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Considering the importance of honey bees for pollination activity and biodiversity preservation different studies have dealt with the impact of pesticides on honeybee health. Within the hive, beeswax is a matrix of particular interest because most of the chemicals used in agricultural and beekeeping activities can easily accumulate and persist in this matrix long after treatment has ceased, affecting honeybees survival. However, chemical analyses of pesticide residues in beeswax are not mandatory, so there are no residue limits, for beeswax. The present study was carried out with the aim of investigating the beeswax residue pattern in the Italian hives. 178 beeswax samples collected from 2013 to 2015 were analyzed for 247 pesticides. 73.6% of the analyzed samples reported the presence of one or more pesticides. On average every single sample showed a mean of three different pesticides each with a maximum of fourteen compounds, some of which were banned in Europe or not authorized in Italy. The higher frequencies were associated with three acaricides: coumaphos (60.7% of samples), tau-fluvalinate (50%) and chlorphenvinphos (35.4%), but the higher concentrations were associated to pyrethrins and piperonil butoxide.

A cobalt film modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared by electrochemical deposition and its application was studied by potentiometry. The film modified electrode is used for the determination of phosphorus and exhibits a detection limit of 8.7 × 10 −5 mol L −1 with recovery of 96.9%. This method has been used for determination of phosphorus ions in biodiesel samples with satisfactory results.

In this work, a 1:12 phosphomolybdic film modified glassy carbon electrode is prepared by electrochemical deposition and its application was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The film modified electrode is used for the determination of phosphorus and exhibits a linear response to phosphorus in the concentration of 7.0 × 10−6–8.0 × 10−5 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 8.7 × 10−6 mol L−1. This method has been used for determination of phosphorus in the form of phosphate in biodiesel samples with satisfactory results.

Die idiopathische Erkrankung der unteren Harnwege der Katze (iLUTD) teilt viele Merkmale mit der interstitiellen Zystitis (IC) des Menschen. Bei einigen Menschen mit IC wurde nach der intravesikalen Applikation von alkalisiertem Lidocain eine anhaltende Symptomlinderung festgestellt. Das Ziel dieser Studie war, die Effekte der intravesikalen Instillation von alkalisiertem Lidocain in Bezug auf Rezidivrate und Symptomlinderung bei obstruktiver iLUTD zu evaluieren. Zwolf Katzen wurden in die Fallgruppe (2 oder 4mg/kg Lidocain und Natriumbikarbonat) und 14 in die Kontrollgruppe (Placebo (0.2mL/kg 0.9% NaCl und Natriumbikarbonat) oder Standardtherapie (nur Harnkatheter, ohne Instillation)) aufgenommen. Die Zuteilung zu den Gruppen erfolgte zufallig. Die Instillation wurde einmal taglich fur 3 Tage durchgefuhrt. Bei erfolgreicher Therapie wurde eine Nachkontrolle bis 2 Monate nach Entlassung mittels Fragebogen durchgefuhrt. Die Rezidivrate betrug 58% (7/12) bei der Fallgruppe und 57% (8/14) bei der Kontrollgruppe. Die Symptomlinderung war bei beiden Gruppen ahnlich. Bei Katzen mit obstruktiver iLUTD hatte die intravesikale Applikation von Lidocain wahrend drei Tagen keine Auswirkung auf die Rezidivrate oder den Schweregrad der Symptome. Idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (iLUTD) in cats shares many features in common with interstitial cystitis (IC) in humans. In human patients intravesical instillation of alkalinized lidocaine sometimes is associated with sustained amelioration of symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the intravesical instillation of alkalinized lidocaine reduces recurrence of urethral obstructions and severity of clinical signs in cats with obstructive iLUTD. Twelve cats were included in the case group (2 or 4mg/kg lidocaine and sodium bicarbonate) and 14 cats served as controls (placebo (0.2mL/kg 0.9% NaCl and sodium bicarbonate) or standard therapy (urinary catheter only, without instillation)). Cats were randomly assigned to either group. The intravesical instillation was done once a day for 3 days. A follow-up of the cats with successful treatment was made up to 2 months after discharge using a questionnaire. Recurrence of urethral obstruction occurred in 58% (7/12) of the case group and 57% (8/14) of the control group. The amelioration scores were similar between the groups. The intravesical administration of alkalinized lidocaine for up to 3 days had no effects on recurrence and severity of clinical signs in cats with obstructive iLUTD.

Animal and human studies of addiction indicate that the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) plays a critical role in the mechanism of drug reward. D2 receptor density in the brains of alcoholics has been shown to be reduced relative to controls. Previous studies of DRD2 in association with alcohol dependence using variation in the TaqI A locus were highly controversial. Recently, a synonymous mutation, C957T, in the coding region of the human DRD2 gene has been identified which appears to have functional effects including alteration in receptor availability. In order to determine if susceptibility to alcohol dependence (AD) within multiplex alcohol dependence families would be altered by the C957T in the coding region of the D2 gene, within-family association was studied in members of Caucasian multiplex alcohol dependence families. Members of control families with no personal alcohol or substance dependence history were included for case/control comparisons. Analyses performed to detect within-family association showed evidence favoring an association for the C957T polymorphism (P = 0.038). Linkage analyses of polymorphisms in this region showed that only the C957T locus remained of interest (P = 0.015). Evidence for the C957T T allele having a role in AD susceptibility at the population level using a case/control comparison was statistically marginal (P = 0.062), but was consistent with the family data results. These results support a role for DRD2 as a susceptibility gene for alcohol dependence within multiplex families at high risk for developing alcohol dependence.

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on DNA hybridization has been developed for the detection of Fusarium culmorum, a fungal pathogen of cereals. A 0.57 kbp DNA fragment of F. culmorum was amplified by specific primers and a 25-mer oligonucleotide probe was selected within the sequence of the PCR amplicon. After biotinilation, the probe was immobilized on a streptavidin sensor chip and tested for biospecific interaction with PCR products of F. culmorum. The effect of denaturating agents (formamide and urea) and ionic strength (NaCl) on hybridization efficiency of double-stranded PCR products with the immobilized probe and the specificity of the probe were investigated. The SPR biosensor was successfully used for the detection of F. culmorum in culture material of different strains and in naturally infected wheat samples. Tested on fungal cultures, it showed a good selectivity for F. culmorum against other species of either Fusarium or other fungal genera. A background signal was observed in wheat samples strictly depending on the DNA amount of the testing matrix. Testing 30 ng of durum wheat DNA the detection limit was 0.06 pg of F. culmorum DNA. The developed PCR-SPR assay allowed to detect F. culmorum with sensitivity and specificity higher than gel-electrophoresis analysis.

Stable and highly luminescent CdS nanocrystals (NCs) have been synthesized by means of decomposition of suitable precursors (CdO and elemental sulphur) in octadecene (ODE) and oleic acid at high temperature. Absorption and steady state photoluminescence (PL) measurements have been carried out to study the intrinsic properties of nanocrystals and the effect of ligand and solvent on emission properties. Ageing of nanocrystals has been investigated, and an efficient mechanism of emission recovery has been identified, showing the active role of non coordinating solvent and oleic acid in modifying the surface states.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate two polymorphisms near the D2 receptor gene (TaqI A RFLP and C microsatellite) and a VNTR for D4. A nonparametric linkage (NPL) technique, SIBPAL, was used to test for the presence or absence of linkage in 54 multiplex alcoholic families. These families had been ascertained through two alcoholic proband siblings in order to increase the density of alcoholic cases within these pedigrees. Phenotypic definitions of alcoholism were manipulated in an effort to determine the impact of severity (signs of physical dependence, early age of onset, presence of antisocial personality disorder) on the likelihood of finding positive evidence for linkage. A regression analysis that simultaneously evaluated the allele sharing identical by descent for Feighner criteria alcoholism in affected, unaffected, and discordant sib pairs (SIBPAL) for two D2 polymorphisms and the D4 polymorphism gave no evidence for linkage. Phenotypes associated with greater alcoholism severity (presence of physical dependence symptoms, earlier onset, or comorbid antisocial personality disorder) revealed some evidence for linkage. The presence of one or more physical dependence symptoms in combination with Feighner criteria alcoholism provided some evidence favoring linkage (TaqI A and D4). Alcoholics with an earlier onset of alcoholism showed some evidence for linkage especially when the presence of physical dependence was required (e. g., morning drinking, wanted to stop drinking but could not, binges or benders, and evidence of withdrawal symptoms). Finally, alcoholics with antisocial personality disorder differed significantly in their allele sharing from nonalcoholics for both D2 polymorphisms. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 88:676-685, 1999. Language: en

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic treatment with the direct rennin inhibitor aliskiren improves the remodelling of resistance arteries in dTGR (double-transgenic rats). dTGR (5 weeks) were treated with aliskiren (3 mg/kg of body mass per day) or ramipril (1 mg/kg of body mass per day) for 14 days and compared with age-matched vehicle-treated dTGR. BP (blood pressure) was similarly reduced in both aliskiren-treated and ramipril-treated rats compared with control dTGR (167±1 and 169±2 mmHg compared with 197±4 mmHg respectively; P

Preeclampsia is the major cause of maternofetal and neonatal morbi-mortality including intrauterine growth retardation, miscarriages and stillbirths. Inadequate vascular dilation and angiogenesis represent the crucial underlying defect of gravidic hypertension, denoting a failed response to the vasodilatory and pro-angiogenic challenge imposed by pregnancy, especially if multifetal. A similar pathogenesis appears involved in gestational diabetes. In this review we aimed to provide a hint on understanding the deeply involved angiogenic disorders which eventually culminate in utero-placental failure. The key players in these complex processes may be found in an intricate network of growth factors (GFs) and GF inhibitors, controlled by several vascular risk factors modulated by environment and genes, which eventually impact on early and late cardiovascular outcomes of mother and fetus.

Selenium-dependent (Se-GSH-Px), selenium-independent (non-Se-GSH-Px) glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase (GSSG-Rx) activities have been determined in cancerous and non-cancerous human adult kidney. Large inter-individual variation in the activities of all enzymes tested were found in both tumour and non-tumour specimens. In general a significant decrease in the activities of the three enzymes was found in tumours. When a comparison was made between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues of the same individual, Se-GSH-Px activity was found to be lower in tumour in 17 cases out of 29, and the non-Se-GSH-Px activity in 2O. In 20 cases out of 29 GSSG-Rx was found to be lower in tumour. It was concluded that changes in the factors involved in the anti-oxidative protection actually occur in human kidney tumour.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based DNA biosensors have been shown to be rapid, label-free, and selective tools for the detection of PCR products. Here, we describe an SPR sensor based on DNA hybridization for the detection of Fusarium culmorum, a fungal pathogen of wheat. A 0.57 kb DNA fragment of F. culmorum was amplified by specific primers, and a 25-mer oligonucleotide probe was selected within the sequence of the PCR amplicon. The biotin-labeled probe was immobilized on a streptavidin sensor chip and tested for biospecific interaction with PCR products of F. culmorum. The SPR biosensor was applied to the detection of F. culmorum in fungal cultures and in naturally infected wheat samples.

SummaryWe report the isolation and immobilization of a nisinogenic strain (NZ1) ofLactococcus lactissubsp.lactis, active on gas-forming lactate-fermenting clostridia responsible for late blowing of Asiago and Montasio cheeses. The bacteriocin (nisin) produced by strain NZ1 is pronase-sensitive and is released in culture media during the growth phase. Using the sensitive indicator strainLactobacillus delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricusNCDO 1489, a rapid microtitre plate based assay was developed for quantitative determination of the bacteriocin produced by NZ1 cells, either free or immobilized in gel beads. Scanning electron microscopy of cells immobilized in calcium alginate coated beads and viable counts of the surrounding medium showed that no cell leakage occurred during a 24 h assay. The bacteriocin released from immobilized cells reached, after 5 and 24 h, concentrations comparable to that of the free cell system after 3–4 h incubation in culture media.

N-Alkenyl and N-alkoxymethyl lactams are impervious to many reagents and are useful protecting groups for lactams. Conversion to the corresponding 2-ethoxy iminium salt and hydrolysis in neutral water removes the protecting group. Mild basification regenerates the lactam.

N-Alkenyl and N-alkoxymethyl lactams are impervious to many reagents and are useful protecting groups for lactams. Conversion to the corresponding 2-ethoxy iminium salt and hydrolysis in neutral water removes the protecting group. Mild basification regenerates the lactam.

A fluorescence polarization (FP) immunoassay, based on a monoclonal antibody and an ochratoxin A (OTA)-fluorescein tracer, has been developed for rapid screening of OTA in red wine. Wine samples were diluted with methanol and passed through aminopropyl solid-phase extraction columns prior to the FP assay. Average recoveries from samples spiked with OTA at levels of 2.0 and 5.0 ng/mL were 79% with RDS of 11% (n = 6). The limit of detection of the FP immunoassay was 0.7 ng/mL OTA, and the whole analysis was performed in less than 10 min. The assay was tested on 154 red wine samples (naturally contaminated or spiked at level ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 ng/mL) and compared with an high-performance liquid chromatography/immunoaffinity column clean-up method, showing a good correlation (r = 0.9222). Their compliance with the European regulation (2.0 ng/mL OTA maximum permitted level) was correctly assessed for 70% of the analyzed samples of red wine, whereas confirmatory analyses were required for the remaining ones with OTA levels close to the regulatory limit. No false-negative or positive results were observed using the FP immunoassay. The proposed FP assay is a useful screening method for OTA in red wines, when high throughput is required, that could also be used for white and rose wines, which are known to contain less interfering compounds such as polyphenols.

Glutathione transferase (GST) activity in the cytosolic fractions of renal cortex tumour was found to be significantly lower (215 +/- 156 mU/mg) than that present in the corresponding non-tumour (466 +/- 278 mU/mg) tissues. Using the immunoblotting technique, glutathione transferase isoenzymes expression in both tumour and non-tumour kidney was investigated. Alpha and pi class glutathione transferases were the most abundant enzymes in non-tumour kidney and were expressed by all samples investigated. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that the pi class enzymes are localized mainly in the distal convoluted tubules, whereas alpha class enzymes are localized in the proximal tubules. In the tumour moiety the alpha class GST appears to be absent or expressed at low level as compared with non-tumour samples. On the contrary, no significant differences in the expression of pi class GST were found in tumour as compared with non-tumour tissues. Mu class GST protein was detected in 12 of 26 samples tested. When present, mu class GST constitutes a few per cent of total GST protein. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that mu class GSTs are localized within the distal convoluted tubules. According to the electrophoretic mobility at least two different mu GST subunits (26.5 and 27.5 kd) were found. In one sample only the faster mu class GST subunit was present, two samples expressed both types of GST subunits, whereas nine samples expressed only the slower GST subunit. With the exception of one sample, a reduction of mu class GST expression was seen in tumour as compared with non-tumour tissues. The decrease of activity seen in the cytosolic fraction of tumour kidney must be ascribed mainly to a reduction or to a lack of expression of alpha class GST and to a lesser extent of mu class GST.

The origin and growth of weathering crusts on the ancient marbles of ruins of the Sanctuary of Demeter in the industrial atmosphere of Eleusis in Greece have been investigated. A systematic mineralogical, petrographical and chemical examination of weathered stones and crusts was performed, both in situ and in the lab, on samples taken from different parts of the monument in relation to the surface characteristics as well as to the exposure to rain, sea-salt spray and wet and dry deposition of airborne pollutants and dust. In particular, the various material–environment interactions take place, are characterized by (a) disintegrated “washed-out” surfaces, where products are taken away through dissolution, (b) rusty yellow patinas rich in Fe and Cu, (c) firmly attached black crusts in contact with percolating water, where recrystallized calcite shields amorphous deposits rich in S, Si, Fe and carbonaceous particles, (d) black loose deposits in the water sheltered areas, consisting mainly of gypsum and fly ash particles and (e) cementitious crusts, coating and pitting the horizontal surfaces. Moreover, an interconnected evolution of various physicochemical processes is shown, characteristic of the origin and growth of various crusts, which are formed and classified accordingly.

Perfused rat liver can be considered as one of the most suitable ex vivo models for studies of liver metabolism. To assess the possible effect of L-carnitine and some of its acyl esters on proteolysis in the rat liver, the amino acid derivatization and high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of Tapuhi et al. [Anal. Biochem., 115 (1981) 123] was modified.

N-Alkenyl- and N-alkoxymethyllactams are readily prepared from the corresponding lactam, and reaction with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate generates an 2-ethoxyiminium salt. Hydrolysis in neutral water gives the ethyl ester of 4-aminobutanoic acid (GABA) (or another ω-amino ester), an aldehyde and, in the case of the alkoxymethyl derivatives, an alcohol. The hydrolysis step requires participation of an enamine or N-alkoxymethyl moiety in a proton exchange reaction prior to fragmentation of the ring

Two genomic fragments were isolated from a normal and a dystrophic library containing the 3'OH terminus of the fast isoform of myosin heavy chain gene. Restriction map analysis confirmed that the genes were similar. The sequences coding for myosin were defined and shown to be the same in each genomic fragment. However, using a cDNA clone for tcRNA102 and two specific oligomers for tcRNA102 sequences, we determined that only the genomic fragment from normal chick contained homologous sequences to tcRNA102. Dystrophic chick DNA did not contain these regions of homology. In addition, the normal genomic fragment transcribes tcRNA102 in vitro via RNA polymerase III while the corresponding fragment of DNA from dystrophic chick was inactive. These results suggest that there are detectable differences between the normal and dystrophic genomes in this regard.

(1989). CYCLZATION OF ω-HALONITRILES WITH ORGANOLITHIUMS. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 297-301.

La reaction des halogenures de cyclopropylcarbinyle avec les amines (diethylamine, piperidine) a lieu par un mecanisme SN2' homoallylique plutot que par un mecanisme mettant en jeu des paires d'ions separees par le solvant

Conversion of L -glutamic acid to S -ethyl pyroglutamate allows reaction with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to give the N-dienyl derivative. The resulting dienyl pyroglutamates are new asymmetric dienes which show excellent diastereoselectivity in the Diels-Alder reaction with electron deficient alkenes.

Translational control RNA (tcRNA102) is closely associated with nonpolysomal myosin heavy chain-mRNA in mRNP particles. The nucleotide sequence of tcRNA102 has revealed a heterogeneity at the 3' end. This heterogeneity is mostly with regard to an ambiguity between adenine and guanine residues. tcRNA102 (obtained from pectoralis muscle) runs as a single band on denaturing acrylamide gels. When this band is extracted and rerun on a native gel at low voltage, two individual bands appear (A the slower moving and B the faster moving). From the partial RNase U2 sequence analysis and our previous sequence determinations (McCarthy, T. L., Siegel, E., Mrockowski, B., and Heywood, S. M. (1983) Biochemistry 22, 935-941), we may now assign tcRNA102 (A) the 3'-terminal sequence ... GGUUGGACGG-3' and tcRNA102(B) and 3' terminal sequence ... GAUUAAGCAA-3'. Analysis of the tcRNA102s indicates that dystrophic pectoralis muscle contains much less tcRNA102 than a similar preparation from control muscle. The tcRNA102 found in dystrophic pectoralis muscle is of the "A" type while normal pectoralis muscle contains predominantly the "B" type. In addition, control leg muscle from dystrophic chick contains predominantly "B" type. These results suggest that the differences observed at the DNA level (see accompanying paper, Zezza, D. J., and Heywood, S. M. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 7455-7460) may be reflected in the RNA transcripts.

The acid catalyzed condensation of lactams and aldehydes is a facile and highly stereoselective preparative route to a wide variety of N-alkenyl lactams of various ring sizes, and it is compatible with a useful range of aldehydes.

Preparation des composes du titre a partir de lactames et d'enaldehydes; selectivite ortho lors d'une addition Diels-Alder avec l'acrylate d'ethyle ou l'anhydride maleique

By sequential use of GSH-affinity chromatography and chromatofocusing, the isoenzymes of glutathione transferase from tumor and non-tumor kidney tissues have been purified and their properties compared. On the basis of electrophoretic mobilities on SDS/polyacrylamide gel, substrate specificities toward the diagnostic substrates cumene hydroperoxide and ethacrynic acid and immunoreactivity with antisera raised against alpha, mu and pi class glutathione transferases, it was found that most of the isoenzymes purified from both tumor and non-tumor kidney can be identified as members of either alpha or pi classes. All the samples investigated lacked mu class glutathione transferase. In addition, we could identify in tumor samples two transferases GST-7.6 and GST-5.8/5.9 which on the basis of immunological properties cannot be related to any of the members of the three major classes of glutathione transferases. The latter do not appear to have corresponding forms in non-tumor tissues. It was suggested that specific transferases can be selectively expressed by tumor kidney carcinoma.

The comfort provided by four different cubicle floorings was evaluated with a preference test in relation to winter and summer seasons. The test showed that polyethylene vinyl acetate and polypropylene vinyl acetate mats were preferred during winter, while solid manure and wood shavings assured more comfort than inorganic floorings during summer period. Results obtained suggest that the resting comfort of cubicle floorings may be evaluated also in relation to environmental microclimatic patterns.

Preparation des composes du titre a partir de lactames et d'enaldehydes; selectivite ortho lors d'une addition Diels-Alder avec l'acrylate d'ethyle ou l'anhydride maleique

An evaluation of behavioral and hygienic conditions was carried out with 4 materials used as free-stall flooring for dairy cows: polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polypropylene vinyl acetate (PVA) mats, wood shavings, and solid manure. The free-stall type selected by cows was evaluated in response to changes in environmental temperature and humidity. Two tests were used: 1) a preference test, in which 8 cows were housed in a pen with 32 free stalls and 4 types of flooring; and 2) an aversion test, in which 32 cows were placed in 4 pens, each with 8 free stalls. The free stalls in each pen had a single type of bedding material. These tests showed that the comfort of dairy cows was predominantly influenced by environmental conditions. The preference test for lying showed that cows preferred free-stall floors with EVA mats over those with PVA mats, wood shavings, and solid manure (332.4 +/- 24.0 vs. 130.8 +/- 6.2, 160.9 +/- 23.7, and 102.6 +/- 23.2 min/d, respectively), but under conditions of heat stress, with a temperature-humidity index > 80, they chose wood shavings and solid manure lying areas. These results were confirmed by the aversion test. In all experimental and environmental conditions, the PVA mats were the least suitable. The mats contaminated with organic manure and the free stalls bedded with wood shavings and organic solids did not differ in either the coliform load on the lying surfaces (EVA mats: 290 +/- 25; PVA mats: 306 +/- 33; wood shavings: 290 +/- 39; and solid manure: 305 +/- 23 log(10) cfu/mL) or the total bacterial count in the raw milk (EVA mats: 232 +/- 22; PVA mats: 233 + 24; wood shavings: 221 +/- 24; and solid manure: 220 +/- 25 log(10) cfu/mL). These results demonstrate that the comfort of dairy cows housed in barns with free stalls as resting areas does not depend only on the material used, but also on the value of the material in microenvironmental conditions.

Etude d'alkyl ou phenyl-2 pyrrolines-1, alkyl ou phenyl-6 tetrahydro-2,3,4,5 pyridines et alkyl ou phenyl-7 tetrahydro-3,4,5,6 azepines

Reactions of 5-ethenyl-3,4-dihydro-4-isopropylidene-2,2-dimethyl-2H-pyrrole (2) with a variety of alcohols led to formation of the 1,4-addition products (4) rather than the 2-alkoxypyrrolidine derivatives [e.g.(7)]. On distillation the adducts (4) suffered thermal rearrangement to the 5-(2-alkoxyethyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrroles (5).