Microplastic in an apex predator: evidence from Barn owl (Tyto alba) pellets in two sites with different levels of anthropization.

Plastic pollution in terrestrial and freshwater environments and its accumulation along food chains has been poorly studied in birds. The Barn owl (Tyto alba) is an opportunistic and nocturnal apex predator feeding mostly on small mammals. In this note, we reported evidence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in Barn owl pellets collected, for the first time, in two sites with different levels of anthropization (low: natural landscape mosaic vs. high extensive croplands). The following polymers have been recorded: polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), expanded polyester (EPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyester (PL), viscose, and starch-based biopolymer. We found significant higher MPs frequency in the most anthropized site. Our results suggest that pellet' analysis may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination along food chains in terrestrial ecosystems.

Endoscopic Approach in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Acute Graft Versus Host Disease in Children.

The objectives of this study were to describe clinical, histological, and endoscopic findings in children undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy for symptoms of digestive acute graft-versus-host disease (a-GvHD), to evaluate the rate of steroid-resistant GvHD and transplant-related mortality, and to describe the feasibility and safety of the endoscopic procedure. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted, at the IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini in Genova, Italy, in 26 children undergoing upper or lower GI endoscopy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 2000 and 2017. Results: Histology confirmed a diagnosis of a-GvHD in 73% of patients; it was frequently associated with steroid-resistant a-GvHD (P = 0.001) and with an increased transplant-related mortality. Additionally, one patient developed duodenal hematoma after endoscopy for a high-grade GI a-GvHD. Conclusions: In our experience, the endoscopic approach in the diagnosis of GI a-GvHD in children was feasible and safe. Furthermore, the histological diagnosis of GI a-GvHD was associated with an increased risk of steroid-resistant GvHD and with high transplant-related mortality.

Thalidomide as treatment of crohn-like disease occurred after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a pediatric patient.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune diseases may occur after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD or Crohn disease) is rarely described. We describe a child who developed CD after allo-HSCT, successfully treated with thalidomide. CASE REPORT: A child affected by mucopolysaccharidosis type I received two allogeneic HSCTs for rejection after the first one. After cutaneous and intestinal chronic GvHD and 6 months after HSCT, the patients developed a trilinear autoimmune cytopenia successfully treated with rituximab and sirolimus. Due to persisting intestinal symptoms, colonoscopies were performed and histological findings demonstrated a picture of CD. Based on this observation and according to the recommendations for the treatment of CD, thalidomide was started. A complete stable clinical response was obtained 8 weeks after start of thalidomide. Colonoscopy performed 4.8 years later demonstrated a complete endoscopic and histological remission of CD. DISCUSSION: In this case, the diagnosis of CD after HSCT was based on histological findings. Indeed, repeated colonscopies were necessary for diagnosis, since both clinical and endoscopic features are often common to chronic GvHD and CD. Thalidomide was started at the dose of 1.7 mg/Kg/day, and it was well tolerated. Mild peripheral neurotoxicity occurred 5 years later but disappeared completely with the dose reduction. Currently, the patient is in complete remission from CD, despite the discontinuation of all the immunosuppressive therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Thalidomide could represent a therapeutic option to treat CD as autoimmune disease after allogeneic HSCT.

Partitioning the effects of regional, spatial, and local variables on beta diversity of salt marsh arthropods in Chile.

AIM: We examined the influence of regional, spatial, and local variables (edaphic characteristics and vegetation structure) on patterns of arthropod variation along the Chilean coast by partitioning beta diversity into its turnover and nestedness components. LOCATION: 2,000 km along the coast of Chile. METHODS: We collected ground-dwelling arthropod samples from nine marshes during two seasons. A clustering method was used to examine patterns of arthropod similarity across salt marshes. We also calculated multiple-site beta diversity and partitioned it into its turnover and nestedness components. Variation partitioning was then used to identify the major drivers of their variation (regional, spatial, and local variables). We compared results for the whole arthropod community and for the most abundant, speciose, and functionally different groups, Crustacea, Coleoptera, and Araneae. RESULTS: Salt marsh arthropod similarities did not depend on the geographic proximity of sites. Arthropod beta diversity was mainly determined by its turnover component. A significant fraction of community variation was related to the spatially structured variation of climate or edaphic factors. However, the exclusive contribution of spatial variables had also a role. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Each salt marsh on the Chilean coast has the capacity to accommodate unique invertebrate taxa. Species sorting along the climatic gradient together with dispersal-based processes seems the key structuring force of the arthropods and Crustacean variation in the marshes we studied, while species sorting alone might be more important for Coleoptera variation.

New genus and species of Delphacini (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) from a salt marsh in northern Chile.

Salinesia atacamensis gen. et sp. nov. is described from a coastal wetland of Atacama Region, Chile. It is characterized by the small size (males < 2 mm), dorsal side concolorous, with lateral carinae of pronotum reaching hind margin, armature of male pygofer narrow and not produced, phallus curved ventrad, and abdominal segment X of male without processes.

Does ecophysiology determine invasion success? A comparison between the invasive boatman Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis and the native Sigara lateralis (Hemiptera, Corixidae) in South-West Spain.

BACKGROUND: Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis, a native of North America, is the only alien corixid identified in Europe. First detected in 1997 in southern Portugal, it has spread into south-west Spain including Doñana National Park. Its impact on native taxa in the same area is unclear, but it is the dominant species in several permanent, saline wetlands. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We investigated whether the ecophysiology of this alien species favours its spread in the Iberian Peninsula and its relative success in saline areas. We compared physiological responses to heating (Critical Thermal maximum), cooling (Critical Thermal minimum) and freezing (Super Cooling Point) in the native Sigara lateralis and introduced T. v. verticalis acclimated to different temperatures and salinities. The larger S. lateralis generally outperformed T. v. verticalis and appeared to possess a broader thermal tolerance range. In both taxa, CTmax was highest in animals exposed to a combination of high conductivities and relatively low acclimation temperatures. However, CTmax was generally higher in T. v. verticalis and lower in S. lateralis when acclimated at higher temperatures. CTmin were lower (greater tolerance to cold) after acclimation to high conductivities in T. v. verticalis, and following acclimation to low conductivities in S. lateralis. Both acclimation temperature and conductivity influenced corixids' freezing tolerance; however, only in T. v. verticalis did SCP decrease after exposure to both high temperature and conductivity. T. v. verticalis showed a higher range of mean responses over all treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst the native S. lateralis may have a broader thermal range, the alien species performs particularly well at higher salinities and temperatures and this ability may facilitate its invasion in Mediterranean areas. The greater plasticity of T. v. verticalis may further facilitate its spread in the future, as it may be more able to respond to climate shifts than the native species.

How far could the alien boatman Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis spread? Worldwide estimation of its current and future potential distribution.

Invasions of alien species are considered among the least reversible human impacts, with diversified effects on aquatic ecosystems. Since prevention is the most cost-effective way to avoid biodiversity loss and ecosystem problems, one challenge in ecological research is to understand the limits of the fundamental niche of the species in order to estimate how far invasive species could spread. Trichocorixa verticalis verticalis (Tvv) is a corixid (Hemiptera) originally distributed in North America, but cited as an alien species in three continents. Its impact on native communities is under study, but it is already the dominant species in several saline wetlands and represents a rare example of an aquatic alien insect. This study aims: i) to estimate areas with suitable environmental conditions for Tvv at a global scale, thus identifying potential new zones of invasion; and ii) to test possible changes in this global potential distribution under a climate change scenario. Potential distributions were estimated by applying a multidimensional envelope procedure based on both climatic data, obtained from observed occurrences, and thermal physiological data. Our results suggest Tvv may expand well beyond its current range and find inhabitable conditions in temperate areas along a wide range of latitudes, with an emphasis on coastal areas of Europe, Northern Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, New Zealand, Myanmar, India, the western boundary between USA and Canada, and areas of the Arabian Peninsula. When considering a future climatic scenario, the suitability area of Tvv showed only limited changes compared with the current potential distribution. These results allow detection of potential contact zones among currently colonized areas and potential areas of invasion. We also identified zones with a high level of suitability that overlap with areas recognized as global hotspots of biodiversity. Finally, we present hypotheses about possible means of spread, focusing on different geographical scales.

Membrane interaction and antibacterial properties of two mildly cationic peptide diastereomers, bombinins H2 and H4, isolated from Bombina skin.

Bombinins H are mildly cationic antimicrobial peptides isolated from the skin of the anuran genus Bombina, the fire-bellied toad. Some members of this peptide family coexist in skin secretions as diastereomers in which a single D: -amino acid (alloisoleucine or leucine) is incorporated as a result of the post-translational modification of the respective gene-encoded L-amino acid. Here we report on the antimicrobial properties and membrane interactions of bombinins H2 and H4. The latter differs from H2 by the presence of a D-alloisoleucine at the second N-terminal position. Specifically, we have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of H2 and H4 against a large panel of reference and clinical isolates of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria; performed membrane permeation assays on both intact cells and model membranes (lipid monolayers and liposomes) mimicking the composition of the plasma membrane of Gram-negative/positive bacteria; used biochemical tools, such as trypsin-encapsulated liposomes and capillary electrophoresis, to monitor the peptides' ability to translocate through the membrane of liposomes mimicking Escherichia coli inner membrane. The results revealed interesting relationships between the presence of a single D: -amino acid in the sequence of an antimicrobial peptide and its target microbial cell selectivity/membrane-perturbing activity.

Recurrent lymphomatoid papulosis associated with nephrotic syndrome. An occurrence of uncertain origin.

We report on a 10-year-old child with nephrotic syndrome who developed recurrent lymphomatoid papulosis (LYP) 60 months after the first episode of proteinuria. LYP appeared when the child was taking low-dose cyclosporin and disappeared after the drug was replaced by prednisone at doses utilized for nephrotic syndrome (2 mg/kg). During the tapering of steroids, when the child was treated with low-dose prednisone (0.2 mg/kg), both LYP and nephrotic syndrome started again and required the reintroduction of prednisone to restore a normal clinical situation. This is the first case of LYP occurring in concomitance and synchronous with nephrotic syndrome. LYP was unrelated to cyclosporin (second episode after its withdrawn) but preceded the recurrence of proteinuria, suggesting a relationship with the disease activity. Even though the etiology of LYP is, in this case, uncertain, it should be considered as a clinical association of nephrotic syndrome in children and also included among potential triggers of the disease.

Uncommon causes of postoperative chronic diarrhoea mimicking enterocolitis in Hirschsprung's disease: is there a role for digestive endoscopy?

Severe chronic diarrhoea secondary to enterocolitis is a severe complication of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Persistent outlet obstruction, immunologic issues, and mucin/mucous imbalance can cooperate in the development of this complication. Furthermore, isolated reports described severe postoperative chronic diarrhoea mimicking enterocolitis in patients with sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or intestinal microvillus atrophy. This paper is aimed in describing three patients from our HSCR series who experienced severe chronic postoperative diarrhoea secondary to such uncommon associated anomalies: sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (one patient) and IBD (two patients). With an appropriate sucrose-free diet or immunosuppressive therapy these patients improved dramatically and their diarrhoea settled. These associated anomalies can be diagnosed with digestive endoscopies (both gastro-duodenoscopy and colonoscopy). Therefore, we developed a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for patients with chronic diarrhoea after a pull-through, which includes digestive endoscopy to be performed in selected cases.

Diagnostic value of serological assays in pediatric inflammatory bowel disorders.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric studies reported that the combined use of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasm autoantibodies (ANCA) and the anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan antibodies (ASCA) may be a specific useful noninvasive test in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). AIMS: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ANCA and ASCA in children with suspected IBD, and to see whether different commercially available assays (indirect immunofluorescence vs. ELISA) agree well enough in terms of analytical performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine children (30 males, 39 females, age range 2-18 years) with suspicion of IBD entered the study. Before colonoscopy, a blood sample was also drawn to assess ASCA and ANCA. RESULTS: A diagnosis of IBD was established in 47 patients; the remainder had infective or other causes of colitis. For ulcerative colitis, the association ASCA-/ANCA+ had 70% sensitivity and 86% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 82%. The association ASCA+/ANCA- had 86% sensitivity and 93% specificity for Crohn's disease, with a positive predictive value of 75%. CONCLUSION: Although more experience is needed to state the diagnostic power of serologic assay, determination of ANCA and ASCA in IBD children may help both in distinguish these conditions from other entities and ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease, particularly in doubtful cases.

Induction of apoptosis by quercetin: different response of human chronic myeloid (K562) and acute lymphoblastic (HSB-2) leukemia cells.

This work shows that 25 microM quercetin caused a marked inhibition of K562 cells growth together with a mild cytotoxicity, while HSB-2 cells were practically unaffected. Moreover, quercetin induced caspase-3 and cytochrome c-dependent apoptosis almost exclusively in the former cell line. Exposure of K562 cells to quercetin caused also a significant increase of cells in G(2)/M phase that reached the maximum peak at 24 h (4-fold with respect to the basal value). The major sensitivity exhibited by K562 cells was only in part imputable to their higher glutathione content, as compared to HSB-2 cells, thus confirming previous reports describing the formation of intracellular quercetin-thiol toxic adducts in cells exposed to the flavonoid. In fact, after induction of intracellular glutathione increase we detected in both cell lines a significant rise of apoptotic cells, again more marked in K562 cells. By contrast, glutathione-depleted cells, failed to show a decrease of apoptosis in both cell lines, thus contradicting our previous findings and literature data. Since the yet unresolved question about the anti-oxidant or the pro-oxidant capacity of quercetin, we investigated which of these two properties worked in our experimental model. Interestingly, not only quercetin did not produce reactive oxygen species but also prevented their formation, as observed in cells exposed to the oxidizing agent ter-butylhydroperoxide, acting as an efficient oxygen radicals scavenger. This result indicates that quercetin exhibited, in these cell lines, anti-oxidant more than pro-oxidant ability.