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Although the presence of the golden jackal (Canis aureus moreoticus) in Italy has been documented since 1984, it has long been considered an accidental species confined to a limited portion of the northeastern sector of the country. Recently, dispersing individuals of golden jackal have been reported in different areas of northern Italy, suggesting an enhanced spreading attitude compared to the past. However, despite a wider covered area, no evidence of reproductive groups south of the Po River has ever been documented, suggesting possible geographical limitations due to the habitat or ecological conditions. This study witnesses the overcoming of this large freshwater course by the species, and describes the first reproductive group of golden jackals south of Po River in a context of a highly industrialized area. The results are obtained using different methods (citizen science, howling, camera trapping, search of signs) able to demonstrate an expansion of this mesocarnivore outside its traditional northeastern Italian distribution range. Interesting questions are also raised about the species ecology with special regard to its southern migration pattern through anthropic zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation play a key role in the development of hypoxic–ischemic (H–I) induced brain damage. Following H–I, rapid neuronal death occurs during the acute phase of inflammation, and activation of the oxidant–antioxidant system contributes to the brain damage by activated microglia. So far, in an animal model of perinatal H–I, it was showed that neuroprostanes are present in all brain damaged areas, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Based on the interplay between inflammation and OS, it was demonstrated in the same model that inflammation reduced brain sirtuin-1 expression and affected the expression of specific miRNAs. Moreover, through proteomic approach, an increased expression of genes and proteins in cerebral cortex synaptosomes has been revealed after induction of neonatal H–I. Administration of melatonin in the experimental treatment of brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases has produced promising therapeutic results. Melatonin protects against OS, contributes to reduce the generation of pro-inflammatory factors and promotes tissue regeneration and repair. Starting from the above cited aspects, this educational review aims to discuss the inflammatory and OS main pathways in H–I brain injury, focusing on the role of melatonin as neuroprotectant and providing current and emerging evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquiring up-to-date information on the distribution of a species is an issue of paramount importance to set up proper conservation strategies and to assess its conservation status over time. The European wildcat has recently expanded its distribution in different parts of its range in Italy, including the Northern Apennines area. The current study represents the first wildcat systematic monitoring in the central part of Northern Apennines. Non-invasive genetic sampling—based both on valerian and catnip lures—was applied, integrated with camera trapping within two Regional Parks. This approach is needed in order to obtain hair samples to be genetically analyzed, since cross-breeding with domestic cats can make wildcat identification based only on coat characteristics misleading. Videos obtained from camera traps allowed the identification of several individuals (image capture rate of 1.04/100 trap-nights), including at least one female. Hair samples were only collected in April–May using catnip as an attractant, whereas the valerian-based solution used did not yield the expected results (i.e., attracting wildcats and stimulating their rubbing behavior to allow hair collection). These results allowed for the first time the genetic confirmation of a pure wildcat in the study area. Domestic cat presence (image capture rate of 1.4/100 trap-nights) was also assessed in the same locations, posing a possible threat for wildcat conservation at the expanding margin of its distribution. Our findings confirm the effectiveness of the integration of multiple monitoring techniques for wildcat detection and highlight the need for a continued monitoring of the species, especially in newly colonized areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent increase in international fish trade leads to the need for improving the traceability of fishery products. In relation to this, consistent monitoring of the production chain focusing on technological developments, handling, processing and distribution via global networks is necessary. Molecular barcoding has therefore been suggested as the gold standard in seafood species traceability and labelling. This review describes the DNA barcoding methodology for preventing food fraud and adulteration in fish. In particular, attention has been focused on the application of molecular techniques to determine the identity and authenticity of fish products, to discriminate the presence of different species in processed seafood and to characterize raw materials undergoing food industry processes. In this regard, we herein present a large number of studies performed in different countries, showing the most reliable DNA barcodes for species identification based on both mitochondrial (COI, cytb, 16S rDNA and 12S rDNA) and nuclear genes. Results are discussed considering the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques in relation to different scientific issues. Special regard has been dedicated to a dual approach referring to both the consumer's health and the conservation of threatened species, with a special focus on the feasibility of the different genetic and genomic approaches in relation to both scientific objectives and permissible costs to obtain reliable traceability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) still represents an important burden of neonatal care. The definition of the disease is currently undergoing several revisions, and, to date, BPD is actually defined by its treatment rather than diagnostic or clinic criteria. BPD is associated with many prenatal and postnatal risk factors, such as maternal smoking, chorioamnionitis, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), parenteral nutrition, sepsis, and mechanical ventilation. Various experimental models have shown how these factors cause distorted alveolar and vascular growth, as well as alterations in the composition and differentiation of the mesenchymal cells of a newborn's lungs, demonstrating a multifactorial pathogenesis of the disease. In addition, inflammation and oxidative stress are the common denominators of the mechanisms that contribute to BPD development. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) constitutes the most prominent and best studied candidate for vascular development. Animal models have confirmed the important regulatory roles of epithelial-expressed VEGF in lung development and function. This educational review aims to discuss the inflammatory pathways in BPD onset for preterm newborns, focusing on the role of VEGFA and providing a summary of current and emerging evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodiversity protection and monitorning is one of main goals of natural history musems worldwide. Conservation issues are particularly important for freshwater fish which are one of the most threatened taxa for the consequences of climate change and human activies. In Mozambique freshwater rivers are poorly explored and the impact of aquaculture and human activities on local biodiversity in almost unknown. Here we propose the barcoding analysis of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) mitochrondrial DNA of 41 frehswater fishes catched in four rivers of southern Mozambique and 53 from a museum collection. As evidence of previous knowledge gaps, barcoding results revealed twenty new haplotypes described for the first time in the taxa Cichlidae and Amphilidae. From a methodological point of view, the barcoding approach demonstrated a critical point connected to the requested 650 bp length of amplified sequences. In fact, high weight genomic DNA is unattainable from museum samples and also in wildlife samples collected in pristine rivers. For this reason we furtherly tested the efficiency of DNA mini-barcoding analysis for 53 fish from a museum collection. The Mini-barcode method retrieved 56.6% of sequences successfully analyzed versus 3% of barcoding. The high performance of this thecniques is discussed in relation to biodiversity monitoring and to fill the taxonomy gaps in museum collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease affecting primarily preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Despite the advances in perinatal care, BPD remains a major clinical and costly complication in premature infants. The pathogenesis of BPD is complex and multifactorial. Prematurity, mechanical ventilation, oxidative stress, and inflammation are recognized as major interrelated contributing factors. Recently, some candidate genes involved in angiogenesis and alveolarization regulating mechanisms have been associated to BPD risk development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphisms on BPD onset in VLBW newborns. Methods. Eighty-two VLBW infants, without major anomalies, were consecutively enrolled: 33 developed BPD (BPD group) and 49 infants without BPD served as controls (control group). In all infants, two polymorphisms, respectively (VEGF receptor) VEGFR1-710 C/T and VEGF +936 C/T, were determined through salivary brush. Genomic DNA was extracted and purified from saliva samples by using the MasterAmp Buccal Swab DNA Extraction Kit (Tebu-bio, Milan, Italy). Results. Significant statistic differences were found between BPD newborns and controls with regard to gestational age, birth weight, mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen therapy, maternal preeclampsia, and chorioamnionitis. No differences were detected between genotypic and allelic levels regarding VEGFR1 and VEGF molecular polymorphisms. Conclusions. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms within VEGF and VEGFR1 genes are not associated with BPD. Further researches are needed to reveal gene polymorphisms involved in vascular development as contributors to the onset of BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the genetics of phenotypic convergence can yield important insights into adaptive evolution. Here, we conducted a comparative genomic study of four lineages (species and subspecies) of anadromous shad (Alosa) that have independently evolved life cycles entirely completed in freshwater. Three naturally diverged (A. fallax lacustris, A. f. killarnensis, and A. macedonica), and the fourth (A. alosa) was artificially landlocked during the last century. To conduct this analysis, we assembled and annotated a draft of the A. alosa genome and generated whole‐genome sequencing for 16 anadromous and freshwater populations of shad. Widespread evidence for parallel genetic changes in freshwater populations within lineages was found. In freshwater A. alosa, which have only been diverging for tens of generations, this shows that parallel adaptive evolution can rapidly occur. However, parallel genetic changes across lineages were comparatively rare. The degree of genetic parallelism was not strongly related to the number of shared polymorphisms between lineages, thus suggesting that other factors such as divergence among ancestral populations or environmental variation may influence genetic parallelism across these lineages. These overall patterns were exemplified by genetic differentiation involving a paralog of ATPase‐α1 that appears to be under selection in just two of the more distantly related lineages studied, A. f. lacustris and A. alosa. Our findings provide insights into the genetic architecture of adaptation and parallel evolution along a continuum of population divergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alien invasive species represent a major threat in Italian freshwaters. Despite national and European regulations aimed at the control and prevention of new invasive species, the number of allochthonous species is increasing and so is the rate of spread. One of the most widespread invasive animals in coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea is the blue crab Callinectes sapidus, a native of the Western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Argentina. The species is euryhaline, and besides coastal waters, it is also commonly recorded in upper estuaries and lower reaches of rivers. Considering its fast adaptability and invasiveness, the main purpose of this work is to assess whether its biological plasticity and invasive capability may represent, in addition to marine and coastal habitats, also a potential threat for inland waters. Samples were collected in seven sites distributed between Southern and Central Italy. The new records are herein presented, starting from the original introduction by ballast waters and the actual westward migration in inland waters of Latium and Tuscany. In addition, the threat to biodiversity is also discussed, considering the blue crab aggressiveness toward both vertebrates and invertebrates, which may limit the distribution of native freshwater fish and macrofauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative role of propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic variables as determinants of alien species occurrence differs among studies. This limits the synthesis of emergent patterns in invasion ecology and generalisations for conservation actions. In order to produce a broad and general assessment of the invasion pattern in aquatic habitats we here propose a macroecological approach to assess the drivers of occurrence of alien species within the whole biota (microorganisms, plants and animals) across several natural freshwater ecosystems of Italy. We simultaneously tested three groups of variables (propagule pressure, abiotic and biotic characteristics), selected as putative predictors of invasibility of a site. Propagule pressure, expressed as proximity to larger inhabited areas, and differences in the native species richness of the receiving community, had a significant role in determining the number of alien species occurrences. Furthermore, body size influenced the occurrence and colonization processes of alien species. Finally, climatic characteristics were relevant in determining the chances that a site was invaded, confirming the role of these abiotic filters in the invasion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven Italian populations of twaite shad Alosa fallax from Northern and Central Italy were investigated to assess genetic diversity by Cytochrome b ( Cytb) gene sequencing. The two ecotypes historically referred to landlocked and anadromous populations were investigated for the first time from a genetic point of view, to clarify their phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, results obtained from populations coming from separated Adriatic and Tyrrhenian basins were compared with data assessed in samples of allis shad Alosa alosa from the Atlantic basin. All the Italian samples were recognized at species level as A. fallax, differing for five mutations from A. alosa. The analyses confirmed the occurrence of a single phylogenetic lineage and of a single species within Italian waters, in both landlocked and migratory populations. The minimum spanning network identified six haplotypes for A. fallax and two haplotypes for A. alosa. The neighbour-joining tree and the maximum likelihood on the Cytb gene sequences confirmed two distinct lineages for A. alosa and A. fallax, without evidence of a separation at specific level within the A. fallax group. A weak separation due to incipient population differentiation was detected between anadromous and landlocked Italian populations, supporting the idea of a recent separation. The molecular data herein collected do not support the existence of the already controversial incipient species Alosa agone. Despite this, the two ecotypes could be considered as different management units from a conservation viewpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings demonstrated the role of neurotransmitters in the aetiopathogenesis of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy. Although genes involved in serotonin metabolism have been proposed as risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the contribution of additional neurotransmitters and genes different from the serotonin transporter ( SLC6A4, 5-HTT) has not been investigated. Considering the common metabolic pathway and synergism between dopamine and serotonin, the role of dopamine transporter ( SLC6A3, DAT) and monoamine oxidase A ( MAOA) genes in SIDS and stillbirth (sudden intrauterine unexplained death, SIUD) was investigated. Genotypes and allelic frequencies of DAT and MAOA were determined in 20 SIDS and five stillbirth cases and compared with 150 controls. No association was found between DAT polymorphisms and SIDS either at genotype ( P = 0.64) or allelic ( P = 0.86) level; however, a highly significant association was found between MAOA genotypes ( P = 0.047) and alleles ( P = 0.002) regulating different expression patterns (3R/3R vs 3.5R/3.5R + 4R/4R) in SIDS + SIUD and controls. Analysis of combined 5-HTTLPR (serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region) /MAOA genotypes revealed that frequency of L/L-4R/4R genotype combination was eightfold higher in SIDS + SIUD than in controls ( P < 0.001). Findings are discussed considering the metabolic association among DAT, 5-HTT and MAOA with special emphasis on the linked action of 5-HTT/MAOA in regulating serotonin metabolism of SIDS and SIUD infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the variety of cultured marine species, the turbot Scophthalmus maximus is a fish of growing importance in European aquaculture. In this paper, an advanced application of AFLPs to estimate the genetic diversity of haploid gynogenetic families with the aim of obtaining a preliminary genetic map is presented. Ten EcoRI/ TaqI primer combinations were tested in four families comprising diploid mothers and their haploid progenies. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis revealed an average of 6.8 polymorphic bands per primer combination and a total number of 88 polymorphisms out of 579 fragments. Among various primer pairs, seven combinations were selected in relation to the quality of profiles and number of polymorphic fragments, to be used in the determination of genetic linkage relationship between AFLP markers within the largest haploid family. Co-migration of non-homologous fragments was also investigated in one primer combination adding a fourth selective nucleotide to the three used in the classic TaqI AFLP protocol. Surprisingly, a rate of 38.7% of non-homologous fragments co-migrating with monomorphic bands was identified, due to the combined effect of homoplasy and the protocol used. Additional polymorphic markers discovered by this protocol were included in the linkage map. The turbot AFLP linkage map comprises 52 AFLP markers distributed in 12 linkage groups. On the basis of this map, turbot expected total genome length sums up to 1225.6 cM. The results confirm the usefulness of AFLPs in revealing genome segregation in haploid turbot progeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paucity of investigations on the presence of artificial radionuclides and their bioaccumulation in Antarctic fauna is due to the erroneous belief that this area is pristine. We report evidence that significant levels of the artificial radionuclides Sr-90, Cs-137, Am-241 and plutonium isotopes can be found in sponges, bivalves, krill and demersal fish fauna of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea), sometimes with a seasonal pattern. Increasing concentrations of Cs-137 were detected in the bivalve Adamussium colbecki (Antarctic scallop) during austral summer months, as a result of major trophic activity and changes in metabolic rates. Bioconcentration factors for artificial radionuclides in different Antarctic species are presented and discussed in relation to their different trophic strategies. Unexpectedly high radiocesium bioconcentration factors determined in bivalves suggested the particular role played by filter feeding in bioaccumulation, particularly in summer when radionuclide bioavailability is enhanced. The feeding preference of the trematomiid fish Trematomus bernacchii for the scallop A. colbecki is confirmed, not only by fish gut content analyses, but also through radiometric results. Transuranics bioaccumulation by sensitive species allowed some interesting comparisons on the different plutonium contamination of the southern hemisphere with respect to the northern one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seahorses are considered a flagship species for conservation efforts and due to their conservation status, improving knowledge on their dietary composition while applying a non-invasive approach, could be useful. Using Hippocampus guttulatus as a case study, the present study represents pioneering research into investigating the diet of seahorses by NGS-based DNA metabarcoding of fecal samples. The study developed and tested the protocol for fecal DNA metabarcoding during the feeding trials where captive seahorses were fed on a diet of known composition; the process was subsequently applied on fecal samples collected from wild individuals. The analysis of samples collected during the feeding trials indicated the reliability of the applied molecular approach by allowing the characterization of the effectively ingested prey. In the field study, among detected prey species, results revealed that the majority of the seahorse samples contained taxa such as Amphipoda, Decapoda, Isopoda, and Calanoida, while less common prey taxa were Gastropoda and Polyplacophora. As only a small amount of starting fecal material is needed and the sampling procedure is neither invasive nor lethal. The present study indicates DNA metabarcoding as useful for investigating seahorse diet and could help define management and conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of fish traceability in processed products is still an important issue in food safety. Major attention is nowadays dedicated to consumer health and prevention of possible frauds regulated by national and international laws. For this reason, a technical approach is fundamental in revealing mislabeling at different levels. In particular, the use of genetic markers has been standardized and DNA barcoding is considered the gold-standard strategy to examine and prevent species substitution. Considering the richness of available DNA databases, it is nowadays possible to rapidly reach a reliable taxonomy at the species level. Among different approaches, an innovative method based on DNA mini barcoding has recently been proposed at an international level. Starting from this evidence, we herein illustrate an investigation dealing with the evolution of this topic in Italy over the last decade. The molecular analysis of 71 commercial fish samples based on mini-COI sequencing with two different primer sets reached an amplification success rate of 87.3 and 97.2%. The investigation revealed four major frauds (5.8%) and four minor ones (5.8%). Results highlighted a decrease in incorrect labeling in Italy from 32% to 11.6% over the last decade, although a recurrent involvement of "endangered" species sensu IUCN was still observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ISECI (or F index) has been the first fish index to be recommended by the Italian Ministry of the Environment to assess the rivers ecological status with regard to fish communities, in accordance with the Water Framework Directive 2000/60 EC. In addition to ISECI, other fish indices have been developed such as the Forneris Ichthyic Index (I.I.) and a revised version of ISECI, the so-called NISECI. The latter is nowadays the reference Italian index in the framework of the Water Framework Directive. In this work, we analyzed 30 sampling sites along 18 watercourses in Northern Italy and computed the results of fish monitoring to evaluate the strength of ISECI and NISECI, as well as to assess weak points limiting their application. We detected several issues that undermine the ISECI effectiveness. The weakest point regarded the mismatch between the expected reference fish community and the sampled ones, which decreased the overall algorithm efficiency in the evaluation process. On the other hand, the results confirm the improvements introduced by NISECI. Although with some advancement, all three proposed indices revealed their weaknesses in the overall assessment of the ecological status of the water course, as also highlighted by a pioneering comparison with three expert-based blind judgements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as "the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of age which remains unexplained after thorough investigation including a complete autopsy, death scene investigation, and detailed clinical and pathological review". A significant decrease of SIDS deaths occurred in the last decades in most countries after the beginning of national campaigns, mainly as a consequence of the implementation of risk reduction action mostly concentrating on the improvement of sleep conditions. Nevertheless, infant mortality from SIDS still remains unacceptably high. There is an urgent need to get insight into previously unexplored aspects of the brain system with a special focus on high-risk groups. SIDS pathogenesis is associated with a multifactorial condition that comprehends genetic, environmental and sociocultural factors. Effective prevention of SIDS requires multiple interventions from different fields. Developing brain susceptibility, intrinsic vulnerability and early identification of infants with high risk of SIDS represents a challenge. Progress in SIDS research appears to be fundamental to the ultimate aim of eradicating SIDS deaths. A complex model that combines different risk factor data from biomarkers and omic analysis may represent a tool to identify a SIDS risk profile in newborn settings. If high risk is detected, the infant may be referred for further investigations and follow ups. This review aims to illustrate the most recent discoveries from different fields, analyzing the neuroanatomical, genetic, metabolic, proteomic, environmental and sociocultural aspects related to SIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study to assess the occurrence of null alleles and test markers reliability. It notes that while the presence of microsatellite null alleles was reported for the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum, this has not been checked by specific tests. The results suggest that allele frequency corrections allow the evaluation of population differential levels but do not lead to a reliable assignment of individuals to populations.