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Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs)-based therapies are rapidly gaining interest in veterinary medicine. Cellular therapy represents a new challenge for practitioners and requires precise coordination between the cell processing laboratory and the veterinary clinic. Cryopreservation is the best method to provide fast, in-time, and long-distance delivery of cells for therapeutic applications. However, potentially toxic cryoprotectants and xenobiotic products make the direct administration of cells impracticable for patients. Alternatively, the cells may be resuspended in a ready-to-use vehicle and shipped to the veterinary clinic. In this study, two nutrient-poor vehicles (physiologic saline and ringer lactate solutions) and two nutrient-rich vehicles (the releasate derived from autologous Platelet Poor Plasma and Platelet Rich Plasma) were tested on adipose tissue-derived canine MSCs (AD-MSCs). AD-MSCs stored for 2, 4, or 24 h in the different media were compared regarding mortality, metabolic activity, and replicative capacity. Furthermore, antioxidant activity and the pattern of expression of genes related to AD-MSCs function were performed following 24 h of storage. The results showed that all the different vehicles preserve cell vitality and replication following short-term storage. In long-term storage, the vehicle and cell density affect cell vitality, proliferation, and gene expression (CCL-2, CXCR-4, and TSG-6). Nutrient-rich vehicles seem better suited to preserve cell functionalities in this contest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a coupled atmospheric–marine model using the COAWST model system for the Harima Nada area between spring 2010 and winter 2011 to evaluate the seasonal influence of the Kako River's discharge in the sea. The Kako River is one of the largest rivers in southwest Japan, contributing almost half of the freshwater discharged in the Harima Nada region in the Seto Inland Sea. Validation was conducted for the entire period, showing a good performance for the atmospheric and marine variables selected. Multiple experiments injecting an inert tracer in the Kako River estuary were performed to simulate the seasonal river water distribution from the estuary into the sea and to analyze the seasonal differences in concentration patterns and mean residence times in Harima Nada. Because the study area is shallow, the results were evaluated at the surface and 10 m depth layers and showed significant seasonal differences in tracer distribution, circulation patterns, and mean residence times for the region. On the other hand, differences seemed to not be significant during the same season at different depths. The obtained results also agreed with the area's natural water circulation, showing that the Kako River waters tend to distribute towards the west coast of Harima Nada in the warmer seasons but shift towards the east in winter. The influence of the Kako River in the center of the study area is seasonal and strongly dependent on the direction of the horizontal velocities more than their magnitude. The mean residence times varied seasonally from approximately 30 days in spring to 12 days in fall. The magnitude of the horizontal velocity was found to be maximum during summer when circulation patterns at the surface and 10 m depth in the central part of Harima Nada also seem to promote the strongest horizontal and vertical mixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Canine aural hematoma management usually involves invasive surgery or prolonged pharmacologic treatments and is often linked to a high relapse rate. A correct diagnosis, associated with proper follow-up, is crucial for the success of the treatment. In this work, we report the treatment of 11 dogs (12 ears) affected by both acute and chronic aural hematoma with an innovative therapy based on Platelet- Rich Plasma (PRP). Ultrasound guidance was used to identify the presence of multiple and non-communicating chambers. Furthermore, in patients with pendulous ears, a bandage was applied to facilitate the post-treatment management. The results obtained in the study suggest that the PRP injection can be an effective alternative for the treatment of both chronic and acute aural hematoma without relapses in the long-term follow-up. Aural hematoma is a common pathological condition in veterinary practice with a high incidence rate in dogs. Drainage, corticosteroid injections, and surgical approaches represent the common treatments in these clinical cases. However, surgery leaves visible signs and is usually correlated with recurrence, scars, and deformation of the treated pinna. For this reason, more effective and less invasive methods have been proposed over the years. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the most promising options due to its pro-regenerative properties and capability to modulate the inflammatory state. The present work reports 12 cases of canine aural hematoma treated with PRP. The PRP treatment was combined with an ultrasound evaluation of the pinna to detect and treat all involved septa. The results show that relatively large volumes (2 mL) of PRP associated with an ultrasound guide are safe and efficacious in the treatment of canine aural hematoma requiring a maximum of two infiltrations, both in acute and chronic conditions. All the patients recovered their normal ear thickness (compared with the controlateral one) without relapses, averaging 38.5 days from their first treatment (10–90 days; SD: 24.7). The key role of PRP combined with a tailored diagnosis process carried out by the veterinarian, which included using an ultrasound system and the proper bandage, suggests that this approach may represent a valid alternative to surgery and corticosteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge at site level of meteorological and environmental variables involved in vine vegetative development and in grape maturation process is not enough to perceive the plant behaviour in a heterogeneous agro-system such as a vineyard. A useful support for winegrowers decision-making arises from the use of crop growth models able to simulate physiological processes that occur in the atmosphere-plant-soil interface. The study was conducted, during the 2016 and 2017 season, in a Nebbiolo vineyard equipped with ‘above’ and ‘below’ the canopy meteorological sensors. Meteorological measures, soil characteristics and vineyards features were used as input of the VICMOTO model developed to simulate phenological phases, leaf area and grape yield development, water available for the plant in the soil vine water status and berry sugar accumulation. Specific field surveys were used to calibrate and validate the numerical model. VICMOTO showed quite good performance in simulating phenological phases, sugar accumulation and yield, while vine leaf area and soil water potential are less accurate. The calibration and validation of VICMOTO requires measurements to be carried out on different sites and years. In order to obtain a better agreement between simulations and measures, it might be appropriate to modify the parameters and algorithms related to vegetative development and soil water potential.

Simple Summary: Triclosan is widely used in cosmetics and hygiene products, including anti-bacterial hand sanitizers and disinfectants whose utilization has been greatly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since critical health effects have been demonstrated for this substance we tested its potential harmful action on ovarian cells collected from pigs, a valuable animal model. We demonstrated that Triclosan impairs cell function, thus suggesting an impairment of reproductive function. Triclosan is a chlorinated biphenolic with a broad spectrum of antiseptic activities used in cosmetics and hygiene products. Continuous exposure can lead to absorption and bioaccumulation of this substance with harmful health effects. In fact, previous studies have shown that Triclosan acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical on reproductive organs, with consequent negative effects on reproductive physiology. Therefore, to assess potential adverse impacts on fertility, we tested Triclosan on swine granulosa cells, a model of endocrine reproductive cells. We examined its effects on the main features of granulosa cell functions such as cell growth (BrdU incorporation and ATP production) and steroidogenesis (17-β estradiol and progesterone secretion). Moreover, since oxidant–antioxidant balance plays a pivotal role in follicular function, redox status markers (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production, enzymatic and non-enzymatic scavenging activity) were studied. Our results show that Triclosan significantly inhibits cell growth (p < 0.001), steroidogenesis (p < 0.001), superoxide and nitric oxide production (p < 0.001), while it increases (p < 0.05) enzymatic defense systems. Collectively, these data suggest a disruption of the main granulosa cell functions, i.e., proliferation and hormone production, as well as an imbalance in redox status. On these bases, we can speculate that Triclosan would impair granulosa cell functions, thus exerting negative effects on reproductive function. Further studies are needed to explore lower Triclosan concentrations and to unravel its mechanisms of action at gene level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow models are usually evaluated at sites providing high-quality meteorological data, so that the uncertainty in the meteorological input data can be neglected when assessing model performances. However, high-quality input data are rarely available in mountain areas and, in practical applications, the meteorological forcing used to drive snow models is typically derived from spatial interpolation of the available in situ data or from reanalyses, whose accuracy can be considerably lower. In order to fully characterize the performances of a snow model, the model sensitivity to errors in the input data should be quantified. In this study we test the ability of six snow models to reproduce snow water equivalent, snow density and snow depth when they are forced by meteorological input data with gradually lower accuracy. The SNOWPACK, GEOTOP, HTESSEL, UTOPIA, SMASH and S3M snow models are forced, first, with high-quality measurements performed at the experimental site of Torgnon, located at 2160 m a.s.l. in the Italian Alps (control run). Then, the models are forced by data at gradually lower temporal and/or spatial resolution, obtained by (i) sampling the original Torgnon 30 min time series at 3, 6, and 12 h, (ii) spatially interpolating neighbouring in situ station measurements and (iii) extracting information from GLDAS, ERA5 and ERA-Interim reanalyses at the grid point closest to the Torgnon site. Since the selected models are characterized by different degrees of complexity, from highly sophisticated multi-layer snow models to simple, empirical, single-layer snow schemes, we also discuss the results of these experiments in relation to the model complexity. The results show that, when forced by accurate 30 min resolution weather station data, the single-layer, intermediate-complexity snow models HTESSEL and UTOPIA provide similar skills to the more sophisticated multi-layer model SNOWPACK, and these three models show better agreement with observations and more robust performances over different seasons compared to the lower-complexity models SMASH and S3M. All models forced by 3-hourly data provide similar skills to the control run, while the use of 6- and 12-hourly temporal resolution forcings may lead to a reduction in model performances if the incoming shortwave radiation is not properly represented. The SMASH model generally shows low sensitivity to the temporal degradation of the input data. Spatially interpolated data from neighbouring stations and reanalyses are found to be adequate forcings, provided that temperature and precipitation variables are not affected by large biases over the considered period. However, a simple bias-adjustment technique applied to ERA-Interim temperatures allowed all models to achieve similar performances to the control run. Regardless of their complexity, all models show weaknesses in the representation of the snow density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the paper is to show how, and how many, simulations carried out using the Land Surface Model UTOPIA (University of TOrino model of land Process Interaction with Atmosphere) are representative of the micro-meteorological conditions and exchange processes at the atmosphere/biosphere interface, with a particular focus on heat and hydrologic transfers, over an area of the Piemonte (Piedmont) region, NW Italy, which is characterized by the presence of many vineyards. Another equally important aim is to understand how much the quality of the simulation outputs was influenced by the input data, whose measurements are often unavailable for long periods over country areas at an hourly basis. Three types of forcing data were used: observations from an experimental campaign carried out during the 2008, 2009, and 2010 vegetative seasons in three vineyards, and values extracted from the freely available Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS, versions 2.0 and 2.1). Since GLDAS also contains the outputs of the simulations performed using the Land Surface Model NOAH, an additional intercomparison between the two models, UTOPIA and NOAH, both driven by the same GLDAS datasets, was performed. The intercomparisons were performed on the following micro-meteorological variables: net radiation, sensible and latent turbulent heat fluxes, and temperature and humidity of soil. The results of this study indicate that the methodology of employing land surface models driven by a gridded database to evaluate variables of micro-meteorological and agronomic interest in the absence of observations is suitable and gives satisfactory results, with uncertainties comparable to measurement errors, thus, allowing us to also evaluate some time trends. The comparison between GLDAS2.0 and GLDAS2.1 indicates that the latter generally produces simulation outputs more similar to the observations than the former, using both UTOPIA and NOAH models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An original model for the interpretation of the noise produced during the resistive transition of disordered granular superconductive films, induced by a slow temperature change, has been recently developed and tested on MgB2 films. Both the amplitude and frequency behavior of the noise power spectrum, simulated on the basis of this model, are in very good agreement with the experimental data, practically without the introduction of adjustable parameters. The model is based on the onset of correlated transitions of large sets of grains, forming resistive layers through the film cross-section area during the transition process. The strong non-linear behavior and correlation of the grains produces abrupt resistance variations, giving rise to the large noise, of the 1/f3 type, observed in experiments. Presently this model is tested under more general conditions, producing the resistive transition under an external magnetic field. The results show that the field reduces the grain critical current density but does not change the mechanism of the transition process. An alternative transition model, based on fiuxoids depinning and motion, which would produce a much lower, 1/f type transition noise, can thus be excluded by the present analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numerical crop growth model Italian Vineyard Integrated Numerical model for Estimating physiological values (IVINE) was developed in order to evaluate environmental forcing effects on vine growth. The IVINE model simulates vine growth processes with parameterizations, allowing the understanding of plant conditions at a vineyard scale. It requires a set of meteorology data and soil water status as boundary conditions. The primary model outputs are main phenological stages, leaf development, yield, and sugar concentration. The model requires setting some variety information depending on the cultivar: At present, IVINE is optimized for Vitis vinifera L. Nebbiolo, a variety grown mostly in the Piedmont region (northwestern Italy). In order to evaluate the model accuracy, IVINE was validated using experimental observations gathered in Piedmontese vineyards, showing performances similar or slightly better than those of other widely used crop models. The results of a sensitivity analysis performed to highlight the effects of the variations of air temperature and soil water potential input variables on IVINE outputs showed that most phenological stages anticipated with increasing temperatures, while berry sugar content saturated at about 25.5 °Bx. Long-term (60 years, in the period 1950–2009) simulations performed over a Piedmontese subregion showed statistically significant variations of most IVINE output variables, with larger time trend slopes referring to the most recent 30-year period (1980–2009), thus confirming that ongoing climate change started influencing Piedmontese vineyards in 1980. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural production is substantially affected by weather variability, and recently threatened by climate change. Despite its good resistance to adverse meteorological conditions, this is true also for vineyard. Thus, it is fundamental to understand how and how much meteorology and climate influence crop (grape) productivity and quality. In the frame of a multiannual collaborative project between privates and academy, the numerical crop growth model VICMOTO (VIneyard Crop MOdel of university of TOrino) has been recently developed in order to answer part of the question. Specifically, the goal was to evaluate the effects of micrometeorological conditions on vine growth and grape quality. VICMOTO, developed in FORTRAN language at the Department of Physics of the University of Torino, simulates physiological and phenological vineyard conditions during the vegetative season of vine plants, allowing the knowledge of microscale plant processes and their responses to environmental forcing. In particular, the main model outputs are the predawn leaf water potential, the principal phenological phases, the leaf surface development, the plant yield, and the grape sugar concentration. Three experimental plots belonging to a vineyard located in the renowned wine zone of Barolo (a sub-region of the Langhe area, located in the Piedmont region, in NW Italy) has been selected and equipped with sensors located within and above vegetation, and in the soil, to monitor the main variables able to influence grape growth. In parallel, a specific advanced experimental campaign has been performed within the same vineyard during the 2016-2018 vegetative seasons, by directly measuring pheno-physiological variables. All data were used in part to feed the model as boundary conditions, and in part to calibrate and validate its outputs.The boundary meteorological conditions required by VICMOTO during the simulation are the following physical quantities: temperature and relative humidity of the air above the vegetation, solar global radiation, photosynthetically active radiation, soil temperature and water content in the root zone, wind speed and direction above the vegetation, rainfall, and leaf wetness. In addition to the geographical information, VICMOTO also requires some initial and boundary conditions related to vineyard and soil characteristics: soil texture, plant density, varietal characteristics, and vineyards management procedures. In this occasion, the main results of the intercomparison between in field measured data and simulated data will be presented and discussed, after a short introduction about the VICMOTO model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numerical crop growth model IVINE (Italian Vineyard Integrated Numerical model for Estimating physiological values) was developed at our Dept. of Physics in Fortran language as a research model in order to evaluate the environmental forcing effects on vine growth, being vines generally strongly sensitive to meteorological conditions, and with the idea of using it for assessing climate change effects on grape growth. IVINE model simulates physiological and phenological vineyard processes with physically based parameterizations of most important processes taking place into vineyards, allowing to understand plant conditions at the microscale. It requires a set of meteorological data as boundary conditions. The main model outputs are: predawn leaf water potential, main phenological stages, leaf development, yield, and sugar concentration. The model requires to set some experimental parameters depending on the cultivar; at present, IVINE is optimized for Nebbiolo grapevine, a variety cultivated mostly in Piedmont region (northwestern Italy), but currently we are implementing it also for other varieties. As a first step, we tested the IVINE accuracy in actual climatic conditions, by performing simulations in the third millennium. In particular, we validated IVINE using experimental observations gathered in different Piedmontese vineyards in which some in-field measurements were performed. The results show performances similar or slightly better than those of other widely used crop models, thus increasing our confidence in the model reliability. We performed also a sensitivity analysis to highlight the effects of the variations of some input parameters on IVINE outputs. Among all, air temperature and soil moisture potential input variables were considered, as the most important ones. The results showed that most phenological phases decrease with increasing temperatures, while berry sugar content saturates at about 25.5 °Bx. Here, the main results of the sensitivity test and of the validation will be presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aural hematoma is a common pathological condition in veterinary practice with a high incidence rate in dogs. Drainage, corticosteroid injections, and surgical approaches represent the common treatments in these clinical cases. However, surgery leaves visible signs and is usually correlated with recurrence, scars, and deformation of the treated pinna. For this reason, more effective and less invasive methods have been proposed over the years. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the most promising options due to its pro-regenerative properties and capability to modulate the inflammatory state. The present work reports 12 cases of canine aural hematoma treated with PRP. The PRP treatment was combined with an ultrasound evaluation of the pinna to detect and treat all involved septa. The results show that relatively large volumes (2 mL) of PRP associated with an ultrasound guide are safe and efficacious in the treatment of canine aural hematoma requiring a maximum of two infiltrations, both in acute and chronic conditions. All the patients recovered their normal ear thickness (compared with the controlateral one) without relapses, averaging 38.5 days from their first treatment (10-90 days; SD: 24.7). The key role of PRP combined with a tailored diagnosis process carried out by the veterinarian, which included using an ultrasound system and the proper bandage, suggests that this approach may represent a valid alternative to surgery and corticosteroids.

Triclosan is a chlorinated biphenolic with a broad spectrum of antiseptic activities used in cosmetics and hygiene products. Continuous exposure can lead to absorption and bioaccumulation of this substance with harmful health effects. In fact, previous studies have shown that Triclosan acts as an endocrine-disrupting chemical on reproductive organs, with consequent negative effects on reproductive physiology. Therefore, to assess potential adverse impacts on fertility, we tested Triclosan on swine granulosa cells, a model of endocrine reproductive cells. We examined its effects on the main features of granulosa cell functions such as cell growth (BrdU incorporation and ATP production) and steroidogenesis (17-β estradiol and progesterone secretion). Moreover, since oxidant−antioxidant balance plays a pivotal role in follicular function, redox status markers (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide production, enzymatic and non-enzymatic scavenging activity) were studied. Our results show that Triclosan significantly inhibits cell growth (p < 0.001), steroidogenesis (p < 0.001), superoxide and nitric oxide production (p < 0.001), while it increases (p < 0.05) enzymatic defense systems. Collectively, these data suggest a disruption of the main granulosa cell functions, i.e., proliferation and hormone production, as well as an imbalance in redox status. On these bases, we can speculate that Triclosan would impair granulosa cell functions, thus exerting negative effects on reproductive function. Further studies are needed to explore lower Triclosan concentrations and to unravel its mechanisms of action at gene level.