Post-disaster dynamics in inner areas. An Italian hypothesis for transition management

The city can be defined as a balanced relation among polis, civitas and urbs (Salzano, 1998). Disasters impact this balance. Undermining the link between the components as well as the component themselves, the disaster can lead a city to the death, especially if the balance is already damaged (Edgington, 2010), at the same time it can represent the opportunity for changing the development trajectory of the territory (May and Williams, 2012). The catalyst effect of a disaster, and in particular of an earthquake, emerges more evident in inner areas where generally there are ongoing negative demographic and socio-economic trends (Barca, 2014). With this premise, the chapter proposes an overview of Italian reconstruction processes from the post-war period until today with the main aim of highlighting the dynamics of disaster governance and community organization, which are often less visible in the ordinary circumstances. The approach to reconstruction used seems not to be able to stem these phenomena and to reverse trends in order to “revitalize” the territories. The chapter aims to show the possible application of a flexible tool, such as the Transition Management approach, to the issue of post-disaster management in inner areas. Basing our study on transition management theories and (Rotmans et al., 2001; Bosch and Rotmans, 2008) disaster and post-disaster literature, the research uses the window of opportunity concept to connect the concepts of development trajectory, transition, trajectory break and trajectory reshape. Finally, the aims of the research are explained under the light of the ultimate goal of contributing to resilience-building vocation of the National Strategy (Barca et al., 2013)

Concentrations of free radicals and beta-endorphins in repeat breeder cows

Repeat breeding (RB) is one of the major problems that affect the reproductive efficiency and economy of milk production in dairy animals. So far, the etiopathogenesis of this pathology has not been defined completely. Stress has been hypothesized to be a cause of impaired reproductive efficiency. Stress may cause an overproduction of beta-endorphins and free radicals; in particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this work is to determine the concentrations of these substances in RB cows and to evaluate the correlation with the serum level of progesterone. The study was performed on 60 dairy cows: 26 RB and 34 control cows. Blood samples were collected on day 12 and day 16, after artificial insemination (AI) in all subjects, in order to assess the concentrations of progesterone, free radicals and beta-endorphins. The stressors, free radicals and beta-endorphins, that we considered, were higher in repeat breeders (day 12, 93.32(±1.91) UCarr and 0.50(±0.03) ng/ml; day 16, 94.42(±1.91) UCarr and 0.61(±0.03) ng/ml), with a lower level of progesterone, which probably is responsible for failure to conceive. The stress factors (free radicals and beta-endorphins) may actually enhance each other and induce an inhibition of progesterone synthesis in repeat breeders

Oxytocin plus antibiotics: A synergism of potentiation to enhance bovine uterine contractility

This in vitro study investigates the modulatory effect of three antibiotics (amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, and rifaximin) on contractility of the bovine uterine tissue, in follicular and luteal phases. The evaluation of the effects of these antibiotics (104 M) was performed on oxytocin-induced contractility. The decision to test these antibiotics with the oxytocin (106 M) comes from the reported ability of these combinations of hinder the antibiotic resistance and the formation of bacterial biofilms. The procedures were carried out in isolated organ bath, and the contractile functionality of the strip throughout the experiment was evaluated after a dose of carbachol (105 M). The results demonstrate the different modulatory activity of these antibiotics, on the plateau of contraction induced by oxytocin, in both phases of the estrus cycle. The differing individual antibiotic effects of our testing made it possible to identify, only in some cases. Rifaximin in the follicular phase and enrofloxacin in both phases of the estrous cycle, induced a synergistic enhancement (potentiation) of uterine strip contraction induced by oxytocin. This result is thought important because these associations might enable, in vivo, a simultaneous increase of uterine cleaning and the antimicrobial action on bacteria in planktonic form and of those organized in biofilms

Follicular development in pregnant cows after the administration of equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG): a new insight

The follicular development in the cow occurs in a wave-like pattern, and it takes place also during pregnancy. In the cow, Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) is used for superovulation, but a decrease in total fertility has been reported, likely because of its immunogenic properties in species other than equine. In this regard, immune response has been implicated in follicular growth, ovulation, and placental development. So, aims of our study are to test the safety of eCG administered during pregnancy and characterize the ovarian activity, the quality of oocytes, the hormonal status, and interleukin levels in eCG-treated pregnant cows

Standard treatment–refractory cytomegalovirus encephalitis unmasked by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and successfully treated with virus‐specific hyperimmune globulin

Objectives Cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐related encephalitis is a rare but potentially life‐threatening complication of CMV infection in immunocompromised patients. The high mortality rate is associated with deficient immune system reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and poor bioavailability of antiviral drugs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CMV‐related central nervous system (CNS) infection may occur with aspecific symptoms, without evidence of either blood viral load or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of encephalitis. Methods Here, we describe a 10‐year‐old girl who underwent an allogeneic HSCT and subsequently developed CMV encephalitis. Because of the absence of CMV antigen in the blood, the diagnosis of encephalitis was proposed only after a delay, following the onset of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Two months of combined dual antiviral therapy with ganciclovir and foscarnet proved ineffective against CMV and caused significant bone marrow and renal toxicity. To avoid further toxicity, the girl was given daily treatment with CMV‐hyperimmune globulins alone. Results After three weeks, the CSF viral load dropped significantly and was undetectable within three more weeks. In the meantime, the renal impairment resolved, and there was a complete bone marrow recovery. Conclusion We suggest that this patient succeeded in achieving CMV CSF clearance with high dose of CMV‐hyperimmune globulin, given alone, because of the ability of immunoglobulins to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB)

Sex steroids, carcinogenesis, and cancer progression

The relationship between sex steroids and cancer has been studied for more than a century. Using an original intact cell analysis, we investigated sex steroid metabolism in a panel of human cancer cell lines, either hormone responsive or unresponsive, originating from human breast, endometrium, and prostate. We found that highly divergent patterns of steroid metabolism exist and that the catalytic preference (predominantly reductive or oxidative) is strictly associated with the steroid receptor status of cells. We explored intra-tissue concentrations and profiles of estrogens in a set of human breast tumors as compared to normal mammary tissues, also in relation to their estrogen receptor status. In particular, we showed that, with hydroxyestrogens representing the majority of all tissue estrogens, concentrations of individual metabolites, as well as their ratios, significantly differ when comparing normal tissue with cancer tissues or when they are related to the overall survival of cancer patients. © 2004 New York Academy of Sciences

Effects of Mefepronic Acid (2-Phenoxy-2-Methyl Propionic Acid) on Hepatic Metabolism and Reproductive Parameters in Postpartum Dairy Cows.

This study investigates the effects of mefepronic acid (MA), a PPAR-α agonist, on hepatic metabolic functions and reproduction of postpartum dairy cows. Sixty Friesian cows were divided into Group A (administered 5g of MA IM, within 24 hrs after calving, on the 3rd and 5th day postpartum) and Group B (control). All the cows were blood sampled within 24 hrs of calving (Day 0), on Day 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 40 postpartum. On plasma, metabolic and biochemical parameters were determined. Liver biopsies were performed on Day 0, 15 and 30 for the evaluation of hepatic lipid and glycogen content. Reproductive parameters were also evaluated. In Group A, blood HDL, glucose and cholesterol increased till the end of the study, in accordance with the histological results. PPAR-α immunopositive cells increased in liver slices of Group A, too. Reproductive parameters improved in Group A. This study highlights the beneficial effects of mefepronic acid on the hepatic metabolism and reproductive parameters of post-partum dairy cows

Heavy Metals in Soil and Salad in the Proximity of Historical Ferroalloy Emission

Emissions of manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) from ferro-alloy operations has taken place in Valcamonica, a pre-Alp valley in the province of Brescia, Italy, for about a century until 2001. Metal concentrations were measured in the soil of local home gardens and in the cultivated vegetables. Soil analysis was carried out using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer in both surface soil and at 10 cm depth. A subset of soil samples (n = 23) additionally was analysed using the modified BCR sequential extraction method and ICP-OES for intercalibration with XRF (XRF Mn = 1.33 * total OES Mn – 71.8; R = 0.830, p < 0.0001). Samples of salads (Lactuca sativa and Chichorium spp.) were analyzed with a Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) technique. Vegetable and soil metal measurements were performed in 59 home gardens of Valcamonica, and compared with 23 gardens from the Garda Lake reference area. Results indicate significantly higher levels of soil Mn (median 986 ppm vs 416 ppm), Pb (median 46.1 ppm vs 30.2 ppm), Fe (median 19,800 ppm vs 13,100 ppm) in the Valcamonica compared to the reference area. Surface soil levels of all metals were significantly higher in surface soil compared to deeper soil, consistent with atmospheric deposition. Significantly higher levels of metals were shown also in lettuce from Valcamonica for Mn (median 53.6 ppm vs 30.2) and Fe (median 153 vs 118). Metals in Chichorium spp. did not differ between the two areas. Surface soil metal levels declined with increasing distance from the closest ferroalloy plant, consistent with plant emis- sions as the source of elevated soil metal levels. A correlation between Mn concentrations in soil and lettuce was also observed. These data show that historic ferroalloy plant activity, which ended nearly a decade before this study, has contributed to the persistence of increased Mn levels in locally grown vegetables. Further research is needed to assess whether this increase can lead to adverse effects in humans and plants especially for Mn, an essential element that can be toxic in humans when exceeding the homeostatic ranges

Rhodolith Beds Heterogeneity along the Apulian Continental Shelf (Mediterranean Sea)

Rhodolith beds represent a key habitat worldwide, from tropical to polar ecosystems. Despite this habitat is considered a hotspot of biodiversity, providing a suite of ecosystem goods and services, still scarce quantitative information is available thus far about rhodolith beds occurrence and ecological role, especially in the Mediterranean Sea. This study reports the composition and patterns of distribution of rhodolith assemblages found in four study areas along ca. 860 km of coast in the Central Mediterranean Sea. These rhodolith beds were studied for the first time and significant differences at all spatial scales have been highlighted, documenting the high variability of this habitat. Rhodolith species composition, morphology and distribution have been discussed considering the potential role of environmental factors in driving these patterns. The need for improving their protection is discussed to complement present conservation and management initiatives, particularly in the frame of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive