F. Nonnis Marzano

Radioactive and Stable Isotopes in Abiotic and Biotic Components of Antarctic Ecosystems Surrounding the Italian Base

Abstract Results concerning the analysis of natural (K-40, Th-232, U-238) and anthropogenic (Sr-90. Cs-137, Pu-238, Pu-239, 240) radioactivity determined in samples collected during the PNRA (National Program for Antarctic Research) 1990–91 and 1991–92 Scientific Expeditions, are presented. The data refer to samples of the terrestrial, lacustrine and marine ecosystems surrounding the Italian Base in the Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea) territory with special emphasis on the Cs-137 biogeochemical behaviour. In particular, the role of the organic substance in the radionuclide transfer has been evaluated through statistical correlation analysis between the Cs-137 concentrations and organic matter, organic carbon and nitrogen contents determined in samples of marine and lacustrine sediments.

Active cannibalism among adults of Knipowitschia panizzae (Pisces Gobiidae) induced by starvation and reproduction

“Active complete cannibalism” is described for the first time among adult individuals of the non-piscivorous gobioid fish Knipowitschia panizzae. Although the data represent preliminary observations, they demonstrate that female aggressiveness with respect to conspecifics is enhanced during pre-spawning courtship and male choice for nest construction, particularly in times of food shortage. In fact, the number of attacks and instances of cannibalism increased a few days before egg deposition. The role of starvation, energy requests, and intrinsic aggressiveness during captivity rearing is discussed with respect to the different phases which characterize the behavioural sequence of cannibalism: motivation, prey detection, approach, capture, ingestion. In addition, the possibility that intraspecific predation would occur in natural populations of K. panizzae is also hypothesized in relation to the particular ecological conditions that influence the goby densities in the Po delta coastal lagoons. Survival of a limited number of adults during benthos shortage due to summer dystrophic events could be correlated to the induction of intraspecific piscivory.

The potential role of myostatin and neurotransmission genes in elite sport performances

Elite athletes are those who represent their sport at such major competition as the Olympic Games or World contests. The most outstanding athletes appear to emerge as a result of endogenous biologic characteristics interacting with exogenous influences of the environment, often described as a ‘Nature and Nurture’ struggle. In this work, we assessed the contribution given by 4 genes involved in muscles development (MSTN) and behavioural insights (5HTT, DAT and MAOA) to athletic performances. As for neurotransmission, 5HTT, DAT and MAOA genes have been considered as directly involved in the management of aggressiveness and anxiety.Genotypes and allelic frequencies of 5HTTLPR, MAOA-u VNTR, DAT VNTR and MSTN K153R were determined in 50 elite athletes and compared with 100 control athletes.In this work we found a significant correlation between the dopamine transporter genotype 9/9 and allele 9 and elite sport performances. On the contrary, no association was found between muscle development regulation or serotonin pathway and elite performances. Our data, for the first time, suggest a strong role of dopamine neurotransmitter in determining sport success, highlighting the role of emotional control and psycological management to reach high-level performances.