0000000000275170
AUTHOR
Lucrezia Genovese
showing 9 related works from this author
Functional and energetic consequences of climate change on a predatory whelk
2017
Abstract The increasing rise in sea surface temperature caused by human activities currently represents the major threat to biodiversity and natural food webs. In this study we used the Lessepsian mussel Brachidontes pharaonis, one of the most recent invaders of the Mediterranean Sea, as a model to investigate the effect of a novel prey and a chronic increase in temperatures on functional parameters of local consumers, compared to the native mytilid species Mytilaster minimus. In particular we focused on the whelk Stramonita haemastoma, a widespread Mediterranean intertidal predator that actively preys on bivalves, barnacles and limpets, by studying the direct effects of such multiple stres…
Meiofauna as indicator for assessing the impact of fish farming at exposed marine site
2012
This study aimed to detect the impact of organic loads due to biodeposition from a fish farm in an exposed area of the Strait of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea. Sediment chemistry and meiofaunal assemblages were investigated on a seasonal basis at four stations: two from the impacted area and two control stations. The presence of the cages induced a significant accumulation of proteins, lipids and biopolymeric carbon, resulting in a reduction in meiofaunal density at the impacted stations. Changes in community structure were also evident, as meiofauna under the cages were characterized by increased importance of polychaetes and copepods in comparison with a much lower importance of gastrotrichs …
Vessel noise pollution as a human threat to fish: assessment of the stress response in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus 1758)
2016
This study examined the effects of boat noise pollution on the stress indices of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, Linnaeus 1758). To assess the stress response in these fish, biometric values and plasma parameters such as ACTH, cortisol, glucose, lactate, haematocrit, Hsp70, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides and osmolarity were analysed. After acclimatization of the animals, the experiment was carried out in a tank fitted with underwater speakers where the fish were exposed to sound treatments (in duplicate) consisting of: 10 days of no sound (control treatment; the animals were only exposed to the experimental tank’s background noise) and 10 days of noise derived from original re…
The antioxidant power of horseradish, Armoracia rusticana, underlies antimicrobial and antiradical effects, exerted in vitro
2018
Armoracia rusticana (AR) was tested for antimicrobial and antioxidants power. The compound demonstrated to inhibit fish pathogens such as Vibrio anguillarum, V. harvey, V. alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, A. salmonicida, Photobacterium damselae subspecie piscicida, Tenacibaculum marinum and Pseudomonas anguilliseptica,. The total phenolic content and the reducing power resulted higher in the water extract of AR, respect to the hydroalcoolic. In vitro test demonstrated that AR significantly protect cells against death, induced by oxidative stress.
Are mussels able to distinguish underwater sounds? Assessment of the reactions of Mytilus galloprovincialis after exposure to lab-generated acoustic …
2016
This study examined the effects of lab-generated acoustic signals on the behaviour and biochemistry of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The experiment was carried out in a tank equipped with a video-recording system using six groups of five mussels exposed to five acoustic treatments (each treatment was replicated three times) for 30 min. The acoustic signals, with a maximum sound pressure level of 150 dB rms re 1 μPa, differed in frequency range as follows: low (0.1–5 kHz), mid-low (5–10 kHz), mid (10–20 kHz), mid-high (20–40 kHz) and high (40–60 kHz). The exposure to sweeps did not produce any significant changes in the mussels' behaviour. Conversely, the specimens expos…
Welfare status of cage farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): A comparison between submerged and surface cages
2011
Abstract Submersible sea-cages represent an alternative method to standard surface-based cages, and could help solve several production problems that exist in surface-based farming, such as heavy storms, algal and jellyfish blooms and attacks by predators. In this study, we investigated growth, haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters of European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax ) farmed in surface and submersible cages, to compare the physiological status under different rearing conditions. In addition, we evaluated the use of erythrocyte HSP70 levels as a biomarker of fish welfare. The study was conducted in two submerged and two surface cages filled with D. labrax . No sig…
Regenerative Medicine: Does Erythropoietin have a Role?
2009
Regenerative Medicine, a recent new medical domain, aims to develop new therapies through the stimulation of natural regenerative processes also in human beings. In this field, Erythropoietin (EPO) represents a significant subject of research. Several studies allow the assertion that EPO, in different concentrations, has protective effects mainly on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and renal tissue. This action is carried out through one of few regenerative activities of human beings: angiogenesis. This mechanism, which involves endothelial stem cells and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), has been experimentally demonstrated with Recombinant human erythropoietin (r…
The erythropoietin and regenerative medicine: a lesson from fish
2009
Background Erythropoietin (EPO), the main haematopoietic growth factor for the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells, is also known for its angiogenic and regenerative properties. Materials and methods In this study, we aimed to test the regenerative effects of EPO administration in an experimental model of Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) subjected to amputation of the caudal fin. Results Erythropoietin-treated fishes (3000 UI of human recombinant EPO-alpha immediately after cutting and after 15 days) showed an increased growth rate of their fins compared with those untreated (ANOVA variance: P :0 AE01 vs. P :0 AE04). By analysing fin length at established times (1…
Measuring the effects of temperature rise on Mediterranean shellfish aquaculture
2018
Abstract Shellfish aquaculture represents a worldwide valuable segment of the aquaculture market, spreading along the Mediterranean coasts, and is sensitive to the still unforeseen, poorly-known effects of climate change. Threats due to temperature rise can threaten the deployment and development of this sector, up until now recognised as the best candidate to mitigate the effects of fishery overexploitation. Here, we investigate the effects of temperature increase on the model species, Mytilus galloprovincialis, measuring outcomes from valve fragility (thickness) and condition index. Evidence of a reduction in the thickness of valves and the modulation condition of the mussels along with t…