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Biomedical subjects

M Bianchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Bianchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Isolation rearing induces recognition memory deficits accompanied by cytoskeletal alterations in rat hippocampus.

Social isolation from weaning affects hippocampal structure and function in the rat. The intrinsic dynamic instability of the cytoskeletal microtubular system is essential for neuronal development and organization. Accordingly, the present paper investigated the effects of social isolation on hippocampal levels of alpha-tubulin isoforms associated with microtubule dynamics, the dendritic marker MAP-2 and alterations in locomotor activity and recognition memory. Male Lister Hooded rats (postnatal day 25-28) were housed either in groups or singly (isolated animals) for 30 days. Locomotor activity in a novel arena and novel object recognition were monitored in activity boxes. The hippocampus was dissected out 18 h after the novel object recognition task. Levels of alpha-tubulin isoforms and MAP-2 were analysed using Western blots. The experiments were conducted in duplicate, using two batches of rats obtained from different suppliers. Isolated animals were hyperactive and showed recognition memory deficits in the novel object recognition task. These behavioural alterations were accompanied by specific alterations in hippocampal alpha-tubulin isoforms and decreased MAP-2 expression. The results confirm that rearing rats in isolation produces hyperactivity and cognitive deficits. The behavioural alterations were accompanied by hippocampal cytoskeletal changes consistent with microtubule stabilization, and by decreased MAP-2 expression. These findings are indicative of an abnormal development of synaptic connections and/or reductions in neuronal cell number. The developmental structural abnormalities in the hippocampus may contribute to the cognitive impairments which result from isolation rearing in rats.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2006

The influence of genotype, market live weight, transportation, and holding conditions prior to slaughter on broiler breast meat color.

A study was conducted to determine the influence of genotype, market live weight, transportation time, holding time, and temperature on broiler breast fillet color under commercial processing in Italy. Color was evaluated using a Minolta Chroma Meter (Minolta Chroma Meter CR-300, Minolta Italia S.p.A., Milano, Italy) on a total of 6,997 broiler breast fillets (Pectoralis major muscle) from 79 different flocks chosen at random during a 6-mo period. The flocks were represented by Ross 508 and Cobb 500 genotypes of both genders, processed at different ages, and subjected to different antemortem conditions during transport and holding. Ross 508 broilers exhibited a lower hue angle (H*) than did Cobb 500 (45.12 vs. 48.52; P < 0.01). With regard to the market live weight of broilers, the heavier birds (>3.3 kg) produced a darker breast meat (L* = 51.67) than did the lighter birds (<3.0 and 3.0 to 3.3 kg; L* = 52.63 and 52.84, respectively) (P < 0.001). The breast fillets from birds transported for the shortest distance (<40 km) exhibited a higher (P < 0.01) breast meat redness (a*; 3.59) when compared with transport distances of 40 to 210 or >210 km (a* = 3.28 and 3.04, respectively). The shortest holding time (<6 h) produced the highest (P < 0.05) L* values (52.84) compared with holding periods of 6 to 9 h and >9 h (L* = 52.12 and 52.04, respectively). Furthermore, an increase of both meat a* and saturation (C*) was observed with the advance in holding time. The holding temperature significantly affected the meat color. Breast fillets from birds held at <12 degrees C was darker (L* = 51.32) than fillets from birds held at 12 to 18 degrees C (L* = 52.85) or >18 degrees C (L* = 53.11) (P < 0.001). Moreover, the increase in holding temperature (<12 degrees C vs. 12 to 18 degrees C vs. >18 degrees C) also determined a lower breast meat a* (3.77 vs. 3.12 vs. 2.72, respectively; P < 0.001), b* (3.72 vs. 3.41 vs. 3.37, respectively; P < 0.05), C*, and H*. In conclusion, the holding time and temperature exerted the most important effect on broiler breast meat color. However, other factors, such as genotype, live weight, and transportation, may influence breast meat color.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2006

The occurrence of deep pectoral myopathy in roaster chickens.

A study was conducted to determine the incidence of deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) in male roaster chickens reared under intensive conditions, processed at different ages (from 47 to 65 d of age), and belonging to 2 commercial genotypes (Ross 508 and Cobb 500). The study was carried out in a major Italian processing plant on a total of 120,700 male roaster chickens chosen at random from 151 flocks during a 6-mo period. The evaluation of DPM was performed on pectoralis minor muscles and consisted of a visual assessment of the presence or absence of the myopathy as well as the scoring of muscle damage level as being in an "early" (hemorrhagic appearance) or "old" (gray or green discoloration) developing stage. The average incidence of carcasses affected by DPM was found to be 0.84% (0.62 and 0.22% in early and old stages, respectively). The range in the incidence of total DPM was fairly large and varied from 0 to 16.7%. Considerable variations were also observed for early (range: 0 to 12.0%) and old (range: 0 to 5.6%) developing stages. Considering the effect of genotype, Ross 508 exhibited a higher incidence of DPM in respect to Cobb 500 (1.27 vs. 0.35%; P < or = 0.01). This result was due to the higher incidence of carcasses affected by both early (0.94 vs. 0.26%; P < or = 0.01) and old (0.33 vs. 0.09%; P < or = 0.01) developing stages of DPM in Ross 508 birds.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Preslaughter mortality in broiler chickens, turkeys, and spent hens under commercial slaughtering.

The incidence of dead on arrival (DOA) birds was surveyed over 33 broiler, 11 turkey, and 19 spent hen abattoirs representing the majority (around 70%) of the Italian poultry slaughter plants. Data were recorded monthly during a 4-yr period (August 2001 to July 2005), considering a total of 1266 million chicken broilers, 118 million turkeys, and 54 million spent hens, which represent 67.7, 84.0, and 28.4% of the national production, respectively. The overall average incidence of DOA was found to be 0.35, 0.38, and 1.22% in broilers, turkeys, and spent hens, respectively. The season significantly (P < or = 0.01) influenced the mortality of all considered poultry categories, with higher incidence being observed during the summer (0.47, 0.52, and 1.62% for broilers, turkeys, and spent layers, respectively). The incidence of DOA broilers was found to be lower in small slaughter plants compared with medium and large slaughter plants (0.28 vs. 0.38 and 0.35%, P < or = 0.01). The data obtained in this study might be used for establishing limit values of DOA as a welfare indicator during the preslaughter time of birds, including catching, loading, transportation, and lairage.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed2005

Social threat and novel cage stress-induced sustained extracellular-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation but differential modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus of NMRI mice.

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway has a key role in cell survival and brain plasticity, processes that are impaired following exposure to stressful situations. We have recently validated two repeated intermittent stress procedures in male NMRI mice, social threat and repeated exposure to a novel cage, which result in clear behavioral effects following 4 weeks of application. The present results demonstrate that both repeated intermittent stress procedures alter the activity of the ERK1/2 pathway in the brain, as shown by changes in phosphorylated ERK1/2 (phospho-ERK1/2) protein expression and in the expression of downstream proteins: phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in the hippocampus, the frontal cortex and the hypothalamus. The hippocampus showed greater responsiveness to stress as the two stressors increased phospho-ERK1/2 and BDNF expression under acute condition. Following repeated stress, hyperphosphorylation of ERK1/2 was associated with up-regulation of hippocampal BDNF expression in the social threat group but not in mice exposed to novel cage. This lack of a pro-survival effect of ERK1/2 with repeated novel cage exposure may constitute an early event in stress-mediated brain pathology. The sustained BDNF up-regulation in the hippocampi of mice subjected to repeated social threat could be related to rewarding aspects of aggressive interactions, suggested by our previous studies.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2005

Physical and functional properties of intact and ground pale broiler breast meat.

The functional and physical properties of intact and ground meat were determined during 4 replicate trials on a total of 180 pale [lightness (L*) > 53] and normal (46 < L* < 53) boneless, skinless breast fillets collected from 2 commercial processing plants. At 24 h postmortem, L*, redness (a*), yellowness (b*), and pH were determined on each fillet. The left fillet from each breast was ground and used to determine cook loss (CL) and Allo-Kramer (AK) shear on meat patties as well as moisture uptake (MU) and CL on meat slurries before and after adjustment to the normal meat pH of 5.9. The right fillet from each breast was kept intact and used to determine expressible moisture (EM), CL, and AK shear on the intact meat. Compared with normal fillets, pale fillets exhibited significantly higher L* values, lower ultimate pH (5.67 vs. 5.94), higher AK (3.5 vs. 2.9 kg/g), higher EM, lower MU, and higher CL measured on the intact fillets, ground meat patties, and meat slurries. Adjustment of the pH of the pale meat slurries to normal meat pH (5.9) resulted in a higher MU (11.05 vs. 3.69%), indicating a partial restoration of protein functionality. These results indicate that wide differences in raw broiler breast meat color, mainly due to differences in the muscle pH, are related to important variations in the water-holding and binding capacities of the meat. The effect of low meat pH can be partially ameliorated in ground meat by pH adjustment.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Clinical experience with retrievable vena cava filters: results of a prospective observational multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters offer the attractive possibility to be definitive or to be removed when they become unnecessary. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the likelihood to remove the retrievable IVC filter ALN. METHODS: A total of 30 patients (13 males and 17 females, mean age 57 +/- 15 years) underwent placement of ALN filters. Indications for implantation were acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) with a contraindication to anticoagulation in 26 cases (86%), primary prophylaxis after major trauma in two cases (7%) or before surgery in two patients with very high thromboembolic risk (7%). RESULTS: The filter was successfully placed in all patients. After a median follow-up of 18.2 months, there were three cases (10%) of trapped emboli within the filter, one case (3%) of asymptomatic migration of the filter toward the heart and two patients (7%) had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) recurrences. ALN retrieval was attempted through transjugular approach in 18 patients (60%) and the maneuver was successful in 14 of them (78%); when the decision of removal was taken more than 3 months after the implantation, the retrieval was possible only in four of eight patients (50%). The median implantation period was 123 days (range: 30-345). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows the efficacy of ALN filter; it also demonstrates the feasibility and safety of retrieval after a medium-term period of placement. Removal after 3 months after implantation can be unsuccessful and maximum implantation time requires further studies.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Neuronal plasticity, stress and depression: involvement of the cytoskeletal microtubular system?

In susceptible individuals, stressors can increase the risk of onset of depression and recent brain imaging studies have shown morphometric alterations in the limbic system of patients affected by depression. The volume loss observed in the hippocampus of depressed individuals suggests a possible involvement of structural neuronal plasticity in the pathogenesis of depression. Stressful conditions in animals can result in impaired structural neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, characterised by retraction of apical dendrites and decreased neurogenesis. The intrinsic dynamic instability of the cytoskeletal microtubular system is essential for neuronal remodelling and plasticity. We have recently shown that both acute and chronic stress decrease microtubular dynamics in the rat hippocampus. Other authors have demonstrated that proteins functionally involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics can be altered by stress in the rodent hippocampus. Furthermore, the existence of a link between stress-induced microtubular changes and depression is further strengthened by evidence showing that both acute and chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs can affect the expression of microtubular proteins. The present review will introduce a growing body of evidence suggesting that stress-induced alterations in neuronal plasticity might be considered the final result of activation and/or inhibition of molecular cascades regulating the dynamics of the microtubular system. In addition, the prospect of targeting microtubules as a pharmacotherapeutic approach to treat mood disorders will be discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Phytoestrogens possess a weak antioxidant activity on low density lipoprotein in contrast to the flavonoid quercetin in vitro in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Phytoestrogens are a family of plant-derived compounds with weak estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties. The antioxidant capacity of phytoestrogens has been proposed as one of the important mechanisms that explain their health benefits. OBJECTIVE: To determine the in vitro potency of three phytoestrogens, ubiquitous in food, (biochanin A, daidzein and genistein) as antioxidants of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and to compare them with the well-established antioxidant actions of estradiol and quercetin, an ubiquitous flavonoid which is found in high concentration in onions, tea and berries. METHODS: LDL was isolated by ultracentrifugation from the plasma of ten healthy postmenopausal women who were not on hormone therapy. Aliquots containing 0.5 mg of protein were incubated for 4 h with CuSO4 15 micromol/l to induce oxidative stress and with one of the five compounds studied: estradiol, quercetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein, in doses of 0, 5, 15, 50, 500, 1000 and 2000 micromol/l. In addition, we studied the combined effect of estradiol 1 micromol/l plus quercetin 1 micromol/l, comparing their antioxidant action with that of each compound separately. Malonaldehyde (MDE nmol/ mg protein) was measured as a marker of LDL oxidation. RESULTS: Estradiol and quercetin induced a dose-dependent decrease in MDE concentration (p < 0.01). Comparing the areas under the curve, the antioxidant effect of quercetin was 8 times higher than the one observed with estradiol (p < 0.01). A 50% decrease in MDE was reached by quercetin at a concentration of 3.4 micromol/l, estradiol at 29 micromol/l, genistein at 280 micromol/l, biochanin at 1312 mmol/l and daidzein at 8007 mmol/l. Estradiol 1 micromol/l and quercetin 1 micromol/l did not modify MDE generation separately, but, when incubated combined, there was a significant decrease of MDE (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The phytoestrogens studied showed a weak antioxidant activity in vitro. The flavonoid quercetin, in contrast, showed the most potent antioxidant activity in vitro, higher than estradiol. Estradiol and quercetin showed additive antioxidant activity. We speculate that different compounds with variable antioxidant effects could amplify their antioxidant capacity when acting combined.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2004

Color variation and characterization of broiler breast meat during processing in Italy.

The variation in broiler breast meat color (CIE values L*a*b*) that normally occurs during processing was evaluated on 6,997 broiler breast fillets (pectoralis major muscles) from 79 flocks using a Minolta Chroma Meter. The samples were randomly collected at 3 to 6 h postmortem from the deboning line at a single major Italian processing plant. In addition, 216 fillets were selected based on lightness (L*) values as being dark (L* < 50), normal (50 < or = L* < or = 56), or pale (L* > 56), and were analyzed for ultimate pH, intact and ground meat cooking loss, and shear value. The overall range in measured lightness (L*) was considerable and varied from 40 (dark) to 66 (pale), indicating that high breast meat color variation during processing could exist. Broiler breast meat during summer was found to be paler (+1.7 L* unit), less red (-1.0 a* unit), and less yellow (-0.7 b* unit) than breast meat samples collected during the winter, confirming that the incidence of pale meat is greater during summer as indicated by nonscientific observations of plant personnel. It was also determined that paler (L* > 56) breast meat is associated with lower ultimate pH and poorer water-holding capacity, whereas darker (L* < 50) breast meat is associated with higher muscle pH and cooking yield.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Locked nucleic acids (LNA): versatile tools for designing oligonucleotide decoys with high stability and affinity.

Double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing the consensus binding sequence of a transcription factor are valuable tools for the manipulation of gene expression at the transcriptional level by means of the decoy strategy. The approach involves flooding the cells with enough ODN decoy to compete for binding of the transcription factor with its consensus sequence in target genes. The technique has been proven effective in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its use in therapy. Therefore, great attention has been recently focused on chemical modifications enhancing biostability of the oligonucleotides so as to improve their pharmacological properties. Unfortunately, benefits in terms of nuclease resistance have been often negated by a decrease in the affinity and/or specificity of transcription factor binding. To circumvent these problems, circular dumbbell and chimeric decoy oligonucleotides, the latter comprising a central stretch of transcription factor recruiting deoxynucleotides flanked by modified nucleotides, have been introduced. Nevertheless, these approaches have the limitation of leaving the ODNs still sensitive to endonuclease cleavage. To address these concerns, we have recently investigated the use of a new class of nucleotide analogs termed locked nucleic acids (LNA) in the designing of decoy molecules for the transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). In this article, we review the advantages of LNA in the design of ODN decoys pointing to the feasibility of introducing modifications in the transcription factor binding sequence in order to obtain molecules with increased stability compared to end-capped ODNs, while remaining efficiently recognized by NF-kappaB.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2003

Repeated treatment with the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 reduces both hyperalgesia and production of pronociceptive mediators in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

The antinociceptive properties of cannabinoids in persistent pain are not fully elucidated. We investigated the effect of repeated treatment with the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 on the neuropathic pain induced in rats by chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve. WIN 55,212-2 administered daily throughout the development of neuropathy reversed the hyperalgesia, at a dose (0.1 mg x kg(-1), s.c.) that had no effect on the nociceptive responses of either paw contralateral to the sciatic ligation or of animals subjected to sham surgery. At 14 days after injury, the levels of mediators known to be involved in neuropathic pain, such as prostaglandin E2, NO and the neuronal NOS, were increased. Repeated treatment with WIN 55,212-2 abolished these increases. In the light of the current clinical need for neuropathic pain treatments, these findings indicate that cannabinoid agonists, at doses devoid of psychoactive effects, could constitute important compounds for the development of new analgesics.

Analgesics↗
PubMed2003

Opioid plasma concentration during switching from morphine to methadone: preliminary data.

Opioid switching is often used to improve the opioid response in cancer patients experiencing poor analgesia or adverse effects. However, no data are available on plasmatic changes of opioids and their metabolites during these phases, and whether there exists a relationship with the clinical events. In a prospective study of 10 consecutive cancer patients on oral morphine but with uncontrolled pain (greater >4 on a numerical scale of 0 to 10) and/or moderate to severe opioid adverse effects (on a level of 2 and 3 of a verbal scale) and not responsive to adjuvant medications, switching to oral methadone was performed using a fixed ratio of 5:1, leaving extra-doses of 1/5 of the daily dose of methadone calculated as needed. Blood samples were obtained at the same hour for four days, before the switching, and then on day 1, 2, and 3. The intensity of pain and the adverse effects were assessed daily to calculate the switching score before and after switching. Completed blood samples were obtained in 9 patients. One patient was separately considered, because of his renal impairment. Significant improvements in pain intensity as well as adverse effects within an average period of 1-2 days were observed. Morphine, morphine-6-glucuronide, and morphine-3-glucuronide were progressively cleared from plasma to almost disappear within three days. Methadone rapidly achieved a stable concentration in 1-2 days. The doses of methadone were changed, but not significantly, and tended to decrease in the following days, according to the clinical situation. The results of this study confirm the need to stop rapidly morphine, and to use a priming dose of methadone, rather than using progressive decrements and increments of morphine and methadone, respectively, during opioid switching. This method allows for a rapid clearance of morphine and its metabolites are rapidly cleared, except in patients with renal failure. Opioid plasma changes substantially overlap the clinical changes observed in these patients, in terms of benefit between analgesia and adverse effects.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

The immature stages of Phoracantha recurva Newman, 1842 and Phoracantha semipunctata Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) and a key to larvae of these species.

The description of the last instar larva and pupa of Phoracantha recurva Newman, 1842 and the redescription of the immature stages of Phoracantha semipunctata Fabricius, 1775 showing new characters of possible diagnostic value are presented in this work. A key of identification of both species based on these characters is also given.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

A therapeutic role for cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Recent studies indicate that the proinflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, an enzyme involved in inflammatory cascades but also normal neuronal activities, is elevated in the brain and spinal cord of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and ALS mouse model systems. On the basis of this evidence, we explored the impact of COX-2 inhibition on the onset and progression of ALS-like disease in the G93A human superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 mouse model of ALS. We found that prophylactic administration of nimesulide, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, in the feed resulted in a significant delay in the onset of ALS type motor impairment. This delay of ALS symptomatology temporally overlapped with the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 elevation in the spinal cord of SOD1-G93A transgenic mice relative to untreated SOD1-G93A controls. This study strongly supports a role for COX-2 in the pathophysiology of ALS and provides the first experimental evidence that prophylactic treatment with COX-2 inhibitors can significantly delay the onset of motor dysfunction in the SOD1-G93A transgenic mouse model of ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗