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Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the causative agent of ophidiomycosis, poses a potential threat to wild snakes worldwide. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the prevalence of O. ophidiicola in archived snake moults collected from the San River Valley in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland, from 2010 to 2012. Using qPCR for O. ophidiicola detection and conventional PCR for clade characterisation, we analysed 58 moults and one road-killed specimen of Zamenis longissimus and Natrix natrix. A novel combination of primers (ITS2L) was used to simultaneously confirm SYBR Green-based qPCR results and perform genotyping. O. ophidiicola has been detected from two Z. longissimus and one N. natrix specimens. The identified clade (I-B) is consistent with those found in wild snakes of eastern Europe and San River Valley, indicating that O. ophidiicola has been present in this region for at least a decade. This study underscores the value of historical samples in understanding the long-term presence of pathogens and highlights the potential role of environmental reservoirs in the persistence of O. ophidiicola. Our findings are crucial for informing conservation strategies for the endangered Aesculapian snake populations in Poland, emphasising the need for ongoing monitoring and habitat management to mitigate the potential impact of ophidiomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Reptiles usually carry Salmonella without showing any signs of infection. In this case, an adult male corn snake died 48 h after eating a feeder mouse bought online. The snake and mouse livers tested positive for Salmonella, specifically Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A genome analysis revealed that the two samples were from the same bacterial strain, and both had genes responsible for the bacteria's virulence. This report is about a pet snake that acquired Salmonella from a feeder mouse and then died from septic shock. It shows how feeder mice can be a source of clinical salmonellosis in pet snakes, which can pose a risk to humans too. Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake's tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake's death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Vipera encompasses most species of medically significant venomous snakes of Europe, with Italy harbouring four of them. Envenomation by European vipers can result in severe consequences, but underreporting and the absence of standardised clinical protocols hinder effective snakebite management. This study provides an updated, detailed set of guidelines for the management and treatment of Vipera snakebite tailored for Italian clinicians. It includes taxonomic keys for snake identification, insights into viper venom composition, and recommendations for clinical management. Emphasis is placed on quick and reliable identification of medically relevant snake species, along with appropriate first aid measures. Criteria for antivenom administration are outlined, as well as indications on managing potential side effects. While the protocol is specific to Italy, its methodology can potentially be adapted for other European countries, depending on local resources. The promotion of comprehensive data collection and collaboration among Poison Control Centres is advocated to optimise envenomation management protocols and improve the reporting of epidemiological data concerning snakebite at the country level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that challenges the assumption that animals adapted to underground environments are strictly bound to those environments. The researchers found evidence of olms, a species of amphibian, actively exploiting surface habitats outside of caves. This discovery expands our understanding of the interactions between subterranean and surface environments and highlights the importance of studying groundwater and its borders. The article also provides a list of references for further research on subterranean organisms, particularly the Olm. [Extracted from the article]

Jellyfish are aquatic animals of the phylum Cnidaria found in seas all over the world. They are characterized by the presence of cnidocytes, cells that contain a secretory organelle, the cnidocyst, mainly used for predation and defense purposes. An adult female patient presented to our Unit of Dermatology, for a 10 days-old history of macular-erythematous lesions in her right upper limb, due to a sting by a mauve stinger Pelagia noctiluca. Dermoscopy showed a general pinkish background surmounted by numerous brown dots and lines, distributed along the surface of the skin. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) showed the presence of multiple partially hyperreflective, highly coiled, hollow, and harpoonlike structures through the epidermis but without the barbed tubes found in a previous RCM report, likely due to a greater time elapsed between the sting and the dermatological visit. This case highlights how dermoscopy and RCM may help clinicians for the diagnosis of jellyfish stings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited condition that increases the probability of developing colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer and other malignancies. To date, there are no studies about the dermatological baselines in LS patients; herein, we carried out an observational and monocentric study on the main dermatological features in a population of patients with an established LS, to identify the main clinical and dermoscopic features. This work highlights that the phototype of LS patients reflects the main phototype of the geographic area where the survey was conducted (Italy, with phototype II and III). No specific associations with certain skin manifestations emerged, and the clinical and dermoscopic appearance of the pigmented lesions reflected the features present in the general population and in a control group. There are currently no guidelines for skin screening in LS patients and there is insufficient evidence to ensure increased surveillance in patients with LS. Despite the fact that Lynch Syndrome (LS) patients may also develop extra-colonic malignancies, research evaluating the association between LS and skin cancers is currently very limited. We performed a monocentric clinical and dermoscopic study involving 42 LS patients which referred to the Dermatology Unit for cutaneous screenings. In total, 22 patients showed a mutation in MLH1 and 17 patients a MSH2 mutation. Out of the entire cohort, 83% of LS patients showed brown hairs and 78% brown eyes, and the most frequent phototypes were III and II (respectively, 71.5% and 21%). A positive medical history for an internal malignancy was present in 36% of patients, with colon cancer as the most frequent malignancy in 60% of cases. A total of 853 cutaneous lesions have been analyzed: 47% of patients showed a total number of nevi > 10. The main observed dermoscopic features were a uniform reticular pattern (77% of patients), a mixed pattern (9% of patients) and a uniform dermal pattern (14% of patients). Eruptive cherry angiomas were present in 24% of cases, eruptive seborrheic keratosis in 26% and viral warts in 7% of cases; basal cell carcinoma was detected in 7% of cases. We have not found specific associations with specific skin manifestations, and the clinical and dermoscopic appearance of the pigmented lesions reflected the features present in the general population. To date, there are currently no guidelines for skin screening in LS patients. According to our study, there is insufficient evidence to ensure increased surveillance in LS patients; further studies with larger samples of patients are needed to better investigate dermatological and dermoscopic features in LS carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus is the only snake eagle that nests in the Palearctic. Its diet has been studied in several European countries and it is essentially based on reptiles. The aims of this work were to characterise the feeding habits of Short-toed Eagle breeding in the Tolfa Mountains (Central Italy) including a comparison of the diet with that of other populations. Moreover, we assessed changes in the diet of the former population using published data collected more than 35 years ago. We monitored five nests and three roosts between 2020 and 2021. Using camera traps and the collection and analysis of feeding remains, a total of 247 prey items were identified. The diet of the sampled nests/individuals was clearly snake-based (93.5% of prey spectrum). We found no significant differences between the diet of nestlings and adult individuals. The main prey was the Western Whip Snake Hierophis viridiflavus (83% of snakes captured), probably due to its high availability in the environment and its average size, which is positively selected by the Short-toed Eagle. Long-term comparison with previous data shows an over time contraction of the diet breadth with a relative increase of Western Whip Snake compared to other prey. The same pattern is observed in long-term studies on the snake community of our study area and is probably linked to both local anthropogenic impacts and global warming, which tend to favour thermophilic and generalist snake species During the reproductive period our population showed a narrower diet breadth when compared to the diet of other Mediterranean sites, but a similar overall structure, with a comparable frequency of snakes. The populations with the wider diet breadth are those located in areas with a greater abundance of thermophilic snake species of medium to large size, such as France, Spain and Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemorrhois hippocrepis is a colubrid snake with a West Mediterranean distribution. It is widespread in the Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa. The only Italian populations are found on the islands of Sardinia and Pantelleria. The phylogenetic relationships of these insular populations have been analysed for the first time on the basis of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene. The sequences were compared with those available from the geographic range of this species. The analyses showed that the Italian samples are part of a lineage that groups Tunisian and East Algerian samples, with which they share the same haplotype. These results strongly support the hypothesis of a recent origin of the Italian populations of Hemorrhois hippocrepis, probably determined by human-mediated dispersal from North Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass snakes are widely distributed across the Western Palearctic. Recent phylogeographic studies provided evidence that three distinct parapatric species exist. Two of these occur in Italy, Natrix helvetica and N. natrix, and a contact zone between both taxa has been suggested for north‐eastern Italy. Moreover, previous investigations revealed for the Italian Peninsula a complex phylogeographic structure. Using mtDNA sequences and microsatellite loci, we examined the situation for mainland Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Our study confirmed the occurrence of N. natrix in north‐eastern Italy. Cline analyses revealed limited gene flow between N. helvetica and N. natrix across a narrow hybrid zone. Within N. helvetica, conflicting patterns of mitochondrial and nuclear genomic differentiation were revealed. Three nuclear genomic clusters were found; one of them corresponded to no fewer than five distinct and, in part, deeply divergent and ancient mitochondrial lineages from mainland Italy and Sicily. This cluster was paraphyletic with respect to the two remaining mitochondrial lineages, each of which matched with another nuclear genomic cluster (one from Corsica plus Sardinia and another one from western Europe north of the Alps). This unexpected pattern most likely results from mainly male‐mediated gene flow and female philopatry combined with population‐density‐dependent processes such as 'high‐density blocking'. With respect to taxonomy, we propose to synonymize N. h. lanzai Kramer, 1970 with N. h. sicula (Cuvier, 1829), acknowledging their lacking nuclear genomic differentiation. The studied hybrid zone of N. h. helvetica and N. h. sicula in Italy is wide, with a smooth cline for nuclear markers, supporting their subspecies status. We found no evidence for the distinctiveness of the two subspecies from Corsica (N. h. corsa) and Sardinia (N. h. cetti), suggesting their synonymy, but refrain from taxonomic conclusions because of small sample sizes and the endangered status of the Sardinian taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Genomes for all five Natrix species, two represented by two distinct subspecies each, were sequenced. • Two genomes were de-novo assembled to their 1.7 Gb length with a contig N50 of 4.6 Mbp and 1.5 Mbp. • Evidence for interspecific hybridization, both between allopatric and widely sympatric species. • Fossil-calibrated molecular clock using genomes indicates that species are ancient several million-year-old lineages. • Our findings imply that speciation took place despite continued gene flow. Understanding speciation is one of the cornerstones of biological diversity research. Currently, speciation is often understood as a continuous process of divergence that continues until genetic or other incompatibilities minimize or prevent interbreeding. The Palearctic snake genus Natrix is an ideal group to study speciation, as it comprises taxa representing distinct stages of the speciation process, ranging from widely interbreeding parapatric taxa through parapatric species with very limited gene flow in narrow hybrid zones to widely sympatric species. To understand the evolution of reproductive isolation through time, we have sequenced the genomes of all five species within this genus and two additional subspecies. We used both long-read and short-read methods to sequence and de-novo-assemble two high-quality genomes (Natrix h. helvetica , Natrix n. natrix) to their 1.7 Gb length with a contig N50 of 4.6 Mbp and 1.5 Mbp, respectively, and used these as references to assemble the remaining short-read-based genomes. Our phylogenomic analyses yielded a well-supported dated phylogeny and evidence for a surprisingly complex history of interspecific gene flow, including between widely sympatric species. Furthermore, evidence for gene flow was also found for currently allopatric species pairs. Genetic exchange among these well-defined, distinct, and several million-year-old reptile species emphasizes that speciation and maintenance of species distinctness can occur despite continued genetic exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pruritus (CP) is one of the most frequent symptoms among dermatological conditions, capable of reducing the quality of life (QoL). CP may be induced by atopic dermatitis or other dermatological and/or non-dermatological conditions. In this article, we report the case of a patient affected by generalized CP, characterised by multiple papulo-nodular and escoriatic lesions, developed after the onset of an immunoglobulin G (IgG) kappa monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS), associated with renal insufficiency. Therefore, a combined treatment with dupilumab for CP and bortezomib for the hematologic malignancy was administered to the patient. The present case report highlights the efficacy of dupilumab for the treatment of CP. Moreover, no relevant side effects were recorded during the treatment in combination with other systemic biological drugs for other systemic pathologies.

Syphilis is a chronic systemic infectious disease caused by the spirochaete bacterium Treponema pallidum(syphilis treponeme). In recent decades there has been a drastic increase in cases of syphilis,with a relative increase in scientific interest in this regard. However, the data concerning the studyof microbiota in syphilis are few and very scattered.This brief review provides a quick update on the disease, with particular attention to the role of themicrobiota, an aspect not always adequately considered in the evaluation of the pathology. The usualcoexistence of different sexually transmitted diseases in the same patients led us to delve also intothe possible role of the microbiota in the pathogenesis of syphilis; indeed, not all sexual contactslead to infections, suggesting that host immunity and local microbiota could modulate the historyof sexually transmitted disease. In both males and females, alteration of the microbiota may be involvedin syphilis as well as in the other sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, since 9% of the totalproteome of T. pallidum is spent for transportome, the latter may provide essential nutrients, makingT. pallidum able to adapt to a diverse range of microenvironments and stresses in the human host.