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Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 21 (SCA21) is a rare inherited neurological disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances, caused by autosomal dominant TMEM240 variants. Objectives: To identify the genetic cause of a dystonic tremor with autosomal dominant inheritance. Methods: Six subjects of a multi‐generational French family affected by tremor and dystonia were studied. Each patient underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment and a whole‐exome sequencing analysis. Results: All six subjects presented with early‐onset prominent hand dystonic tremor and multifocal/generalized dystonia, secondarily developing mild cerebellar ataxia. The younger generation showed more pronounced cognitive and behavioral impairment. The known pathogenic TMEM240 c.509C>T (p.P170L) variant was found in heterozygosis in all subjects. Conclusions: Dystonic tremor can represent the core clinical feature of SCA21, even in absence of overt cerebellar ataxia. Therefore, TMEM240 pathogenic variants should be considered disease‐causing in subjects displaying dystonic tremor, variably associated with ataxia, parkinsonism, neurodevelopmental disorders, and cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growing diffusion of artificial intelligence, data science and digital health has highlighted the role of collection of data and biological samples, thus raising legal and ethical concerns regarding its use and dissemination. Further, the expansion of biobanking, from the basic collection of frozen specimens to the virtual biobanks of specimens and associated data that exist today, has given a revolutionary potential on healthcare systems, particularly in the field of neurological diseases, due to the inaccessibility of central nervous system and the need of non-invasive investigation approaches. Informed Consent (IC) is considered mandatory in all research studies and specimen collections, and must specifically take into account the ethical respect to the individuals to whom the used biological material and data belong. Methods: We evaluated the attitudes of patients with neurological diseases (NP) and healthy volunteers (HV) towards the donation of biological samples to a biobank for future research studies on neurological diseases, and limitations on the use of data, related to the requirements set by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The study involved a total of 1454 subjects, including 502 HVs and 952 NPs, recruited at Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, from 2020 to 2024. Results: We found that (i) almost all subjects agreed with the participation in biobanking (ii) and authorization to genetic studies (HV = 99.1%; NP = 98.3%); Regarding the return of results, (iii) we found a statistically significant difference between NP and HV, the latter preferring not to be informed of potential results (HV = 43%; NP = 11.3%; p < 0.0001); (iv) a small number limited the sharing inside European Union (EU) (HV = 4.6%; NP = 6.6%), whereas patients were more likely to refuse transfer outside EU (HV = 7.4%; NP = 10.7% p = 0.05); (v) nearly all patients agreed with the use of additional health data from EMR for research purposes (98.9%). Conclusions: Consent for the donation of material for research purposes is crucial for biobanking and biomedical research studies that use biological material of human origin. Here, we have shown that choices regarding participation in a neurological biobank can be different between HVs and NPs, even if the benefit for research and scientific progress is recognized. NP have a strong interest in being informed of possible results but limit sharing of samples, highlighting a perception of greater individual or relative benefit, while HV prefer a wide dissemination and sharing of data but not to have the return of the results, favoring a possible benefit for society and knowledge. The results underline the need to carefully manage biological material and data collected in biobanks, in compliance with the GDPR and the specific requests of donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurosteroids are pleiotropic molecules involved in various neurodegenerative diseases with neuroinflammation. We assessed neurosteroids' serum levels in a cohort of Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients with heterozygous glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutations (GBA-PD) compared with matched cohorts of consecutive non-mutated PD (NM-PD) patients and healthy subjects with (GBA-HC) and without (NM-HC) GBA mutations. A consecutive cohort of GBA-PD was paired for age, sex, disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr stage, and comorbidities with a cohort of consecutive NM-PD. Two cohorts of GBA-HC and HC were also considered. Clinical assessment included the Movement Disorder Society revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Serum samples were processed and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with the triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Twenty-two GBA-PD (males: 11, age: 63.68), 22 NM-PD (males: 11, age: 63.05), 14 GBA-HC (males: 8; age: 49.36), and 15 HC (males: 4; age: 60.60) were studied. Compared to NM-PD, GBA-PD showed more hallucinations and psychosis (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test) and higher MDS-UPDRS part-II (p < 0.05). Most of the serum neurosteroids were reduced in both GBA-PD and NM-PD compared to the respective control cohorts, except for 5α-dihydroprogesterone. Allopregnanolone was the only neurosteroid significantly lower (p < 0.01, Dunn's test) in NM-PD compared to GBA-PD patients. Only in GBA-PD, allopregnanolone, and pregnanolone levels correlated (Spearman) with a more severe MDS-UPDRS part-III. Allopregnanolone levels also negatively correlated with MoCA scores, and pregnanolone levels correlated with more pronounced bradykinesia. This pilot study provides the first observation of changes in neurosteroid peripheral levels in GBA-PD. The involvement of the observed changes in the development of neuropsychological and motor symptoms of GBA-PD deserves further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural systems in the Mediterranean region, with Italy being significantly affected. This literature scoping review aims to examine existing research on the impact of climate change on yield and income on the three agri-food value chains in Italy: viticulture, fruit and vegetables, and dairy cattle. By analysing the available literature, this study seeks to outline the pros and cons, knowledge gaps, and potential areas for future research. A systematic search of scientific databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2000 and 2022. The search terms included climate change, agriculture, Italy, yield, income, and related keywords. Articles were screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in a final selection of studies. Quantitative information was collected and organized into descriptive tables. The review encompassed 44 studies that investigated the impact of climate change on yield and income in various agricultural sectors across different regions of Italy. The findings indicate that climate change is already impacting crop productivity and income levels, with increased temperature, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events being identified as the primary drivers. Additionally, disparities were observed between different agricultural regions, crops, and farming systems, highlighting the need for location-specific and crop-specific assessments. The scoping review provides a prospective overview of the existing literature on climate change impacts on yield and income within the Italian agriculture system. It underscores the urgency for targeted adaptation strategies to minimize the negative consequences of climate change. Further research should focus on understanding the complex interactions between climate change, agricultural practices, socio-economic factors, and policy interventions to develop context-specific solutions for sustainable agriculture in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: This is a retrospective longitudinal study comparing 374 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who were treated in centers offering a specialized program of enhanced rehabilitation therapy in addition to expert outpatient care to 387 patients with PD, who only received expert outpatient care at movement disorders centers in Italy. Methods: The data are from subjects recruited in the Parkinson's Outcome Project (POP) at six Italian centers that are part of a multicenter collaboration for care quality improvement (the Fresco Network). The effects were measured with a baseline and a follow-up clinical evaluation of the Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), and Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI), the number of falls and hospitalizations for any cause. We used a generalized linear mixed model with the dependent variables being the response variable, which included the covariates demographics, evaluation, and treatment variables. Results: We found that the subjects who underwent specialized enhanced rehabilitation had a better motor outcome over time than those who were managed by expert neurologists but had participated in community programs for exercise and other allied health interventions. The greatest effects were seen in patients in the early stages of the disease with a high amount of vigorous exercise per week in the last six months. Similar effects were seen for PDQ39, MCSI, the number of falls, and hospitalization. Conclusions: Long-term benefits to motor function and the quality of life in patients with PD and burden reduction in their caregivers can be achieved through a systematic program of specialized enhanced rehabilitation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NBSs), defined as actions that work with and enhance nature, providing environmental, social, and economic benefits, play a pivotal role in accomplishing multiple objectives within the Water–Ecosystem–Food Nexus domain. They contribute to facilitating the transition to more resilient agrifood systems and providing an evidence base for a broader Nexus policy dialogue. This paper describes the stepwise methodology developed in the EU-funded LENSES project to carry out a comprehensive analysis of NBSs in six pilot areas in five Mediterranean countries and presents the results of NBS implementation in four pilot areas, highlighting obstacles and opportunities. The methodology includes the development of an analytical evaluation framework and a comprehensive catalogue of Nexus-related NBSs, whose suitability needs to be assessed at the local level to achieve better use of protected/natural ecosystems, increase the sustainability and multifunctionality of managed ecosystems, and design and manage novel ecosystems. Subsequently, in a collective learning process that supported the operationalisation of the WEF Nexus, NBSs were identified that address specific contextual vulnerabilities, improve water distribution, and enhance food security while preserving ecosystems and supporting adaptation to climate change. The added value of the proposed methodology lies in the multi-stakeholder participatory approach to gain in-depth knowledge of local agri-food systems, including their main WEF-related challenges, and to facilitate overcoming barriers to NBS implementation. Finally, a final survey was conducted among a small group of purposively selected stakeholders to gain some insight into their perceptions of the impact of NBS and to gather some opinions on the main barriers and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forecast reconciliation is the post-forecasting process aimed to revise a set of incoherent base forecasts into coherent forecasts in line with given data structures. Most of the point and probabilistic regression-based forecast reconciliation results ground on the so called "structural representation" and on the related unconstrained generalized least squares reconciliation formula. However, the structural representation naturally applies to genuine hierarchical/grouped time series, where the top- and bottom-level variables are uniquely identified. When a general linearly constrained multiple time series is considered, the forecast reconciliation is naturally expressed according to a projection approach. While it is well known that the classic structural reconciliation formula is equivalent to its projection approach counterpart, so far it is not completely understood if and how a structural-like reconciliation formula may be derived for a general linearly constrained multiple time series. Such an expression would permit to extend reconciliation definitions, theorems and results in a straightforward manner. In this paper, we show that for general linearly constrained multiple time series it is possible to express the reconciliation formula according to a "structural-like" approach that keeps distinct free and constrained, instead of bottom and upper (aggregated), variables, establish the probabilistic forecast reconciliation framework, and apply these findings to obtain fully reconciled point and probabilistic forecasts for the aggregates of the Australian GDP from income and expenditure sides, and for the European Area GDP disaggregated by income, expenditure and output sides and by 19 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a widespread type of leukemia that predominantly targets B lymphocytes, undermining the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. In healthy B cells, miR-15/16, a tandem of microRNAs, functions as a tumor suppressor, curbing the expression of the antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2). Conversely, in CLL patients, a recurring deletion on chromosome 13q14, home to the miR15-a and miR16-1 genes, results in Bcl-2 overexpression, thereby fostering the onset of the pathology. In the present research, a novel approach utilizing humanized ferritin-based nanoparticles was employed to successfully deliver miR15-a and miR-16-1 into MEG01 cells, a model characterized by the classic CLL deletion and overexpression of the human ferritin receptor (TfR1). The loaded miR15-a and miR16-1, housed within modified HumAfFt, were efficiently internalized via the MEG01 cells and properly directed into the cytoplasm. Impressively, the concurrent application of miR15-a and miR16-1 demonstrated a robust capacity to induce apoptosis through the reduction in Bcl-2 expression levels. This technology, employing RNA-loaded ferritin nanoparticles, hints at promising directions in the battle against CLL, bridging the substantial gap left by traditional transfection agents and indicating a pathway that may offer hope for more effective treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the role of defective carbon‐based electrodes in sodium‐ion and vanadium flow batteries. Methods for introducing defects into carbon structures are explored and their effectiveness in improving electrode performance is demonstrated. In sodium‐based systems, research focuses primarily on various precursor materials and heteroatom doping to optimise hard carbon electrodes. Defect engineering increases interlayer spacing, porosity, and changes the surface chemistry, which improves sodium intercalation and reversible capacities. Heteroatom functionalisation and surface modification affect solid electrolyte interface formation and coulombic efficiencies. For flow batteries, post‐fabrication electrode enhancement methods produce defects to improve electrode kinetics, although these methods often introduce oxygen functional groups as well, making isolation of defect effects difficult. Continued research efforts are key to developing carbon‐based electrodes that can meet the unique challenges of future battery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extravasation is a fundamental step in the metastatic journey, where cancer cells exit the bloodstream and breach the endothelial cell barrier to infiltrate target tissues. The tactics cancer cells employ are sophisticated, closely reflecting those used by the immune system for tissue surveillance. Remarkably, tumor cells have been observed to form distinct associations or clusters with immune cells where neutrophils stand out as particularly crucial partners. These interactions are not accidental; they are critical for cancer cells to exploit the immune functions of neutrophils and successfully extravasate. In another strategy, tumor cells mimic the behavior and characteristics of immune cells. They release a suite of inflammatory mediators, which under normal circumstances, guide the processes of endothelium reshaping and facilitate the entry and movement of immune cells within tissues. In this review, we offer a new perspective on the tactics employed by cancer cells to extravasate and infiltrate target tissues. We delve into the myriad mechanisms that tumor cells borrow, adapt, and refine from the immune playbook. 27tmvj5HernEWdDyAMGQjt Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of burnt areas from satellite imagery is one of the most straightforward and useful applications of satellite remote sensing. In general, the approach relies on a change detection analysis applied on pre- and post-event images. This change detection analysis usually is carried out by comparing the values of specific spectral indices such as: NBR (normalised burn ratio), BAI (burn area index), MIRBI (mid-infrared burn index). However, some potential sources of error arise, particularly when near-real-time automated approaches are adopted. An automated approach is mandatory when the burnt area monitoring should operate systematically on a given area of large size (country). Potential sources of errors include but are not limited to clouds on the pre- or post-event images, clouds or topographic shadows, agricultural practices, image pixel size, level of damage, etc. Some authors have already noted differences between global databases of burnt areas based on satellite images. Sources of errors could be related to the spatial resolution of the images used, the land-cover mask adopted to avoid false alarms, and the quality of the cloud and shadow masks. This paper aims to compare different burnt areas datasets (EFFIS, ESACCI, Copernicus, FIRMS, etc.) with the objective to analyse their differences. The comparison is restricted to the Italian territory. Furthermore, the paper aims to identify the degree of approximation of these satellite-based datasets by relying on ground survey data as ground truth. To do so, ground survey data provided by CUFA (Comando Unità Forestali, Ambientali e Agroalimentari Carabinieri) and CFVA (Corpo Forestale e Vigilanza Ambientale Sardegna) were used. The results confirm the existence of significant differences between the datasets. The subsequent comparison with the ground surveys, which was conducted while also taking into account their own approximations, allowed us to identify the accuracy of the satellite-based datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document summarizes a study that compared two imaging techniques used during colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal neoplasia. The study found that texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) did not significantly improve the detection of adenomas compared to standard white-light imaging (WLI). However, the study did find that TXI may be more effective in detecting adenomas and identifying high-risk patients for post-polypectomy surveillance. Overall, the study suggests that TXI may have potential benefits in clinical practice for the detection of small adenomas. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Objective: Early‐onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) commonly recognizes a genetic basis; thus, patients with EOPD are often addressed to diagnostic testing based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of PD‐associated multigene panels. However, NGS interpretation can be challenging in a diagnostic setting, and few studies have addressed this issue so far. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 648 patients with PD with age at onset younger than 55 years who underwent NGS of a minimal shared panel of 15 PD‐related genes, as well as PD‐multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification in eight Italian diagnostic laboratories. Data included a minimal clinical dataset, the complete list of variants included in the diagnostic report, and final interpretation (positive/negative/inconclusive). Patients were further stratified based on age at onset ≤40 years (very EOPD, n = 157). All variants were reclassified according to the latest American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. For classification purposes, PD‐associated GBA1 variants were considered diagnostic. Results: In 186 of 648 (29%) patients, the diagnostic report listed at least one variant, and the outcome was considered diagnostic (positive) in 105 (16%). After reanalysis, diagnosis changed in 18 of 186 (10%) patients, with 5 shifting from inconclusive to positive and 13 former positive being reclassified as inconclusive. A definite diagnosis was eventually reached in 97 (15%) patients, of whom the majority carried GBA1 variants or, less frequently, biallelic PRKN variants. In 89 (14%) cases, the genetic report was inconclusive. Conclusions: This study attempts to harmonize reporting of PD genetic testing across several diagnostic labs and highlights current difficulties in interpreting genetic variants emerging from NGS‐multigene panels, with relevant implications for counseling. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is a known complication of immunocompromised patients with most cases involving the brain parenchyma. Reports of cauda equina syndrome (CES) caused by SCNSL are exceedingly scarce as involvement of this anatomical region is extremely uncommon. Case presentation: We report a case of a 46-years-old, African, female patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who developed CES in the context of SCNSL. There were no blasts present in the peripheral blood smear. We provide a review of the literature, discussion of the clinical evolution of this patient and the radiological/histopathological findings. The patient ultimately responded well to induction chemotherapy and high dose methotrexate. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates that CES, while a rare occurrence in this clinical context, should be considered in at-risk patients especially those presenting with abnormal neurological findings. Prompt recognition may prevent permanent neurological injury and obviate the need for more invasive therapeutic interventions. Key points: Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is an uncommon presentation in diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients with a CD4 count below 200 and neurological symptoms warrant a gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan. Patients with acute urinary attention and weakness warrant an MRI spine to rule out cauda equina syndrome (CES). R-CHOP chemotherapy and high dose methotrexate have been shown to have mortality benefit with SCNSL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity and eating disorders are considered to be part of a broad spectrum of disorders associated with weight issues and maladaptive eating styles. Several studies show that psychopathological and personality characteristics contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity and dysfunctional eating behaviors, showing a bidirectional relationship. The purpose of this study was to understand the role of psychopathological factors and personality dimensions on dysfunctional eating behaviors in a sample of individuals with obesity. Methods: The study was conducted with 96 individuals with obesity (31 males and 65 females) who underwent psychological assessment. The instruments administered included the Cognitive Behavioral Assessment 2.0 - Primary Scales, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2, and the Eating Disorder Inventory. Relationships between dysfunctional eating behaviors and personality and psychopathological factors were explored through mediation analysis. Results and discussion: Our results showed that difficulties related to impulse control and behavior, along with negative and dysphoric emotions, may be associated with difficulties in eating behavior. Mediation analysis showed that the combination of depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology may exacerbate or contribute to the occurrence of eating disorders. These psychopathological aspects should be taken into account during the assessment of patients who decide to undergo bariatric surgery and should be targets of specific psychological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is characterized by late-onset cerebellar ataxia, bilateral vestibulopathy, and sensory neuronopathy mostly due to biallelic RFC1 expansion. (2) Objectives: The aim of this case series is to describe vestibular, gait, and speech alterations in CANVAS via a systematic approach. (3) Methods: All patients (n = 5) underwent a standardized clinical–instrumental examination, including the perceptual and acoustic analysis of speech, instrumental gait, and balance analysis (posturographic data were acquired using a force plate [Kistler, Winterthur, Switzerland] while 3D gait analysis, inclusive of surface electromyography, was acquired using a motion capture system [SMART DX, BTS Bioengineering, Milan, Italy], a wireless electromyograph [FreeEMG, BTS Bioengineering, Milan, Italy]), and vestibular assessment with video-oculography. (4) Results: Five patients were included in the analysis: three females (patients A, B, C) and two males (patients D and E) with a mean age at evaluation of 62 years (SD ± 15.16, range 36–74). The mean age of symptoms' onset was 55.6 years (SD ± 15.04, range 30–68), and patients were clinically and instrumentally evaluated with a mean disease duration of 6.4 years (SD ± 0.54, range 6–7). Video-Frenzel examination documented spontaneous downbeat nystagmus enhanced on bilateral gaze in all patients, except for one presenting with slight downbeat nystagmus in the supine position. All patients exhibited different degrees of symmetrically reduced VOR gain for allsix semicircular canals on the video-head impulse test and an unexpectedly normal ("false negative") VOR suppression, consistent with combined cerebellar dysfunction and bilateral vestibular loss. Posturographic indices were outside their age-matched normative ranges in all patients, while 3D gait analysis highlighted a reduction in ankle dorsiflexion (limited forward rotation of the tibia over the stance foot during the stance phase of gait and fatigue of the dorsiflexor muscles) and variable out-of-phase activity of plantar flexors during the swing phase. Finally, perceptual-acoustic evaluation of speech showed ataxic dysarthria in three patients. Dysdiadochokinesis, rhythm instability, and irregularity were observed in the oral diadochokinesis task. (5) Conclusions: CANVAS is a recently discovered syndrome that is gaining more and more relevance within late-onset ataxias. In this paper, we aimed to contribute to a detailed description of its phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Water-Ecosystem-Food Nexus is a powerful framework developed for analyzing complex interlinkages among natural resource domains and overcoming "siloed" management practices. Multi-actor participatory approaches are increasingly recognized in Nexus research as the most effective way to identify trade-off solutions between divergent interests. Despite this acknowledged potential, the active engagement of stakeholders for the co-creation of knowledge is still limited to date, missing the opportunity for innovation processes and policy designs to be grounded in context-specific knowledge and experiences. This paper outlines the methodological framework developed to integrate stakeholder analysis and participatory tools for exploring Nexus challenges in a pilot area in Tarquinia, Italy, where a multi-stakeholder group was set up encompassing several categories at different levels, from policymakers and authorities to farmers and other end users. Systematic methodologies to target, analyze, and actively engage stakeholders were applied and multidomain participatory tools were developed, i.e., Stakeholder Analysis and Mapping, Learning and Action Alliance, Participatory System Dynamic Modelling, which broaden the agreement on potential locally-tailored solutions for sustainable farming practices and integrated management of natural resources. Mutual learning activities, tapping into actors' deep understanding of specific local dynamics, served to better frame the complexity of the Nexus and build a common understanding of local societal challenges as well as of potential innovations in farming practices, land, and water management. The methodological innovation of integrating stakeholder mapping and analysis with relevant spatial information from participatory activities, provides the fundamental baseline for spatially explicit scenario analysis in the area, ultimately increasing the relevance and transferability of the Nexus findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Protein synthesis is a tightly controlled process, involving a host of translation‐initiation factors and microRNA‐associated repressors. Variants in the translational regulator EIF2AK2 were first linked to neurodevelopmental‐delay phenotypes, followed by their implication in dystonia. Recently, de novo variants in EIF4A2, encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 2 (eIF4A2), have been described in pediatric cases with developmental delay and intellectual disability. Objective: We sought to characterize the role of EIF4A2 variants in dystonic conditions. Methods: We undertook an unbiased search for likely deleterious variants in mutation‐constrained genes among 1100 families studied with dystonia. Independent cohorts were screened for EIF4A2 variants. Western blotting and immunocytochemical studies were performed in patient‐derived fibroblasts. Results: We report the discovery of a novel heterozygous EIF4A2 frameshift deletion (c.896_897del) in seven patients from two unrelated families. The disease was characterized by adolescence‐ to adulthood‐onset dystonia with tremor. In patient‐derived fibroblasts, eIF4A2 production amounted to only 50% of the normal quantity. Reduction of eIF4A2 was associated with abnormally increased levels of IMP1, a target of Ccr4‐Not, the complex that interacts with eIF4A2 to mediate microRNA‐dependent translational repression. By complementing the analyses with fibroblasts bearing EIF4A2 biallelic mutations, we established a correlation between IMP1 expression alterations and eIF4A2 functional dosage. Moreover, eIF4A2 and Ccr4‐Not displayed significantly diminished colocalization in dystonia patient cells. Review of international databases identified EIF4A2 deletion variants (c.470_472del, c.1144_1145del) in another two dystonia‐affected pedigrees. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that EIF4A2 haploinsufficiency underlies a previously unrecognized dominant dystonia‐tremor syndrome. The data imply that translational deregulation is more broadly linked to both early neurodevelopmental phenotypes and later‐onset dystonic conditions. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Naturally recovering secondary forests are frequently re-cleared before they can recover to pre-disturbance conditions. Identifying landscape factors associated with persistence success will help planning cost-efficient and effective forest restoration. Objectives: The ability of secondary forest to persist is an often undervalued requisite for long-term ecosystem restoration. Here we identify the landscape context for naturally regenerated forests to persist through time within central Panama. Methods: We developed a random forest classification (RFC) calibration method to identify areas with high (≥ 90%) and low (< 90%) likelihood of forest persistence success based on their spatial relation with nine landscape explanatory variables. Results: The RFC model discriminated between secondary forests areas that persisted and did not persisted with an error rate of 2%. By tuning, we obtained a precision of 0.94 (94%) in the validation test. The two most important explanatory variables involved in the persistence dynamic were elevation and distance to the nearest rural area. Naturally regenerated forests lasted longer in patches that were closer to both Gatun and Alajuela Lakes as to protected areas, but further from rural communities, roads, urban areas and in patches with higher elevation and steeper slopes. Conclusion: By tracking remote sensed, landscape context metrics of easy collection, we developed a prediction map of central Panama areas with high (≥ 90%) and low (> 90%) probability of natural forest regeneration and persistence success within the next 30 years. This map represents a basis for management decisions and future investigations for effective, long-term forest-landscape restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MFN2 gene encodes the protein Mitofusin 2, involved in essential mitochondrial functions such as fusion, trafficking, turnover, and cellular interactions. We describe a family carrying a novel MFN2 mutation associated with ALS-frontotemporal dementia (FTD) clinical phenotype in the mother and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A) in her son. Case presentation: The mother, a 67-year-old woman, referred to us for a three year-history of mood disturbance and gait impairment, and a more recent hypophonia, dysarthria, dysphagia, and diffuse muscle wasting. Family history was positive for psychiatric disorders and gait disturbances. Brain 18F-FDG PET showed severe hypometabolism in the fronto-temporal brain cortex bilaterally. Electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) showed severe motor axonopathy in the bulbar, cervical and lumbosacral districts. Her 41-year-old son had a history of mood depression and sensory disturbances in the limbs, along with mild muscle wasting, weakness, and reduced reflexes. Nerve conduction studies revealed a moderate sensory-motor polyneuropathy, while brain MRI was normal. Whole exome sequencing of the patients' DNA identified the novel MFN2 (NM_014874.4) variant c.581A>C p.(Asp194Ala). Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence of heterogenous clinicalmanifestations in family members sharing the same MFN2 molecular defect. Additionally, we present the first documented case of ASL-FTD associated with an MFN2 mutation, thereby expanding the range of MFN-related disorders. Further research involving larger cohorts of patients will be needed to better understand the role of MFN2 as a contributing gene in the development of ALS-FTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Stakeholders—farmers from four different European areas (Campania (IT), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (PL), Limburg (NL), Andalusia (ES))—are asked to share, from the OPERA project, their opinions on five criteria that all aim at improving the use of irrigation advisory services (IASs). Each criterion has different characteristics that affect the way farmers rank it. The present study has two objectives. The first is to individuate the priorities of the preferences expressed by the stakeholders. The second objective is to carry out a ranking of the weights of the criteria by case study, ranking the groups and their associated properties among farmers' profiles. Methods: The answers to 120 questionnaires dispensed to the future users of IASs in the four agricultural sites were analyzed in detail, and then the given priorities were evaluated through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The AHP methodology was used to determine the relative weights of the five assessment criteria, and finally, to select the one with major value. Results and conclusions: The results show that A5 (assuring economic sustainability) was the most important criterion. The contributions provided by this study are twofold: Firstly, it presents an application of a methodology that involves the conversion of a linguistic judgement of farmers in a correspondence weight. Secondly, it tackles decision making regarding improving the use of IASs, evaluating the preferences expressed by the stakeholders. Irrigation advisory services can play a key role in assisting users to adopt new techniques and technologies for more efficient water use and increased production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Influenza causes a significant health and socio-economic burden every year, and health personnel (HP) are at higher risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens than the general population. (2) The study's purpose was to describe and compare influenza vaccine uptake and its prognostic factors among Medical Doctors (MDs) and Non-Medical Health Personnel (NMHP) vs. Non-HP (NHP). We analyzed 2014–2018 data (n = 105,608) from the Italian Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System PASSI that, since 2008, has been collecting health-related information continuously in sampled adults. (3) MDs and NMHP represented, respectively, 1.1% and 4.6% of the sample. Among HP, 22.8% (CI 19.8–26.1%) of MDs and 8.5% (CI 7.5–9.5%) of NMHP reported to have been vaccinated vs. 6.3% (CI 6.1–6.5%) in NHP. This difference is confirmed in the three categories (MDs, NMHP, NHP), even more across age groups: in 18–34 yy, respectively, 9.9%, 4.4%, 3.4% vs. 28.4%, 13.9%, 10.6% in 50–64 yy. PASSI surveillance shows an increasing influenza vaccination uptake over time, especially among MDs (22.2% in 2014 vs. 30.5% in 2018). (4) Despite such an increase, especially among younger HP, influenza vaccination uptake is low. Even more under pandemic scenarios, these figures represent key information to address effective strategies for disease prevention and health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allgrove disease is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by adrenal insufficiency, alacrimia, achalasia and complex neurological involvement. Allgrove disease is due to recessive mutations in the AAAS gene, which encodes for the nucleoporin Aladin, implicated in the nucleocytoplasmic transport. The adrenal insufficiency has been suggested to rely on adrenal gland-ACTH resistance. However, the link between the molecular pathology affecting the nucleoporin Aladin and the glucocorticoid deficiency is still unknown. Results: By analyzing postmortem patient's adrenal gland, we identified a downregulation of Aladin transcript and protein. We found a downregulation of Scavenger receptor class B-1 (SCARB1), a key component of the steroidogenic pathway, and SCARB1 regulatory miRNAs (mir125a, mir455) in patient's tissues. With the hypothesis of an impairment in the nucleocytoplasmic transport of the SCARB1 transcription enhancer cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), we detected a reduction of nuclear Phospho-PKA and a cytoplasmic mislocalization in patient's samples. Conclusions: These results shed a light on the possible mechanisms linking ACTH resistance, SCARB1 impairment, and defective nucleocytoplasmic transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten coatings were deposited on silicon substrates by radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering from a metallic target in Ar atmosphere. The process parameters during the sputtering process were evaluated by a Langmuir probe, particularly, the electron density and electron temperature were measured by changing the rf power and gas pressure. The morphological and structural properties of the coatings were studied as a function of the pressure. Significant correlations were found between process parameters and characteristics properties of W coatings. The influence of deposition parameters on electrical properties was investigated. The electrical resistivity of the coatings was increased from 1.3 × 10−6 to 3 × 10−5 Ω m as the pressure increased as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some major future global challenges are linked to more efficient use of water for irrigation to respond to the growing water scarcity coupled with the increasing food demand. Although irrigation advisory services (IASs) are considered effective instruments to increase water use efficiency in agriculture, their diffusion remains limited. This is due to several constraints mainly linked to their low accessibility and high costs. To overcome the bottlenecks associated with IASs' adoption, this paper proposes a business model (BM) as a tool for scaling up IASs within a business perspective, with the aim of encouraging the diffusion of this technology while enhancing the associated environmental and social benefits. Drawn from the experience of the OPERA project, we structured the business model taking advantage of the opinion of relevant stakeholders and IASs' potential users to identify specific limitations and understand their needs. It turned out that farmers are willing to adopt IASs but require that the service is easily accessible, with high-quality information that are delivered at an affordable cost. Indeed, here a BM with an innovative way to produce and deliver value is proposed. The value proposition is built upon key features namely, integration, customization, accessibility, and sustainability that reflect users' needs and preferences. Our BM also provides a detailed revenues strategy that guarantees the financial sustainability of IASs. To design and represent our BM, the "Business Model Canvas ©" has been adopted. We concluded that an innovative and well-structured BM has the potential to leave the IASs profitable and capable to ensure environmental and social sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Learning is a long-term memory process, influenced by working memory control processes, including recognition of semantic properties of items by which subjects generate a semantic structure of engrams. The aim of the study was to investigate the verbal learning strategies of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Thirty individuals with idiopathic PD and healthy control (HC) subjects were tested with a multi-trial word list learning, under two conditions: without cue and then with an explicit cue suggesting the categories in the list, respectively. Results: In comparison to HC subjects, individuals with PD recalled fewer words and achieved a reduced number of categorical clusters; the strategical cue did not improve their performance. Conclusion: This suggests, besides a difficulty in identifying the correct learning strategy, a deficit in working memory, which undermines the strategy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaucher Disease (GD), the most common lysosomal disorder, arises from mutations in the GBA1 gene and is characterized by a wide spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from mild hematological and visceral involvement to severe neurological disease. Neuronopathic patients display dramatic neuronal loss and increased neuroinflammation, whose molecular basis are still unclear. Using a combination of Drosophila dGBA1b loss-of-function models and GD patient-derived iPSCs differentiated towards neuronal precursors and mature neurons we showed that different GD- tissues and neuronal cells display an impairment of growth mechanisms with an increased cell death and reduced proliferation. These phenotypes are coupled with the downregulation of several Hippo transcriptional targets, mainly involved in cells and tissue growth, and YAP exclusion from nuclei. Interestingly, Hippo knock-down in the GBA-KO flies rescues the proliferative defect, suggesting that targeting the Hippo pathway can be a promising therapeutic approach to neuronopathic GD. A combination of Drosophila dGBA1b loss-of-function models and Gaucher Disease (GD) patient-derived iPSCs reveals an impairment in GD neuronal cell growth and that Hippo pathway hyperactivation contributes to the impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the aging population, and no disease-modifying therapy has been approved to date. The pathogenesis of PD has been related to many dysfunctional cellular mechanisms, however, most of its monogenic forms are caused by pathogenic variants in genes involved in endolysosomal function (LRRK2, VPS35, VPS13C, and ATP13A2) and synaptic vesicle trafficking (SNCA, RAB39B, SYNJ1, and DNAJC6). Moreover, an extensive search for PD risk variants revealed strong risk variants in several lysosomal genes (e.g., GBA1, SMPD1, TMEM175, and SCARB2) highlighting the key role of lysosomal dysfunction in PD pathogenesis. Furthermore, large genetic studies revealed that PD status is associated with the overall "lysosomal genetic burden", namely the cumulative effect of strong and weak risk variants affecting lysosomal genes. In this context, understanding the complex mechanisms of impaired vesicular trafficking and dysfunctional endolysosomes in dopaminergic neurons of PD patients is a fundamental step to identifying precise therapeutic targets and developing effective drugs to modify the neurodegenerative process in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of the economic convenience of adopting adaptation measures to climate change at farm level. Concerns raised about climate risks on agriculture indicate that adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change is necessary to mitigate the negative consequences of climate change. Despite many opportunities to implement climate adaptation measures at farm level, there are several obstacles to their adoption. Farmers' decision to implement adaptation measures lies in the difficulty of accessing knowledge about adaptation practices and in the lack of resources for upfront investments required by adaptation. The need to investigate economic convenience in terms of costs and benefits of adopting adaptation measures to prevent or reduce damage from adverse climatic events by farmers arises from this consideration. More importantly, climate protection and management of climate change are European environmental policy objectives. However, adaptation to climate change remains complex, and literature on the costs and benefit of agricultural adaptation is limited. Based on these considerations, this paper provides an analysis of the economic convenience of adopting adaptation measures in Italian farms. The economic convenience to implement adaptation measures is calculated on the reduction of the impact of climate damage. Our results show the economic convenience of adaptation measures. These findings help to improve the still too limited access to information on adaptation policies at farm level as well as the benefits that adaptation produces in economic and environmental terms, on human and ecosystem health. This study supports farmers' decisions in adopting climate adaptation measures and provides information for policy makers to identify specific financial instruments for adaptation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent protein lysine deacylases implicated in metabolic regulation and aging-related dysfunctions. The nuclear isoform Sirt1 deacetylates histones and transcription factors and contributes, e.g., to brain and immune cell functions. Upon infection by human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV1), Sirt1 deacetylates the viral transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein to promote the expression of the viral genome. Tat, in turn, inhibits Sirt1, leading to the T cell hyperactivation associated with HIV infection. Here, we describe the molecular mechanism of Tat-dependent sirtuin inhibition. Using Tat-derived peptides and recombinant Tat protein, we mapped the inhibitory activity to Tat residues 34–59, comprising Tat core and basic regions and including the Sirt1 deacetylation site Lys50. Tat binds to the sirtuin catalytic core and inhibits Sirt1, Sirt2, and Sirt3 with comparable potencies. Biochemical data and crystal structures of sirtuin complexes with Tat peptides reveal that Tat exploits its intrinsically extended basic region for binding to the sirtuin substrate binding cleft through substrate-like β-strand interactions, supported by charge complementarity. Tat Lys50 is positioned in the sirtuin substrate lysine pocket, although binding and inhibition do not require prior acetylation and rely on subtle differences to the binding of regular substrates. Our results provide mechanistic insights into sirtuin regulation by Tat, improving our understanding of physiological sirtuin regulation and the role of this interaction during HIV1 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Italy, the repression of forest fires also involves virtual reality, thanks to the Forest Fire Area Simulator (FFAS), a unique technological platform of its kind, with which the "Arma dei Carabinieri" trains soldiers specialized in investigations post forest fire. Realized at the headquarters of the "Scuola Forestale Carabinieri di Castel Volturno", the system is able to generate immersive and interactive scenarios of forest ecosystems attacked by fire and allows the simulated execution of the technical activities of the judicial police. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifarious neurodegenerative disease. Its pathology is characterized by a prominent early death of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies with aggregated α-synuclein. Although the α-synuclein pathological aggregation and propagation, induced by several factors, is considered one of the most relevant hypotheses, PD pathogenesis is still a matter of debate. Indeed, environmental factors and genetic predisposition play an important role in PD. Mutations associated with a high risk for PD, usually called monogenic PD, underlie 5% to 10% of all PD cases. However, this percentage tends to increase over time because of the continuous identification of new genes associated with PD. The identification of genetic variants that can cause or increase the risk of PD has also given researchers the possibility to explore new personalized therapies. In this narrative review, we discuss the recent advances in the treatment of genetic forms of PD, focusing on different pathophysiologic aspects and ongoing clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Allgrove syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a multisystem involvement manifesting mainly in childhood with esophageal achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, and alacrima. Associated neurological manifestations are frequent in patients with late-onset forms and include peripheral, central, and autonomic dysfunction. The definitive diagnosis remains genetic, but neurological symptoms/signs could be a relevant clue for the diagnosis. Discussion: This syndrome is rare, but it is not impossible for it to occur in adults, so all neurologists must be alert. Moreover, in this regard, neurological symptoms can sometimes be very similar to those of motor neuron disease patients, so that, although rare, Allgrove syndrome may also enter into the differential diagnosis with the bulbar variant of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nevertheless, attention to extra-neurological symptoms must remain high as these play an equally important role in reaching the diagnosis. Case Report: Here we present the case of a patient with some peculiarities that are onset at an advanced age, genetic confirmation of the diagnosis, and prominent neurological involvement, which also opens the differential diagnosis to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6353396 4 Podhajska A, Musso A, Trancikova A. Common pathogenic effects of missense mutations in the P-type ATPase ATP13A2 (PARK9) associated with early-onset parkinsonism. 3386943 5 Di Fonzo A, Chien HF, Socal M. ATP13A2 missense mutations in juvenile parkinsonism and young onset Parkinson disease. Despite the inter-familial and intra-familial heterogeneity, the main clinical findings in patients affected by KRS are levodopa-responsive parkinsonism, pyramidal signs, vertical gaze palsy, cognitive impairment, and facial-faucial-finger myoclonus [[1]]. [Extracted from the article]

The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2023–2027 commits farmers towards achieving ambitious environmental objectives through farm organization and management. This European agricultural policy has adapted to the contemporary challenges faced by the new model of agricultural development. It aims to enhance the contribution of agriculture to the EU's environmental and climate objectives while providing better targeted support to small-scale farmers to promote farms' competitiveness. The main objective of this paper is to describe Italian farms and classify them into groups based on their main characteristics, as well as to analyze their performance and behavior in terms of sustainability and competitiveness. The novelty and innovativeness of this study are found in the data used; a 2020 dataset from the Italian Farm Accounting Data Network (FADN) was used. The quality of FADN data in farm sustainability assessment is widely acknowledge in the literature. To achieve the purpose of this study, a multivariate analysis, in particular, the Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and a Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied. These analyses helped us to obtain the factorial axes which then enabled us to identify economic information on farms, and a better interpretation of farmers' aptitude to undertake environmentally friendly actions. As a result, eight groups of farms were identified, and their characteristics and performance were described at Italian district level. The results of the study reflect the influence of European interventions towards encouraging farmers to use more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Under this perspective, the findings contribute to the current debate on green architecture pursued by the future European agricultural policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple system atrophy of the parkinsonian type (MSA-P) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease with sporadic onset. It is still unknown if MSA-P is a primary oligodendropathy or caused by neuronal pathophysiology leading to severe, α-synuclein-associated neurodegeneration, mainly in the striatum. In this study, we generated and differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with the clinical diagnosis of probable MSA-P (n = 3) and from three matched healthy controls into GABAergic striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). We found a significantly elevated release and neuronal distribution for α-synuclein, as well as hypoexcitability in the MSNs derived from the MSA-P patients compared to the healthy controls. These data suggest that the striatal hypoexcitable neurons of MSA-P patients contribute to a pathological α-synuclein burden which is likely to spread to neighboring cells and projection targets, facilitating disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to present the CAMBIA library, created by ARPAE, which collects more than 100 measures of adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change, together with their evaluation, developed by CREA PB, in terms of costs and benefits to encourage their adoption by Italian farmers. The study was conducted as part of the LIFE ADA project, which aims to improve the resilience of the agricultural sector by providing farmers with knowledge and tools to adapt to climate change. Users' adaptive capacity will be enhanced by the ADA web tool, which will include the CAMBIA library and cost-benefit assessment of measures, and will be used to define adaptation plans at both farm and supply chain levels. This is an innovative tool that offers the possibility to consult and compare a set of climate change adaptation measures, together with the cost/benefit assessment related to their adoption so as to help farmers make an informed choice of the measures best suited to their farm reality. In addition, such a tool could encourage the engagement of policymakers and practitioners in their promotion, further fostering farmers' engagement in adopting climate change adaptation and resilience measures based on their possible cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder characterized by a composite and multisystemic clinical phenotype and frequent involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). Research in this area has largely focused on the cerebrovascular manifestations of the disease, and very little has been described about further neurological manifestations, which are known in other lysosomal diseases, such as Gaucher disease. In particular, a clinical and neuroimaging phenotype suggesting neurodegeneration as a putative mechanism has never been fully described for AFD, but the increased survival of affected patients with early diagnosis and the possibility of treatment have given rise to some isolated reports in the literature on the association of AFD with a clinical phenotype of Parkinson disease (PD). The data are currently scarce, but it is possible to hypothesize the molecular mechanisms of cell damage that support this association; this topic is worthy of further study in particular in relation to the therapeutic possibilities, which have significantly modified the natural history of the disease but which are not specifically dedicated to the CNS. In this review, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association will be proposed, and the available data with implications for future research and treatment will be rewritten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chorea-Acanthocytosis Presenting with Parkinsonism-Dystonia without Chorea VPS13A, parkinsonism, dystonia, chorea, chorea-acanthocytosis Keywords: VPS13A; chorea-acanthocytosis; parkinsonism; dystonia; chorea EN VPS13A chorea-acanthocytosis parkinsonism dystonia chorea S32 S34 3 08/28/23 20230802 NES 230802 Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by biallelic VPS13A pathogenic variants. [Extracted from the article]

The single-stranded RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 contains some G-quadruplex-forming G-rich elements which are putative drug targets. Here, we performed a ligand-based pharmacophore virtual screening of FDA approved drugs to find candidates targeting such RNA structures. Further in silico and in vitro assays identified three drugs as emerging SARS-CoV-2 RNA G-quadruplex binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present Phase I study investigated, for the first time, fosfomycin pharmacokinetics in humans after two 3 g doses of fosfomycin trometamol administered 27 h apart, according to the dose regimen recommended for the prophylactic indication for transrectal prostate biopsy in adult men. Plasma, urine and seminal plasma concentrations were measured after one and two consecutive doses in 24 healthy men, representative of the target population of the prophylactic indication. Prostate and seminal vesicle concentrations were estimated based on seminal plasma concentrations using a one-step regression method. The exposure to fosfomycin was very similar in rate (Cmax, tmax) after one and two doses. The AUC showed a minimal increment. On average, the apparent volume of distribution was high (>100 L), and the mean clearance had an intermediate value. The total amount and dose fraction of fosfomycin excreted in urine showed a small increment after two doses. The renal clearance was about 5 L/h. The fosfomycin concentration in the prostate and seminal vesicles showed that the antibiotic increased on average after two consecutive doses. This result confirmed the ability of fosfomycin to distribute into the prostate and into seminal vesicles after one single dose and that a two consecutive dose regimen increases the antibiotic availability inside these peripheral tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the potential of Sentinel-2 NDVI time series and Google Earth Engine to detect small land-use/land-cover changes (at the pixel level) in fire-disturbed environs. To capture both slow and fast changes, the investigations focused on the analysis of trends in NDVI time series, selected because they are extensively used for the assessment of post-fire dynamics mainly linked to the monitoring of vegetation recovery and fire resilience. The area considered for this study is the central–southern part of the Italian peninsula, in particular the regions of (i) Campania, (ii) Basilicata, (iii) Calabria, (iv) Toscana, (v) Umbria, and (vi) Lazio. For each fire considered, the study covered the period from the year after the event to the present. The multi-temporal analysis was performed using two main data processing steps (i) linear regression to extract NDVI trends and enhance changes over time and (ii) random forest classification to capture and categorize the various changes. The analysis allowed us to identify changes occurred in the selected case study areas and to understand and evaluate the trend indicators that mark a change in land use/land cover. In particular, different types of changes were identified: (i) woodland felling, (ii) remaking of paths and roads, and (ii) transition from wooded area to cultivated field. The reliability of the changes identified was assessed and confirmed by the high multi-temporal resolution offered by Google Earth. Results of this comparison highlighted that the overall accuracy of the classification was higher than 0.86. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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