Search Results (86)

In this study, we evaluated the spatial variability in droplet deposition in herbicide applications using a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in pasture areas. The investigation was conducted in a square grid (50.0 m × 50.0 m), with 121 sampling points, at two operational flight heights (3.0 and 4.0 m). Droplet deposition was quantified using the fluorescent dye rhodamine B, and the droplet spectrum was characterised using water-sensitive paper tags. Geostatistical analysis was implemented to characterise spatial dependence, complemented by multivariate statistical analysis. Droplet deposition ranged from 1.01 to 9.02 and 1.10–6.10 μL cm⁻² at 3.0 and 4.0 m flight heights, respectively, with the coefficients of variation between 19.72 and 23.06% for droplet spectrum parameters. All droplet spectrum parameters exhibited a moderate to strong spatial dependence (relative nugget effect ≤75%) and a predominance of adjustment to the exponential model, with spatial dependence indices ranging from 12.55 to 47.49% between the two flight heights. Significant positive correlations were observed between droplet deposition and droplet spectrum parameters (r = 0.60–0.79 at 3.0 m; r = 0.37–0.66 at 4.0 m), with the correlation magnitude decreasing as the operational flight height increased. Cross-validation indices demonstrated acceptable accuracy in spatial prediction, with a mean estimation error ranging from −0.030 to 0.044 and a root mean square error ranging from 0.81 to 2.25 across parameters and flight heights. Principal component analysis explained 99.14 and 85.72% of the total variation at 3.0 and 4.0 m flight heights, respectively. The methodological integration of geostatistics and multivariate statistics provides a comprehensive understanding of the spatial variability in droplet deposition, with relevant implications for the optimisation of phytosanitary applications performed using RPAs. Full article

Honey processing is closely linked to water pollution due to the lack of a specific wastewater treatment. This study proposes a sustainable and innovative solution based on two sequential bioprocesses using a real effluent from an Argentine honey-exporting facility. In the initial stage, the honey wastewater was enriched with a non-Saccharomyces yeast (Candida ethanolica), isolated from the same effluent. Treatment with this yeast in a bioreactor nearly doubled the total sugar removal efficiency compared to the control (native flora). Subsequent clarification with diatomaceous earth reduced the optical density (91.6%) and COD (30.9%). In the second stage, secondary sewage effluent was added to the clarified effluent and inoculated with Chlorella vulgaris under different culture conditions. The best microalgae performance was observed under high light intensity and high inoculum concentration, achieving a fivefold increase in cell density, a specific growth rate of 0.752 d⁻¹, and a doubling time of 0.921 d. Although total sugar removal in this stage remained below 28%, cumulative COD removal reached 90% after nine days under both lighting conditions. This study presents the first integrated treatment approach for honey industry effluents using a native yeast–microalgae system, incorporating in situ effluent recycling and the potential for dual waste valorization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with above-average cognitive functioning often present complex developmental profiles, combining high cognitive potential with heterogeneous socio-emotional and learning trajectories. Although the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of giftedness have been widely studied in Anglophone countries, evidence remains limited in Southern Europe. This study aimed to investigate the cognitive, academic, and emotional–behavioral profiles of Italian children and adolescents with above-average cognitive functioning, using an inclusive, dimensional approach (IQ > 114). Methods: We analyzed a cross-sectional sample of 331 children and adolescents (ages 2.11–16.5 years), referred for clinical cognitive or behavioral evaluations. Participants were assessed using the WPPSI-III or WISC-IV for cognitive functioning, the MT battery for academic achievement, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for emotional and behavioral symptoms. Comparative and correlational analyses were performed across age, gender, and functional domains. A correction for multiple testing was applied using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. Results: Gifted participants showed strong verbal comprehension (mean VCI: preschoolers = 118; school-aged = 121) and relative weaknesses in working memory (WM = 106) and processing speed (PS = 109). Males outperformed females in perceptual reasoning (PR = 121 vs. 118; p = 0.032), while females scored higher in processing speed (112 vs. 106; p = 0.021). Difficulties in writing and arithmetic were observed in 47.3% and 41.8% of school-aged participants, respectively. Subclinical internalizing problems were common in preschool and school-aged groups (mean CBCL T = 56.2–56.7). Working memory negatively correlated with total behavioral problems (r = −0.13, p = 0.046). Conclusions: These findings confirm the heterogeneity of gifted profiles and underscore the need for personalized educational and psychological interventions to support both strengths and vulnerabilities in gifted children. Caution is warranted when interpreting these associations, given their modest effect sizes and the exploratory nature of the study. Full article

Background: An univocal definition for a lack of glucose peak during the oral glucose tolerance test in pregnancy (flat curve) has never been agreed upon. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide a definition for the flat 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and to assess its clinical significance. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, where 8.810 pregnant singleton women were evaluated at the time of a 75 g OGTT between 24⁰ and 28⁶ weeks for the universal screening of gestational diabetes (GDM). The 75 g OGTT was considered flat when the difference between peak and fasting glucose concentrations was ≤30 mg/dL. A total of 953 (10.8%) women were diagnosed as having GDM, while 7.857 (89.2%) had normal glucose tolerance (NGT); 2791 women with normal glucose tolerance (35.5%) had a FLAT curve and 5066 (64.5%) had a concentration difference > 30 mg/dL (NGT). In all groups, we evaluated maternal characteristics and perinatal outcome. Results: Women with a FLAT curve were younger, taller, thinner, and their pre-pregnancy body mass index was lower than the other groups (all p < 0.001). The rate of obesity was also lower (p < 0.01). The vaginal delivery rate was higher than in NGT (80.4% vs. 77.8%; p < 0.01) and women with GDM (73.0%; p < 0.001) and that of primary cesarean lower than in NGT (11.9% vs. 14.8%; p < 0.001) and women with GDM (18.2%; p < 0.001). Between women with a FLAT and NGT OGTT curve, there was no significant difference for birthweight < 10th percentile (6.9% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.2), though the proportion of birthweight > 90th was lower (8% vs. 10%; p < 0.01). Conclusions: A 75 g flat OGTT as defined does not represent an abnormal maternal phenotype nor portend an adverse perinatal outcome. Full article

Background: Wilms’ tumor gene 1 (WT1) is a critical player in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), often serving as a biomarker for measurable residual disease (MRD). The WT1 gene is overexpressed in the majority of AML cases at diagnosis, with apparently no correlation with prognosis, and in the meantime, its role in patients with low-level expression is still undefined. This study investigates the mutational landscape and clinical outcomes of AML patients with low WT1 expression at diagnosis. Methods: We analyzed 34 AML patients with low WT1 expression (WT1/ABL1 < 250) diagnosed and treated from 2013 to 2017 at three institutions. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to investigate the mutational status of 32 genes commonly mutated in AML. The presence of specific mutations, as well as clinical outcomes, was compared to the general AML population. Results: Patients with low WT1 expression showed a significantly higher mutational burden, with a median of 3.4 mutations per patient, compared to the general AML population. Notably, clonal hematopoiesis (CHIP) or myelodysplasia-related (MR) mutations, particularly in ASXL1, TET2, and SRSF2, were present in most patients with low WT1 expression. All but one case of NPM1- or FLT3-mutant AML in the low-WT1 cohort harbored more CHIP or MR mutations. Patients with low WT1 expression had an overall survival (OS) that was superimposable to the OS expected in MR AML. Conclusions: Low WT1 expression in AML is associated with a distinct and complex mutational profile, marked by frequent CHIP and MR mutations. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the association between colostrum quality, as indicative of the immune status of the cows, and peripartum disease risk occurrence in a herd of grazing dairy cows. A prospective cohort study was conducted on a grazing dairy farm with 3000 Holstein milking cows from 15 March 2022 to 15 March 2023. Multivariable binary logistic models evaluated the association between colostrum quality (expressed in Brix grades as a continuous predictor) and the risk of peripartum diseases (including dystocia, stillbirth, retention of fetal membranes, metritis, and clinical endometritis). We found that colostrum quality was negatively associated with the risk of dystocia (p = 0.02), stillbirth (p < 0.01), clinical endometritis (p = 0.02), and total peripartum diseases (p < 0.01). Conversely, colostrum quality was not related to the risk of retention of the placenta (p = 0.25) or metritis (p = 0.76). Additionally, we found that the calving season affected colostrum quality (p < 0.01). Conversely, parity number, dry period length, and milk yield in previous lactation did not affect it (p > 0.10). We concluded that colostrum quality, expressed in Brix grades, is negatively associated with peripartum disease risk in dairy cows and could be a useful indicator of the immune status of the cow. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alexithymia, emotion regulation, and impulsivity are key factors in youths with mood disorders. However, gender differences within these dimensions remain insufficiently studied in this population. This study seeks to explore these dimensions in a sample of adolescents and young adults with mood disorders, aiming to identify gender-specific characteristics with important clinical implications. Methods: We assessed 115 outpatients aged 13 to 25 years with a DSM-5 diagnosis of mood disorder. The evaluation included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale. The associations with suicidal ideation were tested using two different multivariate models. Results were controlled for age and intelligence measures. Results: The first model (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.720, p < 0.001) revealed significantly higher scores in women than men for TAS-20 (p < 0.001), DERS (p < 0.001), and the UPPS-P subscales “Lack of Premeditation” (p = 0.004) and “Lack of Perseverance” (p = 0.001). Regression analyses confirmed gender as a significant predictor of these variables, also controlling for age and intelligence. Furthermore, intelligence measure influenced Lack of Premeditation and age influenced Lack of Perseverance. Conclusions: Women with mood disorders exhibit greater alexithymia, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity, particularly in difficulties with planning and task persistence. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive interventions that address emotional awareness and impulse control to improve clinical outcomes. Full article

Coffee production in mountainous regions faces significant challenges to mechanization, particularly in management and fertilization. Fertilizer application remains largely manual, reducing accuracy and failing to meet the demands of variable-rate application (VRA). This study developed a portable VRA fertilizer applicator with an embedded electronic control system. The innovation lies in its electrically driven metering mechanism integrated with an electronic control unit (ECU), enabling site-specific fertilization based on prescription maps or predefined rates while recording application coordinates. The mechanism was tested under laboratory and field conditions, evaluating its performance across four fertilizer types, varying inclination angles, and rotational speeds. Results showed a coefficient variation of 0.41% for doses above 24 g, demonstrating high consistency irrespective of fertilizer type or terrain slope. Field tests using potassium chloride (KCl) prescriptions (55, 123, and 185 g/plant; 220, 492, and 740 kg/ha) revealed minimal deviations, with the largest at 22.72 g and the smallest at 0.384 g. These findings demonstrate the applicator’s precision and efficiency, addressing the challenges of mountainous terrains. This system provides technological advancement for sustainable coffee production, enhancing resource optimization and supporting precision agriculture in challenging environments. Full article

Sporotrichosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease that is spreading and causing epidemics in large urban centers. Cats are the most susceptible species to develop the disease, which could cause significant systemic lesions. The aim was to investigate and to identify predictive indicators of disease progression by correlations between the blood profile (hematological and biochemical analytes) and cutaneous lesion patterns of 70 cats diagnosed with Sporothrix brasiliensis. The higher occurrence in male cats in this study could be related to being non-neutered and having access to open spaces. Principal component analysis (PCA) with two principal components, followed by binary logistic regression, and binary logistic regression analysis, with independent variables and backward elimination modeling, were performed to evaluate hematological (n = 56) and biochemical (n = 34) analytes, including red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, segmented neutrophils, band neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, total plasma protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase. Two logistic regression models (PCA and independent variables) were employed to search for a predicted model to correlate fixed (isolated) and disseminated cutaneous lesion patterns. Total plasma protein concentration may be assessed during screening diagnosis as it has been recognized as an independent predictor for the dissemination of cutaneous lesion patterns, with the capability of serving as a predictive biomarker to identify the progression of cutaneous lesions induced by S. brasiliensis infections in cats. Full article

Background: The present study investigates VKINE, a bioactive proteolytic fragment of the proteoglycan VCAN, as a novel and significant element in the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). Although VKINE has been recognized for its immunomodulatory potential in certain tumor types, its impact on ECM degradation and prognostic implications remains poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate VCAN proteolysis and its association with ADAMTS enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling in spontaneous canine mammary gland cancer. Methods: The expression levels of VKINE, ADAMTS enzymes, and collagen fibers were comparatively analyzed in situ and in invasive areas of carcinoma in mixed tumor (CMT) and carcinosarcoma (CSS) with different prognoses. Results: VKINE was notably expressed in the stroma adjacent to the invasion areas in CMT, whereas ADAMTS-15 was identified as the enzyme associated with VCAN proteolysis. Inverse correlations were observed between type III collagen and VCAN expression in in situ areas. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that VKINE and ADAMTS-15 play crucial roles in the tumor microenvironment, influencing invasiveness and type III collagen deposition. This study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics within the ECM, paving the way for potential new tools in diagnosing and treating human and canine mammary tumors. Full article

Batteries are fundamental to the sustainable energy transition, playing a key role in both powering devices and storing renewable energy. They are also essential in the shift towards greener automotive solutions. However, battery life cycles face significant environmental challenges, including the harmful impacts of extraction and refining processes and inefficiencies in recycling. Both researchers and policymakers are striving to improve battery technologies through a combination of bottom–up innovations and top–down regulations. This study aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and policy frameworks by conducting a Systematic Literature Review of 177 papers. The review identifies innovative solutions to mitigate challenges across the battery life cycle, from production to disposal. A key outcome of this work is the creation of the life cycle management framework, designed to align scientific developments with regulatory strategies, providing an integrated approach to address life cycle challenges. This framework offers a comprehensive tool to guide stakeholders in fostering a sustainable battery ecosystem, contributing to the objectives set by the European Commission’s battery regulation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although rare in the Western world, dog bites may be lethal or lead to physically severe outcomes. However, little attention is given to their psychological consequences. We aimed to review their psychological consequences in children 1–14 years of age, focusing on the prevalence and nature of psychological disorders, evaluating the impact on future mental health of children and their families, and assessing the effectiveness of preventive interventions and measures. Methods: On 23 May 2024, we investigated the PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO/PsycARTICLES databases using (“dog bite” OR animal-induced OR animal-caused) AND (psychol* OR mental OR psychiatr* OR anxiety OR anxious OR depress* OR obsess* OR trauma* OR psychosis OR psychotic OR schizophren* OR schizoaffect*) filtered for ages 0–18 years. This resulted in 311 records, of which 50 were eligible. These included original research, case reports, patient surveys, and reviews/meta-analyses. Results: Findings indicate that younger children are particularly vulnerable, often suffering head/neck bites, leading to severe injuries and psychological distress, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being a common outcome. Symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and social withdrawal were frequently reported. Positive parental support and timely psychological interventions were found to mitigate these effects. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary approaches integrating education, cognitive restructuring, and behaviour modification are needed to effectively prevent and address the psychological impacts of dog bites. Summarising, dog bites in children result in substantial psychological sequelae, necessitating robust prevention and intervention strategies to improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic mental conditions. Full article

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals continue to experience harassment and discrimination across various aspects of life, significantly impacting their physical and mental health. The scarcity of data on their general health, particularly regarding dietary habits, remains a challenge in developing effective healthcare strategies for this population. To address this gap, we analyzed selected dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) among Italian TGD adults compared to the Italian general population (IGP). An online anonymous survey was conducted via the Computer Assisted Web Interviewing technique from June 2020 to June 2021. Participants were enrolled through clinical centers and TGD organizations. Data from 959 TGD adults were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression models. Key findings indicated that approximately 70% of TGD individuals consumed fewer servings of fruit and vegetables (FV) than recommended (five or more servings per day). Although red meat consumption was lower overall, a greater percentage of TGD individuals reported consuming more than three servings per week. Additionally, 58% of TGD participants indicated that they did not engage in any PA, compared to 36% of the IGP. Notably, significant differences in BMI were identified, with higher rates of overweight and obesity among TGD individuals assigned female at birth. These results underscore the urgent need for tailored nutritional guidelines and inclusive public health strategies to meet the specific health needs of the Italian TGD population. Expanding access to targeted interventions could contribute to improving overall well-being in this marginalized group. Full article

Adolescence is a central phase for the development of a person’s identity, involving complex multidimensional changes and increasing vulnerability to distress. This study aimed to investigate the psychological well-being of adolescent students in Brescia (Northern Italy), two years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey investigated the extent and the reasons reported by high school students (13–21 years) for their emotional distress (ED), also considering other factors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep and smartphone overuse. The main reasons for ED were classified through a qualitative analysis of the free-text answers. A total of 1686 students agreed to participate, and 50% showed a presence of ED. According to a multiple logistic analysis, adolescents were more at risk of ED if they were female (AdjOR 2.3), older (AdjOR 1.6), slept less than 8 h (AdjOR 1.5), perceived increased anxiety (AdjOR 3.4), and adopted certain eating behaviors, e.g., comfort food consumption (AdjOR 2.0). According to free-text answers, the main reasons for ED were “school pressure”, “relationships with family and peers”, “negative emotional states” and “the pandemic”. The results show a high level of ED among adolescents, and the reported reasons may help to better address their psychological needs after the pandemic. Full article

Gender medicine studies how health status and diseases differ between men and women in terms of prevention, therapeutic approach, prognosis, and psychological and social impact. Sex and gender analyses have been demonstrated to improve science, contributing to achieving real appropriateness and equity in the cure for each person. Therefore, it is fundamental to consider, both in preclinical and clinical research, the different clinical and biological features associated with sex and/or gender, where sex differences are mainly influenced by biological determinants and gender ones by socio-cultural and economic matters. This article was developed to provide knowledge and methodological tools for the development of studies/research protocols in which sex and gender should be taken into account. Full article