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In the Spring 2018 large infestations of the Asian ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus germanus were observed in various chestnut plantations in province of Cuneo (NW Italy). Unexpected thermal increase recorded in April triggered massive colonization of young Euro-Japanese hybrids chestnuts planted in 2017. The attacks spread in a wide western territory of the Cuneo province (Valle Infernotto, Valle Varaita, Saluzzo plain, Valle Po), causing the death of about 25% of the trees growing in the plantations affected by the infestations. Prompt clearcut and destruction of the infested trees, and the laying of attractive traps is needed to contain the damage and reduce the pest population density. Continuous monitoring of the physiological conditions of young chestnut trees and of the pest population is required in order to prevent new outbreaks.

A 34-year-old woman without heart disease had an acute pulmonary edema after a grand mal seizure. Neurogenic pulmonary edema is characterized by the primary role played by the central nervous system in its pathogenesis, usually in the absence of cardiopulmonary disease. We believe that the initiating mechanism was a marked, although brief, generalized vasoconstriction, followed by a shift of blood from the peripheral vascular bed to the pulmonary vascular bed. We stress the need of treating the underlying neurologic disease as the only regional way of preventing the recurrence of pulmonary edema.