|
Rendiconti Lincei
Number of Followers: 0  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 2037-4631 - ISSN (Online) 1720-0776 Published by Springer-Verlag  [2469 journals]
|
- Electrophoretic and molecular profile of the hemoglobinopathies in
newborns at a reference hospital in Mozambique-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Hemoglobinopathies are monogenic diseases with a significant impact on public health. It is estimated that 5.2% of the world population has at least one genetic alteration in the genes that code for globins and in Africa, 18.2% of the population have hemoglobinopathies of clinical relevance. Using hemoglobin capillary electrophoresis, we screen newborns from the Central Maputo Hospital in Mozambique for hemoglobinopathies and then used various PCR to genotype-affected newborns. Screening of newborns revealed that 35.8% had hemoglobinopathy traits, with variants running in the position of Hb Bart (33.2%), Hb C (1.7%), Hb D (0.8%), and Hb S (sickle cell) (0.4%). The molecular test identified that 9.9% of the newborns were homozygous for 3.7 kb and/or 4.2 kb deletion genotype and that there may be an uncharacterized deletion of MCS-R located on chromosome 16. This study also confirmed the presence of hemoglobin variants, Hb Maputo and Hb S, through the identification of their defining mutations. No mutations for Hb C were found; thus, we believe that it was a result of a screening error or contamination. This study successfully identified hemoglobinopathies of clinical significance within the Mozambican population, α-thalassemia and hemoglobin S, as well as their associated genotypes. Future research should include samples from other regions of the country and the use of a more comprehensive molecular diagnostic tool. With the confirmation of clinically significant genotypes, the local health system should promote the importance of screening of hemoglobinopathies in Mozambican newborns and adults.
PubDate: 2022-05-14
-
- Eco-morphodynamics of coastal wetlands
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: We survey the problem of the response of coastal wetlands to sea level rise. Two opposite views have traditionally been confronted. According to the former, on the geological time scale, coastal lagoons would be ‘ephemeral’ features. The latter view maintains that marshes would keep pace with relative sea level rise as, increasing the rate of the latter, the sedimentation rate would also increase. In any case, the timescale of morphodynamic evolution is of the order of centuries, which makes it not easily perceived. For example, in Venice, the diversion of the rivers debouching into the lagoon undertaken in the Renaissance has taken centuries to display its consequences (shift from depositional to erosional environment). This process accelerated in the last two centuries due to effects of the industrial revolution and of an enhanced sea level rise. Recent research has employed powerful computational techniques and advanced models of marsh vegetation. Zero-order modeling suggests that marsh equilibrium is possible, provided the rate of relative sea level rise does not exceed a threshold depending on the availability of minerogenic sediments, quantified through a loosely defined ambient sediment concentration. Analysis of the morphological interaction between adjacent morphological units suggests that the ‘equilibrium states’ identified by zero-order modeling correspond to marshes which either prograde or retreat, i.e., are not in equilibrium. Results suggest that available techniques, e.g., artificial replenishment of salt marshes or search for more productive halophytic species, will hardly allow Venice wetlands to keep up with a strong acceleration of sea level rise.
PubDate: 2022-05-11
-
- The intrusion of ecology into hydrology and morphodynamics
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
PubDate: 2022-05-10
-
- Ecohydrology 2.0
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract This paper aims at a definition of the domain of ecohydrology, a relatively new discipline borne out of an intrusion—as advertised by this Topical Collection of the Rendiconti Lincei—of hydrology and geomorphology into ecology (or vice-versa, depending on the reader’s background). The study of hydrologic controls on the biota proves, in our view, significantly broader than envisioned by its original focus that was centered on the critical zone where much of the action of soil, climate and vegetation interactions takes place. In this review of related topics and contributions, we propose a reasoned broadening of perspective, in particular by firmly centering ecohydrology on the fluvial catchment as its fundamental control volume. A substantial unity of materials and methods suggests that our advocacy may be considered legitimate.
PubDate: 2022-05-04
-
- The prevalence of trypanosome infections in goats at Niassa National
Reserve, Mozambique-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract African animal trypanosomosis (AAT), a debilitating tsetse-transmitted parasitic disease, is a major constraint to livestock ruminant production in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the southern Africa region, the main Trypanosoma species causing AAT include T. brucei, T. vivax and T. congolense. All three species have been described in acute, subacute, chronic or subclinical cases of AAT in goats. In the tsetse belt region, goat infections are estimated at 40 million per year. Despite this, the role of these small ruminants in the epidemiology of AAT is yet to be fully understood. To determine trypanosome prevalence and contribute to the understanding of the role of these small ruminants in the epidemiology of trypanosomosis, at Niassa National Reserve (NNR), a cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and September 2018 in five districts located inside the NNR (Sanga, Mavago, Majune, Marrupa and Mecula), Niassa Province, Mozambique. A total of 416 goat blood samples were collected and screened for trypanosomes using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The overall prevalence was 0.96%, out of which, 0.72% corresponded to T. congolense and 0.24% to T. vivax. Mecula was the district with the highest prevalence (0.48%), followed by Sanga and Majune (both with 0.24%). Considering the aforementioned results, the role of goats in the epidemiology of the disease, within the NNR, may be considered negligible.
PubDate: 2022-05-02
-
- Iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles: green synthesis and their cytotoxicity
activity against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract Iron oxyhydroxide (α-FeOOH, Goethite) is one of the most thermodynamically stable iron oxides and a widespread soil mineral. In this study, a mixture of two phenolic extracts of rosemary and Echinacea was utilized as stabilizing and reducing agents for the synthesis of Goethite (FeOOH) nanoparticles without utilizing harmful toxic solvents. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and Brunauer–Emmett-Teller (BET). MTT assay was applied for evaluating the possible toxicity of the nanoparticles against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells.
PubDate: 2022-04-26
-
- White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) prevalence in wild and aquaculture
crustacean populations from Mozambique, assessed by molecular diagnosis-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is still one of the most dangerous viral pathogens in crustacean aquaculture since its first identification in 1992, especially for tropical and subtropical countries. In Mozambique, WSSV was first detected in 2011 in cultured shrimp after mass mortality of shrimp in ponds. To control the virus, disease surveillance is the most recommended approach. The aim of this study was to report WSSV infection in crustaceans from wild stock and farms in Mozambique. Frozen and fresh samples of pleopods, larvae, and muscle from shrimp and crabs collected in seven provinces of Mozambique between 2011 and 2013, and in 2018, were tested for WSSV using the commercial IQ2000™ kit. A total of 946 out of 3480 tested samples were WSSV positive and it corresponds to a total prevalence of 27.2% in crustaceans. The infection rate was 31.6% (723samples) in wild shrimps, 21.8% (152) in wild crabs, and 14.4% (71) in aquaculture shrimps. The positivity infection rate varied within the sampling provinces. The highest infection rate was reported in Gaza (61.43%) followed by Inhambane and Zambezia (45.79 and 40%, respectively). The lowest prevalence of WSSV was reported in Cabo Delgado (2.99%). This study demonstrated the presence of WSSV in Mozambique in high prevalence in both wildlife and aquaculture crustaceans, demonstrating the need for constant monitoring and implementation of preventive measures to decrease the rates of positive infectivity both in the wild and aquaculture crustaceans.
PubDate: 2022-04-16
-
- Foraging diet of the two commonest non-native parakeets (Aves,
Psittaciformes) in Italy: assessing their impact on ornamental and
commercial plants-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract Alhough the role as pest of the two most common invasive parakeets (rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri and monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus) has been largely recognized, nevertheless analytical data on foraging diet on cultivated plants are still scanty in non-native countries. Here, we carried out a revision about the impact of these birds on ornamental and commercial plants in Italy, both for urban and rural sites. Reviewing scientific papers, grey literature and personal observations, we obtained two species-specific checklists of edible plants. In this regard, we focused on plants of commercial interest in rural areas, implying a possible economic impact. We obtained evidences for 81 plant taxa belonging to 34 families (Rosaceae: the highest impacted). Almost all the evidences were related to ornamental species in urban parks and only a limited number of records refer to cultivated plants located in rural sites. Rose-ringed parakeet showed a significant higher percentage of foraged species when compared to monk parakeet. Nevertheless, when considering the plants of commercial interest in rural sites, monk parakeet showed a significantly higher number of records. Thanks to large distribution and easy detectability of these species, we obtained a large number of ‘grey’ data (local papers, unpublished reports and personal observations) that, although with a lower reliability, defined a first arrangement at large (national) scale. Future systematic field studies and citizen science actions will be necessary to obtain further quantitative data to support management and control strategies focused on these invasive birds.
PubDate: 2022-04-05
-
- Phylogenetic study to analyse the evolutionary relationship of
taxonomically diverse α-amylases-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract Microbial α-amylases have been identified and characterized to understand their progressive role in industrial applications. Computational biology tools are employed in various in-silico studies for finding out the ways to improve the titre of this enzyme with improved stability and specificity. This study includes detailed evolutionary analysis and comparison of α-amylase amino acid sequences found in a wide spectrum of microorganisms like algae, bacteria, fungi, cyanobacteria, and plants. We analysed the conservation patterns and signature modules in molecular architectures to study the phylogenetic relationship among various microbial and plant taxa. Additionally, efforts were made to identify signal peptides responsible for the secretion of α-amylase protein outside the cell. Our results concluded the presence of different types of domains with their single or multiple copies, and distinct signal peptides which may alter the overall functioning and secretion efficiency of enzyme. Collectively, overall molecular diversity leads to adaptive evolution of α-amylase in different microbes and plants.
PubDate: 2022-04-01
-
- Cytotoxicity evaluation of environmentally friendly synthesis Copper/Zinc
bimetallic nanoparticles on MCF-7 cancer cells-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract Bimetallic nanoparticles offer unique chemical, physical and optical properties that are not available for monometallic nanoparticles. Bimetallic nanoparticles play a major role in various therapeutic, industrial and energy fields. Recently, nanoparticles of Copper/Zinc bimetallic nanoparticles have attracted attention in various fields, especially medicine. In this study, bimetallic CuO/ZnO nanostructures were biosynthesized using plant extracts. The plant-mediated synthesis nanoparticles were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDAX). The cytotoxicity of plant-mediated synthesis bimetallic nanoparticles and the synergistic effects of these nanoparticles in combination with the anticancer drug doxorubicin on MCF-7 cancer cells were evaluated by MTT assay.
PubDate: 2022-03-21
-
- An ethnobotanical survey in the Limpopo National Park, Gaza province,
Mozambique: traditional knowledge related to plant use-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract This study aims to document the Mozambican traditional knowledge related to the use of plants. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the Limpopo National Park (Gaza province, Mozambique). Data were gathered through field expeditions which involved interviews with five local healers, selected as key informants. 101 plant species, belonging to 49 families and 83 genera, related to traditional uses were recorded. For each species, vernacular name, use categories and used parts are reported. Most of the identified plants are used for medicinal purposes (94.1%) with an analogously extensive (44.1%) also directed to food use. Plants are also used for veterinary (14.7%), cosmetic (12.7%), and handicraft (12.7%) purposes. Whereas only few species are used as fuel (4.9%), several species (37.3%) are associated to local beliefs or mystical rituals. Roots are the most used part. To identify the most important plant species used by indigenous communities, an ethnobotanical value was calculated through Uses Totaled index. Based on such cultural index, the most valuable species are Euclea divinorum, Ximenia caffra, Elaeodendron schlechterianum and Peltophorum africanum. Our findings highlight the potential of Mozambique’s flora for future conservation and development research aimed at identifying genetic resources which could also open the way to notable commercial perspectives, including through the Access and Benefit Sharing process.
PubDate: 2022-03-14
-
- A review on factors influencing fog formation, classification,
forecasting, detection and impacts-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract With the changing climate and environment, the nature of fog has also changed and because of its impact on humans and other systems, study of fog becomes essential. Hence, the study of its controlling factors such as the characteristics of condensation nuclei, microphysics, air–surface interaction, moisture, heat fluxes and synoptic conditions also become crucial, along with research in the field of prediction and detection. The current review expands for the period between 1976 to 2021, however, especially focused on the research articles published in the last two decades. It considers 250 research papers/research letters, 24 review papers, four book chapters/manuals, five news articles, 15 reports, six conference papers and five other online readings. This review is a compilation of the pros and cons of the techniques used to determine the factors influencing fog formation, its classification, tools and techniques available for its detection and forecast. Some recent advanced are also discussed in this review: role of soil properties on fogs, application of microwave communication links in the detection of fog, new class of smog, and how the cognitive abilities of humans are affected by fog. Recently India and China are facing an emergence and repetitions of fog haze/smog and thus their policies initiatives are also briefly discussed. It is concluded that the complexity in fog forecasting is high due to multiple factors playing a role at multiple levels. Most of the researchers have worked upon the role of humidity, temperature, wind, and boundary layer to predict fogs. However, the role of global wind circulations, soil properties, and anthropogenic heat requires further investigations. Literature shows that fog is being harnessed to address water insecurity in various countries, however, coastal areas of Angola, Namibia and South Africa, Kenya, Eastern Yemen, Oman, China, India, Sri Lanka, Mexico, along with the mountainous regions of Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, are some of the potential sites that can benefit from the installation of fog water harvesting systems.
PubDate: 2022-03-14
-
- Philolaus’mysterious astronomical system
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract It is argued that the mysterious astronomical system traditionally attributed to Philolaus is in fact the result of a misunderstanding.
PubDate: 2022-03-09
-
- Study on energy absorption behavior of bionic tube inspired by feather
shaft of bean goose-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract To improve the crashworthiness and energy absorption of the thin-walled tube, micro-CT is used to observe the section of the feather shaft, we extract the “sawtooth” and “semicircle” structure to design five kinds of bionic thin-walled tubes. The simulation results of axial compression and three-point bending show that the bionic tubes have higher energy absorption efficiency than the traditional square tube. At the same time, quasi-static compression experiment is carried out on BFTZ4 bionic tube (the inner sides are “sawtooth”) with the best energy absorption in numerical simulation. The energy absorption of bionic tube is compared with that of traditional square tube, and its crushing behaviors is studied. It is found that the mean load and specific energy absorption of the bionic empty tube are 1.65 times and 1.35 times that of the square empty tube, respectively. The mean load and specific energy absorption of the bionic filled tube are 1.27 times and 1.24 times that of the square filled tube, respectively. This study provides theoretical and experimental basis for the bionic design of crashworthiness.
PubDate: 2022-03-06
DOI: 10.1007/s12210-021-01045-6
-
- Bionic study of the cushioning and energy-saving joints of leg of the
walking robot-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract The leg joints play an important role in the stable movement of a walking robot. However, the traditional robot joints will cause large impact force and high energy consumption. The ostrich is the fastest biped. The special biological assembly mode of its intertarsal joints can achieve smooth and efficient movement. First, the musculoskeletal dynamic relationship of the ostrich’s legs during walking and running was simulated by OpenSim. It is found that the ostrich’s anterior tendon provides driving force and its peroneus longus maintains the stability and operation of the joint. Meanwhile, ostriches can store or release energy by changing the lengths of tendons and ligaments at joints. Besides, the 3D model of the intertarsal joint and cartilage of the ostrich were obtained by 3D reconstruction technique, and the curve equation of tarsometatarsus surface was extracted. Then, the bionic cushioning and energy-saving joint was designed and the finite element simulation analysis of the bionic joint was also carried out. The simulation results show that the bionic cartilage structure can absorb the impact and reduce the stress concentration, therefore achieving the cushioning effect. Finally, the bionic cushioning and energy-saving joint mechanism was processed and assembled, and the energy consumption test was carried out. The results show that the combination of bionic gasket structure and relaxed elastic fixed element is the optimal assembly mode of the bionic cushioning and energy-saving joint. This study provides a new idea for the design and optimization of robot leg joints.
PubDate: 2022-03-06
DOI: 10.1007/s12210-022-01059-8
-
- Ferromagnetic nickel (II) oxide (NiO) nanoparticles: biosynthesis,
characterization and their antibacterial activities-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: In this study, ferromagnetic nickel (II) oxide (NiO) nanopowders were synthesized using Rosemary extract in pH 8.3. The resulting nanoparticles were almost spherical and had a uniform size distribution. Then, their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on Streptococcus mutans that can make tooth decay was evaluated. Oral streptococci cause damage to the tooth enamel by the fermentation of sucrose and production of lactic acid; additionally, this bacterium uses sucrose to make dental plaque. According to the data, the MIC of nanoparticles was ≥ 500 µg/ml; the presence of plant phenols in Rosemary extract improved the bacteriostatic properties of NiO nanoparticles, because of its antioxidant properties. Due to the suitable antibacterial properties of nickel nanoparticles, nickel composite alloys can be proposed in the manufacture of dental amalgam. Graphical abstract Greener biosynthesis of ferromagnetic NiO nanopowders and their antibacterial activities are covered.
PubDate: 2022-03-01
-
- Neo-deterministic seismic hazard assessment of Corsica-Sardinia block
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract The Corsica-Sardinia lithospheric block is commonly considered as a region of very low seismicity and the scarce reported seismicity for the area has till now precluded the reliable assessment of its seismic hazard. The time-honored assumption has been recently questioned and the historical seismicity of Sardinia has been reevaluated. Even more, several seismogenic nodes capable of M5 + have been recognized in the Corsica-Sardinia block exploiting the morphostructural zonation technique, calibrated to earlier results obtained for the Iberian peninsula, which has structural lithospheric affinities with the Corsica-Sardinia block. All this allows now for the computation of reliable earthquake hazard maps at bedrock conditions exploiting the power of Neo Deterministic Seismic Hazard Assessment (NDSHA) evaluation. NDSHA relies upon the fundamental physics of wave generation and propagation in complex geologic structures and generates realistic time series from which several earthquake ground motion parameters can be readily extracted. NDSHA exploits in an optimized way all the available knowledge about lithospheric mechanical parameters, seismic history, seismogenic zones and nodes. In accordance with continuum mechanics, the tensor nature of earthquake ground motion is preserved computing realistic signals using structural models obtained by tomographic inversion and earthquake source information readily available in literature. The way to this approach has been open by studies focused on continental Italy and Sicily, where the agreement between hazard maps obtained using seismogenic zones, informed by earthquake catalog data, and the maps obtained using only seismogenic nodes are very good.
PubDate: 2022-03-01
-
- Spatio-temporal variations of quality of rainwater and stormwater and
treatment of stormwater runoff using sand–gravel filters: case study of
Delhi, India-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract The present study was undertaken to characterise rainwater and stormwater runoff, along with reusability potential of treated stormwater runoff in Delhi, India. The analysis of rainwater and stormwater runoff samples revealed that the acidic ions (SO42− and NO3−) in rainfall are being neutralised by alkaline species resulting in zero event of acidic rain (pH < 5.6) over Delhi. The higher level of alkaline species (Ca2+, NH4+, HCO3−, etc.) in stormwater runoff may be attributed to the alluvial nature of soil and suspended dust which is chiefly being of crustal origin in Delhi. Non-sea-salt fraction (NSSF) indicated no marine contribution towards rainwater quality. Neutralization factor (NF) validated the dominance of alkaline species (NH4+, HCO3−, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) over the acidic species (SO42−, NO3−, Cl− etc.), thereby resulting in near neutral pH of rainwater. Physico-chemical analysis of stormwater runoff from different locations in Delhi revealed relatively higher concentration of all the dissolved species (Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, PO43−, NO3−, Cl−) along with higher level of suspended impurities and the spatial variations were observed to be regulated by land use landcover pattern. The treatment of stormwater runoff by sand–gravel filter resulted in complete removal of suspended impurities and partial removal of hardness. This study proposes additional use of a constructed wetland to remove the organic impurities, PO43−, and NO3−. Furthermore, the study concludes that the stormwater runoff in Delhi can easily be treated to the desired level of drinking water supply with additional provision of disinfection to narrow down the demand–supply gap for drinking water.
PubDate: 2022-03-01
-
- The periodic table of the elements: the search for transactinides and
beyond-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: Abstract The periodic table of Mendeleev, initially proposed on the basis of 66 elements, and containing 82 elements at the time of Moseley (1887–1915), describes nowadays 118 elements. The huge challenge of this scientific adventure was, and still is, the development of technologies and methods capable of producing elements of atomic number Z > 103, known as superheavy elements (SHE), or transactinides. This paper presents a survey of experiments and theoretical approaches that led physicists and chemists of today to discover and characterize a number of SHE isotopes. A glance is also given to the feasibility studies performed by scientists aiming to going beyond Z = 118, building up further neutron-rich nuclides and reaching the ultimate goal of creating long-living new elements at the edge of the Periodic Table.
PubDate: 2022-02-26
DOI: 10.1007/s12210-022-01057-w
-
- The role of calcareous nannofossils in building age models for Cenozoic
marine sediments: a review-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Abstract: This review paper has been thought to emphasize the role of Biostratigraphy in Geosciences and, specifically, of calcareous nannofossils as dating tool. This group of calcareous plankton occurs in Mesozoic and Cenozoic carbonate-bearing marine sediments in all depositional settings and is routinely used for stratigraphic purposes. The importance of calcareous nannofossils in relative dating of marine sediments is due to their abundance, taxonomic diversity, rapid evolution and wide distribution in marine environments. Nannofossil biostratigraphy improved over the last few decades due to the use of accurate methods for data gathering, including acquisition of semiquantitative census data on high-resolution samples. These microfossils contribute to obtain reliable biostratigraphic classification in various time-intervals in the last 66 m.y. and often provide the key to the interpretation of other stratigraphic records. Nannofossil biohorizons can be used as control points for constructing cyclostratigraphic composite sections, and for identification of magnetostratigraphic intervals, and have provided a basis for age models subsequently developed into orbitally tuned cyclostratigraphies or used for chronological revision of polarity timescale. Graphic abstract
PubDate: 2022-02-17
DOI: 10.1007/s12210-022-01048-x
-
