13004 research outputs found
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Combined effects of fine-scale intensity and spatial extent of exposure to outdoor recreation shape wildlife responses and tolerance to human activity
Full text linkOutdoor recreational activities and nature-based tourism are rapidly expanding, both in intensity and space. Even non-consumptive activities can have adverse effects by altering animal behaviour and physiology, but wildlife can also develop behavioural tolerance to humans and adjust to human activities. However, few general patterns have emerged, likely due to incomplete knowledge of the factors that modulate wildlife responses. For example, it remains unclear how fine-scale intensity and spatial extent of exposure to outdoor recreational activities influence disturbance effects on wildlife. Here, we investigated how the combined effects of current on-site visitor numbers, the extent of areas used by humans, such as around picnic areas, within animal's home ranges and the proximity of animals' activity centres to main recreational infrastructure, such as main hiking trails, affect behavioural and physiological responses to outdoor activity. We used Alpine marmots Marmota marmota in Stelvio National Park (central Italian Alps) as a case study. Marmots occupying territories with low human area use and with activity centres located farther from the main hiking trail in the study area increased anti-predator behaviours and decreased foraging during higher visitor presence. In contrast, marmots from territories with higher area use and/or activity centres closer to the main trail were more tolerant. Stress levels assessed through faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) mirrored this pattern, but high uncertainty around FCMs estimates suggests cautious interpretation. This case study demonstrates that wildlife responsiveness to outdoor activity can depend on multiple interacting factors, highlighting the importance of context-specific impact assessment and targeted mitigation strategie
Early postharvest application of LED lighting enhances strawberry quality during storage
Full text linkStrawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) perishability challenges postharvest quality retention. Traditional postharvest methods have limitations, and early harvesting to extend shelf-life often compromises sensory attributes. This study investigated whether 24 h or 48 h treatments performed at the beginning of postharvest with Red, Blue, Far-Red, or UV-A light-emitting diode (LED) light could improve 'Elsanta' strawberry quality during subsequent 7-day storage at suboptimal temperature (5 °C). Fruit quality attributes, including firmness, weight loss, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), anthocyanins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), were assessed. While LED treatments did not significantly affect firmness, they generally increased weight loss compared to dark controls (particularly after 48 h Blue/Red/Far-Red exposures). Light effects on SSC were complex and duration-dependent. Notably, all LED treatments significantly enhanced total anthocyanin content (especially after 48 h exposure), although instrumental color measurements remained unchanged. Compared to dark controls Blue and Red light (especially after 48 h) significantly increased the concentration of key aroma-related VOCs, for the most esters. In conclusion a brief, early postharvest LED exposure, particularly using Blue and Red light, can trigger lasting beneficial effects, enhancing nutritionally relevant anthocyanins and aroma-defining VOCs during storage at 5 °C. This suggests an 'early signal' mechanism and offers a potentially practical strategy to improve strawberry quality, mitigating negative impacts of commercial early harvesting practices and potentially benefiting other non-climacteric fruit
Crayfish plague and microsporidiosis occurrence in wild populations of the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex in Trentino (North-East Italy)
Full text linkOne of the causes of the decline in distribution and abundance of the endangered white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex throughout Europe is the invasion of alien crayfish, and the associated spread of infectious diseases, primarily the crayfish plague caused by Aphanomyces astaci. Another relevant disease is microsporidiosis (porcelain disease), caused by Astathelohania contejeani and Nosema austropotamobii. Between 2021 and 2024, we conducted a monitoring survey, aimed at mapping the distribution of A. astaci, A. contejeani and N. austropotamobii in wild populations of A. pallipes and in two non-indigenous species in Trentino (North-East Italy). We applied a non-invasive sampling method (cuticular swabs) in 33 populations of A. pallipes, 2 populations of Procambarus clarkii and 4 populations of Faxonius limosus, to investigate the presence of A. astaci. Aphanomyces astaci was detected in eight thriving populations of A. pallipes, and the presence of a low virulence genotype (genotype group A) was confirmed in one of them. Aphanomyces astaci was detected in one of the two populations of P. clarkii, as well as in one of the four populations of F. limosus. No mortality outbreaks in populations of A. pallipes were recorded in Trentino during the study period. Specimens with macroscopic signs of porcelain disease were found in thirteen populations of A. pallipes, abdominal muscle tissues were collected and subjected to molecular evaluation; microsporidiosis was detected in all the tested crayfish: seven populations were infected only by A. contejeani, and in six populations both microsporidia were detected. Crayfish from one population of P. clarkii and one of F. limosus were tested for microsporidiosis as well, but the results were negative. Based on the presence of chronically infected but thriving populations across the Trentino territory, we provide suggestions for the management of A. pallipes populations in conservation actions which require the movement of specimens (translocations, rearing in captivity
Reintroducing a large carnivore in a human dominated landscape: dynamics of an isolated brown bear population over two decades post-reintroduction
Full text linkLarge carnivores have been extirpated from much of their historical range, but conservation efforts have supported their recovery. The brown bear reintroduction in the central Alps represents one such case, yet long-term viability of this population remains uncertain due to its small size, isolation, and increasing conflicts with humans. Using spatial capture-recapture and survival models based on non-invasive genetic data and known bear deaths collected on 222 individuals over 21 years (2003−2023), we assessed spatio-temporal trends in bear density, abundance, survival, and range expansion, accounting for sex and age-specific differences. Results indicate an annual population growth rate of 7.7 %, with a mean density of 1.61 bears/100 km2 in the whole study area in 2023, rising to 2.50 within the area permanently occupied by females. Survival probabilities varied by sex and age, with females showing strong site fidelity and males exhibiting higher dispersal and mortality. Although an ecological barrier hinders eastward expansion and connectivity, the permanent range of females increased by 137 %. Despite growth, the population remains small and vulnerable to stochastic events. Sustained genetic monitoring, improved connectivity, and science-based management will be crucial to balance conservation goals and social concerns, ensuring the persistence of this population in a human-dominated landscap
Health, microbiota, and water quality analysis: a case study in a commercial recirculating aquaculture system for yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi)
Full text linkThis study describes the temporal and spatial dynamics of microbiota composition, water quality parameters and fish health status in a commercial Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) for yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) spanning from April to November 2021. Water quality was effectively controlled, with key parameters such as CO2, pH, temperature, nitrogen compounds and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) consistently maintained within safety thresholds reported in the literature. Microbiota composition was analyzed in various fish tissues and RAS components using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The predominant genera in RAS samples (tank water, tank wall biofilm, biofilter biofilm, and denitrification unit) included Erythrobacter, Glaciecola, and Nitrospira. In contrast, fish tissue samples (gills, intestine, and skin) were mainly colonized by Aliivibrio, Pseudomonas, and an uncultured genus from the Mycoplasmataceae family. Cluster analysis revealed similarities in bacterial composition between tank water and external fish tissues (skin and gills), with variations over time corresponding to changes in water parameters. Digital PCR assays were developed to target specific fish pathogens such as Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio anguillarum, and Photobacterium damselae piscicida, revealing low or undetectable pathogen levels throughout most of the monitoring period. In tank water, these species showed the highest concentration in August and September. A Multiparametric Semi-quantitative Scoring System (MSSS) was developed for histological examination of gills, intestine, liver, spleen, and kidney. Increased inflammation coincided with higher pathogen presence in the water. However, no clinical signs of vibriosis or pasteurellosis were detected, indicating overall good fish health and a robust immune system. This integrated approach - combining innovative pathogen-specific digital PCR assays, MSSS histological scoring and microbiota profiling offers a valuable framework for monitoring fish health and optimizing production quality in kingfish farming within RAS environments
Exploring regional inequities in food safety practices and food security in Italy: a cross-sectional study
Full text linkObjective: This study examined regional disparities in food security and food safety knowledge and behavior among Italian adults. Methods: Between January and June 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional anonymous online survey targeting Italian residents aged ≥18. The sample size was calculated a priori assuming a 50% prevalence, 95% confidence, and 3% margin of error, yielding a target of 1067 participants. Validated Italian versions of the Food Security Survey Module (It-FSSM) and the Food Safety Knowledge and Behavior Questionnaire (It-FSKB) were employed to assess participants' knowledge and behaviors. Sociodemographic data, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), educational level, physical activity, smoking habits, and food apps usage, were collected. Multinomial logistic regression-adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and educational level-was used to evaluate regional differences. Results: Among 1752 participants (70.4% women; mean age: 36.01 ± 13.84 y), those in the South area and Islands were significantly less likely to report high food safety knowledge (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.82; P = 0.000) and high food safety behaviors (RRR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52-0.79; P < 0.001), and more likely to experience moderate food insecurity (RRR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00-2.69; P = 0.048) compared to participants to the North. Participants in the Center were over twice likely than those in the North to report high food security versus very low (RRR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.15-6.43; P = 0.023) and were also 30% less likely to use food delivery apps rarely rather than not at all (RRR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50-0.97; P = 0.034). Conclusions: This study highlights significant regional disparities, with the South area and Islands facing the greatest challenges. These findings provide evidence to guide targeted public health interventions and policies promoting food safety and security across Italy
Pharmabiome analyses in tandem with chemometrics can help trace the provenance of falsified medicines: a proof-of-concept study
No full textA lack of robust analytical approaches limits our ability to investigate the clandestine manufacturing origins of falsified medicines. We conducted a proof-of-concept study to test the feasibility of geolocating the production sites of falsified medicines, based on the identification of site-specific biological and chemo-isotopic features using a combination of environmental DNA metabarcoding, Direct Analysis in Real Time - Mass Spectrometry and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry as profiling techniques. We produced tablets at two distant locations (England vs. Thailand), using controlled manufacturing methods, excipient composition and environmental conditions. Sets of tablets produced at separate locations showed distinct bacterial and eukaryotic diversity, particularly influenced by the incorporation of water used during tableting and the background environmental biosignatures of the production site. Tablets showed corresponding site-specific chemometric profiles, but the factors contributing to the observed chemical differences were unclear. When reference samples of known origin are available, our study suggests that site-specific biological and chemical features can be used in modelling approaches to successfully predict product origin. We developed a new mapping approach to exploit the geographic information within the eukaryotic pharmabiome of the falsifications; based on eDNA-derived species identification and the integration of publicly available species distribution data. In the absence of reference samples of known origin, the application of this workflow to our dataset provided partial clues about the product’s origin, with limitations likely due to taxonomic resolution and the presence of species with wide distribution ranges. Collectively, our research provides experimental support for the development of integrated, multifaceted tools for tracing the origin of falsified medicines, advancing efforts to combat this pervasive but neglected global health proble
Powerful flowers: public perception of grassland aesthetics is strongly related to management and biodiversity
Full text linkTemperate grasslands provide various cultural ecosystem services that are appreciated in diverse ways. Capturing these diverse appreciations requires different methodological approaches, such as questionnaire surveys and social media analyses. In this study, we combined the potential of both approaches to capture two aspects of what people appreciate in Swiss agricultural grasslands, i.e., the aesthetic quality of differently managed plant communities and the objects frequently found in grassland-based social media images. The two complementary approaches showed that people preferred colourful flower- and species-rich grasslands over grass-dominated and fertilised swards. This appreciation can be predicted from automatic image analysis. Social media analysis highlighted that people mainly photographed flowers, followed by livestock and/or wildlife, but this depended also on the social media platform accessed. In addition, we found differences between (i) conservationists and agricultural professionals in the aesthetic appreciation of the plant communities, as well as between (ii) common visitors and naturalists in their social media content. In conclusion, people's appreciation was clearly related to the intensity of grassland management and the level of biodiversity, with a preference for extensively managed grasslands with diverse flowers and wildlife. Our results suggest that extensive management and ecological restoration can be used to increase cultural grassland ecosystem services by enhancing the richness of forbs, flowers and other attractive wildlife. Thus, targeted management can maintain and enhance the attractiveness of grassland landscapes and subsequently support health benefits, opportunities for recreation, agrotourism as well as culture and heritag
Impact of oxygen supplementation during fermentation on yeast gene expression and thiol release in wine
No full textTraditionally, oxygen supplementation has been more strongly associated with yeast vitality and sugar consumption kinetics than with aroma metabolism. This study investigated the effects of oxygen exposure during the exponential growth phase of yeast cells on the polyfunctional thiol profile of wine. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, the expression of five genes related to amino acid and peptide uptake, as well as two genes associated with β-lyase activity, was analyzed. UPLC/MS-MS was employed to quantify thiol precursors and volatile thiols in must and wine. The results revealed that oxygen upregulated the expression of genes involved in amino acid and peptide uptake, including GAP1, OPT1, OPT2, PTR2, DAL5, and FOT3, some of which are known thiol precursor permeases. Overexpression of those genes in oxygenated trials was correlated with a reduction in thiol precursor residues in wines, particularly GSH-3MH, which was depleted before entry into the stationary phase. Despite increased gene expression, the concentration of GSH-4MMP was not affected and remained constant during the growth phase. Additionally, the expression of the gene responsible for thiol-releasing β-lyases in yeasts, IRC7, was positively correlated with 4MMP concentration in wines when influenced by oxygen treatment during the initial 72 h of alcoholic fermentation. However, oxygen supplementation was associated with STR3 downregulation, which may have contributed to the lower 3 MH release, despite the increased precursor intak
Exploring the potential of black soldier fly live larvae as a sustainable protein source for laying hens: a comprehensive study on egg quality
Full text linkLive insect larvae were recently proposed for use in laying hens in intensive chicken farming as an innovative form of environmental enrichment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laying hen age and feeding with live Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL) on egg quality attributes, i.e., chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile, and metabolic profile using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To this aim, 108 Lohman Brown hens were housed in 27 cages (9 replicates per treatment, 4 birds per pen) and monitored between 16 and 34 weeks of age. The hens were split into three experimental groups: a control group fed a commercial diet, and two experimental groups fed the same commercial diet plus 15% or 30% of live BSFL, as fed basis on the expected daily feed intake (DFI). The experimental treatments did not affect the egg and eggshell quality attributes. The supplementation with live BSFL did not influence the chemical composition in terms of macronutrients or the main NMR profiles of egg yolk and albumen. The FA profile of the egg yolk significantly changed as the eggs from hens fed BSFL presented higher rates of SFA and PUFA (P<0.05), lower rate of MUFA (P<0.001), and higher rates of C18:2n 6 (P<0.05) and C18:3 n3 compared to the control eggs (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in the ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFA. The age of the hens strongly affected egg quality traits (P<0.001), mainly the egg weight, shell weight, shell thickness, eggshell-breaking strength, and eggshell redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), besides the metabolic profile of both egg yolk and albumen. Considering the interaction diet * age of hens, only a few significant effects occurred on egg quality attributes and FA profile. In conclusion, a supplementation with live BSFL up to 30% of DFI may be safely used in laying hen feeding without impairing egg qualit