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The objective of the current research was to explore the potential prognostic value of readily available clinical and pathologic variables in bladder cancer. The novel association found between cholesterol levels and prognosis may provide the rationale for exploring novel treatments. Patients included had histologically confirmed urothelial bladder cancer and were treated with at least 3 cycles of cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radical cystectomy with lymphadenectomy. A total of 245 patients at low, intermediate and high risk, presenting with 0-1, 2 or 3-4 risk factors, including positive lymph nodes, Hb 12.8, NLR ≥2.7 and cholesterol levels ≥199, were included. Five-year cancer-specific survival rate was 0.67, 0.78 and 0.94 at high, intermediate and low risk, respectively. Total cholesterol levels at the time of cystectomy may represent a commonly assessable prognostic factor and may be incorporated in a clinically meaningful risk-group classification model.Lay abstract This present study assessed a large group of patients with urothelial bladder cancer treated with chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy, to capture the predictive power of commonly collected clinical, pathological and biochemical factors. The design of the study highlighted that higher cholesterol levels at the time of cystectomy were associated with shorter cancer-specific survival. This finding suggests that high blood-cholesterol levels truly have a negative influence on surviving cancer. In conclusion, total cholesterol levels at the time of cystectomy may represent a commonly assessable prognostic factor and could be incorporated into a clinically meaningful and valuable risk-group classification model.

Background: Prostate volume (PV) is a useful tool in risk stratification, diagnosis, and follow-up of numerous prostatic diseases including prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy. There is currently no accepted ideal PV measurement method. Objective: This study compares multiple means of PV estimation, including digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radical prostatectomy specimens to determine the best volume measurement style. Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-site study with patients identified using an institutional database was performed. A total of 197 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy were considered. Data collected included age, serum PSA at the time of the prostate biopsy, clinical T stage, Gleason score, and PVs for each of the following methods: DRE, TRUS, MRI, and surgical specimen weight (SPW) and volume. Results: A paired t test was performed, which reported a statistically significant difference between PV measures (DRE, TRUS, MRI ellipsoid, MRI bullet, SP ellipsoid, and SP bullet) and the actual prostate weight. Lowest differences were reported for SP ellipsoid volume (M = −2.37; standard deviation [SD] = 10.227; t[167] = −3.011; and p = 0.003), MRI ellipsoid volume (M = −4.318; SD = 9.53; t[167] = −5.87; and p = 0.000), and MRI bullet volume (M = 5.31; SD = 10.77; t[167] = 6.387; and p = 0.000). Conclusion: The PV obtained by MRI has proven to correlate with the PV obtained via auto-segmentation software as well as actual SPW, while also being more cost-effective and time-efficient. Therefore, demonstrating that MRI estimated the PV is an adequate method for use in clinical practice for therapeutic planning and patient follow-up.

Prostate and bladder cancer represent the two most frequently diagnosed genito-urinary malignancies. Diet has been implicated in both prostate and bladder cancer. Given their prolonged latency and high prevalence rates, both prostate and bladder cancer represent attractive candidates for dietary preventive measures, including the use of nutritional supplements. Flavonols, a class of flavonoids, are commonly found in fruit and vegetables and are known for their protective effect against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, a higher dietary intake of flavonols was associated with a lower risk of both bladder and prostate cancer in epidemiological studies. In this systematic review, we gathered all available evidence supporting the anti-cancer potential of selected flavonols (kaempferol, fisetin and myricetin) against bladder and prostate cancer. A total of 21, 15 and 7 pre-clinical articles on bladder or prostate cancer reporting on kaempferol, fisetin and myricetin, respectively, were found, while more limited evidence was available from animal models and epidemiological studies or clinical trials. In conclusion, the available evidence supports the potential use of these flavonols in prostate and bladder cancer, with a low expected toxicity, thus providing the rationale for clinical trials that explore dosing, settings for clinical use as well as their use in combination with other pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common neoplasm in men and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide [...]

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystemic complex genetic disorder related to the lack of a functional paternal copy of chromosome 15q11-q13. Several clinical manifestations are reported, such as short stature, cognitive and behavioral disability, temperature instability, hypotonia, hypersomnia, hyperphagia, and multiple endocrine abnormalities, including growth hormone deficiency and hypogonadism. The hypogonadism in PWS is due to central and peripheral mechanisms involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The early diagnosis and management of hypogonadism in PWS are both important for physicians in order to reach a better quality of life for these patients. The aim of this study is to summarize and investigate causes and possible therapies for hypogonadism in PWS. Additional studies are further needed to clarify the role of different genes related to hypogonadism and to establish a common and evidence-based therapy.

Introduction. Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is a deadly disease. Enzalutamide is an oral second-generation anti-androgen that is active in mCRPC. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) count correlates with overall survival (OS) in mCRPC, whereas detection of the androgen-receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) in CTC predicts poor response to oral second-generation anti-androgens. Also, loss of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) in CTC is a biomarker of poor prognosis in mCRPC. Patients and methods. In this translational study, we employed flow cytometry to assess total, PTEN–, and AR-V7+ CTC count per 7.5 mL of whole blood in a prospective cohort of patients with mCRPC receiving enzalutamide. Results. CTCs were assessed in a total of 45 men with mCRPC at baseline and at 12 weeks. Overall, CTC, PTEN– CTC, and AR-V7+ CTC detection rate was high, at baseline, with 84.4%, 71.1%, and 51.1% of samples showing at least 1 cell/7.5-mL blood, respectively, and after 3 months, with 93.3%, 64.4%, and 77.7% of samples showing at least 1 cell/7.5-mL blood, respectively. Median radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) and OS were 6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6-9) and 14.3 (95% CI, 12.8-20.3) months, respectively. Median (interquartile range) total CTC count at baseline was 5 (3; 8), whereas median (interquartile range) PTEN– CTC count was 2 (0; 4) and median (interquartile range) AR-V7+ CTC count was 1 (0; 3). At baseline, ≥ 5 versus < 5 total CTC count was associated with worse rPFS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.35; 95% CI, 1.14-4.84; P=.021) and OS (HR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.45-6.54; P =.003), whereas ≥ 2 versus < 2 PTEN– CTC count was associated with worse rPFS (HR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.8-8.72; P=.001) and OS (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.12-5; P=.025). Finally, ≥ 1 versus < 1 AR-V7+ CTC count was also associated with worse rPFS (HR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.4-10.64; P

Most cancers are related to lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, and environment (occupational exposures). A growing interest in the association between sexual activity (SA) and the development of different types of tumors in both men and women has been recorded in recent years. The aim of the present systematic review is to describe and critically discuss the current evidence regarding the association between SA and male genital cancers (prostatic, penile, and testicular), and to analyze the different theories and biological mechanisms reported in the literature. A comprehensive bibliographic search in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed in July 2021. Papers in the English language without chronological restrictions were selected. Retrospective and prospective primary clinical studies, in addition to previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, were included. A total of 19 studies, including 953,704 patients were selected. Case reports, conference abstracts, and editorial comments were excluded. Men with more than 20 sexual partners in their lifetime, and those reporting more than 21 ejaculations per month, reported a decreased risk of overall and less aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). About 40% of penile cancers (PCs) were HPV-associated, with HPV 16 being the dominant genotype. Data regarding the risk of HPV in circumcised patients are conflicting, although circumcision appears to have a protective role against PC. Viral infections and epididymo-orchitis are among the main sex-related risk factors studied for testicular cancer (TC); however, data in the literature are limited. Testicular trauma can allow the identification of pre-existing TC. SA is closely associated with the development of PC through high-risk HPV transmission; in this context, phimosis appears to be a favoring factor. Sexual behaviors appear to play a significant role in PCa pathogenesis, probably through inflammatory mechanisms; however, protective sexual habits have also been described. A direct correlation between SA and TC has not yet been proven, although infections remain the most studied sex-related factor.

Introduction: The recent advances in technology and miniaturization of endoscopic devices have permitted the use of retrograde intra renal surgery (RIRS) to treat large and complicated kidney stones as first line therapy in alternative to percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Systematically review the efficacy and safety of RIRS for large renal stones over 2 cm versus the current gold standard, the percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Evidence acquisition: A large search was effected in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid and Scopus regarding the treatment of renal stones over 2 cm with RIR S versus PCNL. Articles not in English and not regarding adult population were excluded. The retrieval time included a time span from 2000 to 2019. All clinical trials were further evaluated about quality and references. The eligible studies were included and analysed with RevMan 5.2 Software. Evidence synthesis: Two randomized and nine non-randomized studies were included for a total of 1618 patients involved. Our meta-analysis showed no difference in SFR (RR =0.92, 95% CI : 0.86-0.99, P=0.03) and in mean operation time (WMD=6.34 min, 95% CI : -4.98 to 17.65, P=0.27) while shorter hospital stay was reported for RIR S (WMD=-2.15 days, 95% CI: -3.04 to -1.25, P≤0.00001). We reported moreover lower Hb drop (WMD=-0.83 g/dL, 95% CI: -1.20 to -0.45, P≤0.00001) and complications rate in favor of RIRS (RR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.71-1.09, P=0.23). Conclusions: RIRS is challenging PCNL for the treatment of large renal stones over 2cm, becoming a safe and effective alternative with a comparable stone free rate, lower complication rate and lower hospitalization time. It is, however, of the uttermost importance to share the treatment decision with the patient due to the possibility of requiring multiple RIR S session to completely clear larger stone burdens.

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) are an important and emerging health concern for humans and animals worldwide. The purpose of the presented study was to assess, from 2016 to 2019, the seroprevalence of CVBD agents and clarify the epidemiology of tick-borne disease in stray dogs living in the Campania Region, Southern Italy. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from January 2016 to December 2019 from 1023 dogs in authorized kennels located in the five municipalities of the Campania Region. SNAP&reg, 4DX&reg, from IDEXX&reg, Laboratories was used for detection of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and Dirofilaria immitis antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of CVBD in stray dogs was 19.6% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 17.2&ndash, 22.8%, 201/1023). The most common pathogen was Ehrlichia spp., with a percentage of positivity of 16.03%, followed by Anaplasma spp. with 7.8%. B. burgdorferi s.l. and D. immitis were detected in only 0.2% of dogs, co-infection was detected in 4.5% of stray dogs tested. No link was detected between the gender, age, location, and CVBD seropositivity, except for Ehrlichia spp. for which location (Avellino Province, p = 0.007) and gender (male, p = 0.002) were risk factors for seropositivity. Our results demonstrated that animals are exposed to at least one of the four etiological agents (Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., and Dirofilaria immitis) transmitted by vectors. Finally, this study highlighted the utility of serological monitoring in stray dogs, housed in kennels, given the threat posed by CVBD to animals and the zoonotic implications of these etiological agents and their vectors on human health.

A microbiological survey of 73 pellets collected from different birds of prey species housed at the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center of Napoli (southern Italy) was performed. Pellets were analyzed by culture and biochemical methods as well as by serotyping and polymerase chain reaction. We isolated a wide range of bacteria some of them also pathogens for humans (i.e. Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, Campylobacter coli, Escherichia coli O serogroups). This study highlights the potential role of birds of prey as asymptomatic carriers of pathogenic bacteria which could be disseminated in the environment not only through the birds of prey feces but also through their pellets.

Anchovies represent the largest world’s marine fish catches and the current threats on their populations impose a sustainable exploitment based on sound scientific information. In the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), the existence of several populations has been proposed but a global view is missing. Using a multidisciplinary approach, here we assessed the divergence among different ecotypes and its possible causes. SNPs have revealed two functionally distinct ecotypes overlapping in the Central Mediterranean, with one ecotype confined near the river estuaries. The same SNPs outliers also segregated two distinct populations in the near Atlantic, despite their large spatial distance. In addition, while most studies suggested that adaptation to low salinity is key to divergence, here we show that the offshore ecotype has higher environmental tolerance and an opportunistic feeding behaviour, as assessed by the study of environmental conditions, anchovy diet and trophic levels, and passive egg dispersal. These results provide insights into the anchovy evolutionary history, stressing the importance of behaviour in shaping ecotypes.

Natural/synthetic Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) may display estrogenic activity and a lower potency than 17β-estradiol. Nonetheless, their concentrations and additive effects can affect the endocrine system and reproductive processes related to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. Because of their persistence in both the environment and biological systems, they ultimately target multi-level predators, including humans. We detected presence and effects of xenobiotics on wild anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus in the Western Adriatic Sea. Twenty-one PCBs and five organochlorines were detected on the order of ng g-1; vitellogenin, vitellogenin receptor and genes encoding for the zona radiata proteins were evaluated in gonad and/or liver and found transcribed in male specimens; in addition, intersex was histologically identified in the 13% of testis. Our results have developed the understanding of the European anchovy's reproductive toxicological risk and our approach could assist the comprehension of the complex dynamics of commercially relevant Teleost species.

We report a case of polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma in a kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ) admitted to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Rescue Center (Naples, Italy). A consolidated fracture of the left tibiotarsus bone and a deviation of the limb were evident. After radiographic, cytologic, and histopathologic examinations, a diagnosis of polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma was made. To our knowledge, this is the first report on polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma in a kestrel.

A cytogenetic analysis was carried out using conventional staining, banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in Italian populations of brown trout (Salmo truttacomplex). All individuals analysed, belonging to the Atlantic (At), Marmoratus (Ma), Adriatic (Ad) and Mediterranean (Me) lineages, showed remarkable karyotype uniformity, with diploid complement of 2n = 80 chromosomes, arm number (NF) of 102 and invariable karyotype composition. Such uniformity was also observed with respect to the location of 5S rDNA and the active, i.e. silver-positive NOR sites. On the contrary, FISH with 28S ribosomal probe and fluorescent staining with CMA3 revealed that inactive NOR sites are more numerous in Ad and Me than in At and Ma lineages. A centromeric sequence was successfully isolated from Salmo trutta individuals by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based cloning, using primers designed from published Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) satellite DNA sequences. This sequence had high AT content (65.3%) and short consensus motif (A/T)(G/C)AAA(T/C) similar to other centromeric satellite repeats. The isolated satellite DNA clones were localized with FISH in the centromeric regions of the brown trout chromosomes, showing lineage-specific patterns. Because it is well known that AT-rich sequences can induce a pronounced DNA curvature, which in turn would promote faster and higher chromatin spiralization, it may be hypothesised that the wide distribution of this satellite in the S. trutta genome may have played a role in its karyotype stability. The presence of this sequence in other salmonid species was also tested by Southern blot hybridization and used to analyze its evolution within salmonids.

We analysed histological characteristics of gonads and reproductive effort of the small deep-living dragonfishes Akarotaxis nudiceps (Waite) and Bathydraco marri Norman collected in the south-western Ross Sea. From a macroscopic point of view, most specimens of B. marri were juveniles in early stages of gonad maturity, except for a maturing female. Conversely, the sample of A. nudiceps was composed of both immature and adult fish in different stages of maturity. A single A. nudiceps female was mature with a gonadosomatic index of 9.8%. Its absolute and relative fecundity was 260 oocytes and 31.5 oocytes g−1 TW, respectively, with a mean size of ripe oocytes of 1.9 mm. Gametogenesis in both species closely resembled that observed in other notothenioids, with females possessing two well-defined groups of oocytes. One group consisted of previtellogenic oocytes as a reserve stock while the other group was maturing oocytes to be ovulated in the current spawning season. A distinctive feature of oogenesis in recovering and maturing females of A. nudiceps was the presence of both postovulatory follicles in different stages of reabsorption and atretic oocytes. Based on low absolute fecundity, it is possible that A. nudiceps provides parental care and egg guarding.

The skull and dentition were analysed and compared in a number of species of Old World scincid lizards, genus Chalcides (including Sphenops). The major differences are related to the decrease in absolute skull size, which entails an increase in the relative size of the otic capsule and the progressive obliteration of the supra‐ and post‐temporal fossae. The greatest reduction of the post‐temporal fossa is observed in the smallest species, resulting in close proximity of parietal and supraoccipital bones and in a possible reduction of metakinesis. Another major difference concerns the relationships between pre‐ and post‐frontal bones, widely separated in Chalcides sensu stricto and articulated in the taxa formerly attributed to the genus Sphenops. This close connection likely represents an internal reinforcement preventing deflection or fracture in these sand‐swimming taxa by reducing the mobility of the fronto‐parietal mesokinetic joint. The teeth are conical, pleurodont and ankylosed to the inne...

A macroscopic and histological analysis of gonads was carried out during the spawning season of the high-Antarctic channichthyid Chionodraco hamatus in the western Ross Sea. Samples were collected between December and February during several years in the coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay. Gonad maturity stages were described for males and females according to macroscopic and histological scales. Using multi-year data, the estimated length at first spawning of females was about 35 cm TL, very similar to that obtained indirectly for males. Similar to many other high-Antarctic fish, C. hamatus is a summer spawner. The greater part of the stock was indeed in spawning condition between December and February, although a large proportion of females large enough to spawn probably did not spawn in that season. The present data confirm that C. hamatus, as is typical for Antarctic fish, probably spawns a single batch of oocytes once a year. In addition, vitellogenesis is a slow process that extends over at least 1 year. Discrepancies between the macroscopic and histological appearance of gonads were found. These were associated mainly with spent and resting females (maturity stages 5 and 2, respectively). This study demonstrates the importance of histological analysis of gonads in order to confirm the results of the macroscopic analyses routinely carried out in studies of reproductive biology. This is of particular importance in determining size at maturity and spawning stock biomass, for assessment purposes.

A histological analysis of the gonad of the pelagic crystal goby Crystallogobius linearis, from the coastal central area of the Adriatic Sea, showed it to be a truly semelparous species; after the first spawning the mature gonads of both males and females appeared to have lost the capability for further spawning. Mature females had very low fecundity (200–700 mature oocytes) and small egg size (0·2–0·55 mm) similarly to other progenetic species. This reproductive strategy is compared with that of Aphia minuta, and a possible cause for the post-reproductive mortality of the two gobies is suggested and discussed.

The chromosomes of Echiichthys vipera (Trachinidae) and Uranoscopus scaber (Uranoscopidae) were analyzed by means of various banding methods and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with telomeric and major rDNA probes, respectively. The karyotype of E. vipera was composed of 48 acrocentric chromosomes and NOR sites, as revealed by all detection methods, were situated pericentromerically on a single pair of middle-sized chromosomes. Blocks of constitutive heterochromatin were present in the pericentromeric regions of all pairs of chromosomes. The karyotype of U. scaber showed three karyomorphs: 2n = 30 (18 m + 12 a/st [m = metacentric, a = acrocentric and st = subtelocentric]), 2n = 28 (20 m + 8 a/st), 2n = 27 (21 m + 6 a/st). NORs, as revealed by FISH, were situated pericentromerically on a single pair of middle-sized chromosomes in spite of Ag-positive signals in the centromeres of all pairs of chromosomes. Robertsonian fusions were hypothesized for observed variation due to invariable number of chromosome arms FN = 48.

This study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella spp., and related virulence factors (the cdt, stx, and eae genes) in urban pigeons of the coastal area of the Campania region (southern Italy). To achieve this goal, cloacal swab samples from a total of 1800 urban pigeons were collected and subjected to culture methods, PCR, and serotyping. The results of the present study showed a prevalence of 48.3% (870/1800), 7.8% (141/1800), and 0.9% (16/1800), for C. jejuni, E. coli O157, and S. Typhimurium, respectively. All C. jejuni isolates (870/870) carried cdt genes, whereas all E. coli O157 isolates carried stx genes, and 14.9% (21/141) carried the eae gene. These findings clearly show that urban pigeons in the coastal area of the Campania region may constitute an environmental reservoir of these pathogens, thus representing a source of infection for other birds, livestock, and humans.

At variance with previous reports, the paedomorphic goby Aphia minuta does not show semelparity, but abbreviate iteroparity like other small Mediterranean gobiid species. In spring, the mature ovary contains several batches of eggs at different stages of vitellogenesis. This indicates that the breeding season of A. minuta is quite long and that spawning takes place at least twice during its short lifespan, involving in each ovulatory wave different batches of oocytes which undergo vitellogenesis at different times. These observations agree with the testicular cycle data. In males, which in spring exhibit active spermiation coinciding with deposition of the first batch of oocytes, spermatogonial mitosis also resumes, eventually resulting in the production of new sperm in summer.

The reproductive biology of two commercially important flat fish, turbot (Psetta maxima) and brill (Scophthalmus rhombus), in the Adriatic Sea was investigated by histology and macroscopic analysis of gonads. Different patterns of vitellogenesis and spawn ing were observed in the two species. In turbot, gonad develop ment culminates annually from March to May and the seasonal egg batch develops synchronously, the eggs becoming ready at about the same time. In brill, the ovary contains several oocyte batches in different stages of maturity, indicating intermittent re lease of ripe eggs in the course of a long spawning season (Janu ary‐July). These data are discussed and compared with observa tions on reproduction of turbot and brill for other areas of their distribution ranges.

The chromosomal complements of nine species of Blenniidae (Aidablennius sphynx, Blennius ocellaris, Lypophris adriaticus, L. pavo, L. trigloides, Parablennius gattorugine, P. ponticus, P. sanguinolentus, P. tentacularis) from the Adriatic Sea were analysed with several banding methods and in-situ hybridization. In all species, the diploid set consists of 48 mostly acrocentric chromosomes and has a similar location (terminal centromeric) of NORs, except for L. pavo (interstitial pericentric) and P. ponticus (terminal on the long arm). There are major differences in karyotype with regard to the amount and distribution of heterochromatin. Parablennius tentacularis shows a distinctive sex-chromosome system involving 2n=48 males with a large totally heterochromatic Y chromosome, and males with 2n=47. This difference is likely to be the consequence of a translocation of an autosome on the original Y. This finding constitutes an additional instance of the great variability in origins of multiple sex chromosome systems in vertebrates.

This paper describes the reproductive cycle in male and female newts Triturus italicus (Peracca, 1898) from a mountain population living in southern Italy. The male shows a well-defined seasonal testicular cycle: spermatogenesis almost stops from November to March, resuming in April-May; the maturative stage of spermatogenesis occurs in summer and spermiohistogenesis is completed by late October. Spermiation starts in late autumn and culminates in the next spring. The female shows a seasonal ovarian cycle. Vitellogenesis starts in September; ovulation and egg deposition occur between late January and early June. Thus potentially long reproductive activity is demonstrated in both males and females of T italicus. Testicular and ovarian weights seem to be reliable indices of the reproductive status of an animal. Annual variation in gonadal weight appears unrelated to annual variation in fat body weight in both sexes.