Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and its main determinants in a sample of Italian adults: results from the ARIANNA cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: Over the last years, many Mediterranean countries, including Italy, have witnessed a shift away from the Mediterranean Diet, thus contributing to the high rates of overweight and obesity. The survey "Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Italy (ARIANNA)" aimed to evaluate the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet (AMD) and its main determinants in the Italian population. Materials and methods: This study started on March 2023 and was addressed to adults aged ≥17 years, born and resident in Italy, proficient in Italian. Data are collected electronically through a voluntary, anonymous and self-administered questionnaire on the project website. Univariate and then multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate associations between AMD and demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, health status, and lifestyle. Results: On a total of 3,732 completed questionnaires, the 87.70% of the respondents was female and the 71.28% was 17-40 years old. The 83.82% of the respondents had medium AMD, 11.33% low and only 4.85% high. The multivariate analysis revealed that being male (p < 0.001), aged >40 years (p < 0.05), workers (p ≤ 0.001), and unemployed (p < 0.05), determined the probability of having a lower AMD. Vegans and vegetarian's diets positively contributed to a higher AMD (p < 0.001). Discussion: These results highlighted a medium AMD in the Italian adult participants and suggested the necessity to implement tailored public health intervention strategies to improve food habits.

Agglomeration Behavior and Fate of Food-Grade Titanium Dioxide in Human Gastrointestinal Digestion and in the Lysosomal Environment.

In the present study, we addressed the knowledge gaps regarding the agglomeration behavior and fate of food-grade titanium dioxide (E 171) in human gastrointestinal digestion (GID). After thorough multi-technique physicochemical characterization including TEM, single-particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS), CLS, VSSA determination and ELS, the GI fate of E 171 was studied by applying the in vitro GID approach established for the regulatory risk assessment of nanomaterials in Europe, using a standardized international protocol. GI fate was investigated in fasted conditions, relevant to E 171 use in food supplements and medicines, and in fed conditions, with both a model food and E 171-containing food samples. TiO2 constituent particles were resistant to GI dissolution, and thus, their stability in lysosomal fluid was investigated. The biopersistence of the material in lysosomal fluid highlighted its potential for bioaccumulation. For characterizing the agglomeration degree in the small intestinal phase, spICP-MS represented an ideal analytical tool to overcome the limitations of earlier studies. We demonstrated that, after simulated GID, in the small intestine, E 171 (at concentrations reflecting human exposure) is present with a dispersion degree similar to that obtained when dispersing the material in water by means of high-energy sonication (i.e., ≥70% of particles <250 nm).

Adherence to Mediterranean diet in Italy (ARIANNA) cross-sectional survey: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence, although limited, that the Italian population has been no longer following a Mediterranean dietary pattern. The ARIANNA (Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Italy) project consists of a survey-based cross-sectional study with the objective of gaining a greater knowledge of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and its main determinants in different age groups of the Italian population. METHODS/ANALYSIS: The ARIANNA study will involve males and females aged ≥7 years, born and resident in Italy, and proficient in Italian. The voluntary enrolment will be in the period between March 2023 and May 2023. The data, which will include sociodemographic factors and dietary habits, will be collected through a web-based questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet will be assessed through the use of two validated score systems: the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents for participants aged ≤16 years and the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score for participants aged ≥17 years. A review of the scientific literature will be carried out to collect historical data on adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern in the Italian population, which will be compared with those collected within this project. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ARIANNA study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Istituto Superiore di Sanità. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed papers, leaflets and documents for the general public. A report will be presented to the national policy makers, to give them the tools to implement appropriate intervention to improve, in necessary, the adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern in Italy.

Critical Role of Maternal Selenium Nutrition in Neurodevelopment: Effects on Offspring Behavior and Neuroinflammatory Profile.

Research in both animals and humans shows that some nutrients are important in pregnancy and during the first years of life to support brain and cognitive development. Our aim was to evaluate the role of selenium (Se) in supporting brain and behavioral plasticity and maturation. Pregnant and lactating female rats and their offspring up to postnatal day 40 were fed isocaloric diets differing in Se content-i.e., optimal, sub-optimal, and deficient-and neurodevelopmental, neuroinflammatory, and anti-oxidant markers were analyzed. We observed early adverse behavioral changes in juvenile rats only in sub-optimal offspring. In addition, sub-optimal, more than deficient supply, reduced basal glial reactivity in sex dimorphic and brain-area specific fashion. In female offspring, deficient and sub-optimal diets reduced the antioxidant Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the cortex and in the liver, the latter being the key organ regulating Se metabolism and homeostasis. The finding that the Se sub-optimal was more detrimental than Se deficient diet may suggest that maternal Se deficient diet, leading to a lower Se supply at earlier stages of fetal development, stimulated homeostatic mechanisms in the offspring that were not initiated by sub-optimal Se. Our observations demonstrate that even moderate Se deficiency during early life negatively may affect, in a sex-specific manner, optimal brain development.

Determination of the Transport Efficiency in spICP-MS Analysis Using Conventional Sample Introduction Systems: An Interlaboratory Comparison Study.

In single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS), the transport efficiency is fundamental for the correct determination of both particle number concentration and size. In the present study, transport efficiency was systematically determined on three different days with six carefully characterised gold nanoparticle (AuNP) suspensions and in seven European and US expert laboratories using different ICP-MS instruments and spICP-MS software. Both particle size-(TES)-and particle frequency-(TEF)-methods were applied. The resulting transport efficiencies did not deviate much under ideal conditions. The TEF method however systematically resulted in lower transport efficiencies. The extent of this difference (0-300% rel. difference) depended largely on the choice and storage conditions of the nanoparticle suspensions used for the determination. The TES method is recommended when the principal measurement objective is particle size. If the main aim of the measurement is the determination of the particle number concentration, the TEF approach could be preferred as it might better account for particle losses in the sample introduction system.

Semi-industrial development of nutritious and healthy seafood dishes from sustainable species.

This study aimed to devise innovative, tailor-made, appealing, tasty and semi-industrialized dishes, using sustainable and under-utilized seafood species (bib, common dab, common carp, blue mussel and blue whiting), that can meet the specific nutritional and functional needs of children (8-10-years), pregnant women (20-40-years) and seniors (≥60-years). Hence, contests were organised among cooking schools from 6 European countries and the best recipes/dishes were reformulated, semi-industrially produced and chemically and microbiologically evaluated. The dishes intended for: (i) children and pregnant women had EPA + DHA and I levels that reached the target quantities, supporting the claim as "high in I"; and (ii) seniors were "high in protein" (24.8%-Soup_S and 34.0%-Balls_S of the energy was provided by proteins), "high in vitamin B12", and had Na contents (≤0.4%) below the defined limit. All dishes reached the vitamin D target value. Sausages_C, Roulade_P, Fillet_P and Balls_S had a well-balanced protein/fat ratio. Roulade_P presented the highest n-3 PUFA/n-6 PUFA ratio (3.3), while Sausages_C the lowest SFA/UNS ratio (0.2). Dishes were considered safe based on different parameters (e.g. Hg-T, PBDEs, Escherichia coli). All represent dietary sources contributing to meet the reference intakes of target nutrients (33->100%), providing valuable options to overcome nutritional and functional imbalances of the three groups.

Essential and toxic elements in sustainable and underutilized seafood species and derived semi-industrial ready-to-eat products.

Blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), pouting (Trisopterus luscus) and common dab (Limanda limanda) are underutilized fish species attractive in terms of sustainability. However, there is limited information about their nutritional characteristics as well as potential presence of environmental contaminants. Specimens caught in European waters were characterised for their content of essential and toxic elements. The three species, along with common carp and blue mussels, relevant for sustainable production too, were employed as raw materials for the development of semi-industrial ready-to-eat products. Calcium, copper, iodine, iron, selenium, zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury, and nickel were determined by ICP-MS, whereas methylmercury was determined by HPLC-ICP-MS. These two techniques were also used to determine arsenic and inorganic arsenic, respectively, in blue mussel and derived products. Differences in element contents were related to the biology and ecology of the examined species. Intake of nutrients and exposure to contaminants were assessed in relation to the relevant DRVs and HBGVs, respectively. All the species were found to be valuable dietary sources of selenium. Pouting was rich in iodine and mussels were good sources of iodine and iron. These two species had comparatively higher levels of mercury and lead, respectively. However, the levels of contaminants were generally of no concern in both raw materials and products. Iodine bioaccessibility was studied in blue whiting, a species with an intermediate iodine content, and found to be 98%. Selenium:mercury molar ratios were assessed and found to be favourable. The semi-industrial products were found to be good sources of selenium and many of them provided appreciable amounts of calcium, iron, copper and zinc.

Relationship Between Semen IL-6, IL-33 and Malondialdehyde Generation in Human Seminal Plasma and Spermatozoa.

Cytokines are physiological seminal components and their abnormal levels, reported in different pathological conditions, negatively influence the sperm function. We analysed the relationship between interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-33 levels and lipid peroxidation (LPO), measured both in semen and sperm lysate, in 44 human semen samples. The semen analysis was performed following the WHO guidelines. Seminal IL-6 and IL-33 concentrations were assessed by ELISA and LPO was evaluated measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) both in seminal plasma and viable spermatozoa. Two small groups of patients with varicocele and infection were extrapolated from the cases analysed and the variables compared with those of a group of control. IL-33 levels were undetectable in all samples and IL-6 levels were positively correlated with both seminal and sperm MDA concentrations (p < 0.01) and negatively with sperm parameters (p < 0.01). Seminal and sperm MDA levels were both negatively correlated with sperm parameters (p < 0.01). IL-6 and semen MDA showed an exponential positive relationship, whereas MDA values measured in viable spermatozoa were low until IL-6 amount reached a concentration of >30 pg/mL, rising consistently. By comparing the variables in the groups, we confirmed that a high IL-6 concentration in the varicocele and infection groups was concomitant with an increase of seminal MDA levels, but also with MDA measured in viable spermatozoa, which represents the novelty of this study. We identified the IL-6 threshold, beyond which sperm MDA concentration rises concomitantly with the increase of IL-6 concentration. Other studies are needed, considering the increasing number of patients with different pathologies affecting male infertility.

Particle size analysis of pristine food-grade titanium dioxide and E 171 in confectionery products: Interlaboratory testing of a single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry screening method and confirmation with transmission electron microscopy.

Titanium dioxide is a white colourant authorised as food additive E 171 in the EU, where it is used in a range of alimentary products. As these materials may contain a fraction of particulates with sizes below 100 nm and current EU regulation requires specific labelling of food ingredient to indicate the presence of engineered nanomaterials there is now a need for standardised and validated methods to appropriately size and quantify (nano)particles in food matrices. A single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) screening method for the determination of the size distribution and concentration of titanium dioxide particles in sugar-coated confectionery and pristine food-grade titanium dioxide was developed. Special emphasis was placed on the sample preparation procedure, crucial to reproducibly disperse the particles before analysis. The transferability of this method was tested in an interlaboratory comparison study among seven experienced European food control and food research laboratories equipped with various ICP-MS instruments and using different software packages. The assessed measurands included the particle mean diameter, the most frequent diameter, the percentage of particles (in number) with a diameter below 100 nm, the particles' number concentration and a number of cumulative particle size distribution parameters (D0, D10, D50, D99.5, D99.8 and D100). The evaluated method's performance characteristics were, the within-laboratory precision, expressed as the relative repeatability standard deviation (RSDr), and the between-laboratory precision, expressed as the relative reproducibility standard deviation (RSDR). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used as a confirmatory technique and served as the basis for bias estimation. The optimisation of the sample preparation step showed that when this protocol was applied to the relatively simple sample food matrices used in this study, bath sonication turned out to be sufficient to reach the highest, achievable degree of dispersed constituent particles. For the pristine material, probe sonication was required. Repeatability and reproducibility were below 10% and 25% respectively for most measurands except for the lower (D0) and the upper (D100) bound of the particle size distribution and the particle number concentration. The broader distribution of the lower and the upper bounds could be attributed to instrument-specific settings/setups (e.g. the timing parameters, the transport efficiency, type of mass-spectrometer) and software-specific data treatment algorithms. Differences in the upper bound were identified as being due to the non-harmonised application of the upper counting limit. Reporting D99.5 or D99.8 instead of the effectively largest particle diameter (D100) excluded isolated large particles and considerably improved the reproducibility. The particle number-concentration was found to be influenced by small differences in the sample preparation procedure. The comparison of these results with those obtained using electron microscopy showed that the mean and median particle diameter was, in all cases, higher when using spICP-MS. The main reason for this was the higher size detection limit for spICP-MS plus the fact that some of the analysed particles remained agglomerated/aggregated after sonication. Single particle ICP-MS is a powerful screening technique, which in many cases provides sufficient evidence to confirm the need to label a food product as containing (engineered) titanium dioxide nanomaterial according to the current EU regulatory requirements. The overall positive outcome of the method performance evaluation and the current lack of alternative standardised procedures, would indicate this method as being a promising candidate for a full validation study.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with exposure to Leishmania infantum in dogs, in an endemic Mediterranean region.

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean area and transmitted by phlebotomine sand fly vectors. The domestic dog is the main reservoir host. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different individual, environmental and spatial risk factors on the dog exposure to L. infantum and to estimate the seroprevalence among owned and kennel dogs, in the Lazio region (central Italy), where canine leishmaniasis is endemic. In the period 2010-2014, 13,292 sera from kennel and owned dogs were collected by official and private veterinarians. The presence of anti-Leishmania IgG was analysed by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using a 1:80 titre cut-off. At the univariable analysis, CanL seropositivity was associated with sex, size, breed, coat length, living with other dogs and forest/semi-natural land cover. At the multivariable analysis, age, ownership and attitude were confirmed as risk factors, being more than 2 years old, owned, and hunting dogs at higher risk. Being a Maremma sheepdog was a protective factor. A true overall seroprevalence of 6.7% (95% CI: 6.2-7.2) was estimated in the whole population while 7.3% (95% CI: 6.8-7.8) was estimated in kennel dogs and 74.3% (95% CI: 70.8-77.6) in owned dogs. The role of kennels as a key component for CanL active and passive surveillance was also highlighted. This study confirmed the endemicity of CanL in the Lazio region and focused some factors that can influence the seropositivity of dogs in a Mediterranean region.

Semen Biochemical Components in Varicocele, Leukocytospermia, and Idiopathic Infertility.

The evaluation of the seminal plasma plays a relevant role in the definition of male infertility and in assisted reproduction outcomes; for this reason, it would be recommended to find biochemical markers able to characterize sperm pathology. In this study, 53 infertile patients (grouped by the presence leukocytospermia, idiopathic infertility, or varicocele) and 10 fertile men were selected. Spermiogram was performed by light microscopy, and sperm ultrastructure was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) mathematically elaborated. Testosterone (TESTO), estradiol (E2), ferritin (FERR), iron (Fe), transferrin (TRSF), triglycerides (TRG), cholesterol (CHOL), and isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) were detected in seminal plasma. Sperm characteristics and biochemical components were correlated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient in the whole population and in each group. The levels of TESTO and E2 were positively correlated with sperm quality in particular, and E2 was correlated with fertility index expressing the number of sperm free of ultrastructural defects evaluated by TEM. On the contrary, the indices of iron metabolism (FERR, Fe, and TRSF) were positively associated with low sperm quality and sperm necrosis, particularly in leukocytospermia and varicocele groups, pathologies in which an inflammatory status and oxidative stress condition are present. The study of the seminal plasma composition deserves attention because the levels of the various components seem to be associated with specific reproductive pathologies.

Dietary exposure of the Italian population to nickel: The national Total Diet Study.

Dietary exposure of the Italian population to nickel has been assessed in the national Total Diet Study (TDS). Occurrence data were combined with national individual consumption data to estimate mean and high level dietary exposure of population subgroups according to age and gender, both at the national level and for the four main geographical areas of Italy. The mean chronic dietary exposure of infants and toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly were 4.00, 4.57, 2.57, 1.55, and 1.47 µg/kg bw per day, respectively. These intakes lie in the intermediate range of exposure estimates from TDS carried out in other countries. Main contributors to the total nickel exposure for children and adolescents were 'sweet products' and 'cereals and cereal products'. In adults and the elderly nearly 30% of the exposure was associated to the consumption of 'cereals and cereal products'. Mean and 95th percentile chronic dietary exposure was below the TDI in all age groups. For the risk characterisation of acute oral exposure, exposure data for consumers only in the adult population were compared with the reference point for systemic contact dermatitis. Consumption of 'cocoa', 'chocolate', 'crustaceans and molluscs', 'pulses' had remarkable potential to elicit adverse effects in nickel-sensitised individuals.

Size, demography, ownership profiles, and identification rate of the owned dog population in central Italy.

The One Health paradigm recognizes that information on infectious diseases, zoonosis and related predictors in animal populations is essential. Pets live in close contact with humans and interact with wild animals, but the lack of reliable information on pet population size, demography and ownership profiles is a constant worldwide. Reliable data must be made available in order to address proper public health policies regarding the design of surveillance plans, the management of canine welfare and stray dog phenomenon, the control of dog behaviour-related problems, and the livestock/wildlife endangerment. Dog identification & registration (I&R) have become mandatory in most European countries in recent years, but the process is far from being widely accomplished, thus resulting in an underestimation of the real canine population. To date, data on the completeness of Dog Registries is very limited. A cross-sectional survey through 630 face-to-face questionnaires was performed with the aim of investigating the dog population size, demography, ownership profiles, and the I&R rate in central Italy. Logistic regression models investigated risk factors with the following outcome variables: dog presence into the Dog Registry, veterinary care frequency, and dog ownership. The present study identified that the dog population is higher than previously reported in Italy and in Europe, whilst lower compared to countries with a poor Human Development Index (a statistic composite index of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators used by United Nation). Almost half of the interviewed people (47%) owned at least one dog, totalling 315 dogs. The mean number of dogs per household was 0.7 and 1.5 per dog-owning household. The Bayesian model estimated 481,294 (95% CI: 470,860-491,978) dogs (90 dogs/km2; human:dog ratio 9.0, 95% CI: 8.8-9.2) suggesting that a high density of people does not limit the dog ownership. Dogs resulted predominant among pets. The majority of dogs were males, crossbred, acquires as a gift, lived in rural areas, outdoors and attended a veterinary visit 1-2 times per year. The percentage of neutered dogs were higher in females (55%) than in males (8%). Only 75.3% (95% CI: 73.6-76.9) of the dogs were correctly identified and registered. The Dog Registry completeness increased during the first decades after its establishment, but no improvement has been made afterwards. The dogs correctly identified and registered were more likely to be purebred, neutered, lived in urban areas and visited a veterinarian frequently. Several strategies are recommended to encourage I&R, including promoting responsible dog ownership, engaging private veterinarians and dog breeders, and establishing an effective control system. The present study identified also that the dog source and the kind of feeding were variables associated with the veterinary care frequency. Owning a dog was associated with living in rural areas and the presence of children. The present study reported the poor presence of reliable predictors for the dog ownership. This is the first study to provide an estimate of the canine population abundance, characteristics, and ownership profiles in a European large metropolitan area.

Fatty Acid Profile and Metabolism Are Related to Human Sperm Parameters and Are Relevant in Idiopathic Infertility and Varicocele.

OBJECTIVES: Fatty acids (FA) modulate oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inflammatory processes in spermatogenesis. METHODS: The amount of 17 different FAs and the level of F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) were compared and correlated to sperm characteristics; these last ones were evaluated by light and electronic microscopy in varicocele and idiopathic infertile patients. RESULTS: Total n-3 polyunsaturated acids (PUFAs) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the n-3 PUFAs, were significantly reduced in idiopathic infertile men compared to controls (P < 0.05). In the whole studied population, oleic acid and total monounsaturated acids (MUFAs) correlated negatively with sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, vitality, and fertility index and positively with sperm necrosis. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) amount was positively correlated with the percentage of sperm necrosis and cPLA2 level and negatively with sperm concentration. Sperm vitality was negatively correlated with the saturated fatty acids (SFAs). In infertile groups, cPLA2 was negatively correlated with DHA and n-3 PUFAs (both P < 0.05) and positively with EPA (P < 0.05). In the varicocele group, sperm vitality was negatively correlated with palmitoleic acid and total n-6 PUFAs (P < 0.05); sperm apoptosis was positively correlated with the total SFA percentage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FA composition in sperm membrane and the metabolism of sperm FAs are interrelated parameters, both relevant in sperm maturation processes and fertility.

Sex-Dependent Effects of Developmental Lead Exposure in Wistar Rats: Evidence from Behavioral and Molecular Correlates.

Lead (Pb) exposure in early life affects brain development resulting in cognitive and behavioral deficits. Epidemiologic and experimental evidence of sex as an effect modifier of developmental Pb exposure is emerging. In the present study, we investigated Pb effects on behavior and mechanisms of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and potential sex differences. To this aim, dams were exposed, from one month pre-mating to offspring weaning, to Pb via drinking water at 5 mg/kg body weight per day. In the offspring of both sexes, the longitudinal assessment of motor, emotional, and cognitive end points was performed. We also evaluated the expression and synaptic distribution of N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits at post-natal day (pnd) 23 and 70 in the hippocampus. Neonatal motor patterns and explorative behavior in offspring were affected in both sexes. Pb effects in emotional response and memory retention were observed in adult females only, preceded by increased levels of GluN2A and GluA1 subunits at the post-synapse at pnd 23. These data suggest that Pb exposure during development affects glutamatergic receptors distribution at the post-synaptic spine in females. These effects may contribute to alterations in selected behavioral domains.

Relevance of seminal F2-dihomo-IsoPs, F2-IsoPs and F4-NeuroPs in idiopathic infertility and varicocele.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the relevance of isoprostanoids i.e., F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), F4-neuroprostanes (F4-NeuroPs) and F2-dihomo-isoprostanes (F2-dihomo-IsoPs) in semen quality. Isoprostanoid levels were detected in semen of fertile and infertile men with varicocele or idiopathic infertility. Semen quality was assessed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy; the relationships between isoprostanes and semen parameters were also explored. F2-IsoPs levels were significantly different in the varicocele group compared to idiopathic infertile group and fertile men (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively). Moreover, F2-dihomo-IsoP values were significantly higher in varicocele group respect to fertile men (P < 0.05). No significant statistical differences were found regarding F4-NeuroP concentrations. In the whole population, F2-IsoPs positively correlated with F2-dihomo-IsoPs and both isoprostanoids showed a positive correlation with immaturity and a negative correlation with sperm motility. F2-IsoP levels were positively correlated with the percentage of immaturity in infertile varicocele groups (P < 0.01) whereas a significant relationship between F4-NeuroP values and the percentage of sperm necrosis was shown in idiopathic infertility group (P < 0.01). A significant negative correlation of F4-NeuroPs with sperm morphology was detected in infertile varicocele subjects (P < 0.05). This study suggests that isoprostanoid semen levels appear to be associated with male infertility being related to the sperm quality and confirming the important role of fatty acids profiling in human sperm maturation.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 and F2 isoprostanes are involved in semen quality and human infertility-A study on leucocytospermia, varicocele and idiopathic infertility.

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2 ) is involved in eicosanoid release, and F2 -isoprostanes (F2 -IsoPs), as free radical-generated eicosanoids released by PLA2 , are indicators of oxidative stress in different human conditions. This study investigated the interplay between cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2 ), F2 -IsoPs and sperm features in male infertility, when the involvement of oxidative stress has been reported. Semen evaluation was performed following WHO guidelines, sperm ultrastructure was detected by transmission electron microscopy indicating a fertility index, and the percentages of sperm immaturity, apoptosis and necrosis. In sperm cells and seminal plasma, cPLA2 levels were determined by immunological method, whereas F2 -IsoPs by mass spectrometry. Sperm concentration, morphology, vitality and fertility index values were significantly lower in infertile groups compared with fertile men. An increase in sperm apoptosis and necrosis (p < .01), apoptosis (p < .01) and immaturity (p < .001) was detected in leucocytospermia, idiopathic infertility and varicocele, respectively. Seminal cPLA2 showed the highest value in varicocele group (p < .05), whereas seminal F2 -IsoPs increased in varicocele (p < .001) and leucocytospermia (p < .05) groups. In the whole population, F2 -IsoP and cPLA2 levels were positively correlated (p < .05). On the contrary, F2 -IsoPs and cPLA2 were not significantly different when investigated in sperm cells. Our data indicate that fatty acid oxidation/metabolism plays a role in different male reproductive pathological conditions.

A cross-sectional serosurvey in a sheep population in central Italy following a bluetongue epidemic.

Bluetongue (BT) is a viral disease that affects ruminants and is transmitted by midges of the genus Culicoides spp. The seroprevalence, the clinical form and the occurrence rates significantly differ in relation to several factors such as bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype, host species, breed susceptibility, specific previous exposure, vector ecology, husbandry and health status. Following the 2001-2006 BTV2 and BTV16 epidemics in central Italy, a new epidemic caused by BTV1 occurred in 2013-2015 causing 398 outbreaks in a susceptible population of about 1 million ruminants. The present study assessed the BTV1 seroprevalence in the sheep population of central Italy by conducting two cross-sectional surveys, in the proximity of and within BT outbreak farms. A total of 2,984 sheep from 437 farms were sampled. The animal-level prevalence was 19% (95% CI: 17-21%), the between-herd prevalence was 46% (95% CI: 41-51%) and the within-herd prevalence was 21% (95% CI: 16-26%). Risk factors were investigated by logistic regression models. Living on a farm where an outbreak occurred and the number of outbreaks in proximity of the farm were identified as risk factors, while herd size was identified as a protective factor. This study represents the first BT survey in southern Europe and reports valuable findings on BTV epidemiology. Despite intensive virus circulation, the estimated seroprevalences were low. The assessment of the population immunity level is crucial for defining an efficient vaccination strategy and for predicting the impact of future virus circulation. In view of the low seroprevalence detected albeit an extensive BTV1 circulation, the population immunity was likely to be inadequate in preventing new BTV1 epidemics. Moreover, considering the recurrent introduction of new serotypes from North Africa and the Balkans, the control of multi-serotype BTV infections will continue to present a challenge in the near future.

Associations between biochemical components of human semen with seminal conditions.

The aim of the study was to assess whether abnormal levels of seminal biochemical components could be associated with semen alterations and infertility. In this study, 92 human ejaculates from selected men were analyzed. Albumin, estradiol, ferritin, total proteins (TP), folic acid (FA), vitamin B12, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase were evaluated. Semen parameters and biochemical components of the 92 samples were correlated bySpearman's rho coefficient. Albumin showed a negative correlation with sperm progressive motility and vitality (P < 0.05), CK with sperm concentration and vitality (P < 0.05), ferritin with sperm morphology (P < 0.05). FA negatively correlated with sperm concentration (P < 0.05) and GGT with sperm motility (P < 0.05). The values of biochemical components were compared for each semen parameters (concentration, motility, morphology, vitality) in samples ≤5th percentile with those >5th percentile and in patients with/without leukocytospermia, presence/absence of germ cells, increased/normal viscosity by Mann Whitney U test. The albumin (P < 0.001) and TP (P < 0.05) levels and the GGT activity (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with sperm motility ≤5th percentile. Patients with sperm vitality ≤5th percentile showed increased albumin concentration (P < 0.01) and the CK activity (P < 0.001). The presence of germ cells in semen was concomitant with high values of ferritin (P < 0.01); the ALP activity (P < 0.01) and FA level (P < 0.001) were decreased in hyperviscous semen. The FA and estradiol levels were significantly decreased in the smoker group compared to those measured in the non-smoker group. Subjects were grouped in infertile patients and men with unknown reproductive potential. Infertile patients albumin and ferritin were significantly increased (P < 0.05). This study suggests that some biochemical components may be associated with human seminal pathological conditions. Abbreviations: ALP: alkaline phosphatase; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; GGT: γ-glutamyl transferase; CK: creatine kinase; ACP: acid phosphatase; ALB: albumin; TP: total proteins; FERR: ferritin, E: estradiol; FOL: folic acid; B12: vitamin B12; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; LH: luteinizing hormone; T: testosterone; BMI: body mass index; WHO: World Health Organization.

Helicobacter pylori Infection and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: The Role of Virulent Strains.

AIM: To verify a possible association between overall H. pylori and CagA+ H. pylori infection and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). METHODS: Consecutive patients with AITDs admitted to one single centre of Endocrinology during one solar year were examined. The diagnoses were Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) in 76, Graves' Disease (GD) in 39, and aspecific thyroiditis (AT) in 44 patients. Controls were 136 individuals without AITDs. Median values of fT3, fT4, anti-thyreoglobulin (Tg) antibodies, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients were compared with those in controls. H. pylori infection and CagA status were determined serologically. Structural homology of some thyroid proteins with H. pylori antigens was investigated. RESULTS: H. pylori infection prevalence was significantly increased in GD (66.6%) and HT (64.4%) patients, vs. 29.4% of controls and 34.0% of AT. CagA seropositivity was significantly more frequent in GD (46.1%) and HT (46.9%) infected patients, vs. infected controls (20%). fT3 and fT4 median values were significantly decreased in infected CagA+ GD patients vs. uninfected GD patients. IL-1ß median values were increased in patients respect to controls, independently of the clinical form of AITD. Median values of IL-6, TNF-α and anti-Tg autoantibodies in CagA infected patients were significantly higher than those measured in infected CagA- and uninfected patients and in infected CagA+ controls. The examined thyroid proteins shared putative conserved domains with numerous bacterial antigens. CONCLUSIONS: Overall H. pylori and CagA+ H. pylori infection were associated with GD and HT, putatively through an increased inflammatory status and molecular mimicry.