47 results on '"Zaccaroni, M."'
Search Results
2. Genetic insights into an Apennine population of the Italian red deer
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Giovannelli F., Mori E., Zaccaroni M., Dessì-Fulgheri F., and Baratti M.
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Reintroductions ,mtDNA ,Cervus elaphus Cervidae ,D-loop ,Italian red deer - Abstract
The red deer Cervus elephus has been a common species in Italy until the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, when its distribu- tion range started to considerably decrease, due to gradual deforestation and hunting pressure. Afterwards, the red deer has been reintroduced to many regions of the world, including Italy. In the Italian Apennines, the Acquerino-Cantagallo Natural Reserve (ACQUERINO) hosts one of the largest peninsular red deer populations, originated from a series of successful reintroductions. In this study, we meant to detect the level of genetic variability of Acquerino-Cantagallo Natural Reserve deer population and to investigate the genetic relationships with the other Italian and European populations. We identified five mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) haplotypes, four falling in lineage A and one falling in lineage C, derived from at least two maternal lineages, confirming that ACQUERINO population should be the result of multiple reintroductions. Haplotype diversity (H = 0.50) and nucleotide (? = 0.004) diversity were low, but included into the deer range values. ACQUERINO population showed low levels of genetic diversity when compared to other European and Mediterranean populations, confirming that this expanding population may have been generated from a low number of founders.
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- 2022
3. Winter locomotor activity pa6tterns of European hares (Lepus europaeus)
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Zaccaroni, M., Biliotti, N., Buccianti, A., Calieri, S., Ferretti, M., Genghini, M., Riga, F., Trocchi, V., and Dessì-Fulgheri, F.
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- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. CO2 biogeochemical investigation and microbial characterization of red wood ant mounds in a Southern Europe montane forest
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Balzani P.[1, Masoni A.[1], Venturi S.[3, Frizzi F.[1], Bambi M.[1], Fani R.[1], Nisi B.[4], Tassi F.[3, Vaselli O.[3, Zaccaroni M.[1], and Santini G.[1]
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fungi ,carbon dioxide ,carbon stable isotopes ,greenhouse gases ,coniferous forest ,introduced ants ,microbiome ,Soil Science ,Microbiology - Abstract
Red wood ants are ecologically important species in Europe that form large colonies. Their nest mounds are characterized by stable microclimatic conditions, that are favourable to the development of rich invertebrate and microbial communities. Through their respiration processes, all these inhabitants contribute to the total gas emissions of the mounds. Quantifications of red wood ant mounds CO2 production are only available from Northern and Central Europe, and the Alps, where these ants are common. During the second half of the last century some species were transplanted from the Alps to southernmost sites, where they were not present, to be employed as biocontrol agents. No information on the contribution of these low-latitudes populations to the local forest CO2 production is available. The microbial communities living within red wood ant mounds are also poorly known. In this study, we investigated the CO2 gas emissions and the microbiome of the mounds of an introduced population of the red wood ant Formica paralugubris in a Southern Europe montane forest. We found that ant mounds produced more CO2 than the forest soil, and that their CO2 efflux as well as internal concentration were higher during summer than winter, with a lighter CO2 carbon isotopic signature in summer than winter, likely due to an increased ant activity. Moreover, the top part of the mound was characterised by higher CO2 efflux and lower CO2 internal concentration compared to the bottom, probably due to its internal structure and conditions. The isotopic signature of the mound material was similar between summer and winter, suggesting a metabolic similarity of the microbial communities. Also, we estimated the ants' relative contribution to the total mound CO2 production to be 83%, whereas the microbiota CO2 contribution was estimated at 17%. Finally, the mound microbiome composition varied between summer and winter, though no seasonal difference in the diversity indexes or beta-diversity was found. Our results demonstrate the impacts of the introduced red wood ants on the carbon dynamics of the recipient ecosystem.
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- 2022
5. Demographic parameters of reintroduced grey partridges in central Italy and the effect of weather
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Vidus Rosin, A., Meriggi, A., Pella, F., and Zaccaroni, M.
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- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Right on track?
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Hofman, Maarten P. G., Hayward, M. W., Heim, M., Marchand, P., Rolandsen, C. M., Mattisson, Jenny, Urbano, F., Heurich, M., Mysterud, A., Melzheimer, J., Morellet, N., Voigt, Ulrich, Allen, B. L., Gehr, Benedikt, Rouco Zufiaurre, Carlos, Ullmann, Wiebke (Dr.), Holand, O., Jorgensen, n H., Steinheim, G., Cagnacci, F., Kroeschel, M., Kaczensky, P., Buuveibaatar, B., Payne, J. C., Palmegiani, I, Jerina, K., Kjellander, P., Johansson, O., LaPoint, S., Bayrakcismith, R., Linnell, J. D. C., Zaccaroni, M., Jorge, M. L. S., Oshima, J. E. F., Songhurst, A., Fischer, C., Mc Bride, R. T., Thompson, J. J., Streif, S., Sandfort, R., Bonenfant, Christophe, Drouilly, M., Klapproth, M., Zinner, Dietmar, Yarnell, Richard, Stronza, A., Wilmott, L., Meisingset, E., Thaker, Maria, Vanak, A. T., Nicoloso, S., Graeber, R., Said, S., Boudreau, M. R., Devlin, A., Hoogesteijn, R., May-Junior, J. A., Nifong, J. C., Odden, J., Quigley, H. B., Tortato, F., Parker, D. M., Caso, A., Perrine, J., Tellaeche, C., Zieba, F., Zwijacz-Kozica, T., Appel, C. L., Axsom, I, Bean, W. T., Cristescu, B., Periquet, S., Teichman, K. J., Karpanty, S., Licoppe, A., Menges, V, Black, K., Scheppers, Thomas L., Schai-Braun, S. C., Azevedo, F. C., Lemos, F. G., Payne, A., Swanepoel, L. H., Weckworth, B., Berger, A., Bertassoni, Alessandra, McCulloch, G., Sustr, P., Athreya, V, Bockmuhl, D., Casaer, J., Ekori, A., Melovski, D., Richard-Hansen, C., van de Vyver, D., Reyna-Hurtado, R., Robardet, E., Selva, N., Sergiel, A., Farhadinia, M. S., Sunde, P., Portas, R., Ambarli, Hüseyin, Berzins, R., Kappeler, P. M., Mann, G. K., Pyritz, L., Bissett, C., Grant, T., Steinmetz, R., Swedell, Larissa, Welch, R. J., Armenteras, D., Bidder, O. R., Gonzalez, T. M., Rosenblatt, A., Kachel, S., and Balkenhol, N.
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ddc:590 ,Institut für Biochemie und Biologie - Abstract
Satellite telemetry is an increasingly utilized technology in wildlife research, and current devices can track individual animal movements at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. However, as we enter the golden age of satellite telemetry, we need an in-depth understanding of the main technological, species-specific and environmental factors that determine the success and failure of satellite tracking devices across species and habitats. Here, we assess the relative influence of such factors on the ability of satellite telemetry units to provide the expected amount and quality of data by analyzing data from over 3,000 devices deployed on 62 terrestrial species in 167 projects worldwide. We evaluate the success rate in obtaining GPS fixes as well as in transferring these fixes to the user and we evaluate failure rates. Average fix success and data transfer rates were high and were generally better predicted by species and unit characteristics, while environmental characteristics influenced the variability of performance. However, 48% of the unit deployments ended prematurely, half of them due to technical failure. Nonetheless, this study shows that the performance of satellite telemetry applications has shown improvements over time, and based on our findings, we provide further recommendations for both users and manufacturers.
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- 2019
7. Right on track? Performance of satellite telemetry in terrestrial wildlife research
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Hayward, M.W., Heim, M., Marchand, P., Rolandsen, C.M., Mattisson, J., Urbano, F., Heurich, M., Mysterud, A., Melzheimer, J., Morellet, Nicolas, Voigt, U., Allen, B.L., Gehr, B., Rouco, C., Ullmann, W., Holand, O., Jorgensen, N.H., Steinheim, G., Cagnacci, F., Kroeschel, M., Kaczensky, P., Buuveibaatar, B., Payne, J.C., Palmegiani, I., Jerina, K., Kjellander, P., Johansson, O., LaPoint, S., Bayrakcismith, R., Linnell, J.D.C., Zaccaroni, M., Jorge, M.L.S., Oshima, J.E.F., Songhurst, A., Fischer, C., Mc Bride, R.T., Thompson, J.J., Streif, S., Sandfort, R., Bonenfant, C., Drouilly, M., Klapproth, M., Zinner, D., Yarnell, R., Stronza, A., Wilmott, L., Meisingset, E., Thaker, M., Vanak, A.T., Nicoloso, S., Graeber, R., Said, S., Boudreau, M.R., Devlin, A., Hoogesteijn, R., May-Junior, J.A., Nifong, J.C., Odden, J., Quigley, H.B., Tortato, F., Parker, D.M., Caso, A., Perrine, J., Tellaeche, C., Zieba, F., Zwijacz-Kozica, T., Appel, C. L., Axsom, I., Bean, W.T., Cristescu, B., Periquet, S., Teichman, K.J., Karpanty, S., Licoppe, A., Menges, V., Black, K., Scheppers, T.L., Schai-Braun, S.C., Azevedo, F.C., Lemos, F.G., Payne, A., Swanepoel, L.H., Weckworth, B., Berger, A., Bertassoni, A., McCulloch, G., Sustr, P., Athreya, V., Bockmuhl, D., Casaer, J., Ekori, A., Melovski, D., Richard-Hansen, C., van de Vyver, D., Reyna-Hurtado, R., Robardet, E., Selva, N., Sergiel, A., Farhadinia, M. S., Sunde, P., Portas, R., Ambarli, H., Berzins, R., Kappeler, P.M., Mann, G.K., Pyritz, L., Bissett, C., Grant, T., Steinmetz, R., Swedell, L., Welch, R.J., Armenteras, D., Bidder, O.R., Gonzalez, T.M., Rosenblatt, A., Kachel, S., Balkenhol, N., and Hofman, M.P.G.
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GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM ,GPS-TELEMETRY ,COLLAR PERFORMANCE ,FIX SUCCESS ,R PACKAGE ,HABITAT ,BEHAVIOR ,SELECTION ,LOCATION ,PATTERNS - Abstract
Satellite telemetry is an increasingly utilized technology in wildlife research, and current devices can track individual animal movements at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. However, as we enter the golden age of satellite telemetry, we need an in-depth understanding of the main technological, species-specific and environmental factors that determine the success and failure of satellite tracking devices across species and habitats. Here, we assess the relative influence of such factors on the ability of satellite telemetry units to provide the expected amount and quality of data by analyzing data from over 3,000 devices deployed on 62 terrestrial species in 167 projects worldwide. We evaluate the success rate in obtaining GPS fixes as well as in transferring these fixes to the user and we evaluate failure rates. Average fix success and data transfer rates were high and were generally better predicted by species and unit characteristics, while environmental characteristics influenced the variability of performance. However, 48% of the unit deployments ended prematurely, half of them due to technical failure. Nonetheless, this study shows that the performance of satellite telemetry applications has shown improvements over time, and based on our findings, we provide further recommendations for both users and manufacturers.
- Published
- 2019
8. Right on track? Performance of satellite telemetry in terrestrial wildlife research
- Author
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Hofman, MPG, Hayward, MW, Heim, M, Marchand, P, Rolandsen, CM, Mattisson, J, Urbano, F, Heurich, M, Mysterud, A, Melzheimer, J, Morellet, N, Voigt, U, Allen, BL, Gehr, B, Rouco, C, Ullmann, W, Holand, Ø, Jørgensen, NH, Steinheim, G, Cagnacci, F, Kroeschel, M, Kaczensky, P, Buuveibaatar, B, Payne, JC, Palmegiani, I, Jerina, K, Kjellander, P, Johansson, Ö, Lapoint, S, Bayrakcismith, R, Linnell, JDC, Zaccaroni, M, Jorge, MLS, Oshima, JEF, Songhurst, A, Fischer, C, Bride, RT, Thompson, JJ, Streif, S, Sandfort, R, Bonenfant, C, Drouilly, M, Klapproth, M, Zinner, D, Yarnell, R, Stronza, A, Wilmott, L, Meisingset, E, Thaker, M, Vanak, AT, Nicoloso, S, Graeber, R, Said, S, Boudreau, MR, Devlin, A, Hoogesteijn, R, May-Junior, JA, Nifong, JC, Odden, J, Quigley, HB, Tortato, F, Parker, DM, Caso, A, Perrine, J, Tellaeche, C, Zieba, F, Zwijacz-Kozica, T, Appel, CL, Axsom, I, Bean, WT, Cristescu, B, Périquet, S, Teichman, KJ, Karpanty, S, Licoppe, A, Menges, V, Black, K, Scheppers, TL, Schai-Braun, SC, Azevedo, FC, Lemos, FG, Payne, A, Swanepoel, LH, Weckworth, BV, Berger, A, Bertassoni, A, McCulloch, G, Šustr, P, Athreya, V, Bockmuhl, D, Casaer, J, Ekori, A, Melovski, D, Richard-Hansen, C, Van De Vyver, D, Reyna-Hurtado, R, Robardet, E, Selva, N, Sergiel, A, Farhadinia, MS, Sunde, P, Portas, R, Ambarli, H, Berzins, R, Kappeler, PM, Mann, GK, Pyritz, L, Bissett, C, Grant, T, Steinmetz, R, Swedell, L, Welch, RJ, Armenteras, D, Bidder, OR, González, TM, Rosenblatt, A, Kachel, S, Balkenhol, N, University of Goettingen, Bangor University, Nelson Mandela University, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, Université Grenoble Alpes, University of Freiburg, Bavarian Forest National Park, University of Oslo, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, INRA, University of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, University of Zurich, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Landcare Research, Universidad de Córdoba, University of Potsdam, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Forest Research Institute of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Mongolia Program, Biotechnical Faculty, Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Snow Leopard Trust, Max-Planck Institute for Ornithology, Columbia University, Panthera, University of Florence, Vanderbilt University, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Ecoexist, University of Oxford, Texas A and M University, D’Ingenierie et d’Architecture de Geneve, Faro Maro Ecoresearch, Guyra Paraguay—CONACYT, Instituto Saite, Ronin Institute, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, University of Cape Town, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Brackenhurst Campus, Office of Environment and Heritage, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Indian Institute of Science, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, DBT India Alliance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, D.R.E.Am. Italia, Unités Ongulés Sauvages, Trent University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, University of Santa Catarina, Onçafari, Environmental Laboratory, Rhodes University, University of Mpumalanga, Ministery of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico, Alianza Nacional Para la Conservacion del Jaguar A.C., California Polytechnic State University, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy–CONICET, Tatra National Park, Humboldt State University, South Africa, Main Camp Research, University of British Columbia, Virginia Tech., Service Public de Wallonie, Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Fazenda Limoeiro, University of Venda, Instituto de Pesquisa e Conservação de Tamanduás no Brasil, Global Change Research Institute CAS, Wildlife Conservation Society—India, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Macedonian Ecological Society, Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Université de Guyane), El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, ANSES Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Polish Academy of Sciences, Aarhus University, Duzce University, WWF Thailand, City University of New York, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, University of California, University of North Florida, University of Washington, University of Newcastle, Black Rock Forest, Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Ongava Research Centre, Scientific Services, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), CEntre Technique des Industries Mécaniques (CETIM), CEntre Technique des Industries Mécaniques - Cetim (FRANCE), Department of Research and Documentation, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive - UMR 5558 (LBBE), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL), Université de Lyon-Université de Lyon-Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (Inria)-VetAgro Sup - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur et de recherche en alimentation, santé animale, sciences agronomiques et de l'environnement (VAS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Deutscher Wetterdienst [Offenbach] (DWD), Max-Planck-Institut für Gravitationsphysik ( Albert-Einstein-Institut ) (AEI), Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Department of Animal and Man Biology, Università degli Studi di Firenze = University of Florence [Firenze] (UNIFI), Université de Lyon, Office Nationale de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, DAM Île-de-France (DAM/DIF), Direction des Applications Militaires (DAM), Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Centro de Engenharia Biologica e Quimica, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (IST), SOPTOM, CRCC Centre for Research and Conservation of Chelonians, Laboratoire Chrono-environnement - CNRS - UBFC (UMR 6249) (LCE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Franche-Comté (UFC), Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté [COMUE] (UBFC)-Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté [COMUE] (UBFC), Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP), Life Cycle Strategies, Georg-August-University [Göttingen], Università degli Studi di Firenze = University of Florence (UniFI), Laboratoire Chrono-environnement (UMR 6249) (LCE), Georg-August-University = Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation
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Questionnaires ,SELECTION ,Forests ,Wildlife ,Data acquisition ,Temperate forests ,Animal performance ,Data reduction ,Global positioning system ,Movement ecology ,Telemetry ,R PACKAGE ,Spacecraft ,HABITAT ,Animal Management ,Centre for Ecological Sciences ,Ecology ,Eukaryota ,Agriculture ,Terrestrial Environments ,Navigation ,GPS-TELEMETRY ,Multidisciplinary Sciences ,Data Acquisition ,Research Design ,Engineering and Technology ,Science & Technology - Other Topics ,Medicine ,Temperate Forests ,Information Technology ,BEHAVIOR ,Research Article ,Environmental Monitoring ,Computer and Information Sciences ,Animals ,Animals, Wild ,Ecosystem ,Geographic Information Systems ,Animal Types ,Science ,GPS telemetry ,Research and Analysis Methods ,Ecosystems ,COLLAR PERFORMANCE ,FIX SUCCESS ,Settore BIO/07 - ECOLOGIA ,LOCATION ,Animal Performance ,GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM ,Survey Research ,Science & Technology ,Bio-logging ,Ecology and Environmental Sciences ,Organisms ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Data Reduction ,Wildlife conservation ,PATTERNS ,[SDE.BE]Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology ,Zoology - Abstract
Satellite telemetry is an increasingly utilized technology in wildlife research, and current devices can track individual animal movements at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. However, as we enter the golden age of satellite telemetry, we need an in-depth understanding of the main technological, species-specific and environmental factors that determine the success and failure of satellite tracking devices across species and habitats. Here, we assess the relative influence of such factors on the ability of satellite telemetry units to provide the expected amount and quality of data by analyzing data from over 3,000 devices deployed on 62 terrestrial species in 167 projects worldwide. We evaluate the success rate in obtaining GPS fixes as well as in transferring these fixes to the user and we evaluate failure rates. Average fix success and data transfer rates were high and were generally better predicted by species and unit characteristics, while environmental characteristics influenced the variability of performance. However, 48% of the unit deployments ended prematurely, half of them due to technical failure. Nonetheless, this study shows that the performance of satellite telemetry applications has shown improvements over time, and based on our findings, we provide further recommendations for both users and manufacturers. Forest and Nature for Society (FONASO) Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate programme [2013-09] University of Goettingen Norwegian Environment Agency Research Council of Norway [212919] Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Messerli Foundation, WWF Landcare Research Ltd New Zealand TBfree New Zealand (AHB project) [R10737] Norwegian Research Counsil, Smafefondet, NMBU Research Council of Norway Federal State of Baden-Wuerttemberg (Landesjagdabgabe) Wildlife Conservation Society Swedish Environmental Protection Agency private foundation "Marie Clair Cronstedts stiftelse" NASA Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment [NNX15AV92A] National Geographic Society Waitt Grant Program [W157-110] FAPESP [2013/50421-2, 2014/23132-2] CNPq [312045/2013-1, 312292/2016-3, 161089/2014-3] Silicon Valley Community Foundation The Overbrook Foundation International ReSource Award WCS Brasil Vanderbilt University PROCAD/CAPES [88881.068425/2014-01] MLSJ Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo Fapesp [2013/50421-2, 2014/23132-2] Projeto Pecarideos - WCS Brasil Howard G Buffett Foundation Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia -CONACYT Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) [814274, 834118] Leobner Realgemeinschaft Forstbetrieb Kletschach WWF Nedbank Green Trust [GT 2251] DFG [Fi707/9-1/DFG Zi548/6-1/DAAD (D/12/41834), FI707/9-1, ZI548/6-1] DAAD [D/12/41834] Nottingham Trent University The Howard G. Buffett Foundation ISRO-IISc Space Technology Cell Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance and Space Technology Cell, Indian Institute of Science Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Panthera Kaplan Graduate Award Bank of America Reindeer Development Fund in Norway Rhodes University Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Wildlife Conservation Network Humboldt State University HSU Marine and Coastal Science Initiative Humboldt State University Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Grant Claude Leon Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship The Cape Leopard Trust Conservation South Africa South African National Parks HERD project (Hwange Environmental Research Development) - Agence Nationale de la Recherche (FEAR project) [ANR-08-BLAN-0022] Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Programme Zones Ateliers) National Geographic Society [C151-08] NSERC CGS D U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Service public de Wallonie Direction generale de l'Agriculture, des Ressources naturelles et de l'Environnement U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Parrotia-Stiftung Stiftung Dr. Joachim de Giacomi Basler Stiftung fur biologische Forschung Messerli Stiftung Carl Burger Stiftung CIC Schweiz CIC Deutschland Paul Schiller Stiftung Karl Mayer Stiftung Consorcio Capim Branco de Energia Ministere de l'Agriculture de l'Agroalimentaire et de la Foret Conseil Regional de Bourgogne Conseil General de la Cote d'Or Federation Departementale des Chasseurs de Cote d'Or Groupement de Defense Sanitaire de Cote d'Or Federation Nationale des Chasseurs Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage South African National Research Foundation [107099] Sao Paulo Research Foundation [FAPESP 2013/04957-8, FAPESP 2013/18526-9] MAVA Foundation, Switzerland The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU (German Federal Environmental Foundation) Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) Project GLOBE - Polish-Norwegian Research Programme [POLNOR/198352/85/2013] ASer: Norway Grants under the Polish-Norwegian Research Program [POL-NOR/198352/85/2013] The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) Zoologische Gesellschaft fur Arten-und Populationsschutz (ZGAP) Iranian Cheetah Society Quagga Conservation Fund IdeaWild Association Francaise des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ) DEAL (Direction de l'Environnement de l'Amenagement et du Logement) de Guyane CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) The Nedbank WWF Green Trust The International Foundation for Science Cape Leopard Trust German Research Foundation [DFG: KA 1082/16-1] The Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group (WRMRG) International Foundation for Science (IFS) Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) The Rufford Small Grants Foundation Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust WWF Sweden Leakey Foundation National Geographic Society WennerGren Foundation Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Colciencias, Project "Efecto de la presencia de saladosnaturales en la distribucion y uso de habitat de la danta de tier-ras bajas (Tapirus terrestris) en las amazonas colombiano" [1101569-33286, 0385-2013] Alexander von Humboldt Foundation NSF Graduate Research Fellowship [DEG-125608] Sustainability East Asia LLC - SEA Amarula Trust National Geographic Earthwatch Institute World Wildlife Fund for Nature Columbus Zoo California North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation Anses This work was supported by: Forest and Nature for Society (FONASO) Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorate programme (CONTRACT NO. 2013-09) to MPGH, Publication costs were covered by the Open Access Publication Fund of the University of Goettingen; The Norwegian Environment Agency, the Research Council of Norway (project 212919), Norwegian Institute for Nature Research to JM; Messerli Foundation, WWF to JMel; CRou: The author was supported in the form of salary by a postdoctoral grant funded by Landcare Research Ltd New Zealand and data provided was funded by research project grant from TBfree New Zealand (AHB project number R10737). Norwegian Research Counsil, Smafefondet, NMBU to NHJ; The Research Council of Norway to GS; Federal State of Baden-Wuerttemberg (Landesjagdabgabe) to MK; Funding for the capture and collaring of khulan was received from Wildlife Conservation Society, administered through a cooperative agreement with Sustainability East Asia LLC - SEA and originating from Oy Du Tolgoi -OT gold and copper mining company to PK; Swedish fieldwork was supported by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and by the private foundation "Marie Clair Cronstedts stiftelse" to PKje; NASA Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (project #NNX15AV92A), National Geographic Society Waitt Grant Program (Grant #W157-110) to SL; Research Council of Norway to JDCL; FAPESP (2013/50421-2, 2014/23132-2), CNPq (312045/2013-1; 312292/2016-3; 161089/2014-3), Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The Overbrook Foundation, the International ReSource Award, WCS Brasil, and Vanderbilt University. PROCAD/CAPES (88881.068425/2014-01); MLSJ Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo Fapesp (process: 2013/50421-2 and scholarship: 2014/23132-2) and CNPQ (scholarship: 161089/2014-3), Projeto Pecarideos - WCS Brasil and Vanderbilt University for funding this research to JEFO.; Howard G Buffett Foundation, Amarula Trust to AS; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia -CONACYT with resources from the FEE to JJT; Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) grant numbers 814274 and 834118, Leobner Realgemeinschaft and Forstbetrieb Kletschach to RS; WWF Nedbank Green Trust (grant number GT 2251) to MD; DFG Fi707/9-1/DFG Zi548/6-1/DAAD (D/12/41834) to MKla; DFG FI707/9-1, DFG ZI548/6-1, DAAD D/12/41834 to DZ; GPS tags were funded by Nottingham Trent University, National Geographic, Earthwatch Institute, World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Columbus Zoo to RY; The Howard G. Buffett Foundation to AStr; ISRO-IISc Space Technology Cell to MT; Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance and Space Technology Cell, Indian Institute of Science to ATV; D.R.E. Am. Italia provided support in the form of salary for author SN, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific role of this author is articulated in the 'author contributions' section.; RG was supported by funds of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection; Panthera Kaplan Graduate Award to AD; Bank of America to JAM; The Norwegian Environment Agency, the Research Council of Norway (Project 212919), the Reindeer Development Fund in Norway, and several County administrations around Norway to JO; Rhodes University to DMP; Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute to AC; Wildlife Conservation Network, Panthera to CT; Humboldt State University, HSU Marine and Coastal Science Initiative, California North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation to CLA; Humboldt State University Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Grant to IA; Humboldt State University Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Grant to WTB; Claude Leon Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Cape Leopard Trust, Conservation South Africa, South African National Parks to BC; GPS collars were funded by the HERD project (Hwange Environmental Research Development), funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (FEAR project ANR-08-BLAN-0022), and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Programme Zones Ateliers). Some collars were funded by the National Geographic Society GRANT #C151-08 to SP; NSERC CGS D to KJT; SK: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to SK; Service public de Wallonie. Direction generale de l'Agriculture, des Ressources naturelles et de l'Environnement to AL; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to KB; Parrotia-Stiftung, Stiftung Dr. Joachim de Giacomi, Basler Stiftung fur biologische Forschung, Messerli Stiftung, Carl Burger Stiftung, CIC Schweiz, CIC Deutschland, Paul Schiller Stiftung and Karl Mayer Stiftung to SCS; Consorcio Capim Branco de Energia to FCA; Consorcio Capim Branco de Energia to FGL; Ministere de l'Agriculture de l'Agroalimentaire et de la Foret, the Conseil Regional de Bourgogne, the Conseil General de la Cote d'Or, the Federation Departementale des Chasseurs de Cote d'Or, the Groupement de Defense Sanitaire de Cote d'Or, the Federation Nationale des Chasseurs and the Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage to AP.; ; South African National Research Foundation (Grant number: 107099) to LHS; Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP 2013/04957-8 and FAPESP 2013/18526-9) to ABer; MAVA Foundation, Switzerland; The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU (German Federal Environmental Foundation) to DM; Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) to CRic; Anses to ER; Project GLOBE (POLNOR/198352/85/2013) funded by the Polish-Norwegian Research Programme operated by the National Centre for Research and Development; ASer: Norway Grants under the Polish-Norwegian Research Program operated by the National Centre for Research and Development (GLOBE, POL-NOR/198352/85/2013) to NS; The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), Zoologische Gesellschaft fur Arten-und Populationsschutz (ZGAP), Iranian Cheetah Society, Quagga Conservation Fund, IdeaWild, Panthera and Association Francaise des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ) to MSF; DEAL (Direction de l'Environnement de l'Amenagement et du Logement) de Guyane, CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) to RBer; The Nedbank WWF Green Trust, The International Foundation for Science, the Cape Leopard Trust, Rhodes University to GKM; German Research Foundation (DFG: KA 1082/16-1) to LP; The Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group (WRMRG), International Foundation for Science (IFS), Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), The Rufford Small Grants Foundation, Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust to TG; WWF Sweden to RSte; Leakey Foundation, National Geographic Society, WennerGren Foundation to LS; Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Colciencias, Project "Efecto de la presencia de saladosnaturales en la distribucion y uso de habitat de la danta de tier-ras bajas (Tapirus terrestris) en las amazonas colombiano" (grantnumber 1101569-33286, contract: 0385-2013) to DA; PostDoctoral Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to ORB; NSF Graduate Research Fellowship DEG-125608 to SKac. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.; We thank Horst Reinecke and Christian Trothe for database management and data entry, and James Gibbons, Matthias Schmid and Benjamin Hofner for their enlightening explanations on the statistics. We thank Stan Tomkiewicz for insightful discussion on GPS collar functioning, and the Eurodeer. org network, Sarah Davidson of Movebank. org, and Stephanie O'Donnell of WILDLABS. NET for helping to spread the word about this study. We also thank Jonah Gula, Olav Strand, Ole Roer, Liu Yanlin, Bernt-Erik Saether, Anders Borstad, Laura McMahon, Thomas Morrison, Maurizio Ramanzin, Vebjorn Veiberg, Erling Johan Solberg, Leif Soennichsen, Hans Christian Pedersen, Tom McCarthy, Jacqueline L. Frair, Siobhan Dyer, Morten Odden, Lars Haugaard, and Peter G. Crawshaw, Jr. for their data contributions. The publication was supported by the Open Access Publication Fund of the University of Goettingen.
- Published
- 2019
9. Offline consolidation of spatial memory: Do the cerebellar output circuits play a role? A study utilizing a Morris water maze protocol in male Wistar rats
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Andre, P., primary, Zaccaroni, M., additional, Fiorenzani, P., additional, Della Seta, D., additional, Menzocchi, M., additional, and Farabollini, F., additional
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- 2019
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10. The randomised response technique: A valuable approach to monitor pathways of aquatic biological invasions
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Cerri, J., primary, Ciappelli, A., additional, Lenuzza, A., additional, Nocita, A., additional, and Zaccaroni, M., additional
- Published
- 2017
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11. Experimental male size manipulation inPolistes dominulapaper wasps: being the right size
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Beani, L., primary and Zaccaroni, M., additional
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- 2014
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12. Audience effect on aerial alarm calls in the monogamous red-legged partridge
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Zaccaroni, M., primary, Binazzi, R., additional, Massolo, A., additional, and Dessì-Fulgheri, F., additional
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- 2013
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13. Anti-predator behaviour of the red-legged partridgeAlectoris rufa(Galliformes: Phasianidae) to simulated terrestrial and aerial predators
- Author
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Binazzi, R., primary, Zaccaroni, M., additional, Nespoli, A., additional, Massolo, A., additional, and Dessí-Fulgheri, F., additional
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- 2011
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14. THE ACOUSTIC STRUCTURE OF WOLF HOWLS IN SOME EASTERN TUSCANY (CENTRAL ITALY) FREE RANGING PACKS
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PASSILONGO, D., primary, BUCCIANTI, A., additional, DESSI-FULGHERI, F., additional, GAZZOLA, A., additional, ZACCARONI, M., additional, and APOLLONIO, M., additional
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- 2010
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15. Demographic parameters of reintroduced grey partridges in central Italy and the effect of weather
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Vidus Rosin, A., primary, Meriggi, A., additional, Pella, F., additional, and Zaccaroni, M., additional
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- 2009
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16. Effects of low doses of atrazine on the neurobehavioural development of mice
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Belloni, V., primary, Alleva, E., additional, Dessì-Fulgheri, F., additional, Zaccaroni, M., additional, and Santucci, D., additional
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- 2007
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17. Does an early aversive experience to humans modify antipredator behaviour in adult Rock partridges?
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Zaccaroni, M., primary, Ciuffreda, M., additional, Paganin, M., additional, and Beani, L., additional
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- 2007
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18. Experimental male size manipulation in Polistes dominula paper wasps: being the right size.
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Beani, L. and Zaccaroni, M.
- Subjects
- *
WASPS , *POLISTES , *INSECT behavior , *BEHAVIOR genetics , *VESPIDAE , *INSECTS - Abstract
In previous studies onPolistes dominulapaper wasps, male size affects both mating success and territorial strategy. Larger males occupy exclusive territories at leks, i.e. landmarks where they achieve most copulations (Residents), while smaller males search for females in sub-optimal locations across territories as Transients. We here observed spatial and mating behaviour of a selected size-bimodal population of males, caught at leks and released in semi-natural conditions. Residents, mainly Large males, were more successful in sexual interactions with virgin females than Transients. Residents also engaged in ‘mate guarding’, reported here for the first time. On the other hand, some Small males achieved copulations inside their own territories, at foraging sites or by grasping females and falling on the ground. Both tactics of mate access – patrolling a territory for perched females or intercepting females – were successful, the former more than the latter, whereas size itself was irrelevant to sexual performance and mating success, regardless of our size-bimodal sample. Moreover, we carried out morphological analysis of male reproductive apparatus. Males with larger accessory glands, directly involved in reproductive success in many insects, mated more than males with smaller accessory glands, regardless of male body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2015
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19. Group specific vocal signature in free-ranging wolf packs.
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Zaccaroni, M., Passilongo, D., Buccianti, A., Dessì-Fulgheri, F., Facchini, C., Gazzola, A., Maggini, I., and Apollonio, M.
- Subjects
- *
WOLF packs , *WILDLIFE conservation , *ANIMAL sounds , *ACOUSTIC localization , *ANIMAL sound production - Abstract
Acoustic communication conveys a variety of information that is a helpful tool for animal conservation. The wolf is an elusive species, which can be detected through the howls that individuals emit. In this study we investigated the acoustic features of wild wolf pack howls from five locations in the province of Arezzo, Italy. We tested the hypothesis that each group had a distinctive vocal signature. Our results showed that these wolf packs emitted howls with significantly distinctive acoustic structures. We hypothesized that group-specific vocal signatures require temporal stability to be functional. Indeed, we did not find any statistical differences in howls collected from the same location during the same season or for 2 consecutive years. We suggest that the acoustic features of howls can be used to distinguish wolf packs in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2012
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20. Anti-predator behaviour of the red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa (Galliformes: Phasianidae) to simulated terrestrial and aerial predators.
- Author
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Binazzi, R., Zaccaroni, M., Nespoli, A., Massolo, A., and Dessi-Fulgheri, F.
- Subjects
- *
RED-legged partridge , *ANTIPREDATOR behavior , *ANIMAL behavior , *CAMOUFLAGE (Biology) , *PREDATION , *ANIMAL sound production , *HAWKS , *FOXES - Abstract
This study is intended to investigate the differences in anti-predator behavioural and acoustic response to terrestrial and aerial predators as well as the behavioural differences between sexes in the red-legged partridge. To this aim we observed the response of 114 partridge (57 males and 57 females) to dummy terrestrial and aerial predators, a raptor and a fox. We divided behavioural responses to predators into four mutually exclusive categories: vigilance, freezing, escape and non-anti-predator behaviours. We also recorded and analysed the vocalizations emitted during tests. The animals reacted differently to aerial and terrestrial stimuli. The reactions elicited by the terrestrial predator were ranked as follows: vigilance, escape, non-anti-predator behaviours, and freezing. Those elicited by the aerial predator were ranked as follows: vigilance, freezing, escape and non-anti-predator behaviours. Vigilance and escape were elicited more frequently by the terrestrial predator than by the aerial predator (vigilance: p < 0.001; escape: p < 0.001). Freezing was the most frequent behaviour following the appearance of the aerial predator (p < 0.001). In fact, freezing may represent an effective strategy in an open space, combining camouflage from and detection by the predator. On the other hand, vigilance is an effective behaviour to detect and avoid a terrestrial predator hunting by ambush. We did not find clear-cut differences between sexes. The analysis of vocalizations revealed that the fox and the raptor elicited significantly different calls (p = 0.003); the fox evoked significantly more vocalizations than the raptor (p< 0.001), differing in addition in frequency parameters. Thus partridges not only discriminate between aerial and terrestrial predators and behave consequently, but are also able to tune alarm calls in relation to the context of predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2011
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21. Demographic parameters of reintroduced grey partridges in central Italy and the effect of weather.
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Rosin, A. Vidus, Meriggi, A., Pella, F., and Zaccaroni, M.
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PERDIX perdix ,PARTRIDGES ,WEATHER ,ANIMAL populations ,BIODIVERSITY - Abstract
Grey partridge populations declined in Europe from mid-1950s onwards mostly due to modifications of agricultural cropping. In Italy, the decline was even more dramatic because of over-hunting and restocking with allochthonous birds. We carried out a research on a re-introduced population in Central Italy from 1995 to 2005, with the aim of evaluating the reintroduction success and separating the intrinsic and external factors influencing year-to-year changes in partridge density with particular respect to the weather. Average spring density was 4.5 pairs per square kilometre (SD = 1.52); our population reached a peak few years after the reintroduction and then declined. Brood production rate was close to that of declining European populations (average 33.9%; SD = 10.21), and chick survival rate (average 40%; SD = 17.61) determined the change of breeding abundance from year t to year t + 1. Our population seemed to be mainly affected by brood production and chick survival rates and by the weather; in particular, higher early winter and spring temperatures increased breeding density whilst higher early summer temperatures decreased brood production rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2010
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22. Guest or pest? Spatio-temporal occurrence and effects on soil and vegetation of the wild boar on Elba island.
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I., Greco, E., Fedele, M., Salvatori, M. G., Rustichelli, F., Mercuri, G., Santini, F., Rovero, L., Lazzaro, B., Foggi, A., Massolo, F., De Pietro, and Zaccaroni, M.
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WILD boar ,SOILS ,PESTS ,ISLANDS - Published
- 2021
23. Domesticazione e feralizzazione in Sus scrofa, adattamenti funzionali della mucosa olfattiva
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Forte N, POLESE, GIANLUCA, VICIDOMINI, ROSARIO, MASELLI, VALERIA, FULGIONE, DOMENICO, Baistrocchi E., Zaccaroni M., Forte, N, Polese, Gianluca, Vicidomini, Rosario, Maselli, Valeria, and Fulgione, Domenico
- Published
- 2013
24. Echinococcus multilocularis infection affects risk-taking behaviours in Microtus arvalis : adaptive manipulation?
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Martini M, Cioli T, Romig T, Gagliardo A, Giunchi D, Zaccaroni M, and Massolo A
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- 2024
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25. Antibacterial activity of Arthrobacter strains isolated from Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area, Mongolia.
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Bernacchi A, Semenzato G, di Mascolo M, Amata S, Bechini A, Berti F, Calonico C, Catania V, Emiliani G, Esposito A, Greco C, Mocali S, Mucci N, Padula A, Piccionello AP, Nasanbat B, Davaakhuu G, Bazarragchaa M, Riga F, Augugliaro C, Puglia AM, Zaccaroni M, and Renato F
- Abstract
Desert soil hosts many microorganisms, whose activities are essential from an ecological viewpoint. Moreover, they are of great anthropic interest. The knowledge of extreme environments microbiomes may be beneficial for agriculture, technology, and human health. In this study, 11 Arthrobacter strains from topsoil samples collected from the Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area in the Gobi Desert, were characterized by a combination of different techniques. The phylogenetic analysis, performed using their 16S rDNA sequences and the most similar Arthrobacter sequences found in databases, revealed that most of them were close to A. crystallopoietes , while others joined a sister group to the clade formed by A. humicola, A. pascens , and A. oryzae . The resistance of each strain to different antibiotics, heavy-metals, and NaCl was also tested as well as the inhibitory potential against human pathogens (i.e., Burkholderia ssp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus ssp.) via cross-streaking, to check the production of metabolites with antimicrobial activity. Data obtained revealed that all strains were resistant to heavy metals and were able to strongly interfere with the growth of many of the human pathogens tested. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of the 11 Arthrobacter strains was also analyzed. A total of 16 different metabolites were found, some of which were already known for having an inhibitory action against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Isolate MS-3A13, producing the highest quantity of VOCs, is the most efficient against Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), K. pneumoniae , and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) strains. This work highlights the importance of understanding microbial populations' phenotypical characteristics and dynamics in extreme environments to uncover the antimicrobial potential of new species and strains., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: Renato Fani is an editorial board member for AIMS Microbiology and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. All authors declare that there are no competing interests., (© 2024 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.)
- Published
- 2024
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26. The Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area: Characterization of Soil Bacterial Communities from Four Oases.
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Esposito A, Del Duca S, Vitali F, Bigiotti G, Mocali S, Semenzato G, Papini A, Santini G, Mucci N, Padula A, Greco C, Nasanbat B, Davaakhuu G, Bazarragchaa M, Riga F, Augugliaro C, Cecchi L, Fani R, and Zaccaroni M
- Abstract
Understanding how microbial communities survive in extreme environmental pressure is critical for interpreting ecological patterns and microbial diversity. Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area represents an intriguing model for studying the bacterial community since it is a protected and intact wild area of the Mongolian desert. In this work, the composition of a bacterial community of the soil from four oases was characterized by extracting total DNA and sequencing through the Illumina NovaSeq platform. In addition, the soil's chemical and physical properties were determined, and their influence on shaping the microbial communities was evaluated. The results showed a high variability of bacterial composition among oases. Moreover, combining specific chemical and physical parameters significantly shapes the bacterial community among oases. Data obtained suggested that the oases were highly variable in physiochemical parameters and bacterial communities despite the similar extreme climate conditions. Moreover, core functional microbiome were constituted by aerobic chemoheterotrophy and chemoheterotrophy, mainly contributed by the most abundant bacteria, such as Actinobacteriota, Pseudomonadota, and Firmicutes. This result supposes a metabolic flexibility for sustaining life in deserts. Furthermore, as the inhabitants of the extreme regions are likely to produce new chemical compounds, isolation of key taxa is thus encouraged.
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- 2024
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27. Novel Sources of Biodiversity and Biomolecules from Bacteria Isolated from a High Middle Ages Soil Sample in Palermo (Sicily, Italy).
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Vassallo A, Modi A, Quagliariello A, Bacci G, Faddetta T, Gallo M, Provenzano A, La Barbera A, Lombardo G, Maggini V, Firenzuoli F, Zaccaroni M, Gallo G, Caramelli D, Aleo Nero C, Baldi F, Fani R, Palumbo Piccionello A, Pucciarelli S, Puglia AM, and Sineo L
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Sicily, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Soil chemistry, Bacteria, Biodiversity
- Abstract
The urban plan of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) has evolved throughout Punic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman ages until it stabilized within the borders that correspond to the current historic center. During the 2012 to 2013 excavation campaign, new remains of the Arab settlement, directly implanted above the structures of the Roman age, were found. The materials investigated in this study derived from the so-called Survey No 3, which consists of a rock cavity of subcylindrical shape covered with calcarenite blocks: it was probably used to dispose of garbage during the Arabic age and its content, derived from daily activities, included grape seeds, scales and bones of fish, small animal bones, and charcoals. Radiocarbon dating confirmed the medieval origin of this site. The composition of the bacterial community was characterized through a culture-dependent and a culture-independent approach. Culturable bacteria were isolated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and the total bacterial community was characterized through metagenomic sequencing. Bacterial isolates were tested for the production of compounds with antibiotic activity: a Streptomyces strain, whose genome was sequenced, was of particular interest because of its inhibitory activity, which was due to the Type I polyketide aureothin. Moreover, all strains were tested for the production of secreted proteases, with those belonging to the genus Nocardioides having the most active enzymes. Finally, protocols commonly used for ancient DNA studies were applied to evaluate the antiquity of isolated bacterial strains. Altogether these results show how paleomicrobiology might represent an innovative and unexplored source of novel biodiversity and new biotechnological tools. IMPORTANCE One of the goals of paleomicrobiology is the characterization of the microbial community present in archaeological sites. These analyses can usually provide valuable information about past events, such as occurrence of human and animal infectious diseases, ancient human activities, and environmental changes. However, in this work, investigations about the composition of the bacterial community of an ancient soil sample (harvested in Palermo, Italy) were carried out aiming to screen ancient culturable strains with biotechnological potential, such as the ability to produce bioactive molecules and secreted hydrolytic enzymes. Besides showing the biotechnological relevance of paleomicrobiology, this work reports a case of germination of putatively ancient bacterial spores recovered from soil rather than extreme environments. Moreover, in the case of spore-forming species, these results raise questions about the accuracy of techniques usually applied to estimate antiquity of DNA, as they could lead to its underestimation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2023
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28. Adaptation of Commensal Escherichia coli in Tomato Fruits: Motility, Stress, Virulence.
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Vassallo A, Amoriello R, Guri P, Casbarra L, Ramazzotti M, Zaccaroni M, Ballerini C, Cavalieri D, and Marvasi M
- Abstract
Food contamination can be a serious concern for public health because it can be related to the severe spreading of pathogens. This is a main issue, especially in the case of fresh fruits and vegetables; indeed, they have often been associated with gastrointestinal outbreak events, due to contamination with pathogenic bacteria. However, little is known about the physiological adaptation and bacterial response to stresses encountered in the host plant. Thus, this work aimed to investigate the adaptation of a commensal E. coli strain while growing in tomato pericarp. Pre-adapted and non-adapted cells were compared and used to contaminate tomatoes, demonstrating that pre-adaptation boosted cell proliferation. DNA extracted from pre-adapted and non-adapted cells was sequenced, and their methylation profiles were compared. Hence, genes involved in cell adhesion and resistance against toxic compounds were identified as genes involved in adaptation, and their expression was compared in these two experimental conditions. Finally, pre-adapted and non-adapted E. coli were tested for their ability to resist the presence of toxic compounds, demonstrating that adaptation exerted a protective effect. In conclusion, this work provides new information about the physiological adaptation of bacteria colonizing the tomato fruit pericarp.
- Published
- 2023
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29. Application of Cloning-Free Genome Engineering to Escherichia coli .
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Romeo L, Esposito A, Bernacchi A, Colazzo D, Vassallo A, Zaccaroni M, Fani R, and Del Duca S
- Abstract
The propagation of foreign DNA in Escherichia coli is central to molecular biology. Recent advances have dramatically expanded the ability to engineer (bacterial) cells; however, most of these techniques remain time-consuming. The aim of the present work was to explore the possibility to use the cloning-free genome editing (CFGE) approach, proposed by Döhlemann and coworkers (2016), for E. coli genetics, and to deepen the knowledge about the homologous recombination mechanism. The E. coli auxotrophic mutant strains FB182 ( hisF892 ) and FB181 ( hisI903 ) were transformed with the circularized wild-type E. coli (i) hisF gene and hisF gene fragments of decreasing length, and (ii) hisIE gene, respectively. His
+ clones were selected based on their ability to grow in the absence of histidine, and their hisF / hisIE gene sequences were characterized. CFGE method allowed the recombination of wild-type his genes (or fragments of them) within the mutated chromosomal copy, with a different recombination frequency based on the fragment length, and the generation of clones with a variable number of in tandem his genes copies. Data obtained pave the way to further evolutionary studies concerning the homologous recombination mechanism and the fate of in tandem duplicated genes.- Published
- 2023
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30. Does the Wolf ( Canis lupus ) Exhibit Human Habituation Behaviours after Rehabilitation and Release into the Wild? A Case Report from Central Italy.
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Viola P, Girotti P, Adriani S, Ronchi B, Zaccaroni M, and Primi R
- Abstract
The knowledge of how wolves’ movement patterns and habitat selection are affected by habituation to persons after a period of veterinary isolation, treatment and non-agonistic experience with humans is scarce. Unnatural behaviours could be transferred by imitation to members of the pack and to subsequent generations, increasing direct interaction risks. We used GPS data from a rescued radio-collared female wolf after an 11-day rehabilitation to estimate home range, movement patterns, circadian rhythms, and habitat selection, searching for signals of eventual behavioural distortions. In the period 1 August−26 November 2013, 870 valid locations were acquired. The wolf moved within a minimum convex polygon (95%) of 6541.1 ha (79% wooded), avoiding anthropized areas. Nocturnal and diurnal displacements were significantly different (p < 0.01). Nocturnal displacements were 4409.4 ± 617.5 m during summer and 3684.8 ± 468.1 m during autumn, without differences between seasons. Diurnal movements were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the summer (2239.0 ± 329.0 m) than in the autumn (595.9 ± 110.3 m), when the hunting season was running. As for a wild wolf, clear complementarity concerning human activities was recorded and no habituation signals were detected, but this is only a first case study that aims to be a stimulus for further research and a call for widespread data sharing.
- Published
- 2022
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31. Assessing Molecular Diversity in Native and Introduced Populations of Red Wood Ant Formica paralugubris .
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Masoni A, Coppi A, Balzani P, Frizzi F, Fani R, Zaccaroni M, and Santini G
- Abstract
The Formica rufa group comprises several ant species which are collectively referred to as "red wood ants" and play key roles in boreal forest ecosystems, where they are ecologically dominant and greatly influence habitat dynamics. Owing to their intense predatory activity, some of these species are used as biocontrol agents against several forest insect pests and for this aim in Italy, nearly 6000 ant nests were introduced from their native areas in the Alps to several Appeninic sites during the last century. In this work, we assessed and compared the genetic variability and structure of native and introduced populations of F. paralugubris , thus evaluating the extent of genetic drift that may have occurred since the time of introduction, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. PCR amplification with a fam_EcoRI-TAC/MseI-ATG primers combination produced a total of 147 scorable bands, with 17 identified as outlier loci. The genetic variation was higher in the introduced population compared to the native ones that, on the other hand, showed a higher diversity between nests. AMOVA results clearly pointed out that the overall genetic structure was dominated by among-worker variation, considering all populations, the Alpine vs. Apennine groups and the comparison among native and related introduced populations (all ranging between 77.84% and 79.84%). Genetic analyses unveiled the existence of six main different groups that do not entirely mirror their geographic subdivision, pointing towards a wide admixture between populations, but, at the same time, rapid diversification of some Apennine populations. Future studies based on high-throughput genomic methods are needed to obtain a thorough understanding of the effects of environmental pressure on the genetic structure and mating system of these populations.
- Published
- 2022
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32. Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Origanum heracleoticum L. (Lamiaceae) Seeds
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Semenzato G, Faddetta T, Falsini S, Del Duca S, Esposito A, Padula A, Greco C, Mucci N, Zaccaroni M, Puglia AM, Papini A, and Fani R
- Abstract
Seed-associated microbiota are believed to play a crucial role in seed germination, seedling establishment, and plant growth and fitness stimulation, due to the vertical transmission of a core microbiota from seeds to the next generations. It might be hypothesized that medicinal and aromatic plants could use the seeds as vectors to vertically transfer beneficial endophytes, providing plants with metabolic pathways that could influence phytochemicals production. Here, we investigated the localization, the structure and the composition of the bacterial endophytic population that resides in Origanum heracleoticum L. seeds. Endocellular bacteria, surrounded by a wall, were localized close to the aleurone layer when using light and transmission electron microscopy. From surface-sterilized seeds, cultivable endophytes were isolated and characterized through RAPD analysis and 16S RNA gene sequencing, which revealed the existence of a high degree of biodiversity at the strain level and the predominance of the genus Pseudomonas . Most of the isolates grew in the presence of six selected antibiotics and were able to inhibit the growth of clinical and environmental strains that belong to the Burkholderia cepacia complex. The endophytes production of antimicrobial compounds could suggest their involvement in plant secondary metabolites production and might pave the way to endophytes exploitation in the pharmaceutical field.
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- 2022
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33. Aliens Coming by Ships: Distribution and Origins of the Ocellated Skink Populations in Peninsular Italy.
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Mori E, Andreone F, Viviano A, Faraone FP, Di Nicola MR, Borri B, Bruni G, Mazza G, Banchi R, Zaccaroni M, Mezzadri S, and Baratti M
- Abstract
The ocellated skink ( Chalcides ocellatus ) is a widespread lizard, naturally distributed between the Maghreb and coastal Pakistan, with few insular populations in the Mediterranean coastal area. Some populations of this species have also been recorded in peninsular Italy, Campania and Southern Tuscany due to accidental introductions via touristic and commercial routes. In this work, we conducted genetic analyses on mitochondrial DNA COXI, cytb and 16S mtDNA genes on a sample of Italian insular and peninsular populations. Differently from what previously suggested, the nucleus in Portici (Southern Italy) may have originated from Sardinia. The intense trade and touristic traffic between Sardinia and Southern Tuscany may have been responsible for the introduction of this lizard also to Central Italy.
- Published
- 2022
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34. Genomic Analysis of Endophytic Bacillus -Related Strains Isolated from the Medicinal Plant Origanum vulgare L. Revealed the Presence of Metabolic Pathways Involved in the Biosynthesis of Bioactive Compounds.
- Author
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Semenzato G, Alonso-Vásquez T, Del Duca S, Vassallo A, Riccardi C, Zaccaroni M, Mucci N, Padula A, Emiliani G, Palumbo Piccionello A, Puglia AM, and Fani R
- Abstract
Multidrug-resistant pathogens represent a serious threat to human health. The inefficacy of traditional antibiotic drugs could be surmounted through the exploitation of natural bioactive compounds of which medicinal plants are a great reservoir. The finding that bacteria living inside plant tissues, (i.e., the endophytic bacterial microbiome) can influence the synthesis of the aforementioned compounds leads to the necessity of unraveling the mechanisms involved in the determination of this symbiotic relationship. Here, we report the genome sequence of four endophytic bacterial strains isolated from the medicinal plant Origanum vulgare L. and able to antagonize the growth of opportunistic pathogens of cystic fibrosis patients. The in silico analysis revealed the presence of gene clusters involved in the production of antimicrobial compounds, such as paeninodin, paenilarvins, polymyxin, and paenicidin A. Endophytes' adaptation to the plant microenvironment was evaluated through the analysis of the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in the four genomes. The diesel fuel degrading potential was also tested. Strains grew in minimum media supplemented with diesel fuel, but no n -alkanes degradation genes were found in their genomes, suggesting that diesel fuel degradation might occur through other steps involving enzymes catalyzing the oxidation of aromatic compounds.
- Published
- 2022
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35. Cross-Amplification in Strigiformes: A New STR Panel for Forensic Purposes.
- Author
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Giangregorio P, Naldi L, Mengoni C, Greco C, Padula A, Zaccaroni M, Fani R, Argenti G, and Mucci N
- Subjects
- Animals, Animals, Wild classification, Animals, Wild genetics, Biodiversity, Conservation of Natural Resources, Species Specificity, Strigiformes genetics, Forensic Genetics methods, Microsatellite Repeats, Strigiformes classification
- Abstract
Strigiformes are affected by a substantial decline mainly caused by habitat loss and destruction, poaching, and trapping. Moreover, the increasing trend in bird trade and the growing interest in wild-caught rather than captive-bred birds are expected to encourage illegal trade. The biomolecular investigation represents a valuable tool to track illegal trade and to explore the genetic variability to preserving biodiversity. Microsatellite loci (STRs) are the most used markers to study genetic variability. Despite the availability of species-specific microsatellite loci in Strigiformes, a unique panel permitting the description of the genetic variability across species has not been identified yet. We tested 32 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to evaluate the reliability of a unique microsatellite panel in different species of Strigiformes and its use for conservation and forensic purposes. We included in the study 84 individuals belonging to 28 parental groups and 11 species of Strigiformes. After screening polymorphic microsatellite loci, the description of genetic variability, and the kinship assessment, we characterized a final panel of 12 microsatellite loci able to identify individuals in 9 Strigiformes species. This STR panel might support the authorities in the forensic investigation for suspected smugglers and false parental claims; moreover, it can be useful to evaluate relatedness among individuals in captive-bred populations and to implement research projects finalized to the description of the genetic variability in wild populations.
- Published
- 2021
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36. A Stresipteran parasite extends the lifespan of workers in a social wasp.
- Author
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Beani L, Dallai R, Cappa F, Manfredini F, Zaccaroni M, Lorenzi MC, and Mercati D
- Subjects
- Animals, Female, Male, Host-Parasite Interactions, Longevity, Neoptera physiology, Sex Characteristics, Wasps parasitology
- Abstract
In social wasps, female lifespan depends on caste and colony tasks: workers usually live a few weeks while queens as long as 1 year. Polistes dominula paper wasps infected by the strepsipteran parasite Xenos vesparum avoid all colony tasks, cluster on vegetation where parasite dispersal and mating occur, hibernate and infect the next generation of wasp larvae. Here, we compared the survival rate of infected and uninfected wasp workers. Workers' survival was significantly affected by parasite sex: two-third of workers parasitized by a X. vesparum female survived and overwintered like future queens did, while all workers infected by a X. vesparum male died during the summer, like uninfected workers that we used as controls. We measured a set of host and parasite traits possibly associated with the observed lifespan extension. Infected overwintering workers had larger fat bodies than infected workers that died in the summer, but they had similar body size and ovary development. Furthermore, we recorded a positive correlation between parasite and host body sizes. We hypothesize that the manipulation of worker's longevity operated by X. vesparum enhances parasite's fitness: if workers infected by a female overwinter, they can spread infective parasite larvae in the spring like parasitized gynes do, thus contributing to parasite transmission.
- Published
- 2021
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37. Exploring the Gut Microbiome Alteration of the European Hare ( Lepus europaeus ) after Short-Term Diet Modifications.
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Padula A, Bambi M, Mengoni C, Greco C, Mucci N, Greco I, Masoni A, Del Duca S, Bacci G, Santini G, Fani R, and Zaccaroni M
- Abstract
This study aimed to characterise the gut microbiome composition of European hares ( Lepus europaeus ) and its potential changes after a short-term diet modification. The high sensitivity of European hare to habitat changes makes this species a good model to analyse possible alterations in gut microbiome after the introduction of additional nourishment into the diet. In total, 20 pairs were chosen for the experiments; 10 pairs formed the control group and were fed with standard fodder. The other 10 pairs represented the experimental group, whose diet was integrated with apples and carrots. The DNA from fresh faecal pellets collected after 4 days from the start of the experiment was extracted and the V3-V4 hypervariable regions were amplified and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq
® platform. The obtained amplicon sequence variants were classified into 735 bacterial genera belonging to 285 families and 36 phyla. The control and the experimental groups appeared to have a homogenous dispersion for the two taxonomic levels analysed with the most abundant phyla represented by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. No difference between control and experimental samples was detected, suggesting that the short-term variation in food availability did not alter the hares' gut microbiome. Further research is needed to estimate significant time threshold.- Published
- 2021
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38. Roe deer as a bioindicator: preliminary data on the impact of the geothermal power plants on the mineral profile in internal and bone tissues in Tuscany (Italy).
- Author
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Cappelli J, Frasca I, García A, Landete-Castillejos T, Luccarini S, Gallego L, Morimando F, Varuzza P, and Zaccaroni M
- Subjects
- Animals, Bone and Bones, Environmental Biomarkers, Europe, Italy, Male, Minerals, Power Plants, Preliminary Data, Deer
- Abstract
The European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is one of the most abundant ungulate species in Europe. Many studies have investigated its distribution, behavior, and ecology, but few have focused on its role as bioindicators for pollutants, particularly regarding antlers, which has been shown to indicate also deer physiology. The presence of geothermal power plants can induce accumulation of potentially polluting elements (such as Tl, S, and Pb). Thus, we collected roe deer samples from areas of Tuscany (Italy) where power plants are present. They were divided according to whether their home range included areas close or far from geothermal power plants. We analyzed the body measurements and the profile of the minerals in the liver and antlers tissues using the ICP-OES technique. Results showed that livers from roe deer close to power plant accumulated higher quantity of Bi, Co, Ni, Tl, and S compared to controls. Males culled close to geothermal power plants had significantly lower values for weight and chest circumference, and also, the antlers showed higher values for Li and Sr in the first sampling position. Thus, despite the small sample size in this preliminary study, antlers and livers of roe deer seem to be a bioindicator of industrial impact on the environment.
- Published
- 2020
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39. Evolutionary rearrangements of X chromosomes in voles (Arvicolinae, Rodentia).
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Romanenko SA, Fedorova YE, Serdyukova NA, Zaccaroni M, Stanyon R, and Graphodatsky AS
- Subjects
- Animals, Chromosome Inversion, Evolution, Molecular, Microdissection, Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid, Arvicolinae genetics, Chromosome Painting veterinary, X Chromosome genetics
- Abstract
Euchromatic segments of the X chromosomes of placental mammals are the most conservative elements of the karyotype, only rarely subjected to either inter- or intrachromosomal rearrangements. Here, using microdissection-derived set of region-specific probes of Terricola savii we detailed the evolutionary rearrangements found in X chromosomes in 20 vole species (Arvicolinae, Rodentia). We show that the evolution of X chromosomes in this taxon was accompanied by multiple para- and pericentric inversions and centromere shifts. The contribution of intrachromosomal rearrangements to the karyotype evolution of Arvicolinae species was approximately equivalent in both the separate autosomal conserved segments and the X chromosomes. Intrachromosmal rearrangements and structural reorganization of the X chromosomes was likely accompanied by an accumulation, distribution, and evolution of repeated sequences.
- Published
- 2020
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40. Developmental exposure to low levels of ethinylestradiol affects social play in juvenile male rats.
- Author
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Zaccaroni M, Massolo A, Beani L, Seta DD, Farabollini F, Giannelli G, Fusani L, and Dessì-Fulgheri F
- Abstract
Juvenile social play contributes to the development of adult social and emotional skills in humans and non-human animals and is therefore a useful endpoint to study the effects of endocrine disrupters on behavior in animal models. Ethinylestradiol (EE
2 ), a widely produced, powerful synthetic estrogen is widespread in the environment mainly because it is a component of the contraceptive pill. To understand whether clinical or environmental exposure to EE2 during critical perinatal periods can affect male social play, we exposed 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats to EE2 or vehicle either during gestation (from gestation day (GD) 5 through 20) or during lactation (from postnatal day (PND) 1 through 21). Two doses of EE2 were used to treat the dams: a lower dose in the range of possible environmental exposure (4 ng/kg/day) and a higher dose similar to that received during contraceptive treatment (400 ng/kg/day). Social play was observed between PND 40 and 45. A principal component analysis (PCA) of frequencies of behavioral items observed during play sessions allowed to allocate behaviors to the two main components that we named aggressive-like play and defensive-like play. Aggressive-like play was increased by gestational and decreased by lactational exposure. Defensive-like play was decreased by treatment. For both types of play the lower dose (4 ng/kg/day) was as effective as the higher one. Total social activity was increased by gestational and decreased by lactational exposure. These findings provide further evidence that exposure to low and to very low doses of EE2 during critical periods of development can affect essential aspects of social behavior, and that the timing of exposure is critical to understand its developmental action., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestsThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interests associated with this paper., (© Korean Society of Toxicology 2020.)- Published
- 2020
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41. Assessment of seasonal variation of diet composition in rodents using DNA barcoding and Real-Time PCR.
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Dell'Agnello F, Natali C, Bertolino S, Fattorini L, Fedele E, Foggi B, Martini M, Pisani C, Riga F, Sgarlata A, Ciofi C, and Zaccaroni M
- Subjects
- Animals, Arvicolinae, Climate, DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic methods, Diet, Ecosystem, Feeding Behavior physiology, Food Preferences physiology, Gastrointestinal Contents, Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction methods, Seasons, DNA genetics, Rodentia genetics
- Abstract
The study of animal diet and feeding behaviour is a fundamental tool for the illustration of the ecological role of species in the ecosystem. However, size and quality of food intake samples make it hard for researchers to describe the diet composition of many small species. In our study, we exploited genomic tools for the analysis of the diet composition of the Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) using DNA barcoding and qPCR techniques for the identification of ingested plant species retrieved from stomach contents. In contrast with previous studies, we found that, despite being a fossorial species, the Savi's pine vole is a selective feeder that undergoes intense superficial activity in search for food. In addition, our study shows that with a a priori knowledge of the candidate plant species included in animal diet, qPCR is a powerful tool to assess presence/absence, frequency of occurrence and electivity of ingested species. We conclude that this approach offers new opportunities to implement the analysis of food selection in small animals, thereby revealing a detailed picture of plant-animal interactions.
- Published
- 2019
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- View/download PDF
42. Individual variation in cognitive style reflects foraging and anti-predator strategies in a small mammal.
- Author
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Mazza V, Jacob J, Dammhahn M, Zaccaroni M, and Eccard JA
- Subjects
- Animals, Arvicolinae physiology, Cognition, Female, Male, Mammals, Arvicolinae psychology, Predatory Behavior
- Abstract
Balancing foraging gain and predation risk is a fundamental trade-off in the life of animals. Individual strategies to acquire, process, store and use information to solve cognitive tasks are likely to affect speed and flexibility of learning, and ecologically relevant decisions regarding foraging and predation risk. Theory suggests a functional link between individual variation in cognitive style and behaviour (animal personality) via speed-accuracy and risk-reward trade-offs. We tested whether cognitive style and personality affect risk-reward trade-off decisions posed by foraging and predation risk. We exposed 21 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) that were bold, fast learning and inflexible and 18 voles that were shy, slow learning and flexible to outdoor enclosures with different risk levels at two food patches. We quantified individual food patch exploitation, foraging and vigilance behaviour. Although both types responded to risk, fast animals increasingly exploited both food patches, gaining access to more food and spending less time searching and exercising vigilance. Slow animals progressively avoided high-risk areas, concentrating foraging effort in the low-risk one, and devoting >50% of visit to vigilance. These patterns indicate that individual differences in cognitive style/personality are reflected in foraging and anti-predator decisions that underlie the individual risk-reward bias.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Preference of Polistes dominula wasps for trumpet creepers when infected by Xenos vesparum: A novel example of co-evolved traits between host and parasite.
- Author
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Beani L, Cappa F, Manfredini F, and Zaccaroni M
- Subjects
- Animals, Behavior, Animal physiology, Female, Holometabola pathogenicity, Holometabola physiology, Larva genetics, Larva physiology, Male, Reproduction genetics, Wasps parasitology, Wasps physiology, Biological Evolution, Holometabola genetics, Host-Parasite Interactions genetics, Wasps genetics
- Abstract
The parasitic insect Xenos vesparum induces noticeable behavioral and physiological changes-e.g. castration-in its female host, the paper wasp Polistes dominula: parasitized putative workers avoid any colony task and desert the colony to survive in the nearby vegetation, like future queens and males do. In this long-term observational study, we describe the spectacular attraction of parasitized workers towards trumpet creeper bushes (Campsis radicans) in early-summer. Two thirds of all wasps that we sampled on these bushes were parasitized, whereas the parasite prevalence was much lower in our study area and most wasps sampled on other nearby flowering bushes were non-parasitized. First, we describe the occurrence and consistency of this phenomenon across different sites and years. Second, we evaluate the spatial behavior of parasitized wasps on C. radicans bushes, which includes site-fidelity, exploitation and defense of rich extra-floral nectaries on buds and calices. Third, we record two critical steps of the lifecycle of X. vesparum on C. radicans: the parasite's mating and a summer release of parasitic larvae, that can infect larval stages of the host if transported to the host's nest. In a nutshell, C. radicans bushes provide many benefits both to the parasite X. vesparum and to its host: they facilitate the parasite's mating and bivoltine lifecycle, a phenomenon never described before for this parasite, while, at the same time, they provide the wasp host with shelter inside trumpet flowers and extrafloral gland secretions, thus likely enhancing host survival and making it a suitable vector for the infection., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Published
- 2018
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44. Developmental Exposure to Low Levels of Ethinylestradiol Affects Play Behavior in Juvenile Female Rats.
- Author
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Zaccaroni M, Massolo A, Della Seta D, Farabollini F, Giannelli G, Fusani L, and Dessì-Fulgheri F
- Subjects
- Animals, Data Collection, Female, Fetus, Models, Animal, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Aggression drug effects, Behavior, Animal drug effects, Environmental Exposure, Ethinyl Estradiol pharmacology
- Abstract
Juvenile social play contributes to the development of adult social and emotional skills in humans and non-human animals, and is therefore a useful endpoint to study the effects of endocrine disrupters on behavior in animal models. Ethinylestradiol (EE
2 ) is a widely produced, powerful synthetic estrogen that is widespread in the environment mainly because is a component of the contraceptive pill. In addition, fetuses may be exposed to EE2 when pregnancy is undetected during contraceptive treatment. To understand whether exposure to EE2 during gestation or lactation affects social play, we exposed 72 female Sprague-Dawley rats to EE2 or vehicle either during gestation (gestation day (GD) 5 through GD 20) or during lactation (from postnatal day (PND) 1 through PND 21). Two doses of EE2 were used to treat the dams: a lower dose in the range of possible environmental exposure (4 ng/kg/day) and a higher dose equivalent to that received during contraceptive treatment (400 ng/kg/day). Behavioral testing was carried out between PND 40 and 45. A principal component analysis of frequencies of behavioral items observed during play sessions identified three main components: defensive-like play, aggressive-like play, and exploration. Aggressive-like play was significantly increased by both doses of EE2 , and the gestational administration was in general more effective than the lactational one. Defensive-like play and exploration were not significantly affected by treatment. This research showed that low and very low doses of EE2 that mimic clinical or environmental exposure during development can affect important aspects of social behavior even during restricted time windows.- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Developmental Exposure to Very Low Levels of Ethynilestradiol Affects Anxiety in a Novelty Place Preference Test of Juvenile Rats.
- Author
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Zaccaroni M, Seta DD, Farabollini F, Fusani L, and Dessì-Fulgheri F
- Subjects
- Analysis of Variance, Animals, Disease Models, Animal, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Female, Male, Motor Activity drug effects, Pregnancy, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Recognition, Psychology, Spatial Behavior drug effects, Anxiety chemically induced, Environmental Exposure, Ethinyl Estradiol toxicity, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
- Abstract
Ethinylestradiol (EE
2 ), a synthetic mimic of 17β-estradiol, is widespread in the environment because of its use as a contraceptive. In mammals, recent research highlighted behavioral, physiological, and morphological effects of exposition to EE2 (this xenoestrogen). We studied if developmental exposure to environmental-like, low doses of EE2 affects measures of anxiety in Sprague-Dawley rats. We treated male and female rats with two doses of EE2 (4 and 400 ng/kg/day) either from GD 5 through PND 32 or from PND 1 through 21. Effects on anxiety were tested by novel place preference tests. In males and females treated from GD 5 through PND 32, a significant reduction of the time passed in the novel environment was observed. The decrease of the time spent in the novel compartment and the increase in the number of transitions between familiar and novel compartments indicate increased levels of anxiety in the EE2 -treated subjects. These studies suggest that exposure to very low doses of EE2 during development can affect key behavioral traits that are modulated by anxiety.- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. From biology to management of Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii).
- Author
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Ranchelli E, Barfknecht R, Capizzi D, Riga F, Mazza V, Dell'Agnello F, and Zaccaroni M
- Subjects
- Animals, Arvicolinae classification, Europe, Italy, Population Dynamics, Animal Distribution, Arvicolinae physiology, Food Preferences, Pest Control
- Abstract
Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is a rodent species of the Cricetidae family, inhabiting southern European agroecosystems. It is considered to be the main cause of rodent-attributed damage in Italy. To achieve an effective management, detailed knowledge of this species is needed. However, the available information about this species is fragmentary and incomplete. In this paper, the existing knowledge of Savi's pine vole taxonomy, reproduction, population dynamics, habitat and food preferences is reviewed in order to organise available information and identify priority areas of future research. Some of the changes in farming practices that have occurred in recent decades may have increased the impact of Savi's pine vole populations in crop fields. To manage this pest species effectively, an integrated strategy is recommended (involving habitat management, trapping and, when appropriate, the use of rodenticides). The apparent lack of cyclical population outbreaks and the relatively small litter size and long gestation and interpartum period of this species suggest that it could be more manageable than other vole species, while its strict herbivorous diet, stable population size in open habitats and wide distribution seem to indicate it as an ideal model species for risk assessment studies., (© 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.)
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Early exposure to low doses of atrazine affects behavior in juvenile and adult CD1 mice.
- Author
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Belloni V, Dessì-Fulgheri F, Zaccaroni M, Di Consiglio E, De Angelis G, Testai E, Santochirico M, Alleva E, and Santucci D
- Subjects
- Age Factors, Animals, Atrazine administration & dosage, Cognition drug effects, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Endocrine Disruptors administration & dosage, Environmental Exposure adverse effects, Exploratory Behavior drug effects, Female, Herbicides administration & dosage, Learning drug effects, Male, Mice, Motor Activity drug effects, Pregnancy, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects, Social Behavior, Testosterone metabolism, Time Factors, Atrazine toxicity, Behavior, Animal drug effects, Endocrine Disruptors toxicity, Herbicides toxicity
- Abstract
Environmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals is receiving increasing attention, with particular regard to distinct periods of development where neuroendocrine circuitries are critical for shaping the mammalian brain. Atrazine (ATZ), a widely used herbicide, has been reported to affect steroid hormones and interfere with pathways critical for sex-specific physiological and behavioral development. Aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant subtoxic doses of ATZ, on neurobehavioral development in mice and investigate possible alterations in steroid hormone metabolism. Neurobehavioral development of female and male mice delivered from CD1 dams, and daily exposed from Gestational Day 14 until Postnatal Day 21 (PND 21) to 1 or 100 μg/kg bw ATZ, was investigated. Specifically, locomotor and exploratory activity, social interactions and cognitive performance were evaluated at PND 16, 31 and 60, respectively. Moreover, general toxicity clinical signs, testicular parameters, rate of testosterone metabolism and aromatase activity in F1 male liver were analyzed at adulthood. Changes in exploratory profile and in affiliative/investigative behavior were observed, revealing a feminization of behavioral profile in ATZ-exposed males. Alteration in learning performance at adulthood was also evident. A limited decreased sperm count and concentration, as well as some slight impairment in hepatic testosterone metabolism and in aromatase activity (slightly but not significantly decreased) were observed in both low and high dose exposed animals. In conclusion developmental exposure to non-toxic, environmentally relevant doses of ATZ can produce subtle functional alterations, detectable in juvenile rodents by a detailed behavioral analysis. Behavioral disturbances appeared mainly related with neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the social domain and the emotional/affective repertoire, although further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism through which the effects are induced., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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