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This article discusses a study conducted on stranded sardines along the Campania coasts in Italy. The study found the presence of cyst-like structures in the abdominal cavity of the sardines, which were identified as xenomas produced by microsporidia. Histopathological examination revealed the structure of the xenomas and identified the fungus as belonging to the Class Microsporidea, Family Glugeidea. Molecular identification confirmed the presence of Glugea plecoglossi, a parasite that can cause economic loss in fish populations. The study highlights the importance of considering the impact of these parasites on both wild and farmed fish. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is threatening health and the economy worldwide, not only in clinical settings, but also in livestock and wildlife management. Among the numerous wild animals affected, sea turtles are particularly exposed to antibiotics, due to biological and habitat characteristics. This study analysed the hospitalisation records in a sea turtle rescue centre in southern Italy during the last decade, focusing on the antibiotic resistance of bacteria isolated from clinical samples and organs. Resistance patterns to 7 antibiotics were examined in 138 bacteria isolated from 60 loggerhead sea turtles, highlighting 6 main bacterial families with different resistance rates. Vibrionaceae represented the predominant family, although the resistance rates did not exceed 10.5%. Similar results were described for Shewanellaceae, whereas the less represented families were those with the highest resistance rates and numbers of multidrug-resistant strains, especially Enterobacteriaceae and Morganellaceae. Previous antibiotic therapies appeared to enhance resistance, emphasizing the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship. Isolated bacteria are considered opportunistic pathogens, but their antibiotic resistance might compromise treatment and rehabilitation, potentially affecting the population health of these endangered species. Given the possible transfer of resistance across species, these findings should be considered from a One Health perspective, including other animals, humans and the environment. Antimicrobial resistance affects all environments, endangering the health of numerous species, including wildlife. Increasing anthropic pressure promotes the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance by wild animals. Sea turtles, being particularly exposed, are considered sentinels and carriers of potential zoonotic pathogens and resistant strains. Therefore, this study examined the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from loggerhead sea turtles hospitalised in a rescue centre of Southern Italy over a 9-year period. Resistance to ceftazidime, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, flumequine, gentamicin, oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim was evaluated for 138 strains isolated from the clinical samples or organs of 60 animals. Gram-negative families were the most isolated: Vibrionaceae were predominant, followed by Shewanellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Morganellaceae. These last three families exhibited the highest proportion of resistance and multidrug-resistant strains. Among the three Gram-positive families isolated, Enterococcaceae were the most represented and resistant. The opportunistic behaviour of all the isolated species is particularly concerning for diseased sea turtles, especially considering their resistance to commonly utilised antibiotics. Actually, the multiple antibiotic resistance was higher when the sea turtles were previously treated. Taken together, these findings highlight the need to improve antimicrobial stewardship and monitor antibiotic resistance in wildlife, to preserve the health of endangered species, along with public and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we describe the recovery of cellulose acetate (r-CA) polymer from waste cigarette butts (CBs) and their subsequent conversion into feedstock for 3D printing technology. The extraction process for CBs includes two stages: initial washes in water, followed by additional washes in ethanol. A final step involves a dissolution and reprecipitation process, resulting in the creation of a fine powder. The recovery polymer has been analysed and compared to commercial cellulose acetate (p-CA) and unsmoked cigarette filter (u-CA) to assess its purity and examine alterations in its physicochemical properties. The CA powder has also been plasticized with different biocompatible plasticizers to improve the mechanical properties of the CA. We analyze the rheological properties to identify the suitable composition as feedstock for 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous pathogen found both in the environment and food. It can cause listeriosis in a wide range of animals as well as in humans. Investigations on presence, spread and virulence are still limited to terrestrial and human environments. Embracing the One Health Approach, investigating the presence and spread of L. monocytogenes in marine ecosystems and among wildlife, would provide us with useful information for human health. This study investigated the presence of L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp. in two species of sea turtles common in the Mediterranean Sea (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas). A total of one hundred and sixty-four carcasses of sea turtles (C. caretta n = 161 and C. mydas n = 3) stranded along the Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, and Calabria coasts, were collected. Brain and fecal samples were taken, enriched, and cultured for the detection of Listeria spp. From the specimens collected, strains of L. monocytogenes (brain n = 1, brain and feces n = 1, multiorgan n = 1 and feces n = 1), L. innocua (feces n = 1 and brain n = 1), and L. ivanovii (brain n = 1) were isolated. Typical colonies were isolated for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Virulence genes, disinfectants/metal resistance, and antimicrobial resistance were also investigated. L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, and L. ivanovii were detected in C. caretta, whilst only L. monocytogenes and L. innocua in C. mydas. Notable among the results is the lack of significant differences in gene distribution between human and sea turtle strains. Furthermore, potentially pathogenic strains of L. monocytogenes were found in sea turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second cheese whey (SCW) or "scotta" in Italian, is a side-stream from the manufacturing of "Ricotta" cheese, obtained after thermal coagulation of whey proteins residue in the cheese whey. Galdieria sulphuraria is a thermophilic red algae well known for its metabolic capabilities to grow on wastewater and other saline effluents. In this work, the valorisation of SCW as nutrient source for the growth of G. sulphuraria has been investigated using different concentrations of SCW. The biochemical and fatty acids composition of the biomass obtained has been evaluated too. Small differences have been observed in terms of biomass obtained after 12 days of cultivation between the SCW media and the relative control with the same amount of reducing sugars. The fatty acids composition of G. sulphuraria grown in SCW showed a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the control. The biomass productivity using SCW media has also been optimized through response surface methodologies with supplementation of nitrogen source obtaining a biomass dry weight higher than 10 g L-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aquatic environment, plastics may release several hazardous substances of severe ecotoxicological concern not covalently bound to the polymers. The aim of this study was to examine the adverse effects of leachates of different virgin polymers, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS) on marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta. The tests carried out on D. tertiolecta included: growth inhibition, oxidative stress (DCFH-DA), and DNA damage (COMET assay). Polypropylene and PS leachates produced growth inhibition at the lowest concentration (3.1% of leachate). In contrast, a hormesis phenomenon was observed with PE leachates. An algae inhibition growth ranking (PP>PS>PE) was noted, based upon EC50 values. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated were increased with leachates concentrations with PS exhibiting the highest ROS levels, while a marked genotoxic effect (30%) was found only with PP. All leachates were free from detectable quantities of organic compounds (GC/MS) but showed the presence of transition, post-transition and alkaline earth metals, metalloids, and nonmetals (