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Ports are affected by a high rate of sedimentation that requires frequent dredging of the seabed to restore bathymetric levels. In some cases, the sediments consist of a large amount of leaves of phanerogams (e.g., P. oceanica) that must be treated differently from what is required by the Italian law on sediments (Ministerial Decree No. 173/2016), since soils cannot be treated either as sediment or as waste. About one meter of the sediment cores collected in the Port of Sperlonga consisted of organic waste derived from a different stage of seagrass decomposition. To optimize the management, the decomposed organic detritus was characterized from physical-chemical (content of nutrient and pollutants), ecotoxicological and mechanical (microtensile, microscopic structure) points of view, to define different management solutions for the final disposal. The results of this study describe the characteristics of this type of organic detritus, highly present in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, and allow a better definition of different possible solutions to valorize this resource instead of disposing it in an organic waste landfill. The search for environmentally friendly options for waste management is of particular interest in terms of the green economy, and the reduction of CO2 emissions as an indirect effect obtained by improving waste recycling.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic chemicals implied as flame retardants. Humans are mainly exposed to BDE-47, -99, and -209 congeners by diet. PBDEs are metabolic disruptors with the liver as the main target organ. To investigate their mode of action at a human-relevant concentration, we exposed HepG2 cells to these congeners and their mixture at 1 nM, analyzing their transcriptomic and proteomic profiles. KEGG pathways and GSEA Hallmarks enrichment analyses evidenced that BDE-47 disrupted the glucose metabolism and hypoxia pathway; all the congeners and the MIX affected lipid metabolism and signaling Hallmarks regulating metabolism as mTORC1 and PI3K/AKT/MTOR. These results were confirmed by glucose secretion depletion and increased lipid accumulation, especially in BDE-47 and -209 treated cells. These congeners also affected the EGFR/MAPK signaling; further, BDE-47 enriched the estrogen pathway. Interestingly, BDE-209 and the MIX increased ERα gene expression, whereas all the congeners and the MIX induced ERβ and PPARα. We also found that PBDEs modulated several lncRNAs and that HNRNAP1 represented a central hub in all the four interaction networks. Overall, the PBDEs investigated affected glucose and lipid metabolism with different underlying modes of action, as highlighted by the integrated omics analysis, at a dietary relevant concentration. These results may support the mechanism-based risk assessment of these compounds in relation to liver metabolism disruption.

Humans are daily exposed to multiple residues of pesticides with agricultural workers representing a subpopulation at higher risk. In this context, the cumulative risk assessment of pesticide mixtures is an urgent issue. The present study evaluated, as a case study, the toxicological profiles of thirteen pesticide mixtures used for grapevine protection, including ten active compounds (sulfur, potassium phosphonate, metrafenone, zoxamide, cyflufenamid, quinoxyfen, mancozeb, folpet, penconazole and dimethomorph), at concentrations used on field. A battery of in vitro tests for cell viability and oxidative stress endpoints (cytotoxicity, apoptosis, necrosis, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, gene expression of markers for apoptosis and oxidative stress) was performed on two cellular models representative of main target organs of workers’ and population exposure: pulmonary A549 and hepatic HepG2 cell lines. All the endpoints provided evidence for effects also at the lower concentrations used. The overall data were integrated into the ToxPI tool obtaining a toxicity ranking of the mixtures, allowing to prioritize effects also among similarly composed blends. The clustering of the toxicological profiles further provided evidence of common and different modes of action of the mixtures. The approach demonstrated to be suitable for the purpose and it could be applied also in other contexts.

Metabolomics is an emerging field of cell biology that aims at the comprehensive identification of metabolite levels in biological fluids or cells in a specific functional state. Currently, the major tools for determining metabolite concentrations are mass spectrometry coupled with chromatographic techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance, which are expensive, time consuming and destructive for the samples. Here, we report a time resolved approach to monitor metabolite dynamics in cell cultures, based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). This method is label-free, easy to use and provides the opportunity to simultaneously study a broad range of molecules, without the need to process the biological samples. As proof of concept, NIH/3T3 cells were cultured in vitro, and the extracellular medium was collected at different time points to be analyzed with our engineered SERS substrates. By identifying individual peaks of the Raman spectra, we showed the simultaneous detection of several components of the conditioned medium, such as L-tyrosine, L-tryptophan, glycine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine and fetal bovine serum proteins, as well as their intensity changes during time. Furthermore, analyzing the whole Raman data set with the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we demonstrated that the Raman spectra collected at different days of culture and clustered by similarity, described a well-defined trajectory in the principal component plot. This approach was then utilized to determine indirectly the functional state of the macrophage cell line Raw 264.7, stimulated with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours. The collected spectra at different time points, clustered by the PCA analysis, followed a well-defined trajectory, corresponding to the functional change of cells toward the activated pro-inflammatory state induced by the LPS. This study suggests that our engineered SERS surfaces can be used as a versatile tool both for the characterization of cell culture conditions and the functional state of cells over time.

Chiroptera includes over 1400 bat species, with at least 35 of these present in Italy. Due to their role as Lyssavirus reservoirs, bats found dead, with and without signs suggestive of this infection, are routinely submitted to the laboratory network of the Istituti Zooprofilattici Sperimentali in the framework of the rabies national passive and active surveillance program. Carcasses and biological samples collected from January to December 2021 in Latium and Tuscany, regions of our jurisdiction, were further screened for the presence of Coronaviruses (CoVs) and Herpesviruses using pan-family virus PCR tests, and relative PCR products were Sanger sequenced. Genetic characterization through sequencing detected AlphaCoVs in Miniopterus schreibersii and Beta- and Gammaherpesviruses in Tadarida teniotis. Samples were also submitted to bat genetic species identification.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is more prevalent in men, and premenopausal women have a better prognosis than both men and postmenopausal women, suggesting a protective effect of estrogen. Humans are exposed to estrogen-like contaminants such as bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of plastics that has been linked to hormone-related malignancies (e.g., breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers). The natural flavonolignan compound silibinin (SIL), acting as an estrogen agonist, may play a protective role in CRC in one or both sexes. Objectives: To explore the possible association between BPA and CRC, focusing on its potential pro-tumor role and possible gender differences. Analyzing the possible protective effects of SIL on the development of CRC is the secondary objective of the project. Methods: To shed light on the interaction between sex and estrogens, both endogenous and exogenous, in the onset of CRC. To this end, we combined ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo approaches to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. Conclusions: The data provided by this study will contribute to understanding the role of estrogens and their receptors in the onset and progression of CRC and the potential protective role of SIL in both sexes.

Background and Objectives: To describe the predictors of cribriform variant status and perineural invasion (PNI) in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) histology. To define the rates of upgrading between biopsy specimens and final histology and their possible predictive factors in prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing RARP. Material and Methods: Within our institutional database, 265 PCa patients who underwent prostate biopsies and consecutive RARP at our center were enrolled (2018–2022). In the overall population, two independent multivariable logistic regression models (LRMs) predicting the presence of PNI or cribriform variant status at RARP were performed. In low- and intermediate-risk PCa patients according to D’Amico risk classification, three independent multivariable LRMs were fitted to predict upgrading. Results: Of all, 30.9% were low-risk, 18.9% were intermediate-risk and 50.2% were high-risk PCa patients. In the overall population, the rates of the cribriform variant and PNI at RARP were 55.8% and 71.1%, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting PNI, total tumor length in biopsy cores (>24 mm [OR: 2.37, p-value = 0.03], relative to <24 mm) was an independent predictor. After multivariable LRMs predicting cribriform variant status, PIRADS (3 [OR:15.37], 4 [OR: 13.57] or 5 [OR: 16.51] relative to PIRADS 2, all p = 0.01) and total tumor length in biopsy cores (>24 mm [OR: 2.47, p = 0.01], relative to <24 mm) were independent predicting factors. In low- and intermediate-risk PCa patients, the rate of upgrading was 74.4% and 78.0%, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting upgrading, PIRADS (PIRADS 3 [OR: 7.01], 4 [OR: 16.98] or 5 [OR: 20.96] relative to PIRADS 2, all p = 0.01) was an independent predicting factor. Conclusions: RARP represents a tailored and risk-adapted treatment strategy for PCa patients. The indication of RP progressively migrates to high-risk PCa after a pre-operative assessment. Specifically, the PIRADS score at mpMRI should guide the decision-making process of urologists for PCa patients.

Several previous studies on YouTube TM information on medical topics have already been published. The current study aimed to evaluate the quality information of YouTube TM videos on Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5-is). A systematic search on YouTube™ was conducted using 30 keyword combinations. For each keyword’s combination, the first 50 videos were recorded. The quality of videos on YouTube™ was assessed with Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for audio‐visual content (PEMAT A/V), DISCERN score and a specified created Misinformation tool. According to the selection criteria, 229 YouTube™ videos were suitable for the analyses. Videos were stratified according to the five main identified topics: sildenafil [ n  = 98; 42.79%] vs tadalafil [ n  = 50; 21.83%] vs vardenafil [ n  = 44;19.21%] vs avanafil [ n  = 17; 7.42%] vs PDE5-is in general [ n  = 20; 8.73%]. The median overall PEMAT A/V Understandability score and Actionability score were 55% (interquartile range [IQR]: 42–75) and 0% (IQR = 0–67), respectively. Specifically, according to our stratification, YouTube Videos on avanafil reached higher values of both Understandability and Actionability (72.7% and 66.7, respectively) in contrast to other categories. According to DISCERN tool, the total overall median score was 29.5 (IQR = 18–41). According to Misinformation scale, the item 1 (‘sexual stimulation’) harboured an overall median score of 2 (IQR = 1–2); the item 2 (‘side effects’) an overall median score of 2 (IQR = 1–3); the item 3 (‘treatment choices’) an overall median score of 1 (IQR = 1–2); the item 4 (‘contraindications’) an overall median score of 2 (IQR = 1–2). YouTube™ is a fast and open-access source for mass information. The overall quality of the PDE5-is contents provided is sadly unsatisfactory. Nowadays, YouTube™ cannot be recommended as a reliable source of information on PDE5-is.

Background/Objective: The grade of recommendation for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) salvage treatment options is weak. The aim of the current study is to summarize available evidence about the surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of salvage renal options after previous treatments for RCC. Methods: A systematic search (PROSPERO: CRD42024618629) was performed according to the PRISMA statement. A pooled analysis was performed to quantify the effect size (ES) for an overall postoperative Clavien–Dindo (CD) grade ≥ III and postoperative and intraoperative complications for either partial or radical nephrectomy (PN or RN) subgroups. Results: Overall, 11 studies involving 331 patients were included in the final analysis. The median age ranged from 44 to 75 years. Primary treatments for RCC included 267 (80.6%) PNs, 40 (12.0%) radiofrequency ablations (RFAs), 23 (6.9%) cryotherapies, and 1 (0.3%) stereotactic radiotherapy. Overall, the median time of local recurrence for RCC patients was from 25 to 99 months for PNs, 13 months for RFA and cryotherapy, and 6 months for stereotactic radiotherapy. The overall pooled analysis was associated with an ES of 0.28 for overall postoperative complications and of 0.11 for CD ≥ III postoperative complications (all p < 0.001). Within subgroup analyses, RN was invariably associated with less complications (the ES ranged from 0.05 to 0.17). Conclusions: The profile of oncological safety as well as the morbidity and mortality of salvage treatment options for RCC may justify considering such procedures in a salvage setting.

Background and Objective: Blood loss represents a long-standing concern of radical prostatectomy (RP). This study aimed to assess how red line cell values changed following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer (PCa). Materials and Methods: The blood panels of 453 consecutive PCa patients undergoing RARP at a single tertiary academic referral center, from September 2020 to April 2022, were reviewed. Data from 363 patients with the blood panel available for the following timeframe: within seven days before surgery, six hours after surgery, and the first three postoperative days, were analyzed. Specifically, hemoglobin (Hb, g/dL), red blood cells (RBCs, ×106/μL), and hematocrit (HCT, %) trends were collected. Results: Considering the Hb trend, the median values in the preoperative day, postoperative day (POD) 2, and POD 3 are 14.7 (interquartile range (IQR) = 13.9–15.4), 12.1 (IQR = 11.2–12.9), and 12.2 (IQR = 11.2–13.1), respectively. The ∆ between preoperative day and POD 2 is 2.5 (IQR = 1.8–3.2) (p < 0.001). Considering the RBCs trend, the median values in the preoperative day, POD 2, and POD 3 are 4.9 (IQR = 4.7–5.3), 4.1 (IQR = 3.8–4.4), and 4.1 (IQR = 3.8–4.5), respectively. The ∆ between preoperative day and POD 2 is 0.9 (IQR = 0.6–1.1) (p < 0.001). Considering the HCT trend, the median values in the preoperative day, POD 2, and POD 3 are 44.4 (IQR = 41.7–46.6), 36.4 (IQR = 33.8–38.9), and 36.1 (IQR = 33.5–38.7), respectively. The ∆ between preoperative day and POD 2 is 7.8 (IQR = 5.2–10.5) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, patients undergoing RARP experience a significant, but clinically limited, decline in red line cell values between the preoperative time and the second day post-surgery. These observations are important to provide physicians with knowledge of the expected postoperative course and, thus, to improve the quality of patient care.