Development of Biopolymers as Binders for Feed for Farmed Aquatic Organisms

Feed for farmed aquatic organisms should guarantee reasonable degree of stability in aquatic medium, long enough for organisms to consume it. Indeed, there is a general complaint about the loss of nutritional and attractive properties upon exposure of a diet to water. Natural substances able to generate firm pellet feed are therefore highly sought. Such binders should improve the stability of feed, be low cost, and hopefully make and extra source of energy. Biopolymers, have properties that make them suitable for use as aquatic feed binders. Some biopolymers are derived from biomass, biodegradable and renewable. The purpose of this chapter is therefore to review recent reports and progress surrounding the possible employment of sustainable biopolymers as binders for feed for farmed aquatic organisms

Aglianico and Fiano wines obtained with an autochthonous non-Saccharomyces yeast

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts are microorganisms that play a prominent role in the fermentation dynamics, composition and flavour of wine. The principal aromatic compounds responsible for varietal aroma in wine are terpenes; of these, the monoterpenes represent the oenologically most important group in terms of volatility and odour, if they are present in a free form. The glycosidically bound forms can be converted into compounds with free odours by hydrolysis with the glycosidases produced by yeasts. We performed a screening of non-Saccharomyces yeasts present in the grapes and must of Aglianico and Fiano cultivars typical of South Italy (Irpinia), which have a high extra-cellular glycosidase activity. Among the species analysed was a strain belonging to Rhodotorula spp. that showed the highest glycosidase activity, an increased free terpene fraction and, simultaneously, little modification of the bouquet. The isolated yeast was subsequently utilized for experimental winemaking processes of Aglianico and Fiano wines. The results demonstrated that the obtained wines had a more intense floral aroma and some sweet and ripened fruit notes

Influence of Extraction Techniques on Physicalchemical Characteristics and Volatile Compounds of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The purpose of this study was to investigate three types of extraction methods of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from the same cultivar (Ortice olive cultivar): traditional or pressing (T) system, decanter centrifugation (DC) system and a patented horizontal axis decanter centrifugation (HADC) system. Oil samples were subjected to chemical analyses: free acidity, peroxide value, ultraviolet light absorption K232 and K270, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, volatile compounds and olfactory characteristics by electronic nose. The two centrifugation systems showed better free acidity and peroxides value but total polyphenol content was particularly high in extra virgin olive oil produced by patented HADC system. Same volatile substances that positively characterize the oil aroma were found in higher amount in the two centrifugation systems, although some differences have been detected between DC and HADC system, other were found in higher amount in extra virgin olive oil produced by T system. The electronic nose analysis confirmed these results, principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation matrix showed the major differences between EVOO produced by T and HADC system. Taken together the results showed that DC and HADC systems produce EVOO with better characteristics than T system and patented HADC is the best extraction system

Effects of conventional and organic feed on the mineral composition of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a widely consumed marine fish in Mediterranean areas, and different farming techniques are applied for fish culturing to satisfy the growing demand for seafood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conventional and organic feed on the quality of cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) collected during the growth period. The concentrations of ash, moisture, essential macro-elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P), micro-elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) and toxic elements (As, Cd, and Pb) were determined in feeds and in fillets of cultured fish. The results were compared to those obtained from wild sea bass. Results showed that the differences between organic diet-fed and conventional diet-fed sea basses varied in relation to the specific element measured and the growth period. The former showed higher concentration of Fe, Mg and Cr, and lower Na content. The amount of P, Na, Fe, Cu and Cr in wild sea bass was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than that found in farmed fish. The levels of toxic elements in cultured sea bass were always within the allowed limit for fishery products. Wild samples had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher content of arsenic and lead than farmed sea bass. Cultured fish represent a valuable dietary source of essential macro- and micro-elements. Controlled rearing systems and feedings were related to a decrease in the presence of some toxic metals in cultured fish compared with wild fish

1H‐NMR metabolomic profiling of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus subjected to polyphenol‐enriched diets

1H-NMR analysis of the hepatopancreas, muscle and haemolymph of Astacus leptodactylus after feeding with polyphenol-enriched diet is reported. 1H-NMR spectra of lipophilic extracts showed the presence of cholesterol, fatty acid residues, phospholipids and triglycerides. 1H-NMR spectra of aqueous extracts identified 35 metabolites in the hepatopancreas, 31 in the muscle and 22 in the haemolymph. A total of 20 metabolites (amino acids and their derivatives) were present in the hepatopancreas, the muscle and the haemolymph. A total of 10 metabolites were present in both the hepatopancreas and the muscle (five amino acids, 2-hydroxybutyrate, choline, myo-inositol, glycogen and uracil). 2-Hydroxyisobutyrate and creatine were present in both the hepatopancreas and the haemolymph. Phosphorylethanolamine, phosphocholine and fumarate were present only in the hepatopancreas and isoleucine only in the muscle. Statistical analysis showed that the percentage of weight gain was statistically higher in polyphenol-enriched diet groups compared to the control and that polyphenols had a stimulating effect on the general metabolism. No stress-related metabolites were higher in crayfish fed with polyphenol-enriched diet. Conversely, phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and DHA, linked to resistance to environmental stress and diseases, were higher compared to the control diet. This study indicates that 1H-NMR is a useful tool to study the metabolomics in relation to diet differences

Gonad quality of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus cultured in an offshore pilot‐scale trial on the south‐east Italian coast

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Paracentrotus lividus roe enhancement by a short-time rearing in offshore cages using two agar-based experimental feed

In this study, we tested the effect of two agar-based biocomposites (differing for the fish meal source), on the Paracentrotus lividus gonad cycle progression and biochemical composition, in an offshore pilot scale trial. The purpose of this study was to identify a feeding regime for P. lividus that would allow adequate gonadal growth without accelerating the gamete maturation, in order to extend the market period. The purpose was pursued through the use of agar as a binding agent in the manufacturing of biocomposites to be used as feed for P. lividus and the realization of special offshore cages. The gonad index, histology, biochemical composition of fatty acids (FA) and free amino acids (FAA) and volatile molecule fingerprint were evaluated. Both the gonad index and the histological analysis showed a slower gametogenesis progression in the gonads of caged sea urchins with respect to the field collected ones, consistent with our previous results obtained testing a similar feed composition in a recirculating system. The amount and the relative proportions of FA and FAA in the gonads of wild and cultured gonads were similar, while the analysis of the volatile substances of the gonads of the sea urchin conducted using the electronic nose, shows that they vary as a result of the different feeding treatments. These results show that P. lividus sea urchins can be housed, under this feeding regime during the recovery phase of the gonads, without acceleration of the maturation of the gametes and thus in conditions to allow the extension of the market period. Moreover, the here tested agar-based biocomposites make it possible to reduce the management costs of the rearing system as they need to be replaced only once a week, and its environmental impact as they guarantee a limited nutrient dispersion in the water

Early lenalidomide treatment for low and intermediate-1 International Prognostic Scoring System risk myelodysplastic syndromes with del(5q) before transfusion dependence

Lenalidomide is approved for the treatment of transfusion-dependent (TD) del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, few data are available in patients with transfusion-independent (TI) del(5q) MDS. In the first, observational, part of this 2-part study, we assessed the impact of transfusion dependence on overall survival (OS) and non-leukemic death in untreated del(5q) MDS patients who were TD (n = 136),TI with hemoglobin (Hb) >= 10 mg/dL (n = 88),or TI with Hb = 10 g/dL],108 months;TI [Hb <10 g/dL],77 months;TD, 44 months). Transfusion dependence also negatively impacted non-leukemic death rates. In the interventional part of the study, baseline Hb levels were found to correlate significantly with physical (R = 0.666, P = 0.035) and fatigue (R = 0.604, P = 0.049) QoL scores. Median physical QoL scores improved significantly after 12 weeks' treatment with lenalidomide (+12.5;P = 0.020). Evaluable TI patients experienced early increases in Hb levels, and all attained an erythroid response. Our findings suggest that TI patients with moderate anemia may benefit from early treatment with lenalidomide

Chi crede alle Fake News? Aspetti psicologici e criminologici dei protagonisti dell’era della post-verità

This article offers a review of scientific reading on the subject of susceptibility to disinformation. Although it is an insidious problem, little attention is still given to the psychological variables involved in this phenomenon, just as there are still no editorial rules that protect the correct dissemination of online news. After defining the multiple facets of fake news, the Authors explore the individual differences involved in perceived correct or incorrect accuracy in Fake News and in sharing behavior. In conclusion, starting from the analysis of the criminological-clinical aspects of the phenomenon of in-terest, the attention of the scholars of the criminological and psychological disciplines is drawn to the need to initiate more studies, research and contribute to establishing strategies for dealing with the phenomenon, possibly considering authors and victims of fake news.Questo articolo propone una rassegna della lettura scientifica sul tema della suscettibilità alla disin-formazione. Sebbene sia una problematica insidiosa, poca attenzione è stata data alle variabili psicologiche coinvolte in tale fenomeno, così come non esistono ancora norme editoriali che tutelino la corretta diffusione delle notizie online. Gli Autori, dopo aver definito le molteplici sfaccettature delle notizie false, esplorano le differenze individuali implicate nella corretta o errata accuratezza percepita nelle Fake News e nel comportamento di condivisione delle stesse. In conclusione, premettendo l’analisi degli aspetti criminologico-clinici del fenomeno di interesse, si richiama l’attenzione dei cultori della criminologia per avviare uno studio scientifico diretto alla progettazione di strategie di fronteggiamento considerando autori e vittime di fake news