Spatiotemporal Overlap between the European Brown Hare and Its Potential Predators and Competitors

Simple SummaryPredator-prey relationships and competition shape interspecific coexistence in wildlife communities. So far, most published studies have focused on large carnivores and their prey, whereas little is known about medium and small-sized mammal communities. The European brown hare Lepus europaeus is a widespread species in Europe and is part of the diet of many birds of prey and mammalian carnivores of all sizes. Furthermore, competition with other herbivorous mammals at feeding sites has also been suggested. In an area in Central Italy, we have assessed spatiotemporal overlap among brown hare and its potential predators (red fox Vulpes vulpes, pine marten Martes martes, domestic cat Felis catus, and domestic dog Canis familiaris) and a competitor (roe deer Capreolus capreolus). We showed that, outside a fenced area excluding predators and competitors, brown hares become more nocturnal and more active on dark nights to limit encounters with predators, and that they adopt spatial partitioning to avoid competitors, as expected by ecological theory.Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was observed between free-ranging brown hares and both red foxes (82%) and roe deer (81%), hares avoided fox by being more active on darkest nights, as well as avoided roe deer through spatial partitioning. We suggest that hares may adapt their spatiotemporal behavior to avoid potential predators and competitors

PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DOS PACIENTES POLITRAUMATIZADOS COM PNEUMONIA ASSOCIADA À VENTILAÇÃO MECÂNICA NA UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA DO HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO EVANGÉLICO DE CURITIBA

Abstract: Purpose: Demonstrate the epidemiological profile of polytrauma patients who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia in the intensive care unit of Evangélico University Hospital from Curitiba. Material and Method: Were assessed patients who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia in the period of March 2012 through September 2012. Were surveyed several factors that could influence the occurrence of the ventilator-associated pneumonia, such as gender, age, comorbidities, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospitalization. Results: Forty patients aged between 18 and 73 years, with 28 (70%) males and 12 (30%) female were evaluated in this study. The hospitalization of the patients in the ICU ranged from a minimum of 4 days to a maximum of 111 days with a mean of 19.1 days, the duration of mechanical ventilation ranged from 4 to 111 days with an average of 16 days. Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of polytrauma patients that develops ventilator-associated pneumonia in Evangélico University Hospital from Curitiba demon-strate that this kind of infection predominates in male patients with a mean age of 36 years, smokers, who already make use of mechanical ventilation for at least 16 days and also that infection begins on average in the sixth day following the patient intubation. Resumo: Objetivo: demonstrar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes politraumatizados que desenvolveram pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica na unidade de terapia intensiva do Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba Materi-al e Método: Foram avaliados os pacientes que desenvolveram pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica no período de março de 2012 até setembro de 2012, onde foram pesquisados fatores que poderiam influenciar na ocorrência da doença, como sexo, idade, presença de comorbidades, tempo de ventilação mecânica e tempo de internamento. Resultados: Foram avaliados 40 pacientes, com idades entre 18 e 73 anos, sendo 28 (70%) do sexo masculino e 12 (30%) do sexo feminino. O tempo de internação dos pacientes em UTI variou de um mínimo de 4 dias para um máximo de 111 dias, com média de 19,1 dias, o tempo de ventilação mecânica variou de 4 a 111 dias, com média de 16 dias. Conclusão: o perfil epidemiológico do paciente politraumatizado que desenvolve pneumonia associada a ventilação mecânica no Hospital Universitário Evangélico de Curitiba é de pacientes do sexo masculino, com idade média de 36 anos, tabagistas,que já fazem uso de ventilação mecânica por pelo menos 16 dias, sendo que a infecção se inicia em média no sexto dia após a intubação do paciente

Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Endothelial Progenitor Cells Protect Human Glomerular Endothelial Cells and Podocytes from Complement- and Cytokine-Mediated Injury

Glomerulonephritis are renal inflammatory processes characterized by increased permeability of the Glomerular Filtration Barrier (GFB) with consequent hematuria and proteinuria. Glomerular endothelial cells (GEC) and podocytes are part of the GFB and contribute to the maintenance of its structural and functional integrity through the release of paracrine mediators. Activation of the complement cascade and pro-inflammatory cytokines (CK) such as Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can alter GFB function, causing acute glomerular injury and progression toward chronic kidney disease. Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) are bone-marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells circulating in peripheral blood and able to induce angiogenesis and to repair injured endothelium by releasing paracrine mediators including Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), microparticles involved in intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and genetic material (mRNA, microRNA, lncRNA) to target cells. We have previously demonstrated that EPC-derived EVs activate an angiogenic program in quiescent endothelial cells and renoprotection in different experimental models. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in vitro the protective effect of EPC-derived EVs on GECs and podocytes cultured in detrimental conditions with CKs (TNF-α/IL-6) and the complement protein C5a. EVs were internalized in both GECs and podocytes mainly through a L-selectin-based mechanism. In GECs, EVs enhanced the formation of capillary-like structures and cell migration by modulating gene expression and inducing the release of growth factors such as VEGF-A and HGF. In the presence of CKs, and C5a, EPC-derived EVs protected GECs from apoptosis by decreasing oxidative stress and prevented leukocyte adhesion by inhibiting the expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin). On podocytes, EVs inhibited apoptosis and prevented nephrin shedding induced by CKs and C5a. In a co-culture model of GECs/podocytes that mimicked GFB, EPC-derived EVs protected cell function and permeselectivity from inflammatory-mediated damage. Moreover, RNase pre-treatment of EVs abrogated their protective effects, suggesting the crucial role of RNA transfer from EVs to damaged glomerular cells. In conclusion, EPC-derived EVs preserved GFB integrity from complement- and cytokine-induced damage, suggesting their potential role as therapeutic agents for drug-resistant glomerulonephritis

Stone-walled terraces restoration: conserving biodiversity and promoting economic functions of farmlands in Lebanon

Dry stone-walled terraces are peculiar features of Mediterranean farmland, representing typical examples of social-ecological systems combining ecological functionality and ecosystem services provision. In the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (Lebanon) a program of restoration of abandoned terraces applying Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) principles is ongoing from 2016, combined with biodiversity monitoring activities. This study illustrates preliminary results of the plant monitoring, with the aim to (1) draft a checklist of the plants found in the terraces, (2) compare plant diversity and evaluate consistency of species assemblages observed among 3 different terrace managements (abandoned, restored and intensively-cultivated) and (3) compare ecological and ecosystem service value of the plant communities in the 3 types of terraces. Overall, 332 species were observed, with significantly higher diversity found in abandoned and restored terraces compared to intensively farmed terraces. Similarly, species assemblages of restored terraces were closely related to abandoned and distantly related to intensively-managed terraces. According to the study, restored terraces provide the same ecological value and ecosystem services functions as abandoned terraces, significantly higher than intensively-managed terraces. This study showcases the effectiveness of FLR programmes in restoring economic and social functions of terraced Mediterranean farmland while maintaining ecological functionality

Tree pathogens and their insect-mediated transport: Implications for oak tree die-off in a natural park area

Successful infection by a tree pathogen depends both on species-specific traits, related to its infection biology, and on external factors, i.e. the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem. Among species-specific traits, virulence, biomass (propagule) production and dispersal ability all contribute to pathogen establishment and spread. Among the external factors, two crucial roles are played by an environment conducive to disease and by vector occurrence. We investigated the endophytic fungi and xylophagous beetles associated with declining oaks in a natural stand of central Italy, particularly focusing on the fungi isolated from insects’ body. This paper extends and reinterprets the outcome of a previous study, which looked into the whole mycota (pathogenic/neutral/beneficial) found on these oaks. A rich assemblage of fungi was found on declining trees on which a number of wood-boring beetles (Buprestidae and Cerambycidae) also occurred. In the laboratory two-thirds of the insects proved to convey propagules of prominent fungal pathogens (Botryosphaeriaceae, Pestalotiopsidaceae, Plectosphaerellaceae, Pleosporaceae); this confirms pathogen pervasiveness in oak stands is enhanced by their association with xylophagous insects. The outcome of this research will benefit forest manager and other stakeholder efforts to manage stands and species invasions, also in the light of climate change. Keywords: Oak decline, Endophytic fungi, Xylophagous beetle

Extracellular Vesicles derived from Endothelial Progenitor Cells inhibit complement- and cytokine-mediated injury of renal glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes

Glomerulonephritis are renal inflammatory processes characterized by increased permeability of the Glomerular Filtration Barrier (GFB), with consequent hematuria and proteinuria. Glomerular endothelial cells (GEC) and podocytes are part of the GFB and contribute to maintaining its structural and functional integrity by interacting with each other through paracrine mediators. Immune-related complement cascade activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (CK) such as TNF-alpha and IL-6 alter GFB by causing acute glomerular injury and progression toward chronic kidney disease. Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPC) are bone-marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells circulating in peripheral blood that repair injured endothelium by releasing paracrine mediators, such as Extracellular Vesicles (EV). EVs are microparticles involved in intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and genetic material (mRNA, microRNA, lncRNA). We previously demonstrated EPC-derived EVs activate an angiogenic program in quiescent endothelial cells in different experimental models. This study evaluates EPC-derived EVs' protective effects on GFB through tests on GECs and podocytes in vitro in detrimental conditions with CKs (TNF-alpha/IL-6) and complement protein C5a. First, EVs internalize in GECs and podocytes through different integrins and L-selectin. In GECs, EVs trigger angiogenesis, the formation of capillary-like structures, and cell migration by modulating gene expression and inducing the release of growth factors, such as VEGF and HGF. In the presence of CKs, EVs protect GECs from apoptosis by decreasing oxidative stress and prevent leukocyte adhesion by inhibiting adhesion molecules' expression (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin). On podocytes, EVs inhibit cell death and prevent nephrin shedding induced by CKs. Last, in a co-culture model mimicking GFB, EV-mediated biological action on GECs protects podocytes indirectly from CK-mediated damage. RNase pre-treatment of EVs abrogated their protective effects, suggesting the crucial role of RNA transfer from EVs to target glomerular cells. In conclusion, EPC-derived EVs protect GFB from complement- and cytokine-induced damage, indicating their potential role as therapeutic agents for glomerulonephritis

Spatiotemporal Overlap between the European Brown Hare and Its Potential Predators and Competitors

Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was observed between free-ranging brown hares and both red foxes (82%) and roe deer (81%), hares avoided fox by being more active on darkest nights, as well as avoided roe deer through spatial partitioning. We suggest that hares may adapt their spatiotemporal behavior to avoid potential predators and competitors

Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (gemcitabine-based) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: The Pisa University experience

Introduction: The role of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is controversial. In this study we aimed to assess the feasibility, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (gemcitabine based) in patients with resected PA and their correlation with prognostic factors. Methods: 122 resected patients (stage â¥IIa) treated between February 1999 and December 2013 were analyzed. Two cycles of gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days) were administered before concomitant radiotherapy (45 Gy/25 fractions) and chemotherapy (gemcitabine 300 mg/m2weekly). Results: Median follow-up was 22.7 months (range 4-109). Gastrointestinal toxicity (G3), neutropenia (G3-G4) and cardiac toxicity (G2-G3) were observed in 2.4%, 10.6% and 1.6% of patients, respectively. OS at 12, 24 and 60 months was 79%, 55% and 31%, respectively (median 25 months). Two-year OS in patients with postoperative Karnofsky performance status (KPS) â¤70 and â¥80 was 37.1% and 62.3%, respectively (p<0.0001). OS was better in the group of patients with a postoperative CA 19-9 level â¤100 U/mL (p = 0.014). Median DFS was 17 months. Conclusions: The combination of concomitant gemcitabine and radiotherapy in patients with radically resected PA was well tolerated and associated with a low incidence of local recurrences. Five-year OS was significantly influenced by postoperative KPS and CA 19-9 values

Search for leptonic decays of the dark photon at NA62

The NA62 experiment at CERN, configured in beam-dump mode, has searched for dark photon decays in flight to electron-positron pairs using a sample of $1.4 \times 10^{17}$ protons on dump collected in 2021. No evidence for a dark photon signal is observed. The combined result for dark photon searches in lepton-antilepton final states is presented and a region of the parameter space is excluded at 90% CL, improving on previous experimental limits for dark photon mass values between 50 and 600 MeV/$c^2$ and coupling values in the range $10^{−6}$ to $4 \times 10^{−5}$. An interpretation of the $e^+ e^−$ search result in terms of the emission and decay of an axion-like particle is also presented.The NA62 experiment at CERN, configured in beam-dump mode, has searched for dark photon decays in flight to electron-positron pairs using a sample of $1.4\times 10^{17}$ protons on dump collected in 2021. No evidence for a dark photon signal is observed. The combined result for dark photon searches in lepton-antilepton final states is presented and a region of the parameter space is excluded at 90% CL, improving on previous experimental limits for dark photon mass values between 50 and 600 MeV$/c^2$ and coupling values in the range $10^{-6}$ to $4\times10^{-5}$. An interpretation of the $e^+ e^-$ search result in terms of the emission and decay of an axion-like particle is also presented