Efficiency of DNA mini-barcoding to assess mislabeling in commercial fish products in italy: An overview of the last decade

The problem of fish traceability in processed products is still an important issue in food safety. Major attention is nowadays dedicated to consumer health and prevention of possible frauds regulated by national and international laws. For this reason, a technical approach is fun-damental in revealing mislabeling at different levels. In particular, the use of genetic markers has been standardized and DNA barcoding is considered the gold-standard strategy to examine and prevent species substitution. Considering the richness of available DNA databases, it is nowadays possible to rapidly reach a reliable taxonomy at the species level. Among different approaches, an innovative method based on DNA mini barcoding has recently been proposed at an international level. Starting from this evidence, we herein illustrate an investigation dealing with the evolution of this topic in Italy over the last decade. The molecular analysis of 71 commercial fish samples based on mini-COI sequencing with two different primer sets reached an amplification success rate of 87.3 and 97.2%. The investigation revealed four major frauds (5.8%) and four minor ones (5.8%). Results highlighted a decrease in incorrect labeling in Italy from 32% to 11.6% over the last decade, although a recurrent involvement of “endangered” species sensu IUCN was still observed

Serotonin Trasporter Tracks Similarities Between Sids And Idiopathic Alte

Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter (5HTT) (SLC6A4 encoding 5HTT) as a predisposing factor in infant death. Considering stric corrispondence between 5HTT and MAOA genotypic and allelic data inIALTE and SIDS, we hypothesize that the two syndromes are different expression of a common ethiopathogenesis

Cortisol, Temperament and Serotonin in Karate Combats: An Evolutionary Psychobiological Perspective

Objectives: There is evidence suggesting that in martial arts competitions athletes characterized by higher anxiety and harm avoidance may be more likely to lose a fight. This psychological profile has been hypothesized to explain in part the observation that cortisol is higher in losers before and in response to a competition. An important research target that needs further exploration is the identification of phenotypic traits that can be helpful in predicting athletes’ performance. Here we present a brief description of the theoretical bases that drives our research in the evolutionary psychobiology of sports and illustrate preliminary data on the relationship between the 5HTTLPR genotype, salivary cortisol, temperament and competition. Methods: Sixty-five healthy male non-professional athletes provided saliva samples 10 min before and after a kumite session and filled out the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. Results: Salivary cortisol levels 10 min before the competition were higher in losers and in athletes with the S allele. Temperament was associated with competition outcome and cortisol: losers were characterized by higher scores of harm avoidance and harm avoidance was positively correlated with cortisol levels. Conclusions: The results confirm previous findings linking temperamental traits, pre-and post- competition physiological stress response with competition outcome in kumite fight. Moreover, they indicate an association between the 5HTTLPR polymorphism and pre-competition salivary cortisol, thus providing a preliminary but non-conclusive evidence on the role played by the 5HTTLPR genotype as a vulnerability factor in sport competition

Relaxin family peptide receptors Rxfp1 and Rxfp2: mapping of the mRNA and protein distribution in the reproductive tract of the male rat

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Relaxin is the endogenous ligand of the G-protein coupled receptor RXFP1, previously known as LGR7. In humans relaxin can also activate, but with lower affinity, the closely related receptor for the insulin-like peptide from Leydig cells, RXFP2, previously known as LGR8. The lack of relaxin impairs male fertility but the precise distribution and the function of relaxin receptors in the male reproductive tract is not known. We investigated the distribution of Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 in the reproductive tract of the male rat and the function of relaxin in the vas deferens, a tissue with high expression of both receptors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The presence of mRNA for Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 was investigated in testes, cultured Sertoli cells, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate, and spermatozoa by RT-PCR and Southern blot. Protein expression in the testis, vas deferens, primary culture of Sertoli cells, and spermatozoa was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The role of relaxin in the vas deferens was evaluated by contractility studies and radioimmunoassay of cAMP production. The effect of relaxin on mRNA levels for metalloproteinase-7 was measured by Northern blot.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Transcripts for Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 were present in almost all parts of the male reproductive tract, with high levels in testis and vas deferens. Both receptors were immunolocalized in late stage germ cells but not in mature spermatozoa, although mRNAs for both receptors were also present in mature spermatozoa. Rxfp1 but not Rxfp2 was detected in cultured Sertoli cells. Strong immunostaining for Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 was seen in muscular and epithelial layers of the vas deferens and in arteriolar walls. Relaxin did not affect contractility and cyclic AMP production of the vas deferens, but increased the levels of mRNA for metalloproteinase-7.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 are widely and similarly distributed throughout the male reproductive tract. Our results suggest that Rxfp1 on spermatids and Sertoli cells may be important in spermatogenesis. Relaxin in the vas deferens does not affect contractility, but may affect vascular compliance and collagen and matrix remodeling.</p

Abortifacientes: efeitos tóxicos e riscos

A prática clandestina do aborto pode provocar diversos efeitos prejudiciais à saúde da mulher. Em muitos casos, a situação política, social e religiosa do Brasil favorece a automedicação e a procura por preparações caseiras e populares para induzir o aborto. Atualmente, medicamentos e plantas são alguns dosmétodos empregados para interromper a gestação. Observa-se uma diversificação na legislação do aborto entre os países, com tendência à menor restrição na interrupção da gravidez em países desenvolvidos. É fundamental o envolvimento da iniciativa pública em programas de educação e planejamento familiar da população para que esta esteja capacitada a avaliar suas escolhas e os riscos aos quais se expõe. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica e análise crítica dos aspectos toxicológicos de fármacos e de plantas utilizados como abortifacientes, considerando também os riscos associados quando não há um acompanhamento médico efetivo.The illegal practice of abortion can cause many adverse effects to women’s health. In many cases, the political, social and religious situation in Brazil can lead to the self-administration of drugs and popular preparations to induce abortion. Currently, drugs and homemade medicines are some of the methods used to interrupt pregnancy. There are different laws to regulate abortion procedures among countries, with a tendency of acceptance of pregnancy interruption in developed countries. The participation of the public services regarding people’s education and family planning is essential, so that each person would be able to evaluate their choices and the risks involved. The objective of this paper was to review toxicological aspects of drugs and plants used as abortive agents, taking into consideration the risks involved in cases in which medical assistance is not adequately addressed

Barbel species arrangement in a regional Natura 2000 network (Emilia Romagna, Northern Italy): An altitudinal perspective

Southern Europe hosts a large number of critical catchments for freshwater biodiversity, including endemic fish species. Unfortunately, these areas are severely threatened due to direct and indirect anthropogenic effects. In this context, with the aim to improve the effectiveness of threatened fish protection, the Life project BARBIE (LIFE13 NAT/IT/001129) started in 2014 and focused on three congeneric species of the genus Barbus: two of "priority interest" sensu Habitats Directive [Barbus caninus (Bonaparte, 1839), and B. plebejus (Bonaparte, 1839)], and one alien [Barbus barbus (Linnaeus, 1758)]. Our main objective was to assess the contribution of a complex of protected areas included in the Natura 2000 network – located in the provinces of Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia (Norther Italy) – to support the presence of the three barbel species in analysis. Additionally, we explored the role of a set of environmental variables (i.e., physical, chemical, biological, and land-use descriptors) to drive the current conditions of the study sites and the responses of Barbus species. As a general rule, the present study confirmed a clear decline of the local native barbel populations, and confirmed the existence of a zonation pattern of the barbel taxa. Hence, we observed a strong altitude segregation between native vs. alien species, with the exotic B. barbus currently limited to plain and only sporadically present in the Apennine areas as genetic introgression. These evidences mirrored the altitudinal gradients of anthropogenic disturbance. The main causes were the progressive disappearance of well-structured riparian stripes, and the intense land use change, ranging from semi-natural patches (mountain and hill sectors) to land clearing for intensive agriculture (lowland sectors). This highlights the need to take into account the spatial dynamics of alien invasive species in programming recovery actions that could have unexpected impacts to the native fish populations, for example the reduction of the hydraulic fragmentation along rivers.</p

Harnessing mtDNA variation to resolve ambiguity in 'Redfish' sold in Europe

Morphology-based identification of North Atlantic Sebastes has long been controversial and misidentification may produce misleading data, with cascading consequences that negatively affect fisheries management and seafood labelling. North Atlantic Sebastes comprises of four species, commonly known as ‘redfish’, but little is known about the number, identity and labelling accuracy of redfish species sold across Europe. We used a molecular approach to identify redfish species from ‘blind’ specimens to evaluate the performance of the Barcode of Life (BOLD) and Genbank databases, as well as carrying out a market product accuracy survey from retailers across Europe. The conventional BOLD approach proved ambiguous, and phylogenetic analysis based on mtDNA control region sequences provided a higher resolution for species identification. By sampling market products from four countries, we found the presence of two species of redfish (S. norvegicus and S. mentella) and one unidentified Pacific rockfish marketed in Europe. Furthermore, public databases revealed the existence of inaccurate reference sequences, likely stemming from species misidentification from previous studies, which currently hinders the efficacy of DNA methods for the identification of Sebastes market samples

Evaluating the Use of Nanomaterials to Enhance Properties of Asphalt Binders and Mixtures

0-6854Traditional polymer modified binders are typically used to achieve a target performance grade (PG) and also to enhance resistance of the binder to distresses such as rutting, fatigue cracking, and low- temperature cracking. Conventional modifiers used with asphalt binders are often expensive and are not very effective to improve the low-temperature properties. Recent advances in nanotechnology have allowed for development of novel materials that can be tailored to deliver improvements in both high and low-temperature properties of the modified composite. Several existing studies have shown an improvement in the high temperature properties of asphalt binders due to the addition of nanomaterials. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate a number of different nanomaterials in terms of their ability to (i) disperse effectively in the asphalt binder at a nanometer length scale (as opposed to forming micrometer sized or larger agglomerates), (ii) provide beneficial effects in terms of high-,intermediate-, and low-temperature properties (or at least benefits in a certain temperature range without compromising the properties in other ranges), and (iii) provide a cost-effective solution to modify asphalt binders. Initially the study was focused on the use of carbon nanotubes. However, owing to the cost of these nanomaterials and based on a review of the literature, the study was expanded to include other nanomaterials. These were nanosilica, nanoclay, nanoalumina, and nanoglass. In an effort to improve dispersion, nanosilica was also surface functionalized using two different agents. Several techniques were used to evaluate the mixing conditions required to fully disperse nanomaterials as well as assess the extent of dispersion of these nanomaterials. Direct observations using SEM, AFM, and mechanical tests, complemented by indirect observations in reference solvents, show that in most cases nanomaterials do not disperse as nanometer sized particles but rather form agglomerates that are several micrometers in size. Under such circumstances, the benefits of using nanomaterials are rather limited. Amongst the nanomaterials used in this study, nanoglass was the only material that had maximum dispersion approaching a nanometer length scale, was cost-effective, and demonstrated improvement in mechanical properties as observed using the binder, mortar, and mixture tests. This study also presented procedures to rapidly evaluate whether dispersion can be achieved by the nanomaterials in an asphalt binder as a screening tool before subscribing to the use of such materials for material property enhancement