Poliovirus and Other Enteroviruses from Environmental Surveillance in Italy, 2009–2015

Within the initiatives for poliomyelitis eradication by WHO, Italy activated an environmental surveillance (ES) in 2005. ES complements clinical Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance for possible polio cases, detects poliovirus circulation in environmental sewage, and is used to monitor transmission in communities. In addition to polioviruses, the analyses comprised: (i) the monitoring of the presence of non-polio enteroviruses in sewage samples and (ii) the temporal and geographical distribution of the detected viruses. From 2009 to 2015, 2880 sewage samples were collected from eight cities participating in the surveillance. Overall, 1479 samples resulted positive for enteroviruses. No wild-type polioviruses were found, although four Sabin-like polioviruses were detected. The low degree of mutation found in the genomes of these four isolates suggests that these viruses have had a limited circulation in the population. All non-polio enteroviruses belonged to species B and the most frequent serotype was CV-B5, followed by CV-B4, E-11, E-6, E-7, CV-B3, and CV-B2. Variations in the frequency of different serotypes were also observed in different seasons and/or Italian areas. Environmental surveillance in Italy, as part of the ‘WHO global polio eradication program’, is a powerful tool to augment the polio surveillance and to investigate the silent circulation or the re-emergence of enteroviruses in the population.     

Large-Scale Survey of Human Enteroviruses in Wastewater Treatment Plants of a Metropolitan Area of Southern Italy

Human enteroviruses (HEVs) occur in high concentrations in wastewater and can contaminate receiving environmental waters, constituting a major cause of acute waterborne disease worldwide. In this study, we investigated the relative abundance, occurrence, and seasonal distribution of polio and other enteroviruses at three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Naples, Southern Italy, from January 2010 to December 2014. Influent and effluent samples from the three WWTPs were collected monthly. One hundred and sixty-one of the 731 wastewater samples collected (22.0%) before and after water treatment were CPE positive on RD cells; while no samples were positive on L20B cells from any WWTPs. Among the 140 non-polio enterovirus isolated from inlet sewage, 69.3% were Coxsackieviruses type B and 30.7% were Echoviruses. Among these, CVB3 and CVB5 were most prevalent, followed by CVB4 and Echo6. The twenty-one samples tested after treatment contained 6 CVB4, 5 CVB3, 3 Echo11, and 2 Echo6; while other serotypes were isolated less frequently. Data on viral detection in treated effluents of WWTPs confirmed the potential environmental contamination by HEVs and could be useful to establish standards for policies on wastewater management.     

Sources,Fate and Distribution of Organic Matter on the Western Adriatic Continental Shelf,Italy

In the framework of the EUROSTRATAFORM projects, a multidisciplinary research was focused on processes that involve transport and deposition of riverine material in the Adriatic Sea. The aim of our contribution was to increase a more complete understanding of organic matter deposition on the Adriatic shelf, also taking into account the role of Apennine rivers beyond the Po influence. In order to characterize origin, fate and variability of sedimentary organic carbon we utilized elemental and stable carbon isotope data in surficial sediments along shallow cross-shelf transects on the western Adriatic shelf.     

Mid-trimester amniocentesis and antibiotic prophylaxis

Objectives and Methods Assuming that the rate of fetal loss after amniocentesis may be reduced in patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis, we conducted a retrospective study on untreated versus treated patients receiving prophylactic antibiotics (amoxicillin/clavulanic-acid or azithromycin) and evaluated the fetal loss rate within the 22nd week of gestation, also with respect to the risk of spontaneous abortion, both preexisting and related to mid-trimester amniocentesis. Results Spontaneous abortion occurred in 22 cases out of 1744 (1.26%). The incidence of spontaneous abortion was 1.3% among patients treated with antibiotic prophylaxis and 1.2% among untreated patients. Between patients with risk factors that predated amniocentesis, the spontaneous fetal loss rate was 9.2% in untreated patients versus 2.3% in patients treated (p = 0.10). In patients with procedure-related risk factors at amniocentesis, the spontaneous abortion rate was, respectively, 2.2 and 1.2% (p = 0.72). Conclusion Our data demonstrate that antibiotic prophylaxis does not reduce the risk of spontaneous abortion within the 22nd week of gestation. Compared with untreated patients, patients treated with amoxicillin showed the lower fetal loss rate (1.16 vs 0.31%), but the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) = 3.68, p = 0.32). The same was true for patients with preexisting risks (OR = 4.25, p = 0.10). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cuticular hydrocarbons and reproductive status in the social wasp Polistes dominulus

Most species of social insect are characterized by a reproductive division of labor among morphologically specialized individuals. In contrast, there exist many species where all individuals are morphologically identical and dominance relationships determine which individuals mate and/or reproduce. In newly founded multiple-foundress associations of the social wasp Polistes dominulus, foundresses establish dominance hierarchies where the top-ranked (alpha) female monopolizes egg laying. The possibility that chemical cues are used for recognition of egg-laying individuals has not been explored in this wasp. Using non-destructive techniques, we examined the relationship between ovarian activity and the proportions of cuticular hydrocarbons of three female types (dominant and subordinate foundresses and workers) in 11 colonies. Immediately after nest foundation, no differences were found between alpha and subordinate females. In contrast, at worker emergence, alpha females were statistically distinguishable from both subordinates and workers. We experimentally removed the alpha female in 5 of the original nests and reanalyzed hydrocarbon proportions of the new dominant individual. Replacement individuals were all found to acquire a cuticular signature characteristic of the alpha female. This suggests that cuticular hydrocarbons are used as cues of ovarian activity in P. dominulus, and we discuss our results in terms of a switch from behavioral dominance to chemical signaling in this wasp.     

Applying a values-based decision process to facilitate comanagement of threatened species in Aotearoa New Zealand

Ko koe ki tēnā, ko ahau ki tēnai kīwai o te kete (you at that, and I at this handle of the basket). This Māori (New Zealanders of indigenous descent) saying conveys the principle of cooperation—we achieve more through working together, rather than separately. Despite decades of calls to rectify cultural imbalance in conservation, threatened species management still relies overwhelmingly on ideas from Western science and on top-down implementation. Values-based approaches to decision making can be used to integrate indigenous peoples’ values into species conservation in a more meaningful way. We used such a values-based method, structured decision making, to develop comanagement of pekapeka (Mystacina tuberculata) (short-tailed bat) and tara iti (Sternula nereis davisae) (Fairy Tern) between Māori and Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent). We implemented this framework in a series of workshops in which facilitated discussions were used to gather expert knowledge to predict outcomes and make management recommendations. For both species, stakeholders clearly stated their values as fundamental objectives from the start, which allowed alternative strategies to be devised that naturally addressed their diverse values, including mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge and perspectives). On this shared basis, all partners willingly engaged in the process, and decisions were largely agreed to by all. Most expectations of conflicts between values of Western science and Māori culture were unfounded. Where required, positive compromises were made by jointly developing alternative strategies. The values-based process successfully taha wairua taha tangata (brought both worlds together to achieve the objective) through codeveloped recovery strategies. This approach challenges the traditional model of scientists first preparing management plans focused on biological objectives, then consulting indigenous groups for approval. We recommend values-based approaches, such as structured decision making, as powerful methods for development of comanagement conservation plans between different peoples.     

Diuron herbicide degradation catalyzed by low molecular weight humic acid-like compounds

Phenylureas such as diuron are major herbicides used worldwide to control undesirable weeds. The environmental fate of phenylureas is of great interest because massive amounts of those herbicides are used. It is known that abiotic degradation of phenylureas in soil–water systems is catalyzed by humic acids. However, due to the chemical heterogeneity and large molecular sizes of humic acids, the specific effects of functional groups during catalysis have not been elucidated. Therefore, we studied here for the first time the kinetics of diuron degradation in the presence of low molecular weight humic acid-like compounds such as benzoic acid derivatives. Experiments were carried out at various pH and temperature, and monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results show that all benzoic acid derivatives efficiently catalyzed diuron hydrolysis. The catalytic efficiency decreased in the following order: 0.88 M^?1 day^?1 for 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 0.72 M^?1 day^?1 for 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 0.23 M^?1 day^?1 for phthalic acid, 0.11 M^?1 day^?1 for 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 0.09 M^?1 day^?1 for 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. These differences in the catalytic efficiency are explained by steric hindrance affecting the accessibility of reactive sites and hence influencing the rate of the overall process. Steric factors are therefore expected to control the catalytic activity of humic acids because of the chemical similarities between humic acids and low molecular weight humic acid-like compound. Our results should help predict more accurately the fate and abiotic degradation mechanism of phenylureas in the environment.     

Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins,polychlorinated dibenzofurans,dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment of Temsah lake,Suez Canal,Egypt

Lake Temsah is one of the main wetlands in the Suez Canal region, and the main source for fish for the area. The lake is the end-point of several wastewater effluents. In the present study, residues of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were monitored in the sediment of the lake. Samples were collected from six different sampling stations around the lake using a box-corer sampler, then kept frozen. Samples were extracted and cleaned up before residue determination was conducted using an HRGC/HRMS. An HP 6890 plus gas chromatograph was coupled to a Micromass Autospec Ultima mass spectrometer operating in EI mode at 35 eV and with a resolution of 10.000 (5% valley). PCDDs and PCDFs were detected in all sediment samples collected from various sampling stations. Results showed some progressive increase in PCDDs concentrations relevant to increase in chlorination. In the PCDD group of congeners, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 octa-CDD had the highest detected concentrations in all samples, while 2, 3, 7, 8 tetra-CDD showed the lowest concentrations. The World Health Organization toxicity equivalents ranged from 0.387 to 11.20 ng kg^?1 d.w. For PCDD homologues, hexa-CDD was the most dominant homologue in all sediment samples analysed. Regarding dioxin-like PCBs, results showed that IUPAC No. 118 congener, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, pentachlorobiphenyl was the most concentrated of all detected congeners, with concentrations ranging between 0.039 and 43.201 µg kg^?1. For polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo(b+k+j)fluoranthene had the highest concentrations in almost all sampling stations. However, fluorene was the smallest detected concentration in almost all stations. This result would indicate that PAH contamination of the lake seems to be coming from one main source in all sampling stations. The present work is the first record of PCCDs, PCCFs, and dioxin-like PCBs in the Temsah lake. The concentrations of the contaminants monitored in this study, especially those of PAHs, are rather alarming. Efforts should be made to stop point sources that contaminate the lake.     

Influence of mating order on courtship displays and stored sperm utilization in Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni)

Sperm storage is widespread in many vertebrate groups, and it is frequently associated with promiscuous mating systems. Chelonian species are one of the most outstanding examples of a promiscuous group capable of long-term sperm storage; specialized structures have evolved within the oviducts of these vertebrates to ensure sperm vitality across reproductive cycles. Thus far, few studies have investigated the factors regulating multiple paternity, sperm usage by females and paternity distribution in successive clutches. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mating order on male mounting and reproductive success in Testudo hermanni hermanni, combining behavioural and genetic data. A series of planned matings were performed, within which experimental females were mated sequentially to two different males under controlled conditions. Observations conducted during experimental matings revealed that courtship displays did not significantly differ between the first and second males to mate with a female. Interactions ending with a mount were characterized by a significantly higher intensity and occurrence of determinate courtship behaviours, for example biting and running after the female. Paternity analysis performed on hatchlings produced from experimental females revealed that 46 % of the clutches were multi-sired. A significant contribution of previous years' partners was still found, thus confirming the long-term sperm storage within the female oviduct in this species. Finally, mating order did not significantly affect the reproductive success of experimental males during the on-going reproductive season.