Search Results (353)

Urban Food Forests (UFFs) are perennial, polyculture systems that integrate urban agriculture, forestry, and agroforestry. Like other urban green spaces, UFFs contribute to ecosystem services (i.e., enhancement of the urban resilience, biodiversity, social and health benefits) and additionally support the provision of food. Historically common in cities, urban food production is now reemerging as a public good and strategic green infrastructure. However, despite the growing interest, inconsistent definitions, limited design guidelines, and the scarcity of applied research hinder their implementation. Only by addressing these challenges can UFFs be better integrated into urban planning, enhancing their ecological and socio-economic contributions to sustainable and resilient cities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut microbiota-derived metabolite increasingly recognized as a pro-atherogenic factor and a biomarker of cardiometabolic risk. Dietary patterns and adiposity are key modulators of circulating TMAO levels; however, evidence on the impact of very-low-energy ketogenic therapy (VLEKT) on TMAO metabolism, particularly in women with obesity, remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of VLEKT on circulating TMAO concentrations, with specific focus on treatment duration and body composition (BC) changes. Methods: This study included 43 adult women with obesity eligible for VLEKT based on meal replacements. Anthropometric measurements and BC were assessed using standardized protocols and bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline and post-intervention. Serum TMAO concentrations were quantified by validated HPLC–ESI–MS/MS. Results: After VLEKT, participants exhibited significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist girth, fat mass (FM), and circulating TMAO levels. Greater reductions in TMAO were observed in women with longer ketogenic exposure and more pronounced FM loss. Changes in TMAO levels correlated negatively with VLEKT duration and positively with FM variations. In multivariate models, treatment duration and FM reduction emerged as independent predictors of TMAO decrease. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a FM reduction ≥14.25% as the optimal threshold associated with clinically relevant TMAO lowering. Conclusions: VLEKT reduces circulating TMAO levels in women with obesity. This effect appears to be primarily driven by the duration of ketogenic exposure and the magnitude of FM loss, rather than total weight reduction alone, highlighting the relevance of BC-targeted interventions in modulating gut microbiota-derived cardiometabolic risk markers. Full article

This study presents a non-invasive, integrated and multidisciplinary diagnostic approach applied to the analysis of the altarpiece Coronation of the Virgin, attributed to Michele di Matteo (15th century). The investigation focused on the evaluation of a restoration intervention carried out in 2023 using quantitative colorimetric measurements to assess chromatic variations induced by surface treatments. Other non-invasive techniques, including multispectral imaging, hyperspectral imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and visible reflectance spectroscopy, were employed to investigate the painted surface, examine underlying features, and support the characterization and spatial distribution of pictorial materials through comparison with reference standards. Finally, the proteinaceous binding media used by the artist were investigated using nano-liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS), a sensitive, high-resolution analytical approach in the field of cultural heritage studies. Overall, the integrated approach documented chromatic changes induced by cleaning, revealed the preparatory drawing and previously unknown decorative elements by infrared reflectography, and confirmed the presence of pigments previously identified in earlier studies, allowing, in some cases, for an investigation of their distribution across the painted surface. The characterization of proteinaceous binding media further contributed to a deeper understanding of the materials and techniques employed by the artist. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) are common and potentially debilitating symptoms of early pregnancy. However, data on their prevalence and impact in Italy are limited. This survey aimed to assess the frequency of NVP among Italian pregnant women and to evaluate its impact on quality of life. Methods: The survey was conducted in three public university hospitals in Italy during two separate periods. Women with multiple pregnancies or who conceived by medically assisted reproduction were excluded. The Questionnaire for Pregnancy Period, including the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE), was administered during a face-to-face interview at 18–22 weeks of gestation, coinciding with the morphological ultrasound. A structured telephone follow-up interview was performed within 14 days after delivery. This report presents the final analysis of all valid, completed questionnaires. Results: A total of 532 pregnant women were included (mean age 32.7 ± 4.9 years); 277 (52.1%) were primiparous. Overall, NVP was reported by 66.4% of participants. Nausea alone occurred in 28.0% of women, while nausea overall (with or without vomiting) was reported by 64.3%. Vomiting alone was reported by 2.1% and vomiting overall by 38.4% of participants. Symptoms began at a mean gestational age of 7.0 ± 2.8 weeks, lasted 9.7 ± 5.1 weeks, and were still present at the first interview in 30.3% of cases. More than half of the affected women (51.0%) reported limitations in daily activities, particularly work-related activities. Conclusions: This final analysis confirms a high prevalence of NVP among Italian pregnant women and highlights its substantial negative impact on quality of life. Systematic screening and appropriate management strategies should be considered in routine prenatal care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs), including delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction, affect 10–50% of elderly surgical patients and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as substantial healthcare costs. Despite their clinical significance, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood and effective interventions are limited. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the pathophysiology, risk factors, and management strategies for PNDs. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed publications addressing PND epidemiology, mechanisms, assessment, and interventions. Key databases were searched for studies published through 2025, with emphasis on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and landmark clinical trials. Results: PND represents a spectrum of cognitive impairments with multifactorial etiology involving neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, and blood–brain barrier dysfunction. Advanced age, pre-existing cognitive impairment, and surgical factors constitute major risk domains. Validated assessment tools including the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and 4AT enable systematic detection. Multicomponent non-pharmacological interventions demonstrate 30–40% delirium reduction, while pharmacological prevention shows limited efficacy. Emerging evidence links perioperative delirium to accelerated long-term cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. Conclusions: PND represents a significant public health challenge requiring systematic attention in aging surgical populations. Evidence-based multicomponent interventions should be integrated into routine perioperative care pathways. Future research must elucidate mechanistic pathways linking acute delirium to chronic cognitive impairment and develop targeted therapies to preserve cognitive health in surgical populations. Full article

Background: Oedema is a multifactorial condition arising from the interplay between increased microvascular permeability, impaired lymphatic clearance, and sustained inflammation. Conventional treatments often fail, highlighting alternative therapies. This study explores a novel nutraceutical formulation (NF) based on the combination of different natural extracts, i.e., Melilotus officinalis L., Olea europaea L., Morinda citrifolia L., Quercus robur L., and bromelain, aimed at reducing inflammation, a key contributor to oedema pathophysiology. In vitro assays further demonstrated that NF exhibits a marked antioxidant capacity and effectively inhibits key enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade, supporting its ability to counteract oxidative stress and inflammatory signalling involved in oedema pathophysiology. Methods: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of NF were assessed in vitro using radical scavenging assays and enzyme inhibition tests targeting key components of the arachidonic acid cascade. The immunomodulatory effects of NF were investigated in RAW264.7 macrophages by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR to evaluate macrophage polarisation and cytokine expression. The anti-oedematous and vascular effects were further examined in vivo using acetic acid–induced inflammation and carrageenan-induced paw oedema models in thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats (Charles River, Calco, Italy). Results: The study demonstrated that NF significantly modulates macrophage polarisation, reducing the proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages (F4/80⁺CD11b⁺) by 3.23 times compared to control (p < 0.01). A quantitative PCR analysis further confirmed a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) by 51.3% (95% CI 48.0–58.7, p < 0.001), 64.1% (95% CI 57.0–71.2, p < 0.001), and 53.7% (95% CI 51.7–55.7, p < 0.001), respectively compared to the control, while anti-inflammatory markers (Arg-1, CD206) increased significantly, suggesting a shift towards an M2 anti-inflammatory state. The NF ability to contrast the pathological alteration characteristic of this disease was further tested in the rat oedema model of thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats. The NF treatment reduced LTB4 and plasma protein levels compared to the control group. In addition, NF could decrease the paw thickness in the rat-based carrageenan-induced oedema model (Charles River, Calco, Italy; n = 30) by 22.5% compared to the control (95% CI 11.0–34.0, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that NF may provide a multi-target approach to support the management of some physiopathological changes in complex oedema-related conditions by both modulating inflammation and restoring vascular functionality. Full article

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), caused by dominant loss-of-function mutations in DNM2, encoding the GTPase dynamin-2, impairs motor and sensory function. However, the respective contributions of muscle and nerve pathology, and the therapeutic potential of increasing DNM2 expression, remain unresolved. We evaluated tissue-targeted and systemic approaches to increase DNM2 in a mouse model carrying the common K562E-CMT mutation. Muscle-specific DNM2 overexpression from embryogenesis in Dnm2^K562E/+ mice ameliorated desmin and integrin mislocalization, membrane trafficking defects, mitochondrial abnormalities, and fibrosis in skeletal muscle, resulting in improved locomotor coordination despite persistent muscle atrophy. Conversely, systemic postnatal AAV delivery of human DNM2 increased DNM2 in muscle but failed to transduce nerves and paradoxically worsened the muscle pathology, producing centronuclear myopathy-like features. These findings reveal a primary pathogenic impact of DNM2-CMT mutation within skeletal muscle, independent of nerve involvement. Collectively, they underscore that precise DNM2 dosage is critical for neuromuscular homeostasis and reveal a narrow therapeutic window for safe and effective therapeutic intervention. This paradox, in which efforts to compensate for a loss-of-function neuropathy risk inducing a gain-of-function myopathy, highlights the need for tightly controlled modulation of DNM2 activity in future therapeutic strategies. Full article

The adoption of conservation systems in agriculture has been increasingly explored as a strategy to improve soil quality and potentially influence greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study reports the first assessment of GHG emissions within a long-term (14 years) agroecological field experiment evaluating soil management systems for onion (Allium cepa L.) production in a Humic Dystrudept (Cambissolo Húmico Distrófico, Brazilian Soil Classification System) in Southern Brazil. Three management systems based on permanent soil cover and crop diversification were evaluated in an onion–maize rotation: conventional tillage (CT) without cover crops, no-till (NT) without cover crops, and a no-till vegetable system (NTV) with a summer cover crop mixture of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum), velvet bean (Mucuna aterrima), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Short-term GHG emissions were monitored during one onion growing season (106 days), while soil chemical and physical properties reflect long-term management effects. Evaluations included (i) daily and cumulative GHG (N₂O, CH₄, and CO₂) emissions, (ii) soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, (iii) soil aggregation, porosity, and bulk density in different soil layers (0.00–0.05, 0.05–0.10, and 0.10–0.30 m), and (iv) onion yield and cover crop dry matter production. The NTV system improved soil physical and chemical quality and increased onion yield compared to NT and CT. However, higher cumulative N₂O emissions were observed in NTV, highlighting a short-term trade-off between increased N₂O emissions and long-term improvements in soil quality and crop productivity. All systems acted as methane sinks, with greater CH₄ uptake under NTV. Despite higher short-term emissions, the NTV system maintained a positive C balance due to long-term C accumulation in soil. Short-term greenhouse gas emissions were assessed during a single onion growing season, whereas soil carbon stocks reflect long-term management effects; CO₂ fluxes measured using static chambers represent ecosystem respiration rather than net ecosystem carbon balance. These results provide an initial baseline of GHG dynamics within a long-term agroecological system and support future multi-year assessments aimed at refining mitigation strategies in diversified vegetable production systems. Full article

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder frequently associated with impairments in executive functions (EF). These deficits have been linked to difficulties across various cognitive domains, including metaphonological skills (MS), essential for phonological awareness and processing abilities. Background/Objectives: This pilot study examines the correlations between EF and MS in ADHD children. Methods: A total of 84 children aged 6–14 years, diagnosed with ADHD and an IQ ≥ 70, were assessed using the NEPSY-II test to evaluate executive functions and the Assessment of Metaphonological Skills Test to assess phonological processing abilities. Results: Correlational analyses and multiple regression models were employed to explore the relationships between EF and MS, focusing on attention, cognitive flexibility, and response inhibition. Rhyme was positively correlated with processing speed and negatively correlated with response inhibition. Phonemic segmentation was significantly related to auditory attention and response inhibition. Age emerged as a significant predictor of phonemic synthesis and final syllable deletion, consistent with the developmental maturation of executive and phonological abilities. Conclusions: The findings suggest that deficits in executive functioning in ADHD children are closely linked to metaphonological abilities, which play a crucial role in the acquisition of reading and writing skills. Integrating EF training into phonological interventions can help reduce learning difficulties and improve cognitive and language outcomes. Full article

Neuronal synapses are the functional units of communication in the central nervous system. This review describes the molecular mechanisms regulating synaptic transmission, plasticity, and circuit refinement. At the presynaptic active zone, scaffolding proteins including bassoon, piccolo, RIMs, and munc13 organize vesicle priming and the localization of voltage-gated calcium channels. Neurotransmitter release is mediated by the SNARE complex, comprising syntaxin-1, SNAP25, and synaptobrevin, and triggered by the calcium sensor synaptotagmin-1. Following exocytosis, synaptic vesicles are recovered through clathrin-mediated, ultrafast, bulk, or kiss-and-run endocytic pathways. Postsynaptically, the postsynaptic density (PSD) serves as a protein hub where scaffolds such as PSD-95, shank, homer, and gephyrin anchor excitatory (AMPA, NMDA) and inhibitory (GABA-A, Glycine) receptors are observed. Synaptic strength is modified during long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) through signaling cascades involving kinases like CaMKII, PKA, and PKC, or phosphatases such as PP1 and calcineurin. These pathways regulate receptor trafficking, Arc-mediated endocytosis, and actin-dependent remodeling of dendritic spines. Additionally, synapse formation and elimination are guided by cell adhesion molecules, including neurexins and neuroligins, and by microglial pruning via the complement cascade (C1q, C3) and “don’t eat me” signals like CD47. Molecular diversity is further expanded by alternative splicing and post-translational modifications. A unified model of synaptic homeostasis is required to understand the basis of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Full article

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with distinct visual attention patterns that provide insight into underlying social-cognitive mechanisms. Methods: This systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42023429316), conducted per PRISMA guidelines, synthesizes evidence from 14 peer-reviewed studies using eye-tracking to compare oculomotor strategies in autistic children and typically developing (TD) controls. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct up to March 2025. Study inclusion criteria focused on ASD versus TD group comparisons in individuals under 18 years, with key metrics, fixation duration and count, spatial distribution, saccadic parameters systematically extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool, revealing high heterogeneity in both index tests and patient selection. Results: The results indicate that autistic children exhibit reduced fixation on socially salient stimuli, atypical saccadic behavior, and more variable spatial exploration compared to controls. Conclusions: These oculomotor differences suggest altered mechanisms of social attention and information processing in ASD. Findings suggest that eye-tracking can contribute valuable information about heterogeneous gaze profiles in ASD, providing preliminary insight that may inform future studies to develop more sensitive diagnostic tools. This review highlights visual attention patterns as promising indicators of neurocognitive functioning in ASD. Full article

Manganese(II) halide complexes with the general formula [MnX₂{(PhN=PPh₂)CH₂}], where X is bromine or iodine and (PhN=PPh₂)CH₂ is the bis-phosphanimine ligand 1,1′-methylenebis-(N,1,1-triphenylphosphanimine), were prepared and isolated. The structure of the two compounds was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing an approximately tetrahedral geometry at the metal centre. Unlike structurally comparable compounds containing phosphine oxides or related [O=P]-donors in the coordination sphere, which commonly show green emissions, solid samples of [MnBr₂{(PhN=PPh₂)CH₂}] and [MnI₂{(PhN=PPh₂)CH₂}] exhibited orange emissions upon irradiation with UV light. The emission spectra resulted excitation-independent. Superimposable steady-state luminescence spectra were collected for both compounds as powders and crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction. The excitation spectra and the ligand→metal antenna effect were affected by the coordinated halide, and only [MnBr₂{(PhN=PPh₂)CH₂}] showed bright luminescence under near-UV irradiation. Either ligand- or metal-centred transitions can account for the observed luminescence, and the luminescence decay curves were consistent with a multiplicity change from the excited to the ground state, with excited-state lifetimes in the range of hundreds of microseconds. Attempts to rationalize the unexpected luminescence were carried out based on DFT calculations. Full article

Scapholunate (SL) ligament injuries, if not properly treated, can compromise wrist biomechanics, leading to instability, scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and progressive osteoarthritis. Depending on the severity of the injury, current repair techniques include either arthroscopic or open surgical approaches; however, the limited vascularization of the region often represents an obstacle to optimal ligament healing. This study aims to assess the feasibility of using a vascularized fascial flap based on the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2 ICSRA) for biological augmentation of the scapholunate ligament. Five previously injected cadaveric upper limbs were dissected and flap dimensions, including length, width, and pedicle length, were measured using a millimeter-calibrated ruler by two independent operators. All flaps provided sufficient coverage, and the vascular pedicle length allowed tension-free positioning without vascular kinking. These findings demonstrate that a 1,2 ICSRA-based fascial flap is anatomically feasible for scapholunate ligament augmentation. It should be noted that this is a purely cadaveric study, and the technique has not yet been tested in vivo. The results suggest potential surgical applications, providing a vascularized biological option that may enhance ligament healing in future clinical studies. Full article

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Rozier) is a high-value crop whose market success depends on fruit quality traits such as sweetness, firmness, and pigmentation. In sustainable agriculture, wood distillates are gaining interest as natural biostimulants. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of two commercial wood distillates (WD1 and WD2) and one produced in a pilot plant at the Institute for Bioeconomy of the National Research Council of Italy (IBE-CNR) on strawberry physiology, fruit yield, and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions. Non-destructive ecophysiological measurements were integrated using optical sensors for proximal phenotyping, enabling continuous monitoring of plant physiology and fruit ripening. Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured with a portable photosynthesis system, while vegetation indices and pigment-related parameters were obtained using spectroradiometric sensors and fluorescence devices. To assess the functional relevance of vegetation indices, a linear regression analysis was performed between net photosynthetic rate (A) and the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), confirming a significant positive correlation and supporting PRI as a proxy for photosynthetic efficiency. All treatments improved photosynthetic efficiency during fruiting, with significant increases in net photosynthetic rate, quantum yield of photosystem II, and electron transport rate compared to control plants. IBE-CNR and WD2 enhanced fruit yield, while all treatments increased fruit soluble solids content. Non-invasive monitoring enabled real-time assessment of physiological responses and pigment accumulation, confirming the potential of wood distillates as biostimulants and the value of advanced sensing technologies for sustainable, data-driven crop management. Full article