Search

The continuous increase of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities is one of the most important factors that contribute to Climate Change and generates the phenomenon known as Ocean Acidification (OA). Research conducted at the CO2 vents of Castello Aragonese (Ischia, Italy), which represents a natural laboratory for the study of OA, demonstrated that some organisms, such as polychaetes, thrive under acidified conditions through different adaptation mechanisms. Some functional and ecological traits promoting tolerance to acidification in these organisms have been identified, while the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying acclimatisation or genetic adaptation are still largely unknown. Therefore, in this study we investigated epigenetic traits, as histone acetylation and methylation, in Platynereis spp. individuals coming from the Castello vent, and from a nearby control site, in two different periods of the year (November-June). Untargeted metabolomics analysis was also carried out in specimens from the two sites. We found a different profile of acetylation of H2B histone in the control site compared to the vent as a function of the sampling period. Metabolomic analysis showed clear separation in the pattern of metabolites in polychaetes from the control site with respect to those from the Castello vent. Specifically, a significant reduction of lipid/sterols and nucleosides was measured in polychaetes from the vent. Overall results contribute to better understand the potential metabolic pathways involved in the tolerance to OA.

In this paper we present a methodology for the estimation of Gross Primary Production (GPP), Net Primary Production (NPP) and Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) for the main agricultural and forest ecosystems of the Lombardia Region (Italy). The MOD17 model was parameterized according to the different agro-forestry ecosystems and applied at regional scale by using satellite data with a spatial resolution of 250m. The high spatial resolution along with fine classification agro-forestry ecosystems has allowed to accurately analyze the carbon budget of an extremely fragmented and complex environment such as the Lombardia Region. Modeling results showed the role of the forests in the carbon budget at regional scale and represent important information layer for the spatial analysis and for inferring the inter-annual variability of carbon sequestration due to impacts of extreme events and recent climate change (e.g., drought, heat wave, flooding, fires).

Aims Circumstantial evidence suggests that genetic changes may lead to tumor progression within the myxoid liposarcoma tumors (MLTs) carrying non-random chromosomal translocation t(12;16). Methods To address this subject an immunophenotypic analysis, applying antibodies against proteins encoded by TP53, MDM2 and CDK4 genes, complemented by molecular analysis of eight suitable cases, was performed on 104 consecutive cases. Chromosomal translocations were assessed either by cytogenetic analysis or by RT-PCR in 9 suitable cases and chimeric transcripts were found in all cases but two pleomorphic liposarcomas. Results Based on immunophenotyping and tumor site, the case material consisted of three groups. The first one was made up of 92 non-retroperitoneal cases carrying a null p53, mdm2, cdk4 immunophenotype, which remained unchanged over the time of recurrences and along the gamut of histologic subtypes. The second group was represented by five p53+, mdm2-, cdk4- non-retroperitoneal cases, 4 of which were further analysed by PCR-SSCP for p53 mutation. The im-munophenotipic profile of these cases, complemented by the molecular findings, supported a role of TP53 in tumor progression in three high-grade MLTs. The third group, consisting of 7 retroperitoneal cases, showed a heterogeneous immunophenotype, sharing immunophenotypic and molecular features with the well-differentiated/evoluted (dedifferentiated) liposarcoma group. Conclusions TP53 mutations seem to play a role in tumor progression in a few cases of MLTs (2.8%) showing more aggressive histologic characteristics. The unexpected finding that a number of retroperitoneal LMTs display the immunophenotypic profile of the well differentiated/evoluted (dedifferentiated) liposarcomas, deserves further investigation.

The aim of the present study was to assess the environmental quality of Orbetello Lagoon (Tyrrhenian Sea) by an integrated approach using the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) as bioindicator organism. In order to update the ecological status of Orbetello lagoon, spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll a, temperature, pH and salinity were also studied by remote sensing (Landsat 7 TM data). Phase I and II liver detoxification enzymes were measured and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (PCBs, DDT and its isomers, HCB, HCHs, PCDD/Fs and PBDEs) were determined in muscle by GC/MS. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to detect relationships or correlations between POP levels and enzyme activities. To assess the potential risk of these compounds to the reproductive system of the European eel, gonads were studied by light microscopy. Phase I (EROD and MROD) and II (UDPGT and GST) enzyme activities turned out to be particularly low and similar to those of eels from relatively unpolluted sites. Muscle concentrations in the ng/g d.w. range were found except for coplanar PCBs, PCDD/Fs and PBDEs which were in the pg/g d.w. range. Toxic equivalents (TEQs) calculated for mono-, non-ortho PCBs and PCDD/Fs were below risk thresholds established by the European Union. PCA showed a potential role of DDT, especially pp'-DDE, in inducing EROD, MROD and UDPGT activities, suggesting persistence of moderate concentrations of these contaminants in the lagoon. All specimens analysed were females; gonads in advanced stages of development had normal morphology, whereas oocytes in early stages of development showed histological alterations.