Microplastics in the Center of Mediterranean: Comparison of the Two Calabrian Coasts and Distribution from Coastal Areas to the Open Sea
Plastic is everywhere—increasing evidence suggests that plastic pollution is ubiquitous and persistent in ecosystems worldwide. Microplastic pollution in marine environments is particularly insidious, as small fragmentation can increase interaction with biota and food chain access. Of particular concern is the Mediterranean Sea, which has become a large area of accumulation of plastic debris, including microplastics, whose polymeric composition is still largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the polymeric composition, particle size distribution, shape, and color of small plastic particles (ranging from 50 to 5000 µm) collected from the sea surface in six stations at the center of the M…
Receptor identification and physiological characterisation of glucagon-like peptide-2 in the rat heart.
Abstract Background and aims The anorexigenic glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-2 is produced by intestinal L cells and released in response to food intake. It affects intestinal function involving G-protein-coupled receptors. To verify whether GLP-2 acts as a cardiac modulator in mammals, we analysed, in the rat heart, the expression of GLP-2 receptors and the myocardial and coronary responses to GLP-2. Methods and results GLP-2 receptors were detected on ventricular extracts by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Cardiac GLP-2 effects were analysed on Langendorff perfused hearts. Intracellular GLP-2 signalling was investigated on Langendorff perfuse…
New insights about the consolidation of archaeological mortars located in underwater environment: The case study of the apsidal fishpond of Castrum Novum (Santa Marinella, Rome, Italy)
This work is part of a research project titled MaTaCoS (Advanced materials and technologies applied to the conservation of underwater cultural heritage) funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MISE), concerning development of innovative tools and methods for the protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, with particular regard to cleaning and consolidating procedures to be carry out directly in situ. The fishpond of the archaeological site of Castrum Novum (Santa Marinella, Rome, Italy) was chosen as a pilot site for experimentation. Castrum Novum was a Roman colony whose ruins are located between Torre Chiaruccia and Casale Alibrandi. The archaeological site lies on a wide…