Production of Orchard-Grass Cultivars (\u3ci\u3eDactylis glomerata\u3c/i\u3e) in Mixtures with Alfalfa (\u3ci\u3eMedicago sativa\u3c/i\u3e), under Grazing Conditions

In the Lower Valley of the Río Negro (northern Patagonia, Argentina), six binary mixtures of orchard-grass (Dactylis glomerata) cultivars (Porto, Currie, Filox, a Local ecotype, Pergamino El Cencerro MAG) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Monarca SP INTA, were tested under grazing and irrigation. Mixtures were evaluated during three growing seasons (96/97; 97/98 and 98/99). Total forage production of mixtures and botanical composition was measured (orchard-grass cultivars and alfalfa). Porto, Currie, Filox, Local and Cencerro cultivars reached similar yield, while Amba produced less forage (p\u3c 0.05). Mixture yield showed no significant difference, except Porto + alfalfa, which was lower (p\u3c 0.05). The grass was higher in spring (1st grazing) of three growing seasons. Orchard-grass + alfalfa showed highest dry matter production in 2nd and 3rd grazing. Alfalfa increased production along the three seasons in replacement of the declining tendency of orchard grass cultivars

Validation of a single liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach for oxytetracycline determination in bull plasma, seminal plasma and urine

Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which inhibits protein synthesis and is generally used for the treatment of pneumonia, shipping fever, leptospirosis and wound infections in cattle and swine. The present work proposes a novel liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for oxytetracycline quantification in bull plasma, seminal plasma and urine, requiring limited sample treatment before analysis. Extraction with trichloroacetic acid followed by dilution of the supernatant in mobile phase proved to be effective in all three matrices, allowing to rapidly process large batches of samples. Sharp and symmetrical peak shape was obtained using a BEH C18 reversed-phase column in a chromatographic run of just 3.5 min. The mass spectrometer operated in positive electrospray ionization mode and monitored specific transitions for oxytetracycline (461.1 → 425.8) and the internal standard demeclocycline (465.0 → 447.6). The method was validated over concentration ranges suitable for field concentrations of oxytetracycline found in each matrix, showing good linearity during each day of testing (R2 always >0.99), as also confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and lack-of-fit tests. Excellent accuracy and precision were demonstrated by calculated bias always within ±15% and CV% below 10% at all quality control (QC) levels in the three matrices. Matrix effect and recovery were investigated for both analytes, which showed consistent and comparable behaviour in each matrix. To our knowledge, this is the first validated approach for mass spectrometric determination of oxytetracycline in seminal plasma and urine. The method was successfully applied to samples collected during a pharmacokinetic study in bulls, allowing to assess the oxytetracycline concentration–time profile in plasma, seminal plasma and urine

The gustin (CA6) gene polymorphism, rs2274333 (A/G), as a mechanistic link between PROP tasting and fungiform taste papilla density and maintenance

Taste sensitivity to PROP varies greatly among individuals and is associated with polymorphisms in the bitter receptor gene TAS2R38, and with differences in fungiform papilla density on the anterior tongue surface. Recently we showed that the PROP non-taster phenotype is strongly associated with the G variant of polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G) of the gene that controls the salivary trophic factor, gustin. The aims of this study were 1) to investigate the role of gustin gene polymorphism rs2274333 (A/G), in PROP sensitivity and fungiform papilla density and morphology, and 2) to investigate the effect of this gustin gene polymorphism on cell proliferation and metabolic activity. Sixty-four subjects were genotyped for both genes by PCR techniques, their PROP sensitivity was assessed by scaling and threshold methods, and their fungiform papilla density, diameter and morphology were determined. In vitro experiments examined cell proliferation and metabolic activity, following treatment with saliva of individuals with and without the gustin gene mutation, and with isolated protein, in the two iso-forms. Gustin and TAS2R38 genotypes were associated with PROP threshold (p=0.0001 and p=0.0042), but bitterness intensity was mostly determined by TAS2R38 genotypes (p<0.000001). Fungiform papillae densities were associated with both genotypes (p<0.014) (with a stronger effect for gustin; p=0.0006), but papilla morphology was a function of gustin alone (p<0.0012). Treatment of isolated cells with saliva from individuals with the AA form of gustin or direct application of the active iso-form of gustin protein increased cell proliferation and metabolic activity (p<0.0135). These novel findings suggest that the rs2274333 polymorphism of the gustin gene affects PROP sensitivity by acting on fungiform papilla development and maintenance, and could provide the first mechanistic explanation for why PROP super-tasters are more responsive to a broad range of oral stimul

SGUARDI OLTRE IL PONTE CITTA’ COSTIERE DI SICILIA E CALABRIA TRA WATERFRONT NUOVE PORTUALITA’

For many years the South has been at the center of attention of the public opinion, the completion of the bridge over the Stretto di Messina, as a "resolution" passage of the connecting corridor between mainland Italy and the Sicily. That's the expression of a territorial vision of Europe based on building a network that is essential for economic exchange and north-south transport would also open a brand new relationship between continental Europe and the countries of the North African area. That vision has largely overshadowed the dynamics of the southern coastal city of our country; it’s actually proposing, on the one hand, a projected growth of settlements on the seas that surround it (Tyrrhenian, Adriatic and Ionian) to which they are very diverse forms of expression and waterfront uses of multiform coastline, on the other, a system of landing places for a substantial internal mobility (for goods and people that do not underestimate the contribution from tourism-related water) in the Mediterranean bacin. The changes related to these new forms of urban growth would change the structure of many cities in the South, Mediterranean recover ancient paths of memory, creating new destinations: they appear involved, the traditional settlement patterns in the South, the same system of connections of short and medium distance as well as assumptions that bind to the construction of local platforms and logistics. In fact, in the "long waiting" of the bridge, there are certain situations that are heavily penalizing the South in terms of production and the same quality of life of the people, but we are also witnessing the growth of short-term initiatives aimed at reducing inconveniences and create new forms of relationships. Some emerging questions. Is rising up the possibility of a different relationship with the sea that make the Eurocentric vision less effective? Are there determining alternative uses of coastal areas? Do we highlight new conveniences for transport solutions that bring shadows radicals assumed to origin? It is considered advisable the "cultural review”, before operating the assumptions above and at least the same should be the subject of critical attention. The changes related to these new forms of urban growth would change the structure of many cities in the South, Mediterranean recover ancient paths of memory, creating new destinations: they appear involved, the traditional settlement patterns in the South, the same system of connections of short and medium distance as well as assumptions that bind to the construction of local platforms and logistics. The contribution will develop for the Biennial of Towns and Town Planners in Europe focuses on the changes that are driving in the cities of the South (and especially its southern parts) in particular is to highlight the connection not yet sufficient depth between the vision-type transport terms "a unique system of relationships and the European contribution, to some extent but still innovative alternative, which flows to the reorganization of transport from urban and territorial policies, more often an expression of local needs and not properly coordinated, but nevertheless substantial, for somewhat irreversible

PRELIMINARY DATA ON FUMONISINS PRESENCE IN PIG LIVER

Mycotoxins are heterogeneous chemical compounds characterized by a low molecular weight and synthesized by the secondary metabolism of different molds. Fumonisins are water-soluble mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species spoiling corn and derived products. These mycotoxins can enter the food chain also through the consumption of meat of exposed animals. Fumonisins and their metabolites have been associated with several animal and human diseases. They are suspected risk factors for esophageal and liver cancers, neural tube defects and cardiovascular problems. Improved methods are needed to accurately assess fumonisin concentrations in food from vegetable and animal origin to prevent acute and chronic human exposure. The aim of the present work was to develop a sensitive and selective method for quantification and unambiguous identification of fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2) and their complete hydrolyzed products (HFB1 and HFB2), in order to determine their presence in pig liver. Furthermore, the developed method was applied, in order to test its efficacy, on liver samples of weaned piglets fed a diet in compliance with the FB1 and FB2 contamination limits set by EU. All the samples showed the presence of at least one of the analytes. In particular FB1 was found in 5 out of 7 samples and the average level of contamination found was 28 ppb

Molecular and genetic factors involved in olfactory and gustatory deficits and associations with microbiota in parkinson’s disease

Deficits in olfaction and taste are among the most frequent non-motor manifestations in Parkinson’s disease (PD) that start very early and frequently precede the PD motor symptoms. The limited data available suggest that the basis of the olfactory and gustatory dysfunction related to PD are likely multifactorial and may include the same determinants responsible for other non-motor symptoms of PD. This review describes the most relevant molecular and genetic factors involved in the PD-related smell and taste impairments, and their associations with the microbiota, which also may represent risk factors associated with the disease

Perfluoroalkyl substances in human milk: A first survey in Italy

Due to their widespread diffusion, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been frequently found in the environment and in several animal species. It has been demonstrated that they can easily reach also humans, mainly through diet. Being lactation a major route of elimination of these contaminants, their occurrence in human milk is of particular interest, especially considering that it generally represents the unique food source for newborns. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the two most important compounds of this family, have been frequently found in human milk at variable concentrations, but still limited data are available. The present study, the first conducted in Italy capable to detect these pollutants at ultra-trace levels by UPLC-MS/MS, confirmed the role of lactation as a relevant source of exposure for breastfed children. The measured concentrations ranged between 15 and 288 ng/L for PFOS and between 24 and 241 ng/L for PFOA. Moreover, mean concentrations and frequencies of both analytes resulted higher in milk samples provided by primiparous women, suggesting that the risk of intake might be higher for first-borns. Finally, comparing these results with previous data, PFOS gradual decrease over time since year 2000 was confirmed

Optical properties of bulk high-entropy diborides for solar energy applications

So far, the studies regarding the innovative High-Entropy Borides (HEBs), which belong to the more general class of Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs), have been entirely confined to their fabrication or characterization from the microstructural, mechanical and oxidation resistance viewpoints. In this work, the optical properties of two members of HEBs, i.e. (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2 and (Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2, are evaluated for the first time to assess their possible utilization in the thermal solar energy field. The bulk samples (96.5 % and 97.4 % dense, respectively) are obtained as single-phase products by Spark Plasma Sintering (1950 °C/20 min/20 MPa) starting from powders previously synthesized by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS). The optical characterization, whose results are discussed by comparing HEBs to the individual borides, shows that they are characterized by intrinsic spectral selectivity and low thermal emittance, resulting therefore interesting for high-temperature solar absorbers applications