Exploring the underwater life in transitional environments: Benthic foraminifera, ostracods, and dinoflagellate cysts - Biotic trends and EcoQS assessment in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian sea, southern Italy).

Coastal areas have historically thrived as centers of human activities due to their resources, economic opportunities, and natural allure. The rapid growth of coastal populations has however brought forth a multitude of challenges to tackle, with pollution emerging as a significant and far-reaching issue. Our study focuses on the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy), a lagoon-like coastal basin (separated in two sub-basins) that, since decades, has been heavily affected by human activities and aquaculture, leading to environmental deterioration. Although past studies have looked at environmental conditions in the Mar Piccolo from a chemical perspective, the biological component (e.g., biological indicators) has been mostly neglected. In this study, we firstly aim to examine the distribution and diversity of foraminifera, ostracods, and dinoflagellate cysts in December 2016 and compare our findings with data collected in December 2011. Foraminiferal and ostracod communities exhibit similar patterns in the two sampling campaigns, while the communities of encysted dinoflagellates show differences concerning both densities and diversity. Then, we evaluate the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) using ecological indices. While the indices in the inner basin appear to reflect an actual ecological degradation, they yield conflicting results in the outer basin. In the outer basin, indeed, the indices overestimate the EcoQS. This study highlights the potential of these indices for characterizing the EcoQS but emphasizes the need for improvements in their reliability. This research also contributes to a more holistic understanding of environmental condition in the Mar Piccolo and underscores the importance of integrating biological quality elements into ecosystem management and remediation strategies.

Review: Towards the next-generation models of the rumen microbiome for enhancing predictive power and guiding sustainable production strategies.

The rumen ecosystem harbours a galaxy of microbes working in syntrophy to carry out a metabolic cascade of hydrolytic and fermentative reactions. This fermentation process allows ruminants to harvest nutrients from a wide range of feedstuff otherwise inaccessible to the host. The interconnection between the ruminant and its rumen microbiota shapes key animal phenotypes such as feed efficiency and methane emissions and suggests the potential of reducing methane emissions and enhancing feed conversion into animal products by manipulating the rumen microbiota. Whilst significant technological progress in omics techniques has increased our knowledge of the rumen microbiota and its genome (microbiome), translating omics knowledge into effective microbial manipulation strategies remains a great challenge. This challenge can be addressed by modelling approaches integrating causality principles and thus going beyond current correlation-based approaches applied to analyse rumen microbial genomic data. However, existing rumen models are not yet adapted to capitalise on microbial genomic information. This gap between the rumen microbiota available omics data and the way microbial metabolism is represented in the existing rumen models needs to be filled to enhance rumen understanding and produce better predictive models with capabilities for guiding nutritional strategies. To fill this gap, the integration of computational biology tools and mathematical modelling frameworks is needed to translate the information of the metabolic potential of the rumen microbes (inferred from their genomes) into a mathematical object. In this paper, we aim to discuss the potential use of two modelling approaches for the integration of microbial genomic information into dynamic models. The first modelling approach explores the theory of state observers to integrate microbial time series data into rumen fermentation models. The second approach is based on the genome-scale network reconstructions of rumen microbes. For a given microorganism, the network reconstruction produces a stoichiometry matrix of the metabolism. This matrix is the core of the so-called genome-scale metabolic models which can be exploited by a plethora of methods comprised within the constraint-based reconstruction and analysis approaches. We will discuss how these methods can be used to produce the next-generation models of the rumen microbiome.

A method for bivalve shells characterization by FT-IR photoacoustic spectroscopy as a tool for environmental studies.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the composition of the shells of two marine bivalves Mytilus galloprovincialis and Corbula gibba from four samples collected from the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). Bivalve shells are composed of 95-99.9% calcium carbonate (CaCO3), while the remaining portion is constituted by organic matrix, which in some cases may incorporate pollutants from the surrounding environment. Recognizing the role of bivalves in the carbon biogeochemical cycle and their economic importance for aquaculture, we aimed to develop a methodology for shells powder samples preparation and analysis. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility of Fourier Transform Infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy to perform a fast sample analysis in order to detect the possible presence of pollutants in the shells. The results revealed an unbiased differentiation between the shell compositions of the two bivalve selected species. Moreover, the spectra interpretation indicated that C. gibba specimens recorded a shell matrix contaminated by organic pollutants present in the surrounding environment. In conclusion, the described methodology including sample preparation tailored for photoacoustical investigations demonstrated to be a tool for the characterization of bivalve shells contamination enhancing environmental studies of polluted marine areas.•Bivalve species were collected from sampling stations located in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy).•Samples preparation stages include: sonication, grinding and fractioning by sieving.•FT-IR PAS spectral region of interest is in the mid-infrared between 4000 and 400 cm-1.

Antineoplastic drug occupational exposure: a new integrated approach to evaluate exposure and early genotoxic and cytotoxic effects by no-invasive Buccal Micronucleus Cytome Assay biomarker.

Health-care personnel handling antineoplastic drugs could be at risk for adverse health effects. We aimed to evaluate genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of antineoplastic drug exposure of personnel preparing and administering such drugs in three Oncology Hospitals in Italy enrolling 42 exposed subjects and 53 controls. Furthermore, we aimed to study the possible influence of XRCC1 and hOGG1 DNA repair genes polymorphisms on genotoxicity induced on buccal cells. We performed workplace and personal monitoring of some drugs and used exposure diary informations to characterize the exposure. Urinary 5-FU metabolite (α-fluoro-ß-alanine) was measured. Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay was used to evaluate DNA damage and other cellular anomalies. GEM and 5-FU contamination was found in 68% and 42% of wipe/swab samples respectively. GEM deposition was found on workers' pads while no α-fluoro-ß-alanine was found. BMCyt-assay showed higher genotoxicity and cytotoxicity on nurses administering antineoplastics than on preparators and controls. Among micronucleus (MN) positive (with MN frequency higher than 1.5‰) exposed subjects, the percentage of those carrying XRCC1 mut/het genotype was higher than in MN positive-controls. Using the sensitive BMCyt assay, we demonstrated that handling antineoplastics still represents a potential occupational health risk for workers that should be better trained/informed regarding such risks.

Glutathionyl-hemoglobin levels in carotid endarterectomy: a pilot study on 12 cases clinically uneventful.

Aim: Carotid endarterectomy is a widely accepted procedure for stroke prevention, and carotid clamping is a necessary surgical step. Glutathionylated haemoglobin (HbSSG) has been recently employed as a biomarker of oxidative stress, its level being increased under several conditions, including hypoxia. This study aims to evaluating whether HbSSG level in peripheral and/or jugular blood is affected during carotid surgery under normal routine operative conditions. Methods: This study enrolled 13 consecutive patients undergoing elective carotid endarterectomy under general anesthesia. At different times during surgery, blood was taken simultaneously from both a peripheral vein and the jugular vein ipsilateral to the clamped carotid. HbSSG was measured in RBC hemolysates by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry in each sample. Results: Three patients showed a complex pattern of rise and fall of HbSSG levels in different time periods before, during and after surgery. They also showed statistically significant differences between peripheral and jugular blood, with mean HbSSG levels in jugular blood higher by approx. 30% than those of peripheral blood at the end of the period of carotid clamping. In all three patients HbSSG levels fell to pre-clamping values within 2 min from removal of carotid artery clamp. Conclusion: Although effective routine drug management allowed brain safety during carotid clamping time, a number of patients showed a fast modification over time of the HbSSG levels in jugular blood, suggesting that "resident" cerebral biochemical protection mechanisms could play some role to compensate clinically silent brain oxidative stress.

Microbenthic community structure and trophic status of sediments in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Mediterranean, Ionian Sea).

This study aimed to assess the benthic ecosystem trophic status in a heavily polluted marine area and the response of the microbenthic community to multiple and diffuse anthropogenic impacts, integrating information coming from the active and resting (plankton's cysts) components of microbenthos. Two sampling campaigns were carried out in the period 2013-2014 and four sampling sites at different levels of industrial contamination were chosen within the first and second inlet of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto. The chemical contamination affected to a higher extent the active microbenthos than the resting one. In the central part of the first inlet, characterised by more marine features, thrives a very rich and biodiverse microbenthic community. In contrast, at the polluted site near the military navy arsenal, extremely low densities (9576 ± 1732 cells cm(-3)) were observed for active microbenthos, but not for the resting community. Here, the high level of contamination selected for tychopelagic diatom species, i.e., thriving just above the surface sediments, while the other life forms died or moved away. Following the adoption of a 10 µm mesh, for the first time, resting spores produced by small diatoms of the genus Chaetoceros were found. Our results further indicate that although the Mar Piccolo is very shallow, the benthic system is scarcely productive, likely as a consequence of the accumulated contaminants in the surface sediments that probably interfere with the proper functioning of the benthic ecosystem.

Subarachnoideal blood spread following epidural blood patch given to treat spontaneous intracranial hypotension: Can it cause neurological complications?

OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine the frequency of subarachnoid blood spread following epidural blood patch (EBP) in a cohort of subjects with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). (2) To describe the outcome of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cohort of 106 patients exhibiting SIH, spiral spinal CT scans were obtained post-lumbar EBP and neuroradiological data was reviewed for evidence of subarachnoideal bleeding. RESULTS: Subarachnoideal blood spread was detected on spinal CT scans following EBP in 9 of 106 patients with SIH. All patients exhibited a complete recovery and no neurological complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A low incidence of subarachnoideal blood spread was observed following EBP given to treat SIH. Instances of subarachnoideal blood spread were not associated with neurological complications or altered efficacy of the EBP procedure.

Activities and vectors responsible for the biological pollution in the Taranto Seas (Mediterranean Sea, southern Italy): a review.

Biological pollution, caused by the negative impact of alien species, also known as non-indigenous species (NIS), is regarded as one of the greatest threat to marine ecosystems. The recent upsurge in the number and spread of these species drew attention to putative vectors such as shipping and shellfish importation for culture and consumption. The port of Taranto in Southern Italy is a hub for several vectors as it serves commercial and military shipping, fishing and recreational boating, in addition to shellfish importation. An analysis of anthropogenic activities and possible vectors in Taranto Seas was recently carried out within the framework of the RITMARE Project, involving local stakeholders. Different categories of stakeholders answered dedicated questionnaires with a high degree of reticence, and this highlighted a general lack of awareness of the problems associated with alien species. Consequently, there is a strong need to instil a truly ecological awareness among the general public and stakeholders.

Incretins or anti-incretins? A new model for the "entero-pancreatic axis".

The role of incretins in glucose homeostasis is well known. Yet, in recent years, the sustained weight loss and rapid glycemic control following bariatric surgery has challenged our understanding of the intestinal-pancreatic interaction. This in turn led to the introduction of metabolic surgery, an innovative medical discipline in which a surgical manipulation of the gastrointestinal tract (e. g., through a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, RYGB, or Bilio-Pancreatic-Diversion, BPD) yields a sustained remission of diabetes mellitus. The pathophysiological background of this metabolic effect is, amongst other things, based on the anti-incretin theory. This theory postulates that in addition to the well-known incretin effect, nutrient passage through the GI-tract could also activate negative feedback mechanisms (anti-incretins) to balance the effects of incretins and other postprandial glucose-lowering mechanisms (i. e., suppression of ghrelin, glucagon, and hepatic glucose production via activation of nutrient sensing). This in turn prevents postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The bypass of the duodenum, the entire jejunum and the first portion of the ileum by BPD induce normalization of peripheral insulin sensitivity, while the bypass of a shorter intestinal tract by RYGB mainly improves the hepatic insulin sensitivity. In addition, RYGB greatly increases insulin secretion. Therefore, metabolic surgery highlights the important role of the small intestine in glucose homeostasis, while until few years ago, it was only the pancreas and the liver that were thought to represent the regulatory organs for glucose disposal.

Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 2: Fifteen priority polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in blood serum.

Concentrations of 36 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in serum of 372 Italian residents of general population living in Novafeltria, Pavia, and Milan. Total PCB level differed significantly between these sites (p < 0.0001) with median concentrations of 836.50, 1354.57, and 2062.08 pmol/g lipid, respectively. However, there is no evidence for the difference in distribution of total PCB levels by genders. Total dioxin-like PCBs differed significantly (p < 0.0001) between the sites (median 109.78, 50.88, and 166.99 pmol/g lipid, respectively) and genders of Novafeltria and Pavia (p = 0.011 and 0.009, respectively). PCB 138, 153, 170, and 180 differed significantly between the places of residence (p < 0.0001) with higher values in Milan population. In the overall population, total PCB and PCB 138, 153, 156, 170, and 180 correlated positively with age (correlations range between 0.320 and 0.569, p < 0.0001). In Novafeltria, the correlations ranged between 0.545 and 0.670, and in Pavia, the correlations ranged between 0.516 and 0.666. In Milan, correlations with age range between 0.327 and 0.417 for total PCB and congeners 138, 153, and 180. With an exception of PCB 170, there was no evidence of significant difference in the distribution of most abundant PCB congeners and total PCB across the body mass index categories.

Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 1. Eight priority organochlorinated pesticides in blood serum.

Despite extensive use of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in Italy in the 1940s to 1970s, especially for public health control of malaria mosquitoes, information on their exposure levels among the general population is limited. These OCPs can be a source of health risk to human. A total of 137 blood samples were collected from residents of the general population of three Italian towns, Novafeltria, Pavia and Milan, to determine the levels of eight OCPs in blood serum. The concentrations of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 1,1-dichloro-2-(o-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE), 1,1-dichloro-2-(o-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl)ethane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-(o-chlorophenyl)-2-(p-chlorophenyl)-ethane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Variations in serum concentrations of OCPs with respect to place of residence, gender, age and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated by non-parametric tests. p,p'-DDE and HCB were the most abundant and major contributors of total OCP concentration. Their levels differed significantly between the three towns with a trend Milan > Novafeltria > Pavia (p < 0.0001). Females had significantly higher concentrations of HCB and p,p'-DDE than males in the overall population sample. HCB concentrations were significantly higher in females than in males of Milan (p = 0.029). We observed positive correlations of p,p'-DDE and HCB with age in Novafeltria subjects (r = 0.468, p = 0.004). Total OCP concentrations differed significantly across BMI categories (p = 0.018) in overall population. We have demonstrated a clear pattern of the main OCPs in a fairly large population. Generally, our study provides information on OCPs exposure among the Italian general population and provides indications for further investigations.

Does the nasogastric tube has a role in elective colo-rectal surgery?

INTRODUCTION: Routine use of nasogastric tubes (NGT) after abdominal operations is intended to hasten the return of bowel function, diminish the risk of anastomotic leakage and prevent pulmonary complications. The aim of our study was to prospectively assess the tolerability and the safety of the non use of NGT after elective colorectal open operations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and December 2010, 110 consecutive patients underwent colo-rectal elective open surgery for neoplasm without nasogastric decompression. We analyzed the incidence of nausea and vomiting, the pulmonary complications, the return of bowel function the deep wound breakdown (fascial dehiscence) and the anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: Only 15 patients (13,6%) reported nausea without vomiting immediately after surgery and 9 cases of vomiting were observed (8%), requiring the insertion of the NGT (nasogastric tube) in 5 (4,5%). A total of 105 patients (96,3%) were NGT free. No deep wound dehiscence was observed and only one real pneumonia occurred. Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 4 patients (3,6%) and a second surgical procedure was needed in three cases. The return of bowel function, except in the last four patients, occurred in 3,8 days average (range 2-7 days). CONCLUSION: We confirm the uselessness of the NGT in the framework of fast track program adopted in elective open colo-rectal surgery.

[Plant protection products: new tools for exposure and risk assessment in agriculture]. / Antiparassitari: nuovi strumenti per la valutazione dell'esposizione del rischio in ambito agricolo.

Our experience in assessment and management of chemical risk in agriculture consists of three lines: i) definition and modeling of the relationships between different exposure determinants to create the possibility of doing risk assessment without measurements ii) identification, from the Acceptable Operator Exposure Levels (AOEL), of provisional biological exposure indices for pesticides; iii) identification of analytical approaches adequate for the production of the measures needed to support the above mentioned activities starting from the use of multi-residue methods, allowing the determination in one run of several active ingredients and metabolites.

[Time course of excretion of tebuconazole and its metabolites in vineyard workers]. / Cinetica di escrezione del tebuconazolo e dei suoi metaboliti in viticoltori.

Tebuconazole (TEB) is a fungicide widely used in vineyards. This work aimed at the identification of urinary metabolites of TEB for the biological monitoring of exposure, and to study their kinetics of excretion. Major urinary metabolites of TEB in rats are t-butyl-hydroxy-and-carboxy-tebuconazole (TEB-OH and TEB-COOH). TEB and these metabolites were determined in urine samples of 5 wine growers who collected each void before (24 hours), during and after (48 hours) TEB application. These chemicals were found in 95%, 100% and 100% of the samples with levels of < 1.5-13.4 microg/L for TEB, 5.2-749 microg/L for TEB-OH e 2.8-234 microg/l for TEB-COOH. TEB-OH is the major metabolite of TEB, its concentration increases at the end of exposure and peaks after 16-24 hours. TEB-COOH has similar pattern. TEB-OH and TEB -COOH are promising candidates for biological monitoring of TEB exposure; preliminary results suggest the day after the application as the best sampling time.

[Physically-based model of pesticide application for risk assessment of agricultural workers]. / Valutazione del rischio nell'applicazione in campo di prodotti fitosanitari attraverso modelli a base fisica per la stima dell'esposizione.

Due to their unavoidable toxicity to non-target organisms, including man, the not of Plant Protection Products requires a thorough risk assessment to rationally advise safe use procedures and protection equipment by farmers. Most information on active substances and formulations, such as dermal absorption rates and exposure limits are available in the large body of regulatory data. Physically-based computational models can be used to forecast risk in real-life conditions (preventive assessment by 'exposure profiles'), to drive the cost-effective use of products and equipment and to understand the sources of unexpected exposure.

Bariatric surgery: an IDF statement for obese Type 2 diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention of Diabetes convened a consensus working group of diabetologists, endocrinologists, surgeons and public health experts to review the appropriate role of surgery and other gastrointestinal interventions in the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. The specific goals were: to develop practical recommendations for clinicians on patient selection; to identify barriers to surgical access and suggest interventions for health policy changes that ensure equitable access to surgery when indicated; and to identify priorities for research. Bariatric surgery can significantly improve glycaemic control in severely obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is an effective, safe and cost-effective therapy for obese Type 2 diabetes. Surgery can be considered an appropriate treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity not achieving recommended treatment targets with medical therapies, especially in the presence of other major co-morbidities. The procedures must be performed within accepted guidelines and require appropriate multidisciplinary assessment for the procedure, comprehensive patient education and ongoing care, as well as safe and standardized surgical procedures. National guidelines for bariatric surgery need to be developed for people with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 35 kg/m² or more.

Bariatric surgery: an IDF statement for obese Type 2 diabetes / Cirurgia bariátrica: uma comunicação da IDF sobre o diabetes tipo 2 em obesos

The International Diabetes Federation Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention of Diabetes convened a consensus working group of diabetologists, endocrinologists, surgeons and public health experts to review the appropriate role of surgery and other gastrointestinal interventions in the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. The specific goals were: to develop practical recommendations for clinicians on patient selection; to identify barriers to surgical access and suggest interventions for health policy changes that ensure equitable access to surgery when indicated; and to identify priorities for research. Bariatric surgery can significantly improve glycaemic control in severely obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is an effective, safe and cost-effective therapy for obese Type 2 diabetes. Surgery can be considered an appropriate treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity not achieving recommended treatment targets with medical therapies, especially in the presence of other major co-morbidities. The procedures must be performed within accepted guidelines and require appropriate multidisciplinary assessment for the procedure, comprehensive patient education and ongoing care, as well as safe and standardized surgical procedures. National guidelines for bariatric surgery need to be developed for people with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 35 kg/m² or more.

A Força-Tarefa para Epidemiologia e Prevenção da International Diabetes Federation reuniu um grupo de trabalho com diabetologistas, endocrinologistas, cirurgiões e especialistas em saúde pública para revisar o papel correto da cirurgia e outras intervenções gastrointestinais no tratamento e prevenção do diabetes tipo 2 em obesos. Os objetivos específicos foram: desenvolver recomendações práticas para a seleção dos pacientes; identificar barreiras ao acesso à cirurgia e sugerir intervenções para mudanças das políticas de saúde que garantam equidade de acesso à cirurgia, quando indicada, e identificar prioridades para a pesquisa. A cirurgia bariátrica pode gerar uma melhora significativa no controle glicêmico em pacientes com obesidade grave e diabetes tipo 2. Ela é um tratamento efetivo, seguro e de bom custo-benefício para pacientes obesos com diabetes tipo 2. A cirurgia pode ser considerada um tratamento apropriado para pessoas com diabetes tipo 2 e obesidade que não consigam atingir as metas recomendadas de tratamento com terapias medicamentosas, especialmente na presença de outras comorbidades maiores. Os procedimentos devem ser executados por meio de diretrizes aceitas e requerem uma avaliação multidisciplinar, um processo amplo de educação do paciente e cuidados contínuos, além de procedimentos cirúrgicos seguros e padronizados. As diretrizes nacionais para a cirurgia bariátrica devem ser desenvolvidas para pacientes com diabetes tipo 2 e IMC de 35 kg/m² ou mais.

Bariatric surgery: an IDF statement for obese Type 2 diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention of Diabetes convened a consensus working group of diabetologists, endocrinologists, surgeons and public health experts to review the appropriate role of surgery and other gastrointestinal interventions in the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. The specific goals were: to develop practical recommendations for clinicians on patient selection; to identify barriers to surgical access and suggest interventions for health policy changes that ensure equitable access to surgery when indicated; and to identify priorities for research. Bariatric surgery can significantly improve glycaemic control in severely obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is an effective, safe and cost-effective therapy for obese Type 2 diabetes. Surgery can be considered an appropriate treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity not achieving recommended treatment targets with medical therapies, especially in the presence of other major co-morbidities. The procedures must be performed within accepted guidelines and require appropriate multidisciplinary assessment for the procedure, comprehensive patient education and ongoing care, as well as safe and standardized surgical procedures. National guidelines for bariatric surgery need to be developed for people with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 35 kg/m(2) or more.