Polystyrene nanoplastics in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Concerns about plastic pollution and its toxicity towards animals and people are growing. Polystyrene (PS) is a plastic polymer highly produced in Europe for packaging purposes and building insulation amongst others. Whatever their source-illegal dumping, improper waste management, or a lack of treatment for the removal of plastic debris from wastewater treatment plants-PS products ultimately end up in the marine environment. Nanoplastics (<1000 nm) are the new focus for plastic pollution, gaining broad interest. Whether primary or secondary, their small size permits nanoparticles to cross cellular boundaries, consequently leading to adverse toxic effects. An in vitro assay of Mytilus galloprovincialis haemocytes exposed to 10 µg/L of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 50 nm) for 24 h was used to test cellular viability along with the luminescence inhibition (LC50) of Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria to evaluate acute toxicity. Cellular viability of mussel haemocytes decreased significantly after a 24 h exposure and PS-NPs LC50 range from 180 to 217, µg/L. In addition, a 28-day exposure of the marine bivalve M. galloprovincialis to PS-NPs (10 µg/L; 50 nm) was performed to evaluate the neurotoxic effects and the uptake of these plastic particles in three bivalve tissues (gills, digestive gland, and gonads). The ingestion of PS-NPs was time- and tissue-specific, suggesting that PS-NPs are ingested through the gills and then translocated through the mussel bloodstream, to the digestive gland and gonads where the highest amount of ingested PS-NPs was reported. Ingested PS-NPs may compromise the digestive glands' key metabolic function and impair mussels' gametogenic and reproductive success. Data on acetylcholinesterase inhibition and those previously obtained on a wide range of cellular biomarkers were elaborated through weighted criteria providing a synthetic assessment of cellular hazard from PS-NPs.

The bacterial quorum sensing molecule, 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), inhibits signal transduction mechanisms in brain tissue and is behaviorally active in mice.

Interkingdom communication between bacteria and host organisms is one of the most interesting research topics in biology. Quorum sensing molecules produced by Gram-negative bacteria, such as acylated homoserine lactones and quinolones, have been shown to interact with host cell receptors, stimulating innate immunity and bacterial clearance. To our knowledge, there is no evidence that these molecules influence CNS function. Here, we have found that low micromolar concentrations of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing autoinducer, 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), inhibited polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis in mouse brain slices, whereas four selected acylated homoserine lactones were inactive. PQS also inhibited forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation in brain slices. We therefore focused on PQS in our study. Biochemical effects of PQS were not mediated by the bitter taste receptors, T2R4 and T2R16. Interestingly, submicromolar concentrations of PQS could be detected in the serum and brain tissue of adult mice under normal conditions. Levels increased in five selected brain regions after single i.p. injection of PQS (10 mg/kg), peaked after 15 min, and returned back to normal between 1 and 4 h. Systemically administered PQS reduced spontaneous locomotor activity, increased the immobility time in the forced swim test, and largely attenuated motor response to the psychostimulant, methamphetamine. These findings offer the first demonstration that a quorum sensing molecule specifically produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is centrally active and influences cell signaling and behavior. Quorum sensing autoinducers might represent new interkingdom signaling molecules between ecological communities of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms and the host CNS.

Multifunctional mats by antimicrobial nanoparticles decoration for bioinspired smart wound dressing solutions.

Developing advanced materials for wound dressings is a very challenging, yet unaddressed task. These systems are supposed to act as temporary skin substitutes, performing multiple functions, including fluid absorption and antimicrobial action, supporting cell proliferation and migration in order to promote the skin regeneration process. Following a global bioinspired approach, in this study, we developed a multifunctional textile for wound dressing applications. Biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate/poly-3-caprolactone (PHB/PCL) mats were fabricated by electrospinning to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), thus providing structural and biochemical support to tissue regeneration. Furthermore, inspired by nature's strategy which exploits melanin as an effective weapon against pathogens infection, PHB/PCL mats were modified with hybrid Melanin-TiO2 nanostructures. These were combined to PHB/PCL mats following two different strategies: in-situ incorporation during electrospinning process, alternately ex-post coating by electrospraying onto obtained mats. All samples revealed huge water uptake and poor cytotoxicity towards HaCat eukaryotic cells. Melanin-TiO2 coating conferred PHB/PCL mats significant antimicrobial activity towards both Gram(+) and Gram(-) strains, marked hydrophilic properties as well as bioactivity which is expected to promote materials-cells interaction. This study is going to provide a novel paradigm for the design of active wound dressings for regenerative medicine.

Characterisation of EFV12 a bio-active small peptide produced by the human intestinal isolate Lactobacillus gasseri SF1109.

EFV12 is a small bioactive peptide produced by Lactobacillus gasseri SF1109, a human intestinal isolate with probiotic features. In this study, EFV12 antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are characterised. In particular, we propose a possible mechanism of action for EFV12 involving bacterial membranes targeting. Moreover, we show that this small peptide is able to bind lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and to counteract its inflammatory insult preventing LPS action on Toll-like receptor 4, thus interfering with extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinases signalling pathways. Altogether these observations suggest that the bioactive peptide EFV12 is a good candidate to promote L. gasseri induced gut homeostasis and counteracting intestinal pathogens.

Towards a European health research and innovation cloud (HRIC).

The European Union (EU) initiative on the Digital Transformation of Health and Care (Digicare) aims to provide the conditions necessary for building a secure, flexible, and decentralized digital health infrastructure. Creating a European Health Research and Innovation Cloud (HRIC) within this environment should enable data sharing and analysis for health research across the EU, in compliance with data protection legislation while preserving the full trust of the participants. Such a HRIC should learn from and build on existing data infrastructures, integrate best practices, and focus on the concrete needs of the community in terms of technologies, governance, management, regulation, and ethics requirements. Here, we describe the vision and expected benefits of digital data sharing in health research activities and present a roadmap that fosters the opportunities while answering the challenges of implementing a HRIC. For this, we put forward five specific recommendations and action points to ensure that a European HRIC: i) is built on established standards and guidelines, providing cloud technologies through an open and decentralized infrastructure; ii) is developed and certified to the highest standards of interoperability and data security that can be trusted by all stakeholders; iii) is supported by a robust ethical and legal framework that is compliant with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); iv) establishes a proper environment for the training of new generations of data and medical scientists; and v) stimulates research and innovation in transnational collaborations through public and private initiatives and partnerships funded by the EU through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

Author Correction: Forearc carbon sink reduces long-term volatile recycling into the mantle.

An Amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Author Correction: Forearc carbon sink reduces long-term volatile recycling into the mantle.

Change history: In this Article, the original affiliation 2 was not applicable and has been removed. In addition, in the Acknowledgements there was a statement missing and an error in a name. These errors have been corrected online.

Forearc carbon sink reduces long-term volatile recycling into the mantle.

Carbon and other volatiles in the form of gases, fluids or mineral phases are transported from Earth's surface into the mantle at convergent margins, where the oceanic crust subducts beneath the continental crust. The efficiency of this transfer has profound implications for the nature and scale of geochemical heterogeneities in Earth's deep mantle and shallow crustal reservoirs, as well as Earth's oxidation state. However, the proportions of volatiles released from the forearc and backarc are not well constrained compared to fluxes from the volcanic arc front. Here we use helium and carbon isotope data from deeply sourced springs along two cross-arc transects to show that about 91 per cent of carbon released from the slab and mantle beneath the Costa Rican forearc is sequestered within the crust by calcite deposition. Around an additional three per cent is incorporated into the biomass through microbial chemolithoautotrophy, whereby microbes assimilate inorganic carbon into biomass. We estimate that between 1.2 × 108 and 1.3 × 1010 moles of carbon dioxide per year are released from the slab beneath the forearc, and thus up to about 19 per cent less carbon is being transferred into Earth's deep mantle than previously estimated.

Long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to diclofenac, Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen: Insights into bioavailability, biomarkers and transcriptomic changes.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent a growing concern for marine ecosystems due to their ubiquitous occurrence and documented adverse effects on non-target organisms. Despite the remarkable efforts to elucidate bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological potential under short-term conditions, limited and fragmentary information is available for chronic exposures. In this study bioavailability, molecular and cellular effects of diclofenac (DIC), ibuprofen (IBU) and ketoprofen (KET) were investigated in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to the realistic environmental concentration of 2.5 µg/L for up to 60 days. Results indicated a significant accumulation of DIC and IBU but without a clear time-dependent trend; on the other hand, KET concentrations were always below the detection limit. Analyses of a large panel of molecular, biochemical and cellular biomarkers highlighted that all investigated NSAIDs caused alterations of immunological parameters, genotoxic effects, modulation of lipid metabolism and changes in cellular turn-over. This study provided the evidence of long-term ecotoxicological potential of NSAIDs, further unraveling the possible hazard for wild marine organisms.

Secondary metabolites from the endophytic fungus Talaromyces pinophilus.

Endophytic fungi have a great influence on plant health and growth, and are an important source of bioactive natural compounds. Organic extracts obtained from the culture filtrate of an endophytic strain of Talaromyces pinophilus isolated from strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) were studied. Metabolomic analysis revealed the presence of three bioactive metabolites, the siderophore ferrirubin, the platelet-aggregation inhibitor herquline B and the antibiotic 3-O-methylfunicone. The latter was the major metabolite produced by this strain and displayed toxic effects against the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Homoptera Aphidiidae). This toxicity represents an additional indication that the widespread endophytic occurrence of T. pinophilus may be related to a possible role in defensive mutualism. Moreover, the toxic activity on aphids could promote further study on 3-O-methylfunicone, or its derivatives, as an alternative to synthetic chemicals in agriculture.

Transcriptional and cellular effects of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in experimentally exposed mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The aim of the present investigation was to provide new insights on accumulation and possible adverse effects of various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, exposed to an environmentally realistic concentration (0.5µg/L) of individual compounds, Acetaminophen (AMP), Diclofenac (DIC), Ibuprofen (IBU), Ketoprofen (KET) or Nimesulide (NIM). The measurement of drugs in mussel tissues was integrated with both functional alterations at cellular level and transcriptomic responses. Results indicated the capability of mussels to accumulate DIC and NIM, while AMP, IBU and KET were always below detection limit. A large panel of ecotoxicological biomarkers revealed the early onset of alterations induced by tested NSAIDs on immunological responses, lipid metabolism and DNA integrity. The gene transcription analysis through DNA microarrays, supported cellular biomarker results, with clear modulation of a large number of genes involved in the arachidonic acid and lipid metabolism, immune responses, cell cycle and DNA repair. The overall results indicated an ecotoxicological concern for pharmaceuticals in M. galloprovincialis, with transcriptional responses appearing as sensitive exposure biomarkers at low levels of exposure: such changes, however, are not always paralleled by corresponding functional effects, suggesting caution when interpreting observed effects in terms of perturbed cellular pathways. Fascinating similarities can also be proposed in the mode of action of NSAIDs between bivalves and vertebrate species.

Ecotoxicological potential of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in marine organisms: Bioavailability, biomarkers and natural occurrence in Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Pharmaceuticals represent a major environmental concern since the knowledge on their occurrence, distribution and ecotoxicological potential is still limited particularly in coastal areas. In this study, bioaccumulation and cellular effects of various non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were investigated in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to reveal whether common molecules belonging to the same therapeutic class might cause different effects on non target organisms. Organisms exposed to environmental concentrations of acetaminophen (AMP), diclofenac (DIC), ibuprofen (IBU), ketoprofen (KET) and nimesulide (NIM) revealed a significant accumulation of DIC, IBU and NIM, while AMP and KET were always below detection limit. Nonetheless, for all tested NSAIDs, measurement of a large panel of ecotoxicological biomarkers highlighted impairment of immunological parameters, onset of genotoxicity and modulation of lipid metabolism, oxidative and neurotoxic effects. Laboratory results were integrated with a field study which provided the first evidence on the occurrence of DIC, IBU and NIM in tissues of wild mussels sampled during summer months from an unpolluted, touristic area of Central Adriatic Sea. Overall results demonstrated M. galloprovincialis as a good sentinel species for monitoring presence and ecotoxicological hazard of pharmaceuticals in the Mediterranean.

Integrated approach to assess ecosystem health in harbor areas.

Harbors are critical environments with strategic economic importance but with potential environmental impact: health assessment criteria are a key issue. An ecosystem health status approach was carried out in Portimão harbor as a case-study. Priority and specific chemical levels in sediments along with their bioavailability in mussels, bioassays and a wide array of biomarkers were integrated in a biomarker index (IBR index) and the overall data in a weight of evidence (WOE) model. Metals, PAHs, PCBs and HCB were not particularly high compared with sediment guidelines and standards for dredging. Bioavailability was evident for Cd, Cu and Zn. Biomarkers proved more sensitive namely changes of antioxidant responses, metallothioneins and vittellogenin-like proteins. IBR index indicated that site 4 was the most impacted area. Assessment of the health status by WOE approach highlighted the importance of integrating sediment chemistry, bioaccumulation, biomarkers and bioassays and revealed that despite some disturbance in the harbor area, there was also an impact of urban effluents from upstream. CAPSULE ABSTRACT: Environmental quality assessment in harbors.

[Recurrent cystitis and vaginitis: role of biofilms and persister cells. From pathophysiology to new therapeutic strategies]. / Cristiti e vaginitis recidivanti: ruolo dei biofilm e delle persister cells. Dalla fisiopatologia a nuove strategie terapeutiche.

Recurrent vaginitis and cystitis are a daily challenge for the woman and the physician. The recurrence worsens the symptoms' severity, increases comorbidities, both pelvic (provoked vestibulodynia, bladder pain syndrome, levator ani hyperactivity, introital dyspareunia, obstructive constipation, chronic pelvic pain) and cerebral (neuroinflammation and depression), increases health costs, worsens the quality of life. Antibiotics increase the risk of bacterial resistences and devastate the ecosystems: intestinal, vaginal and mucocutaneous. Pathogenic biofilms are the (still) neglected etiology of recurrences. Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria and yeasts, protected by a self-produced polymeric matrix adherent to a living or inert structures, such as medical devices. Biofims can be intra or extracellular. Pathogens live in a resting state in the deep biofilm layers as "persister cells", resistant to antibiotics and host defences and ready to re-attack the host. The paper updates the evidence on biofilms and introduces new non-antibiotic strategies of preventing and modulating recurrent vaginitis and cystitis.

Could molecular effects of Caulerpa racemosa metabolites modulate the impact on fish populations of Diplodus sargus?

The green alga Caulerpa racemosa is a non-native, invasive species in the Mediterranean, and an important stressor for several native organisms. The algal capacity to produce secondary metabolites has been suggested to modulate success of the C. racemosa invasion, although many of potentially involved biological pathways still remain unexplored. In this respect, the aim of the present study was to investigate some molecular and cellular effects in the white seabream Diplodus sargus, an ecologically key species, which included the alien C. racemosa in its diet. Organisms were sampled in 2 seasonal periods from 3 locations of Southern Italy, each characterized by different levels of algal abundance. The level of caulerpin, one of the main secondary algal metabolites, in fish tissues has been used as an indicator of the trophic exposure to the seaweed and related with molecular and cellular responses. Chemical analyses indicated that fish from invaded sites can accumulate caulerpin, with liver concentrations ranging from a few up to hundreds of µg/g. Biomarkers analyses revealed only limited alterations of the main antioxidant defences, such as glutathione reductase and levels of glutathione; on the other hand, increased enzymatic activities of cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferases and acyl CoA oxidase, as well as enhanced gene transcription for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, cytochrome P4501A and vitellogenin 1 were observed in fish more exposed to C. racemosa as indicated by liver concentrations of caulerpin higher than 50 µg/g. Despite a direct molecular relationship with this algal metabolite could not be established, our results suggest that a C. racemosa enriched diet can modulate biotransformation and fatty acids metabolism of D. sargus. Assessing whether similar effects represent short- or long-term effects will be of crucial importance to understand consequences on the general health status and reproductive performance of exposed key fish species in the Mediterranean region.

First Report of the Southern Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita on the Invasive Weed Araujia sericifera in Italy.

Moth plant, Araujia sericifera, is native to South America and was exported to many other countries as an ornamental plant. However, it is now considered an invasive, perennial, noxious weed in Italy. Because of the ability of this plant to spread rapidly and invade natural ecosystems, A. sericifera has been included on the Alert list by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). In September 2013, numerous plants of A. sericifera with chlorotic leaves and large root-galls were observed in agricultural fields, gardens, and uncultivated locations in Nocera Inferiore, Salerno Province, Italy. Ten samples were collected from a vegetable farm (40°45'40.8″ N, 14°38'18.4″ E) and nematodes were extracted from soil and root samples using standard procedures (1). Meloidogyne sp. was found in all soil and root samples, with nematode population densities ranging from 420 to 1,270 eggs and J2s/10 cm3 of soil and 84 to 2,200 eggs and J2s/5 g of fresh roots. The morphological identification of the nematode was based on characterization of second-stage juveniles (J2s), males, eggs, and females (2). Measurements of J2s (n = 30) include: mean body length (L) = 403 ± 3.7 µm; L/maximum body width = 27.5 ± 0.3; L/esophageal length = 6.2 ± 0.1; stylet length = 12.8 ± 0.1 µm; L/tail length = 9.5 ± 0.1; tail length = 42.5 ± 0.3 µm. Males (n = 10): L = 1,491 ± 0.04 µm; L/maximum body width = 44.4 ± 0.8; L/esophageal length = 16.1 ± 0.3; stylet length = 22.1 ± 0.7 µm; spicules length = 30.1 ± 0.8 µm. Eggs (n = 30): length = 96.6 ± 1 µm; width = 45.1 ± 0.5 µm; length/width ratio = 2.1. Females (n = 20): L = 909.5 ± 38.4 µm; body width = 588.3 ± 19.3 µm; stylet length = 17.0 ± 0.2 µm. Perineal patterns of females had a high dorsal arch with wavy striae bending toward the lateral lines and the absence of distinct lateral line incisures. All measurements conformed to the description of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood 1949. DNA was extracted from five individual adult females from each sample and morphological identification was confirmed by a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR)-PCR technique using species-specific primers. The amplified product obtained was 1.2 kb in length, demonstrating proper amplification of the species-specific, length variant SCAR marker (3). Weeds are known to serve as hosts for nematodes in the absence of crop plants and to affect the success of nematode management programs. Meloidogyne spp. have been reported to survive and even thrive on weeds; among them, M. incognita is considered the most economically important agricultural nematode pest worldwide as it causes severe yield losses on many hosts. Thus, the invasive plant A. sericifera can be a potential reservoir for M. incognita in Italy and elsewhere. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. incognita parasitizing A. sericifera. References: (1) K. R. Barker. Page 19 in: An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Vol. II, Methodology. K. R. Barker et al., eds. North Carolina State University Graphics, Raleigh, 1985. (2) J. D. Eisenback et al. A Guide to the Four Most Common Species of Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), with a Pictorial Key. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 1981. (3) C. Zijlstra et al. Nematology 2:847, 2000.

Sensory adaptation of antennae and sex pheromone-mediated flight behavior in male oriental fruit moths (Leptidoptera: Tortricidae) after prolonged exposure to single and tertiary blends of synthetic sex pheromone.

Sensory adaptation has been measured in the antennae of male Grapholita molesta (Busck) after 15 min of exposure to its main pheromone compound (Z)-8-dodecen-1-yl acetate (Z8-12:OAc) at the aerial concentration of 1 ng/m(3) measured in orchards treated with pheromone for mating disruption. Exposing males to this aerial concentration of Z8-12:OAc for 15 min, however, had only a small effect on their ability to orientate by flight to virgin calling females in a flight tunnel. Experiments were undertaken to determine if exposure to the main pheromone compound in combination with the two biologically active minor compounds of this species, (E)-8-dodecen-1-yl acetate (E8-12:OAc) and (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol (Z8-12:OH) would induce greater levels of sensory adaptation and have a greater effect on male sexual behavior. The exposure of male antennae to 0.5 g/m(3) air of one of the three pheromone compounds induced sensory adaptation to this compound and to the other two pheromone compounds demonstrating cross adaptation. Average percentage sensory adaptation to a pheromone compound was similar after 15 min of exposure to 1 ng/m(3) air of Z8-12:OAc, or to 1 ng/m(3) air of a 1:1:1 or 93:6:1 blend of Z8-12:OAc, E8-12:OAc, and Z8-12:OH. The exposure of males to 1 ng/m(3) air of Z8-12:OAc or the two ratios of Z8-12:OAc, E8-12:OAc, and Z8-12:OH for 15 min had no effect on their ability to orientate to a virgin calling female. The implications of these results for the operative mechanisms of sex pheromone-mediated mating disruption of this species are discussed.

Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of oriental fruit moth to the monoterpenoid citral alone and in combination with sex pheromone.

The monoterpenoid citral synergized the electroantennogram (EAG) response of male Grapholita molesta (Busck) antennae to its main pheromone compound Z8-12:OAc. The response to a 10-µg pheromone stimulus increased by 32, 45, 54, 71 and 94% with the addition of 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1,000 µg of citral, respectively. There was no detectable response to 0.1, 1, or 10 µg of citral; the response to 100 and 1,000 µg of citral was 31 and 79% of the response to 10 µg of Z8-12:OAc. In a flight tunnel, citral affected the mate-seeking behavior of males. There was a 66% reduction in the number of males orientating by flight to a virgin calling female when citral was emitted at 1,000 ng/min ≍1 cm downwind from a female. Pheromone and citral induced sensory adaptation in male antennae, but citral did not synergize the effect of pheromone. The exposure of antennae to 1 ng Z8-12:OAc/m(3) air, 1 ng citral/m3 air, 1 ng Z8-12:OAc + 1 ng citral/m3 air, or to 1 ng Z8-12:OAc + 100 ng citral/m3 air for 15 min resulted in a similar reduction in EAG response of 47-63%. The exposure of males to these same treatments for 15 min had no effect on their ability to orientate to a virgin calling female in a flight tunnel. The potential for using citral to control G. molesta by mating disruption is discussed.

Bioremediation of high organic load lagoon sediments: compost addition and priming effects.

Lagoons are often affected by eutrophication phenomena, due to their shallow nature, high productivity, weak hydrodynamism and anthropic exploitation. Bioremediation techniques have been widely used in the treatment of chemical pollution; however, no information is available on the use of bioremediation of organic-rich sediments. In the present study, we investigated the priming effects following compost addition to organic-rich lagoon sediments, and the effects of this compost addition on degradation and cycling of organic detritus, transfer of organic matter to higher trophic levels, and in situ prokaryotic community structure. There was a positive response to treatment, particularly during the first days after compost addition. The compost had a stimulating effect on degradation activity of the prokaryotic community. This occurred despite an increase in available organic matter, as the community was more efficient at removing it. These data are supported by the prokaryotic community structure analysis, which revealed no changes in the in situ community following compost addition. This priming effect enhancement through compost addition represents an efficient method to treat organic-rich sediments.