Preliminary report on the expression of leptin and leptin receptor (ObR) in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic canine mammary tissues

Leptin and its receptor (ObR) expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry in normal, hyperplastic and neoplastic canine mammary tissues and related to clinical-pathological features. Leptin expression was detected in healthy mammary tissues, adenosis and in benign mammary tumours and was lower in ductal hyperplasias and malignant tumours. A high percentage of ObR-positive cells were present in adenosis, benign tumours and in complex carcinomas, while ObR expression was lower in healthy mammary tissues, in ductal hyperplasias and in a large part of invasive mammary carcinomas. Our data demonstrated that cancer cells expressed at low level leptin and ObR in canine mammary tumours with a more aggressive behaviour, as well as in lymph node metastases. Consequently, leptin and ObR expressions in this species resulted to be not associated with a reduced overall survival.     

GIS-models work well, but are not enough: Habitat preferences of Lanius collurio at multiple levels and conservation implications

Species conservation largely depends on knowledge of habitat needs of target species. GIS-models are increasingly used to assess habitat preferences and distribution of target species, but their accuracy is constrained by availability of digital data layers. We developed a two-steps approach aiming at showing pros and cons of landscape (GIS)- and site-level habitat models, identifying key habitat factors for conservation of a threatened bird species, the red-backed shrike Lanius collurio. A spatially explicit GIS-model was generated using landscape variables, and a second model at site level was developed using fine-scale variables measured on the ground. The GIS-based model was then extrapolated to the entire region to obtain a map of distribution of suitable habitats. Positive associations between shrike occurrence and both hedgerow length and partial shrub cover were detected at both scales. Shrikes were also positively associated with grassland cover at landscape level and with partial cover of untilled herbaceous vegetation at the finer scale, and negatively affected by lucerne cover. The GIS-model led to an affordable map of predicted habitat suitability which should help conservationists to focus on different local priorities, but was unable to identify effects of untilled and lucerne cover. Site-level model gave fine details for habitat management, but its application elsewhere requires ground-measurements of factors. Combining the multiscale models could indicate more urgent actions at large scales (e.g. maintaining suitable habitats, or improving connectivity among isolated patches) and draw a detailed figure of the most suitable habitat for the species. Shrike occurrence was associated with a higher number of shrub and tree species: the indicator value of the species should ensure general benefits for biodiversity from dedicated management.     

Molecular characteristics of humic acids extracted from compost at increasing maturity stages

The molecular composition of humic acids (HA) extracted from compost at increasing maturity stages was determined by off-line TMAH-thermochemolysis-GC-MS, in combination with solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopies. While spectroscopy measurements followed the bulk changes, thermochemolysis provided a detailed molecular variation of HA composition. Both thermochemolysis and spectroscopy indicated that polysaccharides, alkyl, cyclic, and aromatic compounds were the predominant components of HA, the stable fraction of compost. NMR dipolar dephasing (DD) experiments confirmed that HA extracts contained lignin in lower amount than its oxidized degradation products. The progressive compost maturity was reflected in HA extracts by a decrease of carbohydrate content and a selective preservation of hydrophobic alkyl molecules, such as medium- and long-chain fatty acids, aliphatic alcohols, linear hydrocarbons, and plant polyester derivatives, like long-chain alkyl dicarboxylic acids, and ω-hydroxyacids. Spectroscopy results showed a concomitant entrapment in HA of biolabile compounds, such as peptidic moieties. The wide range of identified lipid components and plant biomarkers may represent useful tools to trace origin, quality, and transformation of amended compost in soil ecosystems.     

Pb adsorption by soils

Pb adsorption for 12 soils from Tuscany was studied. The data fitted the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms over a large range of concentrations. Results showed that organic matter and clay content were responsible for adsorption maxima. The effect of Mn oxides, explained independently of organic matter and clay, was negligible. The adsorption maxima were generally found to be greater than CEC; the possible mechanisms are discussed.     

Assessment of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit texture by a combined acoustic-mechanical profiling strategy

Texture of apple fruit originates from anatomic traits related to cell wall architecture and is one of its most important quality characteristics, thus there is the desire to better understand the different factors which contribute to apple texture. Here we present a novel approach based on the simultaneous profiling of the mechanical and acoustic response of the flesh tissue to compression, using a texture analyzer coupled with an acoustic device. The methodology was applied to a 86 different apple cultivars, measured after two months postharvest cold storage and characterised by 16 acoustic and mechanical parameters. Statistical treatment of the data with principal component analysis (PCA) allowed for the identification of three groups of variables, the mechanical ones being clearly distinguished from the acoustic ones. Moreover, the distribution of the apple cultivars in the multivariate PCA plot allowed characterisation of the cultivars according to their textural performance. Each cultivar was analyzed also with non-destructive vis/NIR spectroscopy in order to determine impartially the ripening stage. Sensory evaluation by panellists was performed on a selected group of cultivars and sensory data correlated with the acoustic-mechanical data. The results demonstrate the good performance of our combined acoustic-mechanical strategy in measuring apple crispness as it is perceived by human senses.     

Diagnosis and risk factors of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida) infection in cats from Italy

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida) in cats and associated risk factors have been investigated by classical coprology in central (site A) and southern (site B) Italy, i.e. by floatations with sugar and zinc sulphate solutions and a Baermann technique. Overall, 227 individual stool samples (i.e. 162 from site A and 65 from site B) were processed and risk factors were related to infection by binary logistic multiple-regression models. The presence of A. abstrusus was used as the dependent variable and the epidemiological data as independent variables. Twenty-eight (17.3%) and 12 (18.5%) cats were positive for A. abstrusus in sites A and B, respectively, both using the Baermann and flotation with zinc sulphate solution methods. Six and three (from site A and B, respectively) of the infected cats were negative for A. abstrusus when faeces were processed with sugar solution. Stray and free-ranging (P=0.357), young cats (P=0.008) and the presence of respiratory symptoms (P=0.000) were risk factors for A. abstrusus infection. The results suggest that A. abstrusus is spread in Italy. Furthermore, these results possibly include infection in the differential diagnosis of feline respiratory diseases and offer a correct diagnostic approach by using either a Baermann method or flotation with zinc sulphate solution in suspected cases.     

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound complements two‐dimensional ultrasonography in diagnosing gallbladder diseases in dogs

Gall‐bladder diseases are common in dogs and two‐dimensional ultrasonography is a current standard method for diagnosis and treatment planning. However, findings from this modality can be nonspecific. The aim of this retrospective, case series study was to describe conventional and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (using SonoVue^®) findings in a group of dogs with histologically confirmed gall bladder disease. A total of 65 dogs were included. Branchlike, heterogeneous, and homogeneous contrast enhancement of echogenic intraluminal mass‐forming lesions was a contrast‐enhanced ultrasound characteristic of polypoid lesions due to cystic mucosal hyperplasia of the gallbladder and/or tumor, which had different wash‐in and washout characteristics. In dogs with mobile or immobile biliary sludge or mucocele, the echogenic intraluminal masses remained unenhanced. A double rim mark or enhancement defect in the gallbladder wall was a characteristic of edema or necrosis/rupture of the wall, respectively. Conventional ultrasonography correctly identified biliary sludge or mucocele in 36/37 dogs, cholecystitis/edema in 44/47 dogs, necrosis/rupture in 19/25 dogs, and gallbladder neoplasia in three of three dogs with these pathologies. It falsely identified biliary sludge or mucocele in eight of 28 dogs, cholecystitis/edema in three of 15 dogs, necrosis/rupture in 13/37 dogs, and gall‐bladder neoplasia in 20/59 dogs that did not have these pathologies. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound correctly identified cholecystitis/edema in 42/47 dogs, but falsely identified cholecystitis/edema in three of 18 dogs. It correctly identified necrosis/rupture, benign polypoid lesions, and gallbladder neoplasia in all dogs with no false‐positive results. Findings supported contrast‐enhanced ultrasound as a complement to conventional ultrasonography for dogs with suspected gallbladder pathologies such as edema, necrosis, and rupture.     

Intra‐ovarian dynamic blood flow in pseudopregnant rabbits during prostaglandin F2α‐induced luteolysis

In the present study, we evaluated the dynamic changes of intra‐ovarian blood flow, by real‐time colour‐coded and pulsed Doppler ultrasonography, as well as the immunopresence of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) receptor (FP) and peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations in pseudopregnant rabbit after PGF2α treatments at either early‐ (4 days) and mid‐luteal (9 days) stages. During the pre‐treatment observation interval of one hour, the ovarian blood flows showed a fluctuating pattern. Independently of luteal stage, PGF2α administration caused a fourfold decline in the blood flow within 40 min that was followed 50 min later by a reactive hyperaemia that lasted several hours, while the resistive index showed an opposite trend. Twenty‐four hour later, the blood flow was one half that measured before PGF2α injection. At day 4 of pseudopregnancy, PGF2α did not affect peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations, but at day 9, it caused functional luteolysis as progesterone levels declined 6 hr later to reach basal values after 24 hr. The changes in the ovarian blood flows of pseudopregnant rabbits receiving PGF2α were accompanied by simultaneous changes in the resistance index. This biphasic response in the blood flow and vascular resistances likely reflects reactive hyperaemia following vasoconstriction. By immunohistochemistry, strong positive immune reaction for FP was detected in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells of ovarian arteries, veins and capillaries. In conclusion, these results suggest that PGF2α could acutely regulate the ovarian blood flow of pseudopregnant rabbits, even if there is no evidence of a blood flow reduction anticipating luteolysis.     

Growth and mineral absorption in maize seedlings as affected by increasing NaCl concentrations

The influence of NaCl solutions of decreasing osmotic potentials (¥π = ‐0.44 and ‐0.88 MPa) on seedling growth and on the concentration of the most important macro‐ and micro‐nutrients in the shoots and roots of maize (Zea mays L., cv. Summer II) grown in Hoagland's solution in a growth chamber was studied. Salt stress was imposed on six‐day‐old seedlings for a three day period. Increasing NaCl concentrations induced a reduction in the leaf water potential and a significant decrease in the length and dry weight of the shoots, whereas these two parameters decreased in the roots only at the lowest osmotic potential.

Although the absorption and accumulation of nutrients upon salt stress differed in the two treatments depending on the plant tissue and nutrient, almost all of the macronutrients decreased in the roots and shoots, showing the lowest values at ¥π = ‐0.88 MPa. Sodium and Cl increased continuously, much more in the roots than in the shoots.

A different response was seen in the shoots and roots in terms of micronutrients. In the roots, almost all of the ions reached their maximum concentrations at ¥π = ‐0.88 MPa; whereas in the shoots, they decreased at ¥π = ‐0.44 MPa without undergoing any further decrease at the lowest osmotic potential.