Estimating distribution and abundance of wide-ranging species with integrated spatial models: Opportunities revealed by the first wolf assessment in south-central Italy.

Estimating demographic parameters for wide-ranging and elusive species living at low density is challenging, especially at the scale of an entire country. To produce wolf distribution and abundance estimates for the whole south-central portion of the Italian wolf population, we developed an integrated spatial model, based on the data collected during a 7-month sampling campaign in 2020-2021. Data collection comprised an extensive survey of wolf presence signs, and an intensive survey in 13 sampling areas, aimed at collecting non-invasive genetic samples (NGS). The model comprised (i) a single-season, multiple data-source, multi-event occupancy model and (ii) a spatially explicit capture-recapture model. The information about species' absence was used to inform local density estimates. We also performed a simulation-based assessment, to estimate the best conditions for optimizing sub-sampling and population modelling in the future. The integrated spatial model estimated that 74.2% of the study area in south-central Italy (95% CIs = 70.5% to 77.9%) was occupied by wolves, for a total extent of the wolf distribution of 108,534 km2 (95% CIs = 103,200 to 114,000). The estimate of total population size for the Apennine wolf population was of 2557 individuals (SD = 171.5; 95% CIs = 2127 to 2844). Simulations suggested that the integrated spatial model was associated with an average tendency to slightly underestimate population size. Also, the main contribution of the integrated approach was to increase precision in the abundance estimates, whereas it did not affect accuracy significantly. In the future, the area subject to NGS should be increased to at least 30%, while at least a similar proportion should be sampled for presence-absence data, to further improve the accuracy of population size estimates and avoid the risk of underestimation. This approach could be applied to other wide-ranging species and in other geographical areas, but specific a priori evaluations of model requirements and expected performance should be made.

Neuroendocrine functions of monoamines in invertebrates: Focus on bivalve molluscs.

Monoamines (MA) such as serotonin, catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine), and trace amines (octopamine, tyramine), are neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine modulators in vertebrates, that contribute to adaptation to the environment. Although MA are conserved in evolution, information is still fragmentary in invertebrates, given the diversity of phyla and species. However, MA are crucial in homeostatic processes in these organisms, where the absence of canonical endocrine glands in many groups implies that the modulation of physiological functions is essentially neuroendocrine. In this review, we summarize available information on MA systems in invertebrates, with focus on bivalve molluscs, that are widespread in different aquatic environments, where they are subjected to a variety of environmental stimuli. Available data are reviewed on the presence of the different MA in bivalve tissues, their metabolism, target cells, signaling pathways, and the physiological functions modulated in larval and adult stages. Research gaps and perspectives are highlighted, in order to enrich the framework of knowledge on MA neuroendocrine functions, and on their role in adaptation to ongoing and future environmental changes.

Identification of the core competencies of pediatric hematology-oncology nurses: A Delphi study.

PURPOSE: To identify the core competencies of the pediatric hematology-oncology nurse. METHODS: A Delphi study was conducted. After identifying the competencies of the pediatric hematology-oncology nurse through a literature review, a questionnaire was created to be administered to a panel of experts to obtain consensus. The panel of experts consisted of 19 nurses. For each competence identified, it was necessary to evaluate the competence in terms of "understanding" and "relevance", assigning a score from 0 (not at all) to 4 (completely), according to a Likert scale. Then, the experts identified what could be the necessary "level of work experience" within which a nurse should become autonomous in every competency choosing among the levels: beginner, intermediate, expert. Consensus among the experts was reached in two rounds. RESULTS: After submitting the document to two rounds, a final document was obtained with a total of 126 competencies, divided into nine areas. Fifty-eight competencies fall into the "beginner" level, 46 competencies into the "intermediate" level and 22 competencies into the "expert" level. CONCLUSIONS: The document produced by this study could be a starting point for organizing specific training courses for nurses in the pediatric hematology-oncology department. A clear description of specific competencies for pediatric hematology-oncology nurses would help ensure the best care for the child.

Estimating Wolf Population Size and Dynamics by Field Monitoring and Demographic Models: Implications for Management and Conservation.

We estimated the current size and dynamics of the wolf population in Tuscany and investigated the trends and demographic drivers of population changes. Estimates were obtained by two different approaches: (i) mixed-technique field monitoring (from 2014 to 2016) that found the minimum observed pack number and estimated population size, and (ii) an individual-based model (run by Vortex software v. 10.3.8.0) with demographic inputs derived from a local intensive study area and historic data on population size. Field monitoring showed a minimum population size of 558 wolves (SE = 12.005) in 2016, with a density of 2.74 individuals/100 km2. The population model described an increasing trend with an average annual rate of increase λ = 1.075 (SE = 0.014), an estimated population size of about 882 individuals (SE = 9.397) in 2016, and a density of 4.29 wolves/100 km2. Previously published estimates of wolf population were as low as 56.2% compared to our field monitoring estimation and 34.6% in comparison to our model estimation. We conducted sensitivity tests to analyze the key parameters driving population changes based on juvenile and adult mortality rates, female breeding success, and litter size. Mortality rates played a major role in determining intrinsic growth rate changes, with adult mortality accounting for 62.5% of the total variance explained by the four parameters. Juvenile mortality was responsible for 35.8% of the variance, while female breeding success and litter size had weak or negligible effects. We concluded that reliable estimates of population abundance and a deeper understanding of the role of different demographic parameters in determining population dynamics are crucial to define and carry out appropriate conservation and management strategies to address human-wildlife conflicts.

Antidepressants and their metabolites primarily affect lysosomal functions in the marine mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Antidepressants widely occur as emerging contaminants in marine coastal waters, with concentrations reported in the low ng/L range. Although at relatively lower levels with respect to other pharmaceuticals, antidepressants - fluoxetine (FLX) in particular - have attracted attention because of their striking effects exerted at low doses on marine invertebrates. In this study, the effects of four antidepressants including FLX, sertraline (SER), and citalopram, as members of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, and venlafaxine (VEN) as a member of the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class, were evaluated in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. In addition, the effects of two main metabolites of FLX and VEN, i.e., norfluoxetine (NFL) and O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) respectively, were compared to those of the parent compounds. Eight concentrations of each drug (0.5-500 ng/L range) were tested on the early life stage endpoints of gamete fertilization and larval development at 48 h post fertilization (hpf). Egg fertilization was reduced by all compounds, except for VEN. Larval development at 48 hpf was affected by all SSRIs, but not by SNRIs. The above effects were significant but never exceeded 20 % of control values. Adult mussels were exposed in vivo for 7 days to environmental concentrations of the drugs (0.5, 5, and 10 ng/L) and a battery of eight biomarkers was assessed. Antidepressants primarily targeted lysosomal functions, decreasing haemocyte lysosome membrane stability (up to 70 % reduction) and increasing of the lysosome/cytosol ratio (up to 220 %), neutral lipid (up to 230 %), and lipofuscin (up to 440 %) accumulation in digestive gland. Only SER and NFL significantly affected catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities in gills and digestive gland. NFL and ODV, were effective and sometimes more active than the parent compounds. All compounds impaired mussel health status, as indicated by the low to high stress levels assigned using the Mussel Expert System.

Possible origins and implications of atypical morphologies and domestication-like traits in wild golden jackals (Canis aureus).

Deciphering the origins of phenotypic variations in natural animal populations is a challenging topic for evolutionary and conservation biologists. Atypical morphologies in mammals are usually attributed to interspecific hybridisation or de-novo mutations. Here we report the case of four golden jackals (Canis aureus), that were observed during a camera-trapping wildlife survey in Northern Israel, displaying anomalous morphological traits, such as white patches, an upturned tail, and long thick fur which resemble features of domesticated mammals. Another individual was culled under permit and was genetically and morphologically examined. Paternal and nuclear genetic profiles, as well as geometric morphometric data, identified this individual as a golden jackal rather than a recent dog/wolf-jackal hybrid. Its maternal haplotype suggested past introgression of African wolf (Canis lupaster) mitochondrial DNA, as previously documented in other jackals from Israel. When viewed in the context of the jackal as an overabundant species in Israel, the rural nature of the surveyed area, the abundance of anthropogenic waste, and molecular and morphological findings, the possibility of an individual presenting incipient stages of domestication should also be considered.

Moyamoya disease presenting with tubular dysfunction in a child: pitfalls in diagnosing an atypical hyponatremic-hypertensive syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease, a cause of pediatric stroke, has been shown to affect furthermore extra-cranial districts, mostly the kidney arterial site, resulting in steno-occlusive changes. Unilateral renal artery stenosis accounts for 8%-10% out of cases of renovascular hypertension in childhood, however it rarely underlies a hyponatremic-hypertensive syndrome (HHS). CASE PRESENTATION: We describe an 18-month-old boy with a recent history of polyuria and polydipsia, who presented an acute febrile gastroenteritis with neurological impairment, severe dehydration, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, kidney tubular dysfunction, and elevated aldosterone and renin even with a normal blood pressure. Fluid and electrolytes correction was performed, with complete recovery. An abdominal ultrasound displayed a smaller right kidney. A brain magnetic resonance and an electroencephalogram did not show any relevant abnormalities. Five months later, the child experienced a left-side hemiparesis after a traumatic concussion, and a severe hypertension. A brain tomography documented a cerebral ischemia. Brain and kidney angiographic studies displayed puff of smoke findings of internal right carotid artery branches and a steno-occlusive pattern of right renal artery, respectively. Hence, moyamoya disease with HHS secondary to unilateral renal artery stenosis was diagnosed. After an unsuccessful antiplatelet and antihypertensive pharmacological treatment, the boy underwent a renal angioplasty and a cerebral STA-MCA bypass (direct superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery bypass), resulting in a significant improvement of both neurological and kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS: Although the association between unilateral renal artery stenosis and HHS has been previously shown, this is the first report of atypical HHS, with hypertension preceded by tubular dysfunction, recognized in the framework of moyamoya disease.

How to Choose? Comparing Different Methods to Count Wolf Packs in a Protected Area of the Northern Apennines.

Despite a natural rewilding process that caused wolf populations in Europe to increase and expand in the last years, human-wolf conflicts still persist, threatening the long-term wolf presence in both anthropic and natural areas. Conservation management strategies should be carefully designed on updated population data and planned on a wide scale. Unfortunately, reliable ecological data are difficult and expensive to obtain and often hardly comparable through time or among different areas, especially because of different sampling designs. In order to assess the performance of different methods to estimate wolf (Canis lupus L.) abundance and distribution in southern Europe, we simultaneously applied three techniques: wolf howling, camera trapping and non-invasive genetic sampling in a protected area of the northern Apennines. We aimed at counting the minimum number of packs during a single wolf biological year and evaluating the pros and cons for each technique, comparing results obtained from different combinations of these three methods and testing how sampling effort may affect results. We found that packs' identifications could be hardly comparable if methods were separately used with a low sampling effort: wolf howling identified nine, camera trapping 12 and non-invasive genetic sampling eight packs. However, increased sampling efforts produced more consistent and comparable results across all used methods, although results from different sampling designs should be carefully compared. The integration of the three techniques yielded the highest number of detected packs, 13, although with the highest effort and cost. A common standardised sampling strategy should be a priority approach to studying elusive large carnivores, such as the wolf, allowing for the comparison of key population parameters and developing shared and effective conservation management plans.

Bioplastic leachates characterization and impacts on early larval stages and adult mussel cellular, biochemical and physiological responses.

Bioplastics are promoted as safer alternatives to tackle the long-term persistence of conventional plastics. However, information on the potential release of additives and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in the surrounding environment is limited, and biological effects of the leachates have been little studied. Leachates produced from three bioplastics, i.e. compostable bags (CB), bio-polyethylene terephthalate bottles (bioPET) and polylactic acid cups (PLA), and a control polymeric material, i.e. rubber tire (TR), were examined. The chemical nature of bioplastic polyesters PET, PLA and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in CB, was confirmed by analytical pyrolysis. Fragments were incubated in artificial sea water for 14 days at 20 °C in darkness and leachate contents examined by GC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS. Catalysts and stabilizers represented the majority of chemicals in TR, while NIAS (e.g. 1,6-dioxacyclododecane-7,12-dione) were the main components of CB. Bisphenol A occurred in all leachates at a concentration range 0.3-4.8 µg/L. Trace metals at concentrations higher than control water were found in all leachates, albeit more represented in leachates from CB and TR. A dose response to 11 dilutions of leachates (in the range 0.6-100%) was tested for biological effects on early embryo stages of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Embryotoxicity was observed in the whole range of tested concentrations, the magnitude of effect depending on the polymers. The highest concentrations caused reduction of egg fertilization (CB, bioPET, TR) and of larvae motility (CB, PLA, TR). TR leachates also provoked larvae mortality in the range 10-100%. Effects on adult mussel physiology were evaluated after a 7-day in vivo exposure to the different leachates at 0.6% concentration. Nine biomarkers concerning lysosomal functionality, neurotransmission, antioxidant and immune responses were assessed. All lysosomal parameters were affected, and serum lysozyme activity inhibited. Harmonized chemical and biological approaches are recommended to assess bioplastic safety and support production of sustainable bioplastics.

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner": Molecular Tools to Reconstruct multilocus Genetic Profiles from Wild Canid Consumption Remains.

Non-invasive genetic sampling is a practical tool to monitor pivotal ecological parameters and population dynamic patterns of endangered species. It can be particularly suitable when applied to elusive carnivores such as the Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), which can live in overlapping ecological contexts and sometimes share their habitats with their domestic free-ranging relatives, increasing the risk of anthropogenic hybridisation. In this case study, we exploited all the ecological and genetic information contained in a single biological canid faecal sample, collected in a forested area of central Italy, to detect any sign of trophic interactions between wolves and European wildcats or their domestic counterparts. Firstly, the faecal finding was morphologically examined, showing the presence of felid hair and claw fragment remains. Subsequently, total genomic DNA contained in the hair and claw samples was extracted and genotyped, through a multiple-tube approach, at canid and felid diagnostic panels of microsatellite loci. Finally, the obtained individual multilocus genotypes were analysed with reference wild and domestic canid and felid populations to assess their correct taxonomic status using Bayesian clustering procedures. Assignment analyses classified the genotype obtained from the endothelial cells present on the hair sample as a wolf with slight signals of dog ancestry, showing a qi = 0.954 (C.I. 0.780-1.000) to the wolf cluster, and the genotype obtained from the claw as a domestic cat, showing a qi = 0.996 (95% C.I. = 0.982-1.000) to the domestic cat cluster. Our results clearly show how a non-invasive multidisciplinary approach allows the cost-effective identification of both prey and predator genetic profiles and their taxonomic status, contributing to the improvement of our knowledge about feeding habits, predatory dynamics, and anthropogenic hybridisation risk in threatened species.

Physiological Roles of Serotonin in Bivalves: Possible Interference by Environmental Chemicals Resulting in Neuroendocrine Disruption.

Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) are defined as chemicals not commonly monitored in aquatic ecosystems, but with the potential to cause adverse effects on biota. CECs include Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and Neuro-Endocrine disruptors (NEDs) of vertebrates. However, most invertebrates only rely on neuroendocrine systems to maintain homeostatic processes. Although conserved neuroendocrine components have been characterized in ecologically relevant groups, limited knowledge on invertebrate neuroendocrinology makes it difficult to define EDCs and NEDs in most species. The monoamine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) acts both as a neurotransmitter and as a peripheral hormone in mammals. In molluscs, 5-HT is involved in multiple physiological roles and molecular components of the serotonergic system have been identified. This review is focused on the effects of CECs on the serotonergic system of bivalve molluscs. Bivalves are widespread in all aquatic environments, estuarine and coastal areas in particular, where they are exposed to a variety of chemicals. In bivalves, 5-HT is involved in gametogenesis and spawning, oocyte maturation and sperm motility, regulates heart function, gill ciliary beating, mantle/siphon function, the ''catch'' state of smooth muscle and immune responses. Components of 5-HT transduction (receptors and signaling pathways) are being identified in several bivalve species. Different CECs have been shown to affect bivalve serotonergic system. This particularly applies to antidepressants, among the most commonly detected human pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. In particular, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently detected in seawater and in bivalve tissues. Information available on the effects and mechanisms of action of SSRIs on the serotonergic system of adult bivalves is summarized. Data are also reported on the effects of CECs on development of neuroendocrine pathways of early larval stages, in particular on the effects of model EDCs in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Overall, available data point at the serotonergic system as a sensitive target for neuroendocrine disruption in bivalves. The results contribute drawing Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) for model EDCs and SSRIs in larvae and adults. However, basic research on neuroendocrine signaling is still needed to evaluate the potential impact of neuroendocrine disruptors in key invertebrate groups of aquatic ecosystems.

A reduced SNP panel to trace gene flow across southern European wolf populations and detect hybridization with other Canis taxa.

Intra- and inter-specific gene flow are natural evolutionary processes. However, human-induced hybridization is a global conservation concern across taxa, and the development of discriminant genetic markers to differentiate among gene flow processes is essential. Wolves (Canis lupus) are affected by hybridization, particularly in southern Europe, where ongoing recolonization of historic ranges is augmenting gene flow among divergent populations. Our aim was to provide diagnostic canid markers focused on the long-divergent Iberian, Italian and Dinaric wolf populations, based on existing genomic resources. We used 158 canid samples to select a panel of highly informative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to (i) distinguish wolves in the three regions from domestic dogs (C. l. familiaris) and golden jackals (C. aureus), and (ii) identify their first two hybrid generations. The resulting 192 SNPs correctly identified the five canid groups, all simulated first-generation (F1) hybrids (0.482 ≤ Qi ≤ 0.512 between their respective parental groups) and all first backcross (BC1) individuals (0.723 ≤ Qi ≤ 0.827 to parental groups). An assay design and test with invasive and non-invasive canid samples performed successfully for 178 SNPs. By separating natural population admixture from inter-specific hybridization, our reduced panel can help advance evolutionary research, monitoring, and timely conservation management.

Comparing effects and action mechanisms of BPA and BPS on HTR-8/SVneo placental cells†.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most investigated compound as a suspected endocrine disrupting chemical. It has been found at nM concentrations in the maternal serum, cord serum, and amniotic fluid and also permeates placental tissues. Attempts are being made to replace BPA with the analog Bisphenol S (BPS). Also BPS was found in maternal and umbilical cord serum, and urine samples from a large population of pregnant women. A few studies investigated BPA impact on the placentation process, and even less are available for BPS. This work aimed to elucidate and compare the effects of BPA and BPS on physiological functions of HTR-8/SVneo cells, derived from extravillous trophoblast of first-trimester pregnancy. Proliferation and migration ability of trophoblast cells were assessed in vitro after exposure to BPA or BPS (10-13-10-3 M). Further, induction of the inflammatory response by the bisphenols was studied. To provide insight into the molecular pathways implicated in the responses, experiments were carried out in the presence or absence of tamoxifen as estrogen receptors (ERs) blocker, and U0126 as ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibitor. Data indicate that BPA significantly affects both proliferation and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells, through ER and ERK1/2 mediated processes. Differently, BPS only acts on proliferation, again through ER and ERK1/2 mediated processes. BPS, but not BPA, induces secretion of interleukins 6 and 8. Such effect is inhibited by blocking ERK1/2 phosphorylation. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first data showing that BPS affects trophoblast functions through ER/MAPK modulation.

The sub-lethal impact of plastic and tire rubber leachates on the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Ocean contamination by synthetic polymers can represent a risk for the fitness of marine species due to the leaching of chemical additives. This study evaluated the sub-lethal effects of plastic and rubber leachates on the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis through a battery of biomarkers encompassing lysosomal endpoints, oxidative stress/detoxification parameters, and specific responses to metals/neurotoxicants. Mussels were exposed for 7 days to leachates from car tire rubber (CTR), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), containing organic additives and metals in the ng-µg/L range. The leachate exposure affected general stress parameters, including the neutral lipid content (all leachates), the lysosomal membrane stability (PS, PP, PVC and CTR leachates) and lysosomal volume (PP, PVC and TR leachates). An increased content of the lipid peroxidation products malondialdehyde and lipofuscin was observed in mussels exposed to PET, PS and PP leachates, and PP, PVC and CTR leachates, respectively. PET and PP leachates increased the activity of the phase-II metabolism enzyme glutathione S-transferase, while a decreased acetylcholinesterase activity was induced by PVC leachates. Data were integrated in the mussel expert system (MES), which categorizes the organisms' health status based on biomarker responses. The MES assigned healthy status to mussels exposed to PET leachates, low stress to PS leachates, and moderate stress to PP, CTR and PVC leachates. This study shows that additives leached from selected plastic/rubber polymers cause sub-lethal effects in mussels and that the magnitude of these effects may be higher for CTR, PVC and PP due to a higher content and release of metals and organic compounds.

A Comparative Assessment of the Chronic Effects of Micro- and Nano-Plastics on the Physiology of the Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The ocean contamination caused by micro- and nano-sized plastics is a matter of increasing concern regarding their potential effects on marine organisms. This study compared the effects of a 21-day exposure to 1.5, 15, and 150 ng/L of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP, 3-µm) and nanoplastics (PS-NP, 50-nm) on a suite of biomarkers measured in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Endpoints encompassed immunological/lysosomal responses, oxidative stress/detoxification parameters, and neurotoxicological markers. Compared to PS-MP, PS-NP induced higher effects on lysosomal parameters of general stress. Exposures to both particle sizes increased lipid peroxidation and catalase activity in gills; PS-NP elicited greater effects on the phase-II metabolism enzyme glutathione S-transferase and on lysozyme activity, while only PS-MP inhibited the hemocyte phagocytosis, suggesting a major role of PS particle size in modulating immunological/detoxification pathways. A decreased acetylcholinesterase activity was induced by PS-NP, indicating their potential to impair neurological functions in mussels. Biomarker data integration in the Mussel Expert System identified an overall greater health status alteration in mussels exposed to PS-NP compared to PS-MP. This study shows that increasing concentrations of nanoplastics may induce higher effects than microplastics on the mussel's lysosomal, metabolic, and neurological functions, eventually resulting in a greater impact on their overall fitness.

Integration of physical, geochemical and biological analyses as a strategy for coastal lagoon biomonitoring.

Coastal lagoons are complex environments threatened by natural and anthropogenic stressors. Here, we tested the effectiveness of combining physical, geochemical and chemical measurements with biomarker data obtained in field-exposed marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) as a biomonitoring strategy for a highly pressured lagoon (Pialassa Baiona, Ravenna, Italy). Data showed a spatial trend of sediment contamination by Hg, Pt, Au, Ag, Mo, Re, Cd, Pd and Zn. Local conditions of high water temperature/low conductivity were detected among selected sites. After a 30-day in situ exposure, Ag and Hg were the most bioaccumulated elements (10 and 5 folds, respectively) in mussels followed by Sb, Al, Ti and Fe. Decreased survival, lysosomal dysfunctions, increased metallothionein content and peroxisome proliferation were observed in mussels in relation to metal spatial distribution and physico-chemical fluctuations. Overall, this study provides a further confirmation of the role of biomonitoring to reliably assess the environmental quality of highly pressured lagoons.

Contaminants of emerging concern in drinking water: Quality assessment by combining chemical and biological analysis.

Drinking water quality is a priority issue of the environmental policy agenda, however regulation on Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) is limited. A proposal to revise the Drinking Water Directive has recently been approved (EU Council 2020), which updates the quality standards and introduces the watch list mechanism, including for the first time endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of selected CECs in surface water at the entrance of drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and in treated water, ready for distribution in the network. Samples were collected at three different DWTPs (Italy) and CECs assessed by LC-MS/MS were the following: bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol, perfluorooctanesulfonic and perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOS and PFOA), atenolol, caffeine (CFF), carbamazepine (CBZ), estrone, 17-ß-estradiol, 17-α-ethinyl estradiol, diclofenac, and ibuprofen. In addition, biological analyses were performed to ascertain cumulative estrogenic and/or genotoxic potential of the samples. CFF, NP, PFOA, BPA, and CBZ were the most frequently detected contaminants, found in treated water in the following ranges: CFF 12.47-66.33 ng/L, NP 7.90-53.62 ng/L, PFOA

Genomic evidence for the Old divergence of Southern European wolf populations.

The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is one of the most widely distributed mammals in which a variety of distinct populations have been described. However, given their currently fragmented distribution and recent history of human-induced population decline, little is known about the events that led to their differentiation. Based on the analysis of whole canid genomes, we examined the divergence times between Southern European wolf populations and their ancient demographic history. We found that all present-day Eurasian wolves share a common ancestor ca 36 000 years ago, supporting the hypothesis that all extant wolves derive from a single population that subsequently expanded after the Last Glacial Maximum. We also estimated that the currently isolated European populations of the Iberian Peninsula, Italy and the Dinarics-Balkans diverged very closely in time, ca 10 500 years ago, and maintained negligible gene flow ever since. This indicates that the current genetic and morphological distinctiveness of Iberian and Italian wolves can be attributed to their isolation dating back to the end of the Pleistocene, predating the recent human-induced extinction of wolves in Central Europe by several millennia.

The hidden threat of plastic leachates: A critical review on their impacts on aquatic organisms.

Plastic products are made from the essential polymer mixed with a complex blend of substances including catalyst remnants, polymerization solvents, and a wide range of other additives deliberately added to enhance the desirable characteristics of the final product. Additives include bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and further emerging and legacy contaminants. With a few exceptions, additives are not chemically bound to the polymer, and potentially migrate within the material reaching its surface, then possibly leach out to the environment. Leachates are mixtures of additives, some of which belong to the list of emerging contaminants, i.e. substances that show the potential to pose risks to the environment and human health, while are not yet regulated. The review discusses the state of the art and gaps concerning the hidden threat of plastic leachates. The focus is on reports addressing the biological impacts of plastic leachates as a whole mixture. Degradation of plastics, including the weathering-driven fragmentation, and the release of additives, are analysed together with the techniques currently employed for chemically screening leachates. Because marine plastic litter is a major concern, the review mainly focuses on the effects of plastic leachates on marine flora and fauna. Moreover, it also addresses impacts on freshwater organisms. Finally, research needs and perspectives are examined, to promote better focused investigations, that may support developing different plastic materials and new regulations.