Tourism, poverty alleviation and nature conservation: The state of contemporary research

This literature review analysed 112 scientific papers published in 17 different social science journals from 2003 to the end of 2007 discussing the relation between tourism, poverty alleviation and nature conservation. The majority of the articles is problem-oriented, concentrates on the relation between tourism and nature conservation and focuses on impact assessment and management issues. The relation between tourism and poverty alleviation is still under researched. Based on the literature review this article not only provides an overview of past scientific research work, but also explores research gaps and suggests main directions of a future research agenda.This literature review analysed 112 scientific papers published in 17 different social science journals from 2003 to the end of 2007 discussing the relation between tourism, poverty alleviation and nature conservation. The majority of the articles is problem-oriented, concentrates on the relation between tourism and nature conservation and focuses on impact assessment and management issues. The relation between tourism and poverty alleviation is still under researched. Based on the literature review this article not only provides an overview of past scientific research work, but also explores research gaps and suggests main directions of a future research agenda

The Story of SPATA2 (Spermatogenesis-Associated Protein 2): From Sertoli Cells to Pancreatic Beta-Cells

In an attempt to isolate new spermatogenesis-associated genes, pd1 was initially identified and cloned as a novel human cDNA sequence from testis cDNA library. The novel gene was submitted to GenBank under accession n° U28164 in 1996. PD1 expression was demonstrated at the Sertoli cell level with a production which appeared to be under the influence of neighbouring spermatogenic cells. The rat orthologue of human pd1 was further cloned and, according to the Gene Nomenclature Committee, was renamed spata2 (spermatogenesis-associated protein 2) gene on the basis of its FSH-dependent up-regulation and developmental expression. The analysis of the human and rat cDNA sequences disclosed an open reading frame for a protein of 520 and 511 amino acids respectively, with an overall identity of 85%. Subsequently, a zebrafish orthologue of the human spata2 gene was identified. The consensus open reading frame (1650 bp) encodes a polypeptide of 550 amino acids, which shares 37% identity with the human spata2. By means of whole-mount in situ hybridisation it has been shown that spata2 transcripts are maternally derived and become strongly localised in the central nervous system at early developmental stages. At the same time, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that several adult zebrafish tissues expressed high level of spata2 mRNA providing evidence that this gene may have a broader function than previously described. More recently, novel findings have highlighted a potential role of spata2 during pancreatic development and β-cell proliferation. In this review we will discuss spata2 gene expression and regulation as well as focus on novel evidence, which suggests a role for this protein in pancreatic β-cell function

A framework for participatory impact assessment : involving stakeholders in European policy making, a case study of land use change in Malta

A Framework for Participatory Impact Assessment is presented for use within European land use policy impact assessment. The context and rationale for the development of the Framework are outlined, both in the context of European policy making and within a project called "Sustainability Impact Assessment: Tools for Environmental, Social and Economic Effects of Multifunctional Land Use in European Regions". A detailed description of the sequence of methods that make up the Framework is provided, followed by illustrations and details of the practical application and results from a case study in Malta, where the Framework was used to carry out an impact assessment of biodiversity policies. After reporting on the reflections of the research team and valuable feedback provided by Maltese stakeholders, the Framework’s ability to enhance the quality, credibility and legitimacy of European policy impact assessment is discussed.peer-reviewe

Heparanase activity in alveolar and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma: implications for tumor invasion

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant soft tissue sarcoma of childhood including two major histological subtypes, alveolar (ARMS) and embryonal (ERMS) RMS. Like other human malignancies RMS possesses high metastatic potential, more pronounced in ARMS than in ERMS. This feature is influenced by several biological molecules, including soluble factors secreted by tumor cells, such as heparanase (HPSE). HPSE is an endo-β-D-glucuronidase that cleaves heparan sulphate proteoglycans.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We determined HPSE expression by Western blot analysis in ARMS and ERMS cells lines and activity in supernatants by an ELISA assay. Stable <it>HPSE </it>silencing has been performed by shRNA technique in RH30 and RD cell lines and their invasiveness has been evaluated by Matrigel-invasion assay. HPSE activity and mRNA expression have also been quantified in plasma and biopsies from RMS patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>HPSE expression and activity have been detected in all RMS cell lines. Stable <it>HPSE </it>silencing by shRNA technique determined a significant knockdown of gene expression equal to 76% and 58% in RH30 and RD cell lines respectively and induced a less invasive behaviour compared to untreated cells. Finally, we observed that <it>HPSE </it>mRNA expression in biopsies was higher than in foetal skeletal muscle and that plasma from RMS patients displayed significantly more elevated HPSE levels than healthy subjects with a trend to higher levels in ARMS.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, our data demonstrate for the first time HPSE expression and activity in RMS and highlight its involvement in tumor cell invasion as revealed by shRNA silencing. Moreover, HPSE expression in RMS patients is significantly higher with respect to healthy subjects. Further studies are warranted to assess possible relationships between HPSE and clinical behaviour in RMS.</p

Optogenetic Activation of Striatopallidal Neurons Reveals Altered HCN Gating in DYT1 Dystonia

Summary: Firing activity of external globus pallidus (GPe) is crucial for motor control and is severely perturbed in dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions. Here, we show that GPe projection neurons exhibit a reduction of firing frequency and an irregular pattern in a DYT1 dystonia model. Optogenetic activation of the striatopallidal pathway fails to reset pacemaking activity of GPe neurons in mutant mice. Abnormal firing is paralleled by alterations in motor learning. We find that loss of dopamine D2 receptor-dependent inhibition causes increased GABA input at striatopallidal synapses, with subsequent downregulation of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channels. Accordingly, enhancing in vivo HCN channel activity or blocking GABA release restores both the ability of striatopallidal inputs to pause ongoing GPe activity and motor coordination deficits. Our findings demonstrate an impaired striatopallidal connectivity, supporting the central role of GPe in motor control and, more importantly, identifying potential pharmacological targets for dystonia

L-citrulline is protective in hyperoxic lung damage and improves matrix remodelling and alveolarization

Moderate hyperoxia alters alveolar and vascular lung morphogenesis. Nitric oxide (NO) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have a crucial role in the homeostasis of the matrix and bronchoalveolar structure and may be regulated abnormally by exposure to hyperoxia. Disruption of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-NO signaling impairs vascular growth and contributes to hyperoxia-induced vascular disease in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We hypothesize that L-citrulline, by raising the serum levels of L-arginine and enhancing endogenous NO synthesis, might attenuate hyperoxia-induced lung injury in an experimental model of BPD. Neonatal rats (1 day old) were exposed to 60% oxygen or room air for 14 days and administered L-citrulline or a vehicle (sham). Lung morphometry were performed; Serum was tested for arginine level; Matrix metalloproteinases2 (MMP2) gene expression, VEGF gene and protein expression and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression were compared. Mean linear intercept was higher in the hyperoxia and sham groups when compared with the room air (RA) and L-citr+hyperoxia treated group (p&lt;0.02). Secondary crests number was higher in L-citrulline treated and RA when compared to hyperoxia and sham group (p&lt;0.02). L-Arginine level rose in the L-citrulline-treated group (p&lt;0.05). L-citrulline did not affect MMP2 gene expression, but it regulated the MMP2 active protein, which rose in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (p&lt;0.05), presumably due to a post-transductional effect. Compared with RA controls, hyperoxia significantly decreased VEGF and eNOS protein expression. At the same time, an increased lung VEGF gene and protein expression (p&lt;0.05) were also seen in the rats treated with L-citrulline. We conclude that: (i) hyperoxia decreases growth and disrupts VEGF-NO signaling of lung; (ii) the main effects of L-citrulline are an increased serum level of arginine, as a promoter and a substrate of the nitric oxide synthase; and (ii) a better alveolar growth and matrix control than in hyperoxia-induced lung damage seems promising

Italian Guidelines in diagnosis and treatment of alopecia areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder that targets anagen phase hair follicles. The course is unpredictable and current available treatments have variable efficacy. Nowadays, there is relatively little evidence on treatment of AA from well-designed clinical trials. Moreover, none of the treatments or devices commonly used to treat AA are specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The Italian Study Group for Cutaneous Annexial Disease of the Italian Society of dermatology proposes these Italian guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of Alopecia Areata deeming useful for the daily management of the disease. This article summarizes evidence-based treatment associated with expert-based recommendations

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 14

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrections are provided as Suppl. materia

Notulae to the Italian alien vascular flora: 14

In this contribution, new data concerning the distribution of vascular flora alien to Italy are presented. It includes new records, confirmations, and status changes for Italy or for Italian administrative regions. Nomenclatural and distribution updates, published elsewhere, and corrections are provided as Suppl. material