Transfer of aflatoxin from feed to milk and curd in Sarda ewes with different milk production level

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a toxin produced by some strains of Aspergillus growing in feedstuffs. Dairy animals fed with diet containing AFB1 excrete aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) into the milk. The carry over ratio (AFM1 excreted in milk/ AFB1 ingested) has been found lower in sheep (Battacone et al., 2002a) than in cattle (Veldman et al., 1992). Being AFM1 linked to milk proteins, its concentration in curd is higher than in milk. The AFM1 concentration in milk resulted not influenced by milk production level in cattle, therefore the total amount of AFM1 excreted in milk and, consequently, the carry-over ratio increased with milk yield (Munksgaard et al., 1987; Veldman et al., 1992). A previous study carried out on isoproductive dairy ewes showed an increase of the AFM1 concentration both in milk and in curd as the amount of AFB1 ingested increased (Battacone et al., 2002b). Aim of the present work is to study the influence of AFB1 dose and milk production level on the transfer of AFB1 from feeds to milk and curd as AFM1 in dairy ewes

Indagine multidisciplinare sul codice “It. 1005 =α.R.9.24 – Raccolta di animali per lo più volatili miniati” della Biblioteca Estense Universitaria di Modena

This paper presents the results of multidisciplinary research carried out on the code “It.1005 = α.R.9.24 – Collection of illuminated animals mostly birds”, kept in the Estense Library of Modena (Italy). The study addressed both the codicological and the scientific aspects, with the identification of the animal species represented and the analysis of the pigments and materials used

The reconstructive role of TachoSil in neurosurgery

Hemorrhages, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and infections are the most challenging post-operative complications in Neurosurgery [1–5]. Fibrin sealant agents have been developed with the aim to provide efficient hemostasis and safe dural closure [3,6–14]. In this study we report our initial experience using TachoSil® (haemostatic surgical patch; Nycomed, Linz, Austria) in achieving hemostasis and CSF leakage repair during cranio-cerebral procedures [15–18]. We describe and show the unique features of this fibrin sealant, pioneered with stunning success in many surgical procedures known to be at high risk of peri- and postoperative bleeding (i.e. nephrectomies, pulmonary lobectomies, ballistic injuries, arthroplasties, coronary bypass graftings), but still not widely exploited at its best in the field of Neurosurgery

Impasse in the management of recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the skull with sagittal sinus erosion

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a non melanocytic skin cancer that arises from basal cells, affecting commonly fair-skinned human beings. Although the tumor is well known for local recurrences, extension into the intracranial space is reported. A case of a giant BCC of the scalp invading the middle and posterior third of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) is reported. A 70-year-old male with a basal cell carcinoma history presented with a massive bleeding from the SSS invaded by the tumor. Since the patient refused surgery the bleeding was managed through direct compression by applying a thrombin-based hemostatic agents and sterile dressings. This procedure was performed daily in order to stimulate the spontaneous thrombosis of the dural sinus and development of collateral circle. BCC invading the SSS is rarely reported. A technical description of this case is provided. This case underscores the importance of early and appropriate treatment for high risk BCC, and whenever surgical procedure is not suitable appropriate conservative treatment may be efficacious

An evaluation of the economic impact of Climate Change through a three-stages Discrete Stochastic Programming model

The climate change in the agricultural sector acting on multiple weather variables at different times of the various crop cycles. In several cases by changing the mean level of variables (rainfall, temperature, etc..), in other cases by changing the distribution of events. This work provides an evaluation of the economic impact due to changes in multiple events, and to the associated uncertainty. For this reason, a classical two-stage stochastic programming model was extend into a three-stages model. The model is specified for an area of Sardinia, and examines the impact of climate change on rainfall and hence on the availability of water for agriculture, and on maximum temperatures and, therefore, on the requirements of some irrigated crops relevant to the agricultural economy of the area. The effect of climate change is obtained by comparing the results of scenarios that represent the climatic conditions in the current situation and in the future, obtained by projecting to 2015 the climate trends of the last fifty years. The results show that the agricultural sector of the area adapt itself with a low cost by use of land and cultural practices. This cost, however, is very high for some farms that suffer a significant reduction of the income. There is also an increase of the use of natural resources, in particularly groundwater. The economic impact of these changes is due primarily to the decreased of water availability in the future. The availability of water becomes the crucial factor to adapting to climate change, because the effects of temperature can be compensate by increased the use of water resources.Discrete Stochastic Programming Model, climate change, water availability, irrigation requirements, Crop Production/Industries, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Plant Health and Rhizosphere Microbiome: Effects of the Bionematicide Aphanocladium album in Tomato Plants Infested by Meloidogyne javanica

The artificial introduction in the soil of antagonistic microorganisms can be a successful strategy, alternative to agrochemicals, for the control of the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and for preserving plant health. On the other hand, plant roots and the associated rhizosphere constitute a complex system in which the contribution of microbial community is fundamental to plant health and development, since microbes may convert organic and inorganic substances into available plant nutrients. In the present study, the potential nematicidal activity of the biopesticide Aphanocladium album (A. album strain MX-95) against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica in infected tomato plants was investigated. Specifically, the effect of the A. album treatment on plant fitness was evaluated observing the plant morphological traits and also considering the nematode propagation parameters, the A. album MX-95 vitality and population density. In addition, the treatment effects on the rhizosphere microbiome were analysed by a metabarcoding procedure. Treatments with A. album isolate MX-95 significantly decreased root gall severity index and soil nematode population. The treatment also resulted in increased rhizosphere microbial populations. A. album MX-95 can be favourably considered as a new bionematicide to control M. javanica infestation