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This study provides a comparative assessment of fresh semen quality and sensitivity to cryopreservation in several Italian chicken breeds. The research involved 145 roosters from 13 breeds. The results showed a wide variability in all the parameters considered among the different breeds, especially in the quantitative variables of fresh semen, such as volume and concentration. For the qualitative characteristics (sperm membrane integrity and motility parameters), the variability across breeds was more pronounced for frozen than fresh semen. Interestingly, apart from total motility in fresh semen, breed had a significant effect on all semen quality parameters in both fresh and thawed ejaculates. Considering the overall qualitative characteristics, the Robusta maculata, Siciliana, and Mericanel della Brianza breeds produced ejaculates with better semen quality compared to other Italian breeds. By evaluating the main parameters of semen quality, our results underline the potential of these traits to influence the reproductive success and genetic conservation. The Bionda piemontese, Bianca di Saluzzo, Livorno bianca, Pepoi, and Siciliana breeds showed better resilience to cryopreservation, suggesting the need for breed-specific protocols to optimise semen quality after thawing. Importantly, the research highlights the central role of semen quality for both immediate fertilisation success and long-term conservation efforts. Future studies integrating OMICS technologies could elucidate molecular markers influencing breed-specific differences, helping to refine cryopreservation techniques and improve conservation strategies for indigenous Italian chicken breeds. This work contributes valuable insights to global efforts aimed at safeguarding poultry genetic diversity and sustainability.

The poultry industry stands as a cornerstone in securing global food stability, both in the present and foreseeable future. To continue to uphold this critical role, the exploration of innovative, low-input feed sources is imperative. Hemp emerges as a promising candidate, offering locally sourced ingredients that not only reduce feed costs but also maintain high nutritional standards for livestock. This study delved into the utilisation of whole hemp seeds in the diet of 100 Naked-neck Kabir chicks that were divided randomly into two dietary groups, one fed a control diet (CTRL) and one fed a diet deprived of soybean meal with 10% inclusion of Carmagnola hemp seeds (HEMP). Birds were slaughtered at 81 days of age. Physicochemical characteristics of breast, thigh, and liver, besides the antioxidant content and the lipid oxidative status, were investigated. The HEMP birds exhibited higher daily weight gain and final live weight compared to the CTRL group. Results revealed improvements in the fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in the HEMP group, leading to good levels of key nutrients such as α-tocopherol, retinol, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These findings underscore the potential of hemp seeds as a feed ingredient, standing poised as a sustainable ally in fortifying the poultry productive chain.

In the European Union, energy consumption in agriculture and forestry is less intense than in other economic sectors. However, fossil and non-renewable sources, particularly oil, are predominant, with higher percentages than in different economic sectors. In this context, this study aims to compare the environmental impact generated by equine and mechanical traction for viticulture practices in an organic production context, using life cycle assessment (LCA). Three scenarios were considered: business as usual (i.e., tractor-grown grapes) and horse-grown grapes but with two feeding options (tractor-grown hay and horse-grown hay). The results show that the tractor-grown grape scenario has higher impacts in five impact categories whereas the horse-grown scenario shows higher Global Warming, and to a minor extent Land use. Specifically, the worst results of the control scenario are in the mid-point category of Inorganic Respiratory due to fuel use, which produces P M 2.5. Fuel use is also the cause of the highest environmental burdens in other categories such as terrestrial Ecotoxicity. A sensitive analysis of the results was performed considering the endpoint damage categories. The outcomes show that, in general, the impact of horses is quite stable even under potentially different conditions. Some categories (ecosystem quality, global impact) are only slightly affected by variation in growth time, while all other categories (human health, resources, climate change) experience greater variation.

This study explores the potential of rabbits as a sustainable solution for poverty alleviation and food security in Burkina Faso, a country facing socio-economic and environmental challenges. In the context of limited resources and employment opportunities, rabbits offer advantages such as small size, short generation interval and high reproductive capacity. The research focuses on characterising the morphology of Burkina Faso’s local rabbit population, comparing it with two Italian breeds: a local medium-growing breed called Leprino di Viterbo (LV) and a fast-growing hybrid (a crossbred New Zealand × California, NZC). Utilising path analysis and principal component analysis, the study identifies key morphometric traits crucial for breeding programs and examines the influence of specific traits on body weight (BW) gain and heat stress resilience through ‘Transpiration Indexes.’ Findings highlight the importance of variables like chest girth (CG), abdominal girth (AG), rump width (RW) and nose to shoulders length (NSL) in influencing body weight (BW) and reveal significant size and shape differences among the breeds. The study suggests potential climate adaptation in Burkina Faso’s rabbit population, providing practical insights for breeding programs in resource-constrained regions. This research not only advances scientific understanding but also provides practical insights for breeding programs in resource-constrained regions, emphasising the importance of certain morphological traits for heat dissipation.

Specific characteristics of the eggs from nucleus populations of Ancona (AN), Bianca di Saluzzo (BS), Bionda Piemontese (BP), Livorno, Mericanel della Brianza (MB), Mugellese (MU), Siciliana (SI) and Valdarnese (VA) chicken breeds kept in University Research Centres across Italy were evaluated. The physical characteristics considered were whole egg weight and shell, yolk and albumen proportion. The chemical characteristics considered were dry matter (DM), ash and protein content of the yolk and albumen, and the yolk fat. Among the breed groups evaluated in this study, BS and BP produce large eggs that are rich in total crude protein and lipids, with abundant egg whites. MB and MU produce small eggs with a high yolk percentage. AN and SI hens produce medium-small-sized eggs. The heaviest yolks were observed in AN eggs, and the highest shell percentage was found in SI eggs. LB and VA produce medium-large-sized eggs with low yolk lipid content.

Increasing rates of gender-based and sexual abuse, coupled with a rise in misogynistic influencers online, have become a growing issue in UK and Irish schools. This paper reports on the findings of a post lockdown study in England and Ireland that piloted workshops on gender-based and sexual violence. While most student responses were positive, we found that roughly 10% of girls and 20% of boys were resistant. In this paper, we explore these critical responses, focusing specifically on male resistance. Our findings indicate that new strategies, which avoid the concept of 'toxic masculinity', are needed to help boys move from defensive to empathetic engagements. We also find that the neoliberal, meritocratic ethos of many schools has fostered a problematic framing of gender-based violence as gender neutral. We conclude that it is vital to adopt an intersectional, whole-school approach to educating about sexual violence, which acknowledges male victimhood, while also emphasizing gendered privileges.

Background: Hypereosinophilic syndrome is characterized by a peripheral blood eosinophil count >1.5 × 103/μL on two different examinations within a month of each other and/or a 20% or higher percentage of eosinophils in a bone marrow section, associated with organ damage. Rarely, neurological manifestations may occur, even in the early stages. We report a case of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome with Loeffler endocarditis presenting with multiple bilateral strokes and encephalopathy as the first clinical manifestations. Summary: Hypereosinophilia and echocardiographic findings suggested a Loeffler’s endocarditis. Blood hyperviscosity and small vessels inflammation induced by the hypereosinophilia itself, the embolization of intracardiac thrombus, along with the impaired clearance of microthrombi in the watershed areas, are the main mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of stroke in the hypereosinophilic syndrome. Additionally, encephalopathy could be considered as a consequence of multiple cerebral infarcts and neurotoxicity induced by hypereosinophilia since our patient’s confusion and aggressive behavior gradually remitted after steroid therapy was started. Key Messages: To the best of our knowledge, our case report is a rare instance highlighting neurological involvement as the earliest manifestation of hypereosinophilia. We aimed to elucidate the central nervous system involvement in this intriguing disorder, with the goal of encouraging clinicians to consider hypereosinophilic syndrome in the diagnostic assessment of rare stroke etiologies.

Abstract The heterogeneity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be explained by epigenetic alterations that disrupt transcriptional programs mediating environmental and genetic risk. This study evaluated the epigenetic contribution to SLE heterogeneity considering molecular and serological subtypes, genetics and transcriptional status, followed by drug target discovery. We performed a stratified epigenome-wide association studies of whole blood DNA methylation from 213 SLE patients and 221 controls. Methylation quantitative trait loci analyses, cytokine and transcription factor activity - epigenetic associations and methylation-expression correlations were conducted. New drug targets were searched for based on differentially methylated genes. In a stratified approach, a total of 974 differential methylation CpG sites with dependency on molecular subtypes and autoantibody profiles were found. Mediation analyses suggested that SLE-associated SNPs in the HLA region exert their risk through DNA methylation changes. Novel genetic variants regulating DNAm in disease or in specific molecular contexts were identified. The epigenetic landscapes showed strong association with transcription factor activity and cytokine levels, conditioned by the molecular context. Epigenetic signals were enriched in known and novel drug targets for SLE. This study reveals possible genetic drivers and consequences of epigenetic variability on SLE heterogeneity and disentangles the DNAm mediation role on SLE genetic risk and novel disease-specific meQTLs. Finally, novel targets for drug development were discovered.

According to FAO projections, meat and fish production will have to increase by 70% by 2050 to meet the needs of the growing global population and its protein requirements. The poultry sector has been one of the most responsive industries to the growing demand for protein, with a significant increase in egg and chicken meat production. Although eggs are important foods in the human diet, environmental impacts and ethical aspects could also affect dietary choices. This study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of egg production, by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). More specifically, the study compared two different farming systems of conventional and organic egg production, with reference to two case studies in northern Italy. The results obtainedgenerally showed the conventional system to be more efficient compared to the organic system. For example, as regards the impact category of Fine particulate matter formation, the conventional system had a 28.6% lower impact than the organic system. Another major difference was in the Land use category, where the conventional system had an impact of 48.5% less than the organic system. The Organic Scenario showed some critical aspects, e.g. the need for a large agricultural area, low feed conversion rates and low crop yields. The two production scenarios showed that in terms of environmental impact, the main difference between organic and conventional egg production resides in feed production. I It is, therefore, essential to work on a low input formula, to substitutethe diet components with the greatest impact and adopt strategies to obtain an increase in yields and/or a reduction in resource consumption during the cultivation phase. The complete substitution of soybean with other local crops could reduce several impacts, including the one linked to transport. The further reduction of maize could also limit the expected impact.

Marine organisms have been observed ingesting microplastic particles, with field analyses indicating fibers and fragments as prevalent forms. Current microplastic detection methods are mainly time-consuming, susceptible to cross-contamination, and expensive. Furthermore, these techniques, being disruptive, do not allow for the exact localization of the microplastic in the sample. This study proposes a new approach using Computed Tomography (CT scan) and Artificial Intelligence for the automatic and non-destructive detection of microplastics in fishes and other species based on the combination of several factors, such as density and shape. The advantages of this methodology include accurate identification of plastic localization, a low risk of cross-contamination, rapid processing, automatic tomographic measurement, efficient data processing, cost-effectiveness, and a high cost-benefit ratio. The herein results highlight how artificial intelligence applied to conventional techniques can significantly improve precision and efficiency in microplastic research. Indeed, the semantic segmentation model clearly recognized the presence of 100 % of the plastic particles, both in their location and in their volume, accelerating the identification process and surpassing the limitations of traditional spectral analysis methodologies.

Los testamentos otorgados por mujeres y varones en Buenos Aires durante el siglo XVIII permiten reconocer marcadas diferencias relativas a la distribución patrimonial, en las cuales se advierten correlaciones con la configuración de la sociedad virreinal con base en una distinción jurídicamente sancionada en términos estatutarios y étnicos. Sin embargo, y en contraposición a aquellas diferencias, las prácticas de endeudamiento parecen atravesar la totalidad del arco social conformado por testadores y testadoras: las declaraciones de deudas activas y pasivas pueden reconocerse en prácticamente todos los testamentos otorgados, dando cuenta de un fenómeno igualmente estructurante de la sociedad porteña de Antiguo Régimen. El análisis sobre los instrumentos, motivos, recurrencias y enlaces que configuraron dichas deudas permitirá comprender de qué manera las obligaciones derivadas del endeudamiento contribuyeron a integrar, de manera constitutivamente asimétrica y desigual, a una población como la de Buenos Aires durante un periodo clave de su consolidación económica: las décadas de 1770 y 1780. Las deudas declaradas en los testamentos solían constituir actos consumados en tiempos pretéritos de la vida del testador, cuando la muerte no necesariamente era vislumbrada en el corto plazo y el presunto juicio sobre el alma no acechaba necesariamente como principal constricción sobre la conducta. Y aún en momentos en los que la formulación del testamento se aproximaba, la vida cotidiana imponía la necesidad de apelar a prácticas de endeudamiento que también quedaban asentadas en la última voluntad. Se indagarán, por lo tanto, todas las declaraciones de deuda legadas en la documentación testamentaria, para establecer relaciones con la cultura material expresada en el patrimonio asimismo declarado en los testamentos. Para ello, este trabajo apela a un relevamiento sobre los testamentos otorgados por varones y mujeres ante las escribanías de registro en función en Buenos Aires durante dicho periodo, documentación que se encuentra preservada en el Archivo General de la Nación (República Argentina).

ABSTRACT: The optimization of animal welfare, meat quality, environmental impact, and economic sustainability in alternative poultry farming can be achieved by modulating several productive factors and improving the synergy between the chicken genotype and the outdoor environment. The objective of the study was to characterize 4 slow-growing chicken genotypes reared in free range conditions. Eight hundred chickens (SGs; 25 chickens/replicates/genotype/enrichment) belonging to the following genotypes, Red JA57 (RJ), Naked Neck (NN), Lohmann Dual meat-type (LD), and an Italian crossbreed (Robusta Maculata x Sasso, CB). were utilised and slaughtered at 81 d: The grazing areas were alternatively provided with enrichment constituted by strips of sorghum plants (ENR) or only grass (NO ENR). Productive performance (daily weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, live weight) were recorded weekly. Behaviour observations (walking and grass pecking), carcass and meat quality of breast and drumstick were also assessed in 15 chickens/replicate/genotypes/enrichment. Results demonstrated that both LD and CB showed the highest walking activity, but the different strains were differently capable of using the foraging resources (eating grass). The better productive performance was recorded in RJ followed by NN, CB and LD. In LD and CB, the different walking activities also affected the physico-chemical profiles (lower pHu, WHC, and lipids) of the breast and drumstick. The oxidative status was worse in CB than in the other groups (lower tocols, higher carbonyls), in both meat cuts. Fatty acid profile was also related to the genetic strain: a higher amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was recorded both in the breast and drumstick of RJ and NN. The Healthy Fatty Index resulted excellent in all the chicken genotypes. In conclusion, the environment/animal interaction resulted as an important factor affecting the adaptability of genotypes to an extensive rearing system. All four genotypes, to different extents, showed good adaptability and production performance, with the exception of LD and CB, which were too light for the commercial supply chain requirements.

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to compare the dynamics of growth of various chicken genotypes exposed to heat stress, low-input diets, and free-range farming by using Gompertz model to gain insights into their capabilities to face environmental and nutritional challenges. Three in vivo trials (T1: heat stress, T2: low-input diets, and T3: free-range system) were conducted, involving a total of 671 animals. Five chicken genotypes were employed in each trial: 2 Italian local breeds, Bionda Piemontese (BP) and Robusta Maculata (RM), along with their crossbreeds with Sasso hens (BP×SA and RM×SA), and a commercial hybrid (Ross 308). One-day-old male chicks were individually identified, and the 5 genotypes were randomly allocated to different challenging conditions: T1 involved 2 environmental temperatures (thermoneutral vs. high temperature); T2 involved 2 diets (standard vs. low-input); T3 involved 2 rearing systems (conventional vs. free-range). The chickens were weighed once a week from their arrival until slaughtering, and the data were used to build growth curves using the Gompertz model. Chickens from different genotypes were slaughtered at varying ages based on their maturity. In all trials, the challenging conditions significantly reduced adult body weight (A; −31.0%) and maximum growth rate (MGR; −25.6%) of Ross chickens. In contrast, in T1 and T2, no significant changes were observed in the main growth curve parameters of local breeds and crossbreeds, while under free-range conditions, there was even an increase in the A and MGR of these genotypes. The crossbreeding was effective in increasing A and MGR of BP (+30.5% in BP×SA), as well as in improving the precocity and MGR of RM (+19.5% in RM×SA). Our findings highlight the effectiveness of the Gompertz model as a tool for evaluating birds’ adaptability and confirm the greater ability of local breeds and crossbreeds to adapt to different challenges. In conclusion, our methodological approach could be used to choose the genotype most suited to the environmental context and confirm the potential advantages of crossbreeding for enhancing resilience and sustainability.