Sponge Whirl-Pak Sampling Method and Droplet Digital RT-PCR Assay for Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces in Public and Working Environments

The SARS-CoV-2 can spread directly via saliva, respiratory aerosols and droplets, and indirectly by contact through contaminated objects and/or surfaces and by air. In the context of COVID-19 fomites can be an important vehicle of virus transmission and contribute to infection risk in public environments. The aim of the study was to analyze through surface sampling (sponge method) the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in public and working environments, in order to evaluate the risk for virus transmission. Seventy-seven environmental samples were taken using sterile sponges in 17 animal farms, 4 public transport buses, 1 supermarket and 1 hotel receptive structure. Furthermore, 246 and 93 swab samples were taken in the farms from animals and from workers, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 detection was conducted by real-time RT-PCR and by digital droplet RT-PCR (dd RT-PCR) using RdRp, gene E and gene N as targets. None of the human and animal swab samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, while detection was achieved in 20 of the 77 sponge samples (26%) using dd RT-PCR. Traces of the RdRp gene, gene E and gene N were found in 17/77 samples (22%, average concentration 31.2 g.c./cm², range 5.6 to 132 g.c./cm²), 8/77 samples (10%, average concentration 15.1 g.c./cm², range 6 to 36 g.c./cm²), and in 1/77 (1%, concentration 7.2 g.c./cm²). Higher detection rates were associated with sampling in animal farms and on public transport buses (32% and 30%) compared to the supermarket (21%) and the hotel (no detection). The result of the study suggests that the risk of contamination of surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 increases in environments in which sanitation strategies are not suitable and/or in highly frequented locations, such as public transportation. Considering the analytical methods, the dd RT-PCR was the only approach achieving detection of SARS-CoV-2 traces in environmental samples. Thus, dd RT-PCR emerges as a reliable tool for sensitive SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Empagliflozin Improves Cognitive Impairment in Frail Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin improves cognitive impairment in frail older adults with diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We designed a prospective study to assess cognitive and physical function in consecutive frail older adults with diabetes and HFpEF, comparing the effects of empagliflozin, metformin, and insulin.

RESULTS

A total of 162 frail older adults with HFpEF and diabetes successfully completed the study. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores at baseline and after 1 month were 19.80 ± 3.77 vs. 22.25 ± 3.27 (P < 0.001) in the empagliflozin group, 19.95 ± 3.81 vs. 20.71 ± 3.56 (P = 0.26) in the metformin group, and 19.00 ± 3.71 vs. 19.1 ± 3.56 (P = 0.81) in the insulin group. A multivariable regression analysis confirmed the beneficial effects of empagliflozin. Additionally, we observed a marked amelioration of physical impairment, assessed by the 5-m gait speed test, in the empagliflozin and metformin groups but not in the insulin group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to show significant beneficial effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on cognitive and physical impairment in frail older adults with diabetes and HFpEF.

Physical decline and cognitive impairment in frail hypertensive elders during COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is common in older adults and its incidence increases with age. We investigated the correlation between physical and cognitive impairment in older adults with frailty and hypertension.

METHODS

We recruited frail hypertensive older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, between March 2021 and December 2021. Global cognitive function was assessed through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), physical frailty assessment was performed following the Fried criteria, and all patients underwent physical evaluation through 5-meter gait speed test.

RESULTS

We enrolled 203 frail hypertensive older adults and we found a significant correlation between MoCA score and gait speed test (r: 0.495; p<0.001) in our population. To evaluate the impact of comorbidities and other factors on our results, we applied a linear regression analysis with MoCA score as a dependent variable, observing a significant association with age, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and gait speed test.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed for the first time a significant correlation between physical and cognitive impairment in frail hypertensive elderly subjects.

Hyperglycemia and Physical Impairment in Frail Hypertensive Older Adults

Background

Frailty is a multidimensional condition typical of elders. Frail older adults have a high risk of functional decline, hospitalization, and mortality. Hypertension is one of the most common comorbidities in elders. Hyperglycemia (HG) is frequently observed in frail older adults, and represents an independent predictor of worst outcomes, with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed at investigating the impact of HG on physical impairment in frailty.

Methods

We studied consecutive older adults with frailty and hypertension at the ASL (local health unit of the Italian Ministry of Health) of Avellino, Italy, from March 2021 to September 2021. Exclusion criteria were: age <65 years, no frailty, no hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction <25%, previous myocardial infarction, previous primary percutaneous coronary intervention and/or coronary artery bypass grafting. Blood glucose, Hb1Ac, and creatinine were measured in all patients. Physical frailty was assessed applying the Fried Criteria; we performed a 5-meter gait speed (5mGS) test in all patients.

Results

149 frail hypertensive older adults were enrolled in the study, of which 82 had normoglycemia (NG), and 67 had HG. We observed a significantly slower 5mGS in the HG group compared to the NG group (0.52 ± 0.1 vs. 0.69 ± 0.06; p<0.001). Moreover, we found a strong and significant correlation between 5mGS and glycemia (r: 0.833; p<0.001). A multivariable linear regression analysis using 5mGS as a dependent variable revealed a significant independent association with glycemia (p<0.001) after adjusting for likely confounders.

Conclusions

HG drives physical impairment in frail hypertensive older adults independently of DM.

Correlation of physical and cognitive impairment in diabetic and hypertensive frail older adults

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and hypertension are common in older adults and represent established risk factors for frailty. Frailty is a multidimensional condition due to reserve loss and susceptibility to stressors with a high risk of death, hospitalizations, functional and cognitive impairment. Comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension play a key role in increasing the risk of mortality, hospitalization, and disability. Moreover, frail patients with diabetes and hypertension are known to have an increased risk of cognitive and physical impairment. Nevertheless, no study assessed the correlation between physical and cognitive impairment in frail older adults with diabetes and hypertension.

METHODS

We evaluated consecutive frail older patients with diabetes and hypertension who presented at ASL (local health unit of the Italian Ministry of Health) Avellino, Italy, from March 2021 to October 2021. The inclusion criteria were: a previous diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension with no evidence of secondary causes; age > 65 years; a frailty status; Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 26.

RESULTS

179 patients successfully completed the study. We found a strong and significant correlation between MoCA score and 5-m gait speed test (r: 0.877; p < 0.001). To further verify our results, we performed a linear multivariate analysis adjusting for potential confounding factors, with MoCA score as dependent variable, which confirmed the significant association with glycemia (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study showing a significant correlation between 5-m gait speed test and MoCA score in frail diabetic and hypertensive older adults.

Durability of Humoral Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Citizens of Ariano Irpino (Campania, Italy): A Longitudinal Observational Study With an 11.5-Month Follow-Up

As of November 17, 2021, SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2), the causative agent of COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 19), has infected ~250 million people worldwide, causing around five million deaths. Titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were relatively stable for at least 9 months in a population-based study conducted in Wuhan, China, both in symptomatic and in asymptomatic individuals. In the mass screening campaign conducted in the town of Ariano Irpino (Avellino, Italy) in May, 2020, 5.7% (95% CI: 5.3-6-1) of the 13,444 asymptomatic citizens screened were positive for anti-nucleocapsid antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Among these, 422 citizens were re-tested for anti SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in January, 2021 and/or in April, 2021 and enrolled in this longitudinal observational study. Median (interquartile range) age of the study cohort was 46 years (29–59), with 47 (11.1%) participants of minor age, while 217 (51.4%) participants were females. There was no evidence of re-infection in any of the subjects included. Presence of anti-nuclear antibodies antibodies (Elecysis, Roche) was reported in 95.7 and 93.7% of evaluable participants in January and April, 2021. Multiple logistic regression analysis used to explore associations between age, sex and seroprevalence showed that adults vs. minors had significantly lower odds of having anti-S1 antibodies (Biorad) both in January, 2021 and in April, 2021. Our findings showed that antibodies remained detectable at least 11.5 months after infection in >90% of never symptomatic cases. Further investigation is required to establish duration of immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

Sustainable bioenergy for climate mitigation: developing drought-tolerant trees and grasses

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Bioenergy crops are central to climate mitigation strategies that utilize biogenic carbon, such as BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage), alongside the use of biomass for heat, power, liquid fuels and, in the future, biorefining to chemicals. Several promising lignocellulosic crops are emerging that have no food role - fast-growing trees and grasses - but are well suited as bioenergy feedstocks, including Populus, Salix, Arundo, Miscanthus, Panicum and Sorghum.

SCOPE

These promising crops remain largely undomesticated and, until recently, have had limited germplasm resources. In order to avoid competition with food crops for land and nature conservation, it is likely that future bioenergy crops will be grown on marginal land that is not needed for food production and is of poor quality and subject to drought stress. Thus, here we define an ideotype for drought tolerance that will enable biomass production to be maintained in the face of moderate drought stress. This includes traits that can readily be measured in wide populations of several hundred unique genotypes for genome-wide association studies, alongside traits that are informative but can only easily be assessed in limited numbers or training populations that may be more suitable for genomic selection. Phenotyping, not genotyping, is now the major bottleneck for progress, since in all lignocellulosic crops studied extensive use has been made of next-generation sequencing such that several thousand markers are now available and populations are emerging that will enable rapid progress for drought-tolerance breeding. The emergence of novel technologies for targeted genotyping by sequencing are particularly welcome. Genome editing has already been demonstrated for Populus and offers significant potential for rapid deployment of drought-tolerant crops through manipulation of ABA receptors, as demonstrated in Arabidopsis, with other gene targets yet to be tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioenergy is predicted to be the fastest-developing renewable energy over the coming decade and significant investment over the past decade has been made in developing genomic resources and in collecting wild germplasm from within the natural ranges of several tree and grass crops. Harnessing these resources for climate-resilient crops for the future remains a challenge but one that is likely to be successful.

A versatile method for gene dosage quantification: multiplex PCR and single base extension for copy number and gene-conversion identification of SMN genes

A comparison of the individual genomes within a species demonstrates that structural variation, including copy number variation (CNV), is a major contributor to phenotypic diversity and evolutionary adaptation. CNVs lead to the under/over-expression of a gene, according to the changes in the gene dosage, which account for the development of a number of genomic disorders. Thus, the development of efficient, rapid and accurate CNV screening is of fundamental importance. We report a method that enables the simultaneous determination of the copy numbers of several different targets as well as the discrimination among highly similar/almost identical targets that differ by only one single nucleotide variant, which establishes their copy numbers. The PCR co-amplification and single-base extension technologies are used to identify the copy number of a target sequence relative to a reference sequence of known genomic copy number in a given sample. This efficient and accurate quantification platform was successfully used to quantify the copy numbers of the primary spinal muscular atrophy-determining gene, SMN1, and the disease modifier gene, SMN2. The reliability, low-cost and potential for high-throughput make our method suitable for screening large populations as well as for use as a tool in clinical settings for genetic diagnosis/prognosis.

Expression of selected genes related to energy mobilisation and insulin resistance in dairy cows

The physiological and metabolic adaptation characterising the transition period in the dairy cows is developed by a complex modulation of different metabolic pathways as well as the expression of selected tissue-specific gene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age effect on expression of selected genes in adipose, hepatic and muscle tissues in dairy cows during their transition period using the quantitative real-time PCR. Twenty-two pluriparous dairy cows were divided into three groups in relation to age: Group A (38 ± 2 months); Group B (52 ± 2 months) and Group C (80 ± 8 months). Lower levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and higher levels of adiponectin were found in adipose tissue in Group C than Groups A and B (P < 0.05). Higher levels of solute carrier family 2/facilitated glucose transporter member 4 were found in muscle in Group C than Group A (P < 0.001) and Group B (P < 0.05). The present study showed in dairy cows that the expression of selected genes associated with mobilisation of energy and with insulin resistance are influenced by age demonstrating and highlighting the importance of a genomics approach to assess the metabolic status of dairy cows during the transition period.

Growth Plate Lesions of Fattening Bulls

Lameness related to growth plate lesions is an important problem in the beef industry. This article describes the macroscopic and microscopic lesions in the distal metatarsal physis of bulls from an association of farmers in northeastern Italy. The metatarsal bones of 62 bulls (12 with severe lameness and 50 without lameness), average age 16.44 ± 1.72 months, were examined at the abattoir. The animals came from the same geographic area and shared intensive husbandry practices and a diet based on maize starch. A total of 124 metatarsal bones were sectioned, and the distal metaphyseal growth plate was grossly examined. Twenty-three cases, including 12 lame and 9 nonlame animals with visible lesions on macroscopic examination, and 2 controls (a total of 46 physes) were examined microscopically. Eight of 12 bulls with severe lameness had a chronic purulent physitis in at least 1 limb. Segmental thickening of the hypertrophic zone, consistent with osteochondrosis (OC), was present contralaterally ( n = 3 cases) and bilaterally ( n = 3 cases) in 6 of these animals. In the group of nonlame bulls, 19 of 50 (38%) had similar segmental thickening of the physis consistent with OC. In the remaining bulls, minor findings included partial closure of the physis and a variable degree of metaphyseal hyperemia. A high incidence of OC was found in both lame and nonlame fattening bulls. It is likely that lame animals were clinically more severe due to secondary hematogenous implantation of bacteria, resulting in a purulent physitis and severe lameness that required emergency slaughter in some cases.

Evaluation of venous blood gas levels, blood chemistry and haemocytometric parameters in milk fed veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle

An evaluation of blood chemistry profile in relation to specific stages of livestock cycle can help better understand variations in physiological conditions in order to adjust management systems to animal needs. In addition to basal hematological investigation, the acid-base balance and blood gases are essential tools in evaluating metabolism in calves. The relationship between blood gas parameters, diet and growth should be further investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in acid-base status, blood gases, serum chemistry and hematological parameters in veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle. One hundred twenty-eight healthy cross breeding calves were enrolled in a farm in North-East Italy. Blood samplings were carried out from the jugular vein on day 1 (t1), 60 (t2) and 150 (t3) after arrival. Blood gas analysis was performed and hematological parameters were evaluated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test were performed to assess differences between blood parameter values at the different periods. The main differences in blood gas parameter levels during the livestock cycle concerned pH, Base Excess and HCO3 with higher values recorded in t3. Urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin mean values were significantly higher in t1 than in t2 and t3. Aspartate aminotransferase increased from t1 to t2 and t3. Alkaline Phosphatase was higher in t2. Fe levels severely dropped in t2 and in t3, and the decrease led to a restrained but significant reduction in haemoglobin values. A correspondent decrease in the other haemocytometric parameters was found.

New resources for genetic studies in Populus nigra: genome-wide SNP discovery and development of a 12k Infinium array

Whole genome resequencing of 51 Populus nigra (L.) individuals from across Western Europe was performed using Illumina platforms. A total number of 1 878 727 SNPs distributed along the P. nigra reference sequence were identified. The SNP calling accuracy was validated with Sanger sequencing. SNPs were selected within 14 previously identified QTL regions, 2916 expressional candidate genes related to rust resistance, wood properties, water-use efficiency and bud phenology and 1732 genes randomly spread across the genome. Over 10 000 SNPs were selected for the construction of a 12k Infinium Bead-Chip array dedicated to association mapping. The SNP genotyping assay was performed with 888 P. nigra individuals. The genotyping success rate was 91%. Our high success rate was due to the discovery panel design and the stringent parameters applied for SNP calling and selection. In the same set of P. nigra genotypes, linkage disequilibrium throughout the genome decayed on average within 5-7 kb to half of its maximum value. As an application test, ADMIXTURE analysis was performed with a selection of 600 SNPs spread throughout the genome and 706 individuals collected along 12 river basins. The admixture pattern was consistent with genetic diversity revealed by neutral markers and the geographical distribution of the populations. These newly developed SNP resources and genotyping array provide a valuable tool for population genetic studies and identification of QTLs through natural-population based genetic association studies in P. nigra.

Evaluation of the udder health status in subclinical mastitis affected dairy cows through bacteriological culture, somatic cell count and thermographic imaging

Subclinical mastitis in dairy cows is a big economic loss for farmers. The monitoring of subclinical mastitis is usually performed through Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in farm but there is the need of new diagnostic systems able to quickly identify cows affected by subclinical infections of the udder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of thermographic imaging compared to SCC and bacteriological culture for infection detection in cow affected by subclinical mastitis and possibly to discriminate between different pathogens. In this study we evaluated the udder health status of 98 Holstein Friesian dairy cows with high SCC in 4 farms. From each cow a sample of milk was collected from all the functional quarters and submitted to bacteriological culture, SCC and Mycoplasma spp. culture. A thermographic image was taken from each functional udder quarter and nipple. Pearson's correlations and Analysis of Variance were performed in order to evaluate the different diagnostic techniques. The most frequent pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus aureus followed by Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS), Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae and others. The Somatic Cell Score (SCS) was able to discriminate (p<0.05) cows positive for a pathogen from cows negative at the bacteriological culture except for cows with infection caused by CNS. Infrared thermography was correlated to SCS (p<0.05) but was not able to discriminate between positive and negative cows. Thermographic imaging seems to be promising in evaluating the inflammation status of cows affected by subclinical mastitis but seems to have a poor diagnostic value.

Serum thyroid hormone evaluation during transition periods in dairy cows

Abstract. Thirty-five multiparous Holstein dairy cows were selected from a high-producing dairy farm in northeastern Italy: 16 in second lactation (L2), 10 in third lactation (L3) and 9 in fourth lactation (L4). Blood sampling was carried out 7 ± 5 days before calving (Pre/C) and 7 ± 5 days after calving (Post/C). Serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were assessed. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed statistically significant effects of class (L2, L3, L4) and of period (Pre/C, Post/C) on the parameters studied (T3, T4, TSH). In particular, Bonferroni's multiple comparison test showed lower values in post-calving than in the pre-calving in L2 and L3 for TSH; lower values in post-calving than in the pre-calving in L2 for T3; and lower values in post-calving than in the pre-calving in L2, L3 and L4 for T4. Our results improve the knowledge of endocrine and metabolic changes occurring in dairy cows during transition periods and may be useful to supply a new strategy for the improvement of dairy cow farm management and reproductive performance.

Sex of offspring influences metabolism during early transition period in dairy cows

Abstract. A study using 20 Holstein Friesian cows was conducted to investigate the influence of calf gender on metabolism during the transition period in dairy cattle. Blood samples were collected at three time points: 2–4 days prepartum (time 1), and 1 week and 2 weeks postpartum (time 2 and time 3 respectively). Serum samples obtained were analysed for total proteins, albumin, urea, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Depending on the sex of the offspring, cows were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of cows with heifer offspring (n = 12) and Group 2 consisted of cows with bull offspring (n = 8). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and t tests for unpaired data were used to analyse the pattern of studied parameters and differences between the two groups. The results indicate differences in metabolic parameters between the two groups. These results highlight the importance of considering fetal sex as a factor that influences maternal metabolism during the early transition period in dairy cows.

Influence of temperature and humidity on rumen pH and fatty acids in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to investigate the variations of rumen pH and fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, iso-butyric acid, n-butyric acid, iso-valerianic acid, n-valerianic, caproic acid and total fatty acids) in 245 early lactating dairy cows under different temperature and humidity conditions. The animals were divided into six groups and rumen fluid was collected by rumenocentesis on 22 dairy cows in April (Group A), 33 in May (Group B), 43 in June (Group C), 48 in July (Group D), 36 in September (Group E) and 60 in October (Group F). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Bonferroni's test, showed a significant effect of environmental variations on all studied parameters (P < 0.0001). Changes in studied parameters can be explained in relation to the microbial population and shift in the optima for rumen conditions associated with variations of environmental conditions. We can affirm that the microbial assemblages that underlie energy and protein supply to wild ruminant are evident especially in relation to temperature and humidity conditions.

Vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in blood of dairy cows during subacute ruminal acidosis

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the variations of vitamin B12 and homocysteine in blood of dairy cows during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). On 228 subjects ruminal liquid was collected through rumenocentesis technique and rumen pH was immediately measured by a portable pH-meter. On the basis of pH values all cows were classified (bovine class) in Group A (animals with rumen pH>5.7), Group B (animals with rumen pH between 5.6 and 5.7) and Group C (animals with rumen pH<5.6). In relation to the acidosis risk depending on the rumen pH (herd class), the herds were classified in Group 1 (normal herds: less than 33 % cows with rumen pH<5.8), Group 2 (critical herds: more than 33 % cows with rumen pH between 5.5 and 5.8) and Group 3 (acidosis herds: more than 33 % cows with rumen pH<5.5). On blood samples, collected by jugular venipuncture, vitamin B12 and homocysteine were measured by chemiluminescent immunological tests. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni test, showed significant differences (P<0.05) for vitamin B12 in bovine class and significant differences (P<0.05) for homocysteine in herd class. The influence of rumen pH values resulted in adequate vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels to meet microbial and cow requirements and fatty acids modifications in dairy cows affected by SARA. Moreover, the increase of vitamin B12 could be due to the presence of analogues which interfere with the transport of the vitamin. These findings provide more information on blood modifications during SARA.

Serum acute phase proteins in cows with SARA (Subacute Ruminal Acidosis) suspect

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations of Acute Phase Proteins (APPs) and other blood constituents during the onset of the sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) pathological status. A total of 108 cows from 12 dairy herds were randomly selected and divided into three Groups of 36 animals each. All animals were subjected to a rumenocentesis. Group A was composed by subjects with a rumen pH>5.8, Group B was composed by subjects with a rumen pH ≤5.5≤5.8 and Group C was composed by subjects with a rumen pH<5.5. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture and Haptoglobin (Hp), Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Total Proteins, Albumin and White Blood Cells (WBC) were determined. One-way ANOVA showed a statistical significance on Rumen pH, Hp, SAA. SARA seems not stimulate the APPs production from liver.

Temporal dynamics in the evolution of the sunflower genome as revealed by sequencing and annotation of three large genomic regions

Improved knowledge of genome composition, especially of its repetitive component, generates important informations in both theoretical and applied research. In this study, we provide the first insight into the local organization of the sunflower genome by sequencing and annotating 349,380 bp from 3 BAC clones, each including one single-copy gene. These analyses resulted in the identification of 11 putative gene sequences, 18 full-length LTR retrotransposons, 6 incomplete LTR retrotransposons, 2 non-autonomous LTR-retroelements (LINEs), 2 putative DNA transposons fragments and one putative helitron. Among LTR-retrotransposons, non-autonomous elements (the so-called LARDs), which do not carry any protein-encoding sequence, were discovered for the first time in the sunflower. The insertion time of intact retroelements was measured, based on sister LTRs divergence. All isolated elements were inserted relatively recently, especially those belonging to the Gypsy superfamily. Retrotransposon families related to those identified in the BAC clones are present also in other species of Helianthus, both annual and perennial, and even in other Asteraceae. In one of the three BAC clones, we found five copies of a lipid transfer protein (LTP) encoding gene within less than 100,000 bp, four of which are potentially functional. Two of these are interrupted by LTR retrotransposons, in the intron and in the coding sequence, respectively. The divergence between sister LTRs of the retrotransposons inserted within the genes indicates that LTP gene duplication started earlier than 1.749 MYRS ago. On the whole, the results reported in this study confirm that the sunflower is an excellent system to study transposons dynamics and evolution.

An analysis of sequence variability in eight genes putatively involved in drought response in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

With the aim to study variability in genes involved in ecological adaptations, we have analysed sequence polymorphisms of eight unique genes putatively involved in drought response by isolation and analysis of allelic sequences in eight inbred lines of sunflower of different origin and phenotypic characters and showing different drought response in terms of leaf relative water content (RWC). First, gene sequences were amplified by PCR on genomic DNA from a highly inbred line and their products were directly sequenced. In the absence of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the gene was considered as unique. Then, the same PCR reaction was performed on genomic DNAs of eight inbred lines to isolate allelic variants to be compared. The eight selected genes encode a dehydrin, a heat shock protein, a non-specific lipid transfer protein, a z-carotene desaturase, a drought-responsive-element-binding protein, a NAC-domain transcription regulator, an auxin-binding protein, and an ABA responsive-C5 protein. Nucleotide diversity per synonymous and non-synonymous sites was calculated for each gene sequence. The π (a)/π (s) ratio range was usually very low, indicating strong purifying selection, though with locus-to-locus differences. As far as non-coding regions, the intron showed a larger variability than the other regions only in the case of the dehydrin gene. In the other genes tested, in which one or more introns occur, variability in the introns was similar or even lower than in the other regions. On the contrary, 3'-UTRs were usually more variable than the coding regions. Linkage disequilibrium in the selected genes decayed on average within 1,000 bp, with large variation among genes. A pairwise comparison between genetic distances calculated on the eight genes and the difference in RWC showed a significant correlation in the first phases of drought stress. The results are discussed in relation to the function of analysed genes, i.e. involved in gene regulation and signal transduction, or encoding enzymes and defence proteins.

Physiological values and factors affecting the metacarpal bone density of healthy feedlot beef cattle as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

The metacarpal bone mineral density of 136 healthy feedlot beef cattle of four different breeds (Charolaise, Limousine, Irish Crossbreed and Slovakian Crossbreed) raised and fed on standard conditions was measured by means of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technique in an ex vivo study design. The average reference values (mean ± SD) of bone mineral density (BMD) for animals aged between 12 and 22 months and weighing between 236 and 546 kg have been reported and the effects of (i) breed, (ii) gender, (iii) age and (iv) body weight on bone mineral density have been considered. A significant difference (i) among different breeds and (ii) between genders resulted, whereas a high correlation between bone density and (iii) age and (iv) body weight was detected within the same breed and gender, with body weight being the most important factor affecting BMD. A modern new technological insight into the study of bovine bone physio-pathology is proposed.

HACRE1, a recently inserted copia-like retrotransposon of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

In this paper we report on the isolation and characterization, for the first time, of a complete 6511 bp retrotransposon of sunflower. Considering its protein domain order and sequence similarity to other copia elements of dicotyledons, this retrotransposon was assigned to the copia retrotransposon superfamily and named HACRE1 (Helianthus annuus copia-like retroelement 1). HACRE1 carries 5' and 3' long terminal repeats (LTRs) flanking an internal region of 4661 bp. The LTRs are identical in their sequence except for two deletions of 7 and 5 nucleotides in the 5' LTR. Based on the sequence identity of the LTRs, HACRE1 was estimated to have inserted within the last approximately 84 000 years. The isolated sequence contains a complete open reading frame with only one complete reading frame. The absence of nonsense mutations agrees with the very high sequence identity between LTRs, confirming that HACRE1 insertion is recent. The haploid genome of sunflower (inbred line HCM) contains about 160 copies of HACRE1. This retrotransposon is expressed in leaflets from 7-day-old plantlets under different light conditions, probably in relation to the occurrence of many putative light-related regulatory cis-elements in the LTRs. However, sequenced cDNAs show less variability than HACRE1 genomic sequences, indicating that only a subset of this family is expressed under these conditions.

Phylogenetic relationships between annual and perennial species of Helianthus: evolution of a tandem repeated DNA sequence and cytological hybridization experiments

The amplification and chromosomal localization of tandem repeated DNA sequences from Helianthus annuus (clone HAG004N15) and the physical organization of ribosomal DNA were studied in annual and perennial species of Helianthus. HAG004N15-related sequences, which did not show amplification in other Asteraceae except for Viguiera multiflora, were redundant in all the Helianthus species tested, but their frequency was significantly higher in perennials than in annuals. These sequences were located at the ends and intercalary regions of all chromosome pairs of annual species. A similar pattern was found in the perennials, but a metacentric pair in their complement was not labelled. Ribosomal cistrons were carried on two chromosome pairs in perennials and on three pairs in annuals except for H. annuus, where rDNA loci were on four pairs. No difference was observed between cultivated H. annuus and its wild accessions in the hybridization pattern of the HAG004N15 and ribosomal probes. These findings support the hypothesis that the separation between annual and perennial Helianthus species occurred through interspecific hybridization involving at least one different parent. However, GISH in H. annuus using genomic DNA from the perennial Helianthus giganteus as blocking DNA failed to reveal different genomic assets in annual and perennial species.

Characterization and chromosomal organization of satellite DNA sequences in Picea abies

Three clones containing satellite DNA sequences were selected from a randomly sheared genomic DNA library of Picea abies (clones PAF1, PAG004P22F (2F), and PAG004E03C (3C)). PAF1 contained 7 repeats that were 37-55 bp in length and had 68.9%-91.9% nucleotide sequence similarity. Two 2F repeats were 305-306 bp in length and had 83% sequence similarity. Two 3C repeats were 193-226 bp in length and had a sequence similarity of 78.6%. The copy number per 1C DNA of PAF1, 2F, and 3C repeats was 2.7 x 10(6), 2.9 x 10(5), and 2.9 x 10(4), respectively. In situ hybridization showed centromeric localization of these sequences in two chromosome pairs with PAF1, all pairs but one with 2F, and three pairs with 3C. Moreover, PAF1 sequences hybridized at secondary constrictions in six pairs, while 2F-related sequences were found at these chromosome regions only in four pairs. These hybridization patterns allow all chromosome pairs to be distinguished. PAF1-related repeats were contained in the intergenic spacer (IGS) of ribosomal cistrons in all six nucleolar organizers of the complement, while sequences related to 2F were found on only one side of the rDNA arrays in four pairs, showing structural diversity between rDNA regions of different chromosomes.

Characterization of the chromosome complement of Helianthus annuus by in situ hybridization of a tandemly repeated DNA sequence

A tandemly repeated sequence isolated from a clone (HAG004N15) of a nebulized genomic DNA library of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., 2n = 34) was characterized and used to study the chromosome complement of sunflower. HAG004N15 repeat units (368 bp in length) were found to be highly methylated, and their copy number per haploid (1C) genome was estimated to be 7800. After in situ hybridization of HAG004N15 repeats onto chromosome spreads, signals were observed at the end of both chromosome arms in 4 pairs and at the end of only one arm in 8 other pairs. Signals were also observed at the intercalary (mostly subtelomeric) regions in all pairs, in both arms in 8 pairs, and in only one arm in the other 9 pairs. The short arm of 1 pair was labelled entirely. The chromosomal location of ribosomal DNA was also studied by hybridizing the wheat ribosomal probe pTa71. Four chromosome pairs contained ribosomal cistrons at the end of their shorter arm, but a satellite was seen in only 3 pairs. These hybridization patterns were the same in the 3 sunflower lines studied (HA89, RA20031, and HOR). The chromosomal localization of HAG004N15-related sequences allowed all of the chromosome pairs to be distinguished from each other, in spite of small size and similar morphology.

Subacute rumen acidosis in lactating cows: an investigation in intensive Italian dairy herds

Subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) represents one of the most important metabolic disorders in intensive dairy farms that affects rumen fermentations, animal welfare, productivity and farm profitability. The aim of the present study was to study the occurrence of SARA in intensive Italian dairy herds and to determine the relationship between diet composition, ruminal pH and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration. Ten commercial dairy herds were investigated; twelve cows in each herd were selected randomly among animal without clinical signs of disease, with good body condition and between 5 and 60 day-in-milk (DIM), to perform rumenocentesis and obtain rumen fluid. Ruminal pH was determined immediately after sampling and concentration of SCFA in ruminal fluid was determined on samples after storage. An other objective of this research was to study in detail the effects of rumenocentesis on animal health: this study could confirm the extreme validity of this technique as ruminal sampling. Results were subject to anova and correlation analysis using SIGMA STAT 2.03. The results indicated the presence of SARA in three herds (more than 33% cows with rumen pH < 5.5), a critical situation (more than 33% cows with rumen pH < 5.8) in five farms and a normal rumen pH condition in two herds. In particular, dairy herds show on average SCFA concentration of 150, 145, 123 mmol/l for low pH, critical pH and normal pH herds respectively. There were not significant differences among diet composition even if herds with SARA showed a light discordance between initially chemistry composition and residual feed. In the affected herds it was not possible to understand the exact causes of SARA. Animal management seems to be one of the most important factors in developing SARA including total mixed ration preparation.

Clinical pathological findings in an owl (Athene noctua) with microfilaraemia in Italy

We report the first case of microfilaria infection in a free-flying owl Athene noctua in Italy. A macroparasite, about 10.1-mm long, was observed in the right chamber of the heart. On microscopic examination microfilariae were seen in liver, kidney, myocardium and lungs, although no cellular reaction was present in association with the parasites in any of these tissues. Because of the low pathogenicity of this parasite, infection with microfilaria may be not harmful in wild owls.

Relationships between exercise capacity and front hoof longitudinal balance in horses

To the authors' knowledge, the effect of hoof balance alteration on exercise capacity or performance has not been investigated. With the aim of evaluating the relationships between longitudinal front hoof balance and exercise capacity (lactate vs. speed relationship, run time and stride characteristics), two experiments were undertaken. In the first test the horses, left unshod, performed an incremental speed test in which parameters chosen to evaluate exercise capacity were related to hoof longitudinal balance. In the second part of the study the same group of horses had the length of the toe altered (decreased and increased) with the application of shoes, while the angle of the foot and the height of the foot from the ground remained the same. The relative change in exercise capacity due to the alteration of longitudinal balance was observed. In the unshod experiment, lactate level at the speed of 10 ms-1 (5.0±2.0 mmoll-1) was significantly associated with the angles DC° (angle described by the dorsal cortex with respect to the ground; 50.0±3.2°) and PC° (angle described by the palmar cortex with respect to the ground; 29.6 ± 2.9°), while run time (14.07 ± 1.44 min) was associated with breakover indices (Breakover index1 0.33±0.03; Breakover index2 0.30 ± 0.04 – all values mean ± standard deviation (SD)) (breakover indices were created to express the distance between the point of the toe and the point of the third phalanx relative to the length of the palmar cortex or relative to the distance between the point of the third phalanx and the centre of rotation of the distal interphalangeal joint). These associations have to be judged cautiously because the influence of hoof balance on exercise capacity could be biased by other physiological factors and because hoof balance parameters themselves could reflect the conformation of other anatomical structures far from the phalanges. The selective alteration of front hoof balance in the second part of the study produced a significant difference in blood lactate level only at 6 ms-1 (mean ± SD: La6?m?s-1 0.32 ± 0.39 mmoll-1), with this benefit in terms of lactate level being associated with an increase in stride length (mean ± SD: ΔSL6ms-1 0.01 ± 0.05 m; ΔSL10ms-1 0.112 ± 0.218 m). In conclusion, while higher exercise capacity seemed to be associated with lower DC°, PC° and breakover indices, decreasing the toe length without altering the foot angle was beneficial only in terms of lactate level at the speed of 6 ms-1 for horses with DC° greater than 45°; this benefit was accompanied by a slight lengthening of the stride at both 6 and 10 ms-1.

Effect of levamisole administration on bluetongue vaccination in sheep

Levamisole is an anthelmintic drug with immunostimulant properties when administered at repeated doses of 2.5 mg/kg prior to a vaccine being administered. In order to assess the effect of levamisole administration on bluetongue (BT) vaccination in sheep, four groups of unvaccinated pregnant sheep (8 sheep per group) were used. Group A received vaccine only; Group B received levamisole+vaccine; Group C received Levamisole only; Group D was a non-treated control. Levamisole (Citarin L-10%) was administered three times weekly at an initial dose of 5.0 mg/kg of body weight and subsequently at 2.5 mg/kg of body weight. There was a significant decrease in faecal egg count of gastrointestinal strongyles in Groups B and C. At the beginning of the trial, all animals were serologically negative for BT antibodies; after vaccination, there was a difference in antibody response in animals in the treated groups. Significantly, more animals in Group B developed BT antibodies following vaccination than those in Group A. In conclusion, levamisole appeared to have an immunostimulating effect on the response of sheep to BT vaccination.

Karyotype of Norway spruce by multicolor FISH

The chromosomes (2n = 2 x = 24) of Norway spruce are very large since their size reflects the huge amount of genomic DNA (2C = 30 x 10(9) bp). However, the identification of homologous pairs is hampered by their high degree of similarity at the morphological level. Data so far presented in the literature were not sufficient to solve all the ambiguities in chromosome identification. Several genomic Norway spruce DNA clones containing highly repetitive sequences have been identified and characterised in our laboratory. Three of them were selected for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments because of their strong signals and suitability for chromosome identification: PATR140 hybridized at the centromeric site of three chromosome pairs; PAF1 hybridized in six subtelomeric and two centromeric sites; 1PABCD6 co-localized with the subtelomeric sites identified by PAF1. The statistical analysis of microscopic measurements of chromosomes in combination with the FISH signals of these probes allowed the unambiguous construction of Norway spruce karyotype. We also compared the karyotype of Norway spruce with that of other spruce species to infer the number and kind of rearrangements that have occurred during the evolution of these species.