Filomena Napolitano

Effect of climate on the response to three oestrous synchronisation techniques in lactating dairy cows

The reproductive efficiency of Friesian dairy cows was investigated in a three (oestrous synchronisation technique) x two (seasons of the year) factorial design. The 90 primiparous and multiparous cows (winter, n=42; summer, n=48) were allocated at random to three synchronisation treatments (n=30 cows per treatment). In treatment 1 (GPG), the cows were administered 15 mg PGF(2alpha) i.m. at 30 +/- 3 days postpartum, 100 microg GnRH i.m. at 51 +/- 3 days and 15 mg PGF(2alpha) 7 days later. A second 100 microg dose of GnRH was given after, further 2 days and fixed time AI occurred 16-20 h later. In treatment 2 (PG-PG), 15 mg PGF(2alpha) was administered i.m. to each cow on three occasions at successive 14 days interval starting at 30 +/- 3 days postpartum and the cows were inseminated at observed oestrus following the third dose of PGF(2alpha). Cows in treatment 3 (PG) had a single administration of 15 mg PGF(2alpha) i.m. at 57+/-3days postpartum and were inseminated as in treatment 2. Mean daily ambient temperature was 10.9 degrees C in winter (November-March) and 20.2 degrees C in summer (June-October). The cows were confined in an open-fronted shed and had ad libitum access to a complete diet with a 37:63 forage to concentrate ratio. Body condition score was assessed at 57 +/- 3 days postpartum. Cow rectal temperature at insemination, milk yield, reproductive data and climatic variables were recorded. Blood samples were collected for progesterone assay on days 4, 11, 18, 25, 32, 39 and 46 post-AI from 54 of the cows (19 GPG; 17 PG-PG; 18 PG). Pregnancy rate to first AI was 36.7% (11/30) for GPG and 16.7% (5/30) for both PG-PG and PG treatments. The difference was not significant. The cumulative pregnancy rate after third AI were GPG 83.3% (25/30), PG-PG 60.0% (18/30) and PG 60.0% (18/30; P<0.057). The cumulative pregnancy rate for cows inseminated in the winter (81.0%; 34/42) was higher (P<0.01) than for those inseminated in the summer (56.3%; 27/48). The interval from calving to first service was shorter (P<0.05) in treatment PG-PG (65.4+/-1.3 days) than in PG (69.2+/-1.3 days). Mean plasma progesterone concentrations post-AI of pregnant cows were higher (P<0.001) for GPG cows than those for PG-PG and PG cows. Plasma progesterone levels of pregnant cows tended to be higher (P=0.087) in winter than in summer. In conclusion, although the cumulative pregnancy rate was higher for GPG cows, it may be appropriate to correct the nutrition and management of the herd before resorting to synchronisation techniques to improve animal reproductive performances.

Influence of space allowance on the welfare of weaned buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves

Twenty weaned female buffalo calves were used to evaluate the effect of space allowance in relation to their body surface area on a range of behavioural and physiological parameters. Body surface area in m2 was calculated as 0.12 body weight0.60. Ten calves received 50% of body surface as space allocation (Group 50), 10 others received 90% of body surface area (Group 90). Animals in Group 50 lay with a lower number of outstretched legs than calves in Group 90. Buffaloes from Group 50 were observed standing more frequently than animals from Group 90 (P<0.001). The proportions of idling (P<0.01) and lying idle observations (P<0.001) were higher for Group 90 than for Group 50. Group 90 performed a higher number of non-agonistic interactions than Group 50 (P<0.01), whereas the opposite was observed for the number of agonistic interactions (P<0.01). When exposed to open field testing, Group 50 animals displayed an increased duration of movement, number of galloping events and more vocalisation. Neither immune responses to phytohemagglutinin and ovalbumin nor the cortisol response to exogenous ACTH were affected by treatment. It was concluded that 50% of body surface area may be an inadequate space allowance for weaned calves.

An unusual case of primary choriocarcinoma of the lung

Choriocarcinoma is a germ cell tumor containing syncytiotrophoblastic cells and secreting human Beta-HCG. Primary choriocarcinoma of the lung is extremely uncommon. The prognosis of this tumor is extremely poor, despite surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment. We report a surgically treated case of choriocarcinoma in a 37-year-old woman who came to our attention because of a isolated lung lesion. The tumor was successfully resected. Chemotherapy was started 2 months after thoracic surgery and consisted of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. At 1-year follow-up the patient is alive in good condition. The hCG level is actually normal.

Migration of surgical clips through a right lobectomy stump mimicking an asthmatic syndrome

The mechanical stapler is routinely used in thoracic surgery practice to attend resection of bronchus and vessels. Herein, we reported a very rare complication as the migration of a titanium surgical clip through a right lobectomy stump. One year after the procedure, the patient complained of persistent cough. A misdiagnosis of asthma was made and she treated for 6 months with bronchodilators, corticosteroid and antihistaminic without success. Thus, patient re-referred of our unit. No clinical signs of infection as fewer, productive cough, dyspnea were present. The laboratory exams were within normal value including white cells. CT scan revealed no abnormalities. Bronchoscopy demonstrated a healed upper bronchus stump without evidence of an actual, open bronchopleural fistula but with clips apparently working their way into the airway, with approximately half of the clip visible within the lumen. The side of the clips that would be open before closure by the surgeon formed the leading edge of the clips visible in the lumen. The clips were successfully removed during flexible bronchoscopy with a forceps usually used for biopsy. After the procedure, the cough disappeared. The endoscopy check after 3 months showed a normal bronchial stump without evidence of fistula.

Pulmonary sequestration presented as massive left hemothorax and associated with primary lung sarcoma

Pulmonary sequestration is an uncommon disease, accounting for only approximately 1.5% of all congenital pulmonary malformations. In most cases, the diagnosis is a result of accidental radiological findings; it is rarely accompanied by clinical symptoms, and is more commonly associated with other congenital malformations. Herein, we reported a case of pulmonary sequestration presented as massive left hemothorax and associated with primary lung sarcoma. A pneumonectomy via thoracotomy was attended with complete resection of sequestration and of sarcoma. The postoperative course was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 11.

Unusual case of exacerbation of sub-acute descending necrotizing mediastinitis

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a life-threatening complication of an oropharyngeal infection that requires prompt and aggressive medical and surgical therapy. Herein, we report unusual case of man suffering of sub-acute mediastinal infection due to odontoiatric abscess which exacerbated at 3 months after its first presentation. Chest X-ray and CT scan demonstrated soft-tissue swelling of the neck and encapsulated fluid collections with gas bubbles within anterior mediastinum, especially on the right side. Bilateral anterior neck dissections were performed and blunt dissection, irrigation and debridement were carried out to several centimetres below the sternal manubrium. Then, right standard thoracotomy was performed with debridement of the anterior mediastinum. Four tubes were placed in the mediastinum and pleural cavity on the right side, and two tubes were placed in the left thoracic cavity. Follow-up CT scans of neck and chest showed the resolution of infection.

Upregulation of the N-Formyl Peptide Receptors in Scleroderma Fibroblasts Fosters the Switch to Myofibroblasts

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis. N-Formyl peptide (fMLF) receptors (FPRs) are chemotactic receptors involved in inflammation. Three FPRs have been identified: FPR1, FPR2, and FPR3. We have examined, by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, FPRs expression in skin fibroblasts from 10 normal subjects and 10 SSc patients, showing increased expression in SSc fibroblasts. Several functions of FPRs occur through the interaction with a region of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR88–92), able to interact with FPRs and to mediate urokinase (uPA) or fMLF-dependent cell migration. Soluble uPAR84–95 peptide can act as a direct ligand of FPRs. Furthermore, uPA or its aminoterminal fragment (ATF) can promote the exposure of the uPAR88–92 region. The WKYMVm peptide is a FPRs pan-agonist. We investigated the functional effects of these agonists on normal and SSc fibroblasts. ATF, uPAR84–95, and WKYMVm regulated adhesion, migration, and proliferation of normal fibroblasts. Despite FPR overexpression, the response of SSc fibroblasts to the same agonists was greatly reduced, except for the proliferative response to ATF. SSc fibroblasts showed increased α-smooth muscle actin expression and improved capability to induce wound closure. Indeed, they overexpressed a cleaved uPAR form, exposing the uPAR88–92 region, and vitronectin, both involved in fibrosis and in the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. FPR stimulation promoted α-smooth muscle actin expression in normal fibroblasts as well as motility, matrix deposition, αvβ5 integrin expression, and radical oxygen species generation in normal and SSc fibroblasts. This study provides evidence that FPRs may play a role in fibrosis and in the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition.

Extrathoracic recurrence of type A thymoma

INTRODUCTION Neoplasms of the thymus gland are the most common tumors in the anterior mediastinum, and differentiation between benign and malignant forms is rather difficult. Extrathoracic invasions or metastases are extremely rare, and only a few cases have been reported previously. CASE PRESENTATION We report herein the case of a patient in whom a thymoma type A recurred at skeletal muscle 2-years after surgery. The metastases were completely resected. Adjuvant treatment was started. Actually, no signs of recurrence were seen. CONCLUSION Our case shows that also thymoma type A, generally defined as a low malignancy, may recur. Thus, a strict follow-up is required. If metastases are present, surgical resection with curative intent associated with adjuvant therapy should be attended.

The effect of rearing system on behavioural and immune responses of buffalo heifers

Abstract From November 2005 to October 2006 thirty-two buffalo heifers from the same commercial farm were used to evaluate the effect of rearing system on a range of behavioural and immune variables. Sixteen heifers were group-housed in indoor slatted floor pen (3.0 m2/animal) with an outdoor paddock (3.0 m2/animal) at ~5m above sea level (group IR). Sixteen others were kept at ~600m above sea level. They grazed a fenced Mediterranean maquis of ~40ha (group ER). At the end of the experimental period the animals were subjected to a novel object test. Each animal was exposed to a novel environment (a 6x6-m paddock), where in the middle a traffic cone was present. Avoidance distance at manger was evaluated by an assessor who walked slowly (1 step per second) toward each animal with one hand slightly forward until signs of withdrawal. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA, 1mg/animal) was used to perform a skin test based on specific delayed type hypersensitivity. During the novel object test, IR animals touched more and devoted more time to the traffic cone than ER animals (P =0.003 and P=0.008, respectively). Avoidance distance at manger was lower in ER animals than IR (P=0.004). Skin thickness after PHA injection was higher in ER heifers than in IR (P=0.003). The results indicated that an extensive rearing system based on pasture seems to be a valid method to promote welfare and sustainability of buffalo heifer.

Post-pneumonectomy broncho-pleural fistula successfully closed by open-window thoracostomy associated with V.A.C. therapy

Broncho-pleural fistula (BPF), is a dramatic complication that may occur after lung resection. The treatment is challenging due to its high rate of morbidity and mortality. Herein, a case of BPF associated with empyema, occurred in an elderly patient who had undergone to left pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is reported. After various treatments including chest drainage and endoscopic procedures, BPF was successfully closed by open-window thoracotomy associated with vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) device therapy. The authors conclude that V.A.C. is a convenient and safe measure in the management of empyema with BPF. Moreover, in similar clinical contexts, V.A.C. may be the only option available that may assure the survival of the patient and the avoiding any later-phases of residual cavity.