Assessing natural capital value in the network of Italian marine protected areas: a comparative approach

Marine and coastal natural capital stocks provide a bundle of ecosystem services vital for human well-being. The biophysical and economic assessment of the value of natural capital stocks is much needed for achieving nature conservation goals, while ensuring the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly being established worldwide to protect and conserve natural capital stocks from anthropogenic threats. In this study, a biophysical and trophodynamic model based on the emergy accounting method was used to assess the value of natural capital for a set of Italian MPAs. In particular, the assessment focused on four main macro-habitats: 1) sciaphilic hard bottom (SHB), 2) photophilic hard bottom (PHB), 3) soft bottom (SB), and 4) Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds (PSB). The emergy method allowed the assessment of natural capital stocks in terms of direct and indirect solar energy flows invested by nature for their generation. The SHB habitat showed the highest emergy density value in most of the investigated MPAs, confirming the high convergence of input resource flows in the formation of this habitat. When considering extensive indicators, the contribution of the PSB habitat to the total value of natural capital was higher than other habitats in most MPAs. In addition, to facilitate the understanding of the results in socio-economic contexts, the biophysical values of natural capital stocks were converted into monetary units. The total value of natural capital in the investigated MPAs ranged from about 8 to 1163 M€. In conclusion, assessing the value of natural capital can support local managers and policy makers in charge for achieving nature conservation targets while ensuring the sustainable exploitation of natural resources

The scientific literature on Posidonia oceanica meadows and related ecosystem services

Posidonia oceanica is an endemic seagrass of the Mediterranean Sea. It has recently raised particular interest for its key role in enhancing climate change mitigation. Actually, P. oceanica is one of the most important marine-coastal ecosystems able to sequester and store considerable quantities of carbon, thus being recognized as a “Coastal Blue Carbon System”. However, due to their coastal position, P. oceanica meadows are often subjected to intense human activities that affect their distribution, health and ecological condition, and the capability of generating ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and storage. Therefore, it is important to identify strategies to protect P. oceanica meadows, also increasing the awareness on the value of the benefits they generate for human well-being. In this context, environmental accounting tools are much needed to assess the biophysical and economic value of the ecosystem services provided by P. oceanicameadows.  In this study we explored the scientific literature on P. oceanica, also investigating the relationships between “Posidonia oceanica” and “Ecosystem Services”. The VOSviewer software was used to create maps based on network data of scientific publications using specific keywords to explore the co-occurrence of different terms connected to the considered research topics. Results showed that the most common keywords in scientific publications on P. oceanica were “Biodiversity”, “Environmental monitoring”, and “Conservation”. The analysis on “Posidonia oceanica” and “Ecosystem Services” showed some gaps in terms of standardized approaches for the ecosystem accounting of P. oceanica meadows. Therefore, further efforts are needed to assess the value of ecosystem services generated by P. oceanica through standardized accounting frameworks making visible its contribution to human well-being at different levels of decision-making processes

Nursery growing media: agronomic and environmental quality assessment of sewage sludge-based compost

There is a stringent need to reduce the environmental impact of peat in the plant nursery production chain. In this experiment, the use of different rates of sewage sludge compost in the preparation of growing media for potted Bougainvillea was evaluated to assess its efficiency for the replacement of peat and to quantify the environmental impact of such alternative substrates by the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. Five substrates containing increasing proportion of composted sewage sludge to peat (0%, 25%, 40%, 55%, and 70% v/v) were used, and their physicochemical properties were measured. Bougainvillea plant growth, biomass production, and macro- and micronutrient absorption were also determined. The main results were that compost addition improved the plant nutrient and increased the substrate pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and dry bulk density values. Globally, the results showed that compost could be used at up to 55% by volume with no negative effects on plant growth. The LCA showed that use of compost reduced the environmental loads of the growth media, except the Global Warming Potential value (GWP100). Environmental implications of the use of compost in the plant nursery chain are discussed

Indications for Digital Monitoring of Patients With Multiple Nevi: Recommendations from the International Dermoscopy Society

Introduction: In patients with multiple nevi, sequential imaging using total body skin photography (TBSP) coupled with digital dermoscopy (DD) documentation reduces unnecessary excisions and improves the early detection of melanoma. Correct patient selection is essential for optimizing the efficacy of this diagnostic approach. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to identify, via expert consensus, the best indications for TBSP and DD follow-up. Methods: This study was performed on behalf of the International Dermoscopy Society (IDS). We attained consensus by using an e-Delphi methodology. The panel of participants included international experts in dermoscopy. In each Delphi round, experts were asked to select from a list of indications for TBSP and DD. Results: Expert consensus was attained after 3 rounds of Delphi. Participants considered a total nevus count of 60 or more nevi or the presence of a CDKN2A mutation sufficient to refer the patient for digital monitoring.  Patients with more than 40 nevi were only considered an indication in case of personal history of melanoma or red hair and/or a MC1R mutation or history of organ transplantation. Conclusions: Our recommendations support clinicians in choosing appropriate follow-up regimens for patients with multiple nevi and in applying the time-consuming procedure of sequential imaging more efficiently. Further studies and real-life data are needed to confirm the usefulness of this list of indications in clinical practice

Identities mirrored by elderly residents in Cape Verde

No imaginário social prevalecem construções sociais da velhice que influenciam a forma como a sociedade e o próprio idoso encaram o processo de envelhecimento, o valor conferido à pessoa e aos seus contextos relacionais próximos e distais (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). Com este estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa pretende-se analisar como o idoso residente em Cabo Verde perceciona e vivencia o seu processo de envelhecimento e os seus contextos relacionais. Os dados foram recolhidos numa amostra de conveniência, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas administradas individualmente que, depois de transcritas, foram submetidas à análise de conteúdo (Bardin, 2008; Kvale, 1996). Participaram neste estudo 8 idosos, de ambos géneros, com uma média de 76.63 anos, casados, reformados e sem relação de parentesco. Os dados corroboram uma perceção da velhice como um fenómeno natural e uma construção identitária positiva, pautada pela continuidade no tempo. Destaca-se ainda uma identidade espelhada do idoso no mundo com os outros.In the social imaginary there are social constructions of aging that influence the way society and the elderly face the aging process, the value given to the person and to their near and distal relational contexts (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). This descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach aims to analyze how the elderly residents in Cape Verde experience and perceive their aging process and their relational contexts. Data were collected from a convenience sample, through semi-structured interviews individually administered. Aftertranscription they were subject to content analysis (Bardin, 2008; Kvale, 1996). In this study 8 elderly of both genders participated, with a mean of 76.63 years, married, retired and unrelated. The data corroborate a perception of aging as a natural phenomenon and a positive identity construction, marked by continuity in time. Noteworthy is also a mirror identity of the elderly in the world with others.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

MiR-24 induces chemotherapy resistance and hypoxic advantage in breast cancer

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women. It has been proved that the onset of cancer depends on a very small pool of tumor cells with a phenotype similar to that of normal adult stem cells. Cancer stem cells (CSC) possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential as well as a robust ability to sustain tumorigenesis. Evidence suggests that CSCs contribute to chemotherapy resistance and to survival under hypoxic conditions. Interestingly, hypoxia in turn regulates self-renewal in CSCs and these effects may be primarily mediated by hypoxic inducible factors (HIFs). Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical players in the maintenance of pluripotency and self-renewal in normal and cancer stem cells. Here, we demonstrate that miR-24 is upregulated in breast CSCs and that its overexpression increases the number of mammospheres and the expression of stem cell markers. MiR-24 also induces apoptosis resistance through the regulation of BimL expression. Moreover, we identify a new miR-24 target, FIH1, which promotes HIFα degradation: miR-24 increases under hypoxic conditions, causing downregulation of FIH1 and upregulation of HIF1α. In conclusion, miR-24 hampers chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in breast CSCs and increases cell resistance to hypoxic conditions through an FIH1−HIFα pathway

Corticosteroid administration reduces the concentration of hyaluronan in bronchoalveolar lavage in a murine model of eosinophilic airway inflammation

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of corticosteroid administration on the concentration of hyaluronan (HA) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in a murine model of eosinophilic airway inflammation and to study the mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Untreated-mice or mice treated with 1 ìg/g/day betamethasone (Bm) or 0.25 ìg/g/day(-1) budesonide (Bd) were sensitized and challenged with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) or saline (control group). The concentration of HA in BAL was determined by ELISA. In vitro migration assays were performed using a Boyden chamber and the expression of HA synthases (HAS) was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: We found a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the levels of HA in BAL from Dp-treated mice that was prevented by Bm or Bd. Corticosteroids also inhibited the increase in HAS expression, and the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in the lungs of challenged mice. Finally, we found that low molecular weight HA induces the chemotaxis of BAL cells in vitro through a mechanism mediated by CD44. CONCLUSION: We conclude that corticosteroids prevent the increase in HA in BAL from Dp-challenged mice. This effect is associated with reduced expression of HAS and reduced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in the lungs of challenged mice.Fil: Ernst, Glenda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Lompardía, Silvina Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Cordo Russo, Rosalia Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Gentilini, Maria Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Venturiello, Stella Maris. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Galindez, Fernando. Hospital Municipal de Rehabilitación Respiratoria María Ferrer; ArgentinaFil: Grynblat, Pedro. Hospital Municipal de Rehabilitación Respiratoria María Ferrer; ArgentinaFil: Hajos, Silvia Elvira. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; Argentin

Oral administration of Lactobacillus fermentum CRL1446 improves biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with wheat bran

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of probiotic Lactobacillus (L.) fermentum CRL1446, with feruloyl esterase (FE) activity, on metabolic biomarkers and intestinal microbiota of mice with high fat diet-induced Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and supplemented with wheat bran as a source ofesterified ferulic acid. Six-week-old male Swiss albino mice developed the components of MS when fed with high fat diet supplemented with wheat bran (HFD + WB) for 14 weeks. Positive impact of L. fermentum CRL1446 administration on these animals was reflected in a decrease in body weight gain and adiposity index compared to the animals that did not receive the probiotic strain. In addition, a decrease in plasma leptin levels, improvement of inflammatory profile, reduction of fatty infiltration in hepatocytes and modification of lipid profile (increased HDL-cholesterol and decreased LDL-cholesteroland triglyceride levels) were observed. On the other hand, L. fermentum CRL1446 reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, improving the HOMA index in mice with MS. Postprandial glucose levels were also reduced in the oral glucose tolerance test. Consumption of L. fermentum CRL1446 with HFD + WB (HFD + WB-Lf mice group) had a great impact on host metabolism, modulating intestinal microbiota, with an increase in Bacteroidetes and a decrease in Firmicutes abundance being observed. Increased intestinal FE activity, improved oxidative status and increased abundance of 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid andbutyric acid concentration in colonic content, were also demonstrated in HFD + WB-Lf mice. Results obtained suggest that supplementation with L. fermentum CRL1446 enhances beneficial effects of a bran diet, attenuating the risk factors associated with MS.Fil: Russo, Matias Irineo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; ArgentinaFil: Márquez, María Antonela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; ArgentinaFil: Herrera, Héctor Matías. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Abeijon Mukdsi, Maria Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; ArgentinaFil: Saavedra, Maria Lucila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; ArgentinaFil: Hebert, Elvira Maria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; ArgentinaFil: Gauffin Cano, María Paola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; ArgentinaFil: Medina, Roxana Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; Argentin