102,082 research outputs found
MTNR1A gene polymorphisms and reproductive recovery after seasonal anoestrus in different Mediterranean sheep breeds
No full textThe aims of this study were 1) to investigate the effect of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on reproductive performance in ewes of one Italian and two Slovenian dairy sheep breeds (Sarda, Istrian Premenka and Boska, respectively) which were located at different latitudes, and 2) to highlight if the different season of the male placement with females that was utilized in the different breeding systems in Sardinia (Italy) and Slovenia resulted in different effects of these polymorphisms on reproductive functions. Reproductively mature ewes (n = 100) from each breed were utilized to conduct the study. To evaluate the reproductive efficiency, lambing dates and number of lambs born were recorded per ewe; additionally, the duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing (DRPEL), litter size and the fertility rate were determined based on lambing dates. In each breed, there were eight nucleotide variations within the MTNR1A gene exon II, two of which (g.17355358 and g.17355171), respectively, resulted in a valine to isoleucine, and alanine to aspartic acid substitution, in amino acid sequence. The SNPs at position g.17355452 and g.17355458 were determined to have effects on reproductive performance. Genotypes C/C and C/T at g.17355452 in Bovska and Sarda and genotype A/A at g.17355458 in Istrian Pramenka were associated with a greater fertility and a lesser duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing. These findings confirmed that the nucleotide sequences of the MTNR1A gene could affect reproductive functions of Mediterranean sheep
MTNR1A gene polymorphisms and reproductive recovery after seasonal anoestrus in different Mediterranean sheep breeds
No full textThe aims of this study were 1) to investigate the effect of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on reproductive performance in ewes of one Italian and two Slovenian dairy sheep breeds (Sarda, Istrian Premenka and Boska, respectively) which were located at different latitudes, and 2) to highlight if the different season of the male placement with females that was utilized in the different breeding systems in Sardinia (Italy) and Slovenia resulted in different effects of these polymorphisms on reproductive functions. Reproductively mature ewes (n = 100) from each breed were utilized to conduct the study. To evaluate the reproductive efficiency, lambing dates and number of lambs born were recorded per ewe; additionally, the duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing (DRPEL), litter size and the fertility rate were determined based on lambing dates. In each breed, there were eight nucleotide variations within the MTNR1A gene exon II, two of which (g.17355358 and g.17355171), respectively, resulted in a valine to isoleucine, and alanine to aspartic acid substitution, in amino acid sequence. The SNPs at position g.17355452 and g.17355458 were determined to have effects on reproductive performance. Genotypes C/C and C/T at g.17355452 in Bovska and Sarda and genotype A/A at g.17355458 in Istrian Pramenka were associated with a greater fertility and a lesser duration in days from ram placement with ewes to lambing. These findings confirmed that the nucleotide sequences of the MTNR1A gene could affect reproductive functions of Mediterranean sheep
PHYSIOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF AUTOCHTHONOUS CATTLE BREEDS OF NORTHERN ITALY
No full textThis PhD project is focused on the physiological characterization of some autochthonous bovine breeds of Northern Italy, using many biological parameters in order to make a comparison with the cosmopolitan breeds. Despite the lower milk production, these breeds present other interesting and peculiar features, such as rusticity, frugality, good food conversion, high product quality (milk and meat), good fertility and good resistance and resilience against the diseases. We applied a multidisciplinary approach to study the physiological bases of the interesting traits present in the local breeds, studying three main issues: the metabolism of the transition period, the milk composition and technological properties and the ethological traits.
a) Biodiversity of the transition period
i) Study of the milk ketone bodies assessment in Modenese breed and Holstein with a characterization of physiological, reproductive and productive performances.
The objective of this study was to characterize some productive, reproductive and metabolic parameters (ketone bodies) in the Italian autochthonous cattle breed Modenese, comparing them with those of Holstein and their crossbred (F1=Modenese x Holstein; F2=Modenese x F1) breed in the same farm, in order to understand if there is a different metabolic picture that can influence the reproductive performances. Milk samples have been collected at different times of lactation (20, 40, and 90 days in milk (DIM)) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to obtain the the concentration of ketone bodies. In all time points, the Modenese breed showed a significant (p<0,05) lower concentration of ketone bodies. The F1, F2 and Modenese showed also better reproductive performances when compared to Holstein, with a significant lower (p<0,05) length of days open period.
ii) Comparative evaluation of the transition period: Italian autochthonous breed vs. Holstein
We evaluated the metabolic indicators, milk protein profiles and the milk microbiota in 6 Holstein Friesian and 4 Rendena cows reared on the same farm and under the same management conditions. Quarter milk samples and blood were collected from all cows at dry-off (T1), 1 day after calving (T2), 7-10 days after calving (T3) and 30 days after calving (T4). Blood samples were used for the analysis of plasma metabolites such as: glucose, total cholesterol, urea, inorganic phosphorus, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatinine, NEFA, β-OH-butyric acid (BHBA), thiol groups (SHp) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Quarter milk samples were subjected to bacteriological culture, protein profiles and characterization of the milk microbiota. Holstein cows showed a more severe fat mobilization, lower muscle mobilizationand systemic inflammatory response at T2 and T3 in comparison with Rendena cows. Significant differences were seen in the general composition of the milk microbiota of the two breeds. Concerning the milk protein abundance profile, pronounced differences were seen in the colostrum (T2), with significantly higher amounts of protective molecules (immunoglobulins and other immune-related proteins) in Rendena.
b) “Milks” biodiversity
i. Fatty acid profile, desaturase and atherogenic indices in milk of Holstein Friesian and Italian autochthonous cattle breeds
In this study the characteristics of the fatty acid profile in local Italian bovine breeds (Cabannina, Varzese, and Valdostana) are compared with those of Friesian, , a conventional breed, during the first period of lactation. The local breeds show a general trend to have higher unsaturated fatty acid percentages, as well as lower desaturase indices (related to C14, C16 and C18) and atherogenic index, with respect to Friesian cows.
ii. NMR-based metabolomics as a tool to characterize the milk biodiversity
In the present study we investigated the variations of the metabolic profiles during lactation in milks obtained from Friesian and autochthonous breeds from Northern Italy by 1H-NMR metabolomics. Furthermore, the external factors influencing the milk composition were minimized: the cows were bred on the same farm, were fed with the same diet, and were matched by for the lactation interval and lactation stage. Our results showed a difference in milk composition between breeds and in relation to stage of lactation.
iii. Milk microbiome characterization between healthy Holstein Friesian and Rendena cows
The aim of this study was to compare the milk microbiota in 6 Holstein and 3 Rendena cows reared on the same farm under the same management conditions, with a special focus on the transition period. Four time points (dry-off, 1 day after calving, 7-10 days after calving and 30 days after calving) were considered. The taxonomic profiles of cosmopolitan and local breeds were dominated by Firmicutes, mostly represented by the Streptococcus genus, followed by Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, and Actinobacteria. In both Rendena and Holstein the most abundant species was represented by Str. thermophilus, a lactic acid bacterium widely used in the fermentation of dairy products. However, the microbial populations were profoundly different in the two breeds along all the time points: the Rendena milk samples showed lower biodiversity and more stable microbial ecosystem.
c) Ethological biodiversity
i. Cattle Personality biodiversity in autochthonous Italian breeds: a pilot survey
This study assessed personality in five different cattle breeds (Bos taurus), two cosmopolitan (Holstein and Brown) and three Italian autochthonous, through a personality questionnaire completed by handlers (milkers). The objective was to determine whether this method could detect differences in personality, including breed, age and sex differences. Milkers’ assessments found breed and individual differences in the animals studied. Differences in personality traits resulted to be quite evident between individuals but consistent within each breed.
With these results, we have shed some light on the physiological mechanism at the base of the interesting features showed by the autochthonous Italian cattle breeds. This can contribute to the re-evaluation of bovine local breeds and their products, in order to recover the continuously reducing numbers, and enhance the quality of derived products, with positive effects on farm economy and biodiversity
An Activity Classifier based on Heart Rate and Accelerometer Data Fusion
No full textThe European project ProeTEX realized a novel set of prototypes based on smart garments
that integrate sensors for the real-time monitoring of physiological, activity-related and environmental
parameters of the emergency operators during their interventions. The availability of these parameters
and the emergency scenario suggest the implementation of novel classification methods aimed at
detecting dangerous status of the rescuer automatically, and based not only on the classical activityrelated
signals, rather on a combination of these data with the physiological status of the subject. Here
we propose a heart rate and accelerometer data fusion algorithm for the activity classification of
rescuers in the emergency context
Valutazione dell’impatto di un piccolo scarico civile su un torrente appenninico incontaminato: parametri biologici,’ecotossicologici e chimici.
No full textEmergency and work
No full textIn most recent years, technological advances have brought in consumer electronics many portable applications that have become part of our daily life. Miniaturized headphones, mp3 players are only an example of this trend. Leveraging on the low cost and versatility of these devices, some companies have launched new products combining the portability of these systems with the possibility of using these devices as support for some common human activities. In parallel with this technological and market evolution, awareness raised among public opinion about the need of contrasting accidents occurring to those people who work in harsh conditions and need to increase safety and possibly efficiency of intervention. This need is particularly enhanced for professional categories such as fire-fighters and Civil Protection rescuers
Antioxidant enzyme activity of rabbits fed dietary bovine colostrum supplementation
No full textBovine colostrum (BC) has a high nutritional value due to its content of macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive compounds which confer it anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The use of BC is not confined on humans, but its supplementation as a nutraceutical for both production and companion animals of all ages has been documented.
Although the antioxidant properties of BC are currently known in various animal species, to the best of our knowledge studies on BC effect related to antioxidant status in rabbits have not been performed.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with two different concentrations (2.5% and 5.0%) of BC on antioxidant status and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in liver and Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of rabbits.
New Zealand White rabbits (n = 39) were divided into three groups (n = 13) and fed until slaughter (91 days of age) with a commercial diet (CON group), CON supplemented with 2.5% (BC-2.5 group) and 5% of BC (BC-5 group). Blood was collected at slaughter from 10 animals/group (n = 30) to determine the activity of antioxidant enzymes Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD); liver and LD muscle were collected from 10 animals/group (n = 60) for RNA extraction and subsequent antioxidant enzymes gene expression analysis through Real Time PCR.
Despite the increase in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values found in complete feed (CON: 113.00 ± 3.8; BC-2.5: 136.3 ± 4.5; BC-5: 150.70 ± 5.8 umol TE/g), no significant differences in plasma CAT, GPx and SOD concentrations were found. Similarly, there were no changes in gene expression of CAT, GPx and SOD in tissues of rabbits after BC supplementation compared to CON (p > 0.05). A significant tissue-related effect has been observed in mRNA level of SOD and GPx, which were significantly higher in LD (p = 0.022) and liver (p = 0.001), respectively. We speculated that the lack of alteration in the investigated parameters may reflect the total phenol content (TPC) found in the three experimental diets, which was equal between groups (3.85 ± 0.15, 4.09 ± 0.27 and 3.84 ± 0.08 mg GAE/mg in CON, BC-2.5 and BC-5 groups respectively). Due to limited literature on the topic, further research is needed to evaluate the potential practical application of BC in rabbit rearing
Criteri radiologici di aggressività e considerazioni a proposito di un caso di condrosarcoma periferico
No full text“Validation of Smart Garments for Physiological and Activity-Related Monitoring of Humans in Harsh Environment
No full textA set of garments capable of monitoring the physiological, activity-related and environmental parameters of emergency operators during their interventions was developed in a European Project called ProeTEX. This work reports the results of the field trials performed with the final prototype release at the APT international Fire Fighting Survival Training Centre in Italy. Four sessions of trials (warm-up, rescue intervention, outdoor fire-fighting intervention and smoky chamber route) were performed in harsh environment by 6 professional Fire-Fighters. The operators wore the ProeTEX prototypes and their Heart Rate (HR), Breathing Rate (BR), Body Temperature (BT), External Temperature (ET), Heat Flux (HF) and GPS speed have been acquired. Percentage of samples out of the physiological range (R%) of the HR, BR and BT, as well as percentage of samples showing high variability (V%) of the HR, BR, BT, ET and HF have been processed. Percentage of GPS samples showing artefacts of their ground speed (S%) have been also computed. The results on the HR, BR and BT signals showed a maximum R% of 2.0, 7.8 and 8.5 respectively, as well as a maximum V% of 14.0, 10.0, 0.2, respectively. Concerning the ET and HH data, a V% lower than 0.0 and 2.9, respectively, was found. Finally, the highest detected value of S% of the GPS speed was 3.5 in all the trials. On the whole these results showed the efficacy of the ProeTEX wearable system and its capability of real-time and continuously monitoring the rescuers while they perform even highly intense activities in harsh environmental conditions
Deep brain stimulation and cluster headache
No full textIn recent years, neuroimaging data have greatly improved the knowledge on trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias' (TACs) central mechanisms. Positron emission tomography studies have shown that the posterior inferior hypothalamic grey matter is activated during cluster headache attacks as well as in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT). Voxel-based morphometric MRI has also documented alteration in the same area in cluster headache patients. These data suggest that the cluster headache generator is located in this region and leads us to hypothesise that stimulation of this brain area could relieve intractable cluster headache just as deep brain stimulation improves intractable movements disorders. This view received support by the observation that high frequency stimulation of the ipsilateral hypothalamus prevented attacks in an otherwise intractable chronic cluster headache patient previously treated unsuccessfully by surgical procedures to the trigeminal nerve. So far, 16 patients with intractable cronic cluster headache (CCH) and one intractable SUNCT patient have been successfully treated by hypothalamic stimulation. The procedures were well tolerated with no significant adverse events. Hypothalamic DBS is an efficacious and safe procedure to relieve otherwise intractable CCH and SUNCT. (copyright) Springer-Verlag Italia 2005
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