The long-lasting protective effect of HGF in cardiomyoblasts exposed to doxorubicin requires a positive feed-forward loop mediated by ERK1,2-TIMP1-STAT3

Previous studies showed that the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)–Met receptor axis plays long-lasting cardioprotection against doxorubicin anti-cancer therapy. Here, we explored the mechanism(s) underlying the HGF protective effect. DNA damage was monitored by histone H2AX phosphorylation and apoptosis by proteolytic cleavage of caspase 3. In doxorubicin-treated H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, the long-lasting cardioprotection is mediated by activation of the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1,2) signaling pathway and requires Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activation. The HGF protection was abrogated by the Erk1,2 inhibitor, PD98059. This translated into reduced Y705 phosphorylation and impaired nuclear translocation of Stat3, showing crosstalk between Erk1,2 and Stat3 signaling. An array of 29 cytokines, known to activate Stat3, was interrogated to identify the molecule(s) linking the two pathways. The analysis showed a selective increase in expression of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (Timp1). Consistently, inhibition in cardiomyoblasts of Timp1 translation by siRNAs blunted both Stat3 activation and the cardioprotective effect of HGF. Thus, Timp1 is responsible for the generation of a feed-forward loop of Stat3 activation and helps cardiomyocytes to survive during the genotoxic stress induced by anthracyclines

Spatiotemporal partitioning between sympatric hares and their predators

Assessing spatiotemporal activity patterns of carnivores and prey, and their overlaps, provides key insights into behavioural adaptations for mitigating competition and predation. Camera-trapping has improved our potential to conduct systematic studies of activity patterns and spatiotemporal niche overlap on mammalian guilds and, particularly, to monitor the presence and the spatiotemporal behaviour of species of conservation concern. In this study, we used 30 fixed camera traps to investigate spatiotemporal partitioning among two lagomorphs and their shared terrestrial predators (i.e., the grey wolf Canis lupus, the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the European badger Meles meles and the wildcat Felis silvestris), in two similar natural reserves located in Apennine forests of central Italy. We obtained 10,043 independent videos in six months of monitoring, including the two target hare species, i.e. the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and the protected endemic Apennine hare L. corsicanus, and their predators. Our results indicate a high temporal overlap between hares, particularly at dusk and dawn, which suggests potential competition for shared resources. Conversely, moderate spatial overlap and distinct habitat preferences suggest habitat partitioning as co-existence mechanism between European brown hares and Apennine hares. Apennine hares are strongly associated with wooded areas, whereas European brown hares favour open habitats. Both species avoided bright moonlight nights, as an anti-predatory strategy. The higher spatial overlap of Apennine hares with predators suggests that this Italian endemic species may face higher predation pressure, potentially exacerbating competition with the more abundant European brown hare

Identification of novel circulating microRNAs in advanced heart failure by next-generation sequencing

Abstract Aims Risk stratification in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (HF) is an unmet need. Circulating microRNA (miRNA) levels have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in several diseases including HF. The aims of the present study were to characterize HF‐specific miRNA expression profiles and to identify miRNAs with prognostic value in HF patients. Methods and results We performed a global miRNome analysis using next‐generation sequencing in the plasma of 30 advanced chronic HF patients and of matched healthy controls. A small subset of miRNAs was validated by real‐time PCR (P < 0.0008). Pearson's correlation analysis was computed between miRNA expression levels and common HF markers. Multivariate prediction models were exploited to evaluate miRNA profiles' prognostic role. Thirty‐two miRNAs were found to be dysregulated between the two groups. Six miRNAs (miR‐210‐3p, miR‐22‐5p, miR‐22‐3p, miR‐21‐3p, miR‐339‐3p, and miR‐125a‐5p) significantly correlated with HF biomarkers, among which N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide. Inside the cohort of advanced HF population, we identified three miRNAs (miR‐125a‐5p, miR‐10b‐5p, and miR‐9‐5p) altered in HF patients experiencing the primary endpoint of cardiac death, heart transplantation, or mechanical circulatory support implantation when compared with those without clinical events. The three miRNAs added substantial prognostic power to Barcelona Bio‐HF score, a multiparametric and validated risk stratification tool for HF (from area under the curve = 0.72 to area under the curve = 0.82). Conclusions This discovery study has characterized, for the first time, the advanced chronic HF‐specific miRNA expression pattern. We identified a few miRNAs able to improve the prognostic stratification of HF patients based on common clinical and laboratory values. Further studies are needed to validate our results in larger populations

Conservation status of Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra in Italy

The southern Italian otter population is considered an ESU, as it is completely isolated from other European populations. The two former disjointed nuclei of this core population are now a unique metapopulationb. Expansion at the edge of this range is proceeding inconstantly with presence/absence varying year by year, especially in Abruzzo and Apulian rivers (Foro, Pescara, Alto Sangro, Candelaro) (Fig. 1). However, despite not all grid cells were resampled over time and sampling designs were not homogeneous and consistent along time and space, all trends are positive (Fig. 2). As to northern Italy, the otter expansion in Austria and Slovenia promoted the return of the species on the eastern Alpine chain since 2011, where its rapid expansion is giving hope for the establishment of a viable population in the short-medium term. Also, a new nucleus on the western part of the Alps was detected in 2020 on the Roya catchmenti across the French border. The Italian Alpine range is also hosting a isolated B-line population in the Ticino river, a population derived from reintroduction of individuals crossbred with L. l. barang. However, a recent study revealed this population is likely unviable and no otter signs have been recorded in the area since 2018 (Fig. 1)

Bioblitz 2016 Lago dell’Accesa

The Maremma Natural History Museum is active in the field of Citizen Science at the Tuscan, national and international level. Among the founding bodies of the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA), it has promoted meetings for a national Citizen Science strategy in Italy, actively participated in the drafting of national guidelines on the subject and developed Citizen Science projects in Tuscany and other regions nearby. BioBlitzes are one of the best-known activities in the field of environmental Citizen Science. In May 2016, the Museum organized its fourth BioBlitz at the Accesa Lake Special Protection Area. On this occasion, data collected attested the presence of 784 different taxonomic entities, 678 of which were identified at the species level and 18 at the subspecies level. Nineteen alien species and two endemic species have been identified. Thirty-nine species protected by national or international laws and 13 endangered species have been detected. The area has been confirmed to be an important biodiversity hotspot; future utilization plans must be developed with due consideration for the fragility of the habitats close to the lake from the conservation point of view

Bioblitz 2018 Parco Regionale della Maremma.

In recent decades, many natural history museums in Europe have integrated their traditional functions with new ways of interacting with visitors and local communities. In particular, the need to adapt their mission according to the changes in modern society has led them to develop initiatives aiming at an active involvement of the public in scientific research. This is one of the inspiring principles of Citizen Science. BioBlitz are among the most popular activities dedicated to biodiversity in this field. In line with the inspiring principles of this cultural revolution, since 2012 the Maremma Natural History Museum organized public participation initiatives for the collection of biodiversity data. We hereby report the main results of the BioBlitz 2018 organized by the Maremma Natural History Museum in the Talamone area, located in the southern portion of the Uccellina Hills. Four hundred and ninety eight taxa were sampled and identified, 447 of which at the level of species and 10 at the level of subspecies; the remaining refer to higher taxonomic levels. 31 protected species and 10 endangered species were found in the area; moreover, 6 alien species and one endemic species were detected. The main feature that distinguished BioBlitz 2018 to others conducted in previous years was the large number of participants. The data collected increased the scientific knowledge of the southern portion of the Maremma Regional Park, less known than other areas of the same protected area

Bioblitz 2015 Torrente Trasubbie

This paper reports the results of the BioBlitz organized by the Maremma Natural History Museum in May 2015 within the “Torrente Trasubbie” Site of Regional Importance. This activity is part of the public involvement events for the collection of scientific data that the Museum organizes on a regular basis. During BioBlitz 2015, data collected attested the presence of 652 different taxonomic entities, 562 of which were identified at the species level and 32 at the subspecies level. The remaining were identified at higher taxonomic levels. Thirteen alien and 4 endemic species were identified. Fifty three species protected by international or national laws and 17 endangered species were detected in the area. SIR Trasubbie is an extremely interesting area from a naturalistic point of view, but extremely vulnerable for its high dynamism linked to the torrential regime of the homonymous stream and susceptible to changes in land use in the surrounding areas. The data collected confirm the high importance of this portion of territory at the level of both habitat and individual species. The data collected in collaboration with members of the public assume an even greater value, as an activity carried out by the local community