Core habitats of bottlenose dolphins in the MPA Regno di Nettuno, gulf of Naples, Italy

Species conservation requires a clear understanding of habitat use. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a coastal species subjected to various anthropogenic threats. In this research, we use a combination of behavioral observations and GIS analysis to identify core hotspots for bottlenose dolphins around the Islands of Ischia and Procida. The surveys took place mainly within the Marine Protected Area “Regno di Nettuno” which is organized in five zones with different levels of protection; one of these, the D-zone, is dedicated to marine mammals. Data were collected from 2004 to 2018 by the Ischia Dolphin Project, an ongoing long-term research program on cetaceans. In order to evaluate the use of habitat, GPS coordinates were taken every three minutes during the sightings and then analyzed using QGIS Kernel Density Estimation and Hotspot analysis. We conducted 1186 boat-based surveys (58332 km). During these, we encountered 91 bottlenose dolphin groups and spent 156 hours (877 km) in direct observations. The hotspot maps were created from the analysis of 71 behavioral sequences > 40 min, with a mean duration of 121 min (range 41-417). Feeding hotspots were identified N, NW of Ischia, and NW of Procida; socializing and mating hotspots partially intersected with the feeding ones, but the one NW of Procida was wider; a milling and resting hotspot was located NW of Procida. Core habitats of bottlenose dolphins are only in part protected by the zonation of the Marine Protected Area. More specifically, the hotspots NW of Procida, located on the main route to Naples, are particularly exposed to disturbance from commercial and recreational traffic. Cutting-edge conservation policies can take advantage of this spatial information to increase the safeguard of protected species. In particular, the MPA should use them to revise and enlarge the boundaries of the D-zone dedicated to marine mammals

Traveling in a fragile world: the value of ecoturism

What is ecotourism and why is it a current topic today more than ever? Tourism represents a significant economic sector and further forecasted to grow at a global level – exceeding even in the first few months of 2018 the most optimistic growth expectations according to WTTC (2018a)1. According to the International Ecotourism society2, ecotourism can be defined as a form of responsible tourism that prefers natural areas and that focuses its attention and commitment to conserve the environment and sustain the well-being of local people through interpretation (of heritage, traditions) and education (habitats, animals, cultures). Ecotourism has the potential to contribute, directly or indirectly, to all the objectives set by the 2030 Agenda3 for Sustainable Development4, which establishes ambitious global targets for people, planet, prosperity and peace through partnerships (UNWTO 2019; WCED 1987). Moreover, it provides the opportunity to preserve natural areas, through natural resources management and increasing environmental awareness and eco-friendly practices; provide sustainable economic growth of local communities in countries like Nepal, Costa Rica or Ecuador; preserve indigenous culture and tradition through educational programs; and reinvest money for conservation efforts like the protection of species or reforestation. However, critics to Ecotourism claim the negative impacts that this industry has on local people and environments as consequence of long travel distances (like the pollution generated by planes) and the negative impacts deriving from the presence of tourists in delicate environments (and the related production of waste or pollution). This paper aims to provide a general examination of the available data about the ecotourism activities on a global level, presenting examples from representative countries worldwide. We consider both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of this industry, trying to focus on what it represents in terms of its impacts and benefits for the country’s natural resources, communities and economy. In the first part of the manuscript, we compare ecotourism to other forms of natural resources’ use such as trophy hunting and mass tourism, trying to evaluate whether these represent a preferable alternative or not in terms of sustainability and economic benefits. The next section is divided by regions: Africa, The Americas, Europe, and Australia. For the study, we used statistics made available mainly by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), together with information from specialized international literature

Cumulus cells steroidogenesis is influenced by the degree of oocyte maturation

BACKGROUND: The possibility to predict the ability of a germ cell to properly sustain embryo development in vitro or in vivo as early as possible is undoubtedly the main problem of reproductive technologies. To date, only the achievement of nuclear maturation and cumulus expansion is feasible, as all the studies on cytoplasmic maturation are too invasive and have been complicated by the death of the cells analyzed. The authors studied the possibility to test the cytoplasmic quality of pig oocytes by evaluating their ability to produce steroidogenesis enabling factor(s). To this aim, oocytes matured under different culture conditions that allowed to obtain gradable level of cytoplasmic maturation, were used to produce conditioned media (OCM). The secretion of the factor(s) in conditioned media was then recorded by evaluating the ability of the spent media to direct granulosa cells (GC) steroidogenesis. METHODS: In order to obtain germ cells characterized by a different degree of developmental competence, selected pig oocytes from prepubertal gilts ovaries were cultured under different IVM protocols; part of the matured oocytes were used to produce OCM, while those remaining were submitted to in vitro fertilization trials to confirm their ability to sustain male pronuclear decondensation. The OCM collected were finally used on cumulus cells grown as monolayers for 5 days. The demonstration that oocytes secreted factor(s) can influence GC steroidogenesis in the pig was confirmed in our lab by studying E(2 )and P(4 )production by cumulus cells monolayers using a radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS: Monolayers obtained by growing GC surrounding the oocytes for five days represent a tool, which is practical, stable and available in most laboratories; by using this bioassay, we detected the antiluteal effect of immature oocytes, and for the first time, demonstrated that properly matured germ cells are able to direct cumulus cells steroidogenesis by inhibiting E(2 )production (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, only fully competent oocytes were able to suppress estrogens production, while those cultured under unfavourable conditions were unable to exert any inhibitory effect on the functions of cumulus cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that good quality oocytes can be easily selected on the basis of their ability to affect granulosa cell steroidogenesis thus reducing failures in reproductive technologies due to the transfer of fertilized oocytes with a scarce ability to sustain embryo development

Custom-Made Devices Represent a Promising Tool to Increase Correction Accuracy of High Tibial Osteotomy: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Presentation of Pilot Cases with a New 3D-Printed System

Background: The accuracy of the coronal alignment corrections using conventional high tibial osteotomy (HTO) falls short, and multiplanar deformities of the tibia require consideration of both the coronal and sagittal planes. Patient-specific instrumentations have been introduced to improve the control of the correction. Clear evidence about customized devices for HTO and their correction accuracy lacks. Methods: The databases PUBMED and EMBASE were systematically screened for human and cadaveric studies about the use of customized devices for high tibial osteotomy and their outcomes concerning correction accuracy. Furthermore, a 3D-printed customized system for valgus HTO with three pilot cases at one-year follow-up was presented. Results: 28 studies were included. The most commonly used custom-made devices for HTO were found to be cutting guides. Reported differences between the achieved and targeted correction of hip-knee-ankle angle and the posterior tibial slope were 3 degrees or under. The three pilot cases that underwent personalized HTO with a new 3D-printed device presented satisfactory alignment and clinical outcomes at one-year follow-up. Conclusion: The available patient-specific devices described in the literature, including the one used in the preliminary cases of the current study, showed promising results in increasing the accuracy of correction in HTO procedure

Dupilumab in the treatment of severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP): A multicentric observational Phase IV real-life study (DUPIREAL)

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with significant morbidity and reduced health-related quality of life. Findings from clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of dupilumab in CRSwNP, although real-world evidence is still limited. Methods This Phase IV real-life, observational, multicenter study assessed the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP (n = 648) over the first year of treatment. We collected data at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of follow-up. We focused on nasal polyps score (NPS), symptoms, and olfactory function. We stratified outcomes by comorbidities, previous surgery, and adherence to intranasal corticosteroids, and examined the success rates based on current guidelines, as well as potential predictors of response at each timepoint. Results We observed a significant decrease in NPS from a median value of 6 (IQR 5–6) at baseline to 1.0 (IQR 0.0–2.0) at 12 months (p &lt; .001), and a significant decrease in Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test-22 (SNOT-22) from a median score of 58 (IQR 49–70) at baseline to 11 (IQR 6–21; p &lt; .001) at 12 months. Sniffin' Sticks scores showed a significant increase over 12 months (p &lt; .001) compared to baseline. The results were unaffected by concomitant diseases, number of previous surgeries, and adherence to topical steroids, except for minor differences in rapidity of action. An excellent-moderate response was observed in 96.9% of patients at 12 months based on EPOS 2020 criteria. Conclusions Our findings from this large-scale real-life study support the effectiveness of dupilumab as an add-on therapy in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP in reducing polyp size and improving the quality of life, severity of symptoms, nasal congestion, and smell

Horses in the mirror

The study of animal cognition can no longer ignore the close relation between mind, body and social context, without sounding anachronistic. This assumption is particularly true when considering horses’ cognitive abilities. Despite their nature – as social and lazily dynamic animals – domestic horses are often forced to live at the limit of their mental and physical needs from an early age. The pet-like status imposes on horses extreme living conditions, where the cognitive-emotional side of their equine essence remains overlooked, and their body is compelled to endure heavy stress. Despite the many investigations over the past years, we still cannot predict many factors influencing horse welfare and cognition in domestic settings. In particular, we are not yet able to protect these animals from the various issues that can undermine their psychological/health balance and also affect their athletic performance. This chapter aims at providing readers (and riders) with the tools to manage horses respectfully, both in terms of their physical (first section) and their mental well-being (second section). However, we will consider here only some skills of horses that may be relevant in the context of equitation, without claiming to have written a review of horse cognition to date. This chapter talks directly to people working with horses and in horse facilities, and it aims at providing them with extra scientific knowledge of the perceptual world of these animals thus developing higher levels of competency in horses’ management