A high-density genome-wide approach reveals novel genetic markers linked to small ruminant lentivirus susceptibility in sheep.

Visna/Maedi virus (VMV) is lentiviral disease of sheep responsible for severe production losses. Multiple genomic regions associated with infection were reported indicating genetic complexity. In this study, a combined genome-wide approach using a high-density SNP array has been performed, comparing VMV-infected ( = 78) and non-infected ( = 66) individuals of the Valle del Belice breed.

Analysis of ddRAD-seq data provides new insights into the genomic structure and patterns of diversity in Italian donkey populations.

With more than 150 recognized breeds, donkeys assume relevant economic importance, especially in developing countries. Even if the estimated number of heads worldwide is 53M, this species received less attention than other livestock species. Italy has traditionally been considered one of the cradles of European donkey breeding, and despite a considerable loss of biodiversity, today still counts nine autochthonous populations.

Polymorphisms at Candidate Genes for Fat Content and Fatty Acids Composition: Effects on Sheep Milk Production and Fatty Acid Profile Using Two Dietary Supplementations.

The nutritional value of sheep's milk and its derivatives is influenced by the lipid fraction, which is affected by diet and genetics. This study aimed to explore the genetic variations in the and genes and assessed the impact of the genotype on milk quality in Valle del Belìce sheep, considering diet supplementation with carob pulp and barley grain. Among the potentially polymorphic sites, only g.

Genome-wide population structure, homozygosity, and heterozygosity patterns of Nero Siciliano pig in the framework of Italian and cosmopolitan breeds.

Analysis of genomic data is becoming more and more common for the effective management of livestock breeding programmes, even in the case of local populations. In this work, the genome-wide data of Nero Siciliano pig breed were compared to that of wild boar, Italian local and cosmopolitan breeds to investigate its genetic structure, and runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity patterns. The Nero Siciliano has been reported to have the highest rate of genetic diversity among the Italian breeds, and a genetic variability comparable to that of the cosmopolitan breeds.

Polymorphism at the Locus and Energy Intake Level Affect Milk Traits and Casein Profiles in Rossa Mediterranea Goats.

A total of twenty-seven Rossa Mediterranea lactating goats, consisting of nine homozygous for strong alleles (), twelve heterozygous () and six homozygous for weak alleles () at the locus, were used to evaluate the effect of genotype, diet and genotype × diet interaction on goat milk traits and casein profile. The goats were used in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, with three genotypes (, and ) and three different energy intake levels: high (H), medium (M) and low (L). The diets supplied a complete pelleted feed containing 65% of alfalfa hay, respectively, at 150%, 100% and 70% of the total energy requirements.

Alternative Molecular Tools for the Fight against Infectious Diseases of Small Ruminants: Native Sicilian Sheep Breeds and Maedi-Visna Genetic Susceptibility.

Maedi-visna (MV) is a disease caused by small ruminant lentiviruses. It is included in the list of notifiable terrestrial animal diseases due to economic losses and animal welfare harm in the sheep sector. To date, control programs remain the onliest approach to avoiding infection.

Genome-wide survey on three local horse populations with a focus on runs of homozygosity pattern.

Purosangue Orientale Siciliano, Sanfratellano and Siciliano represent the Sicilian equine genetic resource. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and the pattern of autozygosity of Sicilian horse populations using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data generated with the Illumina Equine SNP70 array. The genotyping data of 17 European and Middle East populations were also included in the study.

Feeding System Resizes the Effects of Polymorphism on Milk Traits and Fatty Acids Composition in Modicana Cows.

The interaction between genetic polymorphism and feeding system on milk traits and fatty acid composition was investigated in Modicana cows. Two K232A genotypes (AK and AA) and two feeding regimes, extensive system (EX) with 8 h of grazing without concentrate (EX) and semi-intensive systems (SI) with 2 h of grazing with concentrate, were investigated. genotype did not influence milk yield and composition.

Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Impedance Detection of DNA by Low-Cost and Disposable Au-Decorated NiO Nanowall Electrodes.

Nanostructured electrodes detecting bacteria or viruses through DNA hybridization represent a promising method, which may be useful in on-field applications where PCR-based methods are very expensive, time-consuming, and require trained personnel. Indeed, electrochemical sensors combine disposability, fast response, high sensitivity, and portability. Here, a low-cost and high-surface-area electrode, based on Au-decorated NiO nanowalls, demonstrates a highly sensitive PCR-free detection of a real sample of (Ma) DNA.

Effect of p.L127V Polymorphism and Feeding Systems on Milk Production Traits and Fatty Acid Composition in Modicana Cows.

Growth hormone participates in the regulation of lactation and lipid metabolism. A trial study was conducted to evaluate the effects of genetic polymorphism at GH p.L127V and its interaction with feeding system (extensive, EX; semi-intensive, SI) on milk traits and fatty acids composition in Modicana cows.

Validation of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Field Tool for Rapid and Sensitive Diagnosis of Contagious Agalactia in Small Ruminants.

Contagious agalactia (CA), an infectious disease of small ruminants, caused by , is responsible for severe losses to dairy sheep production with substantial socioeconomic impacts on small-scale farmers. The diagnosis of CA is still problematic, time-consuming and requires well-equipped labs for confirmation of outbreaks. Therefore, rapid, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tests are urgently needed.

Casein haplotype diversity in seven dairy goat breeds.

Selection, drift, gene flow and breeding have extensively shaped the genomic variability of domestic animals. In goat species, several mutations identified within the casein genes have been shown to affect the level of gene expression of milk production traits. The four casein genes - , , and - are organized in a cluster of 250 kb located in chromosome 6, and due to tight linkage, their genetic variability is well depicted by haplotypes which are transmitted to the progeny.

Polymorphism at donkey β-lactoglobulin II locus: identification and characterization of a new genetic variant with a very low expression.

In the last years, donkey milk had evidenced a renewed interest as a potential functional food and a breast milk substitute. In this light, the study of the protein composition assumes an important role. In particular, β-lactoglobulin (β-LG), which is considered as one of the main allergenic milk protein, in donkey species consists of two molecular forms, namely β-LG I and β-LG II.

Are Evidence-Based Guidelines Reflected in Clinical Practice? An Analysis of Prospectively Collected Data of the Italian Thyroid Cancer Observatory.

Objectives: The goal of evidence-based practice guidelines is to optimize the management of emerging diseases, such as differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The aim of this study was to assess therapeutic approaches for DTC in Italy and to see how closely these practices conformed to those recommended in the 2009 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines.

Methods: The Italian Thyroid Cancer Observatory was established to collect data prospectively on thyroid cancers consecutively diagnosed in participating centers (uniformly distributed across the nation).

Temporal Changes in Thyroid Nodule Volume: Lack of Effect on Paranodular Thyroid Tissue Volume.

Background: The term "nodular goiter" has long been used to refer to a nodular thyroid gland, based on the assumption that nodule growth may be associated with hyperplasia of the surrounding non-nodular tissue. The aim of this prospective, multicenter, observational study was to determine whether nodule growth is accompanied by growth in the non-nodular tissue.

Methods: Eight Italian thyroid-disease referral centers enrolled 992 consecutive patients with one to four benign nodules.

Papillary thyroid carcinomas with biochemical incomplete or indeterminate responses to initial treatment: repeat stimulated thyroglobulin assay to identify disease-free patients.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients treated with thyroidectomy and radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) often have detectable TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels without localizable disease after primary treatment. To assess the value of repeat stimulated Tg assays in these patients' follow-up, we retrospectively analyzed 86 cases followed in 5 Italian thyroid-cancer referral centers. We enrolled 86 patients with PTCs treated with total/near-total thyroidectomy plus RRA between January 1,1990 and January 31, 2006.

The natural history of benign thyroid nodules.

Importance: Detection of asymptomatic thyroid nodules has increased. Consensus is lacking regarding the optimal follow-up of cytologically proven benign lesions and sonographically nonsuspicious nodules. Current guidelines recommend serial ultrasound examinations and reassessment of cytology if significant growth is observed.

Clinical aggressiveness and long-term outcome in patients with papillary thyroid cancer and circulating anti-thyroglobulin autoantibodies.

Objective: The association between papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis is widely recognized, but less is known about the possible link between circulating anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) titers and PTC aggressiveness. To shed light on this issue, we retrospectively examined a large series of PTC patients with and without positive TgAb.

Methods: Data on 220 TgAb-positive PTC patients (study cohort) were retrospectively collected in 10 hospital-based referral centers.

Papillary thyroid cancer: time course of recurrences during postsurgery surveillance.

Context: The current use of life-long follow-up in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is based largely on the study of individuals diagnosed and treated in the latter half of the 20th century when recurrence rates were approximately 20% and relapses detected up to 20-30 years after surgery. Since then, however, diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative monitoring of PTC patients have evolved significantly.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to identify times to PTC recurrence and rates by which these relapses occurred in a more recent patient cohort.

High prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women.

Background/aim: Maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy has been associated with adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This prospective study evaluates the prevalence of these disorders in pregnant women.

Subjects And Methods: Serum levels of TSH, free T4 (fT4), and thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were measured in 951 women at different gestational ages of pregnancy.

Long-term surveillance of papillary thyroid cancer patients who do not undergo postoperative radioiodine remnant ablation: is there a role for serum thyroglobulin measurement?

Context: Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) assays are considered fundamental in postoperative surveillance of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients. However, the postsurgical profile of Tg levels has never been specifically investigated in patients who do not undergo radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA).

Objectives: Our objective was to explore the evolution of Tg levels over time in DTC patients treated with total or near-total thyroidectomy without RRA.

Original evaluation of endothelial dysfunction in men with erectile dysfunction and metabolic syndrome.

We have recently demonstrated the diagnostic value of a new immunophenotype of blood endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs=CD45neg/CD34pos/CD144pos) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs=CD45neg/CD144pos/AnnexinVpos) in patients with arterial erectile dysfunction (ED) according to severity of cavernous arterial insufficiency evaluated through penile Doppler. The aim of this study was to evaluate both EPCs and EMPs in patients with arterial ED and metabolic syndrome (MetS), comparing these patients with another group of patients without MetS and ED and a third group with MetS but without ED. For this study 50 patients with arterial ED and MetS were selected (age: 55.