Finding of a living population of Panopea glycimeris (Von Born, 1778) (Bivalvia; Hiatellidae) in Eastern Sicily (Mediterranean Sea)

A consistent living population of Panopea glycimeris (von Born, 1778) was documented underwater along the eastern coast of Sicily. Twenty specimens were counted over an area of 1000 m(2), with an estimated total population of less than 300 individuals. The morphometric measurements of an adult specimen captured are provided. Proposals to adopt protection measures for this species are discussed

Variations in Flight Patterns of European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in New York

Seasonal flights of Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) were monitored in 1981, using blacklight traps in 28 locations in central and western New York state. Calendar date of peak catch and heat unit accumulations indicated the presence of both univoltine and bivoltine biotypes, although before this study, only the latter was assumed to be present in these regions. Both biotypes were evident at 16 of the 28 trapping sites. Trap catches during the last 5 years of a 15-year study (1967-1981), at a fixed location near Geneva, N. Y., indicated the recurrence of a univoltine population that had last been noted in this region before 1964. Losses due to larval contamination of processed snap beans are reported for 1979 and 1980. Growers of susceptible crops must be aware of local flights and the potential for shifts in peak moth emergence before insecticides are applie

Concern about the spread of the invader seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia var. distichophylla (Chlorophyta: Caulerpales) towards the West Mediterranean

The new Australian alien seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia var. distichophylla, after being established along the Turkish Mediterranean coast in 2006, was recorded in Southern Sicily in 2007. Since then local fishermen claimed support to counteract the effects of entanglement of large amounts of the alien strain wrack in their trammel nets, causing the gear to become ineffective. The further northward and westward spread of the new alien strain is supposed to be limited by winter temperature. We present novel data confirming that the new alien strain is fully naturalized in Central Mediterranean and is expanding its range beyond such limit (i.e. the 15°C February isotherm), thus becoming potentially able to colonize the western basin. By means of a preliminary estimation of effects on native polychaete assemblages, and considering some peculiarities of Sicily (mostly linked to its geographical position in the Mediterranean Sea), the risk linked to the increasing range of distribution of the invasive algae is highlighted

Structure and status of the Italian red coral forests: What can a large-scale study tell?

The precious coral Corallium rubrum (Linnaeus, 1758) is a charismatic Mediterranean species. A recent large-scale investigation along the Italian coast highlighted its widespread occurrence at mesophotic and upper bathyal depths, especially on coralligenous and bathyal vertical hardgrounds. The lack of morphometric data limited the considerations on the structure and health status of the populations, fundamental to identify the most vulnerable sites and the correct management actions. For this reason, a ROV dataset, consisting of 624 dives carried out between 40 m and 1825 m in the Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, and Sicily Channel, was analysed to extrapolate quantitative data to describe the populations. Ten random frames were obtained from each of the 170 sites hosting red coral. Density, height, and entanglement were evaluated for about 15700 colonies counted in the frames. The densest populations were mainly found between 40 m and 80 m, with a clear latitudinal density decrease. The mesophotic populations were characterized by both scattered and densely aggregated colonies, while the bathyal ones were dominated by sparse colonies. This study identified 17 major coral areas based on the geographic proximity of the sites hosting red coral and their topographic and oceanographic affinity. The size-frequency distribution of the heights was skewed towards the smaller classes in almost all populations, with a modal class between 2 cm and 4 cm. This study depicted a stress situation of the populations throughout the entire study area, which could be correlated also to the long-term harvesting pressure carried out in the basins. Two additional sources of direct mortality were pointed out in this study. Entanglement to artisanal and recreational fishing gear interested about 18% of the recorded colonies, mainly at mesophotic depths. Almost all populations suffered from mechanical entanglement, with the highest percentages in the Ligurian Sea and Sicilian areas. This study also highlighted a massive occurrence of recent deep mortality events, mainly along the eastern and southern coast of Sardinia and in the Campanian Archipelago. Thirty sites with extensive patches of dead colonies still in place were reported from 70 m to around 200 m, but their formation remains unclear

RUOLO DELL’ESERCIZIO FISICO NELLA QUALITÀ DI VITA DI SOGGETTI CON SCLEROSI MULTIPLA. ROLE OF EXERCISE IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN SUBJECTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.

La sclerosi multipla è una patologia neurodegenerativa cronica che ha un impatto considerevole sullo stato fisico, psicologico e sociale dei pazienti, influenzando negativamente la loro qualità di vita. Tra i fattori contribuenti ad una ridotta qualità di vita sono inclusi la presenza di dolore, spasmi, sindromi depressive, l’aumento della fatica e la riduzione della forza muscolare, mobilità ed autonomia nella deambulazione. Accanto alla medicina convenzionale, varie forme di medicina complementare ed alternativa, tra cui l’esercizio fisico, sono utilizzate dai soggetti con sclerosi multipla. Tuttavia, poche sono le prove scientifiche a sostegno della loro efficacia nel ridurre i sintomi derivanti dalla patologia e nel migliorare la loro qualità di vita. L’obiettivo del presente studio è stato quello di illustrare i risultati presenti nella letteratura scientifica riguardo l’utilizzo dell’esercizio fisico quale metodo sicuro ed efficace per migliorare la qualità di vita di soggetti con sclerosi multipla. Nel dettaglio, sono stati presi in considerazione studi che hanno valutato gli effetti dell’esercizio in acqua, dell’allenamento aerobico e degli esercizi di forza e di potenziamento muscolare sull’efficienza cardio-respiratoria, deambulazione e riduzione dei sintomi e della fatica in questi soggetti. In questi studi, i pazienti che hanno svolto programmi di esercizio fisico, hanno mostrato miglioramenti della forma fisica ed in particolare della forza muscolare, mobilità, equilibrio, postura e deambulazione. Inoltre, hanno riportato una riduzione significativa del dolore, della stanchezza, della spasticità, degli spasmi e della depressione. In alcuni casi, questi cambiamenti sono stati mantenuti anche dopo l’interruzione dell’attività fisica. Gli effetti della pressione idrostatica, durante l’esercizio in acqua ha portato, in generale, ad ottimi risultati a livello cardiovascolare e respiratorio. Infatti, l’esercizio fisico ha aumentato il fitness cardiovascolare dei soggetti con SM, come dimostrato dagli incrementi del picco di VO2max permettendo loro di svolgere in maniera più energica le attività quotidiane e ricreative, senza affanno. Dagli studi presi in esame è anche emerso che l’esercizio fisico influenza la sfera psicologica ed emotiva di questi pazienti aumentando l’autostima ed il tono dell’umore. Questo lavoro dimostra l’efficacia clinica dell’attività motoria sia dal punto di vista emotivo che della performance motoria proponendo attività gradite e coinvolgenti che soddisfano i pazienti stessi.Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that has a significant impact on the physical, psychological and social situation of patients, adversely affecting their quality of life. Among the factors contributing to a reduced quality of life are included the presence of pain, spasms, depressive syndromes, increased fatigue and reduced muscle strength, mobility and autonomy in walking. In addition to conventional medicine, various forms of complementary and alternative medicine, including exercise, are used by people with multiple sclerosis. However, there is little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the symptoms caused by the disease and improving their quality of life. The aim of this study was to illustrate the results from the scientific literature regarding the use of physical exercise as a safe and effective method for improving the quality of life in subjects with multiple sclerosis. In detail, we have been taken into account studies that have evaluated the effects of aquatic, aerobic and strength exercises on cardio-respiratory efficiency, gait and reduced symptoms and fatigue in these subjects. In these studies, patients who performed exercise programs showed improvements in physical form and, in particular, in muscle strength, mobility, balance, posture and gait. In addition, they reported a significant reduction in pain, fatigue, spasticity, spasms and depression. In several cases, these changes were maintained after cessation of exercise. The effects of hydrostatic pressure, during the exercise in water has led, in general, to excellent results in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In fact, exercise has increased the cardiovascular fitness of people with MS, as demonstrated by increases in peak VO2max allowing them to perform daily and recreational activities in a more energetic way. The studies examined also showed that exercise affects the psychological and emotional aspect of these patients by increasing self-esteem and mood. This work demonstrates the clinical efficacy of physical activity both in terms of emotional and motor performance offering appreciated and engaging activities that satisfy the patients themselves

Brachiopod Fauna from the Deep Mediterranean Sea: Distribution Patterns and Ecological Preferences

Compared to their fossil counterparts, living brachiopods are investigated far less often, due to their occurrence in remote environments such as dark caves or deep environments. Due to the scarcity of studies targeting in situ brachiopods' populations, large-scale information on their distribution and ecological preferences is still lacking, especially on hardgrounds. The extensive employment of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), however, has opened up the chance to better explore this taxon's diversity and ecology in the mesophotic and bathyal zones. The analysis of over 600 h of video footage collected from 624 sites, from 40 m to 1825 m, located along the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Italy and the Sicily Channel, allowed for a large-scale investigation. The four identified species, Novocrania anomala, Gryphus vitreus, Megerlia truncata and Terebratulina retusa, emerged as common macrofaunal components of the explored habitats, especially between 150 m and 250 m, with high occurrences in the northern areas, especially on offshore seamounts. All species can form dense aggregations of individuals, with M. truncata showing the densest populations on steep rocky terraces (up to 773 individuals m(-2)). Except for G. vitreus, the only species also recorded on soft bottoms, the others were found exclusively on hardgrounds, with N. anomala showing a peculiar ability to exploit anthropogenic substrates such as terracotta amphorae. No stable species-specific associations were noted, even if numerous species were frequently observed together. Although brachiopods do not show the conspicuous tridimensionality of large filter-feeders, their substrate occupancy and their role in pelagic-benthic processes support their importance in deep-sea Mediterranean ecosystems

Marine alien species in Italy: A contribution to the implementation of descriptor D2 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

A re-examination of marine alien species or Non Indigenous Species (NIS) reported in Italian Seas, until December 2018, is provided, focusing on establishment success, year of first record, origin, potential invasiveness, and likely pathways, in particular. Furthermore, their distribution is assessed according to the marine subregions outlined by the European Union (EU) Marine Strategy Framework Directive: Adriatic Sea (ADRIA), Ionian Sea and Central Mediterranean Sea (CMED), and Western Mediterranean Sea (WMED). In Italy, 265 NIS have been detected with the highest number of species being recorded in the CMED (154 species) and the WMED (151 species) subregions, followed by the ADRIA (143) subregion. Most of these species were recorded in more than one subregion. One hundred and eighty (180 or 68%) NIS have established stable populations in Italian Seas among which 26 have exhibited invasive traits. As regards the taxa involved, Macrophyta rank first with 65 taxa. Fifty-five of them are established in at least one subregion, mostly in the ADRIA and the CMED. Crustacea rank second with 48 taxa, followed by Polychaeta with 43 taxa, Mollusca with 29 taxa, and Fishes with 28 taxa, which were mainly reported from the CMED. In the period 2012-2017, 44 new alien species were recorded, resulting in approximately one new entry every two months. Approximately half of the NIS (~52%) recorded in Italy have most likely arrived through the transport-stowaway pathway related to shipping traffic (~28% as biofoulers, ~22% in ballast waters, and ~2% as hitchhikers). The second most common pathway is the unaided movement with currents (~19%), followed by the transport-contaminant on farmed shellfishes pathway (~18%). "Unaided" is the most common pathway for alien Fishes, especially in the CMED; escapes from confinement account for ~3% and release in nature for ~2%. The present NIS distribution hotspots for new introductions were defined at the first recipient area/location in Italy. In the ADRIA, the hotspot, Venice, accounts for the highest number of alien taxa introduced in Italy, with 50 newly recorded taxa. In the CMED subregion, the hotspots of introduction are the Taranto and Catania Gulfs, hosting 21 first records each. The Strait of Sicily represents a crossroad between alien taxa from the Atlantic Ocean and the Indo-Pacific area. In the WMED, bioinvasion hotspots include the Gulfs of Naples, Genoa and Livorno. This review can serve as an updated baseline for future coordination and harmonization of monitoring initiatives under international, EU and regional policies, for the compilation of new data from established monitoring programs, and for rapid assessment surveys

Preliminary observations of caulerpin accumulation from the invasive Caulerpa cylindracea in native Mediterranean fish species

Recent studies have shown that the Mediterranean white sea bream Diplodus sargus includes the invasive green alga Caulerpa cylindracea in its diet, with consequent metabolic and enzymatic alterations. As a result of this novel alimentary habit, the bioactive algal red pigment caulerpin has been detected in its tissues. However, this may not be an isolated case: other fish species have also been reported to feed on C. cylindracea, although the possible accumulation of caulerpin in their tissues has not yet been investigated. In this report, we analysed stomach contents and caulerpin levels in the native sparid species Spondyliosoma cantharus, Sarpa salpa, and Diplodus vulgaris, and in the scarid Sparisoma cretense, along with the Lessepsian siganid Siganus luridus. C. cylindracea was found in the stomachs of all but one fish species, the exception being S. cretense, in which prey items could not be determined due to the high degree of digestion. Chemical analysis of fish tissues revealed that only S. cantharus and S. salpa accumulated caulerpin, while no traces of the compound were detected in the other species. Despite intense research efforts on natural products obtained from C. cylindracea, a complete picture of the impacts caused by fish including this alga in their diet has not been elucidated. The identification of caulerpin in other Mediterranean native fish suggests a need for further research in order to assess the possible transfer of such molecules to humans through seafood consumption

Indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone fixed dose combination for uncontrolled asthma

Introduction: Asthma symptoms can be relieved through a maintenance treatment combining long-acting β2-agonist and inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS). However, for patients with inadequately controlled asthma, the LABA/ICS combination might not be sufficient, and clinical guidelines recommend the administration of inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) as an add-on therapy to better control asthma and improve lung function. For nearly two decades, the only LAMA to be approved on the market has been tiotropium. Areas covered: We reviewed recent clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of LABA/LAMA/ICS fixed dose combinations by searching the PubMed database. Molecular mechanisms and clinical data support the use of a once-daily, single-inhaler fixed dose combination of the LABA/LAMA/ICS indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone (IND/GLY/MF), the first therapy combining three agents in a fixed dose approved in Europe for the treatment of uncontrolled asthma. Expert opinion: IND/GLY/MF was superior to both IND/MF and salmeterol/fluticasone, a well-established LABA/ICS combination improving the lung function in uncontrolled asthma. Moreover, IND/GLY/MF, delivered through the Breezhaler inhaler in a single inhalation, is the first inhaled therapy prescribed alongside a digital companion, a sensor and the Propeller app, allowing for improved treatment adherence, reduced rescue inhaler usage and hospitalizations, increased patient satisfaction and asthma control

Elucidating food webs in infralitoral rocky coastal habitats invaded by Caulerpa cylindracea (Sonder 1845)

Invasive species including Caulerpa cylindracea affect coastal benthic communities inducing structural changes. To assess effects in rocky ecosystems, food webs have been depicted based on stable isotopic data collected from invertebrates and fishes at invaded and non-invaded coastal areas. Isotopic values of invertebrates were slightly higher in invaded than non-invaded habitats of Lampedusa Island, however no significant differences were found. Invasive fish Siganus luridus and native Sparisoma cretense had similar isotopic signatures indicating similar food sources