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Abstract Objectives A prospective cohort study was conducted in Italy in order to describe the microbiologic aspects of colonization/infection by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in donors and recipients of lung and liver transplants and the possible CPE transmission from donors to recipients. Methods Between 15 January 2014 and 14 January 2015, all recipients of solid organ transplants (SOT) at ten lung and eight liver transplantation centres and the corresponding donors were enrolled. Screening cultures to detect CPE were performed in donors, and screening and clinical cultures in recipients with a 28-day microbiologic follow-up after receipt of SOT. Detection of carbapenemase genes by PCR, genotyping by multilocus sequence typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole-genome sequencing were performed. Results Of 588 screened donors, 3.4% were colonized with CPE. Of the liver first transplant recipients (n = 521), 2.5% were colonized before receipt of SOT and 5% acquired CPE during follow-up. CPE colonization was higher in lung first transplant recipients (n = 111, 2.7% before SOT and 14.4% after SOT). CPE infections occurred in 1.9% and 5.3% of liver or lung recipients, respectively. CPE isolates were mostly Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae belonging to CG258. Three events of donor–recipient CPE transmission, confirmed by whole-genome sequencing and/or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, occurred in lung recipients: two involving K. pneumoniae sequence type 512 and one Verona integron-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)-producing Enterobacter aerogenes. Conclusions This study showed a low risk of donor–recipient CPE transmission, indicating that donor CPE colonization does not necessarily represent a contraindication for donation unless colonization regards the organ to be transplanted. Donor and recipient screening remains essential to prevent CPE transmission and cross-infection in transplantation centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns about plastic pollution and its toxicity towards animals and people are growing. Polystyrene (PS) is a plastic polymer highly produced in Europe for packaging purposes and building insulation amongst others. Whatever their source—illegal dumping, improper waste management, or a lack of treatment for the removal of plastic debris from wastewater treatment plants—PS products ultimately end up in the marine environment. Nanoplastics (<1000 nm) are the new focus for plastic pollution, gaining broad interest. Whether primary or secondary, their small size permits nanoparticles to cross cellular boundaries, consequently leading to adverse toxic effects. An in vitro assay of Mytilus galloprovincialis haemocytes exposed to 10 μg/L of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs; 50 nm) for 24 h was used to test cellular viability along with the luminescence inhibition (LC 50) of Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria to evaluate acute toxicity. Cellular viability of mussel haemocytes decreased significantly after a 24 h exposure and PS-NPs LC 50 range from 180 to 217, μg/L. In addition, a 28-day exposure of the marine bivalve M. galloprovincialis to PS-NPs (10 μg/L; 50 nm) was performed to evaluate the neurotoxic effects and the uptake of these plastic particles in three bivalve tissues (gills, digestive gland, and gonads). The ingestion of PS-NPs was time- and tissue-specific, suggesting that PS-NPs are ingested through the gills and then translocated through the mussel bloodstream, to the digestive gland and gonads where the highest amount of ingested PS-NPs was reported. Ingested PS-NPs may compromise the digestive glands' key metabolic function and impair mussels' gametogenic and reproductive success. Data on acetylcholinesterase inhibition and those previously obtained on a wide range of cellular biomarkers were elaborated through weighted criteria providing a synthetic assessment of cellular hazard from PS-NPs. [Display omitted] • LC 50 of polystyrene nanoplastics (nPS) range from 180 to 217 μg/L. • Ingestion of nPS during the 28 days of exposure is tissue- and time-specific. • Mussel gonads are the tissue with the highest ingested μg of nPS per wet weight. • Mussel haemocytes cellular viability decreased after in vitro exposure to 10 μg/L of nPS. • Neurotoxicity occurs in mussel gills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A CFD methodology to model natural gas Light-Duty SI (Spark-Ignition) engines is here proposed. The ignition stage is modeled by means of a simplified Eulerian spherical kernel approach (deposition model). Then, the fully turbulent flame propagation is reproduced by the Coherent Flamelet Model (CFM), where turbulence effects are taken into account by considering the flame surface density evolution. The laminar to turbulent flame transition is managed by the CFM model and it is assumed to occur when the flame radius reaches a fraction of the integral length scale. This methodology was validated with experimental data of in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate at different loads and speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lagoons are often affected by eutrophication phenomena, due to their shallow nature, high productivity, weak hydrodynamism and anthropic exploitation. Bioremediation techniques have been widely used in the treatment of chemical pollution; however, no information is available on the use of bioremediation of organic-rich sediments. In the present study, we investigated the priming effects following compost addition to organic-rich lagoon sediments, and the effects of this compost addition on degradation and cycling of organic detritus, transfer of organic matter to higher trophic levels, and in situ prokaryotic community structure. There was a positive response to treatment, particularly during the first days after compost addition. The compost had a stimulating effect on degradation activity of the prokaryotic community. This occurred despite an increase in available organic matter, as the community was more efficient at removing it. These data are supported by the prokaryotic community structure analysis, which revealed no changes in the in situ community following compost addition. This priming effect enhancement through compost addition represents an efficient method to treat organic-rich sediments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The definition of an efficient optimization methodology for internal combustion engine design using 1D fluid dynamic simulation models is presented. This work aims at discussing the fundamental numerical and fluid dynamic aspects which can lead to the definition of a best practice technique, depending on the complexity of the problem to be dealt with, on the number of design parameters, objective variables and constrains. For these reasons, both single-and multi-objective problems will be addressed, where the former are still of relevant interest (i.e. optimization of engine performances), while the latter have a much wider range of applications and are often characterized by conflicting objectives. The Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (MADS) was chosen among the class of direct search methods and compared with the Genetic Algorithms to solve single-objective problems, and similarly two different algorithms were chosen and compared to solve multi-objective problems: the ε-constraint method and the NSGA-II (Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm) A single cylinder spark ignition engine, used in a motorbike application, was chosen as test case, to allow reduced computational times, without any loss of generality of the results. The analysis evaluate the convergence and efficiency of each methodology for the different problems which are solved. The achieved goal is not the definition of an ever valid mathematical strategy, but here focus is given on the parallel application of a detailed fluid dynamic analysis and automated optimization techniques to suggest a best practice technique to be employed depending on the characteristic of the optimization problem to be solved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Tabulated kinetics was applied for the simulation of compression ignition engines. • Both conventional and advanced combustion modes were considered. • The predictive capability of the proposed combustion model was demonstrated. • The combustion model is consistent with respect to the energy balance. New combustion modes for compression ignition engines are currently under investigation to achieve a further reduction noxious emissions and fuel consumption. Among them, partially premixed (PPC or PCCI) and dual fuel combustion (including RCCI) seem to be the most promising technologies. To support the design of new combustion systems, rapid and accurate models are required to correctly describe the fuel auto-ignition chemistry together with the complex structure of the diffusion flame due to the presence of different fuel jets. A combustion model based on tabulated kinetics was developed and presented in this work. Reaction rates and chemical composition are stored in a lookup table which is generated by processing results of auto-ignition calculations in a homogeneous reactor. Multi-component fuels are supported and the use of virtual species allows an easy integration with the Lagrangian spray model. Compared to approaches where chemical direct integration is employed, tabulated kinetics offers reduced computational time with a very similar level of accuracy such that it is suitable to be applied for engine design. The proposed approach was implemented in the Lib-ICE code which based on the OpenFOAM® technology. Validation was carried out considering conventional Diesel, PCCI and dual-fuel combustion. Satisfactory results were achieved, the proposed approach correctly predicted in-cylinder pressure development and pollutant formation in a wide range of operating conditions. The results also show that the model is consistent with energy conservation and can be applied in design phases of different engine configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) represent a growing concern for marine ecosystems due to their ubiquitous occurrence and documented adverse effects on non-target organisms. Despite the remarkable efforts to elucidate bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological potential under short-term conditions, limited and fragmentary information is available for chronic exposures. In this study bioavailability, molecular and cellular effects of diclofenac (DIC), ibuprofen (IBU) and ketoprofen (KET) were investigated in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to the realistic environmental concentration of 2.5 μg/L for up to 60 days. Results indicated a significant accumulation of DIC and IBU but without a clear time-dependent trend; on the other hand, KET concentrations were always below the detection limit. Analyses of a large panel of molecular, biochemical and cellular biomarkers highlighted that all investigated NSAIDs caused alterations of immunological parameters, genotoxic effects, modulation of lipid metabolism and changes in cellular turn-over. This study provided the evidence of long-term ecotoxicological potential of NSAIDs, further unraveling the possible hazard for wild marine organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to provide new insights on accumulation and possible adverse effects of various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis , exposed to an environmentally realistic concentration (0.5 μg/L) of individual compounds, Acetaminophen (AMP), Diclofenac (DIC), Ibuprofen (IBU), Ketoprofen (KET) or Nimesulide (NIM). The measurement of drugs in mussel tissues was integrated with both functional alterations at cellular level and transcriptomic responses. Results indicated the capability of mussels to accumulate DIC and NIM, while AMP, IBU and KET were always below detection limit. A large panel of ecotoxicological biomarkers revealed the early onset of alterations induced by tested NSAIDs on immunological responses, lipid metabolism and DNA integrity. The gene transcription analysis through DNA microarrays, supported cellular biomarker results, with clear modulation of a large number of genes involved in the arachidonic acid and lipid metabolism, immune responses, cell cycle and DNA repair. The overall results indicated an ecotoxicological concern for pharmaceuticals in M. galloprovincialis , with transcriptional responses appearing as sensitive exposure biomarkers at low levels of exposure: such changes, however, are not always paralleled by corresponding functional effects, suggesting caution when interpreting observed effects in terms of perturbed cellular pathways. Fascinating similarities can also be proposed in the mode of action of NSAIDs between bivalves and vertebrate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceuticals represent a major environmental concern since the knowledge on their occurrence, distribution and ecotoxicological potential is still limited particularly in coastal areas. In this study, bioaccumulation and cellular effects of various non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were investigated in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to reveal whether common molecules belonging to the same therapeutic class might cause different effects on non target organisms. Organisms exposed to environmental concentrations of acetaminophen (AMP), diclofenac (DIC), ibuprofen (IBU), ketoprofen (KET) and nimesulide (NIM) revealed a significant accumulation of DIC, IBU and NIM, while AMP and KET were always below detection limit. Nonetheless, for all tested NSAIDs, measurement of a large panel of ecotoxicological biomarkers highlighted impairment of immunological parameters, onset of genotoxicity and modulation of lipid metabolism, oxidative and neurotoxic effects. Laboratory results were integrated with a field study which provided the first evidence on the occurrence of DIC, IBU and NIM in tissues of wild mussels sampled during summer months from an unpolluted, touristic area of Central Adriatic Sea. Overall results demonstrated M. galloprovincialis as a good sentinel species for monitoring presence and ecotoxicological hazard of pharmaceuticals in the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of alternative biocidal compounds to replace chemical pesticides after the Directive 2009/128/EC has raised renewed interest in the biofumigation technique. In particular, the defatted seed meals (DSM) derived from Brassicaceae plant tissues with high glucosinolate content represent an efficient practice to control soil-born plant pathogens and pests that can be applied in synergy to catch crop green manures. For a wider and safer application of this technique, the impacts on non-target soil microorganisms and free-living nematodes have to be investigated in more depth. In this pot-scale experiment a naturally nematode-infected soil was amended with a glucosinolate-containing DSM from Brassica carinata , a non-glucosinolate-containing DSM from sunflower and the metam-sodium fumigant. Tomato plants were transplanted and checked for the presence of pests and/or pathogens and plant vigour. The response of soil microbial communities was assessed by PCR-DGGE analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal 18S rRNA genes, whereas nematode indices were applied to assess their community structure 0, 10, 32 and 62 days after the treatments. Significant shifts were observed among both bacterial and fungal communities, whereas various changes of nematode communities occurred depending on the nematode family. Similar changes initially occurred in both bacterial and fungal community structure in response to DSM and VAP amendments, but after 62 days fungal communities were more strongly shaped by VAP fumigation than bacteria. The non-biofumigant SUN treatment added organic matter into the soil inducing significant changes in microbial communities, but it was not effective against Meloidogyne incognita root infestation. Although the free-living nematode structure was negatively influenced by all treatments, B. carinata DMS proved the best compromise between efficiency to control M. incognita and environmental impact. These results confirmed the interesting potential of biofumigant DSM amendments as alternatives to chemical fumigants for a more environment-friendly control of some soil-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harbors are critical environments with strategic economic importance but with potential environmental impact: health assessment criteria are a key issue. An ecosystem health status approach was carried out in Portimão harbor as a case-study. Priority and specific chemical levels in sediments along with their bioavailability in mussels, bioassays and a wide array of biomarkers were integrated in a biomarker index (IBR index) and the overall data in a weight of evidence (WOE) model. Metals, PAHs, PCBs and HCB were not particularly high compared with sediment guidelines and standards for dredging. Bioavailability was evident for Cd, Cu and Zn. Biomarkers proved more sensitive namely changes of antioxidant responses, metallothioneins and vittellogenin-like proteins. IBR index indicated that site 4 was the most impacted area. Assessment of the health status by WOE approach highlighted the importance of integrating sediment chemistry, bioaccumulation, biomarkers and bioassays and revealed that despite some disturbance in the harbor area, there was also an impact of urban effluents from upstream. Capsule abstract Environmental quality assessment in harbors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The green alga Caulerpa racemosa is a non-native, invasive species in the Mediterranean, and an important stressor for several native organisms. The algal capacity to produce secondary metabolites has been suggested to modulate success of the C. racemosa invasion, although many of potentially involved biological pathways still remain unexplored. In this respect, the aim of the present study was to investigate some molecular and cellular effects in the white seabream Diplodus sargus, an ecologically key species, which included the alien C. racemosa in its diet. Organisms were sampled in 2 seasonal periods from 3 locations of Southern Italy, each characterized by different levels of algal abundance. The level of caulerpin, one of the main secondary algal metabolites, in fish tissues has been used as an indicator of the trophic exposure to the seaweed and related with molecular and cellular responses. Chemical analyses indicated that fish from invaded sites can accumulate caulerpin, with liver concentrations ranging from a few up to hundreds of μg/g. Biomarkers analyses revealed only limited alterations of the main antioxidant defences, such as glutathione reductase and levels of glutathione; on the other hand, increased enzymatic activities of cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferases and acyl CoA oxidase, as well as enhanced gene transcription for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, cytochrome P4501A and vitellogenin 1 were observed in fish more exposed to C. racemosa as indicated by liver concentrations of caulerpin higher than 50 μg/g. Despite a direct molecular relationship with this algal metabolite could not be established, our results suggest that a C. racemosa enriched diet can modulate biotransformation and fatty acids metabolism of D. sargus. Assessing whether similar effects represent short- or long-term effects will be of crucial importance to understand consequences on the general health status and reproductive performance of exposed key fish species in the Mediterranean region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]