<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tuber</Emphasis> spp. biodiversity in one of the southernmost European distribution areas

The aims of this paper were to study the genetic diversity within and among 6 Tuber taxa, the phylogenetic relationships and the spatial distribution of truffles from the Basilicata region (southern Italy). Molecular analyses, using the internal transcribed spacer region, microsatellites, minisatellites and random amplified polymorphic loci revealed the highest expected intra-specific heterozygosity (He=0.30) in T. aestivum, followed by that of T. mesentericum (He=0.22). T. borchii (He=0.17), T. magnatum (He=0.16), T. aestivum fo. uncinatum (He=0.12) and T. brumale fo. moschatum (He=0.09) showed a lower average heterozygosity. The whole set of markers were demonstrated to be useful in clearly differentiating Tuber taxa, separating them in two distinct groups and in five sub-clusters, each corresponding to one single taxon. The first cluster (T. borchii, T. magnatum and T.␣brumale fo. moschatum) was more differentiated than the second one (T. aestivum, T.␣aestivum fo. uncinatum and T. mesentericum). T. brumale fo. moschatum was the most differentiated Tuber taxon. It was more related to the white truffles (the closely related T.␣borchii and T. magnatum) than to the remaining related black truffles T. aestivum and T.␣mesentericum. The amount of Tuber species richness was higher over the western side of Basilicata, in cold Lauretum and in Castanetum phytoclimatic Pavari’s zones. A spatial genetic structure was detected for T. aestivum, as shown by the significant correlation between geographic and genetic distances (r _s =0.32; P<0.0001). Integration of molecular and geographic diversity patterns can allow the selection of sites for Tuber and Tuber-related biodiversity conservation.     

Speckle interferometry applied to pharmacodynamic studies: evaluation of parasite motility

The work reported here describes the application of the optical technique known as dynamic speckle interferometry to evaluate the motility of nematode parasites exposed to different anthelmintic drugs. This technique, a well proven tool for assessing the time evolution of different phenomena, is here successfully used to quantify parasite motility in pharmacodynamic assays. The characterization of the pharmacological properties of anthelmintic drugs is critical to optimize their use in parasite control. Besides, the evaluation of nematode motility is a relevant indicator of the pharmacodynamic effect of anthelmintic drugs. The application of this approach to study the motility of Haemonchus contortus (used as a model of nematode parasites) larvae exposed to different drugs is presented, showing its usefulness.Abbreviations ABZ albendazole - BZD benzimidazole - IVM ivermectin - LVM levamisole     

Long-lasting effects of chronic ethanol administration on the activity of antioxidant enzymes

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-lasting effects of prolonged administration of ethanol doses on oxidative processes of aged rats. We determined the activity of superox-ide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and gluta-thione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes of rats 15, 20, and 24 months old treated with an average daily dose of 1.5 g/Kg of ethanol or saline administered intraperitoneally for 13 weeks and after a 2 month period of withdrawal from treatment. The activity of all three enzymes decreased significantly with aging in the controls, while no age-related changes were found among treated rats. These findings are important since they are the first to show a long-lasting toxic effect of low ethanol doses observed in association with the aging process.