Emilia Langella

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants of global concern due to their bioaccumulative and toxic properties. Raptors, as apex predators, are valuable sentinel species for monitoring PFAS contamination because of biomagnification along food chains. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on PFAS occurrence, tissue distribution, temporal and spatial trends, and associated health effects in raptors worldwide. Studies consistently demonstrate PFAS ubiquity in raptor tissues (liver, blood, eggs, feathers), with piscivorous species generally exhibiting higher concentrations than terrestrial ones. Legacy long-chain PFAS (≥C8), particularly PFOS, consistently biomagnify in raptor food webs and often exceed proposed toxicological thresholds. Temporal trends show declining PFOS levels in some regions following regulatory restrictions, though replacement PFAS remain poorly characterized. Tissue-specific patterns reveal eggs and liver as suitable matrices for assessing maternal transfer and long-term accumulation, while blood and feathers enable minimally invasive monitoring. Sublethal effects in raptors, combined with parallels in human epidemiology, underscore the relevance of a One Health approach. Standardized, multi-matrix, long-term biomonitoring programs using raptors and complementary sentinel species are recommended to evaluate regulation effectiveness and inform evidence-based mitigation strategies.

In Italy, the breeding of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) is on the rise, driven by the value of their precious wool and their docile temperament. This growth is, however, severely limited by the species’ reproductive inefficiency. This study aimed to investigate the specific role of the neuropeptide orexin A (OxA) and its receptor OX1R in modulating testicular steroidogenesis in the alpaca, testing the hypothesis that the OxA/OX1R pathway stimulates testosterone production. Using testicular tissue from two groups of adult male alpacas (five- and seven-year-olds, n = 6 per group), we combined immunohistochemistry with ex vivo functional assays. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of both OxA and OX1R in Leydig cells. Functional studies on testicular fragments demonstrated that OxA enhanced testosterone synthesis via OX1R activation. Furthermore, OxA reduced estradiol levels by suppressing aromatase activity and counteracted the inhibitory effect of Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) on testosterone secretion. These results provide the first evidence that the peripheral OX1R pathway is functionally involved in promoting a testosterone-dominant steroidogenic milieu in alpaca testes. This preliminary study identifies the orexin system as a potential target for developing strategies to improve reproductive management in this species.

Purpose: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating public health threat globally, with Southern Italy presenting distinct challenges that warrant targeted investigation. This study aims to assess the prevalence and characteristics of AMR in this region, with particular focus on the influence of demographic factors, including gender and age. Methods: Antibiograms from 146 patients, aged 36 to 101 years (68 males, 78 females), collected between 2022 and 2023, were analyzed to identify resistance patterns. Results: The most frequently identified bacterial species were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In male patients, the highest resistance rates were observed with ciprofloxacin (47.9%), followed by levofloxacin (47.2%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (40.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanate (36.8%), fosfomycin (28.8%), and clarithromycin (6.1%). Notably, female patients exhibited higher resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared to males. Among females, those over 70 years of age showed significantly greater resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole than their male counterparts of the same age. Furthermore, older females exhibited higher resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole compared to younger females. Conclusion: The differences in antimicrobial resistance patterns between genders may stem from biological, hormonal, and metabolic variations, as well as disparities in healthcare access and health behaviors. Integrating gender-based differences into both research and clinical practices is crucial for optimizing therapy, reducing drug waste, and mitigating the emergence of AMR. A comprehensive approach, addressing both scientific advancements and individual differences such as gender, is essential for effectively combating AMR.

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis despite initial responsiveness to chemotherapy. Platinum-based chemotherapy with etoposide has long been the standard first-line treatment, but recent advances in immunotherapy have improved outcomes. Phase III trials, including IMpower133 and CASPIAN, demonstrated that adding immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab and durvalumab, to chemotherapy significantly enhances overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). This case report describes a 76-year-old former smoker diagnosed with extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC) following the detection of a left lower lung mass. The patient underwent combination therapy with carboplatin, etoposide, and atezolizumab, followed by maintenance atezolizumab. The patient demonstrated a sustained response to treatment, with significant tumor regression and no evidence of disease progression. Despite advanced age and comorbidities, treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events. Serial imaging over 24 months confirmed sustained disease stability, with regression of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and no new lesions. This case highlights the potential for prolonged disease control in select SCLC patients treated with chemo-immunotherapy. The absence of significant toxicities underscores the feasibility of immunotherapy even in elderly patients with comorbidities. These findings support the role of atezolizumab as a key component of ES-SCLC treatment and suggest the need for further research on predictors of durable response.

This study investigates the feeding behavior of the European brown hare on Pianosa Island, Italy, focusing on seasonal dietary preferences in coastal and inland areas. We quantified plant species frequencies in vegetation and fecal pellets, assessed α and β diversity, compared diets via Bray–Curtis matrices, and evaluated selection preferences using the Resource Selection Ratio. During spring, the coastal diet was predominantly composed of grasses, particularly Dactylis glomerata, while non-leguminous forbs like Hedypnois rhagadioloides were prominent inland. Fabaceae, including Lotus ornithopodioides, were highly preferred. In autumn, non-leguminous forbs, such as Crepis foetida, were favored on the coast, while grasses like Bromus hordeaceus dominated inland. Fabaceae, particularly Trifolium species, remained a key component of the diet. Plant diversity peaked in spring and decreased markedly in autumn. Dietary overlap between seasons was moderate, with higher similarity observed in the coastal area. The study underscores the importance of Fabaceae and seasonal vegetation changes in shaping the hare’s diet. These findings provide valuable insights for conservation, emphasizing the need to preserve key plant species and habitats to support isolated hare populations in Mediterranean ecosystems.

Orexins A (OXA) and B (OXB) and their specific receptors, receptor 1 (OX1R) and 2 (OX2R) for orexins, are hypothalamic peptides involved in orchestrating several functions in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, including sleep, excitement, nutrition, reward, circadian rhythm, anxiety, cognition, and reproduction. The aim of this narrative review is, in particular, to speculate the role of orexins in the male genital tract of animal species and human beings. The experimental evidence collected in recent years assumed that in the testes of the animal species here described, orexins are directly involved in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis regulation. In the epididymis, these peptides are locally synthesized, thus suggesting their role governing the fertilizing capability of the immature male gamete. In addition to playing a physiological role, orexins are involved in numerous inflammatory and/or neoplastic pathologies too. The expression of the orexinergic system in prostate cancer suggests that they might play a potential therapeutic function. Overall, the future directions of this literature review allow us to hypothesize a role of the orexinergic complex not only as a marker for the diagnosis of certain tumors affecting the male genital tract but also for the treatment of hypo/infertility condition.

The production of game meat is a proven way of promoting sustainable food, which is also consistent with the proper management of the expansion of the wild boar population in Italy. In the present study, we investigated consumer response to sensory attributes and consumer preference for ten types of “cacciatore” salamis prepared with different mixtures of wild boar/pork (30/50 or 50/50) and spice ingredients. PCA analysis showed a clear characterization of the salamis based on the first component with the hot pepper powder and fennel types differing from the others. For the second component, salamis without flavorings could be discriminated by those flavored with aromatized garlic wine or with black pepper only. The main findings of the hedonic test revealed that products with hot pepper and fennel seeds received the highest ratings, as well as satisfactory acceptance in the consumer test sensory analysis for eight out of ten products. The panelists and consumers’ ratings were influenced by the flavors used, but not by the ratio of wild boar to pork. This gives us the opportunity to produce more cost-effective and environmentally friendly products, as doughs with a high proportion of wild boar meat can be used without affecting product preference.