Co-benefits of changing diet. A modelling assessment at the regional scale integrating social acceptability, environmental and health impacts.

Several commentaries have suggested that the overconsumption of animal foods exerts several detrimental effects on human and environmental health. However, no studies have accurately estimated the impact of a reduction in animal food consumption on mortality due to the direct effects on metabolic health (i.e. animal protein and saturated fat intake as modulators of pathways leading to cardiovascular disease, cancer and accelerated ageing), and indirect effects on health due to excessive exposure to pollutants (i.e. PM10 concentrations originated by livestock ammonia emissions). The proposed modelling approach is innovative since it integrates social acceptability, environmental and health impacts. It is adopted to investigate different scenarios at a regional scale presenting the Lombardy region case study. The work focuses on the impact on the human and environmental health of diets characterized by three different animal protein intake levels. Our integrated assessment modelling approach faces the issue from two points of view. On one side, it estimates the mortality due to the population exposure to PM10 concentrations including the inorganic fraction originated by livestock ammonia emissions, on the other, it evaluates the mortality (i.e. total, cardiovascular and cancer) due to high dietary animal protein and/or saturated fat intake. The impacts of the mentioned animal protein intake levels of diets are also estimated through the people willingness to change their eating behaviour. The importance of putting in place end-of-pipe and energy measures in order to reduce ammonia and methane emissions from the breeding activities, going further the current EU legislation on air quality and climate, is emphasized.

Multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms: a review of recently approved antibiotics and novel pipeline agents.

Background The discovery of antibiotics several decades ago was a defining moment in history. They were used to treat previously incurable diseases and save many lives. However, the use of antibiotics is not benign. Antibiotic resistance occurs due to the natural evolution of bacteria and gene transfer between bacteria via vertical and horizontal routes, resulting in protective mechanisms that render antibacterial agents ineffective. Aim of the review To list and describe current, novel pipeline antibiotics indicated for multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. This review discusses the limited number of novel pipeline drugs available to combat the rapidly increasing number of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the need for initiatives to research and discover more novel antibiotics. Method A search of MEDLINE/PubMed using the search terms antibacterial pipeline OR antibiotic pipeline including publications between 1 January 2018 through 23 January 2020 resulted in 230 items. The results obtained were narrowed by adding the search term AND multi-drug resistant which resulted in 12 items. Then, ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for phase 2-3 "interventional" trials registered between 1 January 2018 and 23 January 2020 with the status "recruiting" or "completed" function and including World Health Organization-defined priority pathogens in the "condition or disease" field. The search process was then completed by introducing the term antibacterial agents in the "other terms" field. The trials search and selection resulted in 13 items. Relevant English-language studies and those conducted in humans were considered. Those drugs belonging to new antibiotic classes or to antibiotic classes already known but with new chemical structure were defined as "novel antibiotics". Results The studies selected and reviewed were those referring to a novel antibiotics. Thus, from MEDLINE/PubMed, we found only 1 item referred to a novel chemical class (Murepavadin n = 1). From ClinicalTrials.gov a total of 4 citations were identified (Ftortiazinon n = 1, Zoliflodacin n = 1, Gepotidacin n = 1, ETX2514 + sulbactam n = 1). Conclusion The antibiotics annually approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mostly belong to existing classes of antibiotics and have specific indications, limiting their use in many multidrug-resistant infections. There are limited novel drug classes targeting gram-negative infections in the pipeline. Providers must be vigilant with the use of current antibiotics, especially until research and development (R&D) advancements are made.

Characterization of microplastic litter in the gastrointestinal tract of Solea solea from the Adriatic Sea.

Micro-plastic particles in the world's oceans represent a serious threat to both human health and marine ecosystems. Once released into the aquatic environment plastic litter is broken down to smaller pieces through photo-degradation and the physical actions of waves, wind, etc. The resulting particles may become so small that they are readily taken up by fish, crustaceans and mollusks. There is mounting evidence for the uptake of plastic particles by marine organisms that form part of the human food chain and this is driving urgent calls for further and deeper investigations into this pollution issue. The present study aimed at investigating for the first time the occurrence, amount, typology of microplastic litter in the gastrointestinal tract of Solea solea and its spatial distribution in the northern and central Adriatic Sea. This benthic flatfish was selected as it is a species of high commercial interest within the FAO GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) area 37 (Mediterranean and Black Sea) where around 15% of the overall global Solea solea production originates. The digestive tract contents of 533 individuals collected in fall during 2014 and 2015 from 60 sampling sites were examined for microplastics. These were recorded in 95% of sampled fish, with more than one microplastic item found in around 80% of the examined specimens. The most commonly found polymers were polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and polyamide, 72% as fragments and 28% as fibers. The mean number of ingested microplastics was 1.73 ± 0.05 items per fish in 2014 and 1.64 ± 0.1 in 2015. PVC and PA showed the highest densities in the northern Adriatic Sea, both inshore and off-shore while PE, PP and PET were more concentrated in coastal areas with the highest values offshore from the port of Rimini.

Spatial pattern and weight of seabed marine litter in the northern and central Adriatic Sea.

The present study analyzes spatial distribution and typology of marine litter on the seabed in the FAO Geographical Sub-Area 17 (northern and central Adriatic Sea). Two surveys were conducted during fall 2011 and 2012 and 67 stations were sampled each year. Litter items were collected using the "rapido" trawl, a modified beam trawl commonly used by the Italian fishermen to catch flat fish and other benthic species. Marine litter in the catches was sorted and classified in 6 major categories (plastic, metal, glass, rubber, wood, other). Plastic litter was further subdivided in 3 sub-categories based on its source: fishing nets, aquaculture nets and other. Plastic was dominant in terms of weight followed by metal and other categories. The highest concentration of litter was found close to the coast likely as a consequence of high coastal urbanization, river inflow and extensive navigation associated with the morphological and hydrological features of the basin.

Chemical stability of tramadol hydrochloride injection admixed with selected pain drugs.

BACKGROUND: Tramadol hydrochloride (HCl) and ketorolac tromethamine are analgesic drugs, which are commonly used in combination in postoperative pain management. According to some studies, metoclopramide and magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) as adjuvant agents can improve analgesia and decrease the need for other pain drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical stability of tramadol HCl combined with ketorolac tromethamine and metoclopramide HCl has been studied using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay method. Calibration curves were produced using linear regression of the peak area against concentration of each drug, with an r(2) value ≥ 0.96. Our aim was to investigate the stability of admixture solution of tramadol HCl combined with ketorolac tromethamine and metoclopramide HCl for 48 h (25°C) and 5 days (5°C), with MgSO(4), which has never been assessed. RESULTS: Data obtained for admixtures prepared and stored at temperatures of 25°C and 5°C, show that all drugs have reached at least 98% of the initial concentration. CONCLUSIONS: For the purpose of pre-preparing drug admixtures to use with confidence, tramadol HCl infusions may be prepared in advance and then thawed before use in clinical units. On the basis of our results, the intravenous mixture of tramadol (7.69 mg/mL), metoclopramide (0.19 mg/mL), ketorolac (1.15 mg/mL), and magnesium sulfate (77 mg/mL) may be considered for a possible commercial formulation.

Physical and chemical characteristics of donkey meat from Martina Franca breed.

The rheological and chemical characteristics of meat obtained from 12 Martina Franca donkey males, slaughtered at 14months of age and a mean final body weight of 169kg were determined. Meat samples were taken four days post mortem from muscles Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and Biceps femoris, colorimetric parameters were measured to determine L(∗) (lightness), a(∗) (redness), b(∗) (yellowness) and chroma. The Longissimus was significantly lighter (P<0.05) compared to the Biceps femoris, with L(∗) indexes of 35.86 and 31.34, respectively. Fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat showed a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in both muscles, respectively 25.16g/100g total fatty acids in the Longissimus and 24.97g/100g total fatty acids in the Biceps femoris; oleic acid and palmitic acid were the two most abundant fatty acids in both muscles. The percentages of essential amino acids were higher in both muscles compared with the total amino acid content, respectively 52.88% in the Longissimus, and 51.26% in the Biceps femoris. The high level of unsaturation of the intramuscular fat resulted in a high ratio of unsaturated to saturated fat, and the total amount of essential amino acids, exceeding 50% of the total amino acids showed that donkey meat from a health point of view is a good alternative to traditional red meats.

Quality of donkey meat and carcass characteristics.

A study based on 15 entire donkey males was carried out to evaluate carcass quality and nutritional characteristics of meat obtained by these animals slaughtered at 15 months of age and a mean final body weight of 181kg. The meat had a low (2.02g/100g) fat content, an appreciable (22.8g/100g) protein content, and cholesterol content was 68.7mg/100g. Glycogen was also determined (0.45g/100g) within 12h of sampling. Potassium was the mineral with the highest content (343mg/100g), followed by phosphorus (212mg/100g), sodium (52mg/100g) and magnesium (24mg/100g). Donkey meat obtained from young animals can be considered a good alternative to other red meats and not only for the production salami, or other fermented meat products.

Tenderness evaluation and mineral levels of llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Lama pacos) meat.

Tenderness and mineral levels were determined in the Longissimus thoracis taken from 20 llama and 30 alpaca males reared in Peru and slaughtered at 25 months of age. Mineral contents were determined using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer. Tenderness evaluation was determined two and seven days post slaughter using a Warner-Bratzler shear force device. Potassium is the mineral with the highest content, with a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two species of camelids. The other mineral contents were, in decreasing order, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and calcium, in addition to smaller percentages of zinc and iron. Shear force values determined seven days post slaughter were significantly (P<0.01) lower in both the species compared with the results obtained two days post slaughter.

Meat fatty acid composition of llama (Lama glama) reared in the Andean highlands.

This study reports the results of the chemical analysis of the Longissimus thoracis and lumborum taken from 20 llama males, reared in the Andean highlands. The animals were slaughtered at 25 months and had a mean final body weight of 63kg. Llama meat shows a low fat (3.51%) and cholesterol content (56.29mg/100g). The fatty acid composition in llama meat contains 50.34% saturated fatty acids, 42.48% monounsaturated fatty acids and 7.18% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Llama meat appears to be a healthy alternative red meat choice.

Meat and carcass quality from Peruvian llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Lama pacos).

An experiment based on 20 llama males and 40 alpaca males reared in Peru has been carried out with the aim to evaluate the live growth performances, carcass quality, the nutritional characteristics of meat from animals slaughtered at 25 months of age, and to determine the physical and chemical parameters of meat obtained from these animals. The live body weights registered during the 25 months of the experiment were significantly lower in alpaca compared with llama. In llama carcasses were significantly higher both warm and cold carcass weight (P<0.001) but dressing percentage was higher in alpacas (P<0.01). The glycolityc fine-course was very similar both in llama and in alpaca muscle Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum. Chemical composition of muscle Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum taken from llama and alpaca carcasses was significantly different (P<0.01) in ash content; cholesterol content was significantly higher (P<0.001) in llama meat compared with alpaca.

Tenderization of wether lambs meat through pre-rigor infusion of calcium ions.

A study involving 36 wether lamb carcasses was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of 0.3 M CaCl(2) injection on final tenderness in muscle Longissimus thoracis et lumborum. Injection of wether lamb carcasses with CaCl(2) accelerated the post mortem tenderization process. Both control and distilled water injected animals had similar Ca(2+)-dependent proteases (µ-calpain and m-calpain) and their inhibitor (calpastatin) activities, whereas these were all significantly decreased in CaCl(2) injected animals. The effect of CaCl(2) injection on tenderness was recorded by measuring shear force values 2 and 6 days post mortem. Tenderness was significantly improved by CaCl(2) injection at both at 2 and 6 days post mortem. It was concluded that activation of µ-calpain and m-calpain was responsible for the observed post mortem proteolysis and tenderization.

Low voltage electrical stimulation of lamb carcasses: effects on meat quality.

The effects of an early post mortem low voltage electrical stimulation (28 V, 60 Hz) on biochemical changes and on final tenderness in muscles Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and Semimembranosus from lamb carcasses were studied. It was shown that electrical stimulation accelerated the glycolytic process resulting in a significant fall in pH during the first 6 h post mortem in both muscles examined and in a significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in muscle Longissimus thoracis et lumborum. The effect of electrical stimulation on tenderness was recorded by measuring shear force values 2 and 7 days post mortem. Tenderness was significantly improved by electrical stimulation for the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum both at 2 and at 7 days post mortem, while for Semimembranosus electrical stimulation significantly increased tenderness just at 7 days post mortem.

Effect of temperature and diet composition on residue depletion of oxytetracycline in cultured channel catfish.

Oxytetracycline is an antibacterial agent widely used in fish farming. The normal method of administration of oxytetracycline to the fish is to mix the drug into the feed. As a consequence, the concentration of the drug in feed, together with the preparation and the composition of feed, can influence the disposition of the drug itself. An experimental study was carried out to evaluate the residue depletion of oxytetracycline from muscle tissue of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fed different medicated diets. Three hundred channel catfish were randomly divided into six tanks (50 fish per tank), maintained at water temperatures of 18 degrees C (three tanks) and 23 degrees C (three tanks). The animals were fed with three diets, differing in their energy content and composition, for the duration of the experiment oxytetracycline was added to the diets at a level of 7500 mg kg-1 for 7 d. After cessation of the treatment, five fish from each tank were killed on days 1, 3, 8, 13, 18, 24, 30, 35 and 40. Oxytetracycline residues in muscle tissue were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results indicate that the energy level and chemical composition of the medicated diets administered to channel catfish influence oxytetracycline disposition in fish, and that temperature is an important factor in conditioning the reported dietary effects. Therefore, formulation of specific diets to administer drugs to farmed fish could assure better bioavailability of the chemotherapeutant and shorter withdrawal times.