Search Results (13,476)

Light spectral composition plays a central role in regulating plant growth, morphology, nutrient uptake, and pigment biosynthesis, particularly in controlled-environment agriculture. This study investigated the effects of targeted LED spectral modulation, focusing on green light deprivation and different red-to-blue (R:B) ratios at constant photon flux density, on morphological traits, mineral composition, and photosynthetic pigments in Salvia officinalis L. and Cannabis sativa L. grown under controlled conditions. Plants were cultivated under three LED treatments providing equal light intensity but differing in spectral composition. Morphological parameters, mineral nutrients, inorganic anions, and photosynthetic pigments were assessed at harvest. Total biomass production was not significantly affected by the light treatments in either species; however, clear species-specific responses were observed. In S. officinalis, higher R:B ratios promoted stem elongation without affecting leaf number or fresh weight, whereas in C. sativa, the higher R:B ratio significantly increased leaf number. Green light deprivation and red–blue enrichment generally enhanced mineral accumulation and nitrogen content, although the magnitude and direction of these effects varied between species. Photosynthetic pigment responses were more pronounced in hemp, with increased chlorophylls and carotenoids under green light deprivation, while salvia showed a selective increase in carotenoids under higher R:B ratios. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of species-specific LED spectral optimization to improve physiological performance and nutritional quality in indoor cultivation of medicinal plants. Full article

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine disruptor that interferes with metabolism in humans and animals by inducing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Probiotics, conversely, have shown potential in promoting host health and reducing the toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study examined whether sub-chronic BPA exposure disrupts hepatic lipid metabolism in female zebrafish (Danio rerio), and whether co-administration of probiotics mitigates these effects. Adult females were exposed for 28 days to the following treatments: 10 µg/L BPA via water (BPA); 10⁹ CFU/g body weight/day of probiotic formulation (P); and both treatments (BPA+P). An untreated group served as a control (CTRL). Hepatic lipid composition was analyzed using UHPLC-QTOF-MS, while liver sections were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging (FTIRI) spectroscopy. BPA exposure decreased 14 unsaturated triacylglycerols and lysophosphatidylcholine 18:0, suggesting steatosis onset and inflammation, while in the group exposed to BPA+P, the decrease was limited to 8 triacylglycerols and the reduction in lysophosphatidylcholine 18:0 was prevented. Analyses of pooled liver samples precluded modeling tank-level effects; thus, the results are interpreted as semi-quantitative. Partial least square discriminant analysis built on the comparison of all groups together confirmed an intermediate phenotype for BPA+P fish between BPA and P groups. The observed beneficial role of probiotics in counteracting BPA-related metabolic disturbances was also supported by FTIRI, evidencing the ability to mitigate the effects of BPA on lipid and glycosylated compound metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of probiotic supplementation as a practical and accessible strategy to mitigate BPA-induced metabolic disturbances, contributing to the development of mitigating approaches against environmental contaminant-related liver dysfunction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Comparative sociogenomics combines multiple scientific fields to investigate the genetic basis of social behavior across species. Our aim was to uncover the genetic roots of human sociability with possible implications for autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication deficits. Methods: We conducted molecular network analysis on 659 sociability-related genes from different animal species, including humans. Results: We identified a network of 240 genes strongly associated with autism (p < 10⁻¹⁵), with 194 inferred. These genes were grouped into 23 functional communities related to cell–cell junctions and communication, inflammatory and synaptic signaling, neurotransmitter receptors and semaphorin signaling among the more enriched meta-pathways. Some network genes were clustered in nine chromosomal bands (FDR < 0.25), indicating genes’ functional cooperation, shared evolutionary history, and coordinated regulation, and few genes are physically in linkage with ASD genes (within 0.5 cM) or controlled by human-accelerated regions. Conclusions: The most compelling inferred autism risk genes are MED12, FZD9, and DMD since they are differentially expressed in autistic brains, physically linked to key autism genes, controlled by human-accelerated regions, or mapped to chromosomal regions enriched in network genes. If validated, they could represent novel biomarkers, advancing the understanding of autism’s genetic makeup. Full article

This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of the near-surface air temperature lapse rate (NSATLR) in Calabria, a region representative of typical Mediterranean environmental and climatic conditions. Through the integration of observational datasets and model simulations, a global sensitivity analysis using the Sobol method, and Bayesian linear regression modelling across annual, seasonal, and monthly scales, the primary drivers of near-surface air temperature (NSAT) variability were identified. Results demonstrate that altitude is the dominant factor influencing temperature distribution, with minimal contributions from other geographical parameters such as latitude, longitude, and proximity to the sea. The Bayesian models yielded robust performance for mean and maximum temperatures, while minimum temperature proved more challenging to predict. Lapse rate analyses confirmed a consistent inverse relationship between temperature and elevation, with the steepest gradients observed for Tmin. In particular, a significant long-term decline in lapse rates over the past 70 years, especially during winter and autumn, points to accelerated warming at higher elevations, primarily driven by rising Tmin values. This trend suggests a gradual homogenization of temperature across altitudes, with important implications for ecosystem dynamics, snowpack stability, and climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and urban planning. Full article

The single mental barbel is a distinctive feature of the benthic Antarctic fishes of the «cryonotothenioid» subfamily Artedidraconinae. These barbels are unusual because their primary sensory modality is tactility, not chemosensation as in most other teleosts. They also exhibit considerable interspecific and intraspecific variation in length and in the appearance of the terminal expansion and its epidermis. Barbels range from short to long and the terminal expansion can be nonexistent, small and round, or large and oblong. In most species, the epidermal surface of the terminal expansion exhibits projections of various shapes and sizes. These range from smooth and furrowed, to ridged and furrowed, to pointed, to palmate (having lobes originating from a common point), and to fringed and leaf-like. Barbels are also subject to intraspecific variation among the species in the genera Dolloidraco, Histiodraco, Artedidraco and Pogonophryne. The various epidermal surface patterns all increase the sensory surface area exposed to the substrate and may enhance detection of their prey, primarily polychaetes. They also enhance surface roughness of the epidermis, thereby dissipating mechanical forces and providing some protection from abrasion by the substrate. The various patterns are likely an epigenetic response to different local conditions of the substrate. This variation warrants caution in their use as a defining taxonomic character. Full article

Plasma Enhancement Gases (PEGs) are a set of gaseous elements studied for converting plasma thermal energy and mitigating the heat load on the plasma-facing components of a tokamak fusion power plant. In particular, PEG separation is part of the Plasma Exhaust Processing System of EU-DEMO. This work addresses issues related to the purification of Deuterium-Tritium fusion fuel, introducing ceramic membranes having a low specific area to process and purify unburned streams throughout the fuel cycle. A commercial microporous mono-channel α-Alumina membrane was considered for the evaluation of its efficacy in separating binary mixtures of H₂ with a PEG (Ar and N₂), D₂, or He. Several tests were carried out, feeding equimolar streams of H₂-Ar, H₂-N₂, D₂-Ar, and He-Ar, and the separation factor (SF) of the aforementioned binary mixtures was experimentally assessed. Finally, based on the results from the experimental campaign, the separation factors of several gas mixtures that had not been experimentally investigated were theoretically calculated and proposed. Full article

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterised by clonal expansion of plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow (BM). Disease assessment and monitoring typically rely on invasive, single-site procedures, such as BM biopsies (BMBs), which may inadequately capture intra- and extra-medullary spatial heterogeneity. Circulating plasma cells (CPCs), enriched from peripheral blood (PB), may represent a minimally invasive alternative or adjunct for molecular profiling. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using CPCs, enriched from PB, for mRNA analysis in plasma cell dyscrasia, including MM. A secondary objective was to assess whether mRNA expression levels of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensors X-box-binding protein 1 (uXBP1) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and the chaperone-mediated autophagy marker Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 2 (LAMP2A) by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), were associated with resistance to the second-generation proteasome inhibitor (PI) carfilzomib (Cfz). Methods: Multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines (H929 and U266) and their carfilzomib-adapted derivatives were used to establish and validate droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays targeting ER stress (uXBP1, ATF6) and autophagy-related (LAMP2A) transcripts. Solid tumour cell lines, including serum-starved HeLa cells, served as biological controls to support assay specificity and sensitivity. Total RNA was extracted and reverse-transcribed to complementary DNA prior to analysis. Transcript levels were normalised to those of β-actin or GAPDH, as appropriate. ddPCR was performed using the BioRad QX200 system, with results reported as the normalised transcript copy number per microlitre of reaction. Matched bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and peripheral blood (PB) samples were collected at a single clinical time point from adults undergoing investigation for plasma cell dyscrasia between January 2021 and December 2023. Samples were obtained as part of standard clinical care and/or during treatment with Bortezomib (Btz) or Cfz. Mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation, and CD138⁺ plasma cells were enriched by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Enrichment purity was assessed qualitatively by immunofluorescence microscopy using CD138 and CD117 markers. Samples yielding fewer than 1000 CD138⁺ plasma cells were excluded, resulting in 10 evaluable matched patient pairs. Results: Carfilzomib-adapted MM cell lines demonstrated reduced levels of uXBP1, ATF6, and LAMP2A mRNA compared to treatment-naïve cells. In matched BM and PB samples, uXBP1 mRNA levels were consistently lower in circulating PCs than in BM-derived PCs, whereas ATF6 mRNA levels were concordant between compartments. LAMP2A mRNA levels exhibited marked inter-patient heterogeneity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using CPCs as a minimally invasive source for mRNA-based biomarker assessment and highlights ddPCR as a sensitive platform for quantifying ER stress and chaperone-mediated autophagy related transcripts in CPCs. Cfz adaptation was associated with reduced levels of uXBP1 and LAMP2A mRNA in MM cell lines. Future prospective studies evaluating the clinical utility of ER stress and chaperone-mediated autophagy associated transcripts in CPCs as predictors of resistance to PI are warranted. Full article

In recent times, increasing attention has been devoted to the investigation of atmospheric processes through remote sensing in order to improve our understanding of climate dynamics and atmospheric physics. This requires accurate simulation of the spectra emitted by the Earth, from which atmospheric composition and thermodynamic conditions can be retrieved. The FORUM mission focuses on observations of the Earth’s outgoing radiation in the far-infrared spectral region, which has been only sparsely explored due to observational challenges, despite its significant contribution to the characterization of atmospheric processes. As part of the mission activities, dedicated simulations of the measurements expected from the FORUM instrument are required. Different models and codes can be employed for this purpose. Fast radiative transfer models, such as SIGMA-FORUM, efficiently simulate all-sky conditions, whereas detailed line-by-line models, such as KLIMA, have generally been limited to clear-sky applications. In this context, SIGMA-FORUM, an all-sky fast radiative transfer model operating in the 10–2760 cm⁻¹ spectral range and KLIMA, a FORTRAN-based line-by-line algorithm extensively validated under clear-sky conditions, are used to simulate FORUM radiances in both clear and cloudy atmospheres. This study extends the comparison between SIGMA-IASI/F2N and KLIMA to cloudy-sky scenarios by incorporating cloud optical properties into KLIMA using the same parametrization approach adopted in SIGMA-FORUM version 2.4. By combining complementary modeling approaches, this work enables KLIMA to simulate atmospheric radiances under all-sky conditions, thereby broadening its applicability. Full article

This second volume of this Special Issue of Land, entitled ‘Ageing, Gender and Environment: Problems and Challenges from Different Disciplines’, continues the intellectual trajectory launched with the first compendium of 16 articles, which covered the years 2021–2022 and helped consolidate an emerging field at the intersection of land, ageing, gender, and environmental challenges [...] Full article

Hypersaline waters contaminated with crude oil represent a major obstacle for phytoremediation, as few plant species tolerate both high salinity and hydrocarbon toxicity. In this study, the halophyte Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pallas) M. Bieb. was grown hydroponically in hypersaline solutions (50 and 80 g L⁻¹ NaCl) containing crude oil (600 mg L⁻¹). The plant was inoculated with endophytic bacteria isolated in a previous step from its root and selected for salt tolerance and hydrocarbon-degrading potential. The plant behaviour was assessed through growth and photosynthetic performance, while the degradation of hydrocarbons (C < 12 and C > 12) was monitored over time. At 50 g L⁻¹ NaCl, crude oil reduced the plant growth by 60%, but inoculation with endophytic bacteria mitigated this decline, demonstrating their positive influence under combined salt and hydrocarbon stress. At 80 g L⁻¹ NaCl, neither plant biomass nor chlorophyll fluorescence was significantly affected by crude oil, with or without bacterial inoculation, consistent with the strong intrinsic salt tolerance of H. strobilaceum, which likely buffered additional stress inputs. Metagenomic analyses revealed distinct root-associated microbial communities under different treatments, suggesting synergistic plant–microbe interactions that enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and metabolic stability. The presence of endophytes accelerated the degradation of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C10–C40) at both salinity levels. These findings highlight the potential of endophytic bacteria to enhance resilience in H. strobilaceum and its phytoremediation capacity, offering a promising nature-based approach for the sustainable treatment of highly saline, crude oil-contaminated industrial waters. Full article

The increasing diffusion of plant-based milk alternatives poses new challenges at the intersection of food safety and consumer experience, particularly regarding allergen cross-contamination and beverage performance during preparation. Traditional quality control strategies are typically confined to upstream production stages and are unable to address individualized risks and sensory variability at the point of consumption. In this study, we propose an embedded volatilomic sensing approach that combines metal oxide semiconductor (MOX) sensor arrays with lightweight artificial intelligence algorithms to enable real-time, on-device decision-making. The volatilome of four commercially available plant-based milk beverages (oat, almond, soy, and coconut) was characterized using GC–MS/SPME as a reference method, while a MOX-based electronic nose provided rapid, non-destructive sensing of volatile fingerprints. Linear Discriminant Analysis demonstrated clear discrimination among beverage types based on their volatile signatures, supporting the use of MOX sensor arrays as functional descriptors of compositional identity and process-related variability. Beyond beverage classification, the proposed framework is designed to support future implementation of (i) screening for anomalous volatilomic patterns potentially compatible with accidental cow’s milk carryover in shared preparation settings and (ii) adaptive tuning of preparation parameters (e.g., foaming-related settings) in smart beverage systems. The results highlight the role of embedded volatilomic intelligence as a unifying layer between personalized risk-aware screening and sensory-oriented process control, paving the way for intelligent food-processing appliances capable of autonomous, real-time adaptation at the point of consumption. Full article

The Golgi complex undergoes dynamic remodeling during the cell cycle, as ribbon unlinking in G2 is required for proper mitotic progression. Failure to fragment the ribbon leads to G2 arrest, whereas forced mitotic entry with intact ribbons results in multipolar spindle formation. Phosphorylation of the Golgi matrix protein GRASP65 at serine 277 (S277) in rat (S274 in human) by JNK2 is essential for ribbon unlinking, but its upstream regulation has remained unclear. Here, we generated and validated a phospho-specific antibody recognizing human GRASP65 phosphorylated at S274, enabling accurate detection of this modification. Using this tool, we identify protein kinase D2 (PKD2) as a critical upstream regulator required for GRASP65 phosphorylation and Golgi unlinking. GRASP65-S274 phosphorylation increases during G2 and is markedly reduced upon PKD2 inhibition or depletion, resulting in decreased Golgi unlinking and delayed G2/M transition. Conversely, PKD2-activating stimuli, including phorbol esters and nocodazole, enhance GRASP65 phosphorylation in a PKD2-dependent manner. These findings define PKD2 as a key regulator of the JNK2–GRASP65 signaling axis controlling Golgi disassembly at the G2/M transition. Moreover, the phospho-specific GRASP65 antibody described here provides a valuable tool to dissect upstream signaling mechanisms and to identify the initial triggers driving Golgi unlinking at G2 entry. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable food production has intensified interest in controlled-environment agriculture and soilless cultivation systems. This study evaluated the performance of local chicory (Cichorium intybus L., cultivar “Otrantina”) grown for 45 days in soil, hydroponics, and decoupled aquaponics under two different environments: a fully controlled growth chamber and a naturally variable greenhouse. Morphological, anatomical, biochemical, and physiological traits were analyzed to assess the combined influence of growth environment and cultivation system on plant development and nutritional quality. Across all parameters, the growth environment emerged as the main driver of plant performance. Greenhouse-grown plants exhibited greater leaf expansion, enhanced mesophyll and vascular development, and higher fresh and dry biomass than those cultivated in the growth chamber. Within each environment, hydroponics consistently supported vigorous growth, whereas aquaponics produced smaller leaves and pronounced root elongation, likely reflecting nutrient and pH instability in the decoupled system. Biochemical analyses revealed system-specific adaptive responses. Soilless cultivation promoted higher lipid accumulation and, under growth chamber conditions, increased protein content. Aquaponically grown plants, particularly in the greenhouse, accumulated elevated levels of soluble sugars and phenolic antioxidants, consistent with stress-related metabolic activation. In contrast, soil-grown plants displayed the highest flavonoid concentrations, suggesting a prominent role of rhizosphere–microbiome interactions in modulating secondary metabolism. Overall, these results indicate that, under the tested conditions, environmental control exerts a stronger influence than cultivation systems on chicory growth and metabolism. Hydroponics proved to be the most efficient system for biomass production, whereas aquaponics requires improved nutrient management to ensure stable growth and quality. The distinct metabolic profiles associated with each cultivation system highlight opportunities to tailor chicory nutraceutical traits within sustainable controlled-environment agriculture. Full article

Dysregulated angiogenesis is involved in cancer and numerous ischemic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, prompting extensive research that has yielded a growing array of angiogenesis-modulating molecules used in clinical practice. The dietary phytocomplex of Cruciferous vegetables exhibits multiple biological activities in both in vitro and in vivo models. However, the impact of a myrosinase-activated broccoli extract (MaBE) on angiogenesis, as well as on stromal–endothelial interactions governing endothelial cell behavior, has not yet been explored. We investigated the effects of MaBE on endothelial–stromal crosstalk using endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts (HFF1) both individually and in a fibroblast-conditioned medium model. MaBE dose-dependently inhibited endothelial viability, migration and tube formation, key steps of angiogenesis, through interference with the VEGF–VEGFR2 axis. Notably, MaBE also markedly suppressed HFF1-driven HUVEC migration and capillary-like structure formation, likely through the inhibition of fibroblast motility and the downregulation of VEGF and angiogenin signaling in HFF1 cells. Overall, these findings provide new insight into MaBE regulation of pro-angiogenic behaviors in both endothelial cells and fibroblasts while disrupting their functional interplay. By targeting multiple cellular compartments and key mediators involved in angiogenesis, MaBE emerges as a promising bioactive extract with potential relevance for the management of pathological angiogenesis-related disorders. Full article

Lamport’s Bakery algorithm is a well-known, simple, and elegant solution to the mutual exclusion problem for N ≥ 2 concurrent/parallel processes. However, the algorithm generates an unbounded number of tickets, even when only 2 processes are arbitrated. Various proposals in the literature were introduced to bound the number of tickets. Anyway, almost all these proposals prove to be correct when operated with atomic registers (AR) only. They become incorrect when working with non-atomic registers (NAR), as may occur in embedded hardware platforms with multi-port memory and relaxed memory-bus control, such as microcontrollers, FPGA-based systems, or specialized network devices. A notable solution with bounded tickets is Taubenfeld’s Black-White Bakery (BWB) algorithm. BWB relies on tickets which are couples <number,mycolor> where mycolor can be Black or White and number ranges in [0, N]. BWB, too, was confirmed, through informal reasoning, it is correct with AR only. The original contribution of this paper is a reformulation of BWB, which is formally modelled and exhaustively verified by timed automata in the Uppaal toolbox. In the reformulation, a ticket’s couple is coded as a single integer, and decoded and processed according to the BWB logic. The reformulated BWB remains fully correct with AR regardless of the number N of processes, but it is also correct with NAR for N = 2 processes. As a further original contribution, the paper demonstrates that the BWB version for 2 processes can be embedded in a general, state-of-the-art solution, based on a binary tournament tree (TT), to become AR/NAR correct, that is, RW-safe, for any number of processes. However, due to model complexity, the correctness of the TT versions of BWB, that is, based on atomic and non-atomic registers, is mainly studied by stochastic simulation of the formal model reduced to actors in Java. Full article