Mesoporous Titania: Synthesis, Properties and Comparison with Non-Porous Titania

Some relevant physico-chemical and photocatalytic properties of ordered mesoporous TiO2 as obtained by template-assisted synthesis methods are reported. After a review of the crucial aspects related to different synthesis procedures reported by the literature, the focus is pointed on the (often) superior physico-chemical properties of ordered mesoporous TiO2 with respect to (commercial) bulk TiO2. Those are essentially higher specific surface area and ordered mesoporosity; possibility to control the formation of different crystalline phases by varying the synthesis conditions and possibility to obtain films, nanoparticles with different morphologies and/or materials with hierarchical porosity. Although mesoporous TiO2 is extensively studied for many applications in the fields of photocatalysis, energy and biomedicine, this chapter focuses on the use of mesoporous TiO2 in environmental photocatalysis, by putting in evidence how the physico-chemical properties of the material may affect its photocatalytic behaviour and how mesoporous TiO2 behaves in comparison with commercial TiO2 samples

Preliminary validation study of Paraoxonase-1 in horses

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an anti-oxidant enzyme associated with high-density lipoproteins in blood. PON-1 is a negative acute-phase protein being its plasmatic activity reduced during inflammation due to consumption by oxidants. Considering the possible clinical usefulness of PON-1 as an early inflammatory marker this is a preliminary validation study in horses. Serum PON-1 activity was measured in 69 clinically healthy animals (31 adult female, 18 geldings, 11 stallions, 9 foals) using an enzymatic method adapted from other species. In order to preliminarily assess the possible utility of PON-1 as a marker of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), blood from 6 sick foals, classified according to a validated SIRS scale, was analyzed. Intra- and inter-assay imprecision were assessed by repeated analysis of pooled samples and evaluation of coefficient of variations (CV). Accuracy was indirectly evaluated through linearity under dilution (LUD) and spiking recovery test (SRT). Results of the different groups of healthy horses were compared to each other with a Friedmann test with Bonferroni correction. The method is precise (inter- and inter-assay CVs <5%) and accurate (LUD and SRT fit the linear model). PON-1 activity was higher in foals and in adult females (mean ± SD: 63.7±15.5 and 60.8±10.1, respectively) than in geldings and adult males (52.5±10.2 and 47.2±7.7, respectively). In 3/6 SIRS foals PON-1 activity was lower than the lowest percentile of distribution of healthy foals. This study demonstrated that the method of measurement of PON-1 activity in horses is precise and accurate and PON-1 may be a marker of SIRS

Evaluation of three commercial rapid kits to detect Cryptosporidium parvum in diarrheic calf stool

The aim of this study was to evaluate three commercially available rapid immunochromato-graphic tests for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum antigens in faeces of naturally infected neonatal diarrhoeic calves. FASTest (R) CRYPTO strip, FASTest (R) CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip and TETRASTRIPS (R) were compared for their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value using a cumulative positivity as gold standard. In addition, the agreement between each test and the gold standard was evaluated by Cohen's Kappa (k) value. The highest infection rate was observed by FASTest (R) CRYPTO GIARDIA Strip (65.15%), followed by FASTest (R) CRYPTO strip (63.64%) and TETRASTRIPS (R) (56.06%,). A very good diagnostic performance of all the three tests was observed. FASTest (R) CRYPTO strip (k= 0.935) and FASTest (R) CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip (k= 0.968) had the highest sensitivity (100%) while TETRASTRIPS (R) (k= 0.875) had the highest specificity (100%). Eimeria spp oocysts were present in six samples but cross-reaction with this protozoan was not observed. These assays were not time-consuming and very easy to perform and to read. Based on our results, we recommend the use of FA

evaluation of three commercial rapid kits to detect cryptosporidium parvum in diarrhoeic calf stool

The aim of this study was to evaluate three commercially available rapid immunochromatographic tests for detection of Cryptosporidium parvum antigens in faeces of naturally infected neonatal diarrhoeic calves. FASTest® CRYPTO strip, FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip and TETRASTRIPS® were compared for their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value using a cumulative positivity as gold standard. In addition, the agreement between each test and the gold standard was evaluated by Cohen's Kappa (k) value. The highest infection rate was observed by FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip (65.15%), followed by FASTest® CRYPTO strip (63.64%) and TETRASTRIPS® (56.06%,). A very good diagnostic performance of all the three tests was observed. FASTest® CRYPTO strip (k = 0.935) and FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip (k = 0.968) had the highest sensitivity (100%) while TETRASTRIPS® (k = 0.875) had the highest specificity (100%). Eimeria spp oocysts were present in six samples but cross-reaction with this protozoan was not observed. These assays were not time-consuming and very easy to perform and to read. Based on our results, we recommend the use of FASTest® CRYPTO strip, FASTest® CRYPTO-GIARDIA Strip or/and TETRASTRIPS® for detection of C. parvum antigens in faeces of neonatal diarrhoeic calves

Using roquefortine C as a biomarker for penitrem A intoxication in a beef herd

Fifteen grazing beef cattle and calves presented a history of neurological signs like ataxia, intentional head tremors, muscle twitching. Nervous ketosis, nervous BVD, BHV-1,5, tremorgenic intoxication from hay, and Listeriosis were considered as differential diagnosis. Blood samples were collected. Inspection of hay bales showed large white dusty and moldy areas. Samples were taken and analyzed. Altered hay was immediately removed in all animals’ stock. No alterations were found in blood tests. Food analysis showed high concentrations of Roquefortine C (RC) (345 μg/kg DM). Tremorgenic syndrome has been reported in Penitrem A (PA) intoxication, but PA is difficult to isolate in laboratory conditions. Both RC and PA are produced by Penicillum spp. RC has been associated with PA in tremorgenic toxicosis in dogs and it might be considered a valuable diagnostic marker for PA intoxication. The neurological signs were due to tremorgenic intoxication after feeding of spoiled forage contaminated with mycotoxines

Evaluation of Some Physical, Haemathological and Clinical Chemistry Parameters in Healthy Newborn Italian Holstein Calves

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate some physical, haematological and clinical chemistry parameters in the newborn Italian Holstein calf at birth and at 24 h of life, to evaluate changes during the immediate post-partum period. Forty-six Italian Holstein Friesian calves were included in this study. Heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature were recorded at birth and at 24 h of life. The time needed to raise the head, acquire sternal recumbency, stand up were also recorded. Blood samples were collected before first feeding and at 24 h of age and CBC count, L-lactate, glucose and total protein concentrations were evaluated. The head was raised immediately in 46/46 calves, suckling reflex was acquired within 12±9 min, sternal position in 5±2 min and newborn stood up in 38±30 min. Some of the physical data, haematological and biochemical values showed statistical differences between birth and 24 h of age. The results from this study provide some information about physical and laboratory data of Italian Holstein Friesian calves, at birth and at 24 h of life. Our results confirm that several clinical and laboratory values in newborn calves differ from adult reference intervals and from calves of different breeds

A possible tremorgenic mycotoxicosis by Roquefortine C in a bovine herd

A total of 15 beef cows and calves were referred for history of neurological signs. The animals (12/15 Chianina breed, 3/15 Limousine) were grazing in 300 ha area, fed with grass and hay. Inspection of the hay reveled macroscopic alterations, consisting of diffuse and heavy mold contamination of many hay bales. Due to the not cooperative attitude, the animals were only visually examined in the field; the neurological signs observed were ataxia, intentional head tremors and muscle twitching. Only 3 calves with severe neurological signs were housed in a medication area and underwent a complete clinical exam. All 3 calves showed intentional head tremors and muscle twitching; 1/3 presented severe ataxia and stiffness gait, while 2/3 calves were recumbent and unable to rise. The most important clinical data were: hyperthermia, tachypnea, tachycardia and long capillary refill time. The neurological examination showed deficits of V and VII cranial nerves. Calves could swallow, but they were unable to grab the food. Based on history and clinical examination the following differential diagnoses were considered: tremorgenic mycotoxicosis, nervous ketosis, nervous BVD form, BHV1-5, Listeriosis and WMD. Blood samples were collected for CBC count and biochemistry panel (TP, urea, creatinine, total and direct bilirubin, GGT, AST, CPK, Mg, Se and vit E), urinalysis was performed for ketone bodies. Calves were also tested for infectious diseases (Listeriosis, BVD, BHV 1-5). Multiple samples of altered hay were analyzed for mycotoxins and hay balls were removed in all animals’ stock. The grazing animals recovered spontaneously within 1 week along with 2/3 hospitalized calves, while 1/3 calf was euthanized due to poor general conditions. CBC, biochemistry panel, vit E and oligo-minerals resulted within normal ranges and no positivity for infectious agents were detected. Food analysis showed high concentrations of roquefortine C (RC): 345 μg/kg DM. Presence of RC in livestock food is highly reported, in particular in visibly moldy areas (1). RC intoxication causes anorexia, paralysis and several reports attribute it neurotoxic properties (2). In mice experimental intoxications induced muscle contractions, ataxia, prostration and intermittent seizures. RC intoxication, resembling penitrem A (PA) intoxication, has been reported in dogs. Moreover, RC is considered a sensitive biomarker for PA exposure. PA is a tremorgenic fungal toxin which intoxication causes ataxia, tachypnea, and sustained tremors. The pathophysiological mechanism by which mycotoxins affect the CNS is unknown but the biochemical lesions are reversible. Diagnosis is based on the clinical signs, demonstration of the mycotoxins in the feed and identification of the fungal elements in blood and feces. Affected animals recover completely when they are removed from infected pastures. Based on neurological signs, recovery after altered food removing and results of food analysis, the diagnosis of tremorgenic intoxication was hypothesized. Limits of this report are: lack of PA dosage in the food and lack of RC and PA evaluation in blood and feces of affected animals

Application of reverse micelle sol-gel synthesis for bulk doping and heteroatoms Surface Enrichment in Mo-Doped TiO 2 nanoparticles

TiO 2 nanoparticles containing 0.0, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt.% Mo were prepared by a reverse micelle template assisted sol-gel method allowing the dispersion of Mo atoms in the TiO 2 matrix. Their textural and surface properties were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherms at -196 °C, energy dispersive X-ray analysis coupled to field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy, and ζ-potential measurement. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (under visible light and low irradiance) in water was used as a test reaction as well. The ensemble of the obtained experimental results was analyzed in order to discover the actual state of Mo in the final materials, showing the occurrence of both bulk doping and Mo surface species, with progressive segregation of MoO x species occurring only at a higher Mo content