Carabus clatratus
is currently known as highly threatened and/or extinct at a European level due to the loss of its habitat, represented by wetlands, to which it is closely linked. In southern ...Europe, this is much more serious due to the effective adult predation by the alien and invasive crustacean
Procambarus clarkii
, introduced from the United States of America since the 1980s and now rapidly expanding its range. In an extreme attempt to preserve the Italian native populations of the subspecies
C. clatratus antonellii
, an effective mass rearing method was developed in 2009. This method, that allowed to record new important data on the biology of the species, is described in detail. Contrary to what is reported in the literature,
C. clatratus
showed a very high reproductive potential, with an average of 82.8 eggs laid by each female per season. The low prolificacy erroneously attributed to it was wrongly considered a contributing cause of the rarefaction and/or extinction of some of its populations, while the new findings make us focus on other causes. The knowledge of the effective reproductive potential is also important for a better implementation of mass rearings and introduction programs as a function of potential offspring. The duration of the various stages of pre-imaginal development of
C. clatratus
, from the hatching of the larva to the emergence and appearance of the adults on the ground, is compared with that of another congeneric species living in an extremely unstable habitat (
C. stenocephalus susicus
) resulting, however, surprisingly even shorter. I hope that other entomologists and conservation biologists will also try their hand at rearing this species (where still present) in an attempt to save it from extinction.
Implications for insect conservation
The new data obtained on the biology and fecundity of
C. clatratus
, as well as the issues encountered after its release, can be exploited for future initiatives for the species conservation.
The manuscript describes a case report of 2 prolonged prone position cycles (72 h each) of a coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia in an intubated pregnant woman (at 22 weeks of gestational age), being ...successfully discharged from intensive care unit after 20 days. There were no signs of fetal sufferance at daily obstetric monitoring during prone position, and the fetus was born fully vital and without consequences.At our knowledge, this is the first case of prolonged prone position in a pregnant woman, and we feel that our manuscript could be a valuable contribution to the literature and help intensivists in providing intensive care in these patients, confirming that prone position seems to be a valid therapeutic choice, limiting maternal and fetal hypoxia, and reducing their morbidity, even if the oculate risk/benefit should be performed. Further studies are however necessary to increase the knowledge and the good management of COVID-19 in pregnancy.
(1) Background: Pammene fasciana (L.), Cydia fagiglandana (Zeller), and C. splendana (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are considered key moth pests of chestnut in Europe. (2) Methods: ...Investigations were performed in 2018–2019 in northern Italy. Sticky traps and commercially available pheromones were used for monitoring; moreover, two experimental pheromone blends were tested. All specimens were identified according to male genitalia and molecular analyses. Newly formed chestnut husks and fruits were randomly collected to evaluate the presence of larvae and/or feeding damage, by comparing it to trap catches. (3) Results: P. fasciana was present in all the sites, whereas Cydia species were recorded in three sites of six, with differences in abundance related to pheromone blends studied. Several non-target species, such as Oegoconia novimundi (Busck) and Cydia ilipulana (Walsingham), were present. Data about the seasonal flight activity are provided. (4) Conclusions: This research contributes to ascertaining the presence and abundance of tortrix moths in Italian chestnut groves, and the presence of non-target species highlights the risk of overestimating catches. Fruit damage recorded did not always reflect catches made by pheromone traps, suggesting that monitoring may underestimate the real size of moths’ populations. All of the data acquired are important for planning specific control measures.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective
In the last two decades, many reports demonstrated the unreliability of endometrial biopsy pathology showing an AH (atypical hyperplasia) to exclude a synchronous EEC (endometrioid ...endometrial carcinoma), with an underestimation of EEC in up to 50% of women. Hysteroscopy is now considered the standard diagnostic tool for endometrial pathology. However, a recent meta-analysis showed that hysteroscopically guided biopsy provides a high rate of failure with respect to dilatation and curettage (D&C) and endometrial resection, in underestimating AH instead of concurrent EC. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of hysteroscopy view and hysteroscopic sampling in diagnosing EEC.
Materials and methods
A multicenter, retrospective, observational trial was conducted between January 2012 and December 2018 in 14 Italian gynecological units (university-affiliated or public hospitals). Eligible patients were identified as those women in whom either a pathologic report of EEC was found on hysterectomy specimen and a preoperative hysteroscopy assessment with endometrial biopsy targeted under vision had been performed. As primary outcome, we calculated the sensitivity of hysteroscopy view and biopsy pathology on hysteroscopically driven sampling in the diagnostic workup of EC.
Results
Nine hundred forty-eight patients (age 65.83 ± 10.43) resulted eligible for analysis. Hysteroscopy view showed a sensitivity of 54.2%, a specificity of 47.2%, and an accuracy of 54% in the diagnosis of EC. Moreover, hysteroscopic view was significantly able to distinguish carcinoma from hyperplasia (
p
< 0.001). We evidenced an important difference of the results comparing the centers involved. Hysteroscopy-driven biopsy presented a sensitivity of 76.2%, a specificity of 52.8%, and an accuracy of 75.3%. AH pathology was reported in 19% of the cases.
Conclusion
Our study showed that EEC diagnosis via hysteroscopy diagnosis could be improved through the implementation of operator training. Hysteroscopy-driven biopsies have excellent sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of EEC, and the advantages of using hysteroscopy for making a diagnosis can improve the management of the patients with EEC. While it seems reasonable that hysteroscopy is the preferred technique for diagnosing and treating a benign pathology of the uterus, it could play a major role even in the diagnosis of a malignancy.
The efficacy and safety of a cervical ripening balloon (CRB) in women with a previous cesarean section (CS) and unfavorable Bishop score are still controversial.
A retrospective cohort study was ...performed across six tertiary hospitals from 2015 to 2019. Women with one previous transverse CS, singleton cephalic term pregnancy and BS < 6 were included if submitted to labor induction with a CRB. The main outcome was the rate of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) after CRB ripening. Secondary outcomes were abnormal composite fetal and maternal outcomes.
Of the 265 women included, 57.3% had successful vaginal birth. Augmentation improved vaginal delivery (32.2% vs. 21.2%). Intrapartum analgesia was associated with an increased VBAC rate (58.6% vs. 34.5%). Maternal BMI ≥30 and age ≥40 years increased emergency CS rate (11.8% vs. 28.3% and 7.2 vs. 15.9%). Composite adverse maternal outcome occurred in 4.8% of CRB group women and increased to 17.6% when associated with oxytocin. Uterine rupture occurred in one case (0.4%) in the CRB-oxytocin group. Poorer fetal outcome occurred after emergency CS, if compared to successful VBAC (12.4% vs. 3.3%).
In women with a previous CS and unfavorable Bishop score, induction of labor with a CRB can be considered safe and effective.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) lesions may regress spontaneously, offering an alternative to immediate treatment, especially for women of childbearing age (15–45 years).We ...conducted a prospective multicentre study on conservative CIN2 management, with semiannual follow-up visits over 24 months, biomarkers’ investigation and treatment for progression to CIN3+ or CIN2 persistence for more than 12 months. Here, we assess women’s willingness to participate and adherence to the study protocol.The study was set in population-based organised cervical cancer screening.From April 2019 to October 2021, 640 CIN2 cases were diagnosed in women aged 25–64 participating in the screening programmes.According to our predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 228 (35.6%) women were not eligible; 93 (22.6%) of the 412 eligible refused, and 319 (77.4%) were enrolled. Refusal for personal reasons (ie, desire to become pregnant, anxiety, difficulty in complying with the study protocol) and external barriers (ie, residence elsewhere and language problems) accounted for 71% and 17%, respectively. Only 9% expressed a preference for treatment. The primary ineligibility factor was the upper age limit of 45 years. After enrolment, 12 (4%) women without evidence of progression requested treatment, 125 (39%) were lost to follow-up (mostly after 6–12 months) and 182 (57%) remained compliant. Remarkably, 40% of enrolees did not fully adhere to the protocol, whereas only 5% (20/412) of the eligible women desired treatment.Our study demonstrates a good acceptance of conservative management for CIN2 lesions by the women, supporting its implementation within cervical screening programmes.
To describe safety, tolerability, and effectiveness results through a minimum 2-year follow-up of patients who underwent permanent sterilization with the Essure insert.
A retrospective multicenter ...study (Canadian Task Force classification II2).
Seven general hospitals and 4 clinical teaching centers in Italy.
A total of 1968 women, mean age 39.5 years (range, 23-48 years) who underwent office hysteroscopic sterilization using the Essure insert between April 1, 2003, and December 30, 2014.
The women underwent office hysteroscopic bilateral Essure insert placement, with satisfactory device location and tube occlusion based on hysterosalpingography or hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy).
Placement rate, successful bilateral tubal occlusion, perioperative adverse events, early postoperative (during the first 3 months of follow-up), and late complications were evaluated. Satisfactory insertion was accomplished in 97.2% of women and, in 4, perforation and 1 expulsion were detected during hysterosalpingography. Three unintended pregnancies occurred before the 3-month confirmation test. Two pregnancies were reported among women relying on the Essure inserts. Postprocedure pain was minimal and brief; in 9 women, pelvic pain became intractable, necessitating removal of the devices via laparoscopy. On telephone interviews, overall satisfaction was rated as "very satisfied" by the majority of women (97.6%), and no long-term adverse events were reported.
The findings from this extended Italian survey further support the effectiveness, tolerability, and satisfaction of Essure hysteroscopic sterilization when motivated women are selected and well informed of the potential risks of the device. Moreover, the results do not demonstrate an increased incidence of complications and pregnancies associated with long-term Essure use. Patients with a known hypersensitivity to nickel may be less suitable candidates for the Essure insert.
Carabus (Cathoplius) aliai was described as a separate species by Escalera in 1944 but since the 1950-60s it has been considered as a subspecies of Carabus (Cathoplius) stenocephalus Lucas, 1866. ...This downgrading was adopted after examining only a few specimens, due to their rarity in collections. In recent years, an important population of this taxon was rediscovered in the Tan-Tan area in southern Morocco. By combining field observations with laboratory breeding experiments including hybridization trials, and through the morphological examination of a representative number of individuals, it is confirmed that Carabusaliai is indeed a valid species. Despite close geographic distribution, the morphological and biological characteristics of Carabusaliai and Carabusstenocephalusifniensis Zarco, 1941, its northern substitutive taxon, are very different. Carabusaliai adults are characterized by a smaller size, a slender silhouette, a more brilliant aspect, a narrower pronotum, a coarser elytral sculpture, longer legs, and a wider and a little more curved apex of the median lobe of the aedeagus. Carabusaliai larvae are also characterized by a much smaller size and the Carabusaliai pupa has a narrower thoracic area and a different chaetotaxy compared to that of Carabusstenocephalusifniensis. Contrary to this, Carabusaliai has a life cycle belonging to the annual univoltine winter semelparous type. Moreover, the duration of its development cycle is shorter. Carabusaliai is a sabulicolous steppe-wandering species with an intensive running activity, while Carabusstenocephalusifniensis is a more sedentary taxon. Crossbreeding experiments showed a marked reproductive isolation between Carabusaliai and Carabusstenocephalusifniensis. When F1 hybrids were crossed with one another, a very high mortality rate during embryonic, larval and pupal development was evident and no vital F2 neo-adults were obtained. Morphological and biological differences, together with the reproductive failure in Carabusaliai × Carabusstenocephalusifniensis hybrids, clearly indicate that Carabusaliai is a separate Cathoplius species that is distributed in an area south of the Anti-Atlas chain, from Plage Blanche (Guelmim) to Lemsid and Bou Kra (south of Laâyoune). Carabusaliai is therefore both a Saharan desert endemic and an Atlantic resident. Moreover, it is the southernmost Carabus species of the western Palaearctic region.
The present study has been aimed at finding relationships, at the field level, between indicators of the intensity of agricultural practices, computed as carbon footprint (CF), nutrient balance, and ...intensity use of agrochemicals and indicator-species groups, selected to be representative of biodiversity, such as herbaceous vascular plants, carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), and butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea). Fields were selected and monitored over 2 years, on six adjacent dairy farms, to represent three cropping systems and five different intensity levels of agricultural practices: mono-cropped maize with high (M-high) or low (M-low) chemical pressure; maize in rotation (M-rot) with alfalfa (Alf) and low chemical pressure; herbaceous strips with no chemical pressure (Strip). Plants (through whole field monitoring), carabids (through pitfall traps) and butterflies (through transects) were sampled in fields and field margins; CF was computed by considering emissions linked to direct and indirect CO2, CH4 and N2O; N, P2O5 and K2O balances, as the difference between the total imported and exported nutrients, were computed at the field level; the agrochemical use intensity was assessed by frequency of application and Load indexes for non-target organisms. The CF was lower in Alf (84 kg CO2-eq/t DM) and Strip (11 kg CO2-eq/t DM) than in all the maize fields (6357, 4499, and 4059 kg CO2-eq/t DM for M-high, M-low and M-rot respectively). The highest nitrogen surplus was observed in M-high (+413 kg/ha), while it was intermediate for M-low and M-rot and the lowest in Alf. The M-high fields showed the highest load indexes for all the selected non-target organisms (mammals, fishes, algae, bees, and earthworms), whereas the lowest load indexes were observed in Strip and Alf. Overall 179 herbaceous species (20 invasive), 45 carabid species, and 39 butterfly species were observed over the 2 years study. The numbers of herbaceous species, of species of interest for pollinators, and of plant families were higher in Strip, Alf and M-rot, whereas the non-native and invasive plants were higher in M-high and Strip. The highest number of carabid species was observed in the Alf and M-low fields, and in Alf, M-low and Strip when the field margins were considered. The highest number of butterfly species was observed in M-rot, Alf and Strip when a single year was considered, whereas it was observed in Alf when the data were pooled over two years. The CF (kg CO2-eq/ha) had a marked negative effect on the plant (r = −0.90, P 0.01), carabid (r = −0.90, P 0.01) and butterfly (r = −0.79, P 0.01) species richness, as well as it positively affected the proportion of non-native invasive plants (r = 0.76, P 0.01). The N surplus negatively affected plant (r = −0.71, P 0.01) and butterfly (r = −0.81, P 0.01) species richness, while positively correlated with proportion of non-native invasive plants observed in the fields (r = 0.80, P 0.01). When all the species from the three indicator-species groups were considered together and plotted against CF (kg CO2-eq/t DM), and against N surplus (kg N/ha), great coefficients of determination were found (R2 = 0.81 and R2 = 0.88, respectively). The current findings provide evidence that well-implemented and diverse cropping systems constitute a benefit for biodiversity at the farm level, without compromising the yield potential, thus offering indications to European decision makers on how to design more specific agri-environmental measures.
•Introduction of legumes in crop rotation reduces carbon footprint.•Crop carbon footprint is inversely related to biodiversity.•Intensity of practices positively related to invasive plants in the field.•Nitrogen surplus decreases plant and insect species richness.
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