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Dispersal plays a key role to connect populations and, if limited, is one of the main processes to maintain and generate regional biodiversity. According to neutral theories of molecular evolution and biodiversity, dispersal limitation of propagules and population stochasticity are integral to shaping both genetic and community structure. We conducted a parallel analysis of biological connectivity at genetic and community levels in marine groups with different dispersal traits. We compiled large data sets of population genetic structure (98 benthic macroinvertebrate and 35 planktonic species) and biogeographic data (2193 benthic macroinvertebrate and 734 planktonic species). We estimated dispersal distances from population genetic data (i.e., FST vs. geographic distance) and from β-diversity at the community level. Dispersal distances ranked the biological groups in the same order at both genetic and community levels, as predicted by organism dispersal ability and seascape connectivity: macrozoobenthic species without dispersing larvae, followed by macrozoobenthic species with dispersing larvae and plankton (phyto- and zooplankton). This ranking order is associated with constraints to the movement of macrozoobenthos within the seabed compared with the pelagic habitat. We showed that dispersal limitation similarly determines the connectivity degree of communities and populations, supporting the predictions of neutral theories in marine biodiversity patterns.

Planktonic copepods display a large repertoire of motion behaviors in a three-dimensional environment. Two-dimensional video observations demonstrated that the small copepod Clausocalanus furcatus, one the most widely distributed calanoids at low to medium latitudes, presented a unique swimming behavior that was continuous and fast and followed notably convoluted trajectories. Furthermore, previous observations indicated that the motion of C. furcatus resembled a random process. We characterized the swimming behavior of this species in three-dimensional space using a video system equipped with telecentric lenses, which allow tracking of zooplankton without the distortion errors inherent in common lenses. Our observations revealed unexpected regularities in the behavior of C. furcatus that appear primarily in the horizontal plane and could not have been identified in previous observations based on lateral views. Our results indicate that the swimming behavior of C. furcatus is based on a limited repertoire of basic kinematic modules but exhibits greater plasticity than previously thought.

Plankton are a pivotal component of the diversity and functioning of coastal marine ecosystems. A long time-series of observations is the best tool to trace their patterns and variability over multiple scales, ultimately providing a sound foundation for assessing, modelling and predicting the effects of anthropogenic and natural environmental changes on pelagic communities. At the same time, a long time-series constitutes a formidable asset for different kinds of research on specific questions that emerge from the observations, whereby the results of these complementary studies provide precious interpretative tools that augment the informative value of the data collected. In this paper, we review more than 140 studies that have been developed around a Mediterranean plankton time series gathered in the Gulf of Naples at the station LTER-MC since 1984. These studies have addressed different topics concerning marine plankton, which have included: i) seasonal patterns and trends; ii) taxonomic diversity, with a focus on key or harmful algal species and the discovery of many new taxa; iii) molecular diversity of selected species, groups of species or the whole planktonic community; iv) life cycles of several phyto- and zooplankton species; and v) interactions among species through trophic relationships, parasites and viruses. Overall, the products of this research demonstrate the great value of time series besides the record of fluctuations and trends, and highlight their primary role in the development of the scientific knowledge of plankton much beyond the local scale.

Purpose Chemotherapy improves the survival rate of stage III colon cancer patients. The combination of oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (the FOLFOX4 regimen) has emerged as the standard of care. This prospective study evaluates potential alterations in cognitive function in FOLFOX4-treated patients. Methods We evaluated 57 consecutive colorectal cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX4. Patients underwent a complete battery of neuropsychological tests at three different times: before (T0), at the end (T1), and 6 months after treatment (T2). Results We have analyzed cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE), visuo-spatial memory (Clock Drawing Test, CDT, Rey Complex Figure, copy and recall), information processing speed (Trial Making Test-A, TMT-A, and Trial Making Test-B, TMT-B), verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, call and recall), emotional distress (Psychological Distress Inventory, PDI), anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI-Y1 and Y2), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI). Then we have calculated, for each test and for each interval of time, mean ± standard deviation for the mean. In a subsequent phase, we tested the significance of different results through the ANOVA analysis for repeated measures. In this case, we could not find any statistically significant modification in cognitive function, but we could notice an improvement in emotional performance, anxiety and depression a short time after chemotherapy administration. Conclusions We found no effect on cognitive function related to chemotherapy, the only little modification is about some emotional performance during chemotherapy. These findings may be explained by the central role of the psychological adaptation process, which occurs during the period from diagnosis to completion of treatment and is characterized by anxiety and adjustment depression. Our results seem to rule out any significant cognitive impairment due to adjuvant FOLFOX4 chemotherapy in colon cancer patients.

Prey capture is a fundamental process for the success of copepods in food-diluted environments. This process is influenced by several factors, including swimming and predatory habits. This work is aimed at characterising the kinematic and fractal properties of the swimming trajectories and reconstructing the predatory horizon of the small calanoid copepod Clausocalanus furcatus. Results indicate that the motion of C. furcatus resembles a random process, mainly evolving in one direction, whereas its predatory horizon is confined to a small region frontal to the anterior end of the copepod. These outcomes are discussed in terms of specific adaptation taking into account the natural conditions experienced by C. furcatus in its environment.

True jellyfish (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) often appear in large aggregations along the coasts, where they interfere with human activities (tourism, fisheries, power plants). Therefore, defining their distribution and predicting their outbreaks is crucial for effective coastal management. In this study, we tested the combination of modeling based on the Lagrangian approach and stable isotope (SI) analysis to define the trajectories of the scyphomedusa Pelagia noctiluca in the Gulf of Naples (GoN, western Mediterranean Sea) during 4 outbreaks recorded in March, June, July, and November 2019. SIs were determined in scyphomedusae and their potential planktonic prey collected at the Long Term Research site MareChiara (LTER-MC) during the outbreaks and during the previous three weeks, to account for the turnover rate of medusae. Numerical simulations were performed using a particle tracking model forced by a Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) developed for the GoN. Lagrangian simulations were performed releasing particles 20 days before the outbreaks to align with SI determinations. SI ratios of scyphomedusae indicated offshore foraging, with Lagrangian simulations confirming offshore-to-coastal transport via south Tyrrhenian surface dynamic and southern winds regime. During the outbreak in November, carbon and nitrogen SIs of medusae (-18.7‰ and 1.9‰, respectively) reflected the SIs of plankton typically found in offshore waters. The model corroborated this finding, suggesting a rapid transport of medusae by surface currents driven by intense southerly winds (gusts up to 18.7 m/s). During the other three outbreaks, SI values of medusae (δ 13 C ranging between -20.1 and -18.5‰, δ 15 N between 4.6 and 5.9‰) were intermediate between prey found offshore and those in the coastal area. Simulations indicated that surface circulation patterns promoted the permanence of medusae within the coastal area, particularly in summer. Our results suggest that SI ratios of scyphomedusae are intimately dependent on their movements across diverse isoscapes. Therefore, predictive models integrating SI analysis and ocean circulation data could improve early warning systems for jellyfish outbreaks, aiding coastal management.

Anchovies represent the largest world’s marine fish catches and the current threats on their populations impose a sustainable exploitment based on sound scientific information. In the European anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ), the existence of several populations has been proposed but a global view is missing. Using a multidisciplinary approach, here we assessed the divergence among different ecotypes and its possible causes. SNPs have revealed two functionally distinct ecotypes overlapping in the Central Mediterranean, with one ecotype confined near the river estuaries. The same SNPs outliers also segregated two distinct populations in the near Atlantic, despite their large spatial distance. In addition, while most studies suggested that adaptation to low salinity is key to divergence, here we show that the offshore ecotype has higher environmental tolerance and an opportunistic feeding behaviour, as assessed by the study of environmental conditions, anchovy diet and trophic levels, and passive egg dispersal. These results provide insights into the anchovy evolutionary history, stressing the importance of behaviour in shaping ecotypes.

Among non-native copepods, the calanoid Pseudodiaptomus marinus Sato, 1913 is the species probably spreading at the fastest pace in European and neighbouring waters since its first record in the Adriatic Sea in 2007. In this contribution, we provide an update on the distribution of P. marinus in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, along the Atlantic coasts of Europe, in the English Channel and in the southern North Sea. Starting from a previous distribution overview, we include here original and recently (2019–2023) published data to show the novel introduction of this species in different geographical areas, and its secondary spreading in already colonised regions. The picture drawn in this work confirms the strong ability of P. marinus to settle in environments characterised by extremely diverse abiotic conditions, and to take advantage of different vectors of introduction. The data presented allow speculations on realistic future introductions of P. marinus and on the potential extension of its distribution range.

Mortality affects the dynamics of zooplankton populations with important effects on trophic interactions and biogeochemical fluxes in marine environments, but is still one of the processes least investigated in the field. In the present study, the non-predatory mortality in copepod assemblages and species was investigated by applying the neutral red staining method to identify and quantify copepod carcasses throughout an annual cycle in a Mediterranean coastal site (station LTER-MC in the inner Gulf of Naples). Carcasses accounted on average for 10.3% (±9.7%) of total copepod abundance and were most abundant in spring, summer and autumn. Carcasses were represented predominantly by copepodites (78.9 ± 22.0%) and occurred more frequently and abundantly in calanoids than in other copepod orders, with interspecific differences in their abundance and temporal patterns. Using carcass abundances from field data and decomposition times from laboratory observations, we estimated non-predatory mortality rates of key calanoids that are common and abundant in Mediterranean coastal waters. Non-predatory mortality rates averaged 0.13 day −1 in Paracalanus parvus , 0.07 day −1 in Clausocalanus spp., 0.06 day −1 in Temora stylifera and 0.04 day −1 in Acartia clausi . Non-predatory mortality rates in these populations were not correlated with temperature, salinity or chlorophyll a.

Background Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are widely prescribed anticancer drugs. Patients treated commonly develop dermatologic adverse drugs reactions, but rarely they are involved in systematic evaluation of their quality of life. This monocentric cross sectional study is carried out to assess quality of life in colon cancer patients experienced skin side effects due to anti epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors therapy. Methods Consecutive patients with skin side effects to therapy treated at Fondazione Poliambulanza were enrolled in this study. Quality of life was evaluated with the Italian validated version of Skindex-29 questionnaire, exploring three dimensions: symptoms, emotional, and physical functioning. Skindex-29 was administered one time between the eighth and the twelfth week of the treatment. Results Forty-five consecutive patients, mainly with metastatic colon cancer (29 female, 16 male), with an average age of 59.31 years (ranging from 34-78) were included in the study and analyzed. Patients showed a great impact of skin side effects on symptoms (mean 43), followed by emotional (mean 30), and functioning (mean 26) scales. In general women, the 55-65 age class, and patients with partial remission reported the worst quality of life. Conclusions Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors' skin side effects have an important impact on quality of life in advanced colon cancer patients; symptoms scale is the most effect respect to emotional and functioning scales.