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A Survey on Biosecurity and Animal Welfare in Twenty-Five Beef Cattle Farms in the Marche Region, Central Italy: Application of the ClassyFarm Checklists
Get PDFIn Italy, the livestock sector is facing a crucial transformation phase towards a production system able to guarantee a high standard of health and animal welfare. With
this aim, the ClassyFarm platform (CFp) has been activated by the Italian Ministry of Health, with a prominent role for farm veterinarians, who are responsible for the livestock farms’ evaluation and the entering of data for self-monitoring purposes into the information
system. This work aimed to analyse the application of CFp in the biosecurity and animal welfare areas in twenty-five beef cattle farms of the Marche Region, Central Italy, using the checklists provided by the platform itself. The results, expressed in percentages, were compared
with the national averages. The percentages of the animal welfare assessment, which were higher than the national average, are likely the result of improved management and a broad understanding of these indicators based on animal observations. At the same time, the biosecurity area, in line with the national average, resulted in much lower percentages, leading to the assessment that some farming areas should definitely be improved. This result reflects the non-intensive and family-run breeding type of breeding typical of this region, characterised by particular attention to animal welfare
A Combined GLP-1/PPARa/CB1-Based Therapy to Restore the Central and Peripheral Metabolic Dysregulation Induced by a High-Fructose High-Fat Diet
No full textObesity remains a major epidemic in developed countries, with a limited range of effective pharmacological treatments. The pharmacological modulation of PPARα, CB1, or GLP-1 receptor activity has demonstrated beneficial effects, including anti-obesity actions. In this study, we evaluated a novel amide derivative of oleic acid and tyrosol (Oleyl hydroxytyrosol ether, OLHHA), a PPARα agonist, and CB1 antagonist, in combination with the GLP-1 agonist liraglutide (LIG), as an effective multitarget therapy to improve both the peripheral and central alterations in an animal model of diet-induced obesity. In rats, exposure to a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHFD) induced weight gain and increased plasma triglycerides, LDL, and hepatic parameters. In the brain, the HFHFD provoked disruptions in the expression of proteins regulating food intake, the endocannabinoid system, the insulin pathway, and inflammation and resulted in altered tau expression and phosphorylation, thus indicating neurodegenerative changes. Based on our results, the administration of LIG or OLHHA alone was insufficient to completely reverse the alterations noticed at the peripheral and central levels. On the other hand, the combined treatment with both compounds (OLHHA+LIG) was the most effective in promoting body weight loss and ameliorating both the central and peripheral alterations induced by HFHFDs in rats. This multitarget therapeutic approach could represent a promising strategy for treating obesity and associated comorbidities
Epigenetic alterations and microbiota changes in the saliva of individuals with binge-eating spectrum disorders compared with normal weight healthy controls
No full textAims: Binge-eating spectrum disorders, including bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge-eating disorder (BED), have psychological, behavioral, and physical effects, which present significant challenges for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Identifying biomarkers is thus of relevance to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies. Main methods: Saliva collected from female individuals with BED (n = 20), BN (n = 17), and normal weight healthy controls (NW-HC) (n = 20) was analyzed to assess salivary microbiome, exosomal miRNA expression, and DNA methylation of dopaminergic system gene components. Key findings: Microbial diversity was significantly reduced in BED and BN groups compared to NW-HC. Differential abundance analysis revealed that Bacilli (class-level) were enriched in BN and BED, while Lachnospirales (order-level) were significantly depleted in BN compared to NW-HC. In total, 79 miRNAs were differentially expressed in patients compared with controls. Alteration in four of these miRNAs (let-7b-5p, mir-15b-5p, mir-429, and mir-221-3p) identified via network analysis as potentially relevant to psychiatric disorders, were confirmed to be significantly upregulated in both BED and BN compared with controls. Significant hypomethylation at specific CpG sites of the DAT1 gene was also observed in BED and BN groups relative to controls. Correlation analysis highlighted significant associations between specific microbiota genera, miRNA expression, and DNA methylation of DAT1 in both the BED and BN groups. Significance: Our findings provide new evidence on the role of epigenetic modifications linked to alterations in salivary microbial composition and diversity in BED and BN, opening new avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions in eating disorders targeting miRNAs and microbiota
Effect of spirulina supplementation on growth, immunity, antioxidant status and pathomorphological perspectives in broilers exposed to dietary aflatoxin B1
Get PDFThe principal goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of Spirulina (SP) supplementation on growth, immunity,
antioxidant status, liver and kidney functions, carcass criteria and pathomorphological perspectives in
broilers given Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in their diet. Two hundred (200) unsexed, 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308)
were divided into four treatment diet groups, each consisting of 50 birds. There were five replicates of each
treatment (10 birds for each). Each group received specific dietary supplementation. Group 1 was fed a basal diet
without additives. Group 2 was fed a diet with 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1. Group 3 was fed a diet with 1 g/kg of
Spirulina. Group 4 was fed a diet with 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1 and 1 g/kg of Spirulina. The study lasted for six weeks
(1–42 day). AFB1 toxicity significantly (P < 0.05) reduced final live body weight and weight gain whereas
spirulina supplementation increased final body weight and weight gain. Moreover, spirulina supplementation
significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). AFB1 toxicity significantly (P < 0.05) decreased
carcass weight and dressing percentage but spirulina supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased carcass
weight, dressing percentage and giblet percentage relative to control. AFB1 toxicity significantly (P < 0.05)
raised the blood concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) (P < 0.05). Including SP in broiler diets contaminated with AFB1 decreased ALT, AST, and
ALP concentrations relative to broilers intoxicated with AFB1 without SP (P < 0.05). The urea and creatinine
concentrations were significantly elevated in broilers fed AFB1 diet with no SP (P < 0.05), but SP significantly
lowered urea and creatinine concentrations (P < 0.05). AFB1 toxicity significantly (P < 0.05) increased the
concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein
(VLDL) however, the addition of SP resulted in a decrease in the concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides,
low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein. AFB1 toxicity reduced the activity of SOD and GPx (P
< 0.05). In contrast, SP elevated the SOD, GPx, catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in broilers.
Conversely, SP reduced the levels of MDA in broilers given AFB1, even though the levels of MDA was higher in
broilers given AFB1 (P < 0.05). AFB1 toxicity significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the phagocytic index whereas
dietary SP improved phagocytic activity and phagocytic index. In conclusion, using SP in broiler diets is considered a novel strategy for lowering the toxic impacts of AFB1 and improving growth, immunity, antioxidant
status, liver and kidney function, carcass criteria and pathomorphological perspectives
Anaerobic Biodegradation of Polylactic Acid-Based Items: A Specific Focus on Disposable Tableware Products
No full textThe viability of anaerobic degradation treatment as an end-of-life option for commercial disposable bioplastic tableware, typically certified as compostable, was assessed. Two types of polylactic acid-based items were selected and tested under mesophilic conditions (38 degrees C) for 155 days, until reaching a plateau. Advanced chemical characterization of the products was performed with a combination of analytical techniques, i.e., microscopy, spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Two methods for calculating the biodegradation degree of the products were discussed and compared, using the biogas generated in the test and the total organic carbon (TOC) removal, respectively. The method based on TOC removal, resulting in a biodegradation degree ranging from 80.5% to 88.9%, was considered to more accurately describe the process. Given the complexity of assessing the biodegradation of a bioplastic product, an effort was made to derive correlations among the chemical-physical composition of the product, the biodegradation conditions, and the biodegradation yields/kinetics, with an aim to describe the process comprehensively. Statistical tools were also applied to derive additional considerations regarding the influence of the polymeric blend and digestion parameters on the biodegradation of bioplastic products. The identified data clusters, which were found to be grouped by the digestion temperature and the type of bioplastic, indicated specific biodegradation features of the investigated materials
Anhedonia in Youth and the Role of Internet-Related Behavior: A Systematic Review
No full textIntroduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines depression as a persistent period of sadness or a reduced interest in everyday activities lasting at least two weeks. Anhedonia, a key symptom of depression, is notable for its significance and is regarded as the second most important factor related to non-somatic issues, following closely behind a depressed mood. This study primarily investigates how excessive or problematic use of Internet-connected devices affects the mood and emotions of young people, with a specific emphasis on anhedonia. Additionally, it explores associated socio-behavioral changes and examines the interaction between IA and depression. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA international guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library (Clinical Trials section), Scopus, Embase, PsycInfo, and grey literature sources like Google Scholar. A predefined search strategy using Boolean operators was employed, and two researchers independently selected papers, with a third researcher resolving any discrepancies. Manual reviews were conducted to minimize selection bias. Results: Out of 3812 records, 7 studies were included. The findings suggest that social anhedonia correlates with higher levels of IA, particularly among adolescents and young adults. In some studies, loneliness was identified as a mediator between social anhedonia and social functioning, indicating a complex interplay of emotional factors. Other investigations revealed that increased screen time is associated with a heightened risk of developing addiction-related behaviors. Practical Implications and Conclusions: This review highlights the key role of anhedonia in the development of Internet addiction (IA) among young people, particularly through its impact on emotional regulation and social interactions. Addressing psychological and environmental factors is essential for developing targeted strategies to prevent and manage IA and its related mental health challenges
Apple peels as an edible source of phenolic bioactive compounds with antidiabetic and antiglycation properties
No full textApples (Malus domestica Borkh.) are one of the most consumed fruits around the world with a high production of peels as wastes and by-products. In this work, peels from different commercial and local apple samples are explored as a source of phenolic bioactive compounds that could be directly related to the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Six different cultivars from local and commercial apple samples were processed to obtain the phenolic compounds by ultrasonication of the peels using methanol as the solvent. The phenolic content was explored using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the quantification of 37 individual phenolic compounds was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Cellular viability was determined by performing the MTT assay in Caco-2 cell cultures exposed to the phenolic extracts. Subsequently, the capacity to inhibit alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase and pancreatic lipase enzymes, as well as antiglycation and antioxidant activities, was evaluated. These apple peel samples were considered a source of phenolic compounds with hyperoside, delphinidin 3,5-diglucoside, chlorogenic acid, phlorizin, epicatechin and procyanidin B2 as the main constituents. All samples neutralized the production of advanced glycation end-products and exhibited antiradical activities in a dose-dependent manner; four samples (Amarilla de Octubre, Manzana Helada, Verde Doncella and Pinova) inhibited alpha-glucosidase but only the sample known as "Amarilla de Octubre" was successful in inhibiting pancreatic alpha-amylase. Cytotoxicity was discarded in Caco-2 cell cultures at physiological concentrations considering these extracts as a source of phenolic compounds with antidiabetic, antiglycation and antioxidant properties
Experimental testing of school furniture designed with life-saving functions in case of earthquakes
No full textThis study explores newly developed furniture working as protective elements in the case of seismic events causing damage in buildings. Attention is given to a school classroom where desks and shelving units are the typical furniture adopted. School desks aim to protect against falling ceiling debris, while shelving units are intended to prevent damage to and overturning of partition walls. Previous designs for desks were costly and impractical, whereas shelving units received minimal attention beyond stronger wall connections to partition walls that, however, might be critical during earthquakes, as they can sustain early damage, posing risks even during moderate seismic events. The article outlines the initial structural concepts, preliminary analyses, full-scale prototypes, and experimental tests under extreme conditions. Differently from other proposals that can be found browsing internet, the solutions illustrated and tested in this study use elements of dimensions similar or even smaller to those of traditional school furniture, resulting in weights and costs that are comparable to current industrial productions in the market. The results from this study are expected to provide a novel perspective and design approach for school furniture design in seismic zones, contributing to the broader field of disaster risk reduction and resilience planning in educational environments
Transcultural challenges in the nurse-migrant patient caring relationship: a phenomenological study
No full textBackground/aim: The rising migration to EU Member States has increased demographic diversity, posing challenges for healthcare systems in delivering culturally competent care. Nurses, often the first healthcare providers to interact with migrant patients, play a crucial role in addressing cultural differences. However, a lack of awareness and preparedness can negatively impact the nurse-patient relationship and overall care quality. This study aimed to explore the transcultural challenges nurses encounter when caring for migrant patients. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to examine the experiences of 19 nurses from two hospitals in Italy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and August 2024. Giorgi's phenomenological method was applied to analyze the data and identify key themes related to transcultural care challenges. Results: The findings revealed that language barriers significantly hinder communication, often requiring nurses to rely on non-verbal strategies. Cultural differences in health beliefs and expectations necessitate continuous adaptation of care plans. Building trust and empathy is crucial in fostering effective relationships, yet nurses face emotional and ethical challenges when patient values conflict with standard practices. Culturally competent staff act as essential mediators, bridging gaps in understanding and care delivery. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for tailored interventions to support nurses in managing transcultural challenges. Addressing communication barriers and ethical dilemmas through training and the inclusion of cultural mediators is crucial to improving care quality for migrant patients. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based strategies for culturally competent nursing care