Fish skin mucus is an important component of innate immune mechanism and provides a first barrier against pathogens. Although several studies investigated demonstrated the antimicrobial properties fishes, most them tested marine microbial strains as potential use in aquaculture. Furthermore, these concerned freshwater species, far less attention was given to fishes for application human health research towards its properties. This review outines importance effective source drugs pathogens...

In recent years, the Mediterranean Sea has become an accumulation zone for waste generated by 22 countries bordering its shores. Although effects of plastic litter on marine environment and organisms have recently been studied in other areas, further information is needed and, particular, about plastics additives inputs interactions with biota trophic network, such as phthalates bisphenol A. Plastic material production, use disposal contribute also to release heavy metals into environment,...

Abstract The focus of this work was to investigate the toxicity different metal nanoparticles (gold [AuNPs], silver [AgNPs], titanium dioxide [TiO 2 NPs]) on brine shrimp Artemia salina . We investigated if could have an influence hatching cysts and mortality larvae. Larvae (also called nauplii) were exposed NPs for 24 hr in artificial seawater microplates. At end test, we assessed endpoint (immobility/death) larvae by a stereomicroscope. Nauplii that appeared completely motionless, counted...

Abstract Nanomaterials (NM) have different shapes and can be composed of materials such as carbon, silicon, some metals like gold, silver, titanium. They are used fillers, catalysts, semiconductors, cosmetics, drug carriers in medicine, energy storage systems, antifriction coatings. NM the parent compounds nanoparticles (NPs), which may divided into two groups: fullerenes engineered (ENPs). After crossing cell membrane, NPs stored vesicles, mitochondria, additional organelles within...

Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the greatest causes native extinction. Indeed, they represent a global threat for biodiversity and can also affect economy human health. The colonization success IAS is presumably not only due to their biological ecological characteristics, but lack predators and/or parasites in invaded new areas. In present work, we demonstrate evidence predation invasive crab Percnon gibbesi (H. Milne Edwards, 1853) by Rock Goby Gobius paganellus Linnaeus, 1758. diet...

The diversity of Oniscidean isopods was studied in Vendicari, a protected area southeastern Sicily characterized by salty ponds separated from the sea narrow bands land. Samples were collected pitfall traps placed transects coastline to and inland. Twenty-three species identified, only seven which present at all sampling sites. Shannon's Pielou's evenness indices revealed higher values spring autumn; activity also calculated for each months year. Similarity among sites evaluated...

Ecosystems comprising coastal lakes and ponds are important areas for preserving biodiversity. The natural reserve "Saline di Trapani e Paceco" is an interesting area in Sicily, formed by the remaining strips of land among salt pans near coastline. From January 2008 to 2010, pitfall trapping was conducted five sampling sites inside study area. community terrestrial isopods assessed using main diversity indices. Twenty-four species were collected, only one them endemic western Sicily:...

We studied the plant communities preferences of oniscidean isopods in a protected coastal area southeastern Sicily that is characterized by ponds, dunes and rocky coast. In total, five sites were sampled between March 2003 February 2004 using pitfall traps. A total 7,326 specimens found, belonging to 23 species. The vegetation analysis, phytosociological method, recognized 11 types communities, with specific ecological features. Measuring species richness, diversity annual activity density...

Honey is a valuable food produced by bees from sugary substances that they gather in nature. The transformation the nectar into honey, bees, long and complex. Except for where heavy metals are absent or found only traces, their products have always been considered excellent biomarkers of such contaminants. We assumed absence honey due to presence detoxification system digestive which involves metallothioneins, proteins role homeostatic control essential non-essential metals. placed beehives...

Terrestrial isopods have adapted to predatory pressures by evolving a variety of behaviors, which arise from combination specific traits, such as volvation and tonic immobility. Evolutionarily, these behavioral adaptations been shown increase the fitness individuals species who show them because probability being predated is reduced due loss interest predator towards immobile prey other mobile ones. Even if some behaviors genetic basis, there limited knowledge about effects environmental...

Biological diversity analysis is among the most informative approaches to describe communities and regional species compositions. Soil ecosystems include large numbers of invertebrates, which soil bugs (Crustacea, Isopoda, Oniscidea) play significant ecological roles. The aim this study was provide advices optimize sampling effort, efficiently monitor taxon, analyze its seasonal patterns composition, ultimately understand better coexistence so many over a relatively small area. Terrestrial...

Pollution and other types of environmental stress do not spare marine environments, especially those affected by high industrial pressure. Fish, coastal species, are used for monitoring the environment because they particularly efficient as bioindicators thanks to their ability bioaccumulate biomagnify along trophic chain. The aim this research is evaluate bioaccumulation indirect bioindication European Hake, Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758), one most important commercial fish species...

New records of Pseudocaranx dentex (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) and Seriola fasciata (Bloch, 1793) are reported from the Mediterranean Sea. During period 2013-2017, we have collected several both species south-east coast Sicily (Ionian Sea). On basis our published data, can consider S. as a relatively common in area, commonly caught with purse seine around FADs summer autumn; while, P. remains basically rare species, occasionally trammel nets or gillnets. This work represents first...

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Data on the biology of Dasyatis pastinaca are absent from Ionian Sea and only a few studies were conducted in Mediterranean Sea. Some biological ecological aspects D. investigated between November 2019 February 2020 central In particular, we several morphologic, population species. The analysis stomach contents showed that is generalist carnivorous, mainly feeding small crustaceans polychaetes. Levin’s index value (Bi) was 0.85. sex ratio no significant differences 1:1 ratio. Females larger...

Organophosphates are a large class of chemicals with anticholinesterase action insecticides. Dimethoate belongs to the organophosphates and it is used for agriculture purpose. Its main toxicological role in animals humans inhibition activity acetylcholinesterase. Although not considered genotoxic, carcinogenic teratogen, there evidence increased pup mortality developmental neurotoxicity studies. Since scant published literature about toxicity, we investigated adverse effects dimethoate on...

Because of their biological and ecological characteristics terrestrial isopods are considered as bioindicators ecosystem health several studies have shown that distribution abundance influenced by environmental factors, such weather, soil texture, composition vegetation structure. However, few quantitative data available on the relationship between single species isopods, meteorological variables coastal zonation. This study aims to clarify relationships isopod populations, zones weather...

Terrestrial isopods are a well-studied invertebrate taxon in Sicily and the surrounding islands (Maltese archipelago included). During last 30 years their systematics, ecology biogeography have been analysed by many authors. The size diverse geological origin of Sicilian represents an ideal open laboratory which to study some biogeographical patterns, such as species-area relationship (SAR). Since species show limited adaptation broad physiological conditions low mobility, and, therefore,...

In the last years, increase of anthropogenic activities has led to a progressive pollution ecosystems. Oniscidean isopods are group terrestrial animals known as excellent bio-indicators and bio-accumulators, because their capacity accumulate contaminants implement appropriate strategies detoxification. For this study, we collected Porcellionides pruinosus from two different sites in Corinth region (Greece), polluted site control site, assess heavy metal status. We conducted an inductively...

Abstract Invertebrates are precious organisms in order to study environmental pollution. In particular, they appear be suitable as a bioindicator species for pioneer ecotoxicity studies on new xenobiotics such nanoparticles. fact, able absorb nanomaterials scattered the environment different ways and it's known compartmentalization of nano‐sized contaminants selected tissues intracellular organelles. Titanium dioxide represents most used nanoparticulate, destined become probably ubiquitous...

In this work, we present first data on biological and ecological aspects of Gobius incognitus from specimens the Ionian Sea (central Mediterranean Sea). particular, provided habitat preference, diet length-weight relationship G. material with confirmed species identity. The preferred “mixed bottom” (sand rocks), where it reached relatively high abundances. analysis showed that is a generalist opportunistic feeder. However, small benthic crustaceans were most important prey group. mean total...