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First Molecular Detection of Torque Teno Canis Virus in Apparently Healthy Dogs in Southern Italy
No full textBackground: Torque teno viruses are viruses with unclear pathogenic potential, as conflicting evidence has classified this family of viruses as harmless and opprtunistic. Dogs also have their own specific Torque teno virus, called Torque teno canis virus (TTCaV), which has been reported in several countries. Objectives: This study aimed to identify TTCaV in the feces of apparently healthy dogs and to evaluate risk factors correlated to higher prevalences. Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 171 dogs from the Campania region, Italy. DNA was extracted from each sample and used as a template in a nested end-point PCR, and some positive samples were sequenced by the Sanger method. Univariate analysis was performed to assess the correlation between molecular detection of TTCaV and variables included in the study. Results: A total of 18 out of 171 animals (10.5%) were PCR-positive. No individual factor (sex, age, etc.) was associated with higher prevalence, while significant differences were observed in mixed-breed (16.5%) and kennel dogs (17.7%). Although the identification of TTCaV DNA was more frequent in dogs with an altered faecal score (score > 2 on a 1–7 scale), we did not find higher prevalence in CPV-2-positive animals (even if based on only 11 CPV-2-positive samples). A total of six amplicons were sequenced, obtaining two different isolates that, once deposited in international databases and compared with those reported in other studies, showed a homology with other strains identified worldwide. Conclusions: Although questions concerning the clinical relevance of TTVs still remain unanswered, our study documented the presence of this virus in the dog population in southern Italy. Moreover, our work provided phylogenetic data and useful information to better characterize the epidemiological picture of this virus in Italy and in Europe
Combining xylogenesis and modelling to identify environmental drivers of wood formation in ‘Greco’ grapevine in a Mediterranean vineyard
No full textClimate change poses a significant threat to viticulture, especially in Mediterranean regions, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of grapevine physiological responses to environmental stressors. Wood formation records environmental signals, yet it remains largely unstudied in woody horticultural crop species. This study provides the first detailed analysis of xylogenesis in Vitis vinifera L. ‘Greco’ and proposes a novel modelling approach to interpret data and identify the main environmental drivers in wood formation. Cambial activity and xylem cell production were monitored in vines cultivated in a rainfed vineyard in Southern Italy throughout the 2022 growing season. Vines were subjected to different soil management strategies: cover cropping (C), natural grassing (N) and tillage (T). A Multivariable Fractional Polynomial (MFP) model was employed to identify environmental factors associated with the different phases of xylogenesis, identified and quantified through microscopy and digital image analysis: cambial cells (CC), post-cambial enlarging cells (PC), cells in secondary wall thickening (SW) and mature cells (MT). Our results revealed a bimodal pattern of cambial activity across all treatments, with vines under tillage showing the widest final growth-ring width. The MFP model revealed that distinct environmental factors are associated with the different phases of xylogenesis. The number of CC was explained by solar radiation. The width of the PC zone was co-driven by solar radiation (53%), humidity (27%), and soil moisture (20%). The SW phase was predominantly and negatively influenced by wind speed (86%). Finally, the MT phase was mainly related to solar radiation (64%) and soil temperature (28%). This study indicates that combining xylogenesis with a modelling approach helps the identification of possible environmental drivers in wood formation in grapevine. These findings highlight the high sensitivity of grapevine to specific micro-environmental variables and can aid in developing the potential of dendro-agronomy as a powerful diagnostic tool for assessing climate impacts in woody crops
Development of sustainable construction materials from OSB and Aquapanel waste from industrialized façades
No full textThe increasing demand for sustainable construction solutions has led to growing interest in the reuse of industrial waste materials. This study explores the development of sustainable gypsum-based composites and mortars incorporating waste from industrialized façade systems, specifically oriented strand board (OSB) and Aquapanel® panels. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted to evaluate compressive and flexural strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity, capillary water absorption and thermal conductivity.
The results show specific performance trends: compressive strength and surface hardness decreased slightly but remained above the regulatory 2 MPa threshold, confirming mechanical suitability. Flexural strength decreased by less than 4 %, while all mixtures surpassed the 1 MPa minimum requirement. Conversely, modulus of youth increased progressively, reaching a 2.04 % rise and 7000 MPa in the E0.6-25OA composite, indicating improved elasticity and reduced cracking potential. Capillary water absorption decreased by more than 15 % compared with the reference mix, demonstrating enhanced water resistance. The fine particle size and good adhesion of OSB and Aquapanel® waste prevented the formation of micro-porosity that could reduce thermal conductivity at the expense of surface integrity.
This research demonstrates, for the first time, the technical feasibility of incorporating OSB and Aquapanel waste into gypsum composites while meeting regulatory mechanical and hydrothermal performance criteria. The results highlight the potential of these materials to support circular-economy strategies by extending material life cycles and reducing natural resource consumption
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of 2-Styryl-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-4-ones from N-Cinnamoyl-Anthranilic Acids
No full textN-cinnamoyl anthranilic acids are synthesized in a single, eco-friendly step by condensing various cinnamic acids with free 2-aminobenzoic acid derivatives using the mixed carbonic anhydride method. Subsequently, converting the resulting N-cinnamoyl anthranilic acids into their corresponding mixed carbonic anhydrides rapidly and efficiently affords 2-styryl-benzo[d][1,3]oxazin-4-ones. The method employs green solvents, such as acetone and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran; does not require metal catalysts or reflux conditions; and yields the desired final products without chromatographic purification
Modular lab-scale devolatilizer for in-situ investigation of polymer–volatile separation
No full textA compact, modular falling-strand devolatilization apparatus has been developed to investigate polymer–volatile separation under controlled laboratory conditions. The setup combines interchangeable 3D-printed plates, relocatable oxygen probes, and a transparent polycarbonate column, enabling both hydrodynamic reconfiguration and direct visualization of foam dynamics. Silicone oil with dissolved oxygen was used as a model system to examine the effects of operating conditions and internal geometries on devolatilization. Results show that internal structures strongly influence residence time and flow morphology, thereby enhancing volatile removal compared to free-fall. Measurements of foam height and local oxygen concentration provide spatially resolved data. To rationalize the observed trends, we introduced a composite dimensionless group that incorporates supersaturation, and residence time, providing a unified framework to interpret the fundamental mechanisms governing devolatilization. Beyond polymer devolatilization, the system offers a versatile platform for studying bubble-driven mass transfer in viscous media and for testing process designs in an accessible laboratory environment
