parasuis was demonstrated in 6 piglets, always in combination with Mycoplasma hyorhinis and/or Streptococcus suis. Vaccination did not significantly affect mortality rates. Overall, our data indicate that polyserositis is likely caused by an intricate puzzle of pathogens, even when dealing with a small herd and during a short time span. That makes it challenging to achieve the correct diagnosis and to properly manage this health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Hattab
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3270977401
| | - Abigail Rose Trachtman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Bernabò
- Department of Bioscience and Agro-Food and Environmental Technology, University of Teramo, via Renato Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Mosca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Pietro Giorgio Tiscar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Straticò P, Razzuoli E, Hattab J, Guerri G, Celani G, Palozzo A, Bonanni D, Fruscione F, Varasano V, Petrizzi L, Marruchella G. Equine Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Friesian Stallion. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 117:104087. [PMID: 35908598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A 7-year-old Friesian stallion with a history of oesophageal stenosis, weight loss, inappetence, and recurrent hyperthermia was referred for gastroscopy. The stomach mucosa surrounding the oesophageal opening showed a large, necrotic, and ulcerated mass. On post-mortem examination, a very large, cauliflower-like neoplasm was seen, affecting non-glandular gastric mucosa. Nodular lesions were observed, scattered on the omentum, the spleen and the liver. Microscopic findings allowed the diagnosis of gastric squamous cell carcinoma with abdominal metastasis. Biomolecular investigations demonstrated the presence of EcPV-2 genes in neoplastic lesions, thus supporting the role of EcPV-2 in the ethiology of equine gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Straticò
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila, 16129 Genova, Italy.
| | - Jasmine Hattab
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
| | - Giulia Guerri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
| | - Gianluca Celani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
| | - Adriana Palozzo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
| | | | - Floriana Fruscione
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle D'Aosta, National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Piazza Borgo Pila, 16129 Genova, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Varasano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
| | - Lucio Petrizzi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo (TE) Italy.
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Maggi R, Mudimba D, Marruchella G. Mandibular osteoma in a Haflinger mare: clinical and pathological features. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 116:104048. [PMID: 35716838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A 11-year-old, Haflinger breed mare developed a slowly growing mass, protruding on the ventral aspect of the mandible. On palpation, the lesion was pedunculated, very firm, cold and not painful. Radiographic examinations showed a radiopaque, multi-lobular, "mushroom-like" lesion, which arose from the mandibular cortex without involving the bone marrow cavity. Thereafter, the mass was excised for cosmetic purposes. Microscopically, the lesion mainly consisted of bone trabeculae, covered by a thick layer of connective tissue resembling the periosteum. History and clinical findings allowed the temptative diagnosis of mandibular osteoma, which was further supported by diagnostic imaging and pathological features. In particular, the presence of pedunculated lesions arising from the bone surface appeared as highly suggestive of osteoma. Equine osteomas usually affect paranasal sinuses and the rostral mandible and share many similarities with other neoplastic and neoplastic-like conditions, such as ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia. The prognosis is good whenever the neoplasm is fully removed, that depending on the localization and the size of the mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Maggi
- D.V.M., M.Sc., Cert. A.V.P., M.R.C.V.S., Veterinary Practitioner, Via Cassia 929, 00189, Rome, Italy.
| | - Douglas Mudimba
- D.V.M, University of Namibia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Neudamm Campus, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- D.V.M., M.Sc., University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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11
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Bonicelli L, Trachtman AR, Rosamilia A, Liuzzo G, Hattab J, Mira Alcaraz E, Del Negro E, Vincenzi S, Capobianco Dondona A, Calderara S, Marruchella G. Training Convolutional Neural Networks to Score Pneumonia in Slaughtered Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3290. [PMID: 34828021 PMCID: PMC8614402 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The slaughterhouse can act as a valid checkpoint to estimate the prevalence and the economic impact of diseases in farm animals. At present, scoring lesions is a challenging and time-consuming activity, which is carried out by veterinarians serving the slaughter chain. Over recent years, artificial intelligence(AI) has gained traction in many fields of research, including livestock production. In particular, AI-based methods appear able to solve highly repetitive tasks and to consistently analyze large amounts of data, such as those collected by veterinarians during postmortem inspection in high-throughput slaughterhouses. The present study aims to develop an AI-based method capable of recognizing and quantifying enzootic pneumonia-like lesions on digital images captured from slaughtered pigs under routine abattoir conditions. Overall, the data indicate that the AI-based method proposed herein could properly identify and score enzootic pneumonia-like lesions without interfering with the slaughter chain routine. According to European legislation, the application of such a method avoids the handling of carcasses and organs, decreasing the risk of microbial contamination, and could provide further alternatives in the field of food hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Bonicelli
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.B.); (E.D.N.); (S.C.)
| | - Abigail Rose Trachtman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.R.T.); (J.H.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Alfonso Rosamilia
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, via S. Giovanni del Cantone 23, 41121 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Gaetano Liuzzo
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, via S. Giovanni del Cantone 23, 41121 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Jasmine Hattab
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.R.T.); (J.H.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Elena Mira Alcaraz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.R.T.); (J.H.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Ercole Del Negro
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.B.); (E.D.N.); (S.C.)
- Farm4Trades.r.l., Via IV Novembre, 66041 Atessa, Italy; (S.V.); (A.C.D.)
| | - Stefano Vincenzi
- Farm4Trades.r.l., Via IV Novembre, 66041 Atessa, Italy; (S.V.); (A.C.D.)
| | | | - Simone Calderara
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.B.); (E.D.N.); (S.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.R.T.); (J.H.); (E.M.A.)
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Hattab J, Vulcano A, D’Arezzo S, Verni F, Tiscar PG, Lanteri G, Gjurcevic E, Tosi U, Marruchella G. Aspergillus Section Fumigati Pneumonia and Oxalate Nephrosis in a Foal. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091087. [PMID: 34578120 PMCID: PMC8471827 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine pulmonary aspergillosis is a rare deep mycosis often due to the hematogenous spread of hyphae after gastrointestinal tract disease. We describe herein the main clinic-pathological findings observed in a foal, which spontaneously died after showing diarrhea and respiratory distress. Necropsy and histopathological investigations allowed to diagnose pulmonary aspergillosis, which likely developed after necrotic typhlitis-colitis. Biomolecular studies identified Aspergillus section Fumigati strain as the causative agent. Notably, severe oxalate nephrosis was concurrently observed. Occasionally, oxalate nephropathy can be a sequela of pulmonary aspergillosis in humans. The present case report suggests that the renal precipitation of oxalates can occur also in horses affected by pulmonary aspergillosis and could likely contribute to the fatal outcome of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Hattab
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (J.H.); (P.G.T.); (U.T.)
| | - Antonella Vulcano
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Banca Biologica e Cell Factory, Istituto Nazionale Malattie Infettive “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (A.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Silvia D’Arezzo
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Banca Biologica e Cell Factory, Istituto Nazionale Malattie Infettive “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (A.V.); (S.D.)
| | - Fabiana Verni
- Veterinary Practitioner, Loc. Convento, 64023 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Pietro Giorgio Tiscar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (J.H.); (P.G.T.); (U.T.)
| | - Giovanni Lanteri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Viale G. Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Emil Gjurcevic
- Department for Biology and Pathology of Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Umberto Tosi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (J.H.); (P.G.T.); (U.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (J.H.); (P.G.T.); (U.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0861-266932
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Hattab J, Mosca F, Francesco CED, Aste G, Marruchella G, Guardiani P, Tiscar PG. Occurrence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and pathogenic factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in canine clinical samples. Vet World 2021; 14:978-985. [PMID: 34083949 PMCID: PMC8167523 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.978-985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a relevant opportunistic and difficult to treat pathogen due to its widespread environmental diffusion, intrinsic resistance to many classes of antimicrobials, high ability to acquire additional resistance mechanisms, and wide range of pathogenic factors. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in canine clinical samples, the antimicrobial susceptibility against antipseudomonal antibiotics, and the presence of extracellular pathogenic factors of the isolates, as well as their ability to produce biofilm. Materials and Methods: Overall, 300 clinical specimens from dogs with pyoderma or abscesses (n=58), otitis (n=59), and suspected bladder infection (n=183) were analyzed by standard bacteriological methods. P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility by disk and gradient diffusion methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations. The ability of the isolates to produce biofilm was investigated by a microtiter plate assay, while virulence genes coding for elastase (lasB), exotoxin A (toxA), alkaline protease (aprA), hemolytic phospholipase C (plcH), and exoenzyme S (ExoS) were detected by polymerase chain reaction method. Results: A total of 24 isolates of P. aeruginosa were found in clinical specimens (urine n=3, skin/soft tissue n=6, and ear canal n=15). No resistance was found to ceftazidime, gentamicin, aztreonam, and imipenem (IMI), while low levels of resistance were found to enrofloxacin (ENR) (4.2%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (8.3%). However, 41.7% and 29.2% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to ENR and IMI, respectively. Disk and gradient diffusion methods showed high concordance. The majority of the isolates revealed a weak (33.3%) or intermediate (45.8%) ability to form biofilm, while the strong biofilm producers (20.8%) derived exclusively from the ear canal samples. All isolates (100%) were positive for lasB, aprA, and plcH genes, while exoS and toxA were amplified in 21 (87.5%) and 22 (91.7%) isolates, respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, P. aeruginosa isolates from canine clinical samples were characterized by low levels of antimicrobial resistance against antipseudomonal drugs. However, the high presence of isolates with intermediate susceptibility for some categories of antibiotics, including carbapenems which are not authorized for veterinary use, could represent an early warning signal. Moreover, the presence of isolates with strong ability to produce biofilm represents a challenge for the interpretation of the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. In addition, the high prevalence of the extracellular pathogenic factors was indicative of the potential virulence of the isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Hattab
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Mosca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Aste
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Giorgio Tiscar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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14
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Molini U, Franzo G, Gous L, Moller S, Hemberger YM, Chiwome B, Marruchella G, Khaiseb S, Cattoli G, Dundon WG. Three different genotypes of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) identified in pigs and warthogs in Namibia. Arch Virol 2021; 166:1723-1728. [PMID: 33721098 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) is the causative agent of porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD). A study was undertaken to determine whether PCV-2 was present in samples collected from commercial pigs (n = 46) and warthogs (n = 42) in Namibia between 2019 and 2020. Twenty-three of the collected samples were positive by PCR (13 from pigs and 10 from warthogs), and a phylogenetic analysis of ORF2 identified three genotypes (PCV-2b and PCV-2d in pigs and PCV-2c in warthogs). This is the first time that PCV-2 has been identified in warthogs and in Namibia. It is also the first report of PCV-2c in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Molini
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia.,Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), 24 Goethe Street, Private Bag 18137, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Giovanni Franzo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Lené Gous
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Sjandré Moller
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Yvonne Maria Hemberger
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Bernard Chiwome
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio S.P. 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), 24 Goethe Street, Private Bag 18137, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Giovanni Cattoli
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Animal Production and Health Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Freidenstrasse, 1, Seibersdorf 2444, PO Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - William G Dundon
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Animal Production and Health Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Freidenstrasse, 1, Seibersdorf 2444, PO Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria.
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Morelli S, Marruchella G, Passarelli A, Diakou A, Di Cesare A, Colombo M, Frangipane di Regalbono A, Frate A, Traversa D. An Unusual Case of Mixed Respiratory Capillariosis in a Dog. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020117. [PMID: 33498766 PMCID: PMC7911517 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematodes belonging to the genus Capillaria infect a range of domestic and wild animals. Capillaria aerophila and Capillaria boehmi cause respiratory parasitoses in dogs and wild carnivores, e.g., foxes and mustelids, although they are often overlooked in canine clinical practice. The present report describes an unusual case of a severe and mixed infection by C. aerophila and C. boehmi in a privately housed dog that showed acute and life-threatening respiratory and neurological signs. Clinic-pathologic and epizootiological implications are described and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.C.); (M.C.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.C.); (M.C.); (D.T.)
| | | | - Anastasia Diakou
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.C.); (M.C.); (D.T.)
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.C.); (M.C.); (D.T.)
| | | | - Alessandro Frate
- Clinica Veterinaria Città di Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (A.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Donato Traversa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.C.); (M.C.); (D.T.)
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16
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Palozzo A, Celani G, Varasano V, Marruchella G, Petrizzi L. Surgical Debulking and TransEndoscopic Noncontact Diode Laser Application for Treating a Sinonasal Myxoma in a Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 98:103354. [PMID: 33663730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Equine sinonasal myxomas (SNM) are very rare; only a few cases/small case series are reported in veterinary literature. The purpose of this report is to describe the diagnostic and surgical procedure adopted to approach the neoplastic mass in a case of equine SNM. A 5 year old, Murgese gelding was presented with mild serous nasal discharge, minimal facial swelling, decreased airflow from the right nostril, and dull frontal sinus percussion. Diagnostic imaging, including endoscopy, revealed a pale mass in the caudal portion of the right middle meatus, which developed inside the right conchofrontal sinus and nasal cavity and deviated the nasal septum to the left side. A large frontonasal bone flap was created with the horse in general anesthesia, aiming to remove the lesion and perform further diagnostic investigation. The mass had the shape of a small orange, the caudodorsal and rostral part having a hard wall, whereas the ventral part being friable; the inside was hollow, containing a viscous and transparent liquid. Surgical excision was broad but incomplete, and therefore after surgery, a standing transendoscopic diode laser irradiation and photoablation of small residual lesions per nasum were performed. Microscopically, the mass consisted of spindle-shaped cells, loosely arranged within an abundant, light blue myxoid matrix. On the basis of clinical and pathologic findings, the diagnosis of sinonasal myxoma was made. Although benign and slowly growing, myxomas usually tend to infiltrate the surrounding tissues; as a consequence, recurrence is very likely after surgical excision. In the case described herein, the combination of a surgical excision, transendoscopic diode laser irradiation, and photoablation provided a positive outcome, until at least 14 months after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Palozzo
- Unit of Equine Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Teramo, Italy.
| | - Gianluca Celani
- Unit of Equine Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Varasano
- Unit of Equine Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Unit of Equine Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Lucio Petrizzi
- Unit of Equine Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Teramo, Italy
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17
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Gloria A, Di Francesco L, Marruchella G, Robbe D, Contri A. Pulse-wave Doppler pulsatility and resistive indexes of the testicular artery increase in canine testis with abnormal spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2020; 158:454-460. [PMID: 33049570 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pulse-wave Doppler (PWD) ultrasonography of the testicular artery was recently used to compare parameters in fertile and infertile males, or males with normal and abnormal semen quality, while no studies verified the concomitant histological feature of the testis. The experimental hypothesis of the present study was that the blood flow parameters measured by PWD at different levels of the testicular artery reflect sperm attributes evaluated on spermatozoa collected from the tail of the epididymis and testicular histological characteristics. Pulse-wave Doppler parameters were recorded on both testes from 16 dogs of unknown fertility. After routine castration, epididymal spermatozoa were collected and evaluated for sperm total and progressive motility, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology. Testes were submitted to histological and immunohistochemical evaluations to quantify microscopic attributes and connective tissue and vascular area extent, respectively. The findings showed that the increased PWD indexes were suggestive of testicular histological alteration since negative correlations were found between pulsatility index and resistive index, measured in the marginal testicular artery, and histological attributes such as the seminiferous epithelial thickness (R = -0.528, P = 0.016 and R = -0.554, P = 0.005, respectively) and the tubular area/total area ratio (R = -0.494, P = 0.024 and R = -0.563, P = 0.004, respectively). Some histological characteristics, such as tubular diameter, seminiferous epithelium thickness, and the tubular area/total area ratio of the testis are correlated with the percentage of primary abnormalities (R = -0.874, P = 0.001, and R = -0.847, P = 0.001, and R = - 0.865, P = 0.001, respectively). In testes with increased sperm primary abnormalities, higher pulsatility index was found compared with testes with normal spermatogenesis in supratesticular artery (1.07 ± 0.06 vs 0.82 ± 0.23, P < 0.05), marginal artery (0.73 ± 0.04 vs 0.61 ± 0.07, P < 0.05), and intratesticular artery (0.67 ± 0.03 vs 0.43 ± 0.1, P < 0.05). Similarly, the resistive index was found significantly higher in the same vessel tracts in testes with abnormal and normal spermatogenesis (0.62 ± 0.02, 0.53 ± 0.02, and 0.46 ± 0.02 vs 0.51 ± 0.06, 0.44 ± 0.04, and 0.32 ± 0.06, respectively; P < 0.05). Our data demonstrated for the first time the relationship between PWD indexes and the contextual testicular architecture, suggesting that the pulsatility and resistive indexes could be an effective tool in andrology. In light of different histological alterations in the testis, caution is warranted in the definition of thresholds for normal and abnormal testicular blood flow indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Francesco
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Località Piano D'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Contri
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Biosciences and Technologies for Agriculture Food and Environment, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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Mosca F, Trachtman AR, Hattab J, Marruchella G, Tiscar PG. Effect of hydrogen peroxide on the oxidative burst of neutrophils in pigs and ruminants. Vet World 2020; 13:1934-1939. [PMID: 33132608 PMCID: PMC7566262 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1934-1939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Neutrophils represent between 20% and 75% of white blood cells in animals and play a key role in an effective immune response. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is commonly referred to as an oxidative burst and is crucial under healthy and disease conditions. Interestingly, ROS are emerging as regulators of several neutrophil functions, including their oxidative burst. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide on the oxidative burst of neutrophils, collected from domestic animal species (namely, pig, cattle, and sheep), and exposed to different stimuli. Materials and Methods A total of 65 slaughtered animals were included in the present study: Twenty-two pigs, 21 cattle, and 22 sheep. Blood samples were collected at bleeding and neutrophils were then purified using ad hoc developed and species-specific protocols. Neutrophils were treated with hydrogen peroxide at micromolar-to-millimolar concentrations, alone, or combined with other stimuli (i.e., opsonized yeasts, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate). The generation of ROS was evaluated using a luminol-derived chemiluminescence (CL) assay. For each animal species, data were aggregated and reported as mean area under curve±standard deviation. Finally, data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results Exposure of bovine and ovine neutrophils to hydrogen peroxide alone resulted in a dose-dependent enhancement of the CL response, which was significantly stronger at its highest concentration and proved particularly prominent in sheep. Opsonized yeasts and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate both proved capable of stimulating the generation of ROS in all animal species under study. Hydrogen peroxide negatively modulated the oxidative burst of neutrophils after exposure to those stimuli, observed response patterns varying between pigs and ruminants. Porcine neutrophils, pre-exposed to micromolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, showed a decreased CL response only to opsonized yeasts. Conversely, pre-exposure to hydrogen peroxide reduced the CL response of ruminant neutrophils both to yeasts and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, the effect being most prominent at 1 mM concentration. Conclusion These results indicate that hydrogen peroxide is capable of modulating the oxidative bursts of neutrophils in a species-specific and dose-dependent manner, substantial differences existing between pigs and ruminants. Further investigation is required to fully comprehend such modulation, which is crucial for the proper management of the generation of ROS under healthy and disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mosca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Abigail R Trachtman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Jasmine Hattab
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Pietro G Tiscar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Vignoli M, De Amicis I, Tamburro R, Quaglione G, Salviato N, Collivignarelli F, Terragni R, Pastrolin S, Marruchella G. A Case of Adenocarcinoma of Uterus Masculinus in a Pomeranian Dog. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:337. [PMID: 32613012 PMCID: PMC7309598 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS), or uterus masculinus, is a rare autosomal recessive form of male pseudohermaphroditism due to the failure of paracrine anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secretion by Sertoli cells or failure of the Müllerian ducts to respond to AMH secretion. The malignant degeneration of persistent Müllerian remnants is rare. In human medicine, few related reports exist. In veterinary medicine, this is the first report describing adenocarcinoma of the uterus masculinus involving the prostate in a dog. Clinical history: An 11-year-old, male, neutered Pomeranian dog was referred for computed tomography due to the suspicion of prostatic carcinoma based on ultrasound and cytological examinations. The computed tomography findings were consistent with a uterus masculinus mass with possible prostatic infiltration. Uterus masculinus removal and total prostatectomy were performed; termino-terminal urethral anastomosis was carried out. Dehiscence of the anastomosis was observed 3 days after surgery. The owner declined any further procedures, and the dog was euthanized 5 days after surgery. Histopathological evaluation revealed adenocarcinoma of the uterus masculinus. Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma of the uterus masculinus may occur, suggesting that patients with PMDS should be evaluated for malignant changes of Müllerian remnants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Vignoli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Tamburro
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Gina Quaglione
- Human Pathology Unit, "Giuseppe Mazzini" Hospital, Piazza Italia, Teramo, Italy
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20
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Di Teodoro G, Marruchella G, Di Provvido A, D'Angelo AR, Orsini G, Di Giuseppe P, Sacchini F, Scacchia M. Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia: A Comprehensive Overview. Vet Pathol 2020; 57:476-489. [PMID: 32390522 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820921818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a respiratory disease of cattle that is listed as notifiable by the World Organization for Animal Health. It is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and causes important productivity losses due to the high mortality and morbidity rates. CBPP is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) and is characterized by severe fibrinous bronchopneumonia and pleural effusion during the acute to subacute stages and by pulmonary sequestra in chronic cases. Additional lesions can be detected in the kidneys and in the carpal and tarsal joints of calves. Mmm infection occurs through the inhalation of infected aerosol droplets. After the colonization of bronchioles and alveoli, Mmm invades blood and lymphatic vessels and causes vasculitis. Moreover, Mmm can be occasionally demonstrated in blood and in a variety of other tissues. In the lung, Mmm antigen is commonly detected on bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells, in lung phagocytic cells, within the wall of blood and lymphatic vessels, inside necrotic areas, and within tertiary lymphoid follicles. Mmm antigen can also be present in the cytoplasm of macrophages within lymph node sinuses, in the germinal center of lymphoid follicles, in glomerular endothelial cells, and in renal tubules. A complete pathological examination is of great value for a rapid presumptive diagnosis, but laboratory investigations are mandatory for definitive diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to describe the main features of CBPP including the causative agent, history, geographic distribution, epidemiology, clinical course, diagnosis, and control. A special focus is placed on gross and microscopic lesions in order to familiarize veterinarians with the pathology and pathogenesis of CBPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Teodoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Loc. Piano d'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Provvido
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita D'Angelo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Orsini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giuseppe
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
| | - Flavio Sacchini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
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21
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Trachtman AR, Bergamini L, Palazzi A, Porrello A, Capobianco Dondona A, Del Negro E, Paolini A, Vignola G, Calderara S, Marruchella G. Scoring pleurisy in slaughtered pigs using convolutional neural networks. Vet Res 2020; 51:51. [PMID: 32276670 PMCID: PMC7149908 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00775-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the respiratory system are known to negatively impact the profitability of the pig industry, worldwide. Considering the relatively short lifespan of pigs, lesions can be still evident at slaughter, where they can be usefully recorded and scored. Therefore, the slaughterhouse represents a key check-point to assess the health status of pigs, providing unique and valuable feedback to the farm, as well as an important source of data for epidemiological studies. Although relevant, scoring lesions in slaughtered pigs represents a very time-consuming and costly activity, thus making difficult their systematic recording. The present study has been carried out to train a convolutional neural network-based system to automatically score pleurisy in slaughtered pigs. The automation of such a process would be extremely helpful to enable a systematic examination of all slaughtered livestock. Overall, our data indicate that the proposed system is well able to differentiate half carcasses affected with pleurisy from healthy ones, with an overall accuracy of 85.5%. The system was better able to recognize severely affected half carcasses as compared with those showing less severe lesions. The training of convolutional neural networks to identify and score pneumonia, on the one hand, and the achievement of trials in large capacity slaughterhouses, on the other, represent the natural pursuance of the present study. As a result, convolutional neural network-based technologies could provide a fast and cheap tool to systematically record lesions in slaughtered pigs, thus supplying an enormous amount of useful data to all stakeholders in the pig industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R Trachtman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Luca Bergamini
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Palazzi
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Angelo Porrello
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Ercole Del Negro
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125, Modena, Italy.,Farm4Trade s.r.l., Via Marino Turchi, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea Paolini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Vignola
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Simone Calderara
- AImageLab, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10/1, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
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22
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Di Federico M, Ancora M, Luciani M, Krasteva I, Sacchini F, Orsini G, Di Febo T, Di Lollo V, Mattioli M, Scacchia M, Marruchella G, Cammà C. Pro-Inflammatory Response of Bovine Polymorphonuclear Cells Induced by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:142. [PMID: 32292794 PMCID: PMC7119222 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is the etiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), one of the major diseases affecting cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. Some evidences suggest that the immune system of the host (cattle) plays an important role in the pathogenic mechanism of CBPP, but the factors involved in the process remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the cell response of bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) after Mmm in vitro exposure using one step RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Data obtained indicate that gene and protein expression levels of some pro-inflammatory factors already change upon 30 min of PMNs exposure to Mmm. Of note, mRNA expression level in Mmm exposed PMNs increased in a time-dependent manner and for all time points investigated; targets expression was also detected by Western blotting in Mmm exposed PMNs only. These data demonstrate that when bovine PMN cells are triggered by Mmm, they undergo molecular changes, upregulating mRNA and protein expression of specific pro-inflammatory factors. These results provide additional information on host-pathogen interaction during CBPP infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Federico
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environmental, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Molecular Biology and Genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo Ancora
- Molecular Biology and Genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Mirella Luciani
- Immunology and Serology Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Ivanka Krasteva
- Immunology and Serology Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Flavio Sacchini
- Immunology and Serology Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Orsini
- Bacterial Vaccines and Diagnostics Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Di Febo
- Immunology and Serology Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Lollo
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environmental, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Molecular Biology and Genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Mattioli
- Unit of Basic and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environmental, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- Cooperation Office, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Cammà
- Molecular Biology and Genomic Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
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23
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Del Signore F, Vignoli M, Marruchella G, Simeoni F, Tamburro R, Aste G, De Pasquale F. The potential role of magnetic resonance brain relaxometry in veterinary medicine: a preliminary study. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2020; 33:1725-1736. [PMID: 31696693 DOI: 10.23812/19-215-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance (MR) is a non-invasive modality of choice for the evaluation of brain morphology, with superior performance as compared to other techniques. However, MR images are typically assessed qualitatively, thus relying on the experience of the involved radiologist. This may lead to errors of interpretation in the presence of subtle alterations and does not exploit the full potential of this technique as a quantitative diagnostic tool. To this end Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry (MRR), which is able to quantitively characterize the tissues under investigation through their relaxation rates, seems extremely promising. Many studies assessed the feasibility of relaxometry as a diagnostic tool in human brain disorders, with the most promising results obtained in the evaluation of neurodegenerative diseases and in the oncologic field. However, despite such extensive literature in human medicine, due to the lack of standardized protocols and the need of high-field MRI scanners, to date few studies have been performed on companion animals. In this work, first we describe relaxometry applications in human neuropathology and their possible extension to companion animals both in the experimental and clinical fields. Then, we present two experiments performed on a typical standard clinical scanner operating at 0.25 T to show that, despite the low field intensity, this technique may be promising even in the clinical setup. We tested the relaxometry protocol in a phantom study and then applied it to a real clinical case study. The results showed that this protocol used on a phantom led to a higher contrast, as compared to the standard approach. Furthermore, when applied to a real case study, this protocol revealed brain lesions undetected by the standard technique which were confirmed by a histopathological examination. These preliminary results are encouraging and support the development of this approach as an advanced diagnostic tool even in a clinical setting where low field MRI scanners are typically employed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Vignoli
- University of Teramo, Piano D'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - F Simeoni
- University of Teramo, Piano D'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - R Tamburro
- University of Teramo, Piano D'Accio, Teramo, Italy
| | - G Aste
- University of Teramo, Piano D'Accio, Teramo, Italy
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24
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Molini U, Aikukutu G, Roux JP, Kemper J, Ntahonshikira C, Marruchella G, Khaiseb S, Cattoli G, Dundon WG. Avian Influenza H5N8 Outbreak in African Penguins ( Spheniscus demersus), Namibia, 2019. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:214-218. [PMID: 31483707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In January 2019, high mortalities were reported among African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) in a breeding colony on Halifax Island, Namibia, Africa. Analysis of samples by reverse transcription quantitative PCR indicated the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N8. Sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes confirmed the presence of the virus in the birds and its high similarity to HPAI subtype H5N8 identified in South Africa in 2017. There have been no previous reports of HPAI H5N8 in Namibia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Molini
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Gottlieb Aikukutu
- Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), 24 Goethe Street, Private Bag 18137, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Jean-Paul Roux
- Ecosystem Section, Lüderitz Marine Research, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, PO Box 394, Lüderitz, Namibia
| | - Jessica Kemper
- African Penguin Conservation Project, PO Box 583, Lüderitz, Namibia
| | - Charles Ntahonshikira
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Neudamm Campus, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio S.P. 18, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), 24 Goethe Street, Private Bag 18137, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Giovanni Cattoli
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Animal Production and Health Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - William G Dundon
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Animal Production and Health Section, Joint FAO/IAEA Division, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, PO Box 100, 1400 Vienna, Austria
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25
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Gloria A, Marruchella G, Di Francesco L, Contri A. Congenital lung displacement in an English bulldog puppy. Acta Vet Hung 2019; 67:572-577. [PMID: 31842604 DOI: 10.1556/004.2019.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The English bulldog is notoriously predisposed to a number of disease conditions, including congenital defects, likely due to extreme genetic selection which has reduced genetic variability within this breed. The present report describes, for the first time, the main clinical and pathological features of congenital lung displacement in an English bulldog puppy. The defect involved the entire left lung, which was normally developed but rotated and shifted to the right hemithorax. The pathogenesis of congenital anomalies is largely unknown. characterisation of the genetic bases of these malformations is crucial for a reform of the breeding selection which is also aimed at correcting phenotypic abnormalities with a strong impact on individual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gloria
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Francesco
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Contri
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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26
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Profeta F, Di Francesco CE, Di Provvido A, Scacchia M, Alessiani A, Di Giannatale E, Marruchella G, Orsini M, Toscani T, Marsilio F. Prevalence of netB-positive Clostridium perfringens in Italian poultry flocks by environmental sampling. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 32:252-258. [PMID: 31650911 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719885841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type G is one of the pathogens involved in enteric diseases in poultry. NetB, a pore-forming toxin, is considered the main virulence factor responsible for necrotic enteritis during C. perfringens infection. We carried out a field study involving 14 farms to evaluate the occurrence of netB-positive C. perfringens and the impact of infection in Italian poultry flocks. Environmental samples (n = 117) and 50 carcasses were screened by microbiologic and molecular methods. Microbiologic investigations yielded 82 C. perfringens isolates. DNA was extracted from all samples and screened for α-toxin and NetB encoding genes by real-time PCR. The C. perfringens α-toxin gene was detected in 151 of 167 extracts (90.4%), and 31 of 151 (20.5%) were netB gene positive also. Sixteen isolates from a turkey flock with mild enteric disorders were also netB positive, demonstrating their occurrence not only in broiler but also in turkey flocks. A pulsed-field gel electrophoresis protocol was optimized to evaluate the diversity among isolates and revealed high genetic heterogeneity. The complete NetB toxin-coding gene of 2 C. perfringens isolates from turkey and broiler flocks were analyzed and showed very high relatedness with analogous sequences worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Profeta
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Cristina E Di Francesco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Andrea Di Provvido
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Alessandra Alessiani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Elisabetta Di Giannatale
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Tonino Toscani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Profeta, Di Francesco, Marruchella, Marsilio).,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy (Di Provvido, Scacchia, Alessiani, Di Giannatale, Orsini).,Agricultural Social Cooperative "Gesco", Castellalto, Teramo, Italy (Toscani)
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27
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Spedicato M, Carmine I, Teodori L, Leone A, Casaccia C, Di Gennaro A, Di Francesco G, Marruchella G, Portanti O, Marini V, Pisciella M, Lorusso A, Savini G. Transplacental transmission of the Italian Bluetongue virus serotype 2 in sheep. Vet Ital 2019; 55:131-141. [PMID: 31274174 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.1913.10140.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In order to study the capability of a Bluetongue virus serotype 2 (BTV‑2) field isolate to cross the placental barrier, 2 groups of 5 pregnant ewes were infected with a field BTV‑2 Italian strain (Group A) or with the same strain passaged once in Culicoides cells (Kc) (Group B). Following infection, EDTA‑blood and serum samples were collected weekly and tested for the presence of BTV RNA/infectious virus and anti‑BTV‑2 antibodies, respectively. At lambing, precolostral EDTA‑blood and serum samples were collected from lambs and tested as before. The lambs were then sampled as scheduled for the dams. All sheep seroconverted on day 12 post‑infection (pi) and remained seropositive throughout the sampling period (day 68 pi). BTV was isolated from day 7 pi to day 14 pi in animals of Group A and from day 5 pi to day 12 pi in animals of Group B. None of the 14 lambs born had pre‑colostral antibodies. Three lambs born from two ewes of Group B were viraemic at birth and in one lamb infectious virus was isolated from blood up to 11 days of age. This study proved for the first time that a single passage of BTV‑2 field strain in Kc cells is able to give to BTV the ability to cross the placenta barrier and infect foetal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Giovanni Savini
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Di Teodoro G, Marruchella G, Mosca F, Di Provvido A, Sacchini F, Tiscar PG, Scacchia M. Polymorphonuclear cells and reactive oxygen species in contagious bovine pleuropneumonia: New insight from in vitro investigations. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 201:16-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Varasano V, Marruchella G, Petrizzi L. Exuberant granulation tissue in a horse: successful treatment by the intralesional injection of 4% formaldehyde solution. Vet Ital 2018; 54:155-159. [PMID: 30019331 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.1032.5496.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The healing of wounds located on the equine distal limbs can often be impaired, which can result in exuberant granulation tissue and its associated aesthetic alteration and functional failures. Although a number of therapies have been developed and assessed, the treatment of these wounds still presents challenges. This report describes the treatment of exuberant granulation tissue in a horse using an intra-lesional injection of 4% formaldehyde solution. The successful outcome of this treatment suggests that further investigations are required in order to better evaluate its efficacy, as well as the incidence and the severity of any adverse reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Varasano
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Di Teodoro G, Marruchella G, Di Provvido A, Orsini G, Ronchi GF, D'Angelo AR, D'Alterio N, Sacchini F, Scacchia M. Respiratory explants as a model to investigate early events of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia infection. Vet Res 2018; 49:5. [PMID: 29329577 PMCID: PMC5766988 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0500-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a severe disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm). Knowledge on CBPP pathogenesis is fragmented and hampered by the limited availability of laboratory animal and in vitro models of investigation. The purpose of the present study is to assess respiratory explants as useful tools to study the early stages of CBPP. Explants were obtained from trachea, bronchi and lungs of slaughtered cattle, tested negative for Mycoplasma spp. and for the major bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens. The interaction of Mmm with explant cells was studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC), double-labelling indirect immunofluorescence (DLIIF) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Mmm capability to survive and proliferate within the explants was evaluated by standard microbiological procedures. Finally, the putative cellular internalization of Mmm was further investigated by the gentamicin invasion assay. IHC and DLIIF indicated that Mmm can colonize explants, showing a marked tropism for lower airways. Specifically, Mmm was detected on/inside the bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells, the alveolar macrophages and the endothelial cells. The interaction between Mmm and explant cells was abolished by the pre-incubation of the pathogen with bovine anti-Mmm immune sera. Mmm was able to survive and proliferate in all tracheal, bronchial and lung explants, during the entire time course of the experiments. LSCM and gentamicin invasion assay both confirmed that Mmm can enter non-phagocytic host cells. Taken together, our data supports bovine respiratory explants as a promising tool to investigate CBPP, alternative to cattle experimental infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Teodoro
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Andrea Di Provvido
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Orsini
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Gaetano Federico Ronchi
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita D'Angelo
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alterio
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Flavio Sacchini
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Di Provvido A, Di Teodoro G, Muuka G, Marruchella G, Scacchia M. Lung lesion score system in cattle: proposal for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 50:223-228. [PMID: 28951993 PMCID: PMC5754378 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1409-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a severe infectious disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. The peculiar pathological features of CBPP make desirable the assessment of ad hoc score methods to grade the disease in the affected animals. Thus, the present work aims to assess a new lung score system for CBPP. Our results indicate that the present score system strongly correlates with that previously published by Turner and could be effectively used in CBPP-affected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Provvido
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Teodoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Geoffrey Muuka
- Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Veterinary Department, Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Massimo Scacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, OIE Reference Laboratory for Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Di Provvido A, Averaimo D, Zilli K, Marruchella G, Scacchia M. Mycoplasma pneumonia in small ruminants: A ten-year long retrospective survey. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Marruchella G, Valbonetti L, Bernabò N, Ligios C. Depletion of follicular dendritic cells in tonsils collected from PMWS-affected pigs. Arch Virol 2017; 162:1281-1287. [PMID: 28132107 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is a relevant, worldwide disease caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Microscopically, PMWS is mainly characterized by lymphocytic depletion, macrophage infiltration and syncytia in lymphoid tissues. Some data suggest that follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) could be infected by PCV2, thus likely playing a role in the pathogenesis of PMWS. The present paper aims at assessing, qualitatively and quantitatively, the FDCs' network in the soft palate tonsils of clinically healthy and PMWS-affected pigs. Consecutive tissue sections were tested by immunohistochemistry to detect PCV2, FDCs and macrophages. FDCs and PCV2 antigens were quantitatively assessed by means of the Image J software and results submitted to statistical analysis. Our data demonstrated that FDCs are significantly reduced in PMWS-affected pigs compared with healthy pigs and that FDCs' depletion should be considered among microscopic features of PMWS. It is reasonable to hypothesize that depletion of FDCs further compromises the immune response and enhances the occurrence and the severity of secondary infections, which are relevant for the clinical manifestation of PMWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ciriaco Ligios
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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Scacchia M, Molini U, Marruchella G, Maseke A, Bortone G, Cosseddu GM, Monacoo F, Savini G, Pini A. African horse sickness outbreaks in Namibia from 2006 to 2013: clinical, pathological and molecular findings. Vet Ital 2016; 51:123-30. [PMID: 26129663 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.200.617.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
African horse sickness (AHS) is a vector‑borne viral disease of equids, endemic in Sub‑Saharan Africa. This article reports the clinic‑pathological and laboratory findings observed in the framework of passive surveillance during the AHS outbreaks which occurred in Namibia between 2006 and 2013. This study was conducted in the framework of the collaboration among the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise (Teramo, Italy), the Namibian Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry, and the Namibian National Veterinary Association. A total of 92 horses were investigated, showing different clinical form of AHS: peracute/acute (n = 43), sub‑acute (n = 21) and mild AHS fever (n = 19). Clinical data were not available for 9 horses, because they were found dead. Pathological findings have been recorded for 35 horses. At necropsy, pulmonary and subcutaneous oedema, haemorrhages and enlargement of lymph nodes were mainly observed. Diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory testing, AHS virus (AHSV) was isolated from 50 horses and the identified serotypes were: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The phylogenetic analysis of the S10 genome sequences segregated the Namibian AHSV strains in the same clusters of those circulating in South Africa in recent years. The description of AHS clinical, pathological, and laboratory features of AHS provided in this article is of value for differential diagnosis and control of AHS, especially in areas currently free from this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Scacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Pintus D, Marruchella G, Masia M, Maestrale C, Cancedda MG, Contu C, Macciocu S, Ligios C. Glioblastoma with oligodendroglioma component in a ewe. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 28:449-54. [PMID: 27154317 DOI: 10.1177/1040638716644646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we describe a glioblastoma partially occupying the telencephalic portion of the left cerebral hemisphere of a Sardinian (syn. Sarda) breed ewe. Microscopically, the mass consisted of a pleomorphic spindle-shaped cell component organized as bundles and numerous small areas of round cells displaying an oligodendroglioma-like aspect. A high number of mitotic figures, large areas of necrosis surrounded by pseudopalisading glial cells, and multiple foci of dystrophic mineralization were also observed. The neoplasm was highly vascularized with glomerular vascular proliferation. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells proved to be strongly positive for nestin, vimentin, and olig-2, whereas they were invariably negative for synaptophysin. Few neoplastic cells and reactive astrocytes, mainly located at the edge of necrotic foci, proved to be positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, whereas glomerular vascular proliferation was clearly positive for factor VIII and vascular endothelial growth factor. Gene sequencing analysis demonstrated homozygous p53 tumor suppressor gene (TP53) point mutations in the DNA-binding domain located in exon 8. The presence of round cells immunoreactive for olig-2 demonstrated that this tumor is a glioblastoma with oligodendroglioma component. Our pathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings largely overlap those previously reported in humans and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Pintus
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
| | - Mariangela Masia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
| | - Caterina Maestrale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
| | - Maria Giovanna Cancedda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
| | - Claudia Contu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
| | - Simona Macciocu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
| | - Ciriaco Ligios
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna "G. Pegreffi", Sassari, Italy (Pintus, Masia, Maestrale, Cancedda, Contu, Macciocu, Ligios)Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy (Marruchella)
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Monaco F, Goffredo M, Briguglio P, Pinoni C, Polci A, Iannetti S, Marruchella G, Di Francesco G, Di Gennaro AP, Pais M, Teodori L, Bruno R, Catalani M, Ruiu A, Lelli R, Savini G. The 2011 West Nile disease outbreak in Sardinia region, Italy. Vet Ital 2016; 51:5-16. [PMID: 25842208 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.260.2386.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, strains of West Nile Virus (WNV) belonging to lineage 1 spread for the first time in Sardinia region (Italy). In contrast to previous WNV Italian incursion, the strains were found in Culex modestus and, more surprisingly, they were able to cause severe clinical signs in the affected birds. Based on the partial sequence of the NS3 encoding gene, the Sardinian WNV strains demonstrated a high similarity with the other WNV strains recently detected in the Mediterranean Basin. Nonetheless, the 2011 Sardinian sequences were grouped in a distinct sub-cluster. Both the NS3-249P and NS3-249T genotypes were detected in the Sardinian outbreaks confirming that the co-circulation of different genotypes in the affected population might be common for WNV as for many RNA viruses. No association, however, was observed between virulence and viral genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Monaco
- Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale'
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Marruchella G, Pascucci I, D'Angelo AR, Di Francesco G. Pathology in Practice. Esophageal lesions. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015; 247:1373-4. [PMID: 26642129 DOI: 10.2460/javma.247.12.1373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Di Tommaso M, Rocconi F, Marruchella G, D’Angelo AR, Masci S, Santori D, Civitella C, Luciani A, Boari A. Invasive pleural malignant mesothelioma with rib destruction and concurrent osteosarcoma in a dog. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:85. [PMID: 26625859 PMCID: PMC4667494 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A 7-year-old Dachshund was clinically examined because of a 10-day history of lameness in the left hind limb. On the basis of radiological and cytological findings, an osteosarcoma of the left acetabular region was suspected. The dog underwent a hemipelvectomy and osteosarcoma was diagnosed by subsequent histopathological examination. An immovable subcutaneous mass was noted on the left chest wall during the physical examination and non-septic neutrophilic inflammation was diagnosed by cytology. Forty days later, the dog showed signs of respiratory distress with an in-diameter increase of the subcutaneous mass up to 4 cm. Thoracic radiography and ultrasonography revealed pleural effusion and a lytic process in the fourth left rib. Furthermore, ultrasound examination revealed a mixed echogenic mobile structure with a diameter of around 2 cm floating within the pleural fluid of the left hemithorax close to the pericardium. The dog underwent surgery for an en bloc resection of the subcutaneous mass together with the fourth rib and the parietal pleura. Moreover, the left altered lung lobe, corresponding to the mobile structure detected by ultrasound, was removed. Based on cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations, an invasive epithelioid pleural malignant mesothelioma was diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Valbonetti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Teramo Italy
| | - C. Briola
- Clinica Veterinaria Roma Sud s.r.l.; Veterinary Practitioner; Rome Italy
| | - U. Tosi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Teramo Italy
| | - G. Marruchella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Teramo Italy
| | - A. Muttini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Teramo; Teramo Italy
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Di Sabatino D, Lorusso A, Di Francesco CE, Gentile L, Di Pirro V, Bellacicco AL, Giovannini A, Di Francesco G, Marruchella G, Marsilio F, Savini G. Arctic lineage-canine distemper virus as a cause of death in Apennine wolves (Canis lupus) in Italy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e82356. [PMID: 24465373 PMCID: PMC3896332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) infection is a primary threat affecting a wide number of carnivore species, including wild animals. In January 2013, two carcasses of Apennine wolves (Canis lupus) were collected in Ortona dei Marsi (L'Aquila province, Italy) by the local Veterinary Services. CDV was immediately identified either by RT-PCR or immunohistochemistry in lung and central nervous tissue samples. At the same time, severe clinical signs consistent with CDV infection were identified and taped (Videos S1-S3) from three wolves rescued in the areas surrounding the National Parks of the Abruzzi region by the Veterinary Services. The samples collected from these symptomatic animals also turned out CDV positive by RT-PCR. So far, 30 carcasses of wolves were screened and CDV was detected in 20 of them. The sequencing of the haemagglutinin gene and subsequent phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the identified virus belonged to the CDV Arctic lineage. Strains belonging to this lineage are known to circulate in Italy and in Eastern Europe amongst domestic dogs. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of CDV Arctic lineage epidemics in the wild population in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Di Sabatino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessio Lorusso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Gentile
- Veterinary Services, National Park of Abruzzi, Lazio and Molise, Pescasseroli (AQ), Italy
| | - Vincenza Di Pirro
- Veterinary Services, National Park of Abruzzi, Lazio and Molise, Pescasseroli (AQ), Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Bellacicco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Armando Giovannini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Francesco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
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Barboni B, Mangano C, Valbonetti L, Marruchella G, Berardinelli P, Martelli A, Muttini A, Mauro A, Bedini R, Turriani M, Pecci R, Nardinocchi D, Zizzari VL, Tetè S, Piattelli A, Mattioli M. Synthetic bone substitute engineered with amniotic epithelial cells enhances bone regeneration after maxillary sinus augmentation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63256. [PMID: 23696804 PMCID: PMC3656960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence has been provided that a cell-based therapy combined with the use of bioactive materials may significantly improve bone regeneration prior to dental implant, although the identification of an ideal source of progenitor/stem cells remains to be determined. Aim In the present research, the bone regenerative property of an emerging source of progenitor cells, the amniotic epithelial cells (AEC), loaded on a calcium-phosphate synthetic bone substitute, made by direct rapid prototyping (rPT) technique, was evaluated in an animal study. Material And Methods Two blocks of synthetic bone substitute (∼0.14 cm3), alone or engineered with 1×106 ovine AEC (oAEC), were grafted bilaterally into maxillary sinuses of six adult sheep, an animal model chosen for its high translational value in dentistry. The sheep were then randomly divided into two groups and sacrificed at 45 and 90 days post implantation (p.i.). Tissue regeneration was evaluated in the sinus explants by micro-computer tomography (micro-CT), morphological, morphometric and biochemical analyses. Results And Conclusions The obtained data suggest that scaffold integration and bone deposition are positively influenced by allotransplantated oAEC. Sinus explants derived from sheep grafted with oAEC engineered scaffolds displayed a reduced fibrotic reaction, a limited inflammatory response and an accelerated process of angiogenesis. In addition, the presence of oAEC significantly stimulated osteogenesis either by enhancing bone deposition or making more extent the foci of bone nucleation. Besides the modulatory role played by oAEC in the crucial events successfully guiding tissue regeneration (angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor expression and inflammation), data provided herein show that oAEC were also able to directly participate in the process of bone deposition, as suggested by the presence of oAEC entrapped within the newly deposited osteoid matrix and by their ability to switch-on the expression of a specific bone-related protein (osteocalcin, OCN) when transplanted into host tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Barboni
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Stem TeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Mangano
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Science, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Stem TeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Paolo Berardinelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Martelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Aurelio Muttini
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Stem TeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Rossella Bedini
- Department of Technologies and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Turriani
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pecci
- Department of Technologies and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Nardinocchi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Luca Zizzari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Science, University “G. d'Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Tetè
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Science, University “G. d'Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
- Stem TeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Adriano Piattelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Science, University “G. d'Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Mattioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Science, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Maestrale C, Di Guardo G, Cancedda MG, Marruchella G, Masia M, Sechi S, Macciocu S, Santucciu C, Petruzzi M, Ligios C. A lympho-follicular microenvironment is required for pathological prion protein deposition in chronically inflamed tissues from scrapie-affected sheep. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62830. [PMID: 23658779 PMCID: PMC3643908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In sheep scrapie, pathological prion protein (PrPSc) deposition occurs in the lymphoreticular and central nervous systems. We investigated PrPSc distribution in scrapie-affected sheep showing simultaneous evidence of chronic lymphofollicular, lymphoproliferative/non-lymphofollicular, and/or granulomatous inflammations in their mammary gland, lung, and ileum. To do this, PrPSc detection was carried out via immunohistochemistry and Western Blotting techniques, as well as through inflammatory cell immunophenotyping. Expression studies of gene coding for biological factors modulating the host’s inflammatory response were also carried out. We demonstrated that ectopic PrPSc deposition occurs exclusively in the context of lymphofollicular inflammatory sites, inside newly formed and well-organized lymphoid follicles harboring follicular dendritic cells. On the contrary, no PrPSc deposition was detected in granulomas, even when they were closely located to newly formed lymphoid follicles. A significantly more consistent expression of lymphotoxin α and β mRNA was detected in lymphofollicular inflammation compared to the other two types, with lymphotoxin α and β signaling new lymphoid follicles’ formation and, likely, the occurrence of ectopic PrPSc deposition inside them. Our findings suggest that, in sheep co-affected by scrapie and chronic inflammatory conditions, only newly formed lymphoid follicles provide a suitable micro-environment that supports the scrapie agent’s replication in inflammatory sites, with an increased risk of prion shedding through body secretions/excretions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Maestrale
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Guardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Cancedda
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marruchella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Comparate, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mariangela Masia
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Sechi
- Research Unit of Genetics and Biotechnology, DIRPA, AGRIS, Olmedo, Italy
| | - Simonetta Macciocu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Santucciu
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mara Petruzzi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ciriaco Ligios
- Dipartimento di Sanità Animale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, Sassari, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Marruchella G, Bernabò N, Valbonetti L. Quantitative assessment of bronchiolar smooth muscle in healthy and diseased porcine lungs. Res Vet Sci 2012; 94:641-3. [PMID: 23151463 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Smooth muscle cells are major components of bronchiolar wall. Bronchiolar smooth muscle is reported to increase in some veterinary pulmonary disorders, but such assumption is not supported by detailed morphometric analyses. The present investigation aimed at quantitatively evaluating bronchiolar smooth muscle in healthy and diseased pig lungs. Our results suggest that bronchiolar smooth muscle cells significantly modify in size and number under different disease conditions, namely parasitic bronchopneumonia and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-induced enzootic pneumonia. Further studies are needed in order to understand the pathogenesis and the functional impact of such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Marruchella
- University of Teramo, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Piazza A. Moro 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Marruchella G, Ligios C, Di Guardo G. Age, scrapie status, PrP genotype and follicular dendritic cells in ovine ileal Peyer’s patches. Res Vet Sci 2012; 93:853-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Di Francesco G, Savini G, Maggi A, Cavaliere N, D'Angelo AR, Marruchella G. Equine meningo-encephalitis caused by Halicephalobus gingivalis: a case report observed during West Nile disease surveillance activities. Vet Ital 2012; 48:437-436. [PMID: 23277124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A seven-year-old horse was euthanised after exhibiting a severe and rapidly progressive neurological disorder. Tissue samples were despatched to the Italian Reference Centre for Animal Foreign Diseases (Istituto 'G. Caporale' in Teramo) for diagnosis. All laboratory tests for equine neurotropic viruses gave negative results. Scattered perivascular inflammatory infiltrates and several parasites that were morphologically classified as Halicephalobus gingivalis, were seen within the brain upon microscopic examination. Pathological findings led to the diagnosis of parasitic meningo-encephalitis caused by H. gingivalis. This case report confirms that halicephalobosis should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of equine encephalopathy and it also highlights the value of a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Di Francesco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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48
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D'Angelo AR, Vita S, Marruchella G, Di Francesco G. Canine testicular tumours: a retrospective investigation in Abruzzo and Molise, Italy. Vet Ital 2012; 48:329-339. [PMID: 23038080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Canine testicular tumours frequently occur and share relevant features with their human counterparts, thus being a putative model in comparative oncology. The authors present data on canine testicular tumours submitted to the Istituto G. Caporale over the last 12 years. In total, 183 testicular neoplasms were diagnosed: 108 seminomas, 37 Sertoli cell tumours, 18 interstitial Leydig cell tumours, 10 mixed tumours, 9 other primary tumours and one metastatic neoplasm. A systematic and more detailed collection of data (signalling, history, clinical signs and follow-up) enables a better evaluation of clinical and biological features of animal tumours, as well as a clear assessment of the real impact, if any, of specific intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita D'Angelo
- Diagnostic Microbiology, Pathology, Parasitology and Mycology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Giacominelli-Stuffler R, Marruchella G, Storelli MM, Sabatucci A, Angelucci CB, Maccarrone M. 5-Lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 in the lungs of pigs naturally affected by enzootic pneumonia and porcine pleuropneumonia. Res Vet Sci 2012; 93:898-903. [PMID: 22341869 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Enzootic pneumonia by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and pleuropneumonia by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae are among the most common and economically relevant pulmonary diseases in swine herds. We herein investigated the activity and expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in healthy and diseased porcine lungs, by means of immunohistochemical, immunochemical and biochemical assays. Diseased lungs showed a significantly higher activity and expression of 5-LOX and COX-2 in a wide range of cell types, thus suggesting the likely involvement of both enzymes in the pathogenesis of bacterial porcine pneumonia. Consistently, increased enzyme activities were paralleled by increased leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)), a 5-LOX product and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a COX-2 product, content in diseased versus healthy lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Giacominelli-Stuffler
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Piazza A. Moro 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Marruchella G, Todisco G, D'Arezzo S, Di Guardo G, Paglia MG. Granulomatous myocarditis caused by Candida albicans in a canary (Serinus canaria). J Avian Med Surg 2012; 25:205-9. [PMID: 22216721 DOI: 10.1647/2010-025.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is among the major agents of mucous membrane mycosis in humans and animals, with systemic and deep infections observed in immunocompromised hosts. We describe a case of fatal granulomatous myocarditis caused by C albicans in a 20-day-old canary (Serinus canaria). The etiologic diagnosis was confirmed by identifying characteristic morphologic features of the organism, combined with histochemical staining, and followed by the use of ad hoc biomolecular analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Marruchella
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piazza Aldo, Moro 45, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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