Changes in physiological and immunological parameters during the peripartum period in Zwerasca sheep

The aim of this study was to provide the picture of the dynamics of some blood parameters in the native Zerasca sheep breed during the peripartum period. Blood samples were collected from peripheral blood of 14 ewes at different times: from 21 d before lambing to 42 d after. Physiological and immunological parameters were evaluated: aspartate-aminotransferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, non-esterified fatty acids, total protein, total antioxidant capacity, free radicals, serum bactericidal activity and serum lysozyme. One-way repeated measures ANOVA test was performed. Results showed a significant influence of the peripartum and the deviation from the normal range on many parameters

Stratigraphic and tectonic architecture of the Middle Jurassic-Upper Cretaceous at the southern front of the Central High Atlas (Morocco): a cartographic revision

The Middle Jurassic (Bathonian)-Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) deposits exposed at the southern front of the Central High Atlas (CHA, Southern Morocco) include thick fluvial successions largely undifferentiated in previous studies. These continental strata record a long period of relief formation due to crustal shortening and subsequent denudation that predated the Cenozoic, syn-collisional, tectonic inversion of the CHA. This study, carried out through mapping along more than 270 km between Ouarzazate and Errachidia towns, firstly proposes a rock-stratigraphic unified scheme based on a framework of unconformity-bounded stratigraphic units, including sub-units, differentiated for their specific depositional meaning. Secondly, the geological maps and related cross-sections illustrate the evidence of syn-depositional shortening with distinct deformation styles, outlining pre- and syn-collisional tectonic inversion

Morpho-functional changes in normal cyclic endometrium

Eight cases of normal endometrium in the early proliferative phase and an equal number of cases in the late secretive phase were stained histochemically for acidic mucosubstances and immunocytochemically for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), carcinoembryogenetic antigen (CEA) and Gross Cyst Disease Fluid Protein-15 (GCDFP-15) production. Alcian blue positive material was observed in both phases of the cycle, although the distribution was different. Sulphated mucosubstances were only present in the secretive phase. No CEA nor GCDFP-15 immunoreactive material was detected. EMA positive staining was observed in all cases, but the distribution varied according to the two different phases of the cycle

Actinidia chinensis : physiological and productive performance under water stress condition

There are very few studies concerning management practices of Actinidia chinensis, and usually, crop management is based on traditionally known protocols derived from the A. deliciosa species. This is often the cause of poor fruit size, organoleptic quality, and post-harvest issues for A. chinensis in Italy. The current study analyzed the effects of regulated water deficit according to model-based decision support systems on daily physiological parameters, such as fruit growth, leaf gas exchanges, water potentials at different phenological stages, and at harvest of A. chinensis, during season 2019. Fruit growth was monitored using highly sensitive, custom-built fruit gauges. Data were compared with literature data on A. deliciosa and other studies on A. chinensis. Results confirmed the isohydric behavior of A. chinensis, as all Actinidia species. For this reason, kiwifruit is not tolerant to drought stress. However, if for A. deliciosa a -0.5 MPa midday stem water potential is not a limiting factor, it is for A. chinensis. In fact, at this water potential level A. chinensis is reducing all leaf gas exchange parameters and fruit growth, with repercussions on final yield. Such effect was found in the different phenological stages. This pivotal study may discriminate the effects of environmental conditions, which determine the best practices to manage irrigation for the A. chinensis species

Clinical, productive and welfare parameters in Zerasca sheep trated with homeopathy

Small ruminant extensive farming system guarantees the animals to express their behavioural pattern but exposes them to gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Chemical drugs are not able to solve the problem in the long time. Moreover, drugs cause degradation of environment and has worrying issue regarding food safety. In this view, homeopathy can be a very useful alternative or complementary tool in annihilating this downside. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical, productive and welfare parameters in ewes treated with homeopathy to control gastrointestinal parasitic burden. Twenty-seven adult Zerasca sheep were randomly divided among three groups: untreated (Control); chemically treated (Drug) and homeopathically treated (Homeo). Lachesis mutus was prescribed according to the unicist method. Four faecal samplings and two blood samplings were collected from the ewes. McMaster Technique was performed to estimate the faecal egg count (FEC) of gastrointestinal nematodes. Blood samples were analysed for haematological, metabolic and immunological parameters. FAMACHA and body condition scores (BCS) were also recorded. The results indicate that homeopathy is able to reduce parasitic burden keeping animals below the threshold of FECs that can cause zootechnical damage (FEC=387±422.37, 427±440.69 and 509±324.73 respectively for the “H”, “D” and “C” group). Parasitic burdens can indeed cause anaemic states and loss of blood proteins inducing a pathological state and associated detrimental effects. The immunological assay shows lysozyme values decrease in all three groups, therefore, a direct association of these immune cells and the state of disease has not been found. Fertility rate and BCS result satisfactory demonstrating resilient characteristics of this breed. Homeopathic medication can be used as a valid environmentally-friendly control method of control pasture contamination

Routine use of simultaneous laparoendoscopic approach in patients with confirmed gallbladder and bile duct stones: fit for laparoscopy fit for "rendezvous"

Abstract BACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to determine the feasibility and efficacy, in terms of equipment coordination and timing, of the laparoendoscopic intraoperative rendezvous technique (RVT) for the treatment of gallbladder and common bile duct stones (CBDS). METHODS: The procedure was considered in 269 unselected patients with a suspicion or preoperative imaging demonstration of CBDS who were fit for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Common bile duct stones were confirmed by intraoperative laparoscopic cholangiography (IOC) in only 113 of these patients (42 %). In 17 (15 %) patients the planned procedure was aborted because of organizational problems, mainly the unavailability of endoscopists in the urgent setting. The remaining 96 patients (84 %) underwent a formal attempt at RVT. Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed, during LC, by means of a guidewire that reached the duodenum through the cystic duct. RESULTS: In 18 patients (19 %) the complete procedure failed, either because of difficulty in passing the guidewire through the papilla or because of other technical difficulties that required conversion to laparotomy. An intraoperative ERC was completed in six patients in the classical way (no guidewire) without conversion. No mortality and few complications were recorded (3 % overall: 1 perforation and 2 cholangitis). Retained stones were successively detected in 6 patients (6 %) and successfully retreated by a further ERC. Globally, the one-stage procedure (with and without the guidewire) was possible in 84 of 96 patients (87 %). CONCLUSIONS: The RVT appears to be effective and safe as it was performed at our institution, with an overall percentage of definitive success (passed guide wire and no further ERC) of 81 %. The RVT should be considered as a good option for the treatment of simultaneous gallstones and CBDS