Search Results (2,394)

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., also named Cactus pear, is a crop widespread in many countries with Mediterranean and subtropical climates, where it represents a valuable source of food. However, in southern Europe, this fruit market is limited to a few months, from summer to autumn. The possibility to extend the ripening period of fruit is represented by the special pruning of the first bloom flush and consequent new development of late flowers and fruits. Extending the cultivation period would allow farmers to maximize the crop’s potential, thereby extending the Cactus pear market season throughout much of the year. In this study, conducted in southern Sardinia (Italy), progressive pruning was applied with the aim of evaluating the fruit characteristics in relation to this type of cultivation, also considering the weather conditions during the experimental period. Morphological traits and physicochemical compositions of fruit picked in four harvests during two sampling seasons from August 2022 to March 2023, and from August 2023 to March 2024 were compared. According to principal component analysis (PCA), most of the observed characters showed significant differences among harvest periods but also between the two seasons of cultivation (year of cultivation: r = 0.722 on PC1), suggesting that the meteorological trend strongly modulated fruit traits. Some fruit qualities were partially lost during the winter months, such as juice acidity and total soluble solids (TSS). October was the month with the highest TSS levels (13.5 ± 0.25), followed by August, January and March. On the other hand, juiciness and fresh weight remained unchanged or even improved in fruit harvested out-of-season. As observed in the redundancy analysis (RDA) a contribution of 54% due to weather variability emerged. In Particular, TSS levels, pH and juice dry matter were associated with high temperatures, solar radiation, and wind intensity. Wind speed was also moderately linked with betalain content. Moreover, high relative humidity was associated with lower pH values, higher water content, and higher fruit fresh weight. A significant difference was found between the two years in betalains content (80.0 ± 3.7 µg·mL⁻¹ in 2022–2023 and 28.2 ± 2.5 µg·mL⁻¹ in 2023–2024). The breakdown in the 2023–2024 season was likely due to the strong heat wave of July 2023 (up to 47 °C), which caused their partial degradation. In light of seasonal variability, this work provides some useful insights for future management of Cactus pear, also considering the possibility of usefully extending the period of cultivation and harvesting. Full article

Climate change threatens crop yields and farming profitability, especially in drought-prone regions, requiring a transition to climate-resilient farming systems. Concurrently, growing demand for health-promoting and bio-based materials is creating new market opportunities for farmers. Sulla (Sulla coronaria Medik; syn. Hedysarum coronarium L.), a Mediterranean forage crop, may represent a strategic resource for sustainable intensification by simultaneously providing high-value commodities and a wide range of ecosystem services. This review explores the multifunctional potential of sulla following a holistic approach and is structured in thematic chapters, exploring: i. agronomy, ii. ecosystem services and agroecological value, iii. plant biochemical profile, iv. emerging applications for the bio-based industry, v. genetic diversity (including rhizobia diversity) and breeding perspectives for target environments and end-use. A SWOT analysis synthesizes strengths, research gaps and bottlenecks hindering large-scale adoption and valorization. The review proposes a strategic framework matching research priority with specific, actionable goals. The review aims to increase awareness of the multifaceted value of sulla as a promising model legume to increase sustainability in agriculture, promote product diversification and farming profitability, while assuring important ecosystem benefits. Full article

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the utility of native T1 mapping for the evaluation of myocardial iron overload in patients with Thalassemia Major. T1 was compared to T2*, which represents the gold standard for iron quantification in the heart and liver. Methods: Consecutive patients with Thalassemia Major who performed cardiac MRI at the University Hospital of Sassari between 2022 and 2024 were prospectively included. All patients underwent a 1.5 T MRI with the same scanner (Philips Ingenia). T2* and native T1 mapping (MOLLI) sequences were performed in all patients on a mid-ventricular single 8 mm short-axis slice of the left ventricle. A region of interest was manually drawn in the septal wall. A T2* value < 20 ms was considered indicative of significant myocardial iron overload. A normal lower limit value of 990 ms was adopted for native T1 mapping. Results: In total, 100 patients with Thalassemia Major were included (median age, 45 [range, 7–80] years; 55% were male). The median myocardial T2* value was 31.4 (range, 5.1–47) and median T1 was 941 ms (range, 557–1131). A total of 12 patients (12%) exhibited T2* values < 20 ms; the T1 values in these patients (median, 733.8 ms [range, 557–975]) were significantly lower compared to those with a T2* of 20 ms or greater (median, 961 ms [range, 820–1131]), p < 0.001. No patient with T2* < 20 ms had a T1 value greater than or equal to 990 ms. Among the 88 patients with T2* ≥ 20 ms, 56 (64%) had T1 < 990 ms (median, 939.2 ms [range, 820–986]). Using a T1 threshold of 990 ms, the sensitivity was 100%, but the specificity was only 36%. ROC analysis identified an optimal T1 value of 895.5 ms, corresponding to 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Conclusions: Native T1 mapping is highly sensitive for detecting myocardial iron overload in Thalassemia Major, but the standard 990 ms threshold generates many false-positive results. In our cohort, adopting an ROC-optimized threshold of 895.5 ms markedly improved specificity while preserving excellent sensitivity. Full article

Background: Influenza A(H3N2) continues to evolve rapidly, frequently eroding population immunity and challenging seasonal vaccine strain selection. During the 2025/26 season, the A(H3N2) subclade K (J.2.4.1) expanded quickly across multiple regions and showed evidence of antigenic divergence in standard assays. Methods: In this study, we combined phylogenetic analyses of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) sequences with a systematic synthesis of recent peer-reviewed studies and official surveillance reports to comprehensively define the molecular profile and early epidemiological dynamics of subclade K. Results: Our phylogenetic reconstructions of HA and NA genes confirmed the emergence of a coherent and recently diversified lineage characterized by coordinated evolution of surface glycoproteins and broad geographic representation during 2025. Integration of molecular, temporal, and surveillance evidence further supported rapid expansion with limited early regional structuring. Antigenic analyses reported in peer-reviewed studies described reduced haemagglutination inhibition reactivity to vaccine reference antisera for many subclade K viruses, whereas vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates from multiple settings remained moderate. Conclusions: Overall, the available genetic, antigenic, and epidemiological evidence indicates that subclade K represents a recently diversified A(H3N2) lineage associated with rapid international spread during the 2025/26 season, highlighting the importance of integrated HA/NA genomic surveillance and timely antigenic characterization to support evidence-based vaccine strain selection. Full article

Chronic low-grade inflammation, altered microvascular support, and progressive stress-related cellular dysfunction are major contributors to tissue aging and impaired repair. Dermal fibroblasts are central regulators of these processes because they integrate cytokine-related signaling, redox balance, and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that endogenous bioelectrical activity may influence these cellular functions by shaping upstream regulatory conditions linked to downstream molecular responses. In the present study, we investigated the molecular effects of the Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer Anti-Inflammatory Cellular Treatment delivered under Inside Blue Zone conditions (REAC ACT-IBZ) in human dermal fibroblasts (HFF1). Cells were exposed to nine standardized treatment sessions, and molecular changes were assessed by RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence analysis complemented by supportive semi-quantitative fluorescence intensity assessment. REAC ACT-IBZ exposure was associated with increased SIRT1 and VEGF expression and with transcriptional modulation of selected cytokine-related genes, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-8. Immunofluorescence analysis, complemented by supportive semi-quantitative fluorescence intensity assessment, showed a pattern consistent with increased FOXO1 and SIRT1 staining and reduced mTOR staining in treated cells. Overall, these findings identify a molecular profile associated with REAC ACT-IBZ exposure in human dermal fibroblasts, involving stress-response regulators, angiogenesis-related signaling, and selective cytokine-related transcriptional changes. Within the limits of the present in vitro model, the data support the view that endogenous bioelectrical modulation may interact with molecular networks relevant to tissue homeostasis and inflammaging. Full article

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) tools are increasingly used in dairy production, but their success depends on farmers’ perceptions, needs and investment capacity. This study explores the current use of digital technologies, satisfaction levels and future expectations among Italian dairy farmers. An online questionnaire with 19 questions collected 53 complete responses between May and November 2025. Most of the farms were free-stall Holstein dairy farms located in the Po Valley and managed by relatively young and well-educated farmers, many of whom had a background in animal production. The adoption of PLF tools was widespread: management software (73.6%), automated total mixed ration (TMR) preparation (66.0%), heat stress mitigation systems (62.3%) and collar sensors (52.8%) were the most adopted technologies. Satisfaction with current tools was high, although installation costs and poor system integration were consistently identified as major constraints. Farmers expressed clear priorities for future devices, particularly early diagnosis of health problems, calving, heat, lameness, and feeding and rumination functions. The results suggest that PLF in Italian dairy systems is moving from the adoption phase to that of consolidation. However, improvements in interoperability, affordability and farmer-centred design remain essential to support a wider and more equitable spread of the technology across the sector. Full article

In order to assess the spreading of tick-borne bacteria and protozoa in a protected area largely frequented by people and in which numerous domestic and wild animals live, molecular analyses were carried out in ticks collected from fallow deer (Dama dama) to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia sp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Hepatozoon sp., and piroplasms. A total of 148 tick pools, for a total of 475 ticks collected from fallow deer and identified as female adult Ixodes ricinus, were submitted to DNA extraction and different PCR assays. One hundred and two (68.92%) pools were positive for one or more pathogens: three (2.02%) for C. burnetii, 21 (14.19%) for Borrelia sp., 35 (23.64%) for piroplasms, and 87 (58.78%) for A. phagocytophilum. All tick pools were negative for F. tularensis and Hepatozoon sp. Sixty-seven (45.27%) pools were positive for only one investigated pathogen, whereas in 35 (23.64%) pools DNA of two or more pathogens were found. Sequencing analyses identified 28 piroplasm amplicons as Theileria sp. OT3 and seven amplicons as possible Theileria cervi. Sequencing of the 21 Borrelia amplicons identified six samples as B. miyamotoi and eight as B. lusitaniae, whereas seven amplicons had 100% homology with a Borrelia sp. found in France and 99.37% with a B. theileri strain detected in Zambia. Monitoring tick-borne pathogens in ticks is pivotal to assess the spread of these microorganisms, the evolution of their epidemiology, and the risk of infections for animals and humans. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the trends in physiological and metabolic parameters—such as heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), hematological parameters, blood lactate, and serum enzymes (LDH, AST, and CK)—in seven regularly trained working dogs during the protection phase of the IGP1 Working Trial. HR and RR measurements, along with blood samples, were collected at rest (upon arrival at the field), immediately after exercise, and 10 min post-exercise. Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher HR, RR, RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and blood lactate values both immediately and 10 min after exercise compared to rest. Creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were significantly higher 10 min post-exercise compared to rest and immediately after exercise. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between blood lactate levels and HR and RR throughout the monitoring period. Preliminarily, these findings suggest that the protection phase of the IGP1 trial involves a mixed energy metabolism, comprising both anaerobic (alactic and lactic) and aerobic pathways. The results also highlight the usefulness of blood lactate and heart rate measurements as practical indicators for assessing fitness and physiological response in working dogs during IGP1 activities. Full article

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) represents a key pollinator for both crops and wild plants, and its global decline raises serious concerns for ecosystem stability and agricultural productivity. Several biotic and abiotic factors are responsible for colony losses, including alterations in the bee microbiota, which is essential for host metabolism, development, and immune responses. In this study, we employed both molecular protocols and metagenomic approaches based on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to characterize the microbial composition and identify commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms, both known and emerging, associated with A. mellifera colonies from 20 apiaries across the Italian territory. Molecular screening revealed Vairimorpha ceranae, Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae and several viruses, including Sacbrood virus (SBV), Black Queen Cell virus (BQCV), Deformed Wing virus (DWV), Chronic Bee Paralysis virus (CBPV) and Acute Bee Paralysis virus (ABPV). 16S rRNA gene sequencing highlighted a bacterial community mainly composed of the Lactobacillus, Gilliamella, and Snodgrassella genera. Virome analysis detected members belonging to the families Dicistroviridae and Iflaviridae, as well as previously unreported viruses in Italy, such as Apis rhabdovirus (ARV-1, ARV-2), Bee Macula-like virus (BeeMLV), and Lake Sinai virus (LSV). This research expands current knowledge of the A. mellifera metagenome, offering valuable insights for epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic assay development. Full article

Objective: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant tumour of the parotid gland. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate treatment strategies, survival, recurrence, and prognostic factors in primary parotid MEC. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched to identify eligible observational studies and clinical trials on primary parotid MEC. Pooled estimates of overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and local, regional, and distant recurrence rates were calculated. Prognostic factors associated with survival and recurrence were analysed. Results: Twenty-one studies involving 7192 patients were analysed. Histologic grade was low in 32.2%, intermediate in 41.8%, and high in 26.1%. Surgical treatment included total parotidectomy (2606 patients) and superficial parotidectomy (1642), with facial nerve preservation achieved in 1993 of 4111 reported cases. Positive margins occurred in 18% of patients, and postoperative radiotherapy was administered in 50%. Mean follow-up was 72.6 months. Pooled OS rates were 100% at 1 year, 90% at 5 years, and 70% at 10 years; DSS was 100% at 5 years and 90% at 10 years. Recurrence rates were 10% local, 0% regional, and 10% distant. High-grade histology, advanced T/N stage, positive surgical margins, and intraparotid lymph node metastasis were associated with poorer outcomes. Conclusions: Parotid MEC generally has favourable short- and intermediate-term outcomes. Based on evidence and institutional experience, we propose a grade-based workflow integrating tumour grade, T/N status, and adverse pathological features to guide surgical extent, elective neck dissection, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Prospective studies with standardized reporting are needed. Full article

The Moroccan locust (Dociostaurus maroccanus) is one of the most economically significant locust species in the Caucasus and Central Asia. In the past, the Mediterranean region also experienced severe damage to crops and pastures, until widespread grassland conversion to cropland began in the second half of the 20th century. However, climate change, environmental shifts, land-use changes, cropland abandonment, and overgrazing are likely to alter the spatial distribution and outbreak patterns of this pest. Understanding potential changes and geographic shifts is essential for proactive pest management, including effective monitoring and control strategies. In this study, we apply Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) using 12 machine learning algorithms, historical survey data covering the species’ full distribution range, and relevant abiotic variables to identify the most suitable areas for potential mass breeding during 1991–2020 and the near future (2021–2040), based on the “middle-of-the-road” Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP2-4.5) scenario. Our results indicate significant regional shifts. Notably, breeding suitability is projected to increase in parts of Greece, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In contrast, countries such as Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Spain are likely to experience a decline in optimal breeding areas. The forecast results support field observations of a geographical shift northward and toward higher altitudes. Additionally, higher temperatures in suitable areas suggest more drought-like conditions, which typically promote locust population explosions and outbreaks. If left unaddressed, such outbreaks can cause severe economic damage to affected regions. Full article

The large-scale penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), the proliferation of Energy Communities, and the increasing provision of flexibility services are fundamentally transforming distribution network operation, rendering traditional Distribution Management Systems (DMSs) structurally inadequate. This paper addresses this structural gap by proposing and experimentally validating A-ISolE, a novel hybrid Artificial Intelligence (AI) architecture that natively integrates centralized and distributed intelligence within a unified DMS framework. The core scientific contribution of this work lies in the formulation and deployment of a coordinated, hierarchical AI paradigm in which cloud-level predictive and optimization modules dynamically interact with edge-level autonomous control agents. Specifically, the paper introduces: (1) an integrated forecasting state estimation pipeline with AI-enhanced grid observability; (2) intelligent fault location and optimal feeder reconfiguration algorithms embedded into operational control loops; and (3) distributed edge control strategies enabling autonomous yet coordinated microgrid stabilization. The architecture is validated on a real pilot microgrid in Sanremo (Italy). Experimental results demonstrate quantifiable gains in many parameters, substantiating the feasibility of hybrid centralized/distributed AI as a foundational paradigm for future resilient and decarbonized distribution networks. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, accompanied by neuromelanin loss. Neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI) enables in vivo visualization of these changes; however, its diagnostic and clinical utility remains incompletely defined. This study evaluated the feasibility, reliability, and biological sensitivity of semi-automated NM-MRI–based substantia nigra volumetry in PD. Methods: In this prospective case–control study, 50 participants (25 PD patients and 25 healthy controls) underwent 3T NM-sensitive MRI using a high-resolution T1-weighted spin-echo sequence. Semi-automated segmentation of hyperintense substantia nigra regions was performed using Mango v3.5.1, with intracranial volume normalization derived from FreeSurfer v7.3. Four participants were excluded due to motion artifacts, yielding a final cohort of 46 subjects. Clinical assessment included the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging. Group comparisons, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and reliability testing using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were performed. Results: Corrected substantia nigra volume was significantly reduced in PD patients compared with controls (18% reduction; p = 0.039, Mann–Whitney U test). Semi-automated measurements demonstrated excellent agreement with manual segmentation (ICC = 0.945). ROC analysis showed moderate discriminative performance for corrected volume (AUC = 0.700; sensitivity 68.4%, specificity 74.1%). No significant correlation was observed between corrected substantia nigra volume and UPDRS-III motor scores, while a trend toward lower SNc volume was observed with advancing H&Y stage. Conclusions: Semi-automated NM-MRI volumetry detects biologically meaningful substantia nigra volume loss in early-stage Parkinson’s disease with high measurement reliability. However, diagnostic performance was moderate and insufficient for standalone clinical diagnosis or motor severity prediction. These findings support the role of NM-MRI as a complementary imaging marker within multimodal diagnostic and research frameworks rather than as an independent diagnostic tool. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia is the age-related, progressive loss of strength, function, and skeletal muscle mass, which can be assessed with specific tests. The Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been proposed as a key biomarker of aging, and it has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, cachexia, and physical impairment. Methods: The cohort of this study comes from the SardiNIA study, an ongoing longitudinal survey focused on the identification of genetic and phenotypic variants associated with aging. We assessed hand grip strength, gait speed, and GDF-15 in all samples. Linear multivariate analysis was used to assess the correlation after adjusting for a range of potential confounders. Results: The sample consisted of 4842 subjects (57.5% female) with a median age of 48.6 years. Levels of GDF-15 were comparable between males and females and showed a strong positive association with aging (rho 0.617, p < 0.001). Linear multivariate regression analyses showed that GDF-15 was negatively associated with gait speed and grip strength in both hands (respectively, Beta −0.09, Beta −0.07, and Beta −0.08, p < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: GDF-15 was negatively associated with physical function. GDF-15 may be considered a proxy for reduced physical performance. Future research is needed to understand the pathogenetic role of GDF-15 in the reduction in skeletal muscle in aging people. Full article

Ovarian reserve and reproductive life are closely linked concepts in female reproductive biology. The ovarian reserve consists of primordial follicles and refers to the number and quality of oocytes (eggs) remaining in the ovaries at any given time. Follicular dynamics shape a woman’s reproductive lifespan, ultimately leading to menopause. Elucidating the underlying genetic and molecular pathways of follicle maturation and depletion is thus crucial for understanding menopausal onset and progression, both in normal and pathophysiological contexts, such as primary ovarian insufficiency, defined as menopause before the age of 40. A key factor in ovarian differentiation and fertility maintenance is FOXL2, a forkhead family transcription factor that plays a crucial role in follicle formation and development, ovarian maintenance, and sex determination. By employing a ChIP-Seq approach in mice, we identified a previously unreported binding of FOXL2 to a Tsc1 regulatory region. Our data, along with a thorough literature review, support the hypothesis that FOXL2-mediated activation of Tsc1 in granulosa cells can help maintain primordial follicles in a dormant state by suppressing mTORC1 signalling. Understanding the mechanisms behind ovarian reserve may lay the foundation for developing novel fertility preservation strategies, improving fertility treatment protocols and promoting in vitro activation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue to support folliculogenesis. Full article