Food additives are redefined in European legislation (EC Regulation No. 1333/2008). Sulphur dioxide (E220) and sulphite (E221- E228) are widely used in food processing as preservatives because they slow down bacteri- al growth on foods and prevent oxidation or browning developing on shrimp and lobster. Shellfish processors, farmers and fishermen have long used sulfiting agents in a variety of species of warm and coldwater crustaceans as a treatment to prevent prawns and shrimps melanosis (blackspot), which is a natural process that makes the shell black after har- vesting caused by Polyphenoloxidase enzyme systems which remain active during refrigera- tion or ice storage. Sulfite-induced hypersensi- tivity is the most well-established adverse response in humans to this food additive. In the present study the presence of sulfites in different frozen and thawed shrimp and prawn species belonging to Penaeoidea superfamily has been evaluated by the Monier-Williams procedure, in order to carry out a risk assess- ment and evaluate the levels of consumer exposure to this class of additives from these fish products. In addition to assessing and monitoring the correct use of the additive, according to the limits imposed by the European regulations, the correct consumer information on labels was also evaluated. Analysis were performed on both whole shrimp (shell on) and inedible parts (head and peeled shell). Sulphites concentration in frozen sam- ples (expressed as SO2 mg/kg mean value±S.D.) was 214±17.43 for head on shell on shrimps; 170.73±14.99 for shell on headless shrimps; 112.90±27.55 for peeled and deveined shrimps. Thawed shrimps were purchased at mass retailers channel and local fish markets and local seafood retailers and purveyors: for these samples, all head on shell on, the sul- phites concentration (expressed as SO2 mg/kg mean value±S.D.) was 160.05±26.15 and 292.54±146.04, respectively. Non-edible parts showed, in all samples, much higher concen- trations.

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by microscopic fungi belonging to the Penicillium and Aspergillus genera, frequently detectable in moldy fruits and their derivatives fruit products. The EC Regulation 1881/06 has imposed the limit for the presence of patulin equal to 10 mu g/kg or 10 mu g/L in baby food on the basis of a PMTDI of 0.4 mu g/kg bw set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). A total of 120 homogenized baby foods were analyzed to evaluate the exposure of baby and children to patulin through the consumption of these products. None of examined samples has shown a toxin concentration above the limit imposed by the law, however a PAT concentration equal to 9 mu g/kg was found in 22 samples, slightly below the fixed limit. The presence of patulin in marketed baby food can be regarded as a parameter indicative of the quality of raw materials used.

Cinquanta cavalli da Tiro Pesante Rapido, alleva- ti in modo semibrado, presentavano eccessivo dimagrimento; di questi 4 erano deceduti e 10 si presentavano letargici. Una fattrice ed il suo re- do giacevano in decubito laterale, avevano fre- quenza respiratoria e cardiaca aumentate, mu- cose pallide e occasionali manifestazioni convul- sive. L’esame ematologico ed il profilo biochimi- co evidenziavano anemia, ipoalbuminemia, ipo- creatininemia, iperuremia, disequilibrio elettroli- tico ed assenza di emoparassiti. Nonostante una fluidoterapia disintossicante (80 ml/kg/die) con glucosio ed epatoprotettori non si evidenziava- no miglioramenti visibili e, dopo 48 ore, si ese- guiva l’eutanasia. All’esame necroscopico si os- servavano: edema polmonare, enterite catarrale con diffuse petecchie emorragiche, presenza di essudato in peritoneo, fegato ingrossato, induri- to e con piccole aree di necrosi, rene iperemico e allargamento della pelvi. Attraverso l’esame chimico dei campioni epati- ci e renali è stato possibile rilevare la presenza del metabolita dell’erbicida paraquat (N,N’-di- metill-4,4’-bipiridinio dicloruro) in concentra- zioni di 0,23 mg/l ed al successivo controllo del pascolo si rilevava una vasta area trattata. Il pa- raquat è un composto inodore che non altera subito le caratteristiche organolettiche della pianta, altamente tossico per gli equini. Il resto della mandria è stato tenuto a regime stallino e trattato con disintossicanti (colina, metionina, trimetilglicina e silimarina) e antios- sidanti (vitamina C ed E) per via orale. Al follow up a 15 giorni si evidenziava un quadro clinico normale degli animali e a 2 mesi la loro com- pleta guarigione e il raggiungimento di un Body Condition Score (BCS) pari a 3. Questo articolo è una segnalazione di un caso clinico di intossicazione da paraquat, la cui uni- ca via di prevenzione sembra essere il control- lo della materia prima: ovvero dei pascoli.

This paper describes serum and milk oxidative profiles during early postpartum (10th–16th day) of dairy cows, after three different treatments: b-carotene and a-tocopherol (Dalmavital, Fatro, Italy) (VAE Group); L-carnitine, d, L-acetylmethionine, cyanocobalamin (Adiuxan, Ceva Vetem, Italy) (LCAR Group) and Dalmavital + Adiuxan (VAE/LCAR Group). Antioxidant administrations resulted in a general reduction in ROS concentrations which decreased more after a single drug administration (VAE and LCAR Groups) vitamin A and E serum levels increased in the three treated groups compared to control one (p < 0.05). Milk lipoperoxide content was statistically lower in treated cows than in control ones, whereas, as to vitamins, only vitamin E increased in all the treated groups compared to control. Taken together, the results of this study confirm the efficacy of antioxidant administration in the early postpartum of dairy cows and suggest that an excess in antioxidant administration may result, paradoxically, in an increase in ROS generation.

New promising and versatile materials for the development of in situ sustained release systems consisting of thin films of either poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) or a copolymer based on poly(ethylene-glycol diacrylate) and acrylic acid were investigated. These polymers were electrosynthesized directly on titanium substrates and loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP) either during or after the synthesis step. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to check the CIP entrapment efficiency as well as its surface availability in the hydrogel films, while high-performance liquid chromatography was employed to assess the release property of the films and to quantify the amount of CIP released by the coatings. These systems were then tested to evaluate the in vitro inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) growth. Moreover, a model equation is proposed which can easily correlate the diameter of the inhibition haloes with the amount of antibiotic released. Finally, MG63 human osteoblast-like cells were employed to assess the biocompatibility of CIP-modified hydrogel coatings.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of Arcobacter spp. in 20 samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis purchased at fish markets in Apulia region. The detection of Arcobacter spp. was performed, after selective enrichment, on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate (mCCD) agar supplemented with Cefoperazone, Amphotericin B and Teicoplanin (CAT). In 6 out of the 20 tested samples the presence of Arcobacter spp. was found and confirmed by genus-based polymerase chain reaction. All the isolates were identified as belonging to the species Arcobacter butzleri using 16S rDNA sequencing and BLAST online. The results represent the first report in Italy of A. butzleri detection in marketed Mytilus galloprovincialis. The survey underlines the epidemiological importance of A. butzleri as an emerging pathogen, and highlights that mussels should be considered as a potential cause of foodborne disease outbreak.

Ochratoxins are fungal secondary metabolites that may contaminate various foods and beverages. The intake of ochratoxins by humans may result in typical syndromes (nefrotoxicity, carcinogenity, teratogenicity and immunotoxicity) and has been associated with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN). In this study we evaluated the effects of accumulation of ochratoxin A throughout the chain production of eggs, by investigating the dynamics of OA accumulation in eggs placed by laying hens experimentally exposed to OA. It was demonstrated that after exposure at the concentrations admitted by the current European legislation (100 lg/kg) and at concentrations 20-folds as much the European Legislation limit (2000 lg/kg), OA was not detectable in the eggs, although a number of eggs were found to have altered structure or conformation and/or pathological lesions. Monitoring fungal contamination and toxins in animal feeds is necessary to guarantee animal health and to prevent the risk of decreased productions in livestock animals.

The plasmatic cortisol levels of 60 eight-month-old calves (Charolais breed) were measured as stress indicators resulting from two types of slaughter: traditional and religious rite. The plasmatic cortisol levels were evaluated during three different stages of their productive life: during growth, after transport and during slaughter. The thirty calves slaughtered after stunning showed plasmatic cortisol values of 4.85±3.2; 36.36±12.2 and 45.08±14.1 nmol/L, during growth, in the slaughterhouse stables and during exsanguination, respectively. Conversely, the average values found in the thirty calves subjected to ritual slaughter were 2.96±1.2; 31.65±25.4 and 68.70±30.6 nmol/L. The results of the study showed that animal welfare should be improved in both forms of slaughter.

Winter legume grains are suited as a significant source of vegetable protein for both human and livestock species, due to high protein content and the high level of unsaturated fatty acids. This research reported the effect of S fertilization on the quality of three different pulses (faba bean, lupin and pea) in terms of lipid content and fatty acid profile. For each species, randomized complete block design with three replicates was used, and three S doses (0, 30 and 60 kg ha-1, respectively) were applied. The S fertilization was split in two times: 50% before sowing and 50% in the early of March as K2SO4. Our findings indicated that the S fertilization in faba bean, lupin and pea grains led to a significant improvement of the fatty acid profile. Furthermore, the S fertilization enhanced the legume grains oil composition through the increase of unsaturated fatty acids, and in particular the remarkable decrease of the erucic acid in lupin grains.

In dairy cows, the intensity of metabolic activity, associated with the negative energy balance (NEBAL), is responsible for an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, subsequently, for the development of the condition of oxidative stress, which may overwhelm the antioxidant potential of the bovine maternal organism, making it prone to the development of many puerperal dysfunctions, as well as to an alteration of colostrum and milk quality. Given these premises, the aims of this study are to evaluate serum and milk concentrations of ROS and lipoperoxides, vitamins A and E, on the 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th day postpartum of dairy cows, a particularly critical period during which the NEBAL reaches its nadir, and to compare the trends of these parameters in two different bovine breeds. The study was performed in pluriparous Italian Friesian and Brown dairy cows. On the 10th day postpartum, all cows underwent a clinical examination to exclude the presence of alterations; furthermore, on the same day, a milk sample was collected from each cow, in order to perform the somatic cell count (SCC; (CE) N. 853/2004) and to establish which of them had an SCC ≤400 000/ml or >400 000/ml. In this study, among the 110 cows that were initially selected, the evaluation of these parameters allowed the inclusion of 80 animals, which were divided into four groups of 20 subjects each: Group F and F1: Italian Friesian healthy cows, with SCC ≤400 000/ml and >400 000/ml, respectively; Group B and B1: Italian Brown healthy cows, with SCC ≤400 000/ml and >400 000/ml, respectively. On the 10th, 12th, 14th and 16th day postpartum, peripheral blood and milk samples were collected. The results obtained show that in group B1 there were higher concentrations of ROS and milk antioxidants compared with Friesian group cows. This datum let us suppose that even in the presence of higher ROS concentrations the antioxidant status found in group B1 seems to be able to counteract the oxidative damage, which is more likely to develop in these cows.

Contents: Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely and expensive protein source used in the formulation of poultry diets; however, when the price of SBM increases, poultry nutritionists seek alternative sources that are more economical in formulating least-cost rations. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary air-classified sunflower meal (SFM) on some productive parameters and plasma steroid hormones in laying hens. In this trial, 20-week-old laying hens (ISA Brown strain) in the early phase of production were randomly assigned to two groups and fed wheat middlings-based diets containing soybean (135 g/kg; 48% CP) or air-classified SFM (160 g/kg; 41% CP) as the main protein source. Laying performance, egg size and feed conversion ratio were evaluated for 10 week. Plasma steroid hormones (progesterone and oestradiol) in the hens were quantified weekly. Substituting SBM with air-classified SFM did not change (p > 0.05) the hens' growth performance, whereas feed consumption and efficiency were positively influenced (p < 0.05) by SFM treatment. Egg production rate was improved in hens fed the SFM diet (p < 0.05), as well as the percentage of medium-size eggs that was higher for SFM treatment (p < 0.05). Steroid hormones levels were affected by dietary treatment (p < 0.01). From our findings, it could be effective to include air-classified SFM in early-phase laying hen diets as an alternative protein source substituting SBM, without negative influence on productive performance and egg traits, reducing also the production costs.

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is an important source of plant protein for both humans and livestock, due to high protein content, low alkaloids level, high level of unsaturated fatty acids, price and market availability in many countries. In this paper is reported the effect of S fertilization on white N fixation capability of lupin, grain yield and chemical characteristics in terms of protein fractions, fatty acid and mineral composition. Randomized complete block design with three replicates was used, and three S applications (0, 30 and 60 kg ha-1, respectively) for white lupin were used. The S fertilization was split into two: 50 % before sowing and 50 % in the early of March as K2SO4. At the same time, both the legume and oat crops were fertilized uniformly with solution of 10 kg N ha-1 15N NH4 15NO3 (10 % 15N atomic excess). Data indicated that under Mediterranean environment on sub-alkaline soil, white lupin produces low grain and protein; however, S application increased plant yield and N fixation. In conclusion, it seems that S fertilization to white lupin should be recommended to soils with sub-optimal S levels to obtain maximum seed and protein yields. Moreover, S fertilization enhanced the protein quality increasing its degradable fraction, and improved the lupin oil quality through the increase in oleic and linolenic acids and the remarkable decrease in erucic acid.

Considering that the authentication of food contents is one of the most important issues for the food quality sector, and given the increasing demand for transparency in the meat industry followed the horsemeat scandal in Europe, this study investigates processed-meat products from Italian markets and supermarkets using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene qualitative PCR identification system in order to verify any species substitution or mislabeling. The results revealed a high substitution rate among the meat products, highlighting a mislabeling rate of 57 %, and consequently, considerable discordance with the indications on the labels, which raises significant food-safety and consumer-protection concerns.

Considering that the authentication of food contents is one of the most important issues for the food quality sector, and given the increasing demand for transparency in the meat industry followed the horsemeat scandal in Europe, this study investigates processed-meat products from Italian markets and supermarkets using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene qualitative PCR identification system in order to verify any species substitution or mislabeling. The results revealed a high substitution rate among the meat products, highlighting a mislabeling rate of 57 %, and consequently, considerable discordance with the indications on the labels, which raises significant food-safety and consumer-protection concerns.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important source of plant protein for humans and animals; however, nutritional value of seeds is notoriously deficient in sulphur (S)-containing amino acids. In this article, the effect of S fertilization on faba bean's capability of N2 fixation, grain yield and chemical characteristics in terms of protein fractions, fatty acids and minerals composition is reported. A randomized, complete block design with three replicates was used, and three S applications (0, 30 and 60 kg ha−1, respectively) for faba bean were performed. The S fertilization was split into two applications: 50% before sowing and 50% in the beginning of March as K2SO4. At the same time, both the legume and oat crops were fertilized uniformly with 10 kg N ha−1 as 15N NH415NO3 (10% 15N atomic excess) in solution form. In a Mediterranean climate under optimal spring rainfall situations, faba bean produced high yield of grain and protein. Sulphur application resulted in an increase in overall plant yield and N2 fixation. In addition, S fertilization enhanced the protein quality, increasing its degradable fraction. Fertilizing faba bean with 30 kg ha−1 of S resulted in a more appropriate dose in order to obtain a quantitative and qualitative crop improvement. From our findings, it can be concluded that S fertilization to faba bean should be recommended to soils with suboptimal S levels to obtain maximum seed and protein yields. Quality, yield and nitrogen fixation of faba bean seeds as affected by sulphur fertilization (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232282045_Quality_yield_and_nitrogen_fixation_of_faba_bean_seeds_as_affected_by_sulphur_fertilization [accessed Jan 21, 2016].

Background. Several studies already stressed the importance of haemodialysis (HD) time in the removal of uraemic toxins. In those studies, however, also the amount of dialysate and/or processed blood was altered. The present study aimed to investigate the isolated effect of the factor time t (by processing the same total blood and dialysate volume in two different time schedules) on the removal and kinetic behaviour of some small, middle and protein-bound molecules. Methods. The present study had a crossover design: 11 stable anuric HD patients underwent two bicarbonate HD sessions (~4 and ~8 h) in a random sequence, at least 1 week apart. The GENIUS® single-pass batch dialysis system and the high-flux FX80 dialysers (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) were used. The volume of blood and dialysate processed, volume of ultrafiltration, and dialysate composition were prescribed to be the same. For each patient, blood was sampled from the arterial line at 0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min (all sessions), and at 360 and 480 min (8-h sessions). Dialysate was sampled at the end of HD from the dialysate tank. The following solutes were investigated: (i) small molecules: urea, creatinine, phosphorus and uric acid; (ii) middle molecule: β2M; and (iii) protein-bound molecules: homocysteine, hippuric acid, indole-3-acetic acid and indoxyl sulphate. Total solute removals (solute concentration in the spent dialysate of each analyte × 90 L − the volumeof dialysate) (TSR), clearances (TSR of a solute/area under the plasma water concentration time curve of the solute)(K), total cleared volumes (K× dialysis time) (TCV), and dialyser extraction ratios (K/blood flow rate) (ER) were determined. The percent differences of TSR, K, TCV and ER between 4- and 8-h dialyses were calculated. Single-pool Kt/V urea, and post-dialysis percent rebounds of urea, creatinine and β2 M were computed. Results. TSR, TCV and ER were statistically significantly larger during prolonged HD for all small and middle mo- lecules (at least, P < 0.01). Specifically, the percent increases of TSR (8 h vs 4 h) were: for urea 22.6.0% (P < 0.003), for creatinine 24.8% (P < 0.002), for phosphorus 26.6% (P < 0.001), and for β2 M 39.2% (P < 0.005). No statistically significant difference was observed for protein-bound solutes in any of the parameters being studied. Single-pool Kt/V urea was 1.41 ± 0.19 for the 4-h dialysis sessions and 1.80 ± 0.29 for the 8-h ones. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Post-dialysis percent rebounds of urea, creatinine and β2 M were statistically significantly greater in the 4-h dialysis sessions (at least, P < 0.0002). Conclusions. The present controlled study using a cross- over design indicates that small and middle molecules are removed more adequately from the deeper compartments when performing a prolonged HD, even if blood and dialysate volumes are kept constant. Hence, factor time t is very important for these retention solutes. The kinetic behaviour of protein-bound solutes is completely different from that of small and middle molecules, mainly because of the strength of their protein binding.

Background The identification of biomarkers able to improve the differential diagnosis between multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is challenging because of a different prognosis and response to treatment. Growing evidence indicates that brain and CSF N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentration is a useful marker for characterising different phases of axonal pathology in demyelinating diseases, and preliminary studies suggest that increased serum NAA levels may be a telltale sign of acute neuronal damage or defective NAA metabolism in oligodendrocytes. Objective To evaluate whether serum and CSF NAA concentration differs in patients with MS and NMO. Design Observational, multicentre, prospective, cross sectional study. Methods Serum samples were collected from 48 relapsingeremitting MS, 32 NMO and 76 age matched healthy controls. Coeval CSF samples were available for all MS and for 8/32 NMO patients. NAA was measured in serum and CSF by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results MS patients showed higher serum and CSF NAA levels than NMO patients, and higher serum NAA levels than healthy controls (p<0.001). High serum NAA values, exceeding the 95th percentile of serum NAA values in healthy controls, were found in 100% of patients with MS and in no patient with NMO. No differences in serum NAA levels were found between NMO and healthy controls. In MS, serum and CSF NAA levels correlated with disability score. Conclusions Determination of serum and CSF NAA levels may represent a suitable tool in the diagnostic laboratory workup to differentiate MS and NMO.

Serum levels of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) may be considered a useful marker of neuronal functioning. We aimed to measure serum NAA in cohorts of migraine and tension-type headache patients versus controls, performing correlations with main clinical features. A total of 147 migraine patients (including migraine without aura, with aura and chronic migraine), 65 tension-type headache (including chronic and frequent episodic tension-type headache) and 34 sex- and age-matched controls were selected. Serum was stored at -80 °C. Quantification of NAA was achieved by the standard addition approach and analysis was performed with liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LC/MS) technique. The NAA levels were significantly decreased in migraine group (0.065 ± 0.019 mol/L), compared with both tension-type headache patients (0.078 ± 0.016 mol/L) and controls (0.085 ± 0.013 mol/L). Control subjects were significantly different from migraine with and without aura and chronic migraine, who differed significantly from episodic and chronic tension-type headache. Migraine with aura patients showed lower NAA levels when compared to all the other headache subtypes, including migraine without aura and chronic migraine. In the migraine group, no significant correlation was found between NAA serum levels, and headache frequency, allodynia and interval from the last and the next attack. The low NAA in the serum may be a sign of neuronal dysfunction predisposing to migraine, probably based on reduced mitochondria function

BACKGROUND: N -acetylaspartate (NAA) level is a biomarker of functional integrity and vitality in neurons. In vivo multisection proton ((1)H)-magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies indicate that NAA level decreases in specific cortical brain areas of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). OBJECTIVE: To study NAA level in serum samples as a possible biomarker of ALS. DESIGN: Serum NAA assay by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in a case-control series. SETTING: Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Policlinico, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. PATIENTS: One hundred twelve consecutive patients with ALS and 51 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: General estimating equations tested associations between serum NAA level and clinical variables in patients with ALS. RESULTS: Serum NAA level was significantly higher in ALS cases than in controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a direct association between serum NAA level and the presence of ALS. After stratifying serum NAA level based on the median value (0.171 mmol/L), the age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio for ALS was 19.97 (95% confidence interval, 7.18-55.55) (P < .001). N -acetylaspartate level did not differ across ALS clinical phenotypes. Riluzole treatment did not affect NAA level. A significant correlation was found between serum NAA level and ALS progression rate. CONCLUSIONS: High serum NAA level was found in patients with ALS, which may relate to greater excretion of NAA into the blood circulation following increased release of this metabolite from damaged neurons. The correlation between serum NAA level and disease progression rate suggests that it may be a useful biomarker of ALS.

Considering that seafood mislabeling has been widely reported throughout the world and that the authentication of food components is one of the key issues in food safety, quality and sustainability, the aim of this study was to use DNA barcoding to investigate the prevalence of mislabeling among fish fillet products from markets and supermarkets located in Apulia (SE Italy). The study reveals a high degree of species mislabeling in fish fillet products. In particular, this study shows that the labels of only 32/200 fish fillet samples provided comprehensive information relating to commercial designation, scientific name, geographical area, production method and whether previously frozen. The labeling of other samples was not compliant with European legislation. Indeed, the scientific name, which must also be indicated from 1st January 2012, according to Article 68 of EU Commission Implementing Regulation No. 404/2011, was missing in 157/168 samples, the geographical area was missing in 152/168, while the commercial designation and the production method were reported in all samples. Furthermore, results from molecular investigations reveal a high occurrence of incorrect species declaration in fish fillet products. The commercial and/or scientific name declared failed to match the species identified in 164/200 (82%) samples. The study also highlighted that threatened, Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR) species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction has been used in the place of commercial species. This study thus provides further evidence of the need for increased traceability and assessment of food product authenticity. Additionally, traceability may improve the management of hazards related to fish safety, as well as guaranteeing product authenticity, providing reliable information to customers, enhancing supply-side management and improving product quality and sustainability.