Food security policy choices: A review of the usefulness of public policy taxonomies

This paper addresses the "dependent variable" problem in food security policies, namely the difficulty in classifying food security  policies that limits comparative policy studies. Policy comparisons require criteria that are general enough for broad application butsensitive to the context. A rigorous and objective basis for comparisons would allow for studying how policies, and food security policies in particular, emerge. This is important in Africa as, in the past, food security and nutrition crises have been attributed to thefailure of government policies. This paper reviews the main key available public policy classifications based on their predictability, mutual-exclusivity and relevance. These include Lowi's and Wilson's typologies, the agricultural policies' classification by Norton and the FAO-FAPDA classification. The review found that available typologies do not accommodate multi-sectoral actions and are not entirely applicable to food security public policy classification. The domain shift from food policy to food security, and more recently to food systems demands that all elements in the food system to be taken into consideration in the policy process. This limits the use of policies as "dependent variables" and hence the study of how they emerge, particularly in Africa. A critique of available policy classes shows that these cannot be treated as "dependent variables". It is argued that a potential solution to the "dependent variable" problem of food security policies lies in the development of a taxonomy, simplifying their complexity with analytical shortcuts. Having reviewed Candel and Daugbjergs’ recent taxonomy, refinements are proposed to be applied in the African context. The proposed taxonomy represents an alternative to classify food security policies in Africa along four core dimensions. This classification offers prospects for researchers to study what factors drives policy-classes in one direction or the other, along the four dimensions. Althoughthe scales and calibration of the four dimensions will need to be developed and tested, the proposed typology offers a way to treat the dimensions as “dependent variables”. Key words: policy-classification, food-security policy, food systems s, policy-taxonomy, Lowi, Wilson, dependent variable problem, Afric

Simultaneous production of raw starch degrading highly thermostable a-amylase and lactic acid by Lactobacillus fermentum 04BBA19

The widely used thermostable amylases were produced long time ago from Bacillus genus. Although, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation presents several advantages including the reduction of growth of pathogenic microorganisms, no study has yet reported thermostable amylases from lactic acid bacteria. An amylolytic LAB, Lactobacillus fermentum (04BBA19) isolated from starchy wastes of a soil sample from the western region of Cameroon was studied for amylase and lactic acid production. The bacterium exhibited maximal amylase and lactic acid production at temperature of 45°C, and within pH range of 4.0 to 6.5. Upon the optimization of various environmental and cultural conditions the yield of amylase and lactic acid reached 732.3±0.4 U/ml and 53.2±0.7 g/L respectively in fermented broth after 48 h of culture. The enzyme was identified as α-amylase, with a very high thermostability revealed by the retention of 100% of original activity after pre-incubation for 30 min at 80°C. The stability was improved significantly with the addition of 0.1% (w/v) CaCl2.2H2O; the half life of the enzyme in these conditions was 6 h at 80°C. Owing to its aptitude to exhibit a simultaneous production of thermostable amylase and lactic acid, L. fermentum (04BBA19) appeared as a potential candidate for the making of high density gruel from starchy material.Key words: Lactic acid bacteria, thermostable a-amylase, lactic acid, fermentation, high density gruel

Paraffin waxes in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea: A comprehensive assessment in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance

Paraffin waxes are widely recognized as emerging marine pollutants, even their classification by the recent monitoring programs and the knowledge of their occurrence, and sources of contamination in marine ecosystems are poorly defined and reported. Wax presence and distribution have been evaluated in different environmental compartments in the Pelagos Sanctuary (Mediterranean Sea) floating on the sea surface and stranded on beaches, focussing on their characterization, accumulation areas and pollution inputs. More than 2500 yellow paraffin residues were detected and analysed in the study area showing a prevailing dimension smaller than 5 mm. The Genoa Canyon and the waters facing Gorgona Island resulted in the more polluted areas representing two distinct hotspots of wax accumulation potentially related to the high density of tanker vessels sailing to and from the harbour of Genova and Livorno. Higher concentrations of beached particles were found along the Tuscan coast (11 items/100 m) and on Pianosa Island (110 items/m2). This study gives valuable insights into paraffin wax pollution in the Pelagos Sanctuary, emphasizing the need for harmonized monitoring and detection methods to elucidate the potential impacts on marine organisms. Moreover, mitigating actions are crucial to prevent and curb the waxes pollution of marine ecosystems

The In Vitro Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the Leaves of Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae) on Three Life Cycle Stages of the Parasitic Nematode Heligmosomoides bakeri (Nematoda: Heligmosomatidae)

A comparative in vitro study was carried out to determine the ovicidal and larvicidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae) leaves on the eggs (unembryonated and embryonated), first and second larval stages of Heligmosomoides bakeri. Four different concentrations (0.625, 1.25, 2.5, and 3.75 mg·mL−1) of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested. Distilled water and 5% tween were used as negative controls in the bioassay. In fact, they did not affect development of eggs, hatching, and larval survival. The extract activities were dose dependent. The ethanolic extract was more potent against embryonation (39.6 ± 2.9%) than the aqueous extract (53.3 ± 10.9%) at the highest concentration (3.75 mg·ml−1). Both types of extracts killed larvae. Mebendazole proved more lethal (EC50 of 0.745 and 0.323 mg·mL−1, resp., for L1 and L2 larvae). The aqueous extracts were the least lethal (EC50 of 4.76 and 2.29 mg·mL−1, resp., for L1 and L2 larvae). The ethanolic extracts showed intermediate activity (EC50 of 1.323 and 1.511 mg·mL−1, resp., for L1 and L2 larvae). It is concluded that the ovicidal and larvicidal properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ageratum conyzoides leaves are demonstrated in this work

Degradation of plastic materials in the marine environment: A mussel farm as a case study for the development of alternative mussel nets

Currently, mussel farming uses of traditional plastic nets that accumulate on beaches and on the seabed in the event of breakage and accidental dispersion, contributing to the marine litter issue. An attempt is being made to replace the polypropylene nets with alternative materials to make the aquaculture full production cycle more sustainable. However, alternative materials need to be characterised both functionally and environmentally. This article describes a characterisation study in which plastic materials were exposed for approximately three years to the marine environment in a bay dedicated to mussel farming to provide data on the degradation behaviour of the selected polymers for eco-design purposes. Samples of the different materials, in the form of 3-mm thick dumbbells, were placed on the seabed at a depth of 12 m and in the water column at 2 m below the sea surface. At different time periods (after 6, 15, 24, 32 months), the samples were recovered, their mass and thickness were measured, and the mechanical properties were characterised. The results lead to the identification of some materials as sufficiently resistant to deterioration and therefore possible candidates for the application. Other materials generally used to make bags and films showed a very fast degradation and therefore do not seem to meet the performance requirements for mussel farming. The methodology used in this study seems suitable for conducting long-term exposure tests on locations of interest and collecting specific data for eco-design purposes before the application of the product on the markets

Efficacy of acute administration of inhaled argon on traumatic brain injury in mice

BACKGROUND: Whilst there has been progress in supportive treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), specific neuroprotective interventions are lacking. Models of ischaemic heart and brain injury show the therapeutic potential of argon gas, but it is still not known whether inhaled argon (iAr) is protective in TBI. We tested the effects of acute administration of iAr on brain oedema, tissue micro-environmental changes, neurological functions, and structural outcome in a mouse model of TBI. METHODS: Anaesthetised adult C57BL/6J mice were subjected to severe TBI by controlled cortical impact. Ten minutes after TBI, the mice were randomised to 24 h treatments with iAr 70%/O2 30% or air (iCtr). Sensorimotor deficits were evaluated up to 6 weeks post-TBI by three independent tests. Cognitive function was evaluated by Barnes maze test at 4 weeks. MRI was done to examine brain oedema at 3 days and white matter damage at 5 weeks. Microglia/macrophages activation and functional commitment were evaluated at 1 week after TBI by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: iAr significantly accelerated sensorimotor recovery and improved cognitive deficits 1 month after TBI, with less white matter damage in the ipsilateral fimbria and body of the corpus callosum. Early changes underpinning protection included a reduction of pericontusional vasogenic oedema and of the inflammatory response. iAr significantly reduced microglial activation with increases in ramified cells and the M2-like marker YM1. CONCLUSIONS: iAr accelerates recovery of sensorimotor function and improves cognitive and structural outcome 1 month after severe TBI in adult mice. Early effects include a reduction of brain oedema and neuroinflammation in the contused tissue

Metal accumulation in female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Eastern Atlantic affects their egg quality with potential implications for embryonic development

Sea turtles, with their global distribution and complex life cycle, often accumulate pollutants such as metals and metalloids due to their extended lifespan and feeding habits. However, there are limited studies exploring the impact of metal pollution on the reproductive health of female sea turtles, specifically focusing on the quality of their eggs, which has significant implications for the future generations of these charismatic animals. São Tomé Island, a crucial nesting and feeding habitat for green sea turtles, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research in this ecologically significant area. This study aimed to investigate whether metals and metalloids in the blood of nesting female green sea turtles induce genotoxic effects in their erythrocytes and affect their egg morphometric characteristics and the composition of related compartments. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate whether the quality of energetic reserves for embryo development (fatty acids in yolk's polar and neutral lipids) is influenced by the contamination status of their predecessors. Results revealed correlations between Cu and Hg levels and increased "lobed" erythrocytes, while As and Cu negatively influenced shell thickness. In terms of energy reserves, both polar and neutral lipid fractions contained primarily saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with prevalent 18:1n-9, 18:0, 16:0, 14:0, and 12:0 fatty acids in yolk samples. The yolk polar fraction was more susceptible to contaminant levels in female sea turtles, showing consistent negative correlations between pollution load index and essential n3 fatty acids, including linolenic, eicosatrienoic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids, crucial for embryonic development. These metals accumulation, coupled with the reduced availability of these key fatty acids, may disrupt the eicosanoid and other important pathways, affecting reproductive development. This study reveals a negative correlation between metal contamination in female sea turtles' blood and egg lipid reserves, raising concerns about embryonic development and the species' future generations

Effects of copper on larvae of the marbled crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Decapoda, Grapsidae): toxicity test and biochemical marker responses

The importance of trace elements in ecotoxicological investigations is a well-known issue when monitoring polluted areas such as commercial harbors. Copper represents one of the most common metal contaminants, often detected in these areas as it is widely employed in various fields and has many sources of inflow in the marine environment. Pachygrapsus marmoratus is a widespread intertidal crab species that has been extensively studied in ecology, ethology and population genetics. Ecotoxicological studies have also been performed, exclusively on the adult stage. In the present study we investigated the mortality and biochemical (oxidative stress and neurotoxicity) responses of P. marmoratus larvae exposure to environmental relevant concentration of copper. Results showed dose-dependent responses in terms of larval mortality, with a calculated LC50 value of 0.5 mg/L of Cu2+. The LC50 concentration was used as the starting point for subsequent biochemical response evaluation. Results also demonstrated dose-dependent activation of antioxidant systems assuming a compensatory antioxidant activity to prevent higher cellular damage when larvae were exposed to the highest concentrations of copper. Moreover, a significant enhancement of neurotransmitter activities was observed, assuming a possible direct interaction of copper with the enzymes or an increase of free copper ion aliquot into the cells.publishe

Correction to: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: analysis of germline MEN1 mutations in the Italian multicenter MEN1 patient database.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in Table 2. The table 2 was truncated in the original publication. The full table 2 is given below

Collagen Type IV Alpha 5 Chain in Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Lung Transplant: The First Evidence

Introduction: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the most common form of CLAD and is characterized by airflow limitation and an obstructive spirometry pattern without parenchymal opacities. The protein signature of BOS lesions concerns extracellular matrix organization and aberrant basement membrane composition. In this pilot study, we investigated the presence of COL4A5 in the serum of patients with BOS. Methods: 41 patients who had undergone LTX were enrolled. Of these, 27 developed BOS and 14 (control group) were considered stable at the time of serum sampling. Of BOS patients, serum samples were analysed at the time of BOS diagnosis and before the clinical diagnosis (pre-BOS). COL4A5 levels were detected through the ELISA kit. Results: Serum concentrations of COL4A5 were higher in pre-BOS than in stable patients (40.5 ± 13.9 and 24.8 ± 11.4, respectively, p = 0.048). This protein is not influenced by comorbidities, such as acute rejection or infections, or by therapies. Survival analysis also reveals that a higher level of COL4A5 was also associated with less probability of survival. Our data showed a correlation between concentrations of COL4A5 and FEV1 at the time of diagnosis of BOS. Conclusion: Serum concentrations of COL4A5 can be considered a good prognostic marker due to their association with survival and correlation with functional parameters