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Cladosporium infections have a poor prognosis in animals, most likely due to a lack of knowledge about diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we described a case of a lethal Cladosporium allicinum infection in a captive bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) in Europe. One adult male bullfrog was referred with clinical signs of lethargy and a cutaneous nodule. Fungal infection was suspected on cytology and confirmed by histology and cultural isolation. The mold was identified by molecular methods using partial sequencing of the TEF1α gene and the ITS region of rDNA. Climbazole antifungal treatment was started but the frog died after 30 days, and necropsy was done. Pigmented hyphae and structures consistent with muriform bodies were found on a background of diffuse granulomatous inflammation at cytological and histopathological examinations. Fungal culture revealed the presence of pigmented fungi identified as Cladosporium allicinum only by partial sequencing of the TEF1α gene. A focally extensive granuloma with intralesional hyphae and muriform bodies effacing the architecture of head, liver, kidneys, lungs, and large intestine were retrieved after necropsy. This study is the first Italian report of the occurrence of lethal C. allicinum infection in a frog and highlights the role of this Cladosporium sp. in chromoblastomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint, (Mentha ×piperita), aromatic perennial herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is a natural hybrid of Mentha spicata and Mentha aquatica and is found wild with its parent species in central as well as southern Europe. It holds various types of ingredients including menthol, menthone and cineol. Menthol, which is extracted from peppermint, play an important role in the inhibition of various types of pathogenesis. Peppermint oil also acts as a mild carminative agent and used for disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain. Moreover, experimental studies have confirmed its role in health management through anti-oxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotection and hepatoprotective effects. its topical application shows relief from cold, muscle pain, and headache. The health promoting role of Peppermint has gained a noteworthy scientific attention, but the exact mechanism of its action still remains not clear. The current review mainly emphases on the pharmalogical effects of peppermint in the inhibition of pathogenesis. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of peppermint in the management of various types of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aims: Patients'' and physicians'' perceptions of ulcerative colitis and its management are important for developing and guiding appropriate therapies. This study explored national differences in patients'' and physicians'' experiences, expectations, and beliefs about ulcerative colitis. Methods: Structured, cross-sectional, online surveys evaluating various indices were completed by 775 adult patients with ulcerative colitis and 475 physicians actively managing ulcerative colitis patients from France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Results: Patients'' classification of their symptom severity differed across countries (mild, 16%–45%; moderate, 46%–58%; severe, 4%–36%). Expectations of disease control also varied, with 26% (Ireland) to 65% (Spain) describing that remission realistically involves “living without symptoms.” Within each country, more patients (45%–69%) than physicians (28%–45%) considered ulcerative colitis symptoms to affect patients'' quality of life. Mean number of patient-reported flares during the past year ranged from 2.5 in Ireland to 8.0 in France. Self-reported adherence with oral 5-aminosalicylic acid (during remission) was highest in Spain (91% vs 50%–73% across other countries). Spanish patients were more likely to self-adjust their medications (54% vs 2%–5%), but reported the most dissatisfaction with therapy (42% vs 9%–27%). Irish patients were least likely to arrange physician/specialist nurse visits (14% vs 36%–49%) and least open to discussion of their condition. Conclusions: Important national differences in ulcerative colitis patients'' attitudes and perceptions were observed, which may help physicians improve patient care based on country-specific needs and influence self-assessments in clinical trials. The results suggest a need for structured patient education to improve adherence and outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction of alien species is a well-known threat to biodiversity. Where newly introduced, alien species may pose a risk for the local ecological community by competing for resources or by introducing pathogens. Sylvilagus floridanus is an American lagomorph introduced into Europe in the second half of 20th century, for hunting. This study evaluated the structure and epidemiological characteristics of the gastrointestinal parasite community in an introduced population of S. floridanus in the Province of Alessandria (Piedmont Region—Italy). Three alien parasites were reported out of 271 animals: Obeliscoides cuniculi in the stomach, Trichostrongylus calcaratus in the small intestine, and Passarulus nonnanulatus in the large intestine. All these nematodes are commonly reported in S. floridanus in its natural range, but they represent alien species in Europe. The report of these alien parasites is an example of the unexpected consequences caused by the introduction of non-native vertebrates. The documented introduction of new pathogens may alter the parasite community of the native lagomorphs, with possible long-term effects on local ecological dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]