Ecotoxicity of Copper(I) Chloride in Grooved Carpet Shell (Ruditapes decussatus).

Copper (Cu) is a ubiquitous trace element in the aquatic environment, and is usually found at low levels. Copper environmental concentrations can be altered as a result anthropogenic activities. Shellfish are useful bioindicators to ensure adequate environmental monitoring. Thus, the aim of the present study was as follows: (a) determine the LC50 of copper(I) chloride in grooved carpet shell (Ruditapes decussatus) collected in the Santa Gilla lagoon (Sardinia, Italy), and (b) analyze the antioxidant biomarkers in digestive gland and gills of same specimens exposed to different concentrations of the above-mentioned metal (0.045, 0.45, and 0.90 mg/L) for 96 h. A withdrawal period of 96 h was considered for the treated clam, carrying out the same biochemical analyses, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and total glutathione (GSH+2GSSG) in the two tissues. Different time and dose responses of the antioxidant biomarkers were recorded in the digestive glands and gills. Oxidative stress biomarkers highlighted the ability of Cu to induce oxidative stress in R. decussatus. Clam, following the withdrawal period of 96 h, has not been able to achieve the control levels of all biochemical markers in the digestive gland and gills. R. decussatus can be a suitable model to assess the ecotoxicity of copper in aquatic ecosystems. These findings may advance knowledge on the role and the effects of copper on oxidative stress biomarkers in grooved carpet shell. The metal ecotoxicity response can be useful to perform accurate biomarker-based monitoring programs using this bivalve species.

First Integrative Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Tremoctopus violaceussensu stricto in the Mediterranean Sea.

An integrative approach based on morphological and genetic analyses was undertaken for the first time to confirm the species identification of Mediterranean samples belonging to the genus Tremoctopus. Sequences of two mtDNA genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit (COI) and 16S) were generated for the first time from Mediterranean samples. Both the similarity-based identifications and tree-based methods indicated that three females can be identified as Tremoctopus violaceus sensu stricto in agreement with their morphological classifications. All Mediterranean sequences clustered with the sequences of Tremoctopus violaceus from the Gulf of Mexico and were clearly differentiated from the sequences attributed to T. gracilis and T. robsoni. The chromatic pattern of the web and some features of gill filaments, arms formula, stylets, radulae, beaks, and stomach contents were given for all the samples; 105,758, 20,140, and 11,237 oocytes were estimated in the mature, immature, and developing samples, respectively. The presence of four spermatangia inside the cavity of the maturing female suggested the ability of this species to mate before reaching full maturity with more partners. Age investigation using beaks, performed for the first time in T. violaceus and within the genus gave results consistent with the different sizes and maturity conditions of the samples.

Composition and functional profiling of the microbiota in the casts of Eisenia fetida during vermicomposting of brewers' spent grains.

Vermicomposting is a cost-effective biotechnology for the management of organic wastes that relies on the activity of earthworms and their associated microbiota. Here, the microbiotas of the earthworm Eisenia fetida fed with brewers' spent grains (FBSG), cow manure (FCM) and a mix of brewers' spent grains/cow manure (FMIX), were identified by high-throughput DNA sequencing (16S rRNA). Bacterial community variance was correlated with the pH and the organic carbon content of the rearing substrates. FBSG microbiota was enriched in Paenibacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Chitinophagaceae and Comamonadaceae. In addition, FBSG microbiota had a predicted higher abundance of genes involved in cellulose degradation as well as in the nitrogen cycle and showed higher utilization of ammonia and nitrate. Results obtained will allow to optimize the vermicomposting of brewers' spent grains and to evaluate the effect of vermicompost addition on nutrient dynamics in soil.

Comparative analysis of vermicompost quality produced from brewers' spent grain and cow manure by the red earthworm Eisenia fetida.

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is a by-product of brewing that is usually used as low-value animal feed, although it can be better exploited in biotechnological processes, such as vermicomposting. Here, the chemical, biochemical and microbiological qualities of vermicomposts produced by the earthworm Eisenia fetida were evaluated using three substrates: BSG; cow manure (CM); BSG plus cow manure (1:1; BSG/CM). Over after 5 months of bioconversion by earthworms and microorganisms (thereafter vermicomposting), BSG and BSG/CM showed reduced total organic carbon, and increased total nitrogen and total humic substances like (HSl), suggesting enhanced mineralisation and stabilisation. Suitability of BSG as substrate for earthworms was confirmed by the earthworm fatty acid profile, characterised by prevalence of C:17, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids. Higher fungi and yeast abundance in BSG vermicompost was accompanied by higher dehydrogenase activity. E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Ochratoxin A levels were below the legal limits.

CASE STUDY OF CONGENITAL ANOMALIES OF THE UPPER LIMB IN REFERENCE AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY.

OBJECTIVE: The epidemiological profile of congenital anomalies of the upper limbs (CAULs) is of major relevance to monitoring and planning. A study of this profile may reveal if there is prevalence of some specific type of malformation in comparison to a more comprehensive epidemiological sample. The Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC) has an extensive database, providing an excellent source of comparison. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological profile of CAULs at the hand surgery department of the Hospital Federal da Lagoa (HFL) in Brazil, and compare it to the ECLAMC data. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent treatment at the pediatric outpatient hand surgery clinic. The sample universe consisted of 126 patients (4 of these patients presented with 2 simultaneous anomalies), totaling 130 malformations. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the comparable pathologies have significantly similar incidence rates. It is worth noting the polydactylies (pre- and post-axial), where the percentile of incidence in the ECLAMC was higher. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the epidemiological profile of patients who underwent treatment at this hospital was equivalent to that found in the ECLAMC database. Level of evidence III, Retrospective epidemiological study.

OBJETIVO: O perfil epidemiológico das anomalias congênitas dos membros superiores (ACMS) é de suma relevância para monitoramento e planejamento. Um estudo nesse sentido pode revelar se há prevalência de algum tipo específico de malformação em comparação com amostra epidemiológica mais abrangente. O Estudo Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformação Congênita (ECLAMC) tem uma extensa base de dados, que serve como excelente fonte de comparação. Este estudo tem por escopo avaliar o levantamento da casuística das ACMS no serviço de cirurgia da mão do Hospital Federal da Lagoa (HFL) e compará-la aos dados do ECLAMC. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório infantil de cirurgia da mão. O universo amostral foi de 126 pacientes (sendo que 4 pacientes apresentavam 2 anomalias simultaneamente), totalizando 130 malformações. RESULTADOS: Demonstrou-se que as patologias que puderam ser comparadas têm percentuais de incidência significativamente semelhantes. Cabe ressalvar as polidactilias (pré e pós-axiais), em que o percentil de incidência no ECLAMC foi maior. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo evidenciou que o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes atendidos neste hospital foi equivalente ao encontrado na base de dados do ECLAMC. Nível de evidência III, Estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo.

Case study of congenital anomalies of the upper limb in reference ambulatory care facility / Estudo de casos de anomalia congênita do membro superior em serviço ambulatorial de referência

ABSTRACT Objective: The epidemiological profile of congenital anomalies of the upper limbs (CAULs) is of major relevance to monitoring and planning. A study of this profile may reveal if there is prevalence of some specific type of malformation in comparison to a more comprehensive epidemiological sample. The Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC) has an extensive database, providing an excellent source of comparison. This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological profile of CAULs at the hand surgery department of the Hospital Federal da Lagoa (HFL) in Brazil, and compare it to the ECLAMC data. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent treatment at the pediatric outpatient hand surgery clinic. The sample universe consisted of 126 patients (4 of these patients presented with 2 simultaneous anomalies), totaling 130 malformations. Results: The results demonstrated that the comparable pathologies have significantly similar incidence rates. It is worth noting the polydactylies (pre- and post-axial), where the percentile of incidence in the ECLAMC was higher. Conclusion: This study showed that the epidemiological profile of patients who underwent treatment at this hospital was equivalent to that found in the ECLAMC database. Level of evidence III, Retrospective epidemiological study.

RESUMO Objetivo: O perfil epidemiológico das anomalias congênitas dos membros superiores (ACMS) é de suma relevância para monitoramento e planejamento. Um estudo nesse sentido pode revelar se há prevalência de algum tipo específico de malformação em comparação com amostra epidemiológica mais abrangente. O Estudo Colaborativo Latino Americano de Malformação Congênita (ECLAMC) tem uma extensa base de dados, que serve como excelente fonte de comparação. Este estudo tem por escopo avaliar o levantamento da casuística das ACMS no serviço de cirurgia da mão do Hospital Federal da Lagoa (HFL) e compará-la aos dados do ECLAMC. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório infantil de cirurgia da mão. O universo amostral foi de 126 pacientes (sendo que 4 pacientes apresentavam 2 anomalias simultaneamente), totalizando 130 malformações. Resultados: Demonstrou-se que as patologias que puderam ser comparadas têm percentuais de incidência significativamente semelhantes. Cabe ressalvar as polidactilias (pré e pós-axiais), em que o percentil de incidência no ECLAMC foi maior. Conclusão: Este estudo evidenciou que o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes atendidos neste hospital foi equivalente ao encontrado na base de dados do ECLAMC. Nível de evidência III, Estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo.

The bivalve Ruditapes decussatus: A biomonitor of trace elements pollution in Sardinian coastal lagoons (Italy).

The anthropogenic contamination of water bodies with metals via fertilizer, industrial sewage and urban wastewater has resulted in widespread problems in aquatic organisms, but also poses a risk to consumer health. Shellfish from coastal and estuarine environments bioaccumulate toxic metals in their tissues due to their ability to concentrate inorganic contaminants several orders of magnitude above ambient levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of trace elements in adult specimens of indigenous clams (Ruditapes decussatus). To this end, wild clams were collected from four different brackish areas of Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea, Italy) devoted to extensive aquacultural practices. The concentration of 16 trace elements (Al, Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Tl and Zn) in the tissues of the clams was quantified. The legal limits set by European Regulations for cadmium; mercury and lead were never exceeded. However, unexpectedly high values for aluminium and iron (mean 207 mg kg⁻1 and 113 mg kg⁻1 wet weight) were found in Santa Gilla lagoon, which is close to industrial settlements and had the highest values for the majority of chemical elements investigated. The highest values of the metalloid arsenic (As) were reported in the Porto Pozzo and San Teodoro lagoons (9.6 and 6.8 mg kg⁻1 w.w., respectively). The clam R. decussatus confirmed the capacity of bivalves as suitable bioindicators of trace elements pollution. Further investigations are necessary for constant monitoring of clams, 32 which constitute an important traditional resource for the fishing activity in Sardinia.

Large-scale assessment of Mediterranean marine protected areas effects on fish assemblages.

Marine protected areas (MPAs) were acknowledged globally as effective tools to mitigate the threats to oceans caused by fishing. Several studies assessed the effectiveness of individual MPAs in protecting fish assemblages, but regional assessments of multiple MPAs are scarce. Moreover, empirical evidence on the role of MPAs in contrasting the propagation of non-indigenous-species (NIS) and thermophilic species (ThS) is missing. We simultaneously investigated here the role of MPAs in reversing the effects of overfishing and in limiting the spread of NIS and ThS. The Mediterranean Sea was selected as study area as it is a region where 1) MPAs are numerous, 2) fishing has affected species and ecosystems, and 3) the arrival of NIS and the northward expansion of ThS took place. Fish surveys were done in well-enforced no-take MPAs (HP), partially-protected MPAs (IP) and fished areas (F) at 30 locations across the Mediterranean. Significantly higher fish biomass was found in HP compared to IP MPAs and F. Along a recovery trajectory from F to HP MPAs, IP were similar to F, showing that just well enforced MPAs triggers an effective recovery. Within HP MPAs, trophic structure of fish assemblages resembled a top-heavy biomass pyramid. Although the functional structure of fish assemblages was consistent among HP MPAs, species driving the recovery in HP MPAs differed among locations: this suggests that the recovery trajectories in HP MPAs are likely to be functionally similar (i.e., represented by predictable changes in trophic groups, especially fish predators), but the specific composition of the resulting assemblages may depend on local conditions. Our study did not show any effect of MPAs on NIS and ThS. These results may help provide more robust expectations, at proper regional scale, about the effects of new MPAs that may be established in the Mediterranean Sea and other ecoregions worldwide.

Mycobacterium chelonae associated with tumor-like skin and oral masses in farmed Russian sturgeons (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii).

BACKGROUND: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria responsible for piscine mycobacteriosis usually produce visceral granulomas in both freshwater and marine species. In this study, the first occurrence of Mycobacterium chelonae associated with tumor-like lesions in the Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) is reported. Fifteen sturgeons from an Italian fish farm showing skin and oral cauliflower-like masses were investigated by histopathology, bacterial culture and molecular analyses. RESULTS: A total of 20 masses different in size located in the mouth and in pectoral and caudal fins (characterized by abundant calcium deposits and by mild to moderate granulomatous inflammation) were observed with a significant different degree of histological severity. All internal organs of the fish were negative for mycobacteria, Ziehl-Neelsen was positive in only one of the oral masses, whereas bacterial and PCR analyses detected the presence of M. chelonae for almost all the skin and oral masses. Based on these results, a calcinosis of dystrophic origin associated with a chronic granulomatous inflammation was considered as a primary diagnosis consequent to tissue injury in areas susceptible to trauma. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesized that the occurrence of M. chelonae in farmed sturgeons was only a secondary event related to its presence in a stressful rearing environment and subsequent to a dystrophic calcinosis occurred in previously damaged tissues.

Adverse drug reaction: rosuvastatin as a cause for ischaemic colitis in a 64-year-old woman.

Rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca) is a commonly used drug for managing hypercholesterolaemia. It is a very safe medication with mostly acceptable side effects. Rare but serious side effects are not well known. A 64-year-old woman presented with bloody diarrhoea after starting rosuvastatin for hypercholesterolaemia. Stool microscopy and culture ruled out infective causes. Abdominal CT scan revealed normal calibre celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. Colonoscopic biopsy revealed ischaemic colitis as the final histological diagnosis. The patient is in complete remission after ceasing the medication. Rosuvastatin causing ischaemic colitis should be considered a rare but serious adverse drug reaction.

Assessment of the use potential of edible sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus) processing waste within the agricultural system: influence on soil chemical and biological properties and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and wheat (Triticum vulgare) growth in an amended acidic soil.

In this study we evaluated the influence of ground purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) endoskeletons, a processing waste common to all edible sea urchin plants, on the chemical, biochemical and microbiological features of an acidic (pH 5.65) sandy-loam soil. The purple sea urchin endoskeletons were characterized by a high content of total carbonates (∼94%), a moderately alkaline pH in water (pH 7.88) and electrical conductivity values (3.55 mS/cm) very similar to those of commercial lime. To evaluate the influence of the P. lividus endoskeletons on soil properties four different amendment rates were tested, notably 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0% based on soil dry weight, and the effects compared with those recorded on unamended control soil. The addition of the purple sea urchin processing waste caused an immediate and significant pH increase which was positively related to the rate of the amendment addition. After a six months equilibration period, the differences in soil pH were still evident and significant increases of electrical conductivity and available phosphorus were also detected in soils with the higher amendment rates. The number of heterotrophic and cellulolytic bacteria and actinomycetes significantly increased after amendment addition while the number of culturable fungi steadily declined. The analysis of the Biolog Community Level Physiological Profile indicated a clear influence of the purple sea urchin processing waste on the structure of the native microbial community while a significant increase of microbial functionality (i.e. dehydrogenase activity) was recorded in soil treated with the higher amendment rates (i.e. 3.0 and 5.0%). The improvement of microbial abundance and functionality as well as the change of the microbial community structure were ascribed to the pH shift induced by the P. lividus processing waste. To investigate possible effects on soil fertility, dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and wheat (Triticum vulgare) growth were also assessed in a pot experiment. Plant growth was unaffected (wheat) or stimulated (bean) by the amendment addition in the 0.5-3.0% range while the higher amendment rate (i.e. 5.0%) was detrimental for both plant species indicating a phytotoxic effect which could be due to different factors such as an excess of calcium in soil, a suppression of Mg uptake or the higher EC values detected at the highest amendment rate. It is concluded that ground P. lividus endoskeletons have potential as a soil amendment to ameliorate chemical and biological properties of acidic Mediterranean soils. This seems particularly relevant, especially at the lower amendment rates, since for the first time, a sustainable management system is proposed for P. lividus processing waste, which foresees economic value in the sea urchin by-product through its re-use within the agricultural production system.

The structure of Mediterranean rocky reef ecosystems across environmental and human gradients, and conservation implications.

Historical exploitation of the Mediterranean Sea and the absence of rigorous baselines makes it difficult to evaluate the current health of the marine ecosystems and the efficacy of conservation actions at the ecosystem level. Here we establish the first current baseline and gradient of ecosystem structure of nearshore rocky reefs at the Mediterranean scale. We conducted underwater surveys in 14 marine protected areas and 18 open access sites across the Mediterranean, and across a 31-fold range of fish biomass (from 3.8 to 118 g m(-2)). Our data showed remarkable variation in the structure of rocky reef ecosystems. Multivariate analysis showed three alternative community states: (1) large fish biomass and reefs dominated by non-canopy algae, (2) lower fish biomass but abundant native algal canopies and suspension feeders, and (3) low fish biomass and extensive barrens, with areas covered by turf algae. Our results suggest that the healthiest shallow rocky reef ecosystems in the Mediterranean have both large fish and algal biomass. Protection level and primary production were the only variables significantly correlated to community biomass structure. Fish biomass was significantly larger in well-enforced no-take marine reserves, but there were no significant differences between multi-use marine protected areas (which allow some fishing) and open access areas at the regional scale. The gradients reported here represent a trajectory of degradation that can be used to assess the health of any similar habitat in the Mediterranean, and to evaluate the efficacy of marine protected areas.