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Pre-slaughter conditions and their effects on carcass quality have been largely addressed for pigs of 90–100 kg live weight, while few studies consider the effects of pre-slaughter conditions on the quality of the carcasses obtained from heavy pigs intended for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) production. A total of 1680 heavy pigs were transported in 72 batches from a farm to a commercial abattoir on 16 different days, avoiding mixing unfamiliar animals. Slaughterhouse conditions, animal behaviors, and human–animal interactions were annotated at unloading and during the race toward the stunning cage. Carcass lesions on the rear, middle, and shoulder parts of the carcasses were scored. The prevalence of carcasses with severe lesions was 6.92%, 11.87%, and 6.83%, for the rear, middle, and shoulder parts, respectively. Among the pre-slaughter events, waiting before unloading and improper handling practices at the abattoir were the major factors affecting carcass lesion severity. Lairage pen space allowance was also found to affect severe rear and shoulder lesions, and the batches that were transported in the trailer had an increased prevalence of severe shoulder lesions. Our results suggest waiting time before unloading should be shortened as much as possible, and educational programs to train operators for more careful management of animals in the abattoir are greatly required to avoid improper animal handling practices.

Infections of the genital tract can perturb the fertility in humans and animals. Pathogen recognition and activation of innate immunity onset through the pattern recognition receptor activation, such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators. TLR4 is expressed both on leukocytes and nonimmune cells. Rabbit TLR4 shows great similarity to its human counterpart. Moreover, the TLR4 signalling pathway could be modulated by long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the expression levels of TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines in the reproductive hypothalamic-gonadal axis of the male rabbit and (ii) to evaluate if the n-3 PUFA-enriched diets can modify their expression levels in the tissues and LC-PUFA profiles in seminal plasma. Fifteen rabbit bucks (n=5/experimental group) were fed with different diets: commercial standard (group C), rich in extruded linseed (10%, group L), and in fish oil (3%, group FO) for 110 days. TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-1βmRNA were ubiquitously expressed throughout the hypothalamic-gonadal axis. However, TLR4 mRNA expression was lower in the hypothalamus than the epididymis (P<0.01), seminal vesicles (P<0.01), and pituitary gland (P<0.05). Dietary enrichment in PUFA did not modify the gene expression profile nor the histological characteristics of the tissues. Conversely in seminal plasma, rabbits fed with L and FO had lower n-6 (P<0.05), LC-PUFA n-6 (P<0.05), and n-6/n-3 ratio (P<0.05) but higher n-3 (P<0.001) and LC-PUFA n-3 (P<0.01) compared to the control group. Our study builds a map of the gene expression of TRL4 and proinflammatory cytokines in the reproductive hypothalamic-gonadal axis of the male rabbit, fundamental step for understanding the immune defence mechanisms. Diets enriched in LC-PUFA did not affect basal gene expression but modulated sperm fatty acid composition. Finally, rabbit may be an excellent animal model to study the relationship between inflammation and infertility, and the nutritional modulation of immune functions.

Nowadays, active packaging plays a key role in the food sector, improving the safety and quality of food and, at the same time, extending its shelf life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy that an active absorbent pad has in limiting microbial growth during the shelf-life of fresh bovine meat. The experiment was carried out on 50 slices of eye of round (semitendinosus muscle) of an adult bovine, packaged in two different packs, one containing the conventional pad (C: Control group) and the other containing the active pad (PAD group). The analyses, performed at 0, 3 and 6 days of refrigeration storage (4 &deg, C), concerned the pH, color, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and microbiological parameters. The packaging with the active pad had no noticeable effect on the pH, but with regard to the color coordinates, the meat at day 6 was lighter than the control group (p &lt, 0.01). The innovative pad was able to delay the growth of all the microorganisms investigated, but only at day 3 (p &lt, 0.05 to p &lt, 0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the TVBN values were lower than the control ones at both the third (p = 0.036) and sixth (p &lt, 0.01) day of analysis. All samples were negative for coagulase positive staphylococci, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. In conclusion, following a preliminary examination, the packaging with the active pad was potentially effective in delaying microbial growth and it positively affected the color and TVBN of beef meat.

Aglepristone was administered in bitches during the follicular phase to evaluate its effects on progesterone, estradiol-17β and LH serum concentrations. Ten German Shepherds were divided into two groups (treated n=5; control n=5). Treated bitches received 10mg/kg BW of aglepristone subcutaneously during the early follicular phase, 24hr after and then 7days later. The control group was injected, at the same time periods, with saline solution (0.3ml/kg BW). For the steroid evaluations, blood was collected daily from the onset of proestrus until the first day of cytological dioestrus. For LH base-line serum determination, blood was also collected every 20min for 2hr at the onset of proestrus. For LH surge identification, blood was collected daily (every 6hr) starting from the day of the first administration of aglepristone or saline solution until the first day of dioestrus. All animals ovulated but the treated group presented longer ovulation-dioestrus intervals than the control group (5.2±2.2days p&nbsp

Chicken meat is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, it is more susceptible to lipid oxidation and production of volatile organic compounds (VOC). In this study, we evaluated the fatty acids, antioxidants, and VOC profiles of raw and cooked meat samples derived from 4 strains of chicken differing in their growth rates, which were as follows: slow-growing (SG, Leghorn), medium-growing (MG, Hubbard and Naked Neck), and fast-growing (FG, Ross). The VOC profile of meat was measured using proton-transfer reaction–mass spectrometry (PTR–MS). The VOC were identified using PTR–time of flight-MS (PTR-ToF-MS). The data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate models. Twenty main VOC were identified, which were classified into the following chemical categories: aldehydes, alkadienes, alkenes, furans, amides, alcohols, and other compounds. Our results revealed that the chicken genotype and the method of cooking strongly influenced the VOC profile of the meat. Identifying the relationships between these traits allowed us to highlight the trade-off of the main substrates such as n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), protective substances (antioxidants), and degradation products (VOC) of the poultry meat produced during cooking. The extent of VOC production and n-3 loss was found to be higher for the SG genotype. Reduction of n-6 was higher in MG, whereas small losses in antioxidants and PUFA were observed in the FG genotype, consequently, resulting in the lowest production of VOC. The SG and MG are genotypes more active from a kinetic point of view respect to the FG ones. For this reason, in the FG genotypes, the antioxidants are less involved in the oxidative stress induced by the movement; thus, they were available to protect the lipid of the meat during the cooking process. These results suggested that the use of SG and MG genotypes requires a specific dietary protocol (i.e., increasing the antioxidants content) to counteract the lipid oxidations in all the phases: in vivo, postmortem, and during/after cooking.

Inflammation of the uterus and oviduct is associated with reduced reproductive performance in humans and domestic animals. Toll-like receptors are expressed in various immune and non-immune cells and play a crucial role in innate immunity. Toll-like receptor - 4 (TLR4) can detect lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides and other inflammatory mediators. To investigate the effects of a local inflammation on the expression levels of TLR4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, 12 female rabbits received an intracervical infusion with either saline solution endotoxin-free (carrier, 2 mL; n = 6) or LPS (500 μg diluted in 2 mL of saline solution; n = 6). Blood samples were performed at 0, 30, 60 and 90 min and 2,4,6 and 24 h after treatment to evaluate interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plasma concentrations. Animals were sacrificed 24 h post-treatment. The uterus and oviducts were immediately collected. The gene expression and protein levels of TLR4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immuno-histochemical assay, respectively. Our study showed that the intracervical administration of LPS induced local inflammation given that the animals showed no clinical signs, the histological samples revealed signs of inflammation and plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were unchanged compared to the control. LPS produced an increase in the TLR4 mRNA expression levels in the uterus with respect to the control (P

In the last three decades, we assisted in a shift in the dairy product preferences in developed countries, with an increase in goat-derived products consumption. As already seen in the bovine sector, the diffusion of goat milk consumption has led to an abandonment of the local breeds in favor of the more productive cosmopolitan breeds, with an intense reduction in the livestock biodiversity. However, in several studies, it has been shown that local breeds present unique features such as a robust behavior towards the local climate and a high quality of their dairy products. This study aims to assess the differences between the basic lactation variables (milk yield, fat %, protein %, lactose % and somatic cell count) in the Alpine goat and the local breed Verzasca goat from a Bayesian point of observation. Results indicate that the Nera di Verzasca goat has overall lactation characteristics similar toa cosmopolite breed such as the Alpine goat, except for the milk daily yield reduced with respect to Alpine goats (1.68 ± 0.84 and 2.14 ± 1.03, respectively). Moreover, the Verzasca goat showed a tendency to maintain a lower level of somatic cell count along with lactation (798 ± 1734 and 1216 ± 2828, respectively). These findings help to increase the knowledge about the Italian local goat breeds and are important in the optic of biodiversity conservation.

Steno (1638-1686) operated in a historical context rich of discoveries and observations done by previous scientists such as Vannoccio Biringucci, Georg Bauer (Agricola), Johannes von Kepler, Robert Hooke, Christiaan Huyghens, Erasmus Bartholin, and others. Steno also had to fight against some irreducible dogmatic and “mythological” beliefs, such as the vis formativa and succus lapidescens, supported by e.g. Michele Mercati and Anselmo Boetius de Boot, respectively. In De solido intra solidum naturaliter contento dissertationis prodromus Steno deals with almost all aspects of Earth Sciences and not just "solid inclusions" as it might seem from the full title of the Prodromus. This contribution deals only with aspects related to crystallography and minerals in general. The most famous is highlighted by the sentence “non mutatis angulis” which is a clear reference to the fact that interfacial angles of quartz crystals do not change regardless of the size and the number of the faces. This observation was then generalized as a law for all minerals by Jean-Baptiste Romé de l’Isle a century later. Less well known but of great importance is Steno’s assertion that the crystals grow thanks to the addition of particles that come from an external fluid and are not “fed” from the inside like in vegetables; moreover, the speed of growth is not the same for all faces. For example, the faces of the “pyramid” in quartz can grow more or less rapidly than those of the prism (giving rise to either squat or elongated crystals). It can therefore be argued that Steno has greatly contributed to the concept of anisotropy in the solid state, typical of all crystals. Stenonite, Sr2Al(CO3)F5, is a new mineral dedicated to his memory about sixty years ago.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism and tissue distribution is modulated by the oxidation of these molecules. This research aimed to investigate the implication of dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation (precursor and long-chain PUFA) on the PUFA profile and oxidative status of the liver, testis, and brain of adult rabbit bucks. Twenty New Zealand White rabbit bucks were divided into four experimental groups (n = 5 per group) and were fed different diets for 110 days: control (CNT), standard diet containing 50 mg/kg alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), CNT+, standard diet + 200 mg/kg vitamin E, FLAX, standard diet + 10% flaxseed + 200 mg/kg vitamin E, or FISH, standard diet + 3.5% fish oil + 200 mg/kg vitamin E. Antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), oxidative status (malondialdehyde and isoprostanoids), and n-3 and n-6 PUFAs of tissues were analysed. A chain mechanism of oxidant/antioxidant molecules, which largely depended on the particular PUFA composition, was delineated in the different organs. The liver showed an oxidant/antioxidant profile and lipid pathways widely modulated by PUFA and vitamin E administration, on the other hand, the testis’ oxidative profile rather than its lipid profile seemed to be particularly affected, an outcome opposite to that of the brain (modulation operated by dietary PUFA).

This study was fully funded by Nestlé Purina Research Despite appropriate antiseizure drug (ASD) treatment, around two-thirds of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) have seizures long-term and 20-30per cent of affected dogs remain poorly controlled. The current study aim is to test in a field trial the efficacy and tolerability of a commercially available diet enriched with 6.5per cent medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil in dogs (n=21) with at least a tier 1 idiopathic epilepsy diagnosis, without cluster seizures, in 10 veterinary practices across Europe. Each dog's quality of life (QoL), ataxia, sedation and frequency and severity of seizures were recorded by owners throughout the study. The mean seizure frequency per month, averaged over the entire 84-day study, significantly (P=0.04) decreased 32per cent compared with the baseline monthly seizure frequency recorded during the month immediately before feeding the diet. Similarly, the seizure days rate (days/month) also declined (P8.5/10) in 20 of the 21 dogs before starting the diet and this remained unchanged during the trial. This study demonstrates the use of a diet enriched with MCTs as an adjunct to ASD treatment may have some antiseizure properties for dogs diagnosed with IE, as demonstrated in previous studies.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between fatty acids and the pattern that most contributes to discriminate between two farming systems, in which the main difference was the practice, or not, of alpine summer-grazing. Milk and cheese were sampled every month in two farms of Original Brown cows identical under geographical location and management during no grazing season point of view in the 2018 season. Fatty acids concentrations were determined by gas chromatography. The principal component analysis extracted three components (PCs). Mammary gland de novo synthetized fatty acids (C14:0, C14:1 n9, and C16:0) and saturated and monosaturated C18 fatty acids (C18:0, C18:1 n9c) were inversely associated in the PC1, PC2 included polyunsaturated C18 fatty acids (C18:2 n6c, C18:3 n3) and C15:0 while conjugated linoleic acid (CLA n9c, n11t) and fatty acids containing 20 or more carbon atoms (C21:0, C20:5 n3) were associated in the PC3. The processes of rumen fermentation and de novo synthesis in mammary gland that are, in turn, influenced by diet, could explain the relationships between fatty acids within each PC. The discriminant analyses showed that the PC2 included the fatty acids profile that best discriminated between the two farming systems, followed by PC3 and, lastly, PC1. This model, if validated, could be an important tool to the dairy industry.

This study evaluated the behaviour of Salmonella Enteritidis in homemade mayonnaise added with a phenolic extract from olive vegetation water (PEOVW) and subjected to different storage conditions by using a multifactors statistical approach and kinetic models. Mayonnaise (pH =4.3, aw = 0.95) with 250 mg/kg polyphenols (PEM) and without (CM) were prepared and both inoculated with Salmonella at the final concentration of 5 Log CFU/g. Salmonella was enumerated in samples stored at 4 °C and at 22 °C for up to 48 h. In the CM mayonnaise, Salmonella population remained constant in samples stored at 4 °C (k = 0.4%/hour, P > 0.05) while it proliferated at 22 °C (k = 1.8%/hour, P < 0.01) showing an increase of 1 Log CFU/g after 48 h (P < 0.001). The bactericidal effect of phenolic extract already occurred 1 h after inoculation (P < 0.05) and Salmonella count dropped by 9.5% and 5.8% per hour at 4 °C and 22 °C, respectively (P < 0.01). After 48 h, in PEM it was no longer detectable at both storage temperatures (P < 0.001). In conclusion, S. Enteritidis survives in additivefree mayonnaise stored at 4 °C and can proliferate if it is stored at 22 °C. The addition of PEOVW is effective for Salmonella control but the death rate is higher if the mayonnaise is stored at 4 °C.

This study evaluated the effect of different dietary concentrations of Goji berries (GB) on the meat quality of rabbit. At weaning, 60 New Zealand male rabbits were assigned to three groups and fed with a commercial standard diet (C), C supplemented with 1% (LG) or 3% Goji berries (HG) until slaughter. Supplementation did not affect colour, water holding capacity, and tenderness but regression analyses showed linear relationships between pH (P < .05), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS; P < .001), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC; P < .001), Redox Index (RI; P < .001), and phenolic content (P < .001) of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle and the rate of GB in the feed. However, by pairwise comparisons emerged that acidification (pH: P < .05), antioxidant/oxidant status (TBARS, ORAC, RI; P < .001), and phenolic content (P < .01) of muscle significantly improved only in HG compared with C group. Then, a dosedependent relation was found but only the higher dose of GB guaranteed an increase in protection against oxidative phenomena of meat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of phenolic extract derived from olive vegetation water (PEOVW) in deep-water rose shrimps (Parapenaeus longirostris) at the day of packaging (D0) and after three (D3), six (D6) and eight (D8) days of refrigerated storage. Freshly caught shrimps were randomly divided into four groups: the phenolic extract (PE) group (2 g/L of phenols), the sulfites (S) group (0.5% sodium metabisulfite solution), the phenolic extract + sulfites (PE + S) group (0.25% sodium metabisulfite solution with 1 g/L of phenols), and the control (CTRL) group (tap water). Concerning color coordinates, there were no variations either between groups or over time, while it is important to highlight that phenolic extract (PE group) led to a significant reduction in total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N, p &lt, 0.001) and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS, 0.001) values. Furthermore, PE also had a relevant effect in reducing bacterial counts and decreasing the microbial development. Finally, as concerns melanosis, the effect of phenolic extract alone was marginal, but when combined with half a dose of sodium metabisulfite, it was as effective as the shrimps treated with only sodium metabisulfite in delaying black spots (p &lt, 0.05). These results are very promising with a view to commercializing additive-free shrimps.

Anisakidae are nematodes that commonly parasitize in the coelomic cavity and viscera of several fish species. They can be found in flesh, which is why they have an important economic and public health impact. The aim of the current work was to assess the presence and prevalence of Anisakis larvae in fish species caught in the coastal area of the Karaburun Peninsula in Vlora Bay (Albania). A total of 856 of wild teleosts and 219 specimens of farmed fish were collected over a 5-year period (from 2016 to 2020). The results showed that out of a total of 1075 analyzed samples, 361 (33.58%) were parasitized with L3 larvae. In particular, only Solea vulgaris returned negative results, while Sparus aurata, Dicentrarchus labrax, and Sardinella aurita showed the lowest prevalence (4.55%, 9.17%, and 10.53%, respectively) and mean abundance (0.84, 1.19, and 0.92, respectively). Conversely, Scomber japonicus and Scomber scombrus showed the highest prevalence (74.07% and 68.00%, respectively) and mean abundance (188.24 and 249.82, respectively). The data suggest that the coastal area of the Karaburun Peninsula (southern Albania) may be a high-risk area for zoonotic diseases, and the consumption of raw or undercooked fish caught in the Vlora district could result in the acquisition of human anisakiasis. For these reasons, it is necessary to improve the surveillance plan.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the kinetic behavior, carcass characteristics, oxidative status (blood and meat), and meat fatty acid profiles of 6 organically reared slower growing chicken genotypes (SrG). One hundred male chickens of 6 SrG were used: Ranger Classic (RC), Ranger Gold (RG), Rowan Ranger (RR), RedJA (RJ), CY Gen 5 JA87 (CY), and M22 × JA87 (M). Twenty chickens/genotype were selected to analyze behavior, while, 15 individuals were slaughtered and different traits were analyzed in the blood and drumstick meat. The variables were grouped into different principal components: kinetic activity (PC1, with explorative attitude as the highest score), productive performance (PC2, carcass and head/feet yields), blood (PC3, carbonyls, and TBARS) and meat (PC6, thiols, and TBARS) markers, technological traits (PC4, pH, and color), proximate meat composition (PCA5, moisture, lipids, protein, and ash), fatty acid profile, and nutritional indexes (PC7, IP, and PUFAn-3). Uni- and bivariate analyses showed a strong positive association between kinetic behaviors and blood and meat oxidation and a medium positive association with fatty acid profile and nutritional indexes, whereas a negative association was found between productive performance loads and the technological traits of meat. Generalized linear models showed that all PCs were influenced by genotype. In particular, CY and M resulted as less active genotypes; conversely, RR showed more kinetic activity, whereas RJ, RG, and RC exhibited intermediate levels of activity. Cluster analysis of kinetic behavior and blood or meat oxidative status highlighted 2 groups: nonwalking (NW: CY and M) and walking (W: RC, RG, RR, and RJ) animals. However, in the W group, another was visualized, constituted by genotypes with high kinetic activity resulting in the worst oxidative balance (Walking not trained-genotypes, Wnt: RR and RJ). The present results confirmed that the kinetic behavior of SrG genotypes is negatively correlated with productive performance. Furthermore, a significant association between kinetic behavior and blood (positively correlated) or meat (negatively correlated) oxidative status was noted. Such differences are mainly due to the intrinsic response of the genotypes used (i.e., training-walking capacity).

A high standard of physical fitness is an essential characteristic of drug detection dogs because it affects not only their ability to sustain high activity levels but also their attention and olfaction efficiency. Nutritional supplements could improve physical fitness by modulating energy metabolism, oxidative processes, and perceived fatigue. The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes induced by submaximal exercise on drug detection dogs (German Shepherd breed) and to assess whether a dietary supplement improves their physical fitness. During a drug detection dog training course, seven dogs were fed with a basal diet (Control Group) for three-month period, while a further seven dogs were fed with a basal diet as well as a daily nutritional supplement containing branched-chain and limiting amino acids, carnitine, vitamins, and octacosanol (Treatment Group). At the end of this period, individual physical fitness was assessed by making each subject take a graded treadmill exercise test. A human heart rate monitor system was used to record the dog's heart rate (HR) during the treadmill exercise and the subsequent recovery period. The parameters related to HR were analysed using nonparametric statistics. Blood samples were collected before starting the nutritional supplement treatment, before and after the treadmill exercise and following recovery. Linear mixed models were used. The dietary supplements accelerated HR recovery, as demonstrated by the lower HR after recovery (P

Resveratrol, because of its low solubility in water and its high membrane permeability, is collocated in the second class of the biopharmaceutical classification system, with limited bioavailability due to its dissolution rate. Solid dispersion of resveratrol supported on Magnesium DiHydroxide (Resv@MDH) was evaluated to improve solubility and increase bioavailability of resveratrol. Fluorimetric microscopy analysis displays three types of microparticles with similar size: Type 1 that emitted preferably fluorescence at 445 nm with bandwidth of 50 nm, type 2 that emitted preferably fluorescence at 605 nm with bandwidth of 70 nm and type 3 that is non-fluorescent. Micronized pure resveratrol displays only microparticles type 1 whereas type 3 are associated to pure magnesium dihydroxide. Dissolution test in simulated gastric environment resveratrol derived from Resv@MDH in comparison to resveratrol alone displayed better solubility. A 3-fold increase of resveratrol bioavailability was observed after oral administration of 50 mg/kg of resveratrol from Resv@MDH in rabbits. We hypothesize that type 2 microparticles represent magnesium dihydroxide microparticles with a resveratrol shell and that they are responsible for the improved resveratrol solubility and bioavailability of Resv@MDH. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The crystal structure and the chemical composition of uklonskovite from the holotype material was reinvestigated to shed light on its correct chemical formula. On the basis of information gained from this characterization, we revised the formula from NaMg(SO4)OH·2H2O to NaMg(SO4)F·2H2O (F instead of OH). A careful analysis of the structural details together with a critical review of all the chemical data listed in the scientific literature for uklonskovite support our redefinition. We also present Raman data for the mineral for the first time. Our proposal was approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (voting proposal 16-J).

The aim of this research was to evaluate the inflammatory and/or oxidative damage related to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are responsible for negative effects on sperm physiology and metabolism. Thirty New Zealand White rabbit bucks were divided into 5 experimental groups (6 animals/group): Control, treated with 0.9% NaCl; AgNP, treated with a 5 mM AgNP solution; LPS, treated with 50 g/kg b.w. E. coli LPS; AgNPs + NSAID, treated with an anti-inflammatory drug at 0.2 mg/kg b.w. and 5 mM AgNPs; and AgNPs + Vit E, treated with 0.18 mg/kg b.w. vitamin E and 5 mM AgNPs. Sperm quality and oxidative and inflammatory status were assessed at different times (0-60 days). Two statistical models were built: the first evaluated the effects of AgNPs and LPS (vs. Control), whereas the second evaluated the protective effect of an NSAID and vitamin E against AgNP-induced damage. Three principal component analyses were performed: sperm traits (motility, volume), oxidative status (antioxidants, oxidative metabolites, and redox reactions), and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-6). A negative effect on reproductive traits resulted after NP administration. In particular, an inflammatory/oxidative response took place in the reproductive tract during the first 2-3 wks of AgNP administration (cytokine and oxidative metabolite generation); the inflammatory/oxidative thrust impaired the status of rabbit tissues (seminal plasma, sperm, and blood), inducing a response (increased antioxidant enzymes and redox reactions) at 4-7 wks; oxidative stress, if not totally counteracted, likely induced toxicity in the late phases of AgNP administration (8-9 wks). In conclusion, exposure to silver nanoparticles produced a similar but more persistent effect than that of LPS on rabbit reproductive tissues: AgNP administration triggered a proinflammatory response linked to oxidative thrust, worsening many sperm parameters. However, only anti-inflammatory treatment counteracted the negative effects of AgNPs, whereas vitamin E seemed to act as an adjuvant, attenuating the oxidative cascade.

In vitro fertilization of oocytes in general is a process that is exposed to high oxygen concentration (20%) resulting in the...

This study investigates the effects of linseed (rich in ɑ-linolenic acid (ALA)) and fish oil (rich in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) supplementation on the insulin resistance of pregnant rabbits. Two months before insemination, the rabbits (15 animals/group) were fed different diets: commercial standard (group C), supplemented with 10% extruded linseed (group L), and 3% fish oil (group FO). The L group does showed both the highest feed intake before AI (P < 0.01) and the highest body weight (BW) throughout pregnancy (P < 0.001). The L does yielded less milk than the C does (P < 0.001); however, no differences were observed in either weight or size of litter at weaning. Regardless of diet, insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR values were higher during the first half of pregnancy (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, the L does showed higher mean insulin concentrations than FO rabbits (P < 0.01) and the lowest glucose clearance (P < 0.01) during pregnancy. On the other hand, pregnant FO rabbits showed the lowest glucose concentrations (P < 0.05) and the lowest Homeostasis model assessment values for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, P < 0.05) as well as a faster restoration of baseline glucose levels following glucose load (P < 0.001). Before and during pregnancy, the BW of the rabbits was positively related to fasting sample- and tolerance test-derived indices of insulin resistance (P < 0.05) suggesting that a high pre-pregnancy BW predisposes to gestational insulin resistance. Linseed supplementation increased BW and predisposed to insulin resistance during pregnancy; whereas, fish oil improved insulin sensitivity without significant changes in BW.

This study aimed to evaluate the state of welfare of a group of dogs during the first month after entering the shelter by using different stress parameters. Blood and fecal samples were collected from a group of 71 dogs at the time of admission to the shelter. In 46 of these dogs, sampling was repeated after four weeks. Well-recognized welfare biomarkers, such as fecal cortisol and leukocytes, as well as some innovative parameters (&beta, endorphin and lysozyme) were determined. Uni- and multivariate statistical analyses were used to evaluate their interactions and changes over time. Neutrophils (p &lt, 0.01), lysozyme (p &lt, 0.05), and fecal cortisol (p &lt, 0.05) decreased, while lymphocytes (p &lt, 0.05) increased after four weeks compared to the first days of being in the shelter, suggesting an improvement in the dogs&rsquo, welfare over time. A principal component analysis extracted three bipolar components (PCs), explaining 75% of the variance and indicating negative associations between neutrophil and lymphocyte (PC1), lysozyme and &beta, endorphin (PC2), cortisol and lysozyme (PC3). The associations between these variables within each PC also confirmed the intricate relationships between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the immune system as well as the importance of a multiparametric approach in evaluating welfare.

Skin wound healing is a multistage phenomenon that is regulated by cell–cell interplay and various factors. Endogenous serotonin is an important neurotransmitter and cytokine. Its interaction with the serotonin 1A receptor (5-HTR1A) delivers downstream cellular effects. The role of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and the 5-HT1A receptor has been established in the regeneration of tissues such as the liver and spinal motor neurons, prompting the investigation of the role of 5-HT1A receptor in skin healing. This study assessed the role of 5-HT1A receptor in excisional wound healing by employing an excisional punch biopsy model on 5-Ht1a receptor knockout mice. Post-harvest analysis revealed 5-Ht1a receptor knockout mice showed impaired skin healing, accompanied by a greater number of F4/80 macrophages, which prolongs the inflammatory phase of wound healing. To further unravel this phenomenon, we employed the 5-HT1A receptor agonist [(R)-(+)-8-Hydroxy-DPAT hydrobromide] as a topical cream treatment in an excisional punch biopsy model. The 5-HT1A receptor agonist treated group showed a smaller wound area, scar size, and improved neovascularization, which contributed to improve healing outcomes as compared to the control. Collectively, these findings revealed that serotonin and 5-HT1A receptor play an important role during the healing process. These findings may open new lines of investigation for the potential treatment alternatives to improve skin healing with minimal scarring.

Resveratrol, because of its low solubility in water and its high membrane permeability, is collocated in the second class of the biopharmaceutical classification system, with limited bioavailability due to its dissolution rate. Solid dispersion of resveratrol supported on magnesium dihydroxide (RESV@MDH) was evaluated to improve solubility and increase bioavailability of resveratrol. Fluorimetric microscopy and granulometric analysis display three types of microparticles with similar size: type 1 that emitted preferably fluorescence at 463 nm (λecc 358 nm), type 2 that emitted preferably fluorescence at 605 nm (λecc 550 nm) andtype 3 that are non-fluorescent. Micronized pure resveratrol display only microparticles type 1 whereas type 3 are associated to pure magnesium dihydroxide. Dissolution test in simulated gastric environment resveratrol derived from RESV@MDH in comparison to resveratrol alone displayed better solubility. According to the biopharmaceutical classification, an increase of 3 fold of resveratrol bioavailabilitywas observed after oral administration of 50 mg/Kg of resveratrol of RESV@MDH in rabbits. We hypothesize that type 2 microparticles represent magnesium dihydroxide microparticles with a resveratrol shell and that they are responsible for the improved resveratrol solubility and bioavailability of RESV@MDH.

We report on progress in the development of subsystem-level devices which serve as building blocks for the next generation of portable atomic clocks. Specifically, we discuss the engineering of small, low-power, low-temperature strontium vapour dispensers and a compact optical resonator useful for the stabilisation of multiple lasers.

Parrots and parakeets (Aves, Psittaciformes) are prominent among avian invaders, as more than 16 % of living species are currently breeding with at least one population outside their native range. Most studies have been carried out on ring-necked and monk parakeets, as they are the most successful invasive parrots globally. Recently, however, reports of invasive Alexandrine parakeet Psittacula eupatria have increased. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the current occurrence of Alexandrine parakeets outside the natural range and assess the degree of niche conservatism during the invasion process. Our results show that Alexandrine parakeets have established invasive populations predominantly in Europe, parts of the Middle east and Far Eastern countries such as Japan and Singapore. During the ongoing invasion of Europe, the Alexandrine parakeet considerably expanded its niche into colder climates with respect to those occupied in the native range. Our results offer some support to the hypothesis that interspecific facilitation with previously established ring-necked parakeets Psittacula krameri may contribute to niche expansion and invasion success of congeneric Alexandrine parakeets. Species Distribution Models including both native and invaded range occurrence data predict a high invasion risk across multiple parts of the globe where the species is currently not yet present, thus indicating a high potential for the species for further invasion success and range expansion.

Prostasome-like vesicles (PV) are components of the canine prostatic fluid during ejaculation and despite some enzymatic activities have been identified recently, their functions in the reproductive events in this species are still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated at neutral or slightly alkaline pH, the effects of different concentrations of purified PV on sperm cell motility characteristics and the impact on the short- and long-term preservation of preserved semen maintained at room temperature. Two different experiments were performed. In the first experiment, purified PV were added at increasing concentration (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μL equivalent to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 μg of protein, respectively) to aliquots of 100 μL of preserved semen maintained at 22 °C at the following time points: 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min. Computer-assisted sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed three times at each time points, for each sample and for every concentrations. In the second experiment, the purified PV were added with the same methods as described above but only at time 0. Sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed over the time. This study showed how the addition of purified PV to preserved semen affects negatively (p < 0.05) at neutral and alkaline pH, both total and progressive motility in a concentration depending manner. Furthermore, prostasome addition was demonstrated to change the quality of sperm movement which may represent a mechanism facilitating sperm cells attachment to the uterine epithelium and facilitating energy preservation before fertilization.

This study investigates for the first time mRNA pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 2 (PAG-2) expression in blood cells during early pregnancy in water buffalo. The PAGs constitute a large family of glycoproteins expressed in the outer epithelial layer of the placenta in eutherian species. All PAGs are not concomitantly expressed throughout pregnancy; some of them are expressed in the earlier phases, whereas others appear later and are expressed over a shorter period. Twenty-one lactating buffaloes were analyzed—17 females were synchronized with PRID and artificially inseminated (AI), whereas four females were synchronized but not inseminated (control group). Blood was collected at Days 0, 18, 28, 40, and 75 from AI (AI = Day 0). Expression of PAG-2 mRNA in blood samples was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on Day 28 (D28) and Day 40 (D40) after AI by ultrasonography (US) and by PAG-1 RIA method. The females diagnosed pregnant at D28 and confirmed pregnant at D40 were defined as D28(+)D40(+) group; the females diagnosed pregnant at D28 but not confirmed pregnant at D40 were defined as D28(+)D40(−) group; and the females that were diagnosed as nonpregnant on either days were defined as D28(−)D40(−) group. PAG-2 mRNA at Day 0 was not observed in any groups. The D28(+)D40(+) group showed the highest expression, starting on Day 18 and increasing progressively up to Day 75. PAG-2 mRNA was also expressed on Day 18 in both D28(+)D40(−) and D28(−)D40(−) groups, but their levels were lower than those of D28(+)D40(+) group and almost constant over time. PAG-2 mRNA was never detected in the control group. The significant difference in the expression of PAG-2 mRNA between the D28(+)D40(+) group and the D28(−)D40(−) group, starting from Day 18, suggests that these animals might have conceived, but have experienced early embryonic loss; therefore, the PAG-2 mRNA was still present in blood circulation although at lower levels, as found in the D28(+)D40(−) group. In conclusion, this study shows that PAG-2 mRNA can be detected in peripheral maternal blood cells earlier than circulating PAG-1 molecules and could be useful for studies on early pregnancy and embryonic mortality.

The crystal structure of the mineral coquandite, a rare Sb oxy-sulfate hydrate, was solved using intensity data collected from a crystal from the Cetine mine, Tuscany, Italy. This study revealed that the structure is triclinic, space group P, with a = 11.4292(5), b = 29.772(1), c = 11.2989(5) Å, α = 91.152(3), β = 119.266(4), γ = 92.624(3)° and V = 3346.4(2) Å3. The refinement of an anisotropic model led to an R index of 0.0347 for 21,061 independent reflections. Thirty-two Sb sites, five S sites and 67 oxygen sites occur in the crystal structure of coquandite. Sb atoms display the characteristic SbO3E and SbO4E coordinations whereas S fills (SO4) tetrahedral groups. These atoms are arranged in five symmetry-independent layers perpendicular to b*. Four of them and their centrosymmetrical counterparts form complex modules stacked along b* and bonded through two Sb atoms and H bonds. The complex H bonding system in the structure is discussed. On the basis of information gained from this characterization, the crystal-chemical formula was revised according to the structural results, yielding Sb6+xO8+x(SO4)(OH)x·(H2O)1–x (Z = 10) with x = 0.3 instead of Sb6O8(SO4)·H2O (Z = 12) as reported previously. A recalculation of the chemical data listed in the scientific literature for coquandite according to the structural results obtained here leads to a satisfactory agreement.

This study examined the effects of food restriction during rabbit pregnancy on hormones and metabolites involved in energy homeostasis and metabolic programming. Pregnant does were assigned to four groups: the control group was fed a standard ration while the others received a restricted amount of food (30% restriction) during early (0–9 days), mid (9–18 days), and late (19–28 days) pregnancy. The pregnancy induced a coordinated range of adaptations to fulfil energy requirements of both mother and foetus, such as hyperleptinaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, reduced insulin sensitivity, increased cortisol and non-esterified fatty acid. Food restriction altered leptin, insulin, T3, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations depending on the gestational phase in which it was applied. Collectively, present data confirm that the endocrinology of pregnancy and the adaptive responses to energy deficit make the rabbit an ideal model for studying nutritional-related disorders and foetal programming of metabolic disease.

Competition for critical resources is one of the key mechanisms through which invasive species impact on native communities. Among birds, the widely introduced ring-necked parakeet Psittacula krameri locally affects cavity-nesting communities through competition for suitable tree cavities, although it remains unclear to what extent such competition translates into population declines of native species. Here, we studied the potential for nest site competition between ring-necked parakeets and the native scops owl Otus scops, a small nocturnal migratory raptor, by comparing the spatial distribution of the nest site locations of the raptor before (2002) and after (2015) the parakeet invasion. Pre-invasion nesting sites of scops owls (2002) strongly coincided with those selected by ring-necked parakeets, but although both parakeet and scops owl populations increased during the study period, this was no longer true for 2015. Ring-necked parakeets took over several cavities formerly occupied by scops owls, and land-use data suggest that because of the higher overall breeding densities in 2015, scops owls were forced to occupy suboptimal breeding habitats to minimize nest site competition with invasive parakeets. Ring-necked parakeets start breeding early in the season, a behaviour enabling them to secure the best nest sites first, before the owls return from their wintering grounds. Our study highlights that locally observed competition not necessarily impacts on population dynamics of competing species and thus warns against uncritical extrapolation of smaller scale studies for assessing invasive species risks at larger spatial scales. Nonetheless, given the increasing number of studies demonstrating its competitive capacities, monitoring of ring-necked parakeet populations is prudent and mitigation measures (such as mounting of man-made nest-boxes, which are used by scops owls, but not by parakeets) may be justified when the parakeets are likely to invade areas harbouring cavity-nesters of conservation concern.

Aim: Effective policy and management responses to the multiple threats posed by invasive alien species (IAS) rely on the ability to assess their impacts before conclusive empirical evidence is available. A plethora of different IAS risk and/or impact assessment protocols have been proposed, but it remains unclear whether, how and why the outcomes of such assessment protocols may differ. Location: Europe. Methods: Here, we present an in-depth evaluation and informed assessment of the consistency of four prominent protocols for assessing IAS impacts (EICAT, GISS, Harmonia and NNRA), using two non-native parrots in Europe: the widespread ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and the rapidly spreading monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). Results: Our findings show that the procedures used to assess impacts may influence assessment outcomes. We find that robust IAS prioritization can be obtained by assessing species based on their most severe documented impacts, as all protocols yield consistent outcomes across impact categories. Additive impact scoring offers complementary, more subtle information that may be especially relevant for guiding management decisions regarding already established invasive alien species. Such management decisions will also strongly benefit from consensus approaches that reduce disagreement between experts, fostering the uptake of scientific advice into policy-making decisions. Main conclusions: Invasive alien species assessments should take advantage of the capacity of consensus assessments to consolidate discussion and agreement between experts. Our results suggest that decision-makers could use the assessment protocol most fit for their purpose, on the condition they apply a precautionary approach by considering the most severe impacts only. We also recommend that screening for high-impact IAS should be performed on a more robust basis than current ad hoc practices, at least using the easiest assessment protocols and reporting confidence scores., This study is a joint effort from a workshop organized under COST European Cooperation in Science and Technology Actions Parrotnet (ES1304) and Alien Challenge (TD1209). We would also like to thank two anonymous referees for helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript. D.S is currently funded by a Marie Skłodowska‐Curie Action under the Horizon 2020 call (H2020‐MSCA‐IF‐2015, grant number 706318) and acknowledges the Danish National Research Foundation for support to the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (grant number DNRF96). J.C.S. was supported by funds from the Ministry of Economy and Competitivity, Spanish Research Council (CGL‐2016‐79568‐C3‐3‐P).

Climate similarity favors biological invasion, but a match between seasonality in the novel range and the timing of life cycle events of the invader also influences the outcome of species introduction. Yet, phenology effects on invasion success have generally been neglected. Here we study whether a phenological mismatch limits the non-native range of a globally successful invader, the Ring-necked parakeet, in Europe. Given the latitudes at which parakeets have established across Europe, they breed earlier than expected based on breeding dates from the native Asian range. Moreover, comparing the breeding dates of European populations to those of parakeets in the native Asian range, to five native breeding bird species in Europe and to the start of the growing season of four native European trees shows that the discrepancy between expected and actual breeding phenology is greater in northern Europe. In northern European populations, this temporal mismatch appears to have negative effects on hatching success, and on population growth rates in years that are colder than average in the first six months. Phenological mismatch also can explain why parakeets from African populations (that are more likely to breed in autumn) have been poor invaders compared to parakeets from Asia. These lines of evidence support the hypothesis that the reproductive phenology of the Ring-necked parakeet can be a limiting factor for establishment and range expansion in colder climates. Our results provide growing support for the hypothesis that the match between climate seasonality and timing of reproduction (or other important life cycle events) can affect the establishment success, invasive potential and distribution range of introduced non-native species, beyond the mere effect of climate similarity., The work in London was funded by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). DS is funded by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action under the Horizon 2020 call (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, Grant Number 706318), and acknowledges the Danish National Research Foundation for support to the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (Grant Number DNRF96). PE was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through grants RYC-2011-07889, CGL-2012-35232, CGL2013-49460-EXP and CGL2016-79483-P, with support from the European Regional Development Fund. We further acknowledge the financial support by COST Action ES1304 (‘ParrotNet’) that facilitated collaboration between the authors.

The crystal structure and chemical composition of two samples of fettelite from the type locality, including a portion of the holotype material, was investigated to verify if a previously proposed revision of the chemical formula was applicable, and to study the role of cation substitution for Hg that would suggest new members of the fettelite family. The crystal structure of fettelite from the type locality was found to be equivalent to that reported previously for the Chilean occurrence, and consists of an alternation of two kinds of layers along c: layer A with general composition [Ag6As2S7]2–and layer B with general composition [Ag10HgAs2S8]2+. In this structure, the Ag atoms occur in various coordination configurations, varying from quasi-linear to quasi-tetrahedral, the AsS3 groups form pyramids as are typically observed in sulfosalts, and Hg links two sulfur atoms in a linear coordination. The refined compositions for the crystals in this study, [Ag6As2S7][Ag10(Fe0.53Hg0.47)As2S8] (R100124) and [Ag6As2S7][Ag10(Hg0.79Cu0.21)As2S8] (R110042), clearly indicate that new mineral species related to fettelite are likely to be found in nature.

We have characterized a portion of cotype billingsleyite, Ag 7 (As,Sb)S 6 , a rare As 5+ -bearing sulfosalt from the silver ores of the North Lily mine, East Tintic district, Utah, USA, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electron-microprobe analysis. We found billingsleyite to be structurally identical to synthetic Ag 7 AsS 6 . It is cubic, space group P 2 1 3, with a cell parameter a = 10.4760(8) A, V = 1149.7(2) A 3 , and Z = 4. Electron-microprobe analyses gave the following formula: (Ag 6.94 Cu 0.04 Fe 0.01 ) ∑6.99 (As 0.87 Sb 0.13 ) ∑1.00 S 6.01 . The crystal structure has been solved and refined to R = 1.64%. It consists of (As 5+ ,Sb 5+ )S 4 tetrahedra and Ag polyhedra (2-, 3- and 4-fold coordinated) forming a three-dimensional network. We present structural relationships with other natural and synthetic thioarsenates and thioantimonates.

The crystal structure of the rare mineral fettelite was solved using intensity data collected from a twinned crystal from Chanarcillo, Copiapo Province, Chile. This study revealed that, in spite of the strong hexagonal pseudosymmetry, the structure is monoclinic (space group C 2) with a = 26.0388(10), b = 15.0651(8), c = 15.5361(8) A, β = 90.48(1)°, and V = 6094.2(5) A3. The refinement of an anisotropic model led to an R index of 0.0656 for 7143 observed reflections [ I > 2σ( I )] and 0.0759 for all 17 447 independent reflections. Fettelite is intimately twinned with six twin domains. The structure consists of the stacking of two module layers along [001]: an A module layer with composition [Ag6As2S7]2− and a B module layer with composition [Ag10HgAs2S8]2+. The As atoms form isolated AsS3 pyramids typical of sulfosalts, Hg links two sulfur atoms in linear coordination, and Ag occupies sites with coordination ranging from quasi linear to almost tetrahedral. The A module layer found for fettelite is identical to that described for the minerals belonging to the pearceite-polybasite group. On the basis of information gained from this characterization the crystal chemical formula was revised according to the structural results, yielding [Ag6As2S7][Ag10HgAs2S8] ( Z = 8).

We report data on the composition and crystal structure of the most Ag-rich (15.63 apfu) natural polybasite yet discovered. It shows the - M 2 a 2 b 2 c polytype. The crystal studied was found in a sample (mineralogical collection of the Royal Ontario Museum) from Gowganda, Timiskaming District, Ontario, Canada. Electron microprobe analysis yields the formula [Ag6(Sb1.78As0.18)∑=1.96S7] [Ag9(Ag0.63Cu0.43)∑=1.06S4]. Lattice parameters are a = 26.2625(4), b = 15.1623(5), c = 24.1061(6) A, β = 90.045(5)°, V = 9599.0(4) A3. The structure was refined in the space group C 2/ c to R = 0.0581 using 7725 observed reflections [ I > 2σ( I )]. The refinement shows that one of the three structural positions of the B module layer usually occupied by Cu is dominated by Ag. Crystal-chemical characteristics are compared with published data on the other members of the pearceite-polybasite group. Some remarks concerning nomenclature are also given.

The pharmaco-toxicological profile of duloxetine, a novel SNRI antidepressant, is still not completely known; in particular, intoxication cases have been scarcely studied. Here a duloxetine overdose case, in combination with other antidepressants and benzodiazepines, is reported and the chemical-clinical correlations discussed; this is probably the first detailed report of such a case. The patient referred to have ingested nine tablets of Cymbalta (more than 500 mg of duloxetine) and high amounts of four other drugs (venlafaxine, trazodone, sertraline and clonazepam). The patient was dozy and confused and some electrolyte imbalances were found. After gastrolavage, toxicological analyses revealed high plasma levels of duloxetine (384 ng/ml) and low levels of the other supposedly involved drugs. The overdose resulted to be not fatal and the outcome was relatively benign, also thanks to the fast emergency assistance. This case suggests that clinicians should be alerted to the possibility of toxic effects caused by simultaneous overdoses of duloxetine and other antidepressants and that caution should be used when prescribing more than one of these drugs to patients at risk of suicide.

The crystal structure of seeligerite, Pb3IO4Cl3, from the San Rafael mine, Sierra Gorda, Chile, was solved in the space group Cmm2, and refined to R = 3.07%. The unit-cell parameters are: a = 7.971(2), b = 7.976(2), c = 27.341(5) Å, V = 1738.3(6) Å3 and Z = 8. The crystal structure consists of a stacking sequence along [001] of square-net layers of O atoms and square-net layers of Cl atoms with Pb+ and I+ cations located in the voids of the packing. As is typical of cations with a stereoactive lone-pair of electrons, Pb2+ and I5+ adopt strongly-asymmetrical configurations. Pb2+ cations occur in a variety of coordination polyhedra, ranging from anticubes and monocapped anticubes to pyramidal ‘one-sided’ coordinations. I5+ is coordinated by a square of four oxygen atoms: I1 and I3 exhibit a ‘one-sided’ coordination, whereas I2 has square-planar coordination.The TEM investigation has revealed additional superlattice reflections (which were not registered by X-ray diffraction (XRD)) in the hk0 diffraction pattern of seeligerite based upon a 0.158 Å-1 square net, which can be interpreted as arising from a 20-cation super-sheet motif (12.6 Å x 12.6 Å), likely related to a further level of Pb-I order superimposed upon the 8-site motif identified by XRD.

Se-bearing polybasite-Tac is associated with galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, electrum and quartz at the Martha mine, an epithermal silver–gold deposit located adjacent to the Deseado Massif, Santa Cruz province, Argentina. Three samples, with variable chemical composition and showing the 111 unit-cell type, were studied by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction and electron microprobe. The unit-cell parameters were modeled using a multiple regression method as a function of the Ag, Sb, and Se contents. The predicted values resulted in excellent agreement with experimental unit-cell parameters. We observed that high contents of selenium in polybasite are associated with relatively low copper contents. This finding corroborates previous studies that the copper content of pearceite–polybasite group minerals can be very low if selenium is present.

Systemic and local infections and inflammations are known to cause infertility in humans and animals. However, the mechanisms by which infection/inflammation induces infertility are only partially known. The objectives of this study were: (i) to provide models of systemic (acute) and local (sub-acute) inflammation by intra-peritoneal injection or intra-cervical deposition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the rabbit and (ii) to assess their effects on uterine tissues and sperm transport in the genital tract of rabbit does. Intra-peritoneal administration of different doses of LPS induced systemic effects such as fever, anorexia and changes in white blood cells (WBC) count. In our study, LPS inoculation (100μg/kg) produced an inflammation-like status that lasted for about 3 days, with minimal distress for the animals. Intra-peritoneal administration of LPS 60h before artificial insemination induced a rapid increase of IL-1β concentrations. The intra-cervical inoculation of LPS did not show any systemic effects, as confirmed by the lack of changes in body temperature, feed intake and WBC count. Histological examination of uterine tissues showed an endometritis-like inflammation status in LPS-treated does, more severe in those inoculated intra-cervically. The number of spermatozoa recovered from uterine horns and oviducts of intra-cervically treated does was less than that retrieved from intra-peritoneally treated animals and controls. These results suggest (i) that sub-acute or acute inflammation may cause infertility by compromising the uterine environment and/or impairing sperm transport and (ii) that the LPS-induced -infection/inflammation experimental model is useful for studying the mechanisms involved in reproductive dysfunctions in the rabbit.

Olmiite, ideally CaMn[SiO3(OH)](OH), is a newly identified mineral from the N’Chwaning II mine of the Kalahari manganese fields (Republic of South Africa), which occurs as a product of hydrothermal alteration associated with poldervaartite, celestine, sturmanite, bultfonteinite and hematite. The mineral occurs as wheat-sheaf aggregates consisting of pale to intense reddish pink minute crystals. Olmiite is transparent with vitreous lustre, and exhibits deep-red fluorescence under short-wave UV-light. The mineral is brittle, with irregular fracture. Streak is white and Mohs hardness is 5–51/2. No cleavage was observed. The measured density (pycnometer method) is 3.05(3) g/cm3. The calculated density is 3.102 g/cm3 or 3.109 g/cm3 using the unit-cell volume from single-crystal or powder data, respectively. Olmiite is biaxial positive, with refractive indices α = 1.663(1), β = 1.672(1), γ = 1.694(1) (589 nm), 2Vmeas = 71.8(1)º, 2Vcalc = 66(8)º. The optical orientation is X = a, Y = c, Z = b and dispersion: r > v, distinct. Pleochroism is not observed. Chemical analysis by electron microprobe yielded the chemical formula (Ca2–xMnxFey)[SiO3(OH)](OH), with 0.84 ≤ x ≤ 0.86, and y ≤ 0.01. Olmiite is orthorhombic, space group Pbca, with a = 9.249(3), b = 9.076(9), c = 10.342(9) Å , V = 868(1) Å 3 and Z = 8. The strongest five powder-diffraction lines [d in Å , (I/Io), hkl] are: 4.14, (45), 021; 3.19, (100), 122; 2.807, (35), 311; 2.545 (35), 312; 2.361, (40), 223. Single-crystal structure refinement (R1 = 2.74% for 1012 observed reflections) showed that the atomic arrangement of olmiite is similar to that of poldervaartite, with all Mnordered onthe M2 site. Significant variations in bond distances and angles are related to the pronounced difference in the Mn content. Olmiite, therefore, is the Mn-dominant analogue of poldervaartite. The name poldervaartite should be reserved for samples having Ca dominant at the M2 site.

Light-induced structural changes in single crystals belonging to the β-As 4 S 4 -As 8 S 9 series and in a crystal of synthetic β-As 4 S 3 were monitored step by step by determining the unit-cell dimensions. A marked increase of unit-cell volume as a function of exposure time was observed for all the crystals belonging to the β-As 4 S 4 -As 8 S 9 series except for stoichiometric alacranite (As 8 S 9 ). No significant change upon long exposures to light was observed for the synthetic β-As 4 S 3 crystal. Crystal structure refinements were carried out for crystals with different composition at selected steps of the light-induced process. The structural results clearly showed that the percentage of the As 4 S 5 molecule in the structure increases when a crystal is exposed to light. Therefore, the increment of the unit-cell volume induced by light exposure appears to be related to a random replacement of As 4 S 5 for As 4 S 4 in the structure according to the reaction 5As 4 S 4 + 3O 2 → 4As 4 S 5 + 2As 2 O 3 . The results obtained in the present study combined with a critical review of data previously published indicate that the As 4 S 4 molecule is able to incorporate sulfur to convert to As 4 S 5 upon exposure to light, whereas either As 4 S 3 or As 4 S 5 molecules do not go undergo any modification. It appears that the extent of sulfur incorporation is strictly controlled by the type of molecular packing as well as by the kind of molecule. A final, complete conversion to pararealgar was observed only for pure β-As 4 S 4 , whereas non-stoichiometric As 8 S 9−x crystals initially containing variable amounts of β-As 4 S 4 microdomains convert only partially to pararealgar upon light exposure.

The crystal structure of a synthetic potassium-rich clinopyroxene, (Ca0.88K0.12)(Mg0.83Al0.17)(Si1.98 Al0.02)O6, was studied using high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. A four-pin dia- mond anvil cell with 4:1 methanol:ethanol pressure medium was used to achieve pressures to 9.72 GPa. Unit-cell data were measured at 17 pressures, and intensity data were collected at 6 pressures. Fitting the P-V data to the third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state yields V0 = 435.49(3) A 3 , K0 = 129(1) GPa, K' = 2.7(3). Anisotropic compression was observed with unit strain axial ratios of 1:1.94:1.90. Unit-cell parameters decrease gradually as a function of pressure with axial compress- ibilities βb > βc ~ βa. They match those found for kosmochlor but are stiffer than those observed for synthetic diopside and hedenbergite. Compressibilities of the bond distances within the M2, M1, and T polyhedra show signiÞ cant anisotropy. The incorporation of K into the clinopyroxene structure has little effect on its compressibility, although the concomitant substitution of Al in M1 from the K-Jd component reduces its compressibility. The K atom is softer than the M2 polyhedron and thus shrinks enough at high pressure to Þ t into the pyroxene structure.

To study the temperature-dependent structural changes accompanying the phase transformation leadhillite ↔ susannite and to verify the close structural relationships between heated leadhillite and susannite, a leadhillite crystal has been investigated by X-ray single-crystal diffraction methods within the temperature range 25–100 °C. The values of the unit-cell parameters were determined at 25, 32, 35, 37, 40, 42, 45, 48, 50, 53, 56, 59, 62, 65, 68, 71, 75, 79, 82, 85, 90, 95, and 100 °C. After the heating experiment the crystal was cooled over the same temperature intervals and the unit-cell dimensions were determined again. The values measured with both increasing and decreasing temperature are in excellent agreement, indicating that no hysteresis occurs within the temperature range examined and that the phase transformation is completely reversible in character. Analysis of the components of the spontaneous strain shows only normal thermal expansion up to 50 °C and that the structural distortions leading to the topology of the heated leadhillite take place in the temperature range 50–82 °C. Our study conÞ rms that the crystal structure of heated leadhillite is topologically identical to that of susannite and that the slight structural changes occurring during the phase transformation leadhillite ↔ susannite are mainly restricted to the sulfate sheet. Changes in the orientation of sulfate tetrahedra and in the Pb-O coordination polyhedra occur in a continuous way within the temperature range investigated as indicated by the second-order character of the phase transition. In this way, the leadhillite structure gradually goes toward that of susannite without abrupt structural changes.

Garavellite, FeSbBiS4, was found in a sample of the mineralogical collection of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence. The sample is from the Cu–Fe deposit of Caspari, Saverland, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Garavellite occurs as very rare, elongated prismatic crystals up to 100 µm in length, spatially associated with large berthierite crystals, bismuthinite, chalcopyrite, and siderite. It does not contain inclusions of or intergrowths with other minerals. Macroscopically garavellite is grey in colour and shows a grey-black streak. The Vickers hardness (VHN50) is 206 kg/mm2. In plane-polarized incident light garavellite is grey in colour, with distinct bireflectance. Reflectance percentages for Rmin and Rmax are 33.8, 41.8 (471.1 nm), 33.3, 40.9 (548.3 nm), 32.7, 39.5 (586.6 nm), and 32.4, 38.8 (652.3 nm), respectively.

The pseudo-binary system CaMgSi2O6-KAlSi2O6, modeling the potassium-bearing clinopyroxene (KCpx) solid solution, has been studied at 7 GPa and 1,100–1,650 °C. The KCpx is a liquidus phase of the system up to 60 mol% of KAlSi2O6. At higher content of KAlSi2O6 in the system, grossular-rich garnet becomes a liquidus phase. Above 75 mol% of KAlSi2O6 in the system, KCpx is unstable at the solidus as well, and garnet coexists with kalsilite, Si-wadeite and kyanite. No coexistence of KCpx with kyanite was observed. Above the solidus, KAlSi2O6 content of the KCpx coexisting with melt increases with decreasing temperature. Near the solidus of the system (about 1,250 °C) KCpx contains up to 5.6 wt% of K2O, i.e. about 22–26 mol% of KAlSi2O6. Such high concentration of potassium in KCpx is presumably the maximal content of KAlSi2O6 in the Fe-free clinopyroxene at 7 GPa. In addition to the major substitution MgM1CаМ2⇔AlМ1KМ2, the KCpx solid solution contains Ca-Eskola and only minor Ca-Tschermack components. Our experimental results indicate that the natural assemblage KCpx+grossular-rich garnet might be a product of crystallization of the ultra-potassic SiO2-rich alumino-silicate mantle melts (>200 km).

Crystals of arsenic sulphide (reported as alacranite ), coming from the burning dump of Kateřina Mine (Czech Republic), have been investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction and chemical microanalysis. Both analytical data and unit-cell parameters strongly suggest the existence of a continuous series between the high-temperature polymorph (β-As 4 S 4 ) and the mineral alacranite (As 8 S 9 ). As the S content increases in the series, the unit-cell volume increases accordingly. The structural model has been obtained for two crystals, exhibiting different unit-cell volumes (ALA15: a = 9.940(2), b = 9.398(2), c = 9.033(2), β = 102.12(2), V = 825.0(3), R obs = 6.12%; ALA2: a = 9.936(2), b = 9.458(2), c = 9.106(2), β = 101.90(2), V = 837.3(3), R obs = 6.41%). We found that the non-stoichiometric compounds crystallize as a disordered mixture of two kinds of cage-like molecules, packed together as in the β-As 4 S 4 phase. The first one is identical to the As 4 S 4 molecule found in the structures of both realgar (α-As 4 S 4 ) and β-As 4 S 4 . The second molecule is chemically and structurally identical to that found in the As 4 S 5 compound. The simultaneous presence of As 4 S 4 ( C 2/c) and As 8 S 9 ( P 2/c) microdomains could be a reason for the observed gradual change of the translation symmetry from the β-phase to alacranite s.s.