Triazenide [M(eta2-1,3-ArNNNAr)P4]BPh4 [M = Ru, Os; Ar = Ph, p-tolyl; P = P(OMe)3, P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2] complexes were prepared by allowing triflate [M(kappa2-OTf)P4]OTf species to react first with 1,3-ArN=NN(H)Ar triazene and then with an excess of triethylamine. Alternatively, ruthenium triazenide [Ru(eta2-1,3-ArNNNAr)P4]BPh4 derivatives were obtained by reacting hydride [RuH(eta2-H2)P4]+ and RuH(kappa1-OTf)P4 compounds with 1,3-diaryltriazene. The complexes were characterized by spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography of the [Ru(eta2-1,3-PhNNNPh){P(OEt)3}4]BPh4 derivative. Hydride triazene [OsH(eta1-1,3-ArN=NN(H)Ar)P4]BPh4 [P = P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2; Ar = Ph, p-tolyl] and [RuH{eta1-1,3-p-tolyl-N=NN(H)-p-tolyl}{PPh(OEt)2}4]BPh4 derivatives were prepared by allowing kappa1-triflate MH(kappa1-OTf)P4 to react with 1,3-diaryltriazene. The [Os(kappa1-OTf){eta1-1,3-PhN=NN(H)Ph}{P(OEt)3}4]BPh4 intermediate was also obtained. Variable-temperature NMR studies were carried out using 15N-labeled triazene complexes prepared from the 1,3-Ph15N=N15N(H)Ph ligand. Osmium dihydrogen [OsH(eta2-H2)P4]BPh4 complexes [P = P(OEt)3, PPh(OEt)2] react with 1,3-ArN=NN(H)Ar triazene to give the hydride-diazene [OsH(ArN=NH)P4]BPh4 derivatives. The X-ray crystal structure determination of the [OsH(PhN=NH){PPh(OEt)2}4]BPh4 complex is reported. A reaction path to explain the formation of the diazene complexes is also reported.

A 6-year-old intact female corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) was presented with a 3-week history of anorexia. Coelomic radiographs revealed a 9 x 4 cm soft tissue opacity suggestive of a right ovarian enlargement. The mass (9 x 5 x 4 cm) was surgically removed, and multiple smears from tissue sections were stained with Diff-Quik. Multiple tissue samples from the mass were collected and fixed in formalin. Cytologic specimens were moderately cellular and contained light pink amorphous background material. The cells were primarily spindle-shaped with moderate to marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. Cells sometimes were round to polygonal, and rarely were arranged in small clusters. Macrophages occasionally were observed. Histologic specimens consisted of a highly cellular mass composed of pleomorphic, spindle-shaped cells and, occasionally, round to polygonal cells arranged in irregular fascicles. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), smooth muscle actin, and skeletal muscle actin, but did not stain for vimentin or desmin. On the basis of the morphologic and immunohistochemical results, a diagnosis of ovarian undifferentiated carcinoma was made. In this report, we describe the challenges of using immunohistochemistry to diagnose this uncommon type of tumor in reptiles.

We report the first case of microfilaria infection in a free-flying owl Athene noctua in Italy. A macroparasite, about 10.1-mm long, was observed in the right chamber of the heart. On microscopic examination microfilariae were seen in liver, kidney, myocardium and lungs, although no cellular reaction was present in association with the parasites in any of these tissues. Because of the low pathogenicity of this parasite, infection with microfilaria may be not harmful in wild owls.