24663 research outputs found
Sort by
Histological and Macromolecular Characterization of Folliculogenesis in Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta): Novel Insights into the Onset of Puberty
No full textThe Adriatic Sea is a critical neritic habitat for juvenile and adult female loggerhead sea
turtles (Caretta caretta), where intense anthropogenic pressures and environmental stressors
may influence their reproductive biology. Knowledge on the onset of puberty in this
population is limited by scarce information on the sub-adult stage, a transitional phase in
which reproductive competence is acquired. This study integrated histological analysis
and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) imaging spectroscopy to provide both structural
and biochemical characterization of folliculogenesis, with emphasis on vitellogenesis,
in C. caretta from the north-central Adriatic Sea. Histological analysis determined the
progression of follicle development, while FTIR imaging, a label-free and spatially resolved
technique, mapped the distribution of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids across ovarian
compartments. Logistic regression estimated the size at which 50% of females are sexually
mature (L50) at 58.54 cm Curved Carapace Length (CCL). Based on this value, 60% of
sub-adult females were already mature, indicating earlier puberty than previously inferred
from macroscopic criteria. These preliminary results, along with reports of sporadic nesting
in the Adriatic, raise the question of whether this basin may host further nesting events
in the future. FTIR imaging proved to be a powerful tool for reproductive biology in
non-model marine vertebrates
Antimicrobial Resistance and Genetic Characterization of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in Equines from Central Italy: Insights from a One Health Perspective
No full textStreptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a bacterium that primarily affects horses but can also infect other animals and humans. In 2021-2022, two SEZ outbreaks occurred in Abruzzo, Italy: one in humans linked to unpasteurized cheese (37 cases) and another in donkeys (4 deaths). These events led researchers to investigate SEZ in horses, donkeys, and a mule in the regions of Abruzzo and Molise, focusing on antibiotic resistance and genetic traits. A total of 490 nasal and genital swabs were collected from equids and analyzed for SEZ presence, with 61 positive samples. Isolated strains underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess their resistance to various antibiotics. Genetic analysis was performed to detect antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was used to compare SEZ strains and identify potential epidemiological links. The study found that 37.7% of SEZ strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic, with tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole being the most common. Additionally, 8.2% of strains showed MDR. Genetic analysis identified resistance genes such as tet(W) and erm(B), along with virulence genes like Fbp54. No major genetic clusters were detected, but ST61 was identified, similar to the human outbreak. The presence of antibiotic-resistant SEZ highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling its spread under a One Health approach, considering human, animal, and environmental health
Small-angle scattering characterization of magnetosomes from Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1
No full textMagnetosomes are biogenic nanomaterials synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria, with promising applications in drug delivery and environmental remediation. This study offers a thorough characterization of magnetosomes isolated from Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense strain MSR-1, cultivated under various conditions. Laboratory techniques, including dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were employed to analyze the chemical and physical properties of the samples and to verify their crystal structure. Further structural investigations were carried out by using small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering and data were analyzed through a novel model that allowed for a quantitative analysis of magnetosomes, detailing their iron oxide core, lipid membrane, and associated proteins. This research advances our understanding of magnetosome structure and functionality, demonstrating the potential to tailor bacterial growth conditions in order to address optimal characteristics for each specific application and, thus, laying the groundwork for a broad spectrum of future applications
Quantification using HPLC- DAD of targeted maytainsinoid: a new approach for pre-clinical studies
No full textA novel antibody targeting tumour microenvironment has shown a potent and durable
antitumor activity in preclinical models[1, 2 3]. This antibody was conjugated to a
potent cytotoxic drug, obtaining an antibody drug conjugates (ADC), a new approach
for drug delivery system. The novelty of this research is based on the possibility to
follow the drug (DM4) and its main metabolite (S-Me-DM4) using a common
instrumentation as HPLC coupled with DAD [4]. The method was fully validated in
plasma, meanwhile the subsequent step was the validation in tissue sample. A liquidliquid extraction was used to extract both compounds into organic solvents, in order to
avoid overlapping with interferences. In this study, pharmacokinetics and targeting
potential were evaluated, using lung, kidney, liver and tumour of mice in various time
points. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines, achieving high
sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility, with applications across multiple preclinical
models. This represents the first reported application of an HPLC method for dualanalyte detection of DM4 and its metabolite in ex vivo models
Field dependent-independent cognitive style as a predictor of malevolent creativity: a multifaceted approach
No full textIntroduction: Research interest in the intentionally harmful use of creativity, also known as malevolent creativity, is growing rapidly. However, the cognitive and individual underpinnings of malevolent creativity are still unclear. By employing a multifaceted approach, field dependent-independent cognitive style (FDI) was investigated as a potential individual component that may predict the likelihood of generating malevolent ideas (i.e., creative process), products (i.e., creative production), and engaging in original but malicious acts (i.e., creative behavior). Methods: Based on the literature associating FDI with general creativity, the hypothesis that field-independent individuals were more prone to the three facets of malevolent creativity was tested after controlling for demographic factors, social desirability, state mood, and ethical positions (idealism and relativism). Malevolent creativity was assessed through a divergent thinking task (process), a solicitation to produce black humor by a cartoon captions task (product), and a self-reported questionnaire concerning everyday creative acts (behavior). Results: The results showed that higher levels of field independence predicted malevolent creative process and product, whereas no differences emerged in creative behavior. Discussion: By partially replicating the evidence connecting FDI and creativity, the present study suggests that general and malevolent creativity share common grounds. Future studies are needed to overcome the current limitations in assessing malevolent creativity in everyday settings and to investigate further commonalities and differences between the two uses of creativity
From Granules to Porous Gels: Exploring the physical, structural and technological properties of ball-milled starches from different origins
No full textStarch, a widely used biopolymer in the food industry, has limited applications in its native
state. Technologies based on chemical, enzymatic and physical principles have been
developed to modify starches end enhance food applications. Ball milling (BM), a
mechanical technology, induces structural modifications and technological functionality of
food biomolecules.
Thus, the effect of BM treatment time on the structural properties and techno-functional
properties of starches from different botanical sources was investigated; their usage for
aerogels and cryogels as innovative delivery systems was investigated.
Native starches (corn-CS), high amylose corn-HACS), potato-PS), tapioca-TS) and wheat-
WS) were ball-milled for 5, 10, 15, 30 and 45 min at a constant speed (350 rpm). BM-
starches were characterized for particle size distribution, morphological thermal and
technological properties (water holding capacity-WHC, swelling power-SP, and cold-water
solubility-CWS). Hydrogels were thermoset from native and BM starches and the evaluation
of their rheological properties was performed. Aerogels and cryogels obtained via
supercritical C0 2 and freeze drying respectively, were characterised for surface area, pore
diameter, pore volume, density, porosity, and WHC.
BM starches showed lower gelatinization temperature and enthalpy than native starches.
Techno-functional properties correlated significantly with treatment time (p < 0.05). BM-TS
showed a three-fold SP increase, while BM-PS a notable rise in CWS (p < 0.05). BM-TS-30
min enhanced WHC. Prolonged milling caused aggregate formation and weakened gel
structure. All aerogels were mesoporous (≤ 25.4 nm), while cryogels were macroporous (≤
200 μm). HACS aerogels demonstrated high textural properties, enhancing porosity and
reducing bulk density compared to the other starches. BM-HACS-10 min showed the highest
surface area (237 m2/g) while BM-PS a reduced surface area and porosity but increased bulk
density over BM time. BM cryogels had twice WHC of aerogels.
In conclusion, BM is an interesting technology applicable to modify native starches and their
gel properties, enhancing their potential applications in food and non-food sectors.
Keywords: Ball milling, Starches, Structural, Techno-functional, Textural, Thermal, Rheology
properties.
1. Cai, M., Shen, C., Li, Y., Xiong, S., & Li, F. (2023). Effects of particle size on quality characteristics of
stone‐milled whole wheat flour. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 103(5), 2483-2491
2. de Oliveira Barros, M., Mattos, A. L. A., de Almeida, J. S., de Freitas Rosa, M., & de Brito, E. S.
(2023). Effect of Ball-Milling on Starch Crystalline Structure, Gelatinization Temperature, and
Rheological Properties: Towards Enhanced Utilization in Thermosensitive Systems. Foods, 12(15),
2924
3. Hao, Z., Xu, H., Yu, Y., Gu, Z., Wang, Y., Li, C., ... & Yu, Z. (2024). Insights into ball milling treatment
promotes the formation of starch-lipid complexes and the relation between multi-scale structure and in
vitro digestibility based on intermolecular interactions. Food Hydrocolloids, 146, 109277
Italian Consumers and Cultured Meat: Risk, Preferences, and Politics
No full textCultured meat is produced in vitro, and it is presented as a method able to reduce the controversial effect of farmed meat, on the environment and animal welfare. To speed up the shift to sustainable food systems with such innovation, it is necessary to analyze consumer preferences and attitudes towards this novel food. Attention should be paid specifically to the relevant role of consumers’ political affiliation, risk attitudes, and perceptions of cultured meat, as compared to farmed meat, on consumers’ acceptance of this novel food. This study investigates these aspects using a representative sample of the Italian population in terms of gender, age, and region, and a balance across education levels. Data collection was conducted via a digital platform in December 2023. The sample included 800 participants. The data were analyzed using an ordered logistic regression model, with marginal effects reported for clarity. Results show that as the level of acceptance increases, consumers’ preferences depend heavily on their’ perceptions of cultured meat as compared to farmed meat. Our research offers valuable insights into consumers’ views related to cultured meat. Additionally, it provides practical guidance to promote cultured meat using an evidence-based strategy
DALL’IMPERO DIVISO ALLA PAURA MODERNA DELL’ISLAM STORIA, DIRITTO, IDENTITÀ
No full textWest and East are categories of thought that have evolved from Roman legal experience to the
contemporary era. The caesura with the administrative and political division of the Roman Empire became
a fracture with the rise of Islam. Western civilization has since then viewed the East as other than its own.
The characteristic phenomena of terrorism, immigration, and all other manifestations of this otherness
have accentuated a distrustful, if not downright hostile, vision. On the path toward a new world, some see
the possibility of a rebirth of Europe as a guide, while others see a fusion already accomplished because
the East is already contained within the West