The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra- and interspecific chemical communication of emotions.

The sense of olfaction has been considered of minor importance in human communication. In recent years, evidence has emerged that humans might be influenced by unconscious messages sent through chemosignals in body odors. Data concerning the ability of humans to recognize fear, maybe related to the evolutionary role of these emotions in the fight-or-flight reactions, are well known. To further understand the role of emotional chemosignals in mediating communication in humans and its influence on animal behaviors, we conducted a systematic literature review. Chemosignals derived from axillary odors collected under a variety of emotional stimuli and sad tears in humans affect receivers' social interactions, danger detection and risk-taking behavior, social aspects of eating, and performance under stressing conditions. In addition, beyond the fight-or-flight response, even the body odors of happiness can be perceived by others. Furthermore, human chemosignals can influence behaviors and stressful responses in animals, particularly dogs and horses, which may partially explain their special relationship with humans. Our review highlights the importance of chemosignaling in human intra- and interspecific interactions and suggests the need for further investigations, both in physiological conditions and in patients with psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders

INTRA-DUODENAL RELEASE OF A BITTER COMPOUND DECREASES CALORIC INTAKE IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Background and aim: α-gustducin and bitter taste receptors (T2R) are expressed both in the oral cavity and in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Experimental data showed that bitter tastants induce the release of gut hormones from enteroendocrine cells in the gut, suggesting a possible role of bitter taste receptors in the control of food intake and GI functions. We aimed to test the effects of a bitter taste receptor agonist on food intake and GI feelings. Material and methods: We enrolled 19 healthy subjects (9 males, age 27±7, BMI 24±6) in a double-blind placebo controlled study. Each subject randomly received an acid-resistant capsule containing placebo or 18 mg of quinine HCl. 60 minutes after capsule administration, the subjects underwent to an ad libitum test, until the maximum satiation. Meal test was composed by white bread, cheese and meat cream (89 kcal/portion: 50% carbohydrate, 31% fat, 19% protein). Caloric intake, meal duration and satiation levels, scored on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were calculated at the end of the meal test. A questionnaire assessing GI sensations (bloating, fullness, nausea, epigastric discomfort and hunger) was administered before and at the end of the test. Data (mean ± SD) were compared by using paired t test. Results: No oral bitter sensation or side effects was observed both with quinine HCland placebo. No significant differences in terms of GI sensations and hunger feelings were observed between the two sessions of the study. The amount of calories ingested was significantly lower when subjects received quinine HCl than placebo (564±262 vs 667±278 kcal; p=0.02). Conversely, quinine HCl did not affect the meal duration (14.4±4.2 vs 16.6±4.6 min; p=NS) and the satiationintensity (82 vs 82 mm; p=NS). Conclusions: The intra-duodenal release of a bitter compound significantly decreases caloric intake in an ad libitum test meal without affecting GI sensations and hunger feeling. As the bitter compound does not influence meal duration, we hypothesize that quinine HCl decreases the caloric intake by affecting the rate of meal portions consumption. Evaluation of gut hormones kinetics and studies with other bitter taste receptor agonist are needed to establish the role of gastrointestinal bitter taste receptor in the control of food intak

Effects of Linseed Supplementation on Milk Production, Composition, Odd-and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids, and on Serum Biochemistry in Cilentana Grazing Goats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of linseed supplementation on milk yield and quality, serum biochemistry and, in particular, to evaluate its possible effects on the production of odd-and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA) in the milk of Cilentana grazing goats. Twelve pregnant Cilentana dairy goats were divided into two groups (CTR, control, and LIN, linseed supplementation group). After kidding, the goats had free access to the pasture and both groups received a supplement of 400 g/head of concentrate, but the one administered to the LIN group was characterized by the addition of linseed (in a ratio of 20% as fed) to the ingredients. During the trial, milk samples were taken from April to August in order to evaluate milk production, composition, and fatty acid profile. In addition, blood samples were taken for evaluating the effects of linseed supplementation on goats’ health status. The health status of the goats was not influenced by the linseed supplementation, as confirmed by blood analyses. Concerning the effects on milk, the supplementation positively affected (p < 0.001) milk production and fat percentage and the fatty acid profile was markedly influenced by the lipid supplementation. In particular, milk from the LIN group was characterized by significantly lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids (FA; p < 0.001) and higher proportions of monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) than milk from the CTR group (p < 0.001). In contrast, the OBCFA were negatively influenced by the linseed supplementation (p < 0.0001). Further studies are needed to test the effects of different fat sources and other nutrients on the diets

Higher forage:concentrate ratio and space availability may favor positive behaviors in dairy cows

A novel livestock management system (LMS) for dairy cows mainly based on a high forage:concentrate ratio, no silage, and large outdoor paddocks, has been introduced in Italy during the last five years. It was proved that such system, further than improving the quality of milk, benefits the health status of cows. The goal of the present research was to compare the behavioral responses of a group of animals kept with the LMS and outdoor paddocks of 200 m2, and cows reared in a traditional semi-intensive manner and outdoor paddocks of 100 m2. The study was carried out on Italian Friesian cows analyzing the feeding and social behaviors and the locomotor activity. The statistical analysis of locomotor activity showed that the HFC group spent lower time lying down and standing and higher time walking; they also showed a longer rumination time and spent less time drinking. Furthermore, the HFC group displayed longer allogrooming and social rubbing times. Results suggest that the novel LMS could be the basis for an improvement of the cows' welfare

Effects of Sorghum silage in lactating buffalo cow diet: Biochemical profile, milk yield, and quality

The influence of replacing silage with sorghum silage in the diet of dairy buffalo cows on metabolic status and on milk yield, chemical characteristics, and fatty acid profile was studied. Forty dairy buffalo cows were included in the trial and divided into two homogeneous groups (SS, sorghum silage and CS, corn silage). Blood was collected at the end of the trial (120 days), individual milk yield was registered daily. Samples of milk were monthly collected and analyzed for fat, protein, and lactose. Moreover, fatty acid profiles of silages and milk were determined. Buffalo cows fed sorghum silage showed an average milk yield higher than group CS (kg/d 10.120 vs. 9.270; p &lt; 0.05), probably due to the lower lignin content of sorghum silage (31.0 g/kg dry matter (DM)) compared to corn silage (47.0 g/kg DM) and, by consequence, to the higher digestibility of SS diet. The percentage of linoleic acid was significantly higher in milk of group CS (C18:2: 1.27 vs. 2.05%; p &lt; 0.01) due to the higher content of these acids in corn than in sorghum silage. The omega 6/omega 3 ratio was significantly lower in milk from buffalo cows fed sorghum than those fed corn silage (7.8 vs. 12.9; p &lt; 0.01). Serum biochemistry showed no negative effects of the corn replacing with sorghum

Effects of ecotrofin™ on milk yield, milk quality and serum biochemistry in lactating goats

A nutritional supplement (Ecotrofin™, by Vetoquinol Italia S.r.l) recommended in ruminants feeding to strengthen the physiological condition and improve digestive performance was tested in 20 pluriparae grazing goats divided in two groups (control and treated) to assess its possible effects on milk yield and quality and to assess eventual adverse effects. Animals from both groups also received 400&nbsp;g/day of corn meal, and the treated group was supplemented with 20&nbsp;g/head/day of the nutritional supplement. At the doses suggested by the manufacturer, despite a transient increase after 30&nbsp;days of supplementation, Ecotrofin™ did not show significant effects on milk yield and, although some changes were found in the fatty acids profile, no significant improvement of MUFA and PUFA, as well as of omega-6:omega-3 ratio and CLA content were seen. Therefore, in our experimental conditions the supplementation of diet with Ecotrofin™ did not appear useful to improve goat's performance. A significant effect on kidney health markers (27 vs. 22.5 for urea and 0.83 vs. 0.76 for creatinine, p&nbsp;&lt;&nbsp;0.05) suggested a beneficial effect on renal function but, since levels fell in the normal ranges in both groups, such hypothesis would need further studies to be addressed

Rufinamide in refractory childhood epileptic encephalopathies other than Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Background: To report on the first multicenter Italian experience with rufinamide as adjunctive drug in children, adolescents and young adults with refractory childhoodonset epileptic encephalopathies other than Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Methods: Thirty-eight patients (19 males, 19 females), aged between 4 and 34 (mean 13.7 ± 8.3, median 12.5), all affected by different types of childhood-onset refractory epileptic encephalopathies other than Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, were treated with rufinamide as adjunctive drug for a mean period of 11.4 months (range 3–26 months). Results: Fifteen of 38 patients (39.5%) had a ‡50% seizure reduction in countable seizures. Complete seizure freedom was achieved in one of these patients (2.6%). Three patients (7.9%) had a 25–49% seizure reduction, whilst seizure frequency remained unchanged in 15 (39.5%) and increased in five patients (13.1%). Eleven patients (28.9%) reported adverse side effects. Vomiting was reported in five patients (13.1%); drowsiness, decreased appetite and irritability with migraine manifested in other four patients. They were transient and mild in all cases. Conclusion: Rufinamide may be an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive drug for the treatment of refractory childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathies other than Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Rufinamide was most effective in patients with dropattacks and (bi)frontal spike–wave discharges. Introduction Rufinamide is a structurally triazole-derivative (1-[2,6- difluorophenyl)methyl]-1hydro-1,2,3-triazole-carboxamide) novel antiepileptic drug, structurally unrelated to the existing antiepileptic drugs, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome in patients aged 4 and over, and for the treatment of partial seizures in adults and adolescents. The proposed mechanism of action is the limitation of excessiv

Serum Oxytocin, Cortisol and Social Behavior in Calves: A Study in the Impossible Task Paradigm

In this study, we explored the correlations between circulating levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and different social behaviors toward humans in 26 Italian Red Pied calves (all females, with an average age of 174 ± 24 days) using the impossible task paradigm. This paradigm has proved fruitful in highlighting the effect of socialization on the willingness to interact with humans in several domesticated species. The test consists of the violation of an expectation (recovering food from an experimental apparatus) while a caregiver and a stranger are present. Immediately after the end of the test (less than one minute), blood was collected from the coccygeal vein. Statistics were performed by the Spearman’s rank correlation; significant differences were adjusted according to Bonferroni’s correction. Cortisol correlates positively (ρ = 0.565; p < 0.05) with the latency of behaviors directed at the caregiver, and the duration of behaviors directed at the apparatus correlates negatively with both the caregiver (ρ = −0.654; p < 0.05) and a stranger (ρ = −0.644; p < 0.05). Contrary to what is reported in the literature on cows, no correlations were found between oxytocin levels and direct behaviors toward the caregiver. This highlights a different behavioral strategy between calves and cows when placed in front of an impossible task

Dietary supplementation with a phytocomplex affects blood parameters and milk yield and quality in grazing goats

A phytocomplex composed by Schizochytrium limacinum, a species of marine alga, Galega officinalis, an herbaceous plant of the Faboideae subfamily, and linseeds, was administered to lactating grazing goats in order to evaluate its effects on milk yield and quality, and to investigate possible effects on goat health status. The hypothesis was that, by using a phytocomplex including plants known to exert an improvement of milk yield and milk quality, a synergism should be possible in order to obtain such effects using low doses, thus avoiding adverse effects. Milk fat was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in treated group (4.02 vs. 3.61 %), in particular, levels of MUFA (24.55 vs 22.56 %), total n3 (1.34 vs 1.19 %) and total CLAs (0.52 vs. 0.40 %), were increased while n6/n3 (1.71 vs. 2.21 %) ratio was decreased. Concerning biochemical parameters, a significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease of creatinine (0.73 vs. 0.84 mg/dl) was observed in treated animals, but the levels fell within the normal range for this species. Thus, the addition of the proposed phytocomplex to the diet of grazing goats may be successfully used to improve milk fatty acids profile without negative effects on animal health

Polymer co-crystalline films for photonics

Robust syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) films exhibiting highly stable co-crystalline phases can be obtained with a large variety of low-molecular-mass chromophore guest molecules. In this report different aspects relative to the structure and the optical properties of these films are described. In particular, possible applications of these films as fluorescent materials, as optical memories (based on the co-crystallization of photoreactive guest molecules), as non-linear optical materials (with polar guests) and as chiro-optical memories (based on temporary co-crystals with chiral guest molecules) are presented