Multiple biomarkers responses in Prochilodus lineatus allowed assessing changes in the water quality of Salado River basin (Santa Fe, Argentina)

This field study assessed water quality of Salado River basin by using a set of biomarkers in the fish Prochilodus lineatus. Multiple biomarkers were measured, including morphological indexes (condition factor, liver somatic index), hematological (red and white blood cells) and biochemical (glucose, total protein and cholinesterase activity) parameters. Besides, detoxication and oxidative stress markers (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation) were measured in liver, gills and kidney. Despite water quality assessment did not show marked differences among sites, biomarkers responses indicate that fish are living under stressful environmental conditions. According to multivariate analysis glucose, glutathione S-transferase activity, lipid peroxidation levels and the count of white blood cells are key biomarkers to contribute to discrimination of sites. So, we suggest use those biomarkers in future monitoring of freshwater aquatic systems.     

Is meltwater from Alpine glaciers a secondary DDT source for lakes?

A sharp increase in 2005 of pp'DDT and its metabolites was observed in mussels and fish from lakes Como and Iseo, the main glacier-fed southern Alpine lakes. DDTs in zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were more than 150 times higher than levels in 2003, and concentrations in pelagic fish (0.12 mgkg(-1) w.w.) exceeded the Italian safety threshold for human consumption (0.05 mgkg(-1) w.w.). The histological examination of the ovaries revealed many mussels with oocyte degeneration throughout the studied period. Prior to being banned in Italy in 1978, DDT was used in large amounts for fruit-tree treatment from the 1950s to 1970s in valleys just below the glaciers. Since glacier volume was increasing at that time and then continuously retreated, meltwater should be the main cause of the pollution peak recently observed in biota of downstream lakes. PCBs did not peak in biota tissues to a comparable extent probably because local sources were not as important as for DDTs.     

Prenatal diagnosis of cerebral lesions acquired in utero and with a late appearance

Although no precise figures are available, many congenital brain lesions arise from intrauterine disruption, frequently due to obstetric complications. The most common entities include intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic lesions, thrombosis of venous vessels and infections. Accurate prenatal diagnosis is possible in many of these cases. However, the findings may be subtle, particularly in the early stage of the disruptive process. Identification of these conditions requires therefore specific expertise, the combination of fetal neurosonography and magnetic resonance, and frequently there is a need for serial examinations. Targeted diagnostic imaging should be offered to obstetric patients with conditions predisposing to prenatal cerebral insults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR to Evaluate Residual Quantity of HAV in Experimentally Depurated Mussels

Food and Environmental Virology - Kinetics of hepatitis A virus (HAV) accumulation and depuration from mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was studied in an experimental depuration system....     

Genetic amniocentesis in twin pregnancy

Among 1041 pregnancies 13 twin gestations were detected by routine ultrasonography prior to genetic amniocentesis at the Department of Prenatal Physiopathology of the University of Bologna. Clear amniotic fluid from both sacs was obtained in 12 of 13 sets of twins. All 12 sets were cytogenetically normal with normal levels of α-fetoprotein. Only one patient spontaneously aborted liveborn immature twins 30 days after the procedure. The technique used to obtain samples of fluid is described in detail and the need for additional counselling prior to amniocentesis in twins is stressed.     

Tire debris organic extract affects Xenopus development

Tire debris (TD) and its organic components were identified as a main source of PM10 atmospheric and water pollution. Because few data are available on the embryotoxic effects of TD organic components, the lethal and teratogenic potential of tire debris organic extract (TDOE) was evaluated using the frog embryo teratogenesis assay-Xenopus (FETAX), coupled with a histopathological screening of the survived larvae. From stage 8 to stage 47, Xenopus laevis embryos were exposed to TDOE at concentrations of 50, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg/L. The results showed 50 mg/L TDOE to be the non-observable effect concentration (NOEC). TDOE mortality at 80 mg/L was significantly higher than the control, but did not increase further with higher concentrations. A good concentration-response was observed for percentages of malformed larva and from 80 mg/L on these percentages were significantly higher than the control. Therefore, probit analysis gave a 144.6 mg/L TC50. At 120 and 140 mg/L, many larvae were plurimalformed. The most frequent alterations observed were abnormal gut coiling, microphthalmia, monolateral anophthalmia, and narrowing eyes. The histological screening mainly revealed ocular malformations such as double retina, retina nervous cell layer coiling, and altered lens. Moreover severe vacuolisation and necrosis were scored in liver and axial musculature. These results strongly support the assumption that TDOE is a powerful teratogen for X. laevis.     

Prenatal diagnosis and management of fetal ovarian cysts

Congenital ovarian cysts are a pathological condition which can be diagnosed in utero by ultrasound. We report 14 consecutive diagnoses of fetal ovarian cysts, obtained in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Congenital ovarian cysts have almost invariably a good prognosis, and no change in the standard obstetrical management is required. However, the evolution of the disease in utero is extremely variable. The cyst may increase in size, decrease or even disappear, or undergo complications such as torsion and rupture, which may carry some risks to the fetus. When a fetal ovarian cyst is detected, serial ultrasound examinations should be performed. If one of the above complications is suspected, the option of prompt caesarean section should be considered.     

Current and future effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network for protecting plant species in Sardinia: a nice and complex strategy in its raw state?

Sardinia hosts 186 endemic plant species and represents an important centre for Mediterranean biodiversity. In view of the threats facing its flora, 27 terrestrial vascular plants have been listed in international regulations and 124 sites designated for species and habitat conservation. This study analyses gaps in the Natura 2000 network and the current and future distribution of four representative plants. Each plant population was georeferenced and the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 network was compared according to conservation status and distribution. Future species distributions were modelled by considering current climatic conditions and future scenarios. In apparent discordance with other results, we found that the Natura 2000 network represents most plant species well. This research shows a forward-looking survey on the regional effectiveness of protection measures which led us to confirm the need to enhance the current state of the Natura 2000 network by implementing local legislation and regulations.