Zoonotic intestinal helminthes diagnosed in a 6-year period (2015-2020) in privately owned dogs of sub-urban and urban areas of Italy

Intestinal helminthes of dogs have a relevant role for health and welfare of canine populations and many of them are zoonotic. Thus, a constant surveillance is pivotal to safeguard companion dogs and human health. Data from faecal examinations of pet dogs obtained in the last six years during the routine activity of the laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic diseases of the University Teaching Veterinary Hospital of the University of Teramo, Italy, are here reported. From 2015 to 2020 a total of 1083 individual faecal samples from privately owned dogs were examined using conventional copro-microscopic techniques. Endoparasite elements were found in 278 (25.7%) dogs, and among them, eggs of intestinal zoonotic helminthes were detected in 184 (17%) samples. The most common zoonotic parasites were Toxocara canis and hookworms (8.9% positivity rate for both). Most dogs (88%) were positive for a single zoonotic parasite while 12% of the positive animals harbored two or more zoonotic helminthes. A statistical analysis showed a significant association between dogs with less than one year of age and positivity to at least one intestinal zoonotic helminth, and that infections by T. canis are significantly more prevalent in dogs under one year of age. Despite being well known in canine clinical practice, these results indicate that zoonotic helminthes are still frequent in owned dogs. Thus, increased awareness of veterinary practitioners and pet owners is necessary to implement current diagnostic and control strategies to minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission of intestinal helminthes.

Cyathostomin faecal egg counts in horse farms from Central Italy

Cyathostomins,  or  'small  strongyles',  are  the  most  important  equine  helminths  because  of their  worldwide  distribution,  spread  of  anthelmintic‑resistant  populations,  and  pathogenic impact.  The  so‑called  'selective  treatment'  of  those  animals  exceeding  a  certain  faecal  egg  count  (FEC)  has  recently  been  proposed  to  implement  cyathostomin  control  programmes.  The present study evaluated the extent of egg shedding in 475 horses living in 12 farms from 3 regions of Italy. All examined farms and 224 horses (47.6%) were positive for cyathostomins. 138 horses (28.8%) scored positive for cyathostomin FECs with a range of eggs‑per‑gram of faeces (epg) values of 50‑2,150. Further 86 horses (18.1%) were positive only under qualitative microscopy (i.e. < 50 epg). Of the animals with a FEC > 50 epg, 81 (17%) and 57 (12%) showed values  of  50‑200  and  >  200  epg,  respectively.  The  findings  from  this  study  demonstrated  a reduced presence of high‑shedding horses compared to results obtained in previous years in  the  same  study  areas,  despite  overlapping  climate  features  in  the  previous  5  years.  A  continuing  monitoring  of  epidemiological  and  biological  features  of  horse  cyathostomin infection  is  crucial  for  planning  intervention  programmes  aimed  to  maintaining  animal health and preserving the efficacy of parasiticides.

Helminth infections in faecal samples of Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus) in two protected national parks of central Italy

This article reports the results of a copromicroscopic and molecular investigation carried out on faecal samples of wolves (n=37) and brown bears (n=80) collected in two protected national parks of central Italy (Abruzzo Region). Twenty-three (62.2%) samples from wolves were positive for parasite eggs. Eight (34.78%) samples scored positive for single infections, i.e. E. aerophilus (21.74%), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria (4.34%), Trichuris vulpis (4.34%), T. canis (4.34%). Polyspecific infections were found in 15 samples (65.21%), these being the most frequent association: E. aerophilus and Ancylostoma/Uncinaria. Thirty-seven (46.25%) out of the 80 faecal samples from bears were positive for parasite eggs. Fourteen (37.83%) samples were positive for B. transfuga, and six (16.21%) of them also contained Ancylostoma/Uncinaria, one (2.7%) E. aerophilus and one (2.7%) both E. aerophilus and Ancylostoma/Uncinaria. Of the other samples, 19 (51.35%) were positive for Ancylostoma/Uncinaria, two (5.4%) for E. aerophilus and two (5.4%) for both. Molecular analysis found the roundworm and capillariid eggs found in wolves and bear samples to be Toxocara canis, Baylisascaris transfuga and Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila). Considering the high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminths detected in this study, it is important to improve the knowledge and awareness of the general public and park operators regarding the potential health risk associated with infections in wildlife.

Brilliant X-rays using a Two-Stage Plasma Insertion Device

Particle accelerators have made an enormous impact in all fields of natural sciences, from elementary particle physics, to the imaging of proteins and the development of new pharmaceuticals. Modern light sources have advanced many fields by providing extraordinarily bright, short X-ray pulses. Here we present a novel numerical study, demonstrating that existing third generation light sources can significantly enhance the brightness and photon energy of their X-ray pulses by undulating their beams within plasma wakefields. This study shows that a three order of magnitude increase in X-ray brightness and over an order of magnitude increase in X-ray photon energy is achieved by passing a 3 GeV electron beam through a two-stage plasma insertion device. The production mechanism micro-bunches the electron beam and ensures the pulses are radially polarised on creation. We also demonstrate that the micro-bunched electron beam is itself an effective wakefield driver that can potentially accelerate a witness electron beam up to 6 GeV.

Survey on intestinal helminth fauna of woodcocks (Scolopax rusticola) in Italy

Every year populations of the European woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) migrate from Central and Northern Europe to the Mediterranean basin. South of Italy is one of the most common wintering site for this species. Given that information on parasites of woodcocks is scarce, the present study aimed at identifying the parasitic species affecting woodcocks migrating in Italy. The gastrointestinal tract of 206 woodcocks hunted in Southern Italy was removed and examined for parasites. From each animal a faecal sample was analysed by flotation test. The necropsy showed the presence of cestodes, i.e. Paricterotaenia paradoxa (59.4%) and Aploparaksis filum (49.5%), and of acanthocephalan Prosthorhynchus scolopacidis (22.4%). In one bird we also detected Parastrigea robusta, which is a trematode until now reported only in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Mixed infections (i.e., polyspecific infections) were detected in 53 (27.6%) animals. The most common were those caused by A. filum and P. paradoxa (12.5%), and by P. paradoxa and P. scolopacidis (8.3%). Copromicroscopic examinations revealed the presence of eggs belonging to nematodes Syngamus spp. (1.94%) in 4 woodcocks and of eggs of cestodes Aploparaksis spp. (37.86%) in 78 woodcocks. The present results fill a gap in the knowledge on parasites affecting woodcocks.

Field clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of an oral formulation containing milbemycin oxime/praziquantel (Milbemax®, Novartis Animal Health) in the chemoprevention of the zoonotic canine infection by Dirofilaria repens

BACKGROUND

Dirofilaria repens is the causative agent of subcutaneous dirofilariosis of dogs, other animals and humans. This nematode is transmitted by mosquitoes of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex genera. In dogs, the parasite may cause subclinical infection or cutaneous signs. Recently, D. repens has emerged and spread in different geographical areas, with an increase of cases in dogs and humans. Chemoprevention in dogs in endemic areas is the most reliable approach for controlling this infection. This paper describes a randomized, blocked and multicentric clinical field study investigating the efficacy of an oral, chewable formulation containing milbemycin oxime/praziquantel (Milbemax®, Novartis Animal Health) in the chemoprevention of subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs.

METHODS

This study was conducted in endemic areas of Italy. A total of 249 dogs, at two sites, negative for D. repens, were allocated into two groups (i.e. Treated -T1 vs Untreated-T2) with a ratio of 1:1, and subjected to clinical visits and blood sampling once monthly until the end of the study. All blood samples were microscopically and genetically examined. Animals belonging to T1 group received a minimum target dose of 0.5 mg/kg bodyweight of milbemycin oxime and 5 mg/kg of praziquantel in commercial tablets (Milbemax®) according body weight once every 4 weeks. Animals of group T2 were not treated with Milbemax® but received, when necessary, specific parasiticide treatments. The study duration was 336 ± 2 days for each dog.

RESULTS

A total of 219 dogs completed the study (i.e. 111 in T1 and 108 in T2), while 30 dogs (i.e. 13 in T1, 17 in T2) were withdrawn for a variety of reasons unrelated to administration of Milbemax®. The percentages of animals not showing microfilariae of D. repens were 100% (111 animals) in T1 and 94.7% (108 animals out of 114) in group T2. Milbemax® was shown to be safe in treated dogs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study confirm that the monthly use of Milbemax® in dogs is effective and safe for the prevention of subcutaneous dirofilariosis in endemic areas.

Faecal Cyathostomin Egg Count distribution and efficacy of anthelmintics against cyathostomins in Italy: a matter of geography?

BACKGROUND

In the framework of a trial carried out in 2008 in Europe to evaluate the efficacy of major parasiticides against horse cyathostomins, pre- and/or post-treatment Faecal Egg Counts (FEC) were evaluated in a total of 84 yards and 2105 horses from nine different regions from the South, the Center, the North-Center and North-East of Italy. Specifically, on the basis of FECs of the horses present in each property, 60 out of the 84 yards were enrolled for a Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) using fenbendazole, pyrantel, ivermectin and moxidectin.

RESULTS

Of the 1646 horses bred in the 60 recruited yards, 416 animals had a FEC between 50 and 150 Eggs Per Gram (EPG) of faeces and 694 a FEC >150 EPG (i.e. with total of 1110 positive animals). Of the 1110 positive animals, those with the highest FECs (i.e. 988) were included in the FECRT. The FECRT for four anthelmintic compounds showed remarkable differences in terms of prevalence of reduced and equivocal efficacy against cyathostomins in the different areas of Italy. Administration of fenbendazole and pyrantel resulted in resistance present or suspected in about half of the yards examined while resistance to ivermectin was found in one yard from central Italy and suspected resistance was detected in three more yards, one in each the North, the Center and the South. Treatment with moxidectin was 100% effective in all yards examined.

CONCLUSION

Cyathostomin populations in the South and the Center of Italy were more susceptible to fenbendazole and pyrantel than the populations present in the Center-North and North-Eastern areas of Italy. Fenbendazole and/or pyrantel were ineffective in almost all properties from the North of Italy. The reasons for such a difference among the Italian regions in terms of FECs and efficacy of antiparasitic drugs are discussed, together with the role that veterinarians, and horse owners and managers should have for effective worm control programs in this country.

Identification of the intermediate hosts of Habronema microstoma and Habronema muscae under field conditions

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay was used for the specific detection of Habronema microstoma and Habronema muscae (Nematoda, Spirurida) in order to identify the intermediate hosts of both nematode species under field conditions. A total of 1087 netted and 165 laboratory-bred flies were tested. Flies were identified as Musca domestica Linnaeus 1758, Musca autumnalis De Geer 1776, Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus 1758), Haematobia titillans (De Geer 1907) and Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus 1758) (Muscidae). Genomic DNA was extracted from pools of fly heads, thoraces and abdomens, and 703 samples were subjected to a duplex two-step semi-nested PCR assay to specifically detect diagnostic regions within the ribosomal ITS2 sequence of both H. microstoma and H. muscae. Stomoxys calcitrans specimens were positive for H. microstoma DNA and M. domestica specimens were positive for H. muscae DNA. In particular, PCR-positive samples derived from both farm-netted and laboratory-bred flies. The present study represents the first evidence of the vectorial competence of different fly species as intermediate hosts of Habronema stomachworms under field conditions. We discuss the roles of S. calcitrans and M. domestica in transmitting H. microstoma and H. muscae.

Molecular cross-sectional survey of gastric habronemosis in horses

Gastric habronemosis of horses caused by Habronema microstoma and Habronema muscae (Nematoda, Spirurida) is characterized by catarrhal gastritis, diarrhoea, progressive weight loss and ulcers. Despite its importance in the equine industry and in clinical practice, knowledge of the epidemiology of this infection is still incomplete as diagnosis in live animals is challenging. A two-step semi-nested PCR assay using ribosomal DNA (rDNA) markers has recently been used for the molecular diagnosis in vivo of gastric habronemosis based on the detection of H. microstoma and/or H. muscae DNA in equine faeces. To evaluate the field efficacy of this assay, a molecular epidemiological survey was carried out on equid gastric habronemosis in central Italy. One hundred and fifty-three individual faecal samples were collected from live native horses and subjected to both coprological examination and the two-step semi-nested PCR. When flotation procedures were performed no horse tested positive for Habronema spp. larvated eggs while 96 animals (61.2%) were positive for other endoparasites (i.e. strongyles, oxyurids, ascarids). Two-step semi-nested PCR detected 86 samples (53.6%) that were positive for H. microstoma and/or H. muscae DNA. H. microstoma prevalences showed statistically significant differences; the highest prevalence was observed in horses infected by other gastrointestinal parasites and concomitantly by H. muscae. No statistical differences were found between the prevalence of Habronema spp. infection and sex, age, breeding management, and antiparasitic treatments. This field survey provided further information on habronemosis and its epidemiology.

Saturation and electron-beam lifetime in a storage ring free-electron laser

We present a phenomenological treatment of free-electron laser storage ring saturation dynamics. The model includes longitudinal instabilities, Touschek intrabeam scattering, and nonzero off-energy-function contributions. The model predictions are compared with Super ACO experimental results and the agreement is shown to be satisfactory.

Suppression of the sawtooth instability in a storage ring by free-electron laser: an example of nonlinear stabilization by noise

The stabilization of nonlinear excitations by noise is a topic of fundamental importance in many physical problems. We discuss a genuine example within the context of storage ring-free electron laser physics, by presenting a model which allows the characterization of the system evolution and the determination of the conditions leading to the suppression of instabilities of sawtooth type. The conclusions of the model are confirmed by a comparison with experimental results on the Super Aco Storage Ring-Free Electron Laser.

Defecation practices of young children in a Peruvian shanty town

Little is known about feces disposal practices, their determinants and feasibility for change, despite their importance in the control of diarrheal diseases. We report here the results of formative research for the development of an intervention to promote sanitary disposal of feces of young children. The study was conducted in a densely populated shanty town area of Lima, where water and sanitation systems are scarce. In-depth interviews were undertaken with mothers, husbands and community leaders. Group discussions were held with mothers in order to validate findings from the interviews, investigate particular topics further and explore reactions to possible intervention strategies. The principal defecation sites for young children were diapers, potties, the ground in or near the home, the hill, latrines and flush toilets. The main determinants found were the age of the child, the effort required by the method, perceptions of dirtiness and the availability of resources. Almost all children under one year of age use diapers but the high resource cost of diaper washing is a strong motivation for mothers to move their children on as early as possible. Potties were considered the most socially acceptable and 'hygienic' defecation method for children between one and three years of age. Nevertheless, defecation directly onto the ground is common at this age. Potty training is deemed to be quite difficult and the long term achievements are determined by the initial training success. In most cases, the training process is authoritative and inconsistent. The use of latrines and flush toilets is not considered appropriate for children until they are three to four years old. Based on these initial findings, a micro-trial was conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of promoting greater use of potties and associated practices. The results of the trial were very encouraging and provided valuable information for the design of a community-wide intervention. Our findings help explain why the emphasis given in most sanitation projects, where efforts have been concentrated on the promotion of latrines, has failed to induce their utilization by small children. Sanitation projects should incorporate interventions that will promote hygienic defecation and stool clearance practices for infants and small children.

Recognizing the reversible nature of child-feeding decisions: breastfeeding, weaning, and relactation patterns in a shanty town community of Lima, Peru

Researchers have normally considered weaning to be a non-reversible event. To determine the validity of this assumption, we interviewed 36 mothers of toddlers who were living in a poor shanty town of Lima, Peru. Data from 32 women were complete and used in this analysis. Mothers described their beliefs, practices, and decisions about breastfeeding, weaning, and relactation (the reintroduction of breastfeeding after weaning). We recorded attempted weaning events if the mother reported (1) purposefully not breastfeeding with the intention to wean, or (2) carrying out an action that was believed to cause the child to stop breastfeeding. Using a constant comparative approach, references to child-feeding decisions were coded, categorized, and analyzed. All mothers breastfed for at least 12 months; the median duration of breastfeeding was 25 months. There were several different patterns of child-feeding. Thirteen women never attempted to wean their children or had weaned on the first attempt. The majority (n = 19) of women, however, attempted to wean their children - some as early as 3 months of age but relactated between less than 1 day and 3 months later. Factors that influenced feeding decisions were primarily related to maternal and child health, and maternal time commitments. Children were weaned when there was a perceived problem of maternal health or time commitments and child health was not at risk of deterioration. Mothers postponed weaning because of poor child health. The primary reason for relactation was a child's negative reaction to weaning (e.g., incessant crying or refusal to eat). Personalities of the mother and child were important determinants of feeding decisions. These results demonstrate that maternal and child factors jointly influence child-feeding decisions and that these decisions are easily reversed. As relactation is culturally acceptable, health practitioners should consider recommending relactation when children have been prematurely weaned and human milk would improve their nutritional and health status.

Ipriflavone and low doses of estrogens in the prevention of bone mineral loss in climacterium

Estrogen replacement therapy can counteract all postmenopausal symptoms. While low estrogen doses (0.15-0.30 mg of conjugated estrogens/day) can counteract neurovegetative and psychological symptoms, higher estrogen doses (at least 0.625 mg of conjugated estrogens/day) are required to prevent bone mineral loss in postmenopausal women. However, if contra-indications to high estrogen doses exist, drugs other than estrogens can represent a suitable treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis both alone or in combination with low estrogen doses. Experimental and clinical data have shown that ipriflavone is effective in the treatment of established postmenopausal osteoporosis. With the purpose of evaluating whether ipriflavone is able to enhance estrogen activity on bone metabolism, 133 postmenopausal women were randomly submitted to the treatment with: (1) placebo; (2) 0.15 mg/day of conjugated estrogens; (3) 0.30 mg/day of conjugated estrogens; (4) 0.15 mg/day of conjugated estrogens plus 600 mg/day of ipriflavone; (5) 0.30 mg/day of conjugated estrogens plus 600 mg/day of ipriflavone. One g/day of calcium supplementation was given to all women. In all subjects bone mineral density was measured before and after 6 and 12 months of treatment at the distal radius by dual-photon absorptiometry. A moderate decrease of bone mineral density was evidenced in women submitted to placebo or to estrogen therapy alone. By contrast, an increase of BMD was measured after 12 months of treatment in the women treated with 0.15 (not significant) or 0.30 mg/day (P < 0.01) of conjugated estrogens associated with ipriflavone. Both dosages of conjugated estrogens were able to induce a significant reduction of neurovegetative symptoms. The increase of bone density obtained with the combination of conjugated estrogens with ipriflavone demonstrates that this combination improves the effects of low estrogen doses on bone mass representing a satisfactory approach in the prevention and treatment of all symptoms related to the climacteric syndrome.

Direct evidence that eseroline possesses morphine-like effects

The opiate-like effects of eseroline, a physostigmine derivative, were studied in different tests. The antinociceptive effect of eseroline given s.c. and intracerebrally could be detected in the rat hot plate test and was reversed by naloxone. The apparent pA2 values of naloxone demonstrated with eseroline and morphine were found to be equal, suggesting an effect on similar receptors. Eseroline also had opiate agonist activity on the isolated longitudinal muscle strip of guinea pig ileum and isolated nictitating membrane of the cat: presynaptically, it inhibited the contractions evoked by stimulation and its effect was antagonized by naloxone. Eseroline reduced acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus of the longitudinal muscle strip when the cholinesterases had been inhibited by physostigmine. In addition, it was also found that eseroline antagonized the inhibitory effect of normorphine in the longitudinal muscle strip and potentiated the effect of exogenous acetylcholine on smooth muscle, both effects being attributed to its anticholinesterase activity. The analgesic effect of eseroline was not related to its anticholinesterase activity.

Reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by eseroline, an opioid agonist structurally related to physostigmine (eserine) and morphine

The action of eseroline--(3aS,8aR)-1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-1,3a,8-trimethylpyrrolo[2,3-b]indo l-5-ol--salicylate was tested on preparations of ChE from different sources and on the longitudinal muscle of guinea-pig ileum. While eseroline is eseroline is extremely weak-acting on horse serum BuChE (Ki = 208 +/- 42 microM), it is a rather strong competitive inhibitor of AChE's, its Ki being 0.15 +/- 0.08 microM, 0.22 +/- 0.10 microM and 0.61 +/- 0.12 microM in electric eel, human RBC and rat brain, respectively. Eseroline inhibitory action in AChE in independent of the duration of pre-incubation and appears fully developed in less than 15 sec. This action is also rapidly reversible; after pre-incubation followed by dilution, maximum enzymic activity is regained within 15 sec. The electrically-evoked contractions of the longitudinal strip were inhibited by concentrations of eseroline in the range 0.2-15 microM, while they were increased by concentrations over 20 microM. In the same preparation, without electrical stimulation, but in the presence of naloxone, eseroline induced contractions at concentrations higher than 5 microM. This effect was antagonized by atropine. The inhibitory activity of eseroline parallels, as regards selectivity, potency and kinetics, that of the phenolic anticurare agent edrophonium, while it differs markedly from that of physostigmine.

Eseroline: a new antinociceptive agent derived from physostigmine with opiate receptor agonist properties. Experimental in vivo and in vitro studies on cats and rodents

We report that eseroline, until now thought devoid of any biological action, is a potent antinociceptive agent. Its antinociceptive action is stronger than that of morphine in all tests studied and, though shorter lasting than that of the latter, has a latency of only a few minutes by subcutaneous route. Eseroline, like morphine and enkephalins, inhibits the electrically evoked twitches of the mouse vas deferens and of the guinea-pig ileum. Eseroline, moreover, releases 5-hydroxytryptamine from cat brain cortex in way similar to that of morphine and physostigmine.

Effects of morphine, physostigmine and raphe nuclei stimulation on 5-hydroxytryptamine release from the cerebral cortex of the cat

1. The release of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) from the cerebral cortex and caudate nucleus of brainstem-transected cats and from the cerebral cortex of rats anaesthetized with urethane was determined by radioenzymatic and biological assay. 2. The stimulation of nucleus linearis intermedius of raphe doubles the basal 5-HT release in the caudate nucleus and increases it 3 fold in the cerebral cortex. The effects of the electrical stimulation of the raphe are potentiated by chlorimipramine. 3. Brain 5-HT release is greatly increased by morphine hydrochloride (6 mg/kg i.v.) and by physostigmine (100 microgram/kg i.v.), but not by DL-DOPA (50 mg/kg i.v.). 4. It is suggested that the 5-HT releasing action of physostigmine can contribute to some of its pharmacological effects such as the analgesic effect so far attributed exclusively to its indirect cholinomimetic activity. 5. The 5-HT releasing action of physostigmine seems unrelated to its anticholinesterase activity.

Embossed hologram motion pictures for television playback

Techniques for recording, replicating, and reconstructing relief phase holograms are described. Replication is accomplished by embossing the relief pattern into transparent plastic using a metal master prepared by plating holograms exposed in photoresist. Image noise is reduced, without producing speckle patterns, by redundant recording. A motion picture, in the form of a sequence of Fraunhofer holograms embossed into a plastic tape, can be played out very simply because of the image immobilization of that type of hologram.