Variation in the stable isotope trophic position of the bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) from two Mediterranean sites: insights from a global meta-analysis

A direct consequence of sea warming is the shift in the distribution range of thermo-tolerant species that have the potential to determine novel inter-specific interactions, ultimately altering food web structures and ecosystem processes. In this study, we investigated the trophic position of the bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766), a pelagic predator that has recently expanded its distribution in the Mediterranean basin and for which scant information is available on its functional role in recently-colonised areas. Nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes were determined in muscle tissues of bluefish specimens collected in south-east Italy in the Gulf of Taranto (NW Ionian Sea) and in the Strait of Otranto (SW Adriatic Sea) at two coastal sites showing contrasting oceanographic conditions. The bluefish trophic position (TP) was estimated using locally abundant forage fish species as isotopic baselines. The results indicated for bluefish from the Strait of Otranto a TP value of 5.1, significantly higher than that determined in the Gulf of Taranto (4.2), and exceeding stomach content-based estimations reported by the online database FishBase and by literature sources. A synthesis of 30 publications reporting isotopic data for the bluefish and its potential prey at a global scale indicated that the species’ trophic position varied considerably between 2.7 and 5.2. The observed variability depended on location and on the baseline species used in the estimations. Yet, a significant difference in trophic position was observed for bluefish from transitional and inshore environments as compared with offshore areas, mirroring the results obtained from the Gulf of Taranto and the Strait of Otranto. The findings of the study highlight the high trophic plasticity characterizing the bluefish in recently colonized areas, suggesting that it may play a key role in facilitating the expansion of its distribution range. However, additional investigations are essential to provide an advanced resolution of the bluefish functional role in Mediterranean coastal food webs

Dementia in Latin America : paving the way towards a regional action plan

Regional challenges faced by Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACs) to fight dementia, such as heterogeneity, diversity, political instabilities, and socioeconomic disparities, can be addressed more effectively grounded in a collaborative setting based on the open exchange of knowledge. In this work, the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium on Dementia (LAC-CD) proposes an agenda for integration to deliver a Knowledge to Action Framework (KtAF). First, we summarize evidence-based strategies (epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, clinical trials, nonpharmacological interventions, networking and translational research) and align them to current global strategies to translate regional knowledge into actions with transformative power. Then, by characterizing genetic isolates, admixture in populations, environmental factors, and barriers to effective interventions and mapping these to the above challenges, we provide the basic mosaics of knowledge that will pave the way towards a KtAF. We describe strategies supporting the knowledge creation stage that underpins the translational impact of KtAF

Soft-Shell Production of the Invasive Atlantic Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus in the Lesina Lagoon (SE Italy): A First Assessment

The current invasion of the Mediterranean Sea by the Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus requires the implementation of effective strategies of control and management. In native areas, the species is highly appreciated as a hard- and soft-shell seafood, and hard-shell fisheries are developing in a number of invaded countries. Here, to verify alternative approaches for enhancing the commercial value of the species, we carried out a pilot experiment to test a flow-through system for the production of soft-shell blue crabs. Fifty crabs were collected in the Lesina lagoon (Adriatic Sea, Italy) and inspected for the coloration of the line on the distal edge of the fifth pereiopod. Accordingly, they were grouped into three groups showing no, white, and red lines, symptomatic of the progression of the pre-molt phase, and maintained for 31 days in a flow-through pond system. The overall mortality rate determined during the trial was similar across the three groups and ranged between 10 and 20%, indicating that the flow-through system was effective for rearing the crabs. In addition, the molting rate was 10%, 65%, and 85% for individuals at an early, intermediate, and advanced pre-molt stage, confirming that the line coloration can be used as an effective indicator of the advancement of the molting process. Our study provides the first contribution towards the introduction in the Mediterranean fishery sector of novel procedures and practices for the production of soft-shell blue crabs, which may represent a cost-effective strategy to enhance the capture and commercialization of this invasive species as a high-quality and valuable shellfish product

Artisanal fishing in Lesina Lagoon: critical points and innovative fishing techniques

Transitional environments are among the richest ecosystems in the world in terms of biodiversity and productivity. Lesina lagoon is one of the largest wetlands in southern Italy and it has always represented an important fishing ground for local communities. It is exploited by small vessels using traditional fishing gears and targeting a wide spectrum of species. Local fishery is mainly based on the use of “paranza”, a traditional fishing system made up of net walls fixed on stakes and retaining devices (fyke-nets). The nets are placed shore-to-shore in north-south direction and provide a fence which convey the fish into fyke-nets positioned at regular intervals along them. Fishing activities include also the use of gillnets, trammel nets and harpoon. Despite artisanal fishing is widely recognized as a sustainable activity, it could greatly impact ecologically sensitive environments, such as Lesina lagoon, as it is characterized by a low selectivity and high efficiency. In addition, it produces a considerable amount of by-catch, including juveniles of commercial species and species without commercial value. Unfortunately, no quantitative data are to date available on the selectivity of gear used in artisanal fishing activities in Lesina lagoon and the contribution of by-catch to total captures. The present study provides a comprehensive historical review of the fishing techniques in Lesina lagoon in accord with the actions of the “CatchUpFish” (PO FEAMP, funded by the Apulia Region). The main scope is to contribute to the identification of the main determinants of the observed decline of traditional production activities and to the formulation of effective strategies for a sustainable fishery management. Increasing stakeholders awareness on the environmental consequences and reducing the by-catch by improving gear selectivity and experimenting innovative fishing gears are urgent matters for the sustainable use of lagoon resource

Occurrence of the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis in the invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus from the Lesina Lagoon (SE Italy)

The occurrence of the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis was molecularly investigated in the hemolymph, gills, stomach, hepatopancreas and gonads of the eleven invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus from the Lesina Lagoon (Mediterranean Sea). Out of 11 blue crabs, 6 (54.5%) and 4 (36.4%) were found positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanenis, respectively; parasites were found only in the six females analysed, while the remaining five males resulted negative. Moreover, out of 55 tissues samples, 7 (12.7%) and 8 (14.5%) were positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanensis, respectively with hemolymph and gills being the most infected tissues. This is the first report of the presence of protozoan pathogens in wild crab species collected from a Mediterranean lagoon. The present results may provide a baseline reference on microbial infection in the species for invaded Mediterranean waters, and on the potential health risks related with its consumption if eaten raw

Occurrence of the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis in the invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus from the Lesina Lagoon (SE Italy)

none8noThe occurrence of the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis was molecularly investigated in the hemolymph, gills, stomach, hepatopancreas and gonads of the eleven invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus from the Lesina Lagoon (Mediterranean Sea). Out of 11 blue crabs, 6 (54.5%) and 4 (36.4%) were found positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanenis, respectively; parasites were found only in the six females analysed, while the remaining five males resulted negative. Moreover, out of 55 tissues samples, 7 (12.7%) and 8 (14.5%) were positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanensis, respectively with hemolymph and gills being the most infected tissues. This is the first report of the presence of protozoan pathogens in wild crab species collected from a Mediterranean lagoon. The present results may provide a baseline reference on microbial infection in the species for invaded Mediterranean waters, and on the potential health risks related with its consumption if eaten raw.restrictedMarangi M.; Lago N.; Mancinelli G.; Lillo Antonio O.; Scirocco T.; Sinigaglia M.; Specchiulli A.; Cilenti L.Marangi, M.; Lago, N.; Mancinelli, G.; Lillo Antonio, O.; Scirocco, T.; Sinigaglia, M.; Specchiulli, A.; Cilenti, L

Snapshot of rare, exotic and overlooked fish species in the Italian seas: A citizen science survey

Italy, at the center of the Mediterranean Sea, hosts a high diversity of fishes, but to a certain extent, this richness remains hidden or poorly known because of rare, cryptic or recently introduced species, that are hardly to detect with the traditional sampling approaches. In this study, we gained complementary knowledge, engaging Italian sea users, especially fishers and underwater photographers, to share their observations. Results obtained during 2019 provided 124 new records distributed in 40 species. Most of these records are related to native-rare and native-thermophilic fishes (~95%), while few observations (~5%) concern non-indigenous taxa. Records of thermophilic species were reported from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea, while alien species were mostly reported from the southernmost coasts of Italy. Our findings highlight the potential of participatory actions and emphasize the value of a close collaboration between researchers and sea-lovers for monitoring marine biodi versity on large spatial scale

Towards sustainable marine spatial planning of aquaculture

An efficient and adaptive strategy within the EU Marine Spatial Planning Directive has to manage the existing and increasing conflicts between human uses and habitat conservation in coastal-marine areas. Among the different human activities developed along the coasts, aquaculture occupies a primary role. In this context, the aims of this research have been: (1) to propose a conceptual model suitable for aquaculture marine spatial planning; (2) to collect and integrate indicators useful for the characterization of the study area in terms of socio-ecological-economic sensitivities and pressures; and (3) to identify and map the most suitable areas for the development of new fish and shellfish farms. The study area is the Apulia Region (Southern Italy) with a coastline of about 1,000 km, in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and characterized by several economic activities within a high value natural context. The evaluation of area’s suitability for fish and shellfish farms have been carried out through the ecological characterization of the coastal areas, the identification of the socio-economic, ecological, cultural, and legal-military constraints and the estimate of the “Suitability Index” that, through a Weighted Linear Combination, integrates environmental variables and allows to classify areas as “Highly Suitable”, “Suitable” or “Unsuitable”. The “highly suitable areas” for new fish and shellfish farms are mainly located in northernmost of the Southern Adriatic Sea along the Gargano coast and in the Gulf of Manfredonia, whilst concerning the Northern Ionian Sea they are at a mean distance of 5 Km from the shoreline. The suitability maps have shown that existing fish farms are in line with their suitable areas but, surprisingly, this has seemed not to be true for shellfish farms. This can be explained by the fact that these aquaculture activities have traditionally been present in some areas (e.g., Taranto Seas), currently strongly impacted by human activities. This research has highlighted that despite aquaculture is generally conceived as an environmental impacting activity, it could be also impacted by other environmental and/or anthropic stressors (i.e., industrial ports, sewage discharges). Considering all these elements, the present research addresses decision-makers, providing information and tools necessary to plan in a more aware way, and also stakeholders interested in investing in the aquaculture sector, who could benefit from the proposed suitability maps for fish and shellfish farms for a sustainable development of this sector

Dementia in Latin America: Paving the way toward a regional action plan.

Across Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACs), the fight against dementia faces pressing challenges, such as heterogeneity, diversity, political instability, and socioeconomic disparities. These can be addressed more effectively in a collaborative setting that fosters open exchange of knowledge. In this work, the Latin American and Caribbean Consortium on Dementia (LAC-CD) proposes an agenda for integration to deliver a Knowledge to Action Framework (KtAF). First, we summarize evidence-based strategies (epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, clinical trials, nonpharmacological interventions, networking, and translational research) and align them to current global strategies to translate regional knowledge into transformative actions. Then we characterize key sources of complexity (genetic isolates, admixture in populations, environmental factors, and barriers to effective interventions), map them to the above challenges, and provide the basic mosaics of knowledge toward a KtAF. Finally, we describe strategies supporting the knowledge creation stage that underpins the translational impact of KtAF

Outcomes in Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation and History of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Insights from GARFIELD-AF

BACKGROUND: Many patients with atrial fibrillation have concomitant coronary artery disease with or without acute coronary syndromes and are in need of additional antithrombotic therapy. There are few data on the long-term clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome. This is a 2-year study of atrial fibrillation patients with or without a history of acute coronary syndromes