An oveview and update on sarcopenic obesity

Sarcopenic obesity (OS) is a multifactorial condition characterized by the simultaneous presences of sarcopenia and obesity. It represents a natural phenomenon related to aging that can significantly increase the risk of osteoporosis, frailty, mobility, disability and mortality. It is estimated that approximately 45% of the elderly American population—about 18 million people—are affected by sarcopenia and that the risk of disability is 1.5–4.6 fold greater in elderly people suffering from sarcopenia than older people with unaffected muscle mass. The prevalence of OS is increasing in adults over 65 years of age; people with OS present greater health risks than people who are only sarcopenic or obese. Therefore, the study of OS and the search for effective treatment are important due to the constant increase of the elderly population. OS is a relatively new concept in the panorama of age-related diseases. There is currently no single definition of the pathology; however, the evidence suggests a close correlation to the onset of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Although many questions remain unresolved today, it is important to note that OS can be prevented and treated by adopting a healthy lifestyle. The ideal approach is based on the targeted intervention to both slow down the course of sarcopenia and promote a decrease in adipose mass.The beneficial potential of physical activity, expressed through strength and resistance exercises, on OS is widely documented. The benefits obtained from aerobic exercises and strength exercises are shown at the level of muscle mass, muscle strength, muscular capacity and mitochondrial activity. However, the best results were obtained by coupling adequate nutritional treatment with regular physical activity. The adequate intake of proteins high in essential amino acids promotes protein synthesis and muscle health, effectively counteracting the onset of sarcopenia. In case of malnutrition a supplementation with BCAA-based supplements, leucine, vitamin D and β-HMB might help to improve and reduce the effects of sarcopenia. The deficiency of muscle mass in obese elderly subjects will be one of the health challenges of the future to reduce the risk of chronic diseases

Biological and integrated control of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on ornamentals in the northeastern Italy

Laboratory, semi-field and field experiments were conducted with the aim of identifying biological and integrated control strategies to be applied against Frankliniella occidentalis. We studied the spatial and temporal distribution of the main thrips pests in greenhouses and potential antagonists in some greenhouses characterized by a different level of lateral openings and a rose garden in the open. The second experiment was planned to show that opening greenhouse structures are not automatically related to an increase in thrips problems on ornamental crops. The third experimental study has been undertaken with the aim of evaluating the impact of some biological control agents (BCAs) on Frankliniella occidentalis population. In the fourth experiment, the effect of a fungal strain of Beauveria bassiana on F. occidentalis reached the highest levels when residual and topical exposures were combinedSono stati condotti esperimenti di laboratorio, semi-campo e campo (serra) volti a individuare strategie di lotta biologica ed integrata da applicare contro Frankliniella occidentalis. E’ stata studiata la distribuzione spazio-temporale dei principali tripidi fitofagi delle serre e dei potenziali antagonisti in alcune serre caratterizzate da un diverso livello di aperture laterali e in un roseto a cielo aperto. La seconda ricerca sperimentale è stata intrapresa con lo scopo di dimostrare che il grado di apertura delle serre verso l'ambiente esterno non implica un maggiore incremento delle problematiche correlate ai tripidi su colture ornamentali. Il terzo studio è stato condotto con l'obbiettivo di valutare l'impatto di alcuni agenti di controllo biologico su F. occidentalis. Nel quarto esperimento, l'effetto di un ceppo fungino di Beauveria bassiana su F. occidentalis ha raggiunto i livelli più elevati quando l’esposizione topica è stata combinata con quella residual

Biological and integrated control of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) on ornamentals in the northeastern Italy

Laboratory, semi-field and field experiments were conducted with the aim of identifying biological and integrated control strategies to be applied against Frankliniella occidentalis. We studied the spatial and temporal distribution of the main thrips pests in greenhouses and potential antagonists in some greenhouses characterized by a different level of lateral openings and a rose garden in the open. The second experiment was planned to show that opening greenhouse structures are not automatically related to an increase in thrips problems on ornamental crops. The third experimental study has been undertaken with the aim of evaluating the impact of some biological control agents (BCAs) on Frankliniella occidentalis population. In the fourth experiment, the effect of a fungal strain of Beauveria bassiana on F. occidentalis reached the highest levels when residual and topical exposures were combinedSono stati condotti esperimenti di laboratorio, semi-campo e campo (serra) volti a individuare strategie di lotta biologica ed integrata da applicare contro Frankliniella occidentalis. E’ stata studiata la distribuzione spazio-temporale dei principali tripidi fitofagi delle serre e dei potenziali antagonisti in alcune serre caratterizzate da un diverso livello di aperture laterali e in un roseto a cielo aperto. La seconda ricerca sperimentale è stata intrapresa con lo scopo di dimostrare che il grado di apertura delle serre verso l'ambiente esterno non implica un maggiore incremento delle problematiche correlate ai tripidi su colture ornamentali. Il terzo studio è stato condotto con l'obbiettivo di valutare l'impatto di alcuni agenti di controllo biologico su F. occidentalis. Nel quarto esperimento, l'effetto di un ceppo fungino di Beauveria bassiana su F. occidentalis ha raggiunto i livelli più elevati quando l’esposizione topica è stata combinata con quella residual

Spatial and temporal dynamics of Frankliniella occidentalis on protected ornamentals.

Western flower thrips (WFT) Frankliniella occidentalis is a worldwide problem of various ornamentals and vegetables, especially under greenhouse. Here we present preliminary results of a study on spatial structure of a WFT population and its evolution over time on ornamentals under greenhouse. We used Spatial Analysis with Distances Indices (SADIE) methods to evaluate nonrandomness of the distribution and association of the distributions observed at different time. Spatial analysis of WFT population provided interesting information on the role of surrounding environment on the insect population inside the greenhouse

Single and combined releases of biological control agents against canopy- and soil-dwelling stages of Frankliniella occidentalis in cyclamen

Biological control agents (BCA) can be used against Frankliniella occidentalis as an alternative to conventional insecticides. Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus and Orius laevigatus were applied to the canopy and Macrocheles robustulus and Steinernema feltiae to the soil in single and combined releases. The combination of nematodes in the soil and predatory mites in the canopy caused a more prompt reduction of thrips in flowers

Effects of Beauveria bassiana on Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) trough different routes of exposure

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus widely used in biocontrol tactics over the world. Its potential has been tested on several pest species, included the Western Flower Thrips Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande. In laboratory bioassays, we exposed different developmental stages of F. occidentalis (first and second instar larvae, adults) to residual or topical applications of a B. bassiana commercial strain (strain ATCC 74040, Naturalis\uae). The results stress on the importance to favor the contact of thrips with B. bassiana to obtain satisfactory control of this pests