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The aim of this study was to assess the changes of pro-inflammatory interleukins in 10 horses subjected to road transport practices (distance of 150 km) from the training site (Messina, Sicily) to the competition centre in Syracuse (Sicily). Blood sampling and interleukins analysis were performed during a round trip transportation (transport 1 and transport 2). In particular, blood samples were collected before the transport took place (Pre), five minutes later (Post) and one hour later (Post 1 h), for each transport, in order to assess the serum concentration of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6. The results showed that the serum concentration of IL-1α decreased at Post and Post 1 h compared to the values obtained at rest condition (P < 0.05). The other interleukins analysed (i.e. IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6) showed increased levels at Post than Rest and Post 1 h in transport 1 (P < 0.05). In transport 2 the analysed parameters showed no change throughout the analysed time points (P > 0.05); however, higher levels of IL-1α at Pre and higher IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6 values at Post were found in transport 1 than transport 2 (P < 0.05). The increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines after transport 1 suggests the triggering of the inflammatory event and this may show that, although horses are animals accustomed to transport, this is a stressful event that could activate the well-orchestrated inflammation cascade, albeit physiological and temporary, as highlighted by the lower serum concentrations of the investigated interleukins found in transport 1 than transport 2 and by the lack of significant differences in the serum concentrations of the investigated interleukins among the time points of transport 2. It must be taken into account that enrolled animals are well-trained and healthy athletic horses participating to a jumper competition, thus, such inflammation did not occur thanks to a good balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines which allowed a prompt restoration of homeostasis eventually impaired by the stressful event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the change of white blood cell count, serum concentration of cortisol, C-reactive protein, albumin and globulin fractions in horse after road transport, and to assess the linkage among hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) and inflammatory reaction. From 10 horses blood samples were collected at rest, before road transport (218 km) (BT); after unloaded (AT), 30 and 60 min after unloaded (AT30 and AT60) in order to assess white blood cell count (WBC), serum cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), total proteins, albumin, α1-, α-2, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins. WBC, cortisol, CRP, α1-, α-2 and β2-globulins values increased after road transport than rest condition (p < 0.001). Albumin and A/G ratio showed lower values after road transport than rest (p < 0.001). Pearson's test showed a negative correlation between cortisol and the values of WBC, CRP, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- globulins, and a positive correlation between WBC and serum concentration of CRP, α1- and α2-, β1-, β2-globulins at AT and AT30. The results showed that road transport evokes an inflammatory like-status in horses. Moreover, the activation of HPA and the onset of acute phase reaction in response to road transport seem to be interconnected with effects on horse's immune status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study had a purpose to evaluate the seasonal biodistribution of some trace elements (cadmium, Cd; Lead, Pb; chrome, Cr; and mercury, Hg) in different tissues (muscle, gills, liver, stomach, and intestine) of striped mullet Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the hematological and biochemical responses of this species to aquatic pollution by trace metals. For this purpose, 80 M. cephalus (20 for each season) were captured in three different stations of Faro Lake, Messina, Sicily. Biometric indices (weight, fork length, and total length) of each fish were registered. The physico-chemical parameters of the water of the study area were also measured, and the content of trace elements in water and sediment was determined. The hematological (white blood cell, WBC; red blood cell, RBC; hemoglobin concentration, Hb; hematocrit, Hct; mean corpuscular volume, MCV; mean corpuscular hemoglobin, MCH; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, MCHC; thrombocytes count, TC), biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, AST; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; alkaline phosphatase, ALP; lactate dehydrogenase, LDH), and the seasonal concentration of the trace elements in the different tissues of M. cephalus were assessed. Our results showed a different biodistribution of the trace elements in M. cephalus and significant variations of the blood parameters in the different seasons. This research provides a valid contribute to environmental biomonitoring techniques useful in aquatic pollution control and water management. It also contributes to broadening the studies on the improvement of the health and sustainability of aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional techniques for food analysis are based on off-line laboratory methods that are expensive and time-consuming and often require qualified personnel. Despite the high standards of accuracy and metrological traceability, these well-established methods do not facilitate real-time process monitoring and timely on-site decision-making as required for food safety and quality control. The future of food testing includes rapid, cost-effective, portable, and simple methods for both qualitative screening and quantification of food contaminants, as well as continuous, real-time measurement in production lines. Process automatization through process analytical technologies (PAT) is an increasing trend in the food industry as a way to achieve improved product quality, safety, and consistency, reduced production cycle times, minimal product waste or reworks, and the possibility for real-time product release. Novel methods of analysis for point-of-need (PON) screening could greatly improve food testing by allowing non-experts, such as consumers, to test in situ food products using portable instruments, smartphones, or even visual naked-eye inspections, or farmers and small producers to monitor products in the field. This requires the attention of the research community and devices manufacturers to ensure reliability of measurement results from PAT strategy and PON tests through the demonstration and critical evaluation of performance characteristics. The fitness for purpose of methods in real-life conditions is a priority that should not be overlooked in order to maintain an effective and harmonized food safety policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate some physiological parameters as total locomotor activity and subcutaneous temperature in two different bovine breeds under tropical environment. In this study, total locomotor activity and subcutaneous temperature were evaluated in 18 clinically healthy female cows. All cows were divided into 3 groups: group A1 was constituted by 6 Holstein Bos taurus, group A2 was constituted by 6 female Herford Bos taurus cows, and group B was constituted by 6 female Bradford Bos indicus cows. Data recording of total locomotor activity (TLA) and subcutaneous temperature (ST) was performed by means of a subcutaneous thermometer (Thermocron) and an actimeter ACTIWATCH® (Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd.) based on accelerometer technologies equipped on all subjects to record TLA. At the same time, thermal and hygrometric recording were carried out, considering the subtropical climate of Santa Fe. The application of GLM for statistical analysis showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) on statistical model and time of the day on TLA and ST for all groups; no significative effects on animal parameters were found for ST and TLA except for group B. Circadian parameters have been evaluated according to the single cosinor procedure of ST that showed a diurnal daily rhythmicity for all investigated groups and TLA which is focused almost during the photophase for groups A1 and A2 and during scotophase for group B. Considering different species and breeds, and different environmental conditions, this study suggested that some subjects may be much more able to adapt themselves to environmental stress than others. During their evolution from Bos taurus, zebu cattle (Bos indicus) have acquired genes that confer thermotolerance. Subjects from Bos indicus breeds are better able to regulate body temperature in response to heat stress than Bos taurus subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoregulation is an important mechanism to ensure thermal homeostasis. In horses, different housing conditions could influence this mechanism by exposing animals to different microclimates. The circadian rhythm of body temperature is well known. For this reason, we wanted to investigate the daily rhythm of cutaneous (jugular, shoulder, inner thigh and croup) temperature in comparison to rectal temperature in athletic horses kept under two different housing conditions. Ten clinically healthy Italian Saddle horses were divided into two equal groups: the first group was housed in individual boxes, and the second group was kept in paddocks. In all horses, rectal and cutaneous temperature measurements were performed every 4 h for 48 consecutive hours during different seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter), respectively, by means of digital and infrared thermometers. Ambient temperature, relative humidity and ventilation were recorded simultaneously. A general linear model (GLM) was applied to the recorded temperature values displaying a significant effect of season, time of day, site of recording and housing condition (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were found between the two days of monitoring (p = 0.49). A trigonometric statistical model (single cosinor method) was applied to investigate the circadian rhythm of rectal and cutaneous temperatures in the two different groups. Our results showed circadian rhythmicity of rectal temperature during all seasons and in both groups. Cutaneous temperature shows daily rhythmicity that was different in the various regions and was influenced by housing conditions and seasons. Application of GLM also showed a statistically significant effect of season and site of recording (p < 0.0001) on all circadian parameters and of management condition on amplitude and robustness (p < 0.0001). No statistical differences between the two days of monitoring were observed (p = 0.68). These findings are probably due to the animals' thermoregulatory mechanisms ensuring heat exchange between the body and the environment, and that was influenced by the microclimate. In particular, the microclimate influenced the thermodispersion disrupting the daily rhythmicity of some body regions, in horses kept in boxes. Only the temperate climatic conditions observed in summer guarantee the expression of the daily rhythmicity of all body surfaces in both management conditions. These results contribute to the knowledge of the mechanisms of homeostasis and control of body temperature in the athletic horse kept in different housing conditions, with a chronophysiological interpretation that completes the proper management of thermal well-being in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy is a rapid qualitative and quantitative technique that allows the simultaneous determination of several components in biological fluids. This methodology concerns an alternative technique to distinguish between non-healthy and healthy subjects. Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis of world interest, the most important agent is L. infantum. Dogs are the principal reservoirs affected by a broad spectrum of clinical features. During a clinical exam, blood samples were collected in tubes without anticoagulants, from twenty two dogs. One aliquot was used for serological test for Leishmaniasis, one aliquot was subjected to the Raman spectroscopic analysis. Animals were divided into two groups of equal subjects, Leishmania group (LG) constituted by infected dogs, and control group (CG) constituted by healthy dogs. The acquired spectra were different in the region 1200–1370 cm−1, in which it is possible to distinguish the amide III vibration (~ 1300 cm−1). In LG, an evident shift to the shortwave region is observed in spectral frequencies of the band centered at ~ 1250 cm−1. Our results distinguished between LD group and CG. Further studies are necessary to exclude the effect of metabolic modification due to disease on the recorded spectra changes and to consolidate the achievability of Raman spectroscopy as rapid and less expensive diagnosis of Leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is achieved in 15–30% of cases. Our aim was to implement and externally validate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics pipeline to predict response to treatment and to investigate the impact of manual and automatic segmentations on the radiomics models. Methods: Ninety-five patients with stage II/III LARC who underwent multiparametric MRI before chemoradiotherapy and surgical treatment were enrolled from three institutions. Patients were classified as responders if tumour regression grade was 1 or 2 and nonresponders otherwise. Sixty-seven patients composed the construction dataset, while 28 the external validation. Tumour volumes were manually and automatically segmented using a U-net algorithm. Three approaches for feature selection were tested and combined with four machine learning classifiers. Results: Using manual segmentation, the best result reached an accuracy of 68% on the validation set, with sensitivity 60%, specificity 77%, negative predictive value (NPV) 63%, and positive predictive value (PPV) 75%. The automatic segmentation achieved an accuracy of 75% on the validation set, with sensitivity 80%, specificity 69%, and both NPV and PPV 75%. Sensitivity and NPV on the validation set were significantly higher (p = 0.047) for the automatic versus manual segmentation. Conclusion: Our study showed that radiomics models can pave the way to help clinicians in the prediction of tumour response to chemoradiotherapy of LARC and to personalise per-patient treatment. The results from the external validation dataset are promising for further research into radiomics approaches using both manual and automatic segmentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outlook on the current status of different strategies for magnetic micro- and nanosized bead functionalization with aptamers as prominent bioreceptors is given with a focus on electrochemical and optical apta-assays, as well as on aptamer-modified magnetic bead–based miniaturized extraction techniques in food control. Critical aspects that affect interaction of aptamers with target molecules, as well as the possible side effects caused by aptamer interaction with other molecules due to non-specific binding, are discussed. Challenges concerning the real potential and limitations of aptamers as bioreceptors when facing analytical problems in food control are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glymphatic system is a network of perivascular spaces that promotes movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the brain and clearance of metabolic waste. This fluid transport system is supported by the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) localized to vascular endfeet of astrocytes. The glymphatic system is more effective during sleep, but whether sleep timing promotes glymphatic function remains unknown. We here show glymphatic influx and clearance exhibit endogenous, circadian rhythms peaking during the mid-rest phase of mice. Drainage of CSF from the cisterna magna to the lymph nodes exhibits daily variation opposite to glymphatic influx, suggesting distribution of CSF throughout the animal depends on time-of-day. The perivascular polarization of AQP4 is highest during the rest phase and loss of AQP4 eliminates the day-night difference in both glymphatic influx and drainage to the lymph nodes. We conclude that CSF distribution is under circadian control and that AQP4 supports this rhythm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the light-switch behaviour of two head-to-tail expanded bipyridinium species as a function of their interaction with calf thymus DNA and polynucleotides. In particular, both DNA and polynucleotides containing exclusively adenine or guanine moieties quench the luminescence of the fused expanded bipyridinium species. This behaviour has been rationalized demonstrating that a reductive photoinduced electron transfer process takes place involving both adenine or guanine moieties. The charge separated state so produced recombines in the tens of picoseconds. These results could help in designing new organic substrates for application in DNA probing technology and lab on chip-based sensing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of recovery efficacy of the system "BioFilm Membrane BioReactor" (BF-MBR), in the treatment of oily contaminated seawaters. To this aim, we proposed a multidisciplinary approach that integrates traditional chemical-physical measures together with the assessment on biological sentinel Mytilus galloprovincialis, maintained in a medium-scale artificial system named mesocosm. The setup included: (1) a mesocosm consisting of uncontaminated seawater; (2) a mesocosm composed of an untreated oily wastewater discharge; and (3) a mesocosm receiving the same oily wastewater previously treated by a BF-MBR pilot scale plant. The multidisciplinary approach that included traditional chemical measures on mesocosms together with the evaluation of morphological organization, mRNA expression of those genes involved in cellular stress response, immunohistochemistry and metabolomic analysis on mussel tissues, was able to provide a robust and holistic evidence of how the proposed treatment is able to reduce the overall impact of oily wastewater discharges on the marine ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In aquatic environments, hypoxia and oxygen-deficient areas are increasing worldwide. Transitions in oxygen levels can influence the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), eventually leading to oxidative stress. The transcriptional response of oxidative stress biomarkers was evaluated by qPCR in gill tissue from Mytilus galloprovincialis experimentally subjected to 48-h air exposure followed by 48-h re-oxygenation, as compared to normoxic control mussels. S uperoxide dismutases ( CuZnsod and Mnsod), catalase ( cat), and glutathione S-transferase ( gst) were over-expressed early after 8-h air exposure and returned to normoxic levels during re-oxygenation. Moreover, the mRNAs and protein expression patterns of heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP90) and metallothioneins (MT-10 and MT-20) were modulated by oxygen availability with increased levels during re-oxygenation suggesting the participation of these cytoprotective mechanisms in the physiological oxidative stress response when oxygen concentration was restored. Overall, the observed modulation of the oxidative stress-related and general stress genes indicates that M. galloprovincialis responds to changes in oxygen availability enhancing the antioxidant potential under low oxygen conditions for dealing with the oxidative burst during future re-oxygenation. The present investigation brings further insights in understanding how intertidal molluscs cope with short-term oxygen variations and gives useful biomarkers for environmental monitoring of hypoxic areas that are predicted to occur in the next future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that assessed college course grade gaps among Hispanic and Black students as compared to White students to determine contributing factors to such gaps. Topics include regression analysis of course grade data of Colorado State University (CSU)-Pueblo students in general education mathematics, chemistry and biology and scores in American College Testing (ACT). Results showed the adverse effect of college environment and student behavior on academic performance.

Preconditioning (PC) is an adaptive response to a mild and transient oxidative stress, shown for the first time in myocardial cells and not described in erythrocytes so far. The possible adaptation of human erythrocytes to hydrogen peroxide (HO)-induced oxidative stress has been here verified by monitoring one of band 3 protein functions, i.e., Cl/HCO exchange, through rate constant for SO uptake measurement. With this aim, erythrocytes were exposed to a mild and transient oxidative stress (30 min to either 10 or 100 μM HO), followed by a stronger oxidant condition (300- or, alternatively, 600-μM HO treatment). SO uptake was measured by a turbidimetric method, and the possible role of catalase (CAT, significantly contributing to the anti-oxidant system in erythrocytes) in PC response has been verified by measuring the rate of HO degradation. The preventive exposure of erythrocytes to 10 μM HO, and then to 300 μM HO, significantly ameliorated the rate constant for SO uptake with respect to 300 μM HO alone, showing thus an adaptive response to oxidative stress. Our results show that (i) SO uptake measurement is a suitable model to monitor the effects of a mild and transient oxidative stress in human erythrocytes, (ii) band 3 protein anion exchange capability is retained after 10 μM HO treatment, (iii) PC response induced by the 10 μM HO pretreatment is clearly detected, and (iv) PC response, elicited by low-concentrated HO, is mediated by CAT enzyme and does not involve band 3 protein tyrosine phosphorylation pathways. Erythrocyte adaptation to a short-term oxidative stress may serve as a basis for future studies about the impact of more prolonged oxidative events, often associated to aging, drug consumption, chronic alcoholism, hyperglycemia, or neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first competitive disposable amperometric immunosensor based on gliadin-functionalized carbon/nanogold screen-printed electrodes was developed for rapid determination of celiotoxic prolamins. To date, no competitive spectrophotometric or electrochemical immunoassays have yet been successfully applied to gluten detection in processed food samples, which require the use of complex prolamin extraction solutions containing additives with denaturing, reducing and disaggregating functions. Thus, in this work, great effort was put into the optimization and performance evaluation of the immunosensor in terms of suitability as a screening tool for analysis of cereal-based food samples. For this purpose, aqueous ethanol or complex extraction mixtures, as the patented Cocktail Solution®, were proved effective in the extraction of gliadin. Good sensitivity was achieved after optimization of the immunocompetitive assay, giving limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 8 and 22 ng/ml of gliadin, respectively, for ethanol extracts. The immunosensor was proved to be suitable also for samples extracted with Cocktail Solution® after a proper dilution. Analysis of real samples of different flours proved the suitability of the immunosensing device as a powerful tool for safety assessment of raw materials used for the formulation of dietary products for celiac disease patients. This immunosensor combines good analytical performance using a very simplified set-up protocol with suitability for rapid screening analysis performed using inexpensive and portable instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduced goby Padogobius bonelli has established abundant populations in the River Tiber basin (Central Italy) and its expansion coincided with the decrease of the endemic P. nigricans. P. bonelli exhibits a more aggressive behaviour than P. nigricans, but other biological attributes may advance its colonization success. To test this hypothesis, some reproductive parameters (gonado-somatic index, age at maturity, egg size, absolute and relative fecundity) of a long-time established non-native population of P. bonelli were analysed and compared to a population from the native area as well as to those of P. nigricans inhabiting the same river. As a result, no differences between non-native and native populations of P. bonelli were observed. On the contrary, non-native P. bonelli showed higher values of gonado-somatic index for both sexes, a more protracted spawning season and produced a greater number of eggs than P. nigricans. These results indicated a greater reproductive output of P. bonelli that can enhance its invasion process and favour the expansion outside of its native range, causing further decline of P. nigricans populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildcats are endangered felid species living in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Regrettably, scientific information on parasites of wildcats is particularly meager and they often rely on data gained by necropsies of a small number of animals. In the present study, scat collection was used to assess the parasite spectrum of European wildcats living in the Etna Park (Sicily, Italy). Scat collection was performed from May to September 2010 by weekly walking four transects for a total of 391 km. Samples were then analyzed by flotation and sedimentation techniques to investigate wildcat parasitic fauna. A total of 121 scats of wildcats were collected, and parasitic forms (i.e., oocysts, eggs, and larvae) were retrieved in 110 (90.9 %) of the samples. Parasites found were Physaloptera sp. (52.1 %), tapeworms (45.5 %), Toxocara cati (43.8 %), Eucoleus aerophilus (27.3 %), Ancylostoma sp. (22.3 %), Troglostrongylus brevior (15.7 %), trematodes (9.9 %), Isospora felis (4.1 %), Cylicospirura sp. (1.7 %), and Acanthocephala (0.8 %). The prevalence of endoparasitic infections herein recorded is similar to that described in other studies conducted using necropsy technique. The species richness of parasites found in the present survey, with a total of nine helminths and one protozoon, is the highest ever reported for wildcat in Europe. Scat collection and examination are reliable and rapid non-invasive tools which can be used in a systematic survey design to study the parasite spectrum of wildcat as well as that of other endangered wild species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic organisms experience environmental hypoxia as a result of eutrophication and naturally occurring tidal cycles. Mytilus galloprovincialis, being an anoxic/hypoxic-tolerant bivalve, provides an excellent model to investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating oxygen sensing. Across the animal kingdom, inadequacy in oxygen supply is signalled predominantly by hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) and Hif-prolyl hydroxylases (PHD). In this study, hif- α 5′-end and partial phd mRNA sequences from M. galloprovincialis were obtained. Phylogenetic and molecular characterization of both HIF-α and PHD putative proteins showed shared key features with the respective orthologues from animals strongly suggesting their crucial involvement in the highly conserved oxygen sensing pathway. Both transcripts displayed a tissue-specific distribution with prominent expression in gills. Quantitative gene expression analysis of hif- α and phd mRNAs from gills of M. galloprovincialis demonstrated that both these key sensors are transcriptionally modulated by oxygen availability during the short-time air exposure and subsequent re-oxygenation treatments proving that they are critical players of oxygen-sensing mechanisms in mussels. Remarkably, hif- α gene expression showed a prompt and transient response suggesting the precocious implication of this transcription factor in the early phase of the adaptive response to hypoxia in Mytilus. HIF-α and PHD proteins were modulated in a time-dependent manner with trends comparable to mRNA expression patterns, thus suggesting a central role of their transcriptional regulation in the hypoxia tolerance strategies in marine bivalves. These results provide molecular information about the effects of oxygen deficiency and identify hypoxia-responsive biomarker genes in mussels applicable in ecotoxicological studies of natural marine areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arno goby Padogobius nigricans is an endemic species to Central Italy. The populations of this species are in sharp decline due to habitat modifications and potentially competition with Padanian goby Padogobius bonelli, an endemic species to Northern Italy, introduced in some watercourses of Central Italy. The purposes of this paper were to analyze dietary composition of the two species, determine the degree of overlap in their diets and investigate the feeding ecology of P. nigricans in terms of absence and presence of the alien species. Specimens were collected from the Aggia River, a tributary of Tiber River. Gut contents were analyzed and prey items were identified to the lowest recognizable taxa and counted. All the obtained results showed that P. nigricans and P. bonelli in the Aggia River share a similar diet. Both species fed extensively on Chironomids and no statistically significant ontogenetic changes in feeding habits were found. A high degree of diet overlap was observed. Diet of P. nigricans and P. bonelli also included fish and where the species live in syntopy, individuals belonging to Padogobius genus were found in stomach, suggesting that mutual predation may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oslerus rostratus syn. Anafilaroides rostratus (Strongylida: Filaroididae) is a metastrongyloid transmitted by snails, which localizes in peri-bronchial tissues and in the lung parenchyma of wild as well as domestic cats. In Europe, this nematode has been reported only on two occasions, being diagnosed in cats from Majorca Island and in northern Spain. Here, we describe a case of O. rostratus infection in a necropsied 4-year-old cat in Sicily (southern Italy). At the inspection of lungs, slender and greyish nematodes (four females and two males) were found embedded in the peri-bronchial tissues and in the bronchial walls. Parasites were morphological and molecularly identified as O. rostratus, with their 18S sequences being identical among them and showing a high homology (99 %) with those available in public databases. At the histology, nematodes were encapsulated in a pseudo-cystic formation surrounded by an interstitial inflammatory process and fibrous tissue. Lung lesions were mainly represented by peri-luminal fibrosis, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the bronchial mucosa and glands, respectively. This first record of O. rostratus infection from Italy indicates that this parasite should be included in the differential diagnosis of feline of lungworm infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey on Cercopithifilaria spp. was carried out on owned and kennelled dogs in Sardinia, Italy. A total of 180 dogs were sampled and tested by microscopic detection or PCR of dermal microfilariae in skin snip sediments. The overall prevalence for Cercopithifilaria spp. at both microscopy and molecular tests was 9.4 % (17/180), while 8.3 % (15/180) of dogs scored positive at microscopic detection of sediments only. Of the 225 microfilariae measured, 212 were identified as Cercopithifilaria bainae and the remaining as Cercopithifilaria sp. II. All samples were molecularly processed for specific amplification of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 ( cox1) and ribosomal 12S gene fragments. The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis of the cox1 and 12S sequences here obtained showed a high nucleotide similarity (99 and 100 %, respectively) with those of C. bainae available in GenBank. In particular, cox1 haplotype I (HI; n= 14), haplotype HXVIII ( n= 2), and a new haplotype, named HXIX ( n= 1), differing for a single polymorphism from HI, were detected. This study reports data on the occurrence, distribution, and genetic makeup of C. bainae and Cercopithifilaria sp. II infesting dogs in Sardinia, suggesting that these filarioids are spread in areas where Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the developments of non-invasive and reliable methods for the diagnosis of carcinogenic and autoimmune diseases. It reveals that existing biomarkers such as nucleic acids, proteins and hormones have not gained 100 percent sensitivity and specificity. It emphasizes on the identification of new biomarkers based on omics technique that will provide complete genome sequence.

The existence of daily rhythmicity of serum total proteins, their fractions and some biochemical parameters in healthy cows (group A) and in cows affected by Brucella abortus (group B) was assessed in order to clarify the role of circadian timing processes in healthy and disease in cows. On each subject, blood samples were collected, every 4 h over a 24-h period, starting at 12:00 on day 1 and finishing at 12:00 on day 2, via intravenous cannulas inserted into the jugular vein. On all samples, serum total proteins and their fractions (α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins), gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine and urea were assessed. The application of one-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of time of day in group A only on creatinine and urea. In group B, a significant effect of the time of day was observed on total proteins, albumin, β-globulins, GGT, creatinine and urea. Daily rhythmicity was exhibited by creatinine and urea in healthy cow. Whereas, daily rhythmicity of total proteins, albumin, β-globulins, GGT, creatinine and urea was observed in cows affected by B. abortus. Our results improve the knowledge about changes of circadian system during pathological events in dairy cow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new amperometric immunosensor for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene based on the working principle of competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed and characterised. An electrodeposited nanogold substrate was functionalised by deposition of self-assembled monolayers of 2-aminoethanethiol as linkers for the subsequent immobilisation of polyamidoaminic dendrimers. Our approach makes use of those dendrimers to anchor a trinitrobenzene-ovalbumin conjugate on the electrode surface. The immunosensor was tested and validated for the determination of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene showing high selectivity with respect to other nitroaromatic compounds, a limit of detection of 4.8 ng/mL and a limit of quantitation of 6 ng/mL. The immunosensor was tested for the quantification of the analyte in spiked soils and in a real sample of post-blast soil, evidencing a good recovery rate (113 %). [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal variations of the level of serum total proteins and their electrophoretic fractions in dairy cows, living in the Mediterranean area, were investigated. During different physiological phases, ten dairy cows were housed in a sheltered pen in Sicily (Italy). Throughout the experimental period, ambient temperature and relative humidity were continuously recorded with a data logger and temperature humidity index values were determined. Blood samples were collected every 30 days for 1 year (12 months). Total proteins were assessed by means of a spectrophotometer and electrophoresis was performed using a semiautomated AGE system. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance ANOVA was applied to determine the effect of time (physiological phase) during the 12 months of monitoring and P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Using Cosinor rhythmometry, three rhythmic parameters were determined: mesor (mean level) with the confidence interval (CI) at the 95%, amplitude (half the range of oscillation) and acrophase ( Φ, time of peak) with the confidence interval (CI) at 95%. After the application of the Cosinor rhythmometry, α-, β- and γ- globulins showed a seasonal rhythmicity. In conclusion, these results shed light on the composition of serum proteins of cows during a 1-year study and allowed us to delineate a serum pattern during physiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecularly imprinted polymer with trinitrotoluene as the template molecule was synthesized and used as the novel coating for solid-phase microextraction of the nitroaromatic explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene for its selective determination. The fiber was characterized in terms of coating thickness, morphology, intra- and inter-batch repeatability and extraction efficiency. An average thickness of 50 ± 4 μm with a uniform distribution of the coating was obtained. Good performances of the developed procedure in term of both intra-batch and inter-batch repeatability with relative standard deviations <8% were obtained. Finally, detection and quantitation limits in the low nanogram per kilogram levels were achieved proving the superior extraction capability of the developed coating, obtaining gas chromatography-mass spectrometry responses about two times higher than those achieved using commercial devices. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of calcium, chloride, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, in sheep and goats, during 12 months. The experimental subjects were six female sheep (Valle del Belice breed; aged 4 ± 1 years; mean weight, 68 ± 6 kg) and six female goats (Maltese breed; aged 3 ± 1 years; mean weight, 45 ± 3 kg). All subjects were clinically healthy and not pregnant nor lactating before and during the study. Blood samples were collected every 30 days at the same time (09:00) for 1 year (12 months). On the obtained sera, calcium, chloride, phosphorus, and magnesium were assessed by means of UV spectrophotometry; sodium and potassium were assessed by means of semiautomatic flame photometry. The application of the periodic model and statistical analysis of the cosinor procedure demonstrated seasonal rhythms of calcium, chloride, and sodium only in goats. Calcium showed the acrophase during the spring season, whereas the sodium and chloride serum values showed a seasonal rhythm with the acrophase in early summer. Our study sheds light on the seasonal difference existing between sheep and goats and provides useful information in livestock productions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess the relationship between blood gas profile and athletic performance after a specific training programme, six clinically healthy Italian saddle horses were used. Each animal was subjected to an adaptation period constituted by horse walker exercise, followed by a training programme for 3 months. In the last day of each month, all horses were subjected to a standardized exercise test (SET), consisting of 15 min of treadmill. On blood samples collected by means of a jugular venipuncture at rest, immediately after each SET and after 15 min, pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO), partial pressure of oxygen (pO), haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb) and hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO) were assessed by means of a selective ion analyser. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni's test, showed a significant effect of training on pH, pO, pCO, Hct and Hb. No statistically significant differences were observed among SETs 1, 2 and 3. Our results showed that physiological alterations in blood gas profile due to training exercise are common in horses. These changes are useful to assess the current status of an athlete and the degree of training adaptability, providing an opportunity to modify the training schedule accordingly to achieve the desired performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Equidae and investigate the possibility of exposure to the organism in Sicily (Southern Italy). During the study blood samples were collected in horses and donkeys housed in five of the nine provinces of Sicilian Island. Of 133 horses and 100 donkeys tested, respectively 9.0% and 6.0% were seroactive (IFAT) with A. phagocytophilum antigen. In only 4.7% of the horses, specific A. phagocytophilum DNA was recorded; in donkey, Anaplasma DNA was not found. Our results indicate a low prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in Sicilian equids. This condition does not justify the exclusion of equids from prophylactic plans for this multihost pathogen infection, a zoonosis with a wide distribution in other European countries. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the possible mechanisms that involve the Equidae as host of this pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862; Diptera: Sarcophagidae), known also as flesh fly or screwworm, is a fly distributed especially in south Europe, Middle East, North Africa and China. Maggots of W. magnifica are responsible for traumatic myiasis in warm-blooded vertebrate animals and humans. In Italy data on wohlfahrtiosis in animals and humans are scant. This paper reports three cases of genital myiasis by W. magnifica in Sicily that occurred in a goat, a ram and a dog, respectively. Maggots were found in the vulva of a goat, in a wound localised in the scrotum of a ram and in the prepuce of a dog. Although the disease was not recorded before in the region, data collected from a questionnaire specifically designed for the study suggest that the disease is endemic in the area for more than 20 years. Larger epidemiological studies in the region are needed to get more data on disease prevalence and pattern of infestation as well as more information and education is needed for both farmers and veterinarians on wohlfahrtiosis and its strategies of control and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrocortisone on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in horse. The study was carried out on 35 healthy horses of various breeds and gender. On all horses, citrated blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture to assess platelet aggregation. On all samples, platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma were prepared by centrifugation and divided into two different aliquots. On the first aliquot, platelet aggregation was determined after platelet activating with 1 and 0.5 μM ADP (group A). On the last one, the effect of 20-min preincubation with hydrocortisone in ADP-induced aggregation was determined at final ADP concentrations of 1 and 0.5 μM (group B). By means of an aggregometer, the platelet response was quantitated as maximum degree of platelet aggregation and initial velocity of platelet aggregation. All data were analyzed using unpaired Student's t test. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The obtained results showed a statistically significant effect of hydrocortisone on both the maximum degree of platelet aggregation and the slope of platelet aggregation at the two final concentrations of ADP used. These results are compatible with the possibility that the vessel wall releases smooth muscle-relaxing prostaglandins when injured and that the inhibition of prostaglandin formation by hydrocortisone enhances hemostasis by allowing vasoconstriction to be maintained. Further investigations could be useful utilizing different concentrations of hydrocortisone in order to apply the knowledge of the effect of glucocorticoids on platelet aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood lactate concentrations are regularly used to assess the level of fitness in the athletic horse. The aim of this study was to compare the blood lactate concentrations during exercise of varying duration and intensity in horses. We used 145 horses of mixed gender, age, and breed. All the subjects were clinically healthy. They were divided into six groups based on the activities they were required to perform: jumpers, gallopers, trotters, trekking, treadmill, and swimming horses. A two-way ANOVA of blood lactate concentrations showed a statistically significant difference between gallopers and jumpers at rest. Immediately after exercise, trotters differed significantly from gallopers, trekking and jumpers, whereas 30 min after exercise, trotters differed only from gallopers and trekking horses. No significance was found for other groups. ANOVA showed a significant effect of time for jumpers and gallopers. Overall, trotters exhibited the lowest accumulation of lactate after exercise. We hypothesize that the lower velocity of trotting and the relative fast consumption of lactate in a fit horse are responsible for the difference between trotters and the other groups. The results obtained allow a scientific evaluation of the athletic potential of an individual horse and constitute an easy way to predict the horse's long-term performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new nematode species, Philometra spicarae sp. n. (Philometridae), is described from a gravid female found in the abdominal cavity of spicarel, Spicara smaris (Linnaeus) (Centracanthidae, Perciformes), from the Ionian Sea off Sicily, Italy. The new species differs from most other Philometra spp. parasitic in the abdominal cavity of marine fishes by the oesophagus without an anterior inflation, resembling thus only Philometra cheilopogoni Mordvinova, 1986 and Philometra justinei Moravec, Ternengo and Levron, 2006; these two species can be differentiated from P. spicarae by the relative length of the oesophagus to body length (0.6-0.8% vs. 6%) and some other features. From the gonad-infecting species Philometra filiformis (Stossich, 1896), a parasite of Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus), P. spicarae differs mainly in having a conspicuously long (1.4 mm) intestinal ligament. It is the first nominal philometrid species described from the fish of the family Centracanthidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate haematological and haematochemical responses to training and competition in standardbred horses. We investigated the modifications that occur in athletic horses during different workloads of training and after official competitions of 1,600 and 2,000 m. The study was carried out on 15 gelding clinically healthy horses. The animals were divided into three groups: group A, group B, and group C. All animals of group A were subjected to two training schedules with different workloads. Group B took part in a 1,600 m trot official competition, and group C took part in a 2,000 m trot official competition. Blood samples were collected from each animal at rest, after training/competition, and 60 min after the end of the physical exercise. On each subject of groups A, B, and C, red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets were recorded by means of a multiparametric automatic analyzer, and the concentrations of triglycerides, glucose, creatinine, urea, glutamate pyruvate transaminases, and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases were assessed with a spectrophotometer. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences. The results indicated that exercise had a significant effect on haematological and haematochemical parameters, the effect being proportional to the workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revolution in XX century physics, induced by relativity theories, had its roots within the electromagnetic conception of Nature. It was developed through a tradition related to Brunian and Leibnizian physics, to the German Naturphilosophie and English XIXth physics. The electromagnetic conception of Nature was in some way realized by the relativistic dynamics of Poincaré of . Einstein, on the contrary, after some years, linked relativistic dynamics to a semi-mechanist conception of Nature. He developed general relativity theory on the same ground, but Hilbert formulated it starting from the electromagnetic conception of Nature. Here, a comparison between these two conceptions is proposed in order to understand the conceptual foundations of special relativity within the context of the changing world views. The whole history of physics as well as history of science can be considered as a conflict among different worldviews. Every theory, as well as every different formulation of a theory implies a different worldview: a particular image of Nature implies a particular image of God (atheism too has a particular image of God) as well as of mankind and of their relationship. Thus, it is very relevant for scientific education to point out which image of Nature belongs to a particular formulation of a theory, which image comes to dominate and for which ideological reason. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Two species of Philometra Costa, 1845 (Nematoda: Philometridae), were, for the first time, recorded from fishes of the family Sparidae (porgies) from the Tyrrhenian Sea off Sicily, Italy: Philometra obladae sp. n. from the body cavity of the saddled seabream Oblada melanura (Linnaeus) and Philometra filiformis (Stossich, Boll Soc Adriat Sci Nat 17:121–136, 1896) from the gonads of the common pandora Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus). The new species (a single gravid female available) is characterised mainly by a large body (335 mm long, 3.4 mm wide), minute cephalic papillae (14 in number) arranged in two circles, a relatively short (1.29 mm) oesophagus with a distinct anterior inflation, a rounded caudal end without any projections and the length of larvae (549–600 μm) from the uterus. A key to species of Philometra with females located in the body cavity of marine and brackish-water fishes is given. Some new data on the female morphology of a little-known gonad-infecting species P. filiformis are provided; new observations revealed, for the first time in this species, the presence of lateral cephalic papillae and the absence of previously reported black intestinal corpuscles in the larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Between March 2003 and February 2007, the livers and the lungs of 2,231 horses from various Italian regions were examined for cystic echinococcosis presence at the time of slaughter. Hydatid cysts were found in six horses, namely four from Sardinia, one from Sicily, and one from Tuscany. The location, number, morphology, and fertility of the cysts found were determined. DNA was extracted from the germinal layers and protoscoleces of the fertile cysts and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed in order to strain type DNA isolates for reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and 12S partial genes. The PCR products were then purified and sequenced in forward and reverse. Hydatid materials obtained from positive animals were identified as Echinococcus granulosus s.s. (old G1, sheep strain) and Echinococcus equinus (old G4, horse strain) for ND1, CO1, and 12S partial genes. This allowed us to record the presence of the E. equinus in Italy for the first time with molecular tools and also to report new data on the epidemiological situation of this parasite in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract   Filaria martis causes a poorly known subcutaneous filariosis in mustelids. Few information is available about lesions that F. martis causes in beech martens, on its morphology, biology and the occurrence of the infection. From 1997 to 2006, 29 beech martens from two sites of southern Italy (Sites A and B) have been necropsied. Ectoparasites and nematodes were collected and morphologically identified. A variable region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of F. martis has been characterised to compare females presenting caudal tips smooth without spines (i.e. Morphotype 1—Mrph. 1) and with spines (i.e. Mrph. 2). All ticks collected were identified as Haemaphysalis erinacei. Eleven animals from Site A were found infected by F. martis nematodes in subcutaneous tissue in both membranous capsules or free under the inner skin surface. The most important morphological characters of F. martis have been reported and discussed. The molecular analysis showed 100% homology among cox1 sequences from Mrph. 1 and 2 thus indicating that the shape of female posterior edge may vary among specimens of F. martis. The results here presented provide new insights into the biology, ecology and morphological characteristics of this scantly known nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five clinically healthy Italian saddle horses were used to assess serum electrolyte and protein modification during different workloads. Blood samples were collected from each horse at rest, immediately after each exercise and at 30 and 60 min after the end of exercise. Our results confirm that exercise has variable effects, depending on work intensity, on some electrolytes, total protein and haematocrit. Based on our results, it is possible to affirm that the studied indices could be useful in the assessment of the fitness of sport horses and that it is appropriate to correlate these electrolytic modifications to blood density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract??Thirty-six tortoises (Testudo hermanni) with naturally acquired oxyurids infections were used to assess the anthelmintic efficacy of oxfendazole (Dolthene?; Merial) and fenbendazole (Panacur?; Hoechst Roussel Vet). Animals were randomly assigned to three groups (A, B, and C) based on sex and weight. Animals in group A (seven males and six females) were orally treated with oxfendazole at dose rate of 66?mg/kg, group B animals (nine males and eight females) were orally treated with fenbendazole at dose rate of 100?mg/kg, and group C animals (three males and three females) were not treated and served as controls. All animals were individually stabled in plexiglas boxes under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, and light beginning 7?days pretreatment and continuing for the duration of the trial. Individual tortoises feces were examined daily by the McMaster technique and drugs efficacy was assessed by the fecal eggs count reduction (FECR) test. Both drugs showed 100% of FECR. However, oxfendazole reached this level 12?days after treatment, whereas 31?days after treatment were necessary to obtain the same stable result with fenbendazole. The two drugs were well tolerated by all the animals and no adverse reactions were observed after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescence intensity changes of a Pt(ii) complex which is known to bind externally to DNA at low [DNA]/[complex] ratio and to intercalate at high [DNA]/[complex] ratio are studied in the presence of calf thymus DNA. External binding is demonstrated to induce luminescence enhancement whereas intercalation leads to luminescence quenching. The reasons for this behaviour are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related values of 123I-orthoiodohippurate (OIH) single kidney clearance rate (Cl) were estimated in a large cohort of likely normal children aged between 0 and 18 years. Among 4,111 children examined in the past 10 years, 917 were selected with the following inclusion criteria: (a) mild ultrasonographic hydronephrosis with right differential renal function (DRF) <53% and >47% (498 pts), (b) known or suspected urinary tract infection with normal ultrasound, serum creatinine and DMSA and DRF <53% and >47% (419 pts). 123I-OIH-Cl was assessed using a validated gamma camera method. Children were divided into 21 age classes: from 0 to 2 years, eight 3-month classes; from 2 to 14 years, twelve 1-year classes; from 14 to 18 years, one 4-year class. Cl, plotted against age, was fitted using an increasing function ( % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbbjxAHX % garmWu51MyVXgatuuDJXwAK1uy0HwmaeHbfv3ySLgzG0uy0Hgip5wz % aebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8qrps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaq % Fr0xc9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qq % Q8frFve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeWaeaaakeaaca % WG5bGaeyypa0JaamyyaiabgkHiTiaadkgacaWGLbGaeyOeI0Iaam4y % aiaadIhaaaa!400A! $$y = a - be - cx$$ ). Mean 123I-OIH-Cl of 1,834 kidneys was 306±22 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA. Mean 123I-OIH-Cl of the right and left kidneys was 307±23 and 305±22 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA, respectively ( p<0.002). The best-fitting 123I-OIH-Cl growing function was: Cl=311−230 e−0.69×Age (months). 123I-OIH-Cl improved progressively starting from birth, reaching 96% and 98% of the mature value at 1 and 1.5 years, respectively. 123I-OIH-Cl at birth (age=0) was 81 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA. After 18.6 days of life, the renal function had doubled its starting value, and it reached a plateau of 311 ml/min/1.73 m2 BSA at 2 years. This work represents a systematic evaluation of ERPF by a gamma camera method in a large cohort of selected likely normal paediatric subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuhn underlined the relevance of Galileo’s gestalt switch in the interpretation of a swinging body from constrained fall to time metre. But the new interpretation did not eliminate the older one. The constrained fall, both in the motion of pendulums and along inclined planes, led Galileo to the law of free fall. Experimenting with physical pendulums and assuming the impossibility of perpetual motion Huygens obtained a law of conservation of vis viva at specific positions, beautifully commented by Mach. Daniel Bernoulli generalised Huygens results introducing the concept of potential and the related independence of the ‘work’ done from the trajectories (paths) followed: vis viva conservation at specific positions is now linked with the potential. Feynman’s modern way of teaching the subject shows striking similarities with Bernoulli’s approach. A number of animations and simulations can help to visualise and teach some of the pendulum’s interpretations related to what we now see as instances of energy conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current technique of choice for perfusion imaging is gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), which allows the simultaneous assessment of perfusion and left ventricular (LV) function. We examined the relationships of infarct size and severity with LV ejection fraction (EF) and volumes in 215 myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 6 h of symptom onset. Patients were studied with resting gated SPECT 1 month later. Infarct size was expressed as LV percent, and infarct severity as the lowest activity ratio within the defect. LVEF, end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) volume indexes (Vi) were calculated with commercial software. There was a significant correlation between infarct size and LVEF (r=-0.68, P<0.00001), EDVi (r=0.53, P<0.00001), and ESVi (r=0.62, P<0.00001). Slightly lower correlations were demonstrated using infarct severity. LVEF and volumes were related to infarct location. A significantly higher correlation was observed between infarct size and LVEF in anterior than in non-anterior infarctions (r=-0.75 vs -0.60, P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, infarct size and infarct location were significant predictors of LVEF (R2=0.50) and ESV (R2=0.40). Infarct size and infarct severity were significant predictors of EDVi (R2=0.29). Infarct size (and severity) and LVEF (and volumes) derived from a single gated SPECT study correlate closely. Infarct location influences this relationship, with anterior infarctions showing a lower LVEF than inferior or lateral ones of the same extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat is a mutant animal model for Wilson's disease. It is known that an abnormal accumulation of Cu and Fe in the liver and low concentrations of both ceruloplasmin and Cu in the serum occur in these rats. The accumulation of Cu is explained by the defective expression of the Cu-transporting P-type ATPase gene, homologous to the gene for Wilson's disease (ATP7B). The aim of this work was to clarify the action mechanism of Zn, and to verify the role that this metal plays in LEC rats in short-term treatment experiments (1 and 2 weeks) on concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, metallothionein (MT), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (oh8dG) and on the activity of antioxidant enzymes. It is well known that Zn induces MT and has the ability to prevent redox-active metals, Cu and Fe, binding to and causing oxidative damage at active sites of Zn metalloenzymes and nonspecific binding sites on proteins. Zn administration reduces Cu and Fe transport from mucosal to serosal intestinal sides through competitive mechanisms. Our findings show that treatment with zinc acetate increases tissue Zn and MT contents and decreases Cu and Fe concentrations in the liver and kidneys, even if hepatic Zn and MT concentrations decrease with treatment period. Induction of MT synthesis by Zn contributes to the reduction in free radicals produced by Cu and Fe. We also observed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD)activity in liver decreases with treatment duration in association with the Cu and Fe liver decrease. However, the SOD activity in kidney increases in untreated rats at 2 weeks relative to those untreated for 1 week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of oral Zn treatment was studied in the liver and kidneys of 26 male Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats (mutant animals, 5 weeks old) in relation to both the interaction between Zn and Cu and the localisation and concentration of metallothionein (MT). Rats receiving 80 mg zinc acetate daily by gavage and control rats receiving no treatment were killed after 1 or 2 weeks. By immunohistochemical and analytical chemical techniques we revealed that treated rats had higher levels of MT in the hepatic and renal cells compared to untreated ones. Tissue Zn concentrations were significantly higher in treated rats compared to untreated whereas Cu concentrations decreased in the liver and kidneys as indicated by analytical chemical analyses. MT levels also decreased with treatment period. A histochemical procedure, obtained using autofluorescence of Cu-metallothioneins, confirms these findings: after 2 weeks, the signal decreased in both the liver and kidney sections. This gives a greater understanding of the mechanism of Cu metabolism in the two tissues considered. These results suggest that Zn acts both to compete for absorption on the luminal side of the intestinal epithelium and to induce the synthesis of MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of bifunctional bimetallic PtCu/H[Al]ZSM5-type catalysts was prepared and acetone transformation was carried out over them at 160 °C, 1 atm, acetone/hydrogen molar ratio=3, and WHSV (weight of reactant injected per weight of catalyst per hour) ranging between 9.4 and 38 h−1. According to the results, as copper atomic fraction ( X(Cu)) increases in the bimetallic catalyst, propane formation rate decreases and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) formation rate increases until X(Cu) equals 0.40. These results suggest that active metallic centers for the olefin double bond hydrogenation in the α-β unsaturated ketone, which leads to the MIBK formation, do not appear to be those hydrogenating the acetone carbonyl double bond to form propane. When X(Cu)>0.40, MIBK formation rate considerably decreases, meaning that practically all platinum metallic centers have been passivated for those copper atomic fractions over the PtCu/H[Al]ZSM5-type catalyst. Therefore, catalysts begin to act only by means of the acid function, and as a result a logical increase in the mesityl oxide (MO) concentration occurs, a substance that is formed by means of an acid catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetone transformation into methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) was studied using a fixed-bed dynamic reactor at 160°C, 1 atm pressure and acetone/H2 molar ratio=3. The reaction was carried out over Pt/HMFI bifunctional catalysts, with 0.30 wt% of platinum which was supported over three aluminosilicates (Si/Al ratio=40, 95 and 160) and a borosilicate (Si/B ratio=44) with similar dispersion. The results show that catalytic properties depend greatly on density and strength of the acidic sites of the catalysts. Moreover, the limiting step of the MIBK synthesis reaction (aldolization of two acetone molecules) is carried out over the acidic sites of the aluminosilicates, but not over those of the borosilicate, which considerably affects reaction selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]