Trophic organization of the benthic communities off the South Italian coasts: A review with a modelistic approach.

Limited data are available about the coastal ecology of the Calabria region, in the southern Italy. As well, data about the levels of biodiversity and the structure of food webs in these environments are totally missing. However, considering the wide range of physical and ecological conditions distinguishing these ecosystems, a remarkable spread of biodiversity is expected.

New Insights on Chromosome Diversification in Malagasy Chameleons.

In this work, we performed a preliminary molecular analysis and a comparative cytogenetic study on 5 different species of Malagasy chameleons of the genus () and (, , and ). A DNA barcoding analysis was first carried out on the study samples using a fragment of the mitochondrial gene coding for the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) in order to assess the taxonomic identity of the available biological material. Subsequently, we performed on the studied individuals a chromosome analysis with standard karyotyping (5% Giemsa solution at pH 7) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, + CMA, and + DAPI.

Comparative Cytogenetics of the Malagasy Ground Geckos of the and Species Groups.

We present a comparative chromosome study of several taxa of the Malagasy ground geckos of the and species groups. We employed a preliminary molecular analysis using a trait of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene (of about 570 bp) to assess the taxonomic status of the samples studied and a cytogenetic analysis with standard karyotyping (5% Giemsa solution), silver staining (Ag-NOR staining) and sequential C-banding (C-banding + Giemsa and + fluorochromes). Our results show that all the taxa studied of the group (, and cf.

Eye morphology in four species of tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae).

Compound eyes undoubtedly represent the widespread eye architecture in the animal kingdom. The insects' compound eye shows a wide variety of designs, and insects use their visual capacity to accomplish several tasks, including avoiding enemies, searching for food and shelter, locating a mate, and acquiring information about the environment and its surroundings. Broad literature data support the concept that visual ability lies in the way the eyes are built.

Effect of short-term exposure to the strobilurin fungicide dimoxystrobin: Morphofunctional, behavioural and mitochondrial alterations in Danio rerio embryos and larvae.

Strobilurins, among the most used fungicides worldwide, are considered non-toxic to mammals and birds, but there is growing evidence that these compounds are highly toxic to aquatic species. Dimoxystrobin has been included in the 3rd Watch List of the European Commission, and it has been classified as very toxic to aquatic life. However, previous studies focused on acute toxicity and only two reports are available on its impact on fish, and none on its effects during the early life stages.

COQ7 defect causes prenatal onset of mitochondrial CoQ deficiency with cardiomyopathy and gastrointestinal obstruction.

COQ7 pathogenetic variants cause primary CoQ deficiency and a clinical phenotype of encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or multisystemic disorder. Early diagnosis is essential for promptly starting CoQ supplementation. Here, we report novel compound heterozygous variants in the COQ7 gene responsible for a prenatal onset (20 weeks of gestation) of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and intestinal dysmotility in a Bangladesh consanguineous family with two affected siblings.

Karyotype Diversification and Chromosome Rearrangements in Squamate Reptiles.

Karyotype diversification represents an important, yet poorly understood, driver of evolution. Squamate reptiles are characterized by a high taxonomic diversity which is reflected at the karyotype level in terms of general structure, chromosome number and morphology, and insurgence of differentiated simple or multiple-sex-chromosome systems with either male or female heterogamety. The potential of squamate reptiles as unique model organisms in evolutionary cytogenetics has been recognised in recent years in several studies, which have provided novel insights into the chromosome evolutionary dynamics of different taxonomic groups.

Soft-tissue dystocia due to paradoxical contraction of the levator ani as a cause of prolonged second stage: concept, diagnosis, and potential treatment.

Smaller pelvic floor dimensions seem to have been an evolutionary need to provide adequate support for the pelvic organs and the fetal head. Pelvic floor dimension and shape contributed to the complexity of human birth. Maternal pushing associated with pelvic floor muscle relaxation is key to vaginal birth.

Feasibility and reproducibility of new technique for measurement of transverse diameter of levator ani muscle hiatus using two-dimensional transperineal ultrasound in nulliparous women with term pregnancy.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was two-fold. Firstly, we aimed to develop and describe a technique for measurement of the transverse diameter (TD) of the levator ani muscle (LAM) hiatus in the coronal view using two-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in nulliparous women with a term pregnancy. Secondly, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of 2D-TPUS assessment of LAM hiatal TD and assess intermethod agreement between 2D-TPUS and three-dimensional (3D) TPUS measurement of TD in the axial plane, which is considered the gold standard in nulliparous women with term pregnancy.

Chromosome Diversity and Evolution of the Endemic Malagasy Velvet Geckos of the Genus (Reptilia, Gekkonidae).

We performed a molecular and phylogenetic analysis and a comparative cytogenetic study with standard karyotyping, silver staining (Ag-NOR) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, + fluorochromes on several samples. The phylogenetic inference retrieved two main clades, the first comprises , and , while the second includes , and . The available samples of form two different clades (here named clade A and clade B), which probably deserve a taxonomic re-evaluation.

The Ephrin tyrosine kinase a3 (EphA3) is a novel mediator of RAGE-prompted motility of breast cancer cells.

Background: The receptor for advanced glycation-end products (RAGE) and its ligands have been implicated in obesity and associated inflammatory processes as well as in metabolic alterations like diabetes. In addition, RAGE-mediated signaling has been reported to contribute to the metastatic progression of breast cancer (BC), although mechanistic insights are still required. Here, we provide novel findings regarding the transcriptomic landscape and the molecular events through which RAGE may prompt aggressive features in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC.

When time is brain: a systematic review about Wernicke encephalopathy as a dramatic consequence of thiamin deficiency in hyperemesis gravidarum.

Unlabelled: Nausea and vomiting affect up to 80% of all pregnancies, sometimes so severely that the condition of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is established. HG may in addition be a predisposing factor for Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), a severe and life-threatening condition due to vitamin B1 (thiamin) deficiency. If untreated, WE may progress to Korsakoff's syndrome, an irreversible cognitive disorder.

Short-term effects of the strobilurin fungicide dimoxystrobin on zebrafish gills: A morpho-functional study.

Strobilurins represent the most widely used class of fungicides nowadays andare considered relatively non-toxic to mammals and birds but highly toxic to aquatic biota. Dimoxystrobin is one of the novel strobilurins, recently included in the 3rd Watch List of the European Commission as available data indicate that it could pose a significant risk to aquatic species. As yet, the number of studies explicitly assessing the impact of this fungicide on terrestrial and aquatic species is extremely low, and the toxic effects of dimoxystrobin on fish have not been reported.

Evolutionary and Genomic Diversity of True Polyploidy in Tetrapods.

True polyploid organisms have more than two chromosome sets in their somatic and germline cells. Polyploidy is a major evolutionary force and has played a significant role in the early genomic evolution of plants, different invertebrate taxa, chordates, and teleosts. However, the contribution of polyploidy to the generation of new genomic, ecological, and species diversity in tetrapods has traditionally been underestimated.

Morphological and Functional Alterations Induced by Two Ecologically Relevant Concentrations of Lead on Gills.

Lead (Pb), due to its high toxicity and bioaccumulation tendency, is one of the top three pollutants of concern for both humans and wildlife and occupies second place in the Priority List of Hazardous Substances. In freshwater fish, Pb is mainly absorbed through the gills, where the greatest accumulation occurs. Despite the crucial role of gills in several physiological functions such as gas exchange, water balance, and osmoregulation, no studies evaluated the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of Pb on this organ, and existing literature only refers to high levels of exposure.

First Insights on the Karyotype Diversification of the Endemic Malagasy Leaf-Toed Geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae: ).

We provide here the first karyotype description of eight species and a characterization of their chromosomal diversity. We performed a molecular taxonomic assessment of several samples using the mitochondrial 12S marker and a comparative cytogenetic analysis with standard karyotyping, silver staining (Ag-NOR) and sequential C-banding + Giemsa, +Chromomycin A3 (CMA), +4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). We found chromosomal variability in terms of chromosome number (2n = 34-38), heterochromatin composition and number and localization of loci or Nucleolar Organizer Regions (NORs) (alternatively on the 2nd, 6th, 10th or 16th pair).

The role of exposure window and dose in determining lead toxicity in developing Zebrafish.

Heavy metal contamination is recognized worldwide as a serious threat to human health and wildlife, and reducing their emissions is a priority of international and EU actions. Due to its persistence, high bioaccumulation tendency, and toxicity properties, lead (Pb) is one of the heavy metals of greatest concern. Even at low concentrations, lead induces various clinical and subclinical conditions in both humans and animals, and it has been included in the priority list of hazardous substances.

Increased nuchal translucency can be ascertained using transverse planes.

Background: The detection of increased nuchal translucency is crucial for the assessment risk of aneuploidies and other fetal anomalies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the ability of a transverse view of the fetal head to detect increased fetal nuchal translucency at 11 to 13 weeks of gestation.

Study Design: This was a prospective study enrolling a nonconsecutive series of women who attended our outpatient clinic from January 2020 to April 2021 for combined screening and were examined by operators certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation.

The correlation between levator ani co-activation and fetal head regression on maternal pushing at term.

Objective: To assess the correlation between fetal head regression and levator ani muscle (LAM) co-activation under Valsalva maneuver.

Study Design: This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study on the association between the angle of progression (AoP) and labor outcome. We scanned a group of nulliparous women at term before the onset of labor at rest and under maximum Valsalva maneuver.

Sonography of fetal holoprosencephaly: a guide to recognize the lesser varieties.

Background: Alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) is easily detected during a first-trimester screening examination, conversely, recognizing the lesser varieties may be difficult even in the second trimester.

Objectives: To describe the imaging findings of a cohort of fetuses with holoprosencephaly (HPE) and to elucidate the appearances of the different anatomical varieties.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed medical records and stored images of pregnant women referred to our clinic because of a diagnosis or the suspicion of various forms of HPE.

The differential role of Leydig cells in the skin and gills of Lissotriton italicus larvae.

Larval urodeles are provided with external gills involved, along with the skin, in gas exchange and osmoregulation. Gills and skin epithelia are different, each showing a peculiar set of specialized cells but both provided with Leydig cells (LCs). Information on LCs in the gills is lacking as the literature has focused primarily on the epidermis.

Antarctic Fish as a Global Pollution Sensor: Metals Biomonitoring in a Twelve-Year Period.

Antarctica represents a unique natural laboratory for ecotoxicological studies as it is characterized by low internal pollutants emissions but high external contamination levels. Indeed, warm temperatures promote pollutant evaporation (low latitudes), while cool temperatures (high latitudes) promote its deposition from the atmosphere on land/water. Metals are the most important pollutants in ecosystems and represent a serious and global threat to aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

The maternal pelvic floor and labor outcome.

Vaginal birth is the major cause of pelvic floor damage. The development of transperineal ultrasound has improved our understanding of the relationship between vaginal birth and pelvic floor dysfunction. The female pelvic floor dimensions and function can be assessed reliably in pregnant women.