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The health benefits of nuts, mainly in relation to the improvement of dysmetabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the related cardiovascular diseases, have been widely demonstrated. Compared to other nuts, pistachios have a lower fat and caloric content, and contain the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids, potassium, γ-tocopherol, phytosterols and xanthophyll carotenoids, all substances that are well known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. This variety of nutrients contributes to the growing body of evidence that the consumption of pistachios improves health, leading to a greater potential of healthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, glycemic control, and endothelial function. The present review examines the nutrients and phytochemicals present in pistachios as well as the potential health benefits of including pistachios in a diet. Mechanisms by which pistachio consumption can positively affect the separate components of Metabolic Syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples (n = 485) of raw (n = 394) or heat-treated (n = 91) milk of three different species (cow, n = 170; sheep, n = 133; donkey, n = 84), collected 2013-2016 in Western Sicily (Southern Italy), were analyzed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive ELISA results were further analyzed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Both methods had a detection limit for AFM1 in milk of 7 ng kg−1. ELISA yielded 12.9 and 5% positives in cows and sheep milk, respectively, all samples of donkey milk were negative. Levels of AFM1 were in most cases at 0.007-< 0.05 μg kg−1, only two samples (sheep milk) slightly exceeded the European Union maximum level of 0.05 μg kg−1. Only 6% of the samples were positive for AFM1 in a concentration range of 0.008-0.15 μg kg−1. Only milk samples collected directly from farms were positive. Overall, the levels were much lower than previously reported for Southern Italy cow and sheep milk samples purchased in retail stores. The results of this work indicate a continuous improvement of the feeding techniques on dairy farms of Southern Italy, which is essential to ensure consumers' protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of a rapid LC-HRMS method was studied in order to find a sensitive and accurate, simple, cheap, and rapid method for screening and quantitative determination of malachite green (MG), leucomalachite green (LMG), brilliant green (BG), crystal violet (CV), and leucocrystal violet (LCV) in fish muscle. All the analytes were extracted using a mixture of acetonitrile and citrate buffer, while the cleanup phase was carried out by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method. All the data analyzed were acquired using both full MS and dd-MS modes. Good specificity, precision (relative standard deviation <11% for each sample tested), recovery (10-60%), decision limit (CCα between 0.55 and 0.62 μg kg), detection capabilities (CCβ between 0.65 and 0.78 μg kg), and ruggedness were achieved for the reliability of the method. Satisfactory results were obtained during the linearity test in the range of 0.10-2 ng mL ( r > 0.999). Best recoveries were obtained by the QuEChERS cleanup method for all the analytes examined, presenting values between 70 and 104%. The application of 70,000 FWHM mass resolution and narrow mass windows significantly improved the selectivity of the method, leading to simultaneous screening and quantification of dye residues in comparison to other methods proposed in literature. The optimized method proposed in this work enables a simple and fast preparation; it offers exceptional sensitivity and selectivity and maximizes efficiency and reproducibility with a low consumption of reagents. Finally, the present method was successfully employed to detect dye residues in 73 fish samples, as provided for the national residue control plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 205 bluefin and yellowfin tuna samples were examined for mercury detection in order to verify possible differences and have a detailed risk assessment of the two tuna species. The results showed significant higher mercury concentration in muscle tissue of bluefin tuna respect yellowfin tuna (p < 0.001) with mean concentration of 0.84 mg/kg and maximum value of 1.94 mg/kg. These differences can be due the different biological and ecological aspects of the two tuna species and to different oceanographic aspects between Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea. The results obtained in this study suggest an advisable containment of the sources of pollution and further studies on the closed-loop farming of bluefin tuna, in order to ensure the product safety. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The decline of pollinating species is correlated to the extensive use of neonicotinoids against pest insects for crop protection. In this study, the concentrations of neonicotinoid insecticides were determined in honeybees, honeycomb and honey samples, collected in Spring 2015 (blooming period) from different areas in Sicily (IT), to carry out an evaluation of bees products’ safety and an overview of neonicotinoid contamination in beekeeping. The results obtained showed only the presence of clothianidin in bee samples and these concentrations don’t represent a risk for bees’ vitality and safety. The absence of residue in all honey samples, instead, showed the quality of bee products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to investigate mercury accumulation in some species, caught in Mediterranean Sea, in the period between May and December 2015, and to compare it to the presence of Anisakis parasites. The samples were examined by direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80) for their Hg levels. The metal concentration was compared to the presence or the absence of Anisakis parasites. Significant differences in Hg concentration in analysed samples were observed. The low-infested fishes contained 1–6 larvae of parasites whereas the high-infested one had 7–83 larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A simple and efficient method was developed for simultaneous analysis of five illegal residual β2-agonists in cattle hair. β2-Agonists were quantified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry operating in positive multiple-reaction monitoring mode. The method was validated as quantitative confirmatory method according to the EU Decision 2002/657/EC: instrumental linearity, specificity, precision, recovery, decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) were evaluated. The recovery were greater than 90% and the method appeared suitable for the control of these β2-agonists in cattle hair samples with LOQ values between 4.9 and 5.5 μg/kg. This method could represent a simple and cheap approach to confirm β2-agonists contamination of cattle for feeding in a not invasive way and before slaughter operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NMR spectroscopy has become an experimental technique widely used in food science. The experimental procedures that allow precise and quantitative analysis on different foods are relatively simple. For a better sensitivity and resolution, NMR spectroscopy is usually applied to liquid sample by means of extraction procedures that can be addressed to the observation of particular compounds. For the study of semisolid systems such as intact tissues, High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) has received great attention within the biomedical area and beyond. Metabolic profiling and metabolism changes can be investigated both in animal organs and in foods. In this work we present a proton HR-MAS NMR study on the typical vegetable foods of Mediterranean diet such as the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cherry tomato of Pachino, the PGI Interdonato lemon of Messina, several Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) extra virgin olive oils from Sicily, and the Traditional Italian Food Product (PAT) red garlic of Nubia. We were able to identify and quantify the main metabolites within the studied systems that can be used for their characterization and authentication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey on 73 milk samples from different animal breeds and 24 dairy products samples from Sicily, Italy, was carried out for the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) by LC-fluorescence detection after immunoaffinity cleanup. AFM1 was detected in 48% and 42% of the milk and dairy samples at concentration ranges between <5.0-16.0 and <5.0-18.0 ng L-1, respectively. Within the raw milk samples, 92% had an AFM1 content below 5.0 ng L-1, in 7% of the cases it was in the range 5.0-10.0 ng L-1 and 1% was contaminated between 10.0 and 20.0 ng L-1. For the dairy products, ultra-high-temperature treated (UHT) milk, milk cream and cheese, the incidence was 42%, of which 83% contained less than 5.0 ng L-1 and 17% contained 10.0-20.0 ng L-1 AFM1. The levels of contamination found justify continuous monitoring for public health and to reduce consumer exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Umbilical hernia in swine is a congenital condition that may require surgical treatment. Locoregional anesthesia is commonly used in livestock to provide analgesia for surgery. However, the relatively low pH of inflamed tissue may reduce, slow down, or compromise the efficacy of local anesthetics. Phlegmon, ulcers, and dermatitis are very common lesions in livestock, that result in an inflammatory process with pH reduction of the tissues. Consequently, a locally effective opioid may replace or compliment the analgesic efficacy of local anesthetics. Tramadol is a weak opioid with good analgesic efficacy and few side effects. The results of the study showed that tramadol could be used for pain management in livestock. The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of tramadol and lidocaine for local anesthesia during umbilical hernia repair in swine. The study was performed on 66 large white crossbred swine. The swine received a mixture of tiletamine/zolazepam at 5 mg/kg and romifidine at 80 µg/kg, administered intramuscularly. Then, they were divided into three groups (n = 22) that received different treatments with lidocaine at 4 mg/kg and tramadol at 4 mg/kg. The LL group received lidocaine both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. The LT group received lidocaine by infiltration of the surgical planes and tramadol intraperitoneally. The TT group received tramadol both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. In all groups, the infiltration of the surgical planes into the umbilical region involved both the skin and muscle planes. Heart rate, noninvasive arterial blood pressure, and respiratory frequency were recorded during surgery. The response to the surgical stimulus was evaluated using a cumulative pain scale (the cut-off point for rescue analgesia was set to 10). Postoperative pain was assessed using the UNESP-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (the cut-off point was set to 4). The trend of physiological variables was adequate for patients under anesthesia. No subject required intraoperative and postoperative rescue analgesia. Tramadol could therefore be used for pain management in livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of a cervical distraction–stabilization technique using an intervertebral anchored fusion device (C-LOX) combined with a locking compression plate (LCP plate) for the treatment of disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) in dogs, based on clinical and radiographical follow-up data. Thirteen dogs affected by DA-CSM were included in the study. After the surgical procedure, an improvement in neurological status was documented in 9/13 cases. This cervical distraction–stabilization technique seems to be a valuable surgical alternative to treat this canine pathology. Canine disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) is a form of caudal CSM, characterized by the compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots due to an intervertebral disc protrusion. It is more frequent in large canine breeds. A variety of surgical techniques has been proposed for DA-CSM. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of a cervical distraction–stabilization technique using an intervertebral anchored fusion device (C-LOX) combined with a locking compression plate (LCP plate) for the treatment of DA-CSM in dogs, based on clinical and radiographical follow-up data. Thirteen dogs affected by DA-CSM were included in the study. After the surgical procedure, an improvement in neurological status was documented in 9/13 cases. This cervical distraction–stabilization technique seems to be a valuable surgical alternative to treat this canine pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of cattle, many surgical and diagnostic procedures are often performed in cattle using standing sedation and local blocks combined with mild physical restraint. However, some procedures (e.g., abdominal surgery) are not suitable candidates for standing surgeries and are performed more easily and more safely with general anesthesia. The severity and clinical relevance of ruminants pain is probably often underestimated. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of tramadol administered intravenously either as a bolus or a slow injection in romifidine-sedated calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Intramuscular administration of romifidine followed by tramadol either as an IV bolus or an IV slow injection provided suitable myorelaxation, deep sedation and adequate analgesia to perform umbilical hernia repair. Umbilical hernias in calves occur with relative frequency. Most abdominal surgeries can be performed in cattle using standing sedation and local blocks. Romifidine is widely used in calves, alone or in combination with opioids. Tramadol administered as an intravenous slow injection provided better analgesia than an IV bolus in cows. The aim of the present study was to compare the response to surgical stimulus, and sedative effects of tramadol administered intravenously either as a bolus or a slow injection in romifidinesedated calves. Twenty Frisian calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair received romifidine (0.08 mg/kg IM; time 0) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg IV) 5 min later either as a bolus (n = 10, B group) or a slow injection over 10 min (n = 10, SI group). Surgical area was infiltrated with lidocaine (4 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic, dyastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), sedation scores and response to surgical stimulus were recorded for up to 55 min. After the calves recovered a standing position, postoperative pain scores were assessed for up to 50 min. Sedation scores were significantly higher in the SI group than in the B group at 55 min (p < 0.05). HR, RR, SAP and response to surgical stimulus were significantly higher in the B group than in the SI group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in postoperative pain scores between groups (p > 0.05). Romifidine IM followed by intravenous tramadol, as a bolus or slow injection and local infiltration with lidocaine provided adequate sedation and analgesia in calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tramadol produces a significant reduction in both sevoflurane and isoflurane minimum alveolar concentrations in dogs under experimental conditions. This study aims to compare the effects of tramadol administered as a constant rate infusion (CRI) with those of tramadol administered as a single intravenous bolus on physiological parameters and isoflurane requirements in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Methods: In this study, forty female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy were enrolled. The bitches were anesthetized with 5 mg/kg of tiletamine/zolazepam combined with 0.05 mg/kg of acepromazine intravenously. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane delivered in 100% oxygen. The group A (n = 20) received tramadol 4 mg/kg in a single intravenous bolus, whereas the group B (n = 20) received tramadol 1.5 mg/kg in an intravenous bolus followed by tramadol 2.6 mg/kg/h as a CRI. The following parameters were recorded: heart rate, respiratory rate, non-invasive blood pressure, body temperature, EtCO2, SpO2 and inspired and expired concentrations of isoflurane. Parameter measurements were performed from pre-preedication (baseline) to skin suturing. Results: The dogs were healthy subjects that demonstrated no abnormalities on laboratory investigations. Significant tachycardia was recorded after administration of tiletamine/zolazepam combined with acepromazine in both groups. Heart rate decreased after intubation but remained significantly higher compared to baseline values in both groups. Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in both groups but the recorded values were within the physiological range. Mild reduction in body temperature was recorded in both groups. SpO2 and EtCO2 remained within the physiological range. Isoflurane requirement was significantly lower in the group B compared to the group A. Transient twitching was recorded in two dogs belonging to the group A after tramadol administration. Conclusions: Compared to tramadol given as a single intravenous bolus injection during ovariohysterectomy in dogs, tramadol administered as a CRI reduces isoflurane requirements in dogs anesthetized with tiletamine/zolazepam combined with acepromazine. Both tramadol given as a CRI and a single intravenous bolus injection, induce decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate and in body temperature but the values of these parameters remain within physiological range in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Regional anaesthesia techniques are widely used for eye surgery and include retrobulbar and peribulbar anaesthesia; they promote adequate positioning of the eyeball. Peribulbar injection of cisatracurium and levobupivacaine provides effective akinesia and mydriasis, and shortens the onset of akinesia by prolonging its duration, without side effects and systemic neuromuscular blockade. The aims of the study included evaluating the effects of levobupivacaine combined with cisatracurium on akinesia and mydriasis when administered by peribulbar injection, and evaluating if the chosen dose of cisatracurium is enough to avoid the use of systemic neuromuscular blockade in cats. The animals were divided into four groups as follows: group L received 1.25 mg kg−1 levobupivacaine administered by peribulbar injection; group LC received the same dose of levobupivacaine combined with 0.01 mg kg−1 of cisatracurium administered by peribulbar injection; group C received 0.01 mg kg−1 of cisatracurium administered by peribulbar injection; group GC received 0.01 mg kg−1 of cisatracurium intravenously. Physiological variables, intraocular pressure, akinesia, and mydriasis were measured before and up to 30 min after peribulbar injection. The onset of akinesia, duration of akinesia, and train of four (TOF) were evaluated. Physiological variables remained in the physiological range in all groups. Effective akinesia and mydriasis were observed in all groups. The (TOF) was 0.9 in all groups. Throughout the study was observed in group LC a shortened onset of akinesia and a prolonging its duration. The peribulbar injection of cisatracurium and levobupivacaine provided effective akinesia and mydriasis, and shortened the onset of akinesia while prolonging its duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gas anesthesia is widely used in clinical practice; it results in better management of the surgical patient by reducing the risks attached to anesthesia. Neuromuscular blockers, such as cisatracurium besylate, result in muscle relaxation of varying dose-dependent duration; however, they do not have analgesic and hypnotic efficacy, which is the reason of the combination with analgesic and anesthetic substances. The present study aimed to evaluate the possible reduction of anesthetic drugs used in bitches undergoing mastectomy surgery. The results obtained showed that the cisatracurium resulted in a good degree of myorelaxation without the manifestation of side effects and, more importantly, allowed the reduction of anesthetics used for induction (propofol) and maintenance (sevoflurane) of anesthesia. The possibility of reducing the doses of the drugs used maintaining also a good anesthesia enriches the scenario of different protocols that can be used in the canine patient. The purpose of the present study was to test whether the addition of cisatracurium in combination with propofol and sevoflurane would result in a change in doses of used anesthetic drugs. Ten dogs (Group A) undergoing elective unilateral mastectomy surgery were included in the study. To induce and maintain anesthesia, subjects received propofol and sevoflurane at varying doses; analgesia was performed with remifentanil. After three months, the same subjects (Group B) underwent contralateral mastectomy and received the same anesthetic protocol with the addition of cisatracurium at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg−1. The following parameters were monitored during anesthesia: heart rate, systolic blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, oxygen saturation, halogenate requirement, and rectal temperature at baseline (T0), induction (T1), 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 20 (T20), 25 (T25), 30 (T30), and 35 (T35) time points. In Group A, halogenate requirement was reduced at all the time points other than T1 (p < 0.001); in Group B, the percentage of halogenate requirement was already reduced at T1 and remained constant during the experimental period, showing no significant intragroup differences. The dose requirements of sevoflurane and propofol varied significantly between the two groups, with significantly lower dosages in the Group B (the cisatracurium-treated group). Moreover, patients treated with cisatracurium showed a stable anesthetic plan. The nondepolarizing-muscle-relaxant cisatracurium besylate could be considered a useful adjunct to anesthetic protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Drugs released into the aquatic environment create serious problems for the organisms that live there. For this reason, the present study investigates the in vitro effects of the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole, widely found in wastewater, on the fertilization and development of the Arbacia lixula sea urchin. The results showed a significant reduction in the percentage of fertilized oocytes at the highest drug concentrations, together with an increase in anomalies and delays in the development of the embryo. Therefore, the data obtained suggest urgent intervention on the release of these drugs in order to prevent important alterations in the species' development and to preserve biodiversity. To date, drugs released into the aquatic environment are a real problem, and among antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole is the one most widely found in wastewater; thus, the evaluation of its toxicity on marine organisms is very important. This study, for the first time, investigates the in vitro effects of 4 concentrations of sulfamethoxazole (0.05 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 50 mg/L) on the fertilization and development of the sea urchin Arbacia lixula. The gametes were exposed to drugs in three different stages: simultaneously with, prior to, and post-fertilization. The results show a significant reduction in the percentage of fertilized oocytes at the highest drug concentrations. Moreover, an increase in anomalies and delays in embryo development following the treatment with the drug was demonstrated. Therefore, the data suggest that this antibiotic can alter the development of marine organisms, making it urgent to act to reduce their release and to determine the concentration range with the greatest impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Commission Regulation (EC) Regulation N. 488/2014, established the concentration limits for cadmium in specific products based on cocoa and chocolate products as from January 2019. Based on this information there is a need to determine ultratrace levels of elements that might be presents in cocoa and chocolate products. In this work, the concentrations of Arsenic, Antimony, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Selenium and Vanadium were evaluated in cocoa powder and chocolate by the validation of an ICP-MS method. Good selectivity/specificity, recovery, repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility, LOD, LOQ, range of linearity, standard measurement uncertainty parameters for method validation were achieved, in accordance with Commission Regulation. The cocoa powder revealed the maximum metal concentrations of 0.303 ± 0.035 mg/kg for cadmium, 1.228 ± 0.146 mg/kg for lead and 0.094 ± 0.013 mg/kg for arsenic. A significant difference was found between cocoa powder and chocolate samples (p < .05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]