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Simple Summary: The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is an invasive species threatening the Eurasian red squirrel in Umbria, Italy. Understanding its reproductive biology is crucial for managing its population. Based on previous research on female grey squirrels, this study investigates the nerve growth factor (NGF) system and its receptors in the testes of male grey squirrels. Eighteen squirrels were classified into immature, pubertal, and active spermatogenesis. Results showed an increased NGF level in pubertal squirrels. Immunohistochemistry identified NGF in Leydig cells, with stronger staining in pubertal and mature subjects. NTRK1 was found in the Leydig cells of immature squirrels and the germ cells of pubertal and mature ones. NGF receptors were also observed in Sertoli cells. These findings suggest that NGF plays a key role in testis development and reproductive success through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms, highlighting its importance in managing this invasive species. The grey squirrel, an invasive species, threatens the Eurasian red squirrel's conservation, particularly in Umbria, Italy. Understanding its reproductive biology is essential to limiting its reproductive success. This study investigates the NGF system and its receptors (NTRK1 and p75NTR) in the testes of male grey squirrels, following prior research on female reproductive biology. NGF plays a role in testicular morphogenesis and spermiogenesis in animals and humans. As part of the LIFE Project U-SAVEREDS, eighteen squirrels were captured and classified into three morphotypes (immature, pubertal, and active spermatogenesis). NGF and its receptors were analyzed using real-time PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and plasma levels measured via ELISA. NGF qPCR expression levels were significantly higher during puberty compared to the immature and spermatogenesis stages (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed NGF in Leydig cells, with stronger staining in pubertal and mature squirrels, while NTRK1 was found in Leydig cells in immature squirrels and germ cells in pubertal and mature ones. NGF receptors were observed in Sertoli cells in pubertal and mature squirrels. Plasma NGF levels showed a significant upregulation in pubertal squirrels (135.80 ± 12 pg/mL) compared to those in the immature (25.60 ± 9.32 pg/mL) and spermatogenesis stages (34.20 ± 6.06 pg/mL), with a p value < 0.01. The co-localization of NGF and its receptors suggests that NGF, produced by Leydig cells, regulates testis development and reproductive success through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms, potentially involving an unidentified pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several seminal plasma components, besides NGF, are implicated as ovulation-inducing factors in mammals. This study investigated the IL1B and its receptor IL1R1 in the testis (T), male accessory glands, prostate (P) and seminal vesicles (SV), and uterus (U) of adult rabbits using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). We also assessed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma through Western blotting (WB) and examined the interaction between IL1B and NGF in vitro by measuring their production with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the presence of NGF and IL1B alone or with their respective receptor antagonists. IHC revealed IL1B system expression in all reproductive organs studied, with IL1B and IL1R1 localized to the germinative epithelium of the T and the epithelial cells of the accessory glands and U. IL1B gene transcript levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the P and SV compared to the T, while IL1R1 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the P compared to the other tissues, while IL1R1 levels were three times higher (p < 0.001) in the P. WB confirmed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma with a 30–35 kDa band. The in vitro study demonstrated that IL1B increased (p < 0.05) basal NGF production in the U, whereas NGF had no effect on IL1B production. These findings provide evidence of the expression of the IL1B/IL1R1 system in both male and female rabbit reproductive tracts and suggest that IL1B in seminal plasma may influence uterine endocrine activity. The results propose a potential role for IL1B in ovulation, in conjunction with NGF, supporting that ovulation may involve inflammatory-like processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MiRNA-based therapies represent an innovative and promising strategy applicable to various medical fields, such as tissue regeneration and the treatment of numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular problems, and viral infections. MiRNAs, a group of small non-coding RNAs, play a critical role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and modulate several signaling pathways that maintain cellular and tissue homeostasis. The clinical trials discussed in the review herald a new therapeutic era for miRNAs, particularly in tissue engineering, using synthetic exogenous mimic miRNAs and antisense miRNAs (anti-miRNAs) to restore tissue health. This review provides an overview of miRNAs' biogenesis, mechanism of action, regulation, and potential applications, followed by an examination of the challenges associated with the transport and delivery of therapeutic miRNAs. The possibility of using viral and non-viral vectors that protect against degradation and ensure effective miRNA delivery is highlighted, focusing on the advantages of the emerging use of 3D biomaterial scaffolds for the delivery of mimic miRNAs and anti-miRNAs to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. Finally, the review assesses the current landscape of miRNA-activated scaffold therapies on preclinical and clinical studies in bone, cartilage, and skin tissues, emphasizing their emergence as a promising frontier in personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the current knowledge on the application of ultrasonography in the identification and removal of grass awns from various anatomic locations in dogs and cats. We selected and analyzed 46 papers on the application of ultrasonography in dogs and cats affected by migrating grass awns. The ultrasonographic appearance of grass awns is characteristic, although their size and location can influence visualization and removal attempt. In some cases, migrating grass awns are not directly visualized by ultrasonography, but lesions caused by their migration can be easily seen. Ultrasonography can be considered a useful diagnostic tool to localize and remove migrating grass awns; however, when the migration occurs in less accessible locations or discrete foreign bodies are present, this diagnostic tool should be considered as a part of a multidisciplinary approach with advanced diagnostic imaging modalities. Migrating grass awns are an important cause of disease in dogs and cats. Plant awns can migrate into several body tissues and cavities because of their fusiform shape and backward-pointing barbs. Their migration causes inflammatory tissue reaction and clinical signs depend upon their localization. Ultrasound has been described as a useful, noninvasive, and readily available tool to identify and guide vegetal foreign bodies removal in animals. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge on the application of ultrasonography in the identification and removal of grass awns from various anatomic locations in dogs and cats. We selected and analyzed 46 papers on the application of ultrasonography in dogs and cats affected by migrating grass awns. The ultrasonographic appearance of grass awns is characteristic, although their size and location can influence the visualization and the attempt of removal. In some cases, migrating grass awns are not directly visualized by ultrasonography, but the lesions caused by their migration can be easily seen. Ultrasonography can be considered a useful diagnostic tool to localize and remove migrating grass awns; however, when the migration occurs in less accessible locations or discrete foreign bodies are present, this diagnostic tool should be considered as a part of a multidisciplinary approach with advanced diagnostic imaging modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Porcupine quill injuries are common in dogs; however, intracardiac quill migration is rare. Considering the high rate of complications secondary to quill penetration and migration, veterinarians should be aware of risks associated with long-standing foreign bodies even when no clinical signs are evident. A dog was referred for three episodes of recurrent fever that resolved with antibiotic therapy. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a single linear hyperechoic structure traversing the interventricular septum from the heart base to the cardiac apex. A median sternotomy was performed, and a porcupine quill was removed under a direct ultrasound guide. The dog recovered uneventfully. Dogs without evidence of severe cardiac injury secondary to a single intracardiac quill may have a good prognosis. The porcupine is a nocturnal quill-bearing rodent common throughout Italy. When threatened, it defends itself by erecting its quills, rattling its tail, and running sideways or backyard into predators. The quills are released upon contact with assailants and tend to migrate into several body tissues or cavities due to the unique inverted cuticles (crenate) directed downwards to the quill base (a sort of "harpoon effect"). Intracardiac migration of porcupine quills has been reported in a few dogs with severe clinical signs. This case report describes a single porcupine quill [Hystrix cristata, (HC)] migration through the heart in a dog and the use of multimodality imaging for the diagnosis and surgical approach. A 4-year-old 25 kg female mixed-breed dog was presented for evaluation of recurrent fever. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination showed a linear, hyperechoic foreign body traversing the interventricular septum from the heart base to the cardiac apex. Computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the presence of a single structure resembling a quill; a later esophageal endoscopy showed no anatomical alterations or mucosal injuries. Following median sternotomy and after accurate localization by intraoperative ultrasound, the quill was successfully removed. The dog had a good recovery without evidence of severe cardiac injury secondary to an intracardiac quill. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the identification of an intracardiac HC quill by ultrasonography and CT and its successful removal by ultrasound guide has not been previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 13-year-old male mixed-breed dog was examined because of hematuria and pyrexia. Ultrasonographic examination of the genitourinary tract showed the presence of a migrating grass awn in the right prostatic lobe. Laparotomy allowed, under ultrasonographic guidance, to remove entirely the migrating grass awn from the prostatic parenchyma. The recovery was uneventful and four months after the surgery the owner reported that the dog showed the complete resolution of the clinical signs and full return to normal activity. To our knowledge, this case report describes for the first time the clinical presentation, imaging findings, management and outcome for a dog with prostatic localization of a migrating grass awn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Invasive alien species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, as once they have adapted to their new environment, they cause the reduction and even extinction of native species. In this framework, the American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) poses a serious threat to the European red species squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), especially in the Umbria region of Italy. In fact, an invasive grey squirrel population has adapted well to the Umbrian territory, showing high reproductive success. In addition to its role in the development of the vertebrate nervous system, nerve growth factor (NGF) has recently been found to play an important role in reproduction. In order to investigate the reproductive physiology of female grey squirrels, the ovarian presence, distribution, and gene expression of NGF and its cognate receptors were evaluated during both breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The presence and gene expression of this system at the ovarian level, mainly during the breeding season, confirm the possible involvement of NGF and its receptors in the gonadal activity of this invasive grey squirrel population. The grey squirrel is an invasive alien species that seriously threatens the conservation of the native red squirrel species. With the aim of characterizing the reproductive physiology of this species due to its great reproductive success, the function of the ovarian nerve growth factor (NGF) system was analyzed in a grey squirrel population living in central Italy. During the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, the ovarian presence, distribution, and gene expression of NGF, neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1), and nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), as well as NGF plasma concentrations, were evaluated in female grey squirrels. NGF was found in the luteal cells and in the thecal and granulosa cells of follicles, while NTRK1 and NGFR were only observed in follicular thecal and granulosa cells. NGF and NGFR transcripts were almost two-fold greater during the breeding season, while no seasonal differences were observed in NTRK1 gene expression. During the breeding season, NGFR was more expressed than NTRK1. Moreover, no changes were observed in NGF plasma levels during the reproductive cycle. The NGF system seems to be involved in regulating the ovarian cycle mainly via local modulation of NGF/NGFR, thus playing a role in the reproductive physiology of this grey squirrel population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The loss of biodiversity is continuing at an alarming rate worldwide and continuous efforts are required to conserve and protect species and habitats. In 2011, Europe adopted the EU Biodiversity Strategy, aiming to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The increasing number of alien species is one of the leading environmental emergencies. The gray squirrel, introduced to Europe from the USA, is one of the most common and feared invasive species. The introduction of this non-native species is endangering the survival of the smaller native squirrel, called the "common European" or "red" squirrel. The gray squirrel has a devastating impact on native populations of red squirrels as it outcompetes them for food and territory, in addition to carrying diseases. Sterilization is an indirect and humane method for the eradication of gray squirrels; however anesthetic protocols have not yet been standardized. This study describes two anesthetic protocols used to induce chemical immobilization for safe handling, in order to perform the gonadectomy, simultaneously allowing a fast recovery, followed by re-introduction in urban parks. The two anesthetic protocols included a combination of dexmedetomidine and midazolam with either alfaxalone or ketamine. Comparisons of their efficacy and evaluations of their physiologic effects are reported. The gray squirrel is one of the most common invasive species in Europe, whose presence is dangerous for the survival of the European red squirrel. To cope with this biological invasion and to safeguard biodiversity, the LIFE+U-SAVEREDS project aims to protect the red squirrel, by limiting the growth of the current population of gray squirrels and simultaneously promoting their eradication with surgical sterilization. This study compares two different anesthetic protocols, including dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.3 mg/kg) associated with ketamine (15 mg/kg; n = 25 squirrels) or alfaxalone (5 mg/kg; n = 22 squirrels). A blinded investigator evaluated the quality and onset of sedation, intraoperative anesthesia, and recovery, as well as the physiologic parameters for each animal. Alfaxalone provided a good quality of anesthesia with limited cardiovascular effects (p < 0.05) and good intraoperative myorelaxation. Ketamine induced complete relaxation in a shorter time (p < 0.05) and a rapid (p < 0.001) and excellent (p < 0.05) recovery. Despite the overall superiority of ketamine, alfaxalone appeared to be an adequate alternative anesthetic drug that can be administered without requiring intravascular access. It should be rapidly metabolized and excreted; however, it requires the combination of longer acting sedatives/myorelaxants to prevent a poor recovery quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The presence of an invasive alien species is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, which occurs through the reduction or even the extinction of native populations. In this context, the EU 2020 biodiversity strategy calls for research on invasive alien species in order to prevent their introduction and spread more effectively. The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), which is native to North America, provides one of the best-known examples of competitive exclusion of a native one, the European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). A grey squirrel population, living in central Italy (Umbria), was studied to provide parameters on its population dynamics, growth rates, and viability, in order to understand its adaptation to its non-native range. Our data revealed that the Umbrian grey squirrel population is well-adapted to its new range, undergoing two annual mating periods and experiencing high reproductive success. Therefore, these invasive grey squirrels pose a substantial threat to the local European red squirrel population. The reproductive cycle of an invasive alien Italian grey squirrel population was studied to understand its adaptation and limit its spread, in order to conserve the autochthonous red squirrel. Female and male genital traits were evaluated throughout the reproductive cycle, including the ovary, uterus, testicle, epididymis, seminiferous tubule morphometry, and germinative epithelium histology. Moreover, individual female fecundity was determined by counting uterine scars. Ovary width and uterus weight, length, and width reached their highest values in the luteal and pregnancy phases. On conducting a histological evaluation of the testicular germinal epithelium, four morphotypes related to the different reproductive phases of the male squirrels were identified: immature, pubertal, spermatogenesis, and regressive. Testicle and epididymis weights and seminiferous tubule diameters reached their largest values during spermatogenesis. Uterine scar analysis showed that 69% of the females had given birth to one or two litters, while 31% had no uterine scars. Litters were larger in the first breeding period than in the second; annual fecundity was 4.52 ± 1.88 uterine scars/female. Umbrian grey squirrels have adapted to their non-native range, showing two annual mating periods at times similar to those in their native range, and high reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We combined virtual reality and multisensory bodily illusion with the aim to characterize and reduce the perceptual (body overestimation) and the cognitive-emotional (body dissatisfaction) components of body image distortion (BID) in anorexia nervosa (AN). For each participant (20 anorexics, 20 healthy controls) we built personalized avatars that reproduced their own body size, shape, and verisimilar increases and losses of their original weight. Body overestimation and dissatisfaction were measured by asking participants to choose the avatar that best resembled their real and ideal body. Results show higher body dissatisfaction in AN, caused by the desire of a thinner body, and no body-size overestimation. Interpersonal multisensory stimulation (IMS) was then applied on the avatar reproducing participant's perceived body, and on the two avatars which reproduced increases and losses of 15% of it, all presented with a first-person perspective (1PP). Embodiment was stronger after synchronous IMS in both groups, but did not reduce BID in participants with AN. Interestingly, anorexics reported more negative emotions after embodying the fattest avatar, which scaled with symptoms severity. Overall, our findings suggest that the cognitive-emotional, more than the perceptual component of BID is severely altered in AN and that perspective (1PP vs. 3PP) from which a body is evaluated may play a crucial role. Future research and clinical trials might take advantage of virtual reality to reduce the emotional distress related to body dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]