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Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a crucial role in follicular growth and stimulates steroid hormone production in bovine follicles. Steroid hormones are synthesized through the actions of steroidogenic enzymes, specifically STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B, and CYP19A1 in both theca cells (TCs) and granulosa cells (GCs), under the influence of gonadotropins. Particularly, estradiol 17β (E2) assumes a central role in follicular development and selection by activating estrogen receptors β (ESR2) in GCs. We assessed ESR2 mRNA expression in GCs of developing follicles and investigated the impact of IGF-1 on the mRNA expression of ESR2, CYP19A1, FSHR, and LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1, and HSD17B in cultured GCs and TCs, respectively. Additionally, we assessed the influence of IGF-1 on androstenedione (A4), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T) production in TCs. Small-sized follicles (< 6 mm) exhibited the highest levels of ESR2 mRNA expression, whereas medium-sized follicles (7-8 mm) displayed higher levels than large-sized follicles (≥ 9 mm) (P < 0.05). IGF-1 increased the mRNA expression of ESR2, CYP19A1, and FSHR in GCs of follicles of both sizes, except for FSHR mRNA in medium-sized follicles (P < 0.05). IGF-1 significantly elevated mRNA expression of LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1, and CYP17B in TCs of small- and medium-sized follicles (P < 0.05). Moreover, IGF-1 augmented the production of A4 and P4 but had no impact on T production in TCs of small- and medium-sized follicles. Taken together, our findings indicate that IGF-1 upregulates steroidogenic enzymes and steroid hormone production, underscoring the crucial role of IGF-1 in follicle development and selection.

Despite their efficacy, the currently available polio vaccines, oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), possess inherent flaws posing significant challenges in the global eradication of polio. OPV, which uses live Sabin attenuated strains, carries the risk of reversion to pathogenic forms and causing vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) and vaccine-derived polio disease (VDPD) in incompletely vaccinated or immune-compromised individuals. Conventional IPVs, which are non-replicative, are more expensive to manufacture and introduce biohazard and biosecurity risks due to the use of neuropathogenic strains in production. These types of limitations have led to a call by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and others for the development of updated polio vaccines. We are developing a novel Ultraviolet-C radiation (UVC) inactivation method that preserves immunogenicity and is compatible with attenuated strains of polio. The method incorporates an antioxidant complex, manganese-decapeptide-phosphate (MDP), derived from the radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans. The inclusion of MDP protects the immunogenic neutralizing epitopes from damage during UVC inactivation. The novel vaccine candidate, ultraIPVTM, produced using these methods demonstrates three crucial attributes: complete inactivation, which precludes the risk of vaccine-associated disease; use of non-pathogenic strains to reduce production risks; and significantly enhanced yield of doses per milligram of input virus, which could increase vaccine supply while reducing costs. Additionally, ultraIPVTM retains antigenicity post-freeze–thaw cycles, a testament to its robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica is highly endangered today as it lives in a narrow infralittoral zone intensely exposed to human impact. P. oceanica beds are especially endangered in the Adriatic Sea as the central and northern Adriatic could be considered as a naturally suboptimal area for P. oceanica growth. In this research, we used some standard descriptors of Posidonia meadows at different locations and depths and determined the biochemical parameters (phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments, and enzyme activities) in its leaves in order to find possible correlations among the measured parameters and environmental conditions. Photosynthetic pigments were shown to be sensitive biomarkers in the assessment of P. oceanica response to different light conditions, but more research is needed to elucidate the impact of other environmental factors. Overall, the results of this research show that the studied parameters are good bioindicators of a meadow's environmental state, but it is necessary to analyze a number of diverse indicators together to properly characterize the state of a particular P. oceanica meadow. This approach would be very useful in the determination of P. oceanica conservation status, which is the first step towards improving monitoring protocols and implementing appropriate conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccines were rapidly developed and deployed on a large scale during a global crisis. A range of deployment strategies were used globally to maximize vaccine uptake. In this scoping review, we identify and analyze the main healthcare system and policy factors that guided and influenced COVID-19 vaccination deployment and uptake globally. Materials and Methods: JBI guidelines, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), and the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework were applied. Studies on individual COVID-19 vaccination factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, were excluded. The search was last conducted in May 2024 yielding 26,686 articles from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and COVID-19 websites. A total of 47 articles and 3 guidance documents were included. The results of the thematic analysis were mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results: The results found the following healthcare system and policy factors as integral to COVID-19 vaccination: types of vaccine products, healthcare workforce capacity, procurement strategies, distribution and cold-chain capacity, partnership, coordination, and leadership, information, communication, and registration strategies, delivery models, organizations, the existing health systems and policies on prioritization of at-risk groups and deployment plans. Discussion: Globally, COVID-19 vaccination programs responded to the pandemic by leveraging and reforming the existing healthcare systems, relying on strong leadership and global cooperation (such as the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Initiative). Deployment was enabled by effective communication and adoption of innovative technologies using data-driven policies to create high vaccine demand while overcoming limited vaccine supply and rapidly adapting to uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, genotypes and phylogenetic characteristics in 95 haemophilic Tunisian patients. The studied population included 3 groups of patients according to their date of birth: before 1985 when inactivation procedures for clotting factors was introduced, between 1985 and 1994 when systematic anti-HCV screening of Tunisian blood donors was introduced and after this date. HCV infection was assessed by serological and molecular commercial tests. Genotypes were determined using the INNO-LiPA HCV test and by partial sequencing in the NS5b genomic region. Phylogenetic analyses were performed by comparing NS5b sequences of Tunisian haemophiliacs to published sequences. HCV infection was detected in 50.5% of cases with a significant decrease according to age. Subtype la was the most prevalent followed by subtype 1b (52.6% vs 44.7%); it was more frequent among haemophiliacs born before 1985. NS5b sequences were different from those obtained from non-haemophilic Tunisian patients and showed nucleic affiliation with HCV isolates from the USA. These findings suggest an infection through clotting factors imported to Tunisia and frequently manufactured from US blood donors. In contrast, subtype 1b showed approximately the same distribution among patients born before and after 1985; NS5b sequences from haemophiliacs were randomly distributed among other Tunisian sequences, favouring a transmission through cryoprecipitates prepared from Tunisian blood donors.

Background: Gongolaria barbata is a canopy-forming brown macroalga that thrives in the intertidal and subtidal habitats of the warm-temperate Mediterranean Sea, which is particularly exposed to environmental changes due to its peculiar geographical location and exposure to both global and local stressors. Testing whether this species is featured by specific functional, eco-physiological and biochemical traits allowing an efficient use of habitat resources and adaptation to environmental stress, and whether this potential might change with population growth, is essential for predicting the performance of the algae under different environmental abiotic variables (e.g., temperature, nutrient availability, light) and biotic interactions (such as grazing). Methods: Young (juveniles) and adult thalli of G. barbata were sampled in the winter season from the Venice Lagoon, Italy, featured by high environmental changes (temperature, salinity) and analyzed for thallus dry matter content (TDMC), photosynthetic activity, photosynthetic pigment and protein content, and antioxidant capacity to assess if thallus age may be considered a significant driver in determining the ecological responses of this species to environmental changes. Results: Our results showed that TDMC was higher in adults than juveniles. At the functional level, rapid light curves indicated an elevated photosynthetic efficiency in juveniles compared to adults highlighted by the higher quantum yield of PSII electron transport, electron transport rate, and Rubisco content observed in juveniles. On the contrary, adults exhibited a higher non-photochemical quenching and total pigment concentration. No difference in maximum PSII photochemical efficiency and D1 protein content between the two thalli groups was found. Along with better photosynthesis, juveniles also displayed a higher amount of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and a stronger antioxidant capacity compared to adults. Conclusions: Our findings revealed significant differences in the eco-physiological characteristics of G. barbata at different growth stages. It was observed that young thalli, allocate more energy to photosynthesis and chemical defenses by increasing the production of antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. With growth, thalli likely adopt a more conservative strategy, reducing photosynthesis and promoting structural biomass accumulation to mitigate the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to environmental stressors, such as the wavy way. Although our study focused on a single phase of G. barbata life cycle under winter settings, it offers preliminary insights into this species eco-physiological traits and auto-ecology. Future research could explore the potential implications of these findings, evaluating the species' resilience to environmental changes at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documents the changes in the Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) in the region of saline lakes in north Tunisia, Sahara Desert. Remote sensing data are a valuable data source in monitoring LULC in lacustrine landscapes, because variations in the extent of lakes are visible from space and can be detected on the images. In this study, changes in LULC of the salt pans of Tunisia were evaluated using a series of 12 Landsat 8-9 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared (TIRS) images. The images were processed with the Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The study area included four salt lakes of north Tunisia in the two regions of the Gulf of Hammamet and Gulf of Gabès: (1) Sebkhet de Sidi el Hani (Sousse Governorate), (2) Sebkha de Moknine (Mahdia Governorate), (3) Sebkhet El Rharra and (4) Sebkhet en Noual (Sfax). A quantitative estimate of the areal extent analysed in this study is 182 km × 185 km for each Landsat scene in two study areas: Gulf of Hammamet and Gulf of Gabès. The images were analysed for the period 2017–2023 on months February, April and July for each year. Spatio-temporal changes in LULC and their climate–environmental driving forces were analysed. The results were interpreted and the highest changes were detected by accuracy assessment, computing the class separability matrices, evaluating the means and standard deviation for each band and plotting the reject probability maps. Multi-temporal changes in LULC classes are reported for each image. The results demonstrated that changes in salt lakes were determined for winter/spring/summer months as detected changes in water/land/salt/sand/vegetation areas. The accuracy of the classified images was evaluated using pixel rejection probability values, which were filtered out using the 'r.mapcalc' module of GRASS GIS. The confidence levels were computed and visualised with a series of maps along with the error matrix and measured convergence level of classified pixels. This paper contributes to the environmental monitoring of Tunisian landscapes and analysis of climate effects on LULC in landscapes of north Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean Sea, two critical issues affect marine benthic biocenosis: sedimentation and the increasing trend in marine biodiversity loss. These processes are very marked along the western side of the Calabrian coastline, where siltation is one of the main reasons for the regression of Posidonia beds in the regional coastal waters. This study investigates the relationships between the geomorphological features of the debris source areas, represented by fluvial basins, and the distribution of Posidonia meadows. So, a concise geomorphological study of the Tyrrhenian fluvial basins with an area greater than 200 km2 was carried out, and we correlated the results with the mapping of the meadows in Calabria's Tyrrhenian waters. Furthermore, to assess the increased level of burial in a Posidonia oceanica meadow and its health state over time, a program of Posidonia monitoring was undertaken between 2000 and 2010 in a test area located in the Marine Regional Park of Isca (Calabria, Southern Italy). The results of this survey highlighted that, at the beginning of the study period, the silting rate of 4–5 cm/year saw the meadow suffer a reduction in its photosynthetic ratio with a mortality rate of 50%. The siltation rate reached 12 cm/year in 2010, and the meadow began to disappear. Therefore, marine pollution via sedimentation represents a serious factor in the regression of Posidonia oceanica meadows and enhances the risk of a gradual loss of marine biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents refined, updated subregional and regional non-indigenous species (NIS) inventories for the Mediterranean Sea, validated by national and taxonomic experts, with species records observed until December 2020. These datasets will be used as the baselines for the implementation of the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme for the Mediterranean (IMAP) and the Mediterranean Quality Status Report 2023. In total, 1006 non-indigenous species have been found in Mediterranean marine and brackish waters. The highest numbers of NIS were observed in Israel, Türkiye, Lebanon and Italy. Approximately 45 species were categorized as data deficient, either due to lack of consensus on their alien status or the validity of their identification. Polychaeta, Foraminifera and macroalgae were the groups with the highest numbers of controversial species. There was a general increase in the yearly rate of new NIS introductions after the late 1990s, which appears to be slowing down in the last decade, but this may be confounded by reporting lags and differential research efforts. Between 1970 and 2020 there has been a steep increase in the proportion of shared species present throughout all four Mediterranean subregions, which are predominantly transported via shipping and recreational boating. While Lessepsian species are gradually spreading westwards and northwards, there is still a considerable invasion debt accumulating in the eastern and central Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deep shoal of Punta del Faro (Ligurian Sea, Mediterranean Sea) is a mesophotic rocky elevation hosting complex animal forests threatened by fishing activities. To identify appropriate conservation measures and set a reference example for similar cases, we present a detailed characterization of its megabenthic communities and a quantification of the fishing pressure. The results highlight the high natural value of the area, presenting high biodiversity (111 megabenthic and demersal species) and diverse types of animal forest, predominantly dominated by cnidarians. The tridimensional seascape is among the most complex in the eastern Ligurian Sea, but the long-term evaluation of its environmental status suggested consistent affects due to the high abundance of lost fishing gear (0.65 items m−2) directly entangled with structuring cnidarians. The artisanal and recreational fishing pressure are currently moderate. However, the use of bottom-contact fishing gear causes significant modifications to the seafloor's integrity. This study emphasizes the high conservation value and vulnerability of the shoal, highlighting the importance of its protection through its inclusion in the Portofino MPA, whose external perimeter is 200 m from the study area. A critical discussion of the advantages and disadvantages is provided with a map of the possible extension of the MPA boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species traits have been used extensively in invasion science, providing common metrics across taxa and ecosystems that enable comparisons based on the functional responses and effects of biota. However, most work on traits in invasion science has focused on terrestrial plants, despite the vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems to invasive species, such as invasive seaweeds. Research that focuses on individual species of invasive seaweeds has intensified in recent years, yet few studies have synthesised the information learned on species traits to identify commonalities or knowledge gaps in invasion science. Through a systematic review of 322 papers that investigate the traits of seaweed species from across the globe, here we ask - what are the trends and gaps in research that investigates traits of invasive seaweeds? To address this question, we aimed to: (1) identify publication rates and characteristics of the studies examining traits of invasive seaweeds; (2) clarify which and how many species have been investigated; and (3) assess which traits have been measured and how those traits have been used. Our review revealed that study regions for research on invasive seaweed traits were concentrated in Europe and North America. In addition, we found a total of 158 species that have been investigated, with a large proportion of studies (35%) focusing on just two species, Sargassum muticum and Undaria pinnatifida. Our study revealed that the most researched traits were morphological, which were used to address a wide range of research questions. Key research gaps included relatively few studies from Africa, Asia and South America, a lack of papers researching more than one species and a lack of measurements of biomechanical traits. Altogether, this review provides a thorough overview of research progress on species traits of invasive seaweeds and highlights the existing knowledge gaps that may lead to new ways in which the traits of invasive seaweeds can be used to answer important ecological questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ascidians' bioaccumulation is frequently responsible for the massive growth of certain species, causing detrimental effects on aquaculture facilities. The goal of this study is to provide, for the first time in the Eastern Mediterranean, information on biofoulant species in Greek mussel farms over a long time scale and to describe the best management strategies that will reduce costs while preventing and controlling these biofoulants. An interview survey was conducted to assess mussel farmers' expert judgment on non-endemic ascidians as well as their opinions on the magnitude of the invasion's impacts. The results show that ascidians and, to a lesser extent, sponges exhibited the highest intensities in mussel farm units during the last 20 years, whereas gastropod invasion was limited and observed after 2015. Ascidians exhibited the most significant impact on the final product, whereas sponges showed a moderately negative impact, with reduced amounts of flesh being the most important effect. The cost of farming management only rose with ascidians and sponges and was mostly impacted by damages to maintenance and labor and, to a lesser extent, fuel. All invasive species affected the operational cost of production at a rate of 21–50%, which peaked from July to September. The above problems are increasingly aggravating in cases where farm units undergo production shutdown due to plankton bloom. Preventive management action against the establishment of biofoulants in Greek mussel aquaculture is of paramount importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly toxic orange-spotted toadfish Torquigener hypselogeneion (Bleeker 1852) [conspecific Torquigener flavimaculosus Hardy & Randall, 1983] is now a very common invasive fish in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its small size, well under 20 cm, may have concealed the danger it represents, and little is known about its biology or ecology. Here, the spawning seasons, gonado- and hepato-somatic index and condition factors of T. hypselogeneion from 3 locations of the Eastern Mediterranean are presented, based on a total of 1360 individuals sampled, i.e., 216 from Finike, 817 from Fethiye (both Turkey), and 327 from Cyprus. Our results show that T. hypselogeneion is a carnivorous species that forages on sandy bottoms, with a preference for small invertebrates, especially the small invasive gastropod Cerithium scabridum, crustaceans (hermit crabs, other crabs and barnacles), and sea urchins; however, at least in some localities, they appear to forgo eating during their peak reproductive period. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy Growth Function for T. hypselogeneion in the Eastern Mediterranean were: asymptotic length = 17.4 cm (total length; TL) and K = 0.96 year-1, implying a longevity of about 4 years, while the mean length at first maturity was about 10 cm (TL) for both sexes. An average-sized adult female (13 cm TL, 45.7 g live weight) was found to contain 1,250 eggs per gram body weight. Based on its high invasiveness and negative impacts to ecology of the Eastern Mediterranean and the human health, we suggest that T. hypselogeneion should be listed as a priority invasive species and that its population closely monitored within the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyses the spatio-temporal structuration of the molluscan fauna from four tidal channels of the Gulf of Gabès. A total of 26 stations were sampled at four seasons from March 2016 to January 2017, leading to the identification of 2695 individuals and 57 species. The species richness and abundances are higher in autumn than in other seasons. The fauna is dominated by seven species, three gastropods [Cerithium scabridum Philippi, 1848, Bittium reticulatum (da Costa, 1778) and Tricolia speciosa (Megerle von Mühfleld, 1824)] and four bivalves [Abra alba (W. Wood, 1802), Loripes orbiculatus Poli, 1791, Varicorbula gibba (Olivi, 1792) and Peronaea planata (Linnaeus, 1758)], which are characteristic of habitats with detritus accumulation and seagrass meadows. These dominant species are commonly recorded in lagoons and coastal shallow waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The structure of the molluscan fauna is linked to the location of tidal channels in the Gulf of Gabès. Abundances are lower in the Mimoun channel than in the other channels, especially the Maltine channel which shows a great accumulation of organic matter and high abundances of molluscs. Low abundances are found in high-energy hydrodynamic zones with gravel sediment; conversely, the presence of macrophytes (mainly in seagrass meadows) increases molluscan diversity. Comparisons with other sites in the shallow waters of the Tunisian coast and lagoons show that the taxonomic diversity of molluscs of the tidal channels of the Gulf of Gabès is equivalent to that reported elsewhere, but the abundance per m2 is among the lowest levels recorded here. Moreover, most of the dominant species found in the Gulf of Gabès tidal channel are reported as dominant in other studies covering the Mediterranean Sea. A distance-based redundancy analysis shows that depth, sediment type and the presence of marine phanerogams and filter-feeder bivalves on fine sands and gravels account for the structure of mollusc assemblages associated with each channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytosis is a fungal disease that affects both animals and humans. The improper use of antimycotics and disinfectants led to an acquired resistance of dermatophytes to most of the commonly used antimycotic agents. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of dermatophytosis in a calf-beef farm and to evaluate the in-vitro efficacy of six antifungal agents and three disinfectants. Out of the 120 examined calves, 42 (35%) showed ringworm lesions. Trichophyton verrucosum was isolated from a total of 45 samples including 42 skin scrapping from infected animals and 3 hair samples from farm workers followed by molecular identification using PCR. Antimicrobial sensitivity profile was performed by agar-based disk diffusion method using six antifungal agents. Three disinfectants with different concentrations were tested against 45 strains of T. verrucosum isolates using broth macro-dilution at different contact times (20 sec, 30min, 1h and 24h). Animal isolates were sensitive to Fluconazole (100%), meanwhile human strains were sensitive to Itraconazole (66.7%) (P<0.001). Recovered isolates were sensitive to iodine (7%) at contact time 1h and 24h (47 and 69 %, respectively) at P<0.001, and to Virkon S (1%) after 24 h contact time (55%) at P<0.001. Results prove the antimycotic action of Fluconazole and Itraconazole on Trichophyton verrucosum and highlights the significant role of increasing the contact time on decreasing the resistance pattern of dermatophytes to Virkon S (1%) and Iodine (7%) that give a promising results when used to control the infections in the surrounding environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With nearly 11 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine being administered, stark differences in the vaccination rates persist. Vaccine distribution initiatives such as COVAX and African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) were formed to ensure equitable vaccine delivery. This review evaluates the initial COVID-19 vaccination efforts and the impact of different vaccine distribution initiatives on equitable vaccination coverage in the early phase. We conducted a descriptive and trend analysis with sub-groups by various context parameters of data on COVID-19 vaccination from December 2020 till February 2022, from four public databases including UNICEF, WHO, COVID-19 Task Force and Our World in Data to examine COVID-19 vaccine distribution progress and the contributions of vaccine procurement initiatives. We found that High Income Countries (HICs) had much higher vaccination rate (78.4%) than Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) (55.5%) and Low-Income Countries (LICs) (10.9%). Large differentials (>80% to <10%) in the vaccination rates of eligible population of adults in LMICs and LICs existed. Differentials in the total vaccine doses delivered to each country ranged from 355.6% to 4.8% of the total population. In LICs, 53.3% of the total doses were obtained via COVAX, 30.9% by bilateral/multilateral agreements, 6.5% by donations and 3.8% by AVAT. In LMICs, 56.4% of total vaccines procured were via bilateral/multilateral agreements, 21.4% by COVAX, 4.2% by donations and 0.5% by AVAT. COVAX delivered 1 billion doses by January 2022 which constituted 53.2% and 21.4% of procured doses in LICs and LMICs. In LICs and LMICs, 6.5% and 4.2% of total doses were acquired through donations while 30.9% and 56.4% of doses were purchased. Despite global efforts, significant disparities were present in COVID-19 vaccination efforts amongst countries of different income groups. Future efforts should focus on addressing vaccine inequities explicitly and in improving global vaccine distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the lack of less-volatile compounds composition data of macroalgal supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extracts, the main goal of this study was to investigate their chemical profiles. SC-CO2 extraction (40 °C and 300 bar) was performed on seven macroalgal species including five brown (Halopteris filicina, Fucus virsoides, Dictyopteris polypodioides, Gongolaria barbata and Ericaria amentacea), one green (Codium bursa) and one red (Amphiroa rigida), that were collected from the Adriatic Sea. After the analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the results revealed that fatty acids were the main components of the extracts. Hexadecanoic acid was found as dominant fatty acid in most of the species, while 3-hexyl-4,5-dithiacycloheptanone was dominant in D. polypodioides. Performed phytochemical study contributes to the knowledge of less-volatile composition of analyzed species indicating that the “species biodiversity“ factor was the most influent regardless of classification to brown, green or red macroalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweeds are attracting increasing attention as an alternative healthy food and renewable drugs source and as agents of climate change mitigation that provide essential ecosystem services. In this context, seaweeds represent marine resources capable of supporting and pursuing the objectives of the Sustainable Blue Economy and the Bio-Based Circular Economy. In this review, we analyze the state of seaweed bio-based products and research on the Mediterranean Sea from the last 20 years. Results of this analysis show a large number of investigations focusing on antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to on biofuels and bioplastics. Attempts at seaweed farming, although generally very limited, are present in Israel and some North African countries. Lastly, we focus on the Italian situation—including research, companies and legislation on seaweed production—and we discuss gaps, perspectives and challenges for the potential development of a sustainable seaweed industry according to the Sustainable Blue Economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the heterobranch mollusks Bursatella leachii (Blainville, 1817) and Melibe viridis (Kelaart, 1858) for the first time from the Dardanelles (Çanakkale Strait), Turkey. Individuals of these two species were observed in January 2020 on a sandy and seagrass bed of Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson and in groups among the algae Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskâl) J. Agardh. Although the Dar-danelles is one of the biodiversity hotspots in Turkish Seas and the abundance of marine invertebrates in particular regions is significantly high, the inventory of the sea slugs in the region is limited. This study improves the existing knowledge on the molluscan fauna of the Turkish Straits System, the species abundance in the region and their ecological characteristics. The current finding also represents the northernmost records in an invaded area at the Çanakkale Strait of Aegean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a shallow dark cave along the coast of Capo Palinuro (Campania, Italy), the finding of an unusual aggregation of individuals belonging to Marionia blainvillea (Gastropoda, Nudibranchia) has allowed to identify a population of Cervera atlantica (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Alcyonacea) and to add this latter to the list of the hosts preyed by this tritoniid nudibranch. This association was confirmed by a second observation in a dark shallow cave in the Island of San Pietro (Sardinia, Italy). Moreover, a subsequent internet data mining shed light on the diet of M. blainvillea adding useful ecological notes on the scarcely known trophism characterizing Marionia species. Cervera atlantica is reported for the first time along the continental coast of Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species pose threats to either human health or inflict ecological and/or economic damage. The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), a Lessepsian species, is one of the most harmful species in the Mediterranean Sea, because of its potent neurotoxin, impacts on marine biodiversity, and the increased costs and labor they inflict on fishers. Since the catch and consumption of this pufferfish is prohibited by almost all countries bordering the Mediterranean, they have now expanded into the entire Mediterranean and Black Sea. We performed a comprehensive study of L. sceleratus covering ecological aspects, growth, reproduction, diet and trophic level based on samples from southwestern coasts of Turkey. The estimated growth parameters were L8 = 88.7 cm, K = 0.27 year-1, C = 0.6 and WP = 0.1. Their sexratio was M/F = 1:0.69. Lagocephalus sceleratus appears to be a batch spawner with discontinuous oocyte recruitment and has different spawning seasons in the Eastern Mediterranean which seem to be based on temperature cues which get shorter in duration as one moves north from the Suez. We also report their first positive ecological trait, that they are controlling some other invasive species through their diets, such as lionfish, Red Sea goatfish, rabbitfish and longspine sea urchins, in addition to controlling themselves through cannibalism, which appears to be density-dependent. They are indeed a top predator in the region with a trophic level of 4.1. We suggest that targeted fishing using improved gear-types to reduce fishing gear damages are initiated, and that finding commercial markets for pufferfish could help to naturally fund ongoing control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes among people who inject drugs (PWID) in North African countries, including Tunisia. This study aims to describe HCV genotypes circulating among Tunisian PWID. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 128 HCV-positive PWID were recruited between 2018 and 2019 from community-based harm reduction centers. After informed consent, sociodemographic characteristics and risk behavior data were obtained using an interviewer-administrated questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for further serological and molecular testing. Overall, five women and 123 men were included. The median age was 39.5 years. The majority of PWID (56.3%) had less than a secondary level of education, were single (57%), were unemployed (65.6%), were incarcerated at least once (93.0%), and had a history of residency in at least one foreign country (50.8%). During the previous 12 months, 82.0% reported having reused syringes at least once, 43.8% shared syringes at least once, while 56.2% had at least one unprotected sexual relation, and 28.1% had more than two different sexual partners. Tattooing was reported among 60.2%. All positive results for HCV-infection by rapid testing were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV-RNA was detectable in 79.7%. Genotyping showed a predominance of genotype 1 (52%) followed by genotype 3 (34%) and genotype 4 (10%). Four patients (4%) had an intergenotype mixed infection. Subtyping showed the presence of six different HCV subtypes as follows: 1a (53.2%), 1b (6.4%), 3a (33.0%), 4a (3.2%), and 4d (4.3%). This is the first study describing circulating HCV genotypes among PWID in Tunisia. The distribution of HCV genotypes is distinct from the general population with a predominance of subtypes 1a and 3a. These findings can be used to guide national efforts aiming to optimize the access of PWID to relevant HCV prevention and treatment measures including pangenotypic regimens for patients infected with HCV genotype 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of the northern brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891, from Libyan nearshore waters is hereby documented. Thirteen individuals of the species were caught by artisanal fishers using a mixture of gill and trammel nets in September 2020 within the Umm-Hufayn Lagoon. This lagoon is situated within the Gulf of Bomba along the Libyan Cyrenaica coast, and this discovery extends the known Mediterranean distribution of this western Atlantic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) campaign was conducted in February 2019 in Karachi where needle-free injectors were introduced for the administration of the fractional dose of IPV (fIPV) on a large scale. This study aimed to determine the impact of needle-free injectors on vaccination coverage.Methods: In four towns of Karachi, fIPV was given using needle-free injectors "PharmaJet Tropis ID". Whereas, in six towns full dose of IPV was administered to children of 4-59 months of age. Cluster surveys through rapid convenience assessment method were conducted after the completion of vaccination activity.Results: A total of 33,815 households' data was analyzed. Among these, 27,650 (82.8%) children were vaccinated. In fIPV areas, 85.3% of children were vaccinated compared to 79.5% in full dose IPV areas. A comparison of reasons for unvaccinated showed that 1.6% of parents do not give importance to vaccination in fIPV areas compared to 4.2% in full IPV areas (p-value < 0.0001). More children were not vaccinated due to fear of injection 1.8% in full IPV areas compared to 0.7% in fIPV areas (p-value < 0.0001). The source of campaign information shows that more frequent mobile miking 3.1% was observed in fIPV areas compared to 0.4% in full IPV areas (p-value < 0.0001).Conclusions: Our analysis supports the fractional dose of IPV in mass campaigns to achieve good vaccination coverage especially using needle-free injectors "PharmaJet Tropis ID" and vigorous social mobilization activities are expedient in accomplishing high coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shipping is the greatest pathway of non-indigenous species (NIS) introductions, and port areas are considered as alien hotspots. In this study, we analyzed data covering a 112-year period and found that Saronikos Gulf in Greece, hosting one of the largest container port terminals in Europe, is a hotspot of NIS introductions. To date, 89 NIS have been recorded, of which 8 are characterized as invasive. Most species belong to the taxonomic group of Mollusca (33%), followed by Pisces (22%). For the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, we report the presence of the micromolluscs Sinezona plicata (Hedley, 1899) and Ringicula sp. Moreover, we provide evidence for the trend of NIS introduction in the Saronikos Gulf across the past 70 years, the pathways of introduction and their importance through time, as well as the distribution of the most invasive species in the Saronikos Gulf. The information provided herein can assist the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and inform NIS management. As Transport-Stowaway remains the main pathway of NIS introduction in the Saronikos Gulf, our principal recommendation is to reinforce regulations for the adoption of better antifouling practices and more effective ballast water treatment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Red Sea intertidal gastropod Nerita sanguinolenta is reported here for the first time from the Northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, where it was found at the landward face of a vermetid reef on 11 November 2019, and identified morphologically and by using molecular barcoding. Possible vectors for its introduction primarily include ship ballast or larval transport via the Suez Canal in multiple migration events. Investigation of the thermal affinities of N. sanguinolenta is required for understanding the potential for its proliferation in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions are considered an extreme risk to biodiversity, resulting in serious ecological and economic problems. Marine species have been introduced mainly through ballast water in estuaries, bays and inland waters, those bodies are historically threatened by intense urbanization making them highly susceptible to invasions. The gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta has been reported as an invasive species that commonly inhabits shallow water bodies, such as coastal bays and estuaries. Its native distribution range from Belize to Palm Beach -- Florida (Gulf of Mexico). The first occurrence of O. beta on the Brazilian coast was in Santos estuarine area, Southeastern region, and the second was further south, in the estuarine complex of Paranaguá, Southern region. Here we report the first occurrence of a single O. beta in Rio de Janeiro coast, which was caught in October 2017, using a beach seine in Bica Beach, a polluted sandy beach located in Guanabara Bay -- RJ. Considering the similarities among Guanabara Bay and other areas in Brazil, there is a potential for the establishment of O. beta populations in Guanabara Bay in a near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species of the freshwater snail genus Semisulcospira, which are indigenous taxa of the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa, have been introduced into 17 localities, including five newly recorded localities. Among these species, S. dilatata Watanabe and Nishino, 1995, S. habei Davis, 1969, and S. rugosa Watanabe and Nishino, 1995 were firstly recorded as introduced species. The alien Semisulcospira snails could be identified based on the combination of three morphological characters: longitudinal ribs number of penultimate whorl of adult shell, spire angle of adult shell, and shell height of the largest embryonic shell. Accordingly, morphological identification of introduced Semisulcospira populations recorded in previously published studies was revisited. The introductions of Semisulcospira snails have been suggested to have occurred due to contamination of seedlings of other shellfish and fishes at most sites. Taking into account the potential impacts of accidental species introductions, seedlings should be carefully managed so as not to unintentionally introduce Semisulcospira snails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper provides a multidisciplinary fine-scale description of a Mediterranean mesophotic new habitat dominated by the bivalve Neopycnodonte cochlear (Poli, 1795), building large and thick pinnacles on vertical cliffs at two study areas along the southern Italian coast. The pinnacles, constituted by a multilayered aggregation of living and dead specimens of N. cochlear, were interconnected with each other to form a framework of high structural complexity, never observed before for this species. The bioconstruction, considerably extended, resulted very complex and diversified in the associated community of structuring organisms. This latter included 165 taxa attributable to different ecological groups occurring in different microhabitats of the bioconstruction. Among the secondary structuring taxa there were scleractinians, serpulids and bryozoans, all contributing to the deposition of calcium carbonate, and poriferans, helping to bind shells together or eroding carbonate by boring species. In comparison with coralligenous sensu stricto and the recently described Mediterranean mesophotic coral reef, the Neopycnodonte bioconstruction showed peculiar features, since it lacked the major contribution of encrusting coralline algae and scleractinians as reef builders, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:-ParvovirusB19, a member of the genus Erythrovirus virus of the Parvoviridae family, causes several clinical diseases including infectious erythematosus, joints, fetalis hydrops or chronic hemolytic anemia like thalassemia syndrome, transient aplastic crises. B19 can be transmitted through respiratory secretions, blood products, and blood transfusions. Objective: To identify the seroprevalence of Human Parvovirus B19 virus in Patients with thalassemia major in Tikrit city. Material and method:- This lessons is a cross-sectional case control study that included 130 Patients infection with beta thalassemia attendance the Tikrit Military Hospital Department of Blood Diseases Unit as of 1/7 /2018 to 1/12/2018 major age ranging from 1-60 years and 50 healthy patients as control grouping. Blood sample were obtain for determination of specific antibodies IgG and IgM for HPV-B19 by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). Results:- HPV B19 IgM antibodies were detected in 15 of 130 thalassemic patient(11.5%),and not detected in any patient of control group, P value ( 0.02).While anti-HPV B19 IgG antibodies were detected in 50 of 130 of thalassemic patient (38.5 %)and 2(4%) of 50 in control group(5%), P value(0.003).. the range age of the thalassemia patient was (2 -58 years) and B19 infection was highest in the 20-to-40 year range. And the result show the highest percentage to infected to virus during the blood transfusions once a month per month was 30(100%) anti-B19IgG and 8(26.7%) anti-B19IgM. Conclusion:-In this study, acute B19 infections were detect in patients with beta thalassemia major. showing of such high-risk groups can significantly reduce the incidence and prevalence of B19 infection; thus, screening is required for epidemiologic surveillance and disease-prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid temperature increase in the 1980-90s has been accompanied by dramatic and unprecedented changes in the biota and communities of the Ligurian Sea. This review uses existing historical series (a few of which have been purposely updated) to assess extent and consequences of such changes. A number of warm-water species, previously absent or occasional in the comparatively cold Ligurian Sea, has recently established thanks to warmer winters. Occurrence among them of invasive alien species is causing concern because of their capacity of outcompeting autochthonous species. Summer heatwaves, on the other hand, caused mass mortalities in marine organisms, some of which found refuge at depth. New marine diseases appeared, as well as other dysfunctions such as the formation of mucilage aggregates that suffocated and entangled benthic organisms. Human pressures have combined with climate change to cause phase shifts (i.e., abrupt variations in species composition and community structure) in different habitats, such as the pelagic environment, seagrass meadows, rocky reefs, and marine caves. These phase shifts implied biotic homogenization, reduction of diversity, and dominance by invasive aliens, and may be detrimental to the resilience of Ligurian Sea ecosystems. Another phase of rapid warming has possibly started in the 2010s and there are clues pointing to a further series of biological changes, but data are too scarce to date for proper assessment. Only well addressed long-term studies will help understanding the future dynamics of Ligurian Sea ecosystems and their possibilities of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of monitoring programs in the marine environment is often limited by the scarcity of information concerning medium/long-term time series observations (years-decades) in complex and variable systems. Marine submerged caves, in particular, have received relatively low research effort, as they are confined and difficult to access ecosystems. In this study, we describe the spatio-temporal variations of sessile benthic assemblages along the exterior-interior axis of the Cerro-Gordo submarine cave (Granada, Spain), from 2007 to 2016 using taxonomic (e.g., major taxonomic groups) and morphological (i.e., growth forms) descriptors. In contrast to our initial expectations (higher stability in the inner cave sector), significant temporal variations of sessile community structure and morphology occurred in both external and internal cave sectors. In addition, higher spatial differences were encountered among opposite cave walls in the inner dark sector, which is probably explained by small-scale variability in topography and siltation rate. In the outer semi-dark sector, community structure was more heterogeneous, although generally similar between opposite walls. Among the descriptors used, the morphological one was able to detect greater spatio-temporal variation in the outer semi-dark sector, while the taxonomic descriptor was more suitable in the inner dark sector. These results could provide a basis for future monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of the fragile cockle Fulvia fragilis (Forsskål in Niebuhr, 1775) in Libyan coastal waters (south-eastern Mediterranean Sea) is reported here for the first time based on the collection of twenty-nine live specimens from the shoreline in close vicinity to Tripoli Harbour, situated to the west of the country. The present record fills a gap in the geographic range of F. fragilis - its occurrence is already documented from the neighbouring territories of Egypt, Italy, Malta, and Tunisia. Although there are no certainties regarding the precise arrival date of this non-native bivalve in Libyan coastal waters, its presence within the environs of Tripoli Harbour might allude to its facilitated spread through ballast water from commercial shipping activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and six specimens of the Por's goatfish, Upeneus pori Ben-Tuvia & Golani (1989), a Lessepsian species native to the Western Indian Ocean, were collected from bottom trawlers' catches from 2012 to 2016 on the deep shelf off the southern coast of Lampedusa Island (Strait of Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea). Since it first appeared in Iskenderun Bay (Turkey) in 1950, the Por's goatfish has quickly spread in Levantine Sea waters to become a commercial species used by local fisheries, while continuing its range expansion along the south-eastern coasts of the Mediterranean. Because the Strait of Sicily currently represents the westernmost sector of this species distribution area, it might serve as a stepping-stone for this species' expansion in the western basin of the Mediterranean. Supporting this hypothesis was our finding of specimens with post-spawning gonads. The pattern of westward expansion by the Por's goatfish in the Mediterranean Sea and its settlement in the Strait of Sicily are discussed in relation to the warming trend over the last 30 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]