Molecular Investigation and Phylogeny of Anaplasma spp. in Mediterranean Ruminants Reveal the Presence of Neutrophil-Tropic Strains Closely Related to A. platys

Few data are available on the prevalence and molecular typing of species belonging to the genus Anaplasma in Mediterranean ruminants. In this study, PCR analysis and sequencing of both 16S rRNA and groEL genes were combined to investigate the presence, prevalence, and molecular traits of Anaplasma spp. in ruminants sampled on the Island of Sardinia, chosen as a subtropical representative area. The results demonstrate a high prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in ruminants, with animals infected by at least four of six Anaplasma species (Anaplasma marginale, A. bovis, A. ovis, and A. phagocytophilum). Moreover, ruminants host a number of neutrophil-tropic strains genetically closely related to the canine pathogen A. platys. The high Anaplasma spp. prevalence and the identification of as-yet-unclassified neutrophil-tropic strains raise concerns about the specificity of serological tests routinely used in ruminants and provide additional background for reconstructing the evolutionary history of species genetically related to A. phagocytophilum.     

Fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides from brown macroalgae Lobophora variegata with antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and antitumoral effects

This study analyzed sulfated polysaccharides, such as fucans, from the brown alga Lobophora variegata to verify their antioxidant activity in vitro, antitumoral effect on human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29, and anti-inflammatory activity. Sulfated polysaccharide fractions containing fucans were obtained after fractionation with increasing volumes (v) of acetone (0.3–2.0 v). The polysaccharide was eluted with 1.5 v of acetone and named F1.5. The results showed that F1.5 contained a high yield. Chemical and structure analyses were performed by infrared spectroscopy, electrophoresis in agarose gel, and chemical dosages (sugar, protein, phenolic compounds, and sulfate). We observed that this sulfated polysaccharide had antioxidant activity and antitumoral effect. Anti-inflammatory activity in vivo of F1.5 was observed in the croton oil mouse-ear model at 75 mg kg^-1. The results were correlated with histopathological analysis.     

A large kindred of pulmonary fibrosis associated with a novel ABCA3 gene variant

Background

Interstitial lung disease occurring in children is a condition characterized by high frequency of cases due to genetic aberrations of pulmonary surfactant homeostasis, that are also believed to be responsible of a fraction of familial pulmonary fibrosis. To our knowledge, ABCA3 gene was not previously reported as causative agent of fibrosis affecting both children and adults in the same kindred.

Methods

We investigated a large kindred in which two members, a girl whose interstitial lung disease was first recognized at age of 13, and an adult, showed a diffuse pulmonary fibrosis with marked differences in terms of morphology and imaging. An additional, asymptomatic family member was detected by genetic analysis. Surfactant abnormalities were investigated at biochemical, and genetic level, as well as by cell transfection experiments.

Results

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis of the patients revealed absence of surfactant protein C, whereas the gene sequence was normal. By contrast, sequence of the ABCA3 gene showed a novel homozygous G > A transition at nucleotide 2891, localized within exon 21, resulting in a glycine to aspartic acid change at codon 964. Interestingly, the lung specimens from the girl displayed a morphologic usual interstitial pneumonitis-like pattern, whereas the specimens from one of the two adult patients showed rather a non specific interstitial pneumonitis-like pattern.

Conclusions

We have detected a large kindred with a novel ABCA3 mutation likely causing interstitial lung fibrosis affecting either young and adult family members. We suggest that ABCA3 gene should be considered in genetic testing in the occurrence of familial pulmonary fibrosis.     

Postharvest behaviour of two Sardinian apple varieties following immersion in heated sodium bicarbonate solution

'Miali' and 'Caddina' are apple varieties of Sardinian germplasm, mainly produced under sustainable conditions. Fruit is rarely subjected to cold storage and postharvest losses are generally high. In order to prolong the marketing period and contain postharvest decay of these local varieties, we investigated on their storage behaviour and on the efficacy of combined alternative postharvest treatments. Pre-climateric fruit was harvested and immersed for 0 (control), 15, 30, 45 or 60 sec. in water at 20, 50, 55 or 60 degrees C with or without 2% (W/V) NaHCO3 (SBC). Then, fruit was stored for 4 months at 5 degrees C and 90% RH followed by a 6 day simulated marketing period (SMP) at 10 degrees C and 75% RH. Decay was monitored at the end of storage and after the SMP, while appearance and physiological disorders were evaluated after SMP. During storage 56 and 62% of the untreated 'Caddina' and 'Miali' apples rotted, respectively. During the SMP, an additional 3% of 'Caddina' and 5% of 'Miali' was lost. Among the treatments the best decay control, for both varieties, was attained when fruit was immersed in the SBC solution at 55 degrees C for 60 sec. Compared to control, decay was reduced by 91 and 95% for 'Caddina' and 'Miali', respectively. This combination induced some rind damage, mainly on 'Caddina' fruit. Superficial scald was evident on 'Caddina' and scored as medium while, cold storage induced a significant deposition of epicuticular wax in 'Miali' fruit, affecting significantly fruit appearance. A significant reduction of decay was also achieved when fruit was immersed at 60 degrees C for 30 or 45 sec., attaining for 'Caddina' a reduction of 82 and 88% of decay, respectively. Other combinations were lesser effective or produced rind damages and most decay was caused by Penicillium expansum.     

Immersion of 'Coscia' pear fruit in water at 55 degrees C for 60 sec controls Penicillium expansum decay and delays ripening during short storage

'Coscia' is an early ripening pear with a short postharvest Life (1 month) and chemical treatments to prevent decay are generally not undertaken. This, along with the fast deterioration under shelf-life conditions, makes it difficult to contain postharvest moulds. 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been employed with success to delay ripening and, as a co-effect, the development of decay was contained, but this treatment is not allowed for organically grown crops. Here we report the results of an alternative approach employing immersion treatments in water at 45, 50, 55 or 60 degrees C for 0 (control), 15, 30, 45 or 60 sec. Fruit was harvested after the climacteric peak, immediately subjected to the heat treatment and stored for 2 weeks at 1 degrees C followed by a 3 days of a simulated shelf-life at 17 degrees C and 75% RH. Half of the fruit was wounded (3 x 3mm) and inoculated with Penicillium expansum (20 microL of 10(4) conidia mL(-1). Decay inhibition and fruit appearance, rated from 0 to 3 (0 = excellent; 1 = good; 2 = scarce; 3 = not marketable), were monitored and compared to the control after storage and shelf-life. All heat treatments affected the mould development when performed for 45 or 60 sec. The best result in terms of decay control and appearance after storage and shelf-life occurred when fruit was immersed at 55 degrees C for 60 sec with a decay reduction of about 85% compared to control (75% decay) and with a good appearance.     

Anticoagulant activity, paw edema and pleurisy induced carrageenan: Action of major types of commercial carrageenans

Considering the use of commercials carrageenans as a model for inflammation, the aim this work is a comparative study these compounds in the pro-inflammatory action by ear edema and pleurisy and to analyze their anticoagulant activity. Paw edema was induced by injecting kappa, iota and lambda carrageenans in saline solution into the hind paw of male Wistar rats (p < 0.05). The three types of carrageenans showed different volume in pleural exudates, characterized by fluid accumulation, a large number of neutrophils and raised NO production (p < 0.001). The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) for kappa and iota carrageenans (100 μg) was 240 s and 132 s, respectively. Lambda carrageenan was the most potent anticoagulant at 240 s (20 μg). These carragenans demonstrated no anticoagulant action using the PT test in vitro. Histological analysis in paw edema demonstrated that iota and lambda carrageenans showed major cellular infiltration in relation to kappa. Thus, quantitative evaluation of inflammation demonstrated that iota and lambda carrageenans have higher inflammatory potential than do kappa carrageenans.     

Altered stress responsiveness and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis function in male rat offspring of socially isolated parents

Social isolation in male rats at weaning results in reduced basal levels of the neuroactive steroid 3α,5α‐tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α‐TH PROG) in the brain and plasma as well as increased anxiety‐like behavior. We now show that socially isolated female rats also manifest a reduced basal cerebrocortical concentration of 3α,5α‐TH PROG as well as an anxiety‐like profile in the elevated plus‐maze and Vogel conflict tests compared with group‐housed controls. In contrast, despite the fact that they were raised under normal conditions, adult male offspring of male and female rats subjected to social isolation before mating exhibited an increased basal cerebrocortical level of 3α,5α‐TH PROG but no difference in emotional reactivity compared with the offspring of group‐housed parents. These animals also showed an increased basal activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis as well as reduced abundance of corticotropin‐releasing factor in the hypothalamus and of corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor type 1 in the pituitary. Moreover, negative feedback regulation of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity by glucocorticoid was enhanced in association with up‐regulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus. There was also attenuation of corticosterone release induced by foot‐shock stress in the offspring of socially isolated parents. The increase in the brain concentration of 3α,5α‐TH PROG induced by acute stress was also blunted in these animals. Our results thus show that a stressful experience before mating can influence neuroendocrine signaling in the next generation.