A widespread picornavirus affects the hemocytes of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), leading to its immunosuppression

Introduction

The widespread mass mortality of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) has occurred in several Mediterranean countries in the past 7 years. Single-stranded RNA viruses affecting immune cells and leading to immune dysfunction have been widely reported in human and animal species. Here, we present data linking P. nobilis mass mortality events (MMEs) to hemocyte picornavirus (PV) infection. This study was performed on specimens from wild and captive populations.

Methods

We sampled P. nobilis from two regions of Spain [Catalonia (24 animals) and Murcia (four animals)] and one region in Italy [Venice (6 animals)]. Each of them were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to describe the morphology and self-assembly of virions. Illumina sequencing coupled to qPCR was performed to describe the identified virus and part of its genome.

Results and discussion

In 100% of our samples, ultrastructure revealed the presence of a virus (20 nm diameter) capable of replicating within granulocytes and hyalinocytes, leading to the accumulation of complex vesicles of different dimensions within the cytoplasm. As the PV infection progressed, dead hemocytes, infectious exosomes, and budding of extracellular vesicles were visible, along with endocytic vesicles entering other cells. The THC (total hemocyte count) values observed in both captive (eight animals) (3.5 × 104-1.60 × 105 ml-1 cells) and wild animals (14 samples) (1.90-2.42 × 105 ml-1 cells) were lower than those reported before MMEs. Sequencing of P. nobilis (six animals) hemocyte cDNA libraries revealed the presence of two main sequences of Picornavirales, family Marnaviridae. The highest number of reads belonged to animals that exhibited active replication phases and abundant viral particles from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. These sequences correspond to the genus Sogarnavirus-a picornavirus identified in the marine diatom Chaetoceros tenuissimus (named C. tenuissimus RNA virus type II). Real-time PCR performed on the two most abundant RNA viruses previously identified by in silico analysis revealed positive results only for sequences similar to the C. tenuissimus RNA virus. These results may not conclusively identify picornavirus in noble pen shell hemocytes; therefore, further study is required. Our findings suggest that picornavirus infection likely causes immunosuppression, making individuals prone to opportunistic infections, which is a potential cause for the MMEs observed in the Mediterranean.

Multipathogen infections and multifactorial pathogenesis involved in noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) mass mortality events: Background and current pathologic approaches

Disease outbreaks in several ecologically or commercially important invertebrate marine species have been reported in recent years all over the world. Mass mortality events (MMEs) have affected the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), causing its near extinction. Our knowledge of the dynamics of diseases affecting this species is still unclear. Early studies investigating the causative etiological agent focused on a novel protozoan parasite, Haplosporidium pinnae, although further investigations suggested that concurrent polymicrobial infections could have been pivotal in some MMEs, even in the absence of H. pinnae. Indeed, moribund specimens collected during MMEs in Italy, Greece, and Spain demonstrated the presence of a bacteria from within the Mycobacterium simiae complex and, in some cases, species similar to Vibrio mediterranei. The diagnostic processes used for investigation of MMEs are still not standardized and require the expertise of veterinary and para-veterinary pathologists, who could simultaneously evaluate a variety of factors, from clinical signs to environmental conditions. Here, we review the available literature on mortality events in P. nobilis and discuss approaches to define MMEs in P. nobilis. The proposed consensus approach should form the basis for establishing a foundation for future studies aimed at preserving populations in the wild.

Detection and Quantification of Nocardia crassostreae, an Emerging Pathogen, in Mytilus galloprovincialis in the Mediterranean Sea Using Droplet Digital PCR

Nocardia crassostreae is a novel pathogen responsible for infections in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). N. crassostreae is also responsible for nocardiosis both in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. We investigated N. crassostreae DNA in mussels grown in marine sites of the Mediterranean Sea in the Campania Region. We examined 185 mussel pooled samples by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), each pool composed of 10 mussels and 149 individual mussels. ddPCR detected N. crassostreae DNA in 48 mussel pooled samples and in 23 individual mussel samples. qPCR detected N. crassostreae DNA in six pooled samples and six individual mussel samples. The two molecular assays for the detection of N. crassostreae DNA showed significant differences both in the pooled and in individual samples. Our study demonstrated that ddPCR outperformed real-time qPCR for N. crassostreae DNA detection, thus confirming that ddPCR technology can identify the pathogens in many infectious diseases with high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, in individual mussels showing histological lesions due to N. crassostreae, the lowest copy number/microliter detected by ddPCR of this pathogen was 0.3, which suggests that this dose could be enough to cause infections of N. crassostreae in mussels.

Investigation of the highly endangered Pinna nobilis' mass mortalities: Seasonal and temperature patterns of health status, antioxidant and heat stress responses

Recently, P. nobilis populations have suffered a tremendous reduction, with pathogens potentially playing a crucial role. Considering its highly endangered status, mechanisms leading to mass mortalities were examined in one or multiple pathogens infected populations. Thus, seasonal antioxidant enzymatic activities, hsp70 and catalase mRNA levels, were investigated in two different Greek populations, during mass mortality events in summer of 2020. Samples were collected from Fthiotis and Lesvos during February (T^oC 14 ± 1.2 and 15 ± 1 respectively), April (T^oC 18 ± 1.2 and 17 ± 1.3 respectively), and June (T^oC 24.5 ± 1.5 and 21.5 ± 1.5 respectively) 2020. In July of the same year (T^oC 26.5 ± 1.7 in Fthiotis and 24.5 ± 1.7 in Lesvos), no live specimens were found. All biochemical parameters and phylogenetic analysis suggest that pathogen infection increases P. nobilis sensitivity to water temperature, subsequently leading to mass mortality. The latter was obvious in Fthiotis individuals, in which Haplosporidium pinnae was also observed with Mycobacterium spp., compared to Lesvos individuals.

pathology, epidemiology, and phylogenyof mussel egg disease due to the microsporidianSteinhausia mytilovum(Field, 1924)in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Microsporidia are well known fungal pathogens of aquatic animals. However, the taxonomy of microsporidia is generally poorly resolved, which has consequently constrained our understanding of their pathology and epidemiology in marine animals. To date, microsporidia have been reported in both bivalves and gastropods, and microsporidia from mollusks have been classified in different genera. Despite ongoing work to better describe these genera, including detailed microscopic and ultrastructural images, so far we lack information on microsporidian phylogeny and pathogenicity of species within these genera. Here we investigate the microsporidian parasite Steinhausia mytilovum associated with the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, in natural beds and farms along coast of southern Italy. A survey of M. galloprovincialis was conducted in 13 mussel farms and one natural bed between 2009 and 2020. We found the presence of S. mytilovum in 10 of the investigated farms, with a prevalence ranging between 14-100% of female mussels, depending on the population and season in which they were sampled. The parasite developed in the oocytes within a sporophorous vesicle (SV) where it produced 1-3 spores per cell, both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Stenhausia mytilovum elicited an infiltrative (24.8%) or a strong capsular inflammatory response (43.4%) at gonadal follicles and surrounding vesicular connective tissue, in some cases accompanied by gonadal atresia (24.8%), leading to loss of gonadal architecture. In 7% of cases no reaction was observed. Ultrastructural observations revealed a mitochondrial re-organization to interact with all the phases of parasite development; the mitochondria were arranged outside the parasitophorous vesicle (PV) or directly interacting with the spore inside vesicle. There are five taxonomic clades of microsporidians as identified by SSU ribosomal gene sequence data. Maximum likelihood analysis assigned S. mytilovum within the Clade IV, defined as the Class Terresporidia, with closest genetic relationship (83.6% identity) to an undetermined invertebrate ovarian microsporidian. The constant presence, prevalence, and severity of S. mytilovum in coastline populations of M. galloprovincialis populations in southern Italy may indirectly reflect immunocompetence at both individual and population levels.

Calcium phosphates from fish bones in sunscreen: An LCA and toxicity study of an emerging material for circular economy

The use of sustainable and natural materials is an ever-increasing trend in cosmetic. Natural calcium phosphate (CaP-N) from food by-products and especially from fisheries (i.e., bones), has been suggested as a sustainable option to chemicals commonly used in cosmetic products, in particular to UV-filters in sunscreens. However, the environmental benefits and impacts of its production and use are still uncertain as they have never been quantified. In this paper, we report on toxicological characterization of CaP-N produced from incineration of fish meal in a pilot scale plant. Furthermore, we quantified the environmental burdens linked to the partial substitution of UV-filters by CaP-N through the life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing CaP-N with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as alternative option. CaP-N consists in a biphasic mixture 53:47 of hydroxyapatite:β-tricalcium phosphate, and is made of round particles with a diameter in the range of a few microns. Toxicity tests on 4 aquatic species (Dunaliella tertiolecta, Tigriopus fulvus, Corophium insidiosum and Gammarus aequicauda) revealed that CaP-N does not produce any adverse effect, all the species showing EC/LC50 values higher than 100 mg L^-1. Moreover, during the 96 h acute toxicity test on C. insidiosum, which is a tube-building species, the specimens built their tubes with the available CaP-N, further attesting the non-toxicity of the material. The LCA study showed that the environmental performance of CaP-N is better than that of ZnO NPs for 11 out of 16 impact categories analysed in this study, especially for the categories Ecotoxicity and Eutrophication of freshwaters (an order of magnitude lower), and with the exception of fossil resources for which CaP-N has a significantly higher impact than ZnO NPs (+140 %). Concluding, our study demonstrates that the replacement of ZnO NPs with CaP-N thermally extracted from fish bones in cosmetic products can increase their safety and sustainability.

Strontium-doped apatitic bone cements with tunable antibacterial and antibiofilm ability

Injectable calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) represent promising candidates for the regeneration of complex-shape bone defects, thanks to self-hardening ability, bioactive composition and nanostructure offering high specific surface area for cell attachment and conduction. Such features make CPCs also interesting for functionalization with various biomolecules, towards the generation of multifunctional devices with enhanced therapeutic ability. In particular, strontium-doped CPCs have been studied in the last years due to the intrinsic antiosteoporotic character of strontium. In this work, a SrCPC previously reported as osteointegrative and capable to modulate the fate of bone cells was enriched with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NPs) functionalized with tetracycline (TC) to provide antibacterial activity. We found that HA-NPs functionalized with TC (NP-TC) can act as modulator of the drug release profile when embedded in SrCPCs, thus providing a sustained and tunable TC release. In vitro microbiological tests on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains proved effective bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties, especially for the NP-TC loaded SrCPC formulations. Overall, our results indicate that the addition of NP-TC on CPC acted as effective modulator towards a tunable drug release control in the treatment of bone infections or cancers.

Chemical, Functional, and Technological Features of Grains, Brans, and Semolina from Purple and Red Durum Wheat Landraces

A main reason of the increasing interest in cereal landraces is their potential to offer more diversified and functional staple food. For instance, landraces are an underexploited resource of pigmented varieties, appreciated for the high accumulation of phytochemicals with known health benefits. This study characterized the chemical, functional, and technological features of the bran, semolina, and grains of two durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum, Desf.) landraces, named ‘Purple’ and ‘Red’ for their grain color, collected in Ethiopia and grown and sold in southern Italy as a niche product. Specifically, we analyzed the protein content, dry gluten, ash, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and specific phenolic acids. We also evaluated the antioxidant activity using DPPH- and ABTS-based methods. The two landraces had positive nutritional features, such as a high protein content, a rich and composite range of secondary metabolites (which include specific phenolic acids and anthocyanins), and antioxidant activities in all the fractions analyzed. The germplasm under investigation therefore has a well-justified potential to yield functional products and to diversify durum wheat-based foods.

Cytotoxicity of an Innovative Pressurised Cyclic Solid-Liquid (PCSL) Extract from Artemisia annua

Therapeutic treatments with Artemisia annua have a long-established tradition in various diseases due to its antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-malaria and anti-cancer effects. However, in relation to the latter, virtually all reports focused on toxic effects of A. annua extracts were obtained mostly through conventional maceration methods. In the present study, an innovative extraction procedure from A. annua, based on pressurised cyclic solid–liquid (PCSL) extraction, resulted in the production of a new phytocomplex with enhanced anti-cancer properties. This extraction procedure generated a pressure gradient due to compressions and following decompressions, allowing to directly perform the extraction without any maceration. The toxic effects of A. annua PCSL extract were tested on different cells, including three cancer cell lines. The results of this study clearly indicate that the exposure of human, murine and canine cancer cells to serial dilutions of PCSL extract resulted in higher toxicity and stronger propensity to induce apoptosis than that detected by subjecting the same cells to Artemisia extracts obtained through canonical extraction by maceration. Collected data suggest that PCSL extract of A. annua could be a promising and economic new therapeutic tool to treat human and animal tumours.

Calcium Phosphate Particles Coated with Humic Substances: A Potential Plant Biostimulant from Circular Economy

Nowadays, the use of biostimulants to reduce agrochemical input is a major trend in agriculture. In this work, we report on calcium phosphate particles (CaP) recovered from the circular economy, combined with natural humic substances (HSs), to produce a plant biostimulant. CaPs were obtained by the thermal treatment of Salmo salar bones and were subsequently functionalized with HSs by soaking in a HS water solution. The obtained materials were characterized, showing that the functionalization with HS did not sort any effect on the bulk physicochemical properties of CaP, with the exception of the surface charge that was found to get more negative. Finally, the effect of the materials on nutrient uptake and translocation in the early stages of development (up to 20 days) of two model species of interest for horticulture, Valerianella locusta and Diplotaxis tenuifolia, was assessed. Both species exhibited a similar tendency to accumulate Ca and P in hypogeal tissues, but showed different reactions to the treatments in terms of translocation to the leaves. CaP and CaP–HS treatments lead to an increase of P accumulation in the leaves of D. tenuifolia, while the treatment with HS was found to increase only the concentration of Ca in V. locusta leaves. A low biostimulating effect on both plants’ growth was observed, and was mainly scribed to the low concentration of HS in the tested materials. In the end, the obtained material showed promising results in virtue of its potential to elicit phosphorous uptake and foliar translocation by plants.

Pinna nobilis in suboptimal environments are more tolerant to disease but more vulnerable to severe weather phenomena

We examined a disease outbreak of the fan mussel, Pinna nobilis (L.), in the Alfacs Bay (South Ebro Delta, Spain) during a period of two years in three zones exposed to a summer salinity gradient resulting from agricultural freshwater discharges and distance to the open sea. Long-term monitoring was also conducted in Fangar Bay (North Ebro Delta), featuring lower salinities and no evidence of disease. Results showed that the salinity gradient of Alfacs Bay (37.4-35.7) was associated to cumulative mortality (100% near the mouth, 43% in middle regions, and 13% in inner regions), thus hindering the spread of pathogens. Young specimens showed to be more tolerant to disease than large adults but become vulnerable over time. In Fangar Bay, lower salinities (30.5-33.5) prevented the disease but individuals were highly vulnerable to Storm Gloria which caused 60% mortality in 3 weeks, and ~100% in 6 weeks.

Cosmopolitan Distribution of Endozoicomonas-Like Organisms and Other Intracellular Microcolonies of Bacteria Causing Infection in Marine Mollusks

Intracellular microcolonies of bacteria (IMC), in some cases developing large extracellular cysts (bacterial aggregates), infecting primarily gill and digestive gland, have been historically reported in a wide diversity of economically important mollusk species worldwide, sometimes associated with severe lesions and mass mortality events. As an effort to characterize those organisms, traditionally named as Rickettsia or Chlamydia-like organisms, 1950 specimens comprising 22 mollusk species were collected over 10 countries and after histology examination, a selection of 99 samples involving 20 species were subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis showed Endozoicomonadaceae sequences in all the mollusk species analyzed. Geographical differences in the distribution of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) and a particular OTU associated with pathology in king scallop (OTU_2) were observed. The presence of Endozoicomonadaceae sequences in the IMC was visually confirmed by in situ hybridization (ISH) in eight selected samples. Sequencing data also indicated other symbiotic bacteria. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of those OTUs revealed a novel microbial diversity associated with molluskan IMC infection distributed among different taxa, including the phylum Spirochetes, the families Anaplasmataceae and Simkaniaceae, the genera Mycoplasma and Francisella, and sulfur-oxidizing endosymbionts. Sequences like Francisella halioticida/philomiragia and Candidatus Brownia rhizoecola were also obtained, however, in the absence of ISH studies, the association between those organisms and the IMCs were not confirmed. The sequences identified in this study will allow for further molecular characterization of the microbial community associated with IMC infection in marine mollusks and their correlation with severity of the lesions to clarify their role as endosymbionts, commensals or true pathogens.

Mycobacteriosis in Aquatic Invertebrates: A Review of Its Emergence

Mycobacteriosis is a chronic bacterial disease reported in aquatic and terrestrial animals, including humans. The disease affects a wide range of cultured and wild organisms worldwide. Mycobacteriosis is well-known in aquatic vertebrates (e.g., finfish, marine mammals), while in the last few years, reports of its presence in aquatic invertebrates have been on the rise, for both freshwater and marine species. The number of cases is likely to increase as a result of increased awareness, surveillance and availability of diagnostic methods. Domestication of wild aquatic species and the intensification of modern aquaculture are also leading to an increase in the number of reported cases. Moreover, climate changes are affecting fresh and marine aquatic ecosystems. The increasing reports of mycobacteriosis in aquatic invertebrates may also be influenced by global climate warming, which could contribute to the microbes' development and survival rates, pathogen transmission and host susceptibility. Several species of the genus Mycobacterium have been diagnosed in aquatic invertebrates; a few of them are significant due to their wide host spectrum, economic impact in aquaculture, and zoonotic potential. The impact of mycobacteriosis in aquatic invertebrates is probably underestimated, and there is currently no effective treatment other than facility disinfection. In this review, we provide an overview of the diversity of mycobacterial infections reported in molluscs, crustaceans, cnidarians, echinoderms and sponges. We highlight important issues relating to its pathological manifestation, diagnosis and zoonotic considerations.

Vibrio mediterranei, a potential emerging pathogen of marine fauna: investigation of pathogenicity using a bacterial challenge in Pinna nobilis and development of a species-specific PCR

AIMS

Extreme mortality events affecting Pinna nobilis, some associated to Vibrio mediterranei, have depleted many populations of this bivalve. The objective of this study was to demonstrate pathogenicity of V. mediterranei in the host P. nobilis by performing a bacterial challenge in P. nobilis to understand if V. mediterranei has specific virulence in this host. To assist this objective, a secondary objective was to develop a species-specific DNA diagnostic test.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pinna nobilis collected from local bays were used in a challenge experiment with V. mediterranei (strain IRTA18-108). The virulence in the host background of P. nobilis was demonstrated at doses of 10³ CFUs per animal. An alignment of published Vibrio sp. atpA sequences was used to design V. mediterranei-specific primers. Furthermore, data mining of published literature and V. mediterranei genomes identified multiple virulence-related genes (vir genes) from which specific primers were designed for PCR detection of selected genes.

CONCLUSION

Vibrio mediterranei strain IRTA18-108 is pathogenic in the host P. nobilis. The virulence genes sod, rtx and mshA were identified in this strain. Temperatures of 24°C or higher appear to trigger onset of virulence. Sensitivity and specificity of the Vm atpA PCR is useful for diagnosis of Vibriosis in shellfish.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The presence of previously described virulence genes have been confirmed in this strain. The specific Vm atpA PCR assay will aid management of future epizootics of this emerging pathogen of aquatic fauna, and improve surveillance capabilities for mortality events where Vibrios are suspect.

Mussel Shell-Derived Macroporous 3D Scaffold: Characterization and Optimization Study of a Bioceramic from the Circular Economy

Fish industry by-products constitute an interesting platform for the extraction and recovery of valuable compounds in a circular economy approach. Among them, mussel shells could provide a calcium-rich source for the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramics. In this work, HA nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized starting from mussel shells (Mytilus edulis) with a two steps process based on thermal treatment to convert CaCO3 in CaO and subsequent wet precipitation with a phosphorus source. Several parameters were studied, such as the temperature and gaseous atmosphere of the thermal treatment as well as the use of two different phosphorus-containing reagents in the wet precipitation. Data have revealed that the characteristics of the powders can be tailored, changing the conditions of the process. In particular, the use of (NH4)2HPO4 as the phosphorus source led to HA nanoparticles with a high crystallinity degree, while smaller nanoparticles with a higher surface area were obtained when H3PO4 was employed. Further, a selected HA sample was synthesized at the pilot scale; then, it was employed to fabricate porous 3D scaffolds using the direct foaming method. A highly porous scaffold with open and interconnected porosity associated with good mechanical properties (i.e., porosity in the range 87-89%, pore size in the range 50-300 μm, and a compressive strength σ = 0.51 ± 0.14 MPa) suitable for bone replacement was achieved. These results suggest that mussel shell by-products are effectively usable for the development of compounds of high added value in the biomedical field.

Expression of transferrin receptor-1 (TFR-1) in canine osteosarcomas

Due to high rates of proliferation and DNA synthesis, neoplastic cells have higher requirements of iron than normal cells. For that reason, neoplastic cells have remodelled iron metabolism pathways, over‐expressing genes encoding for iron uptake proteins, among which Transferrin Receptor‐1 (TFR‐1). Accumulating evidence has proven that overexpression of TFR‐1 and high Iron concentration, are both widespread condition of cancer cells, both essential to tumour onset and progression. We studied TFR‐1 and PCNA immunohistochemical expression in fifteen (15) Canine osteoblastic osteosarcomas (COS). After immunohistochemical staining, counting of TFR‐1 positive cells by two independent observers showed that 85%–95% of neoplastic cells were strongly labelled at cytoplasmic level by anti‐TFR‐1 antibody in all examined COS. Furthermore, 70%–80% of neoplastic cells were positively labelled at the nuclear level by PCNA. Surprisingly, about 100% of intratumour vascular endothelial cells were also positive, whereas extratumour vascular endothelial cells were negative. The latter is an interesting finding, as TFR‐1 is usually not expressed in normal vasculature, with the exception of normal brain vascular endothelium, where it allows transport of transferrin, and thus iron, into tissues, suggesting a similar function here to support cancer growth. The early results presented highlight the relevance of TFR‐1 expression in canine OS, suggesting therapies involving both TFR‐1 and Iron metabolisms in dogs with osteosarcoma should be developed.

Nodular-like growth and axial thickening in gorgonians are a defensive response to endolithic cyanobacteria, involving amyloid deposition

An accurate approach to coral disease study is critical for understanding the global decline of coral populations. Such an approach should involve the proper use of medical concepts and terminology to avoid confusion and promote clarity in the coral disease literature. Inflammatory and neoplastic disorders have been frequently confused in corals. They are both reported as 'growth anomalies' because of their possible gross similarity, but in fact they are very different types of lesions and pathologic phenomena. In this work, we assessed the distribution and prevalence of growth anomalies, externally visible as nodular-like lesions, in the soft corals Eunicella cavolinii and E. singularis in 2008-2009 in 3 different areas along the Campanian coastline of Italy. Histopathology revealed them as chronic inflammatory lesions, resembling chronic inflammatory lesions of vertebrates, encapsulating an unidentified pathogen. Congo red and Masson Fontana histochemistry highlighted an amoebocyte infiltration with the presence of new apposition of melanin coupled with amyloid sheets intended as part of the defensive response, as reported in other invertebrates. A parallel molecular analysis of 16S rRNA of the lesions suggested that the causative agent is an endolithic cyanobacterium belonging to the order Nostocales. This is the first study assessing the presence of amyloid fibrils in corals.

Evaluation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Alpha (HIF-1α) in Equine Sarcoid: An Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Study

BACKGROUND

equine sarcoids are the most frequent skin tumors in equidae worldwide. It is well known that delta bovine papillomaviruses are their causative agents. We have recently shown the presence in equine sarcoids of abnormal vessel structures, which could cause a hypoxic condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in a subset of BPV positive equine sarcoids and explore the relationship with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression.

RESULTS

80% of equine sarcoids showed strong cytoplasmic staining in >60% of neoplastic fibroblasts, while 20% of samples showed a moderate cytoplasmic staining in 40-60% of neoplastic fibroblasts for HIF-1α. Results of Western blotting (WB) were consistent with immunohistochemistry (IHC). Moreover, a positive correlation between HIF-1α and VEGF expression (r = 0.60, p < 0.01) was observed.

CONCLUSION

we have shown that HIF-1α was strongly expressed in equine sarcoid. The upregulation of HIF-1α has been described in numerous tumors and can be modulated by many proteins encoded by transforming viruses. Thus, it is also possible that BPV could have a relevant role in HIF-1α pathway regulation, contributing to the development of equine sarcoids by promoting HIF-1α/VEGF mediated tumor angiogenesis.

Nanomedicine Approaches for the Pulmonary Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease affecting today nearly 70,000 patients worldwide and characterized by a hypersecretion of thick mucus difficult to clear arising from the defective CFTR protein. The over-production of the mucus secreted in the lungs, along with its altered composition and consistency, results in airway obstruction that makes the lungs susceptible to recurrent and persistent bacterial infections and endobronchial chronic inflammation, which are considered the primary cause of bronchiectasis, respiratory failure, and consequent death of patients. Despite the difficulty of treating the continuous infections caused by pathogens in CF patients, various strategies focused on the symptomatic therapy have been developed during the last few decades, showing significant positive impact on prognosis. Moreover, nowadays, the discovery of CFTR modulators as well as the development of gene therapy have provided new opportunity to treat CF. However, the lack of effective methods for delivery and especially targeted delivery of therapeutics specifically to lung tissues and cells limits the efficiency of the treatments. Nanomedicine represents an extraordinary opportunity for the improvement of current therapies and for the development of innovative treatment options for CF previously considered hard or impossible to treat. Due to the peculiar environment in which the therapies have to operate characterized by several biological barriers (pulmonary tract, mucus, epithelia, bacterial biofilm) the use of nanotechnologies to improve and enhance drug delivery or gene therapies is an extremely promising way to be pursued. The aim of this review is to revise the currently used treatments and to outline the most recent progresses about the use of nanotechnology for the management of CF.

Optimisation of artemisinin and scopoletin extraction from Artemisia annua with a new modern pressurised cyclic solid-liquid (PCSL) extraction technique

INTRODUCTION

Artemisia annua is a small herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family declared therapeutic by the World Health Organisation, in particular for its artemisinin content, an active ingredient at the base of most antimalarial treatments, used every year by over 300 million people. In the last years, owing to low artemisinin content, research of new ways to increase the yield of the plant matrix has led to the use of the total extract taking advantage from the synergic and stabilising effects of the other components.

OBJECTIVE

In this work we evaluated and compared the content of artemisinin and scopoletin in extracts of A. annua collected in the Campania Region (southern Italy), by two different extraction processes.

METHODOLOGY

Artemisia annua plants were extracted by traditional maceration (TM) in hydroalcoholic solution as a mother tincture prepared according to the European Pharmacopeia and by pressurised cyclic solid-liquid (PCSL) extraction, a new generation method using the Naviglio extractor.

RESULTS

The results showed that the PCSL extraction technique is more effective than traditional methods in extracting both phytochemicals, up to 15 times more, reducing the extraction times, without using solvents or having risks for the operators, the environment and the users of the extracts.

CONCLUSION

The Naviglio extractor provides extracts with an artemisinin and scopoletin content eight times higher than the daily therapeutic dose, which should be evaluated for its stability over time and biological properties for possible direct use for therapeutic purposes.

Magnetic calcium phosphates nanocomposites for the intracellular hyperthermia of cancers of bone and brain

Aim: Magnetic hyperthermia is limited by the low selective susceptibility of neoplastic cells interspersed within healthy tissues, which we aim to improve on. Materials & methods: Two superparamagnetic calcium phosphates nanocomposites, that is, iron-doped hydroxyapatite and iron oxide (Mag) nanoparticles coated with amorphous calcium phosphate (Mag@CaP), were synthesized and tested for selective activity against brain and bone cancers. Results: Nanoparticle uptake and intracellular localization were prerequisites for reduction of cancer viability in alternate magnetic fields of extremely low power. Sheer adsorption onto the outer membrane was not sufficient to produce this effect, which was extremely significant for Mag@CaP and iron-doped hydroxyapatite, but negligible for Mag, demonstrating benefits of combining magnetic iron with calcium phosphates. Conclusion: Such selective effects are important in the global effort to rejuvenate clinical prospects of magnetic hyperthermia.

Contaminants bioaccumulation and pathological assessment in Mytilus galloprovincialis in coastal waters facing the brownfield site of Bagnoli, Italy

We studied the bioaccumulation of metals and PAHs, the pathological conditions, regressive phenomena and pathogens in wild Mytilus galloprovincialis taken along the North Pier facing the former second Italian largest steelworks of Bagnoli. There was no Cd and Pb bioaccumulation with respect to the EU role 221/2002. Metal shell index decreased as follows: Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu and correlates with the pollution state. The level of BaP was up to thirtysixfold higher the EU rule 835/2011. The sum of 4 hydrocarbons, PAH4, were up to seventeen-fold the rule. PAH levels increased toward the coast. Prevalence values of tissue necrosis and inflammatory lesions were between 50 and 100%. In May animals showed lesion like granulocytomas and inflammatory capsules. Signs of atresia, necrotic oocytes and diffused cases of hermaphroditism were detected. An appropriate localization of farming to avoid contamination from sediment turbulence and risks for consumer health is needed.

Baseline pathological data of the wedge clam Donax trunculus from the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Basin)

In recent years, a collapse in Donax trunculus fishing yields has occurred in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Basin). There is little information available on the impact disease may have had on D. trunculus populations. For the first time, a pathological survey was performed on the natural beds of the bivalve on the Campania and Lazio coasts, western Italy. Detected pathogens and related diseases were analysed, and their prevalence and mean intensity values were calculated. Viral particles, Chlamydia-like organisms, ciliates, coccidians, microcells and trematodes were observed. An unknown ciliate was linked to severe inflammatory and necrotic lesions in the digestive gland. Metacercariae of the trematode Postmonorchis sp. were also strongly represented in almost all samples, reaching high levels of infection; however, none of the pathogens described required the World Organisation for Animal Health to be notified. Initial results indicated that further surveys related to environmental data are necessary in order to assess the relevance of these early observations in managing the declining D. trunculus population in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Ontogeny of lymphoid organs and mucosal associated lymphoid tissues in meagre (Argyrosomus regius)

This study investigates the development of lymphoid organs and mucosal tissues in larval and juvenile meagre, Argyrosomus regius. For this purpose, meagre larvae were reared from hatch to the juvenile stage, under mesocosm conditions at 18-19 °C, using standard feeding sequences with live prey and artificial food. The kidney was evident upon hatch and included a visible pronephros, with undifferentiated stem cells and excretory tubules at 1 dph (3.15 ± 0.1 mm SL). The thymus was first detected 8 dph (4.49 ± 0.39 mm SL) and was clearly visible 12 dph (5.69 ± 0.76 mm SL), 33 dph (15.69 ± 1.81 mm SL) an outer thymocytic zone and inner epithelial zone were visible. The spleen was present 12 dph, located between exocrine pancreas and intestine and by 26 dph (11.84 ± 1.3 mm SL) consisted of a mass of sinusoids filled with red blood cells. Melanomacrophage centers were found 83 dph (66.25 ± 4.35 mm SL) in the spleen. Between 14-15 dph (6.9 ± 1.1 mm SL), goblet and rodlet cells appear in the gill and intestinal epithelium. The lymphoid organs, which appear in the order of pronephric kidney (1 dph), thymus (8 dph) and spleen (12 dph) remarkably increase in size during the post-flexion stage. While functional studies are needed to confirm the activity of the immune response, the morphology of the lymphoid organs suggest that meagre is not immuno-competent until 83 dph.

Role of citrate in the formation of enamel-like calcium phosphate oriented nanorod arrays

The effect of citrate on the formation of oriented fluoride doped hydroxyapatite nanorods grown on an amorphous calcium phosphate substrate was investigated.

Fluoride-doped amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles as a promising biomimetic material for dental remineralization

Demineralization of dental hard tissue is a widespread problem and the main responsible for dental caries and dentin hypersensitivity. The most promising strategies to induce the precipitation of new mineral phase are the application of materials releasing gradually Ca2+ and PO43- ions or mimicking the mineral phase of the host tissue. However, the design of formulations covering both processes is so far a challenge in preventive dentistry. In this work, we have synthesized innovative biomimetic amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), which has been, for the first time, doped with fluoride ions (FACP) to obtain materials with enhanced anti-caries and remineralizing properties. Significantly, the doping with fluoride (F) did not vary the physico-chemical features of ACP but resulted in a faster conversion to the crystalline apatite phase in water, as observed by in-situ time-dependent Raman experiments. The efficacy of the as synthesized ACP and FACP samples to occlude dentinal tubules and induce enamel remineralization has been tested in vitro in human molar teeth. The samples showed good ability to partially occlude the tubules of acid-etched dentin and to restore demineralized enamel into its native structure. Results demonstrate that ACP and FACP are promising biomimetic materials in preventive dentistry to hinder demineralization of dental hard tissues.

Assessment of the Health Status of Mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis Along the Campania Coastal Areas: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis has a broad geographic distribution, represent an important species for the ecology of coastal waters, also constituting a major aquaculture species. In the present work, molecular and tissue biomarkers were examined in mussel populations (M. galloprovincialis) located in four different areas of the coastal water of the Campania Region. During an annual life cycle, we analyzed the expression patterns of several genes commonly used to estimate cellular stress response and damage, namely p53, p63, HSP70, MT-10, and MT-20, related tissue lesions (pathogens, inflammations, digestive tubules damage), oxidative stress indicators (H2O2, SOD specific activity) and associated environmental data. The computed Principal Component Analysis showed that the areas were discernible based on the environmental data and biomarker results. About animal health status, mussels from Gulf of Pozzuoli and Naples's harbor did show a thinnest epithelial cell of digestive tubules compared to mussels sampled from other sampling sites; moreover, high prevalence of cases of intersex in three of the examinated areas were observed. The presence of a potential zoonotic pathogen (Nocardia crassostreae) was identified, appearing as an important possible emerging disease. We also reported the OIE notifiable protozoa Marteilia refringens in three areas out of four. The likely impact of both observed pathogens on the mussel health and shellfish aquaculture needs to be urgently addressed. Results are discussed considering animal histopathological health parameters and biological effects.

Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle): A Neglected Plant With Emerging Growth Promoter/Immunostimulant Properties for Farmed Fish

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), is a perennial plant belonging to the family of Urticaceae, genus Urtica. Despite the use of nettle in folk veterinary medicine is well documented, U. dioica is today an underestimated and frequently neglected plant, considered by the contemporary agriculture as a weed to be eliminated. This mini review focus on very recent studies on dietary administration of U. dioica, both as a single herb or in combination with other herbs, to enhance growth and stimulate farmed fish immunity, thus enabling the fish to be more resistant against bacterial infections. Such an emerging feature, together with cost-effectiveness, adequate availability, and easy processing of nettle, could make this herb an excellent, inexpensive and widely used dietary supplement on intensive fish farms.

Calcium phosphate-based nanosystems for advanced targeted nanomedicine

Synthetic calcium phosphates (CaPs) are the most widely accepted bioceramics for the repair and reconstruction of bone tissue defects. The recent advancements in materials science have prompted a rapid progress in the preparation of CaPs with nanometric dimensions, tailored surface characteristics, and colloidal stability opening new perspectives in their use for applications not strictly related to bone. In particular, the employment of CaPs nanoparticles as carriers of therapeutic and imaging agents has recently raised great interest in nanomedicine. CaPs nanoparticles, as well as other kinds of nanoparticles, can be engineered to specifically target the site of the disease (cells or organs), thus minimizing their dispersion in the body and undesired organism-nanoparticles interactions. The most promising and efficient approach to improve their specificity is the 'active targeting', where nanoparticles are conjugated with a targeting moiety able to recognize and bind with high efficacy and selectivity to receptors that are highly expressed only in the therapeutic site. The aim of this review is to give an overview on advanced targeted nanomedicine with a focus on the most recent reports on CaP nanoparticles-based systems, specifically designed for the active targeting. The distinctive characteristics of CaP nanoparticles with respect to the other kinds of nanomaterials used in nanomedicine are also discussed.

Nuclear morphometry and ploidy of normal and neoplastic haemocytes in mussels

Haemic neoplasia (HN) in bivalves has been reported in association with mass mortality events in various species of molluscs. The aim of this work was to quantify the nuclear morphometry and DNA content of neoplastic cells of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis affected by HN using nuclear densitometry in Feulgen-stained preparations. The results were also compared with a population of normal mussel haemocytes. We captured 256 images of 3 different neoplasia stages and 120 images of normal haemocytes; thus, a total of 120,166 nuclei were analysed. We extracted 21 morphological parameters from normal and neoplastic nuclei. Eighteen of these parameters were different (P<0.05). Among those (expressed in pixel units—inter-pixel distance of 0.45 micrometres—as: normal vs. neoplastic) nuclear area (117.1±94.1 vs. 423.1±226.9), perimeter (44.9±14.0 vs. 79.0±21.3) and (IOD) integrated optical density (13.47±34.5 vs. 177.1±150.8) were relevant features to discriminate between normal and neoplastic cells. Those differences allowed identifying two distinctive populations of neoplastic nuclei, occasionally in the same individuals at a given phase of the disease. Moreover, neoplastic haemocytes in less extended lesions showed a ploidy value of 6.2 n along with the presence of a second population of circulating cells with a DNA content of 10.7n. In samples with moderate disease only one peak at 7n was observed. Finally, in more severe conditions, a further ploidy peak of 7.8n was recorded, accompanied by a shallow but broad peak of 31n. This latter extreme value is thought to be due to the presence of giant multinucleated cells where individual nuclei overlap in space and cannot be discerned individually. Computer-based imaging allowed the direct visualization of the cell populations and simultaneous collection of ploidy data as well as morphological features of nuclei.

Disease and Disorders of Freshwater Unionid Mussels: A Brief Overview of Recent Studies

The use of aquatic invertebrates in biomedical research and as environmental sentinels has dramatically grown in recent decades, with an increased need in understanding of comparative pathology. The Unionids freshwater mussels are a group of worldwide distributed bivalves residing small ditches and ponds, lakes, canals and rivers, often used as animal test in eco-toxicological studies. Once one of the most abundant bivalve molluscs in ancient rivers around the world, now many of them are declining in many countries and consequently are nearly extinct in many areas. The causes of this decline are not fully understood but alteration and degradation of the freshwater habitat seemed to play a central role. To date, link causality to the observed losses during episode of mussel die-offs has been more difficult to establish, and disease and pathogen presence have been scarcely considered. In this article we provide a brief overview of unionids freshwater mussel conservation status, also describing reported diseases and pathogens and illustrating a few relatively well-documented studies.

Gorgonian disease outbreak in the Gulf of Naples: pathology reveals cyanobacterial infection linked to elevated sea temperatures

In recent years, mass mortality events of benthic invertebrates in the Mediterranean Sea have been documented to coincide with the increased seawater temperatures associated with global climate change. Following a disease outbreak in gorgonians during the summer seasons of 2008 and 2009 in the Gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea), we conducted gross and microscopic analyses of healthy and diseased specimens of Eunicella cavolinii and E. singularis using both light and electron microscopy (SEM). Macroscopically, diseased colonies exhibited evident tissue thinning, and dead colonies showed a complete loss of polyps and coenenchyme, exposing their skeletons to settlement by fouling organisms. Histopathology revealed chronic inflammatory lesions at the polyp and axial level, characterized by amoebocyte infiltration of tissue accompanied by new apposition of melanin/gorgonin sheets. We interpreted this response as a defense against different kinds of pathogens-identified as mainly a heterogeneous consortium of filamentous cyanobacteria-and which gradually led to enlargement and hardening of the coral axis, which resembled a wood-like structure at the final stage of the disease. These processes elicited the formation of multiple inflammatory nodules and capsules, some of which were macroscopically visible. A parallel 16S rRNA and ITS analysis of the diseased tissue identified Synechococcus, Arthrospira and other uncultured cyanobacteria grouped within the Oscillatoriales. These results suggest that a cyanobacterial consortium is involved in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory disease leading to the mortality of Gorgoniaceae in the area. Finally, there were anomalously high temperatures (up to 25°C) between 10 and 20 m depth during the sampling period, particularly in June 2009. This supports the hypothesis that the coral skeleton may serve as a reservoir for the pathogens in cooler seasons, with warmer conditions leading to pathogen reactivation and recurring mortality events.

Proliferation, apoptosis, and fractal dimension analysis for the quantification of intestinal trophism in sole (Solea solea) fed mussel meal diets

Background

The evaluation of intestinal trophism, mainly the mucosal layer, is an important issue in various conditions associated with injury, atrophy, recovery, and healing of the gut. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the kinetics of the proliferation and apoptosis of enterocytes by immunohistochemistry and to assess the complexity of intestinal mucosa by fractal dimension (FD) analysis in Solea solea fed different experimental diets.

Results

Histomorphological evaluation of all intestinal segments did not show signs of degeneration or inflammation. Cell proliferation index and FD were significantly reduced with a diet high in mussel meal (MM; p = 0.0034 and p = 0.01063, respectively), while apoptotic index did not show any significant difference for the same comparison (p = 0.3859). Linear regression analysis between apoptotic index (independent variable) and FD (dependent variable) showed a statistically significant inverse relationship (p = 0.002528). Linear regression analysis between cell proliferation index (independent variable) and FD (dependent variable) did not show any significant correlation (p = 0.131582).

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that diets containing increasing levels of mussel meal in substitution of fishmeal did not incite a hyperplastic response of the intestinal mucosa. The mussel meal, which is derived from molluscs, could mimic the characteristics of the sole’s natural prey, being readily digestible, even without increasing the absorptive surface of intestinal mucosa. Interestingly, from this study emerged that FD could be used as a numeric indicator complementary to in situ quantification methods to measure intestinal trophism, in conjunction with functional parameters.

Nocardiosis in Mediterranean bivalves: first detection of Nocardia crassostreae in a new host Mytilus galloprovincialis and in Ostrea edulis from the Gulf of Naples (Italy)

In this work M. galloprovincialis and O. edulis specimens were surveyed for a pathological study in the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean sea, Campania Region, southern Italy). Clusters of Nocardia sp.-like cells were observed in histological slides. PCR amplification, sequencing and in situ hybridization were carried out in order to corroborate Nocardia species identification for both hosts. Blast results showed a 99% of maximum identity with Nocardia crassostreae sequences in Genbank. This is the first report of N. crassostreae in the new host M. galloprovincialis and, in a new area, the Mediterranean Sea.

Postmonorchis sp. inq. (Digenea: Monorchiidae) metacercariae infecting natural beds of wedge clam Donax trunculus in Italy

The wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus, 1758 is one of the most common bivalve molluscs inhabiting the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and is considered an important commercial resource. In this study, we report the first molecular, morphological and histopathological descriptions of metacercariae from a trematode belonging to the genus Postmonorchis (Digenea: Monorchiidae) that infects D. trunculus in natural beds of the Italian Tyrrhenian coast (Campania, Lazio and Tuscany). Morphological analysis of the parasite revealed a combination of features that exist in the 3 previously identified species of Postmonorchis, viz. P. donacis, P. variabilis and P. orthopristis, with the addition of new, distinctive morphological characteristics. The pathogen exhibited a predilection for the gill; however, it was also present in the labial palp and mantle in addition to the gut, kidney epithelium and foot. The inflammatory response was characterised by either a focal or diffuse haemocyte infiltration followed by the formation of multiple, large multi-layered capsules associated with tissue destruction. The prevalence of the pathogen ranged from 75 to 100%, while the infection intensity fluctuated among the study areas. Further studies regarding the life cycle of this parasite and the identification of other larval and adult stages and their respective hosts may confirm the identification of a new species of Postmonorchis that infects wedge clams in Mediterranean waters. The study of the parasite is completed by molecular analysis of the ITS1 and ITS2 rDNA sequences.

Cytomorphology and PCNA expression pattern in bivalves Mytilus galloprovincialis and Cerastoderma edule with haemic neoplasia

Haemic neoplasia (HN) is a pathologic condition reported in several bivalve species in different geographic areas. In this study we describe the cytomorphological features and the proliferative behaviour, assessed by the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), of HN in common cockle Cerastoderma edule and Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovicialis. In mussels the presence of at least 5 types of atypical haemocytes was detected, including A- and B-type cells, previously described in M. edulis and Mytilus sp., with predominance of A-type cells in early phases of the disease and B-type cells in more advanced stages. PCNA immunostaining was positive for 97 to 100% of the neoplastic cells, with both cytoplasmic (A cells) and nuclear patterns (B cells). Conversely, in C. edule there was no distinctive morphological cell sub-population, and staining atypical haemocytes with PCNA (range 93 to 100%) showed nuclear expression in early phases of disease and cytoplasmic expression in more advanced stages. The above findings suggest distinct histo-pathogenetic pathways for HN in mussels and common cockles.

The gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-like molecule in prosobranch Patella caerulea: potential biomarker of endocrine-disrupting compounds in marine environments

It has been reported that endocrine disrupter compounds (EDCs) interfere with the endocrine system, mimicking the action of sex steroid hormones in different species of mollusks. Prosobranchs are frequently used as a reliable bioindicator to evaluate EDC exposure. In this article, we evaluate the effects of the xenoestrogen 4-n-nonylphenol (NP) in the prosobranch gastropod Patella caerulea, which exhibits protandrous hermaphroditism as its reproductive strategy. We isolated a partial sequence of a GnRH-like molecule from the gonads of Patella caerulea. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous to that reported for the Lottia gigantea GnRH. Patella caerulea GnRH (pGnRH) mRNA expression is widespread in both male and female germ lines during gametogenesis. We suggest pGnRH as a novel biomarker for the early assessment of presence of EDCs and monitoring short and long-term impacts on Patella caerulea community structure.

[Pilot study: Apricena Marble District quarry workers and COPD]

The aim of the present article was to verify the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) prevalence in a cohort of quarry workers who belong to the Apricena Marble District. We studied 70 workers. They received a questionnaire about the disease and confounding factors. The spirometry showed that the FEV1 was normal in 95% of workers, instead 5% showed values lower than former (Average: 73%). TNF alpha and IL-1 Beta in Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) were lower than the method limit in all workers. Our cohort is limited, but we could retain that the lung disease is not present in workers taken into consideration. Our results are in according to Rushton who demonstrated that only a prolonged occupation, higher than thirty years, is able to induce lung disease.

Metallothionein expression in canine cutaneous apocrine gland tumors

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate, by immunohistochemical staining, metallothionein expression in normal, benign and malignant canine apocrine gland tissues and to correlate the protein expression with the histological grade of malignancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MT immunostaining was evaluated in 25 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded canine apocrine glands (2 normal and 23 neoplastic). Moreover, we evaluated quantitative expression of MT in normal and neoplastic cells by western blotting.

RESULTS

a marked increase in MT expression was observed in neoplastic, compared to normal samples as well as in malignant compared to benign tumors. Western blotting analysis revealed one major protein band of approximately 14 kDa in normal, as well as in the neoplastic, tissues.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that MT expression appears to be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of canine apocrine gland tumors and may also assist in the better understanding of the evolution of this neoplasia.

Fractal pattern of canine trichoblastoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess by fractal analysis the specific architecture, growth pattern, and tissue distribution that characterize subtypes of canine trichoblastoma, a benign tumor derived from or reduplicating the primitive hair germ of embryonic follicular development.

STUDY DESIGN

Tumor masks and outlines obtained from immunohistologic images by gray threshold segmentation of epithelial components were analyzed by fractal and conventional morphometry. The fractal dimension [FD] of each investigated case was determined from the slope of the regression line describing the fractal region within a bi-asymptotic curve experimentally established.

RESULTS

All tumor masks and outlines obtained by gray threshold segmentation of epithelial components showed fractal self-similar properties that were evaluated by peculiar FDs. However, only masks revealed significantly different FD values, ranging from 1.75 to 1.85, enabling the discrimination of canine trichoblastoma subtypes.

CONCLUSION

The FD data suggest that an iterative morphogenetic process, involving both the air germ and associated dermal papilla, may be responsible of the peculiar tissue architecture of trichoblastoma. The present study emphasized the reliability of fractal analysis in achieving the objective characterization of canine trichoblastoma.

Training the teachers for improving primary schoolchildren's fruit and vegetables intake: a randomized controlled trial

Effectiveness comparison of different school-based nutrition education interventions to improve fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption in schoolchildren not yet well researched. We evaluated the effectiveness of two school-based interventions promoting fruit and vegetable intake among Italian schoolchildren. In this randomized intervention trials, the first intervention was conducted by schoolteachers who attended a nutritionist-led training course (group-1), the second intervention conducted by schoolteachers who performed a self-training course (group-2). Thirty-two second to fifth-grade elementary classes enrolling 96 schoolteachers and 813 schoolchildren were randomized, and assigned to the two different nutrition education interventions. 804 students completed the study. By the end of the study, the group-1 (n = 409) followed by the teachers who attended a nutritionist-led course successfully increased the consumption of fruit and vegetables: in 183 (44.7%) and 157 (38.3%) schoolchildren respectively; the group-2 (n = 395) with teachers who performed a self-training course reported an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables in 81 (20.5%) and 76 (19.2%), respectively. This study indicates that a school-based nutrition education conducted by teachers who attended a nutritionist-led training course has a significant impact on primary school-age children's F&V intake.

The metallothionein genes of Mytilus galloprovincialis: genomic organization, tissue expression and evolution

Recently, increasing interest has been directed to the study of metallothioneins (MTs), which are small proteins that are able to bind metal ions. The induction of MT synthesis after exposure to metal or other environmental contaminants in a large number of aquatic invertebrates makes these proteins good biomarkers in water monitoring programs. Within bivalves, the species Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mytilus edulis represent model organisms for these types of studies, as well as for molecular studies regarding the expression and characterization of MT encoding genes. In the present paper, we focused on the genomic characterization, evolutionary, and tissue-expression analyses of the MT-10, MT-10 Intronless, and MT-20 genes in M. galloprovincialis. The comparison of the genomic sequences showed the presence of long nucleotide stretches within the introns of the MT genes that are conserved between M. galloprovincialis and M. edulis. These non-coding conserved sequences may contain regulatory motifs. Real-Time RT-PCR experiments revealed that, at the basal conditions, the MT-10 and MT-10 Intronless genes are expressed at levels considerably higher than the MT-20 gene, mainly in the digestive gland and gill tissue. The strong induction of the MT-20 gene expression detected in a field-collected sample is associated with the up-regulation of both the MT-10 and MT-10 Intronless genes. Evolutionary analysis revealed signals of localized positive selection that, together with the tissue-expression data, support a possible functional diversification between the MTs encoded by the MT-10 and MT-10 Intronless genes.