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In the last decade, the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) method allowed performing non-invasive analysis in the field of cultural heritage. However, a considerable limitation was given by redundant and time-consuming features, with the necessary application of statistical algorithms and image-processing tools to extract relevant information. In this study, the Centro Nacional de Aceleradores (CNA) and the Group of Interdisciplinary Physics (GFI) of the School of Engineering (ETSI) of the University of Seville tested the application of three different hyperspectral cameras in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) range for the investigation of an ancient painting. A reference-based procedure was realised to build a starting personal library and to evaluate the best working conditions for non-invasive and non-destructive characterisation with data treatment using the commercially available software Evince® and Specim IQ® to apply, respectively, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) model functions and the classification method. The evaluation of the protocol was tested by acquiring complementary information by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Ultraviolet Luminescence (UVL) imaging, and Infrared Reflectography (IRR). This exploration established a simplified protocol to analyse the large collection of paintings of the Archbishop’s Palace and the Cathedral of Seville.

Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is seldom diagnosed preoperatively and is often mistaken for epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). This report details a case of primary high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) of the fallopian tube, highlighting radiological and clinical indicators to aid in accurate diagnosis and avoid misdiagnosis. A 46-year-old premenopausal woman presented with symptoms and a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) indicating a malignant ovarian tumor. Further imaging with CT and MRI revealed a solid-cystic mass suggestive of a fallopian tube tumor rather than an ovarian origin. Oncological surgery confirmed the presence of a high-grade serous carcinoma in the fallopian tube. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of PFTC and the superior sensitivity and specificity of MRI over CT and US in distinguishing adnexal lesions. Key MRI features such as the sausage-shaped mass and associated hematosalpinx were crucial in differentiating PFTC from EOC. The report emphasizes the importance of considering PFTC in differential diagnoses of adnexal masses to ensure accurate preoperative identification.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a precision biotic (PB; Symphiome®, dsm-firmenich) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, litter quality, blood uric acid (UA) concentration, cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration, and ileal and cecal microbiome of broiler chickens fed corn or wheat-based diets. One-day-old broiler chicks were placed in a completely randomized design (2 × 2 factorial scheme) in 4 treatments, 8 replicates/treatment, and 16 birds/replicate. The treatments were a corn or wheat and soybean meal-based diet without or with supplementation of 0.9 kg/MT of PB. All the birds were vaccinated against coccidiosis at the time of placement (Paracox 5). Growth performance was evaluated weekly and at the end of the experiment. At d 35, blood was collected to determine UA concentration and cecal content for SCFA concentration analysis. Ileal digesta was also collected for nutrient digestibility analysis, and ileal digesta and cecal content were collected for microbiome analysis. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05), and LSM was used to separate the means in case of interaction. During the starter and grower phases of the study, a better body weight gain (P = 0.0008 and P = 0.04, respectively) was observed in birds fed wheat compared to corn-based diets. From 28 to 36 d of age, the supplementation of PB increased feed intake (P = 0.05), and tended (P = 0.06) to improve the feed conversion ratio by 4.3 points vs non-supplementated birds. Birds fed wheat-based diets had higher (P = 0.02) blood UA than corn based-diets fed birds, and the supplementation of PB led to a reduction (P = 0.02) of blood UA compared to non-supplemented birds. The supplementation of PB changed the abundance of core metabolic pathways of the microbiome, mostly related to protein metabolism, which led to a reduction in blood UA concentration and increase of cecal SCFA concentrations. In conclusion, by beneficially modulating the microbiome, the supplementation of PB was translated into improved growth performance of broiler chickens fed corn or wheat-based diets.

Background: Despite the implementation of specific exercises to reduce hamstrings strain injuries (HSI) risk, the incidence has remained unchanged over the past 30 years. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to analyze hamstrings muscle activation induced by a novel Flywheel Russian belt Deadlift (FRD) exercise, together with individual muscle-, region- and limb-specific differences. Methods: The activation of hamstring muscles before and immediately after a 10 × 10 FRD training session was assessed by the T2 shift technique through functional magnetic resonance imaging, in one international-level filed hockey male player. The individual use of the biceps femoris long head (BFLH) and short head (BFSH), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) were analyzed, together with the region-specific activation for each muscle. Results: T2 values significantly increased immediately after exercise in all regions of the hamstring muscles in both dominant and non-dominant lower limb. However, the SM muscle showed a lesser activation, compared to BFLH, BFSH and ST muscles [F(3,106) = 9.557, p < 0.001]. Overall, the most activated muscle by the FRD training session was the biceps femoris (short head +13.8 %, long head, +12.7 %), followed by the ST (+11.3 %), and lastly the SM (+6.9 %). Conclusion: The novel FRD exercise triggers a homogeneous and consistent activation of hamstring muscles. Particularly, the lateral positioning muscles (i.e., BFLH and BFSH) were more activated than the medial positioning muscles (i.e., ST and SM). Therefore, the FRD exercise could enhance training programs to strengthen and activate the hamstring muscles, and specifically, the BFLH, in order to reduce HSI risk.

Levodopa is the gold standard for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). There are well documented motor and non-motor fluctuations, however, that occur almost inevitably once levodopa is started after a variable period in people with PD. Whilst brain neurodegenerative processes play a part in the pathogenesis of these fluctuations, a range of barriers across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can alter levodopa pharmacokinetics, ultimately contributing to non-optimal levodopa response and symptoms fluctuations. GI barriers to levodopa transport and absorption include dysphagia, delayed gastric emptying, constipation, Helicobacter pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and gut dysbiosis. In addition, a protein-rich diet and concomitant medication intake can further alter levodopa pharmacokinetics. This can result in unpredictable or sub-optimal levodopa response, 'delayed on' or 'no on' phenomena. In this narrative review, we provided an overview on the plethora of GI obstacles to levodopa transport and absorption in PD and their implications on levodopa pharmacokinetics and development of motor fluctuations. In addition, management strategies to address GI dysfunction in PD are highlighted, including use of non-oral therapies to bypass the GI tract.

Abstract Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has become an important tool for surveying birds, and there is a growing demand for approaches to obtain abundance and behavioural information from PAM recordings. Changes in bird populations have been assessed by counting recorded calls and calculating the vocal activity rate (VAR, i.e. the number of calls per recording time). However, bird calls could be counted in various ways and depending on species traits, these call counts could give us different insights on bird abundance, vocal behaviour and/or habitat use. Our study had two goals: (1) to present and evaluate two new indices based on call counts, the detection rate (DR, i.e. the number of 1‐min recordings in which the presence of a target vocalization is detected) and the maximum count per minute (MAX, i.e. the maximum number of calls found in a 1‐min recording); and (2) to present a conceptual framework showing how the interpretations of VAR, DR and MAX could depend on the index and on species traits. For three Neotropical bird species with distinct traits, we calculated VAR, DR and MAX based on PAM data from 25 sites in the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) that varied in their degree of anthropogenic habitat disturbance. We found moderate to high correlations between the indices and higher temporal variability in VAR compared to DR and MAX. We also found different effect sizes of habitat disturbance on the three species and indices. We suggest that DR might be a more reliable index of relative abundance than VAR for species whose calling behaviour exhibits a high cue rate and that MAX may be suitable for estimating family or flock size in gregarious birds. Our findings show the potential usefulness of developing new indices based on call counts to generate ecological hypotheses and assess changes in bird abundance and behaviour.

An experiment was conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestible (SID) calcium requirement of fast-growing broilers from hatch to d 14 post-hatch. Ross 308 (n = 360) male broilers were obtained on day of hatch and allocated to 1 of 5 treatments in battery cages. There were 6 birds per cage and 12 pens per treatment. Four treatments were formulated to contain 0.60%, 0.46%, 0.32% or 0.18% SID Ca. The final treatment was formulated using total Ca to meet or exceed all nutrient requirements, including 0.90% total Ca and 0.49% non-phytate P (nPP), using the same ingredients. This treatment was the reference diet for comparison and validation of the SID Ca diets. Birds and feed were weighed at placement and on d 14. Tibias and ileal contents were obtained on d 14 and excreta was collected per pen and pooled on d 14. Data were analyzed using JMP Pro and requirements were estimated using 3 different non-linear regression models. Increasing the SID Ca content in the diet from 0.18% to 0.60% improved (quadratic, P

The study focuses on how local administrations can activate and foster the process of linking cultural heritage to civic wealth creation by engaging different stakeholders in urban regeneration initiatives. The research design relies on the observation of a project known as “the Relaunch of the DATA space” – the stables of the Duke Federico da Montefeltro – in Urbino (Italy). The premises that activated local communities to collaborate on the project have been reconstructed and interpreted under the theoretical lens of civic wealth creation. The methodology adopted to reconstruct the processes put in place, the premises and factors that activated the mechanisms supposed to create civic wealth and the outcomes generated, was based on a qualitative approach. Multiple sources (both primary and secondary sources) were used to grasp stakeholders’ opinions on culture-led regeneration initiatives and to identify approaches for citizen engagement, including semi-structured interviews addressed to key actors involved in the project, analysis of public documents and public discussions, municipality website and the city strategic plan. Findings highlight that the rediscovery and reuse of one’s cultural heritage rooted in a common identity may become the glue that favours networking and the community’s wellbeing. However, as civic wealth creation requires the key stakeholders’ expectations come together, our case study reveals that collaboration among stakeholders strongly necessitates the support of the local administration as a facilitator/orchestrator, pursuing balance among different visions and needs over time. Lo studio affronta il tema di come le amministrazioni locali fronteggiano la sfida di rigenerare le città storiche culturali grazie all’impegno delle comunità e degli stakeholder valorizzando il patrimonio culturale (CH). Il caso di studio presentato è quello della città di Urbino (Italia), patrimonio UNESCO. Il disegno di ricerca si basa sull’osservazione di un’iniziativa specifica, nota come “il rilancio dello spazio DATA” (le scuderie del Duca Federico da Montefeltro risalenti al Rinascimento). Le premesse che hanno attivato le comunità locali a collaborare al progetto sono state ricostruite e interpretate sotto la lente teorica della creazione di ricchezza civica. La metodologia adottata per ricostruire i processi messi in atto, i fattori che hanno attivato i meccanismi di generazione di ricchezza civica e i risultati generati, si è basata su un approccio qualitativo. Per cogliere la percezione degli stakeholder sul CH e identificare gli approcci per il coinvolgimento dei cittadini, le informazioni sono state tratte da una molteplicità di fonti primarie e secondarie (interviste non strutturate rivolte agli attori chiave coinvolti nel progetto, analisi di documenti e discussioni pubbliche, delibere del Consiglio comunale, analisi del sito web del Comune). I risultati evidenziano che la riscoperta del proprio patrimonio culturale, basato sull’eredità del passato ma riutilizzato nella vita quotidiana, può diventare il collante che favorisce il networking e il benessere della comunità. Tuttavia, poiché la creazione di ricchezza civica richiede che visioni e interessi dei principali stakeholder convergano, il caso di studio rivela che la collaborazione tra gli stakeholder ha fortemente bisogno del sostegno dell’amministrazione locale come facilitatore/organizzatore capace di perseguire nel tempo un equilibrio tra le diverse esigenze e aspettative.

Alterations in glycosphingolipid metabolism have been linked to the pathophysiological mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Accordingly, administration of GM1, a sialic acid‐containing glycosphingolipid, is protective against neuronal damage and supports neuronal homeostasis, with these effects mediated by its bioactive component, the oligosaccharide head (GM1‐OS). Here, we add new evidence to the therapeutic efficacy of GM1 in ALS: Its administration to WT and SOD1G93A motor neurons affected by glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity significantly increased neuronal survival and preserved neurite networks, counteracting intracellular protein accumulation and mitochondria impairment. Importantly, the GM1‐OS faithfully replicates GM1 activity, emphasizing that even in ALS the protective function of GM1 strictly depends on its pentasaccharide.

Abstract The Shelterin complex protein TPP1 interacts with human telomerase (TERT) by means of the TEL-patch region, controlling telomere homeostasis. Aberrations in the TPP1-TERT heterodimer formation might lead to short telomeres and severe diseases like dyskeratosis congenita and Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson syndrome. In the present study, we provide a thorough characterization of the structural properties of the TPP1’s OB-domain by combining data coming from microsecond-long molecular dynamics calculations, time-series analyses, and graph-based networks. Our results show that the TEL-patch conformational freedom is influenced by a network of long-range amino acid communications that together determine the proper TPP1-TERT binding. Furthermore, we reveal that in TPP1 pathological variants Glu169Δ, Lys170Δ and Leu95Gln, the TEL-patch plasticity is reduced, affecting the correct binding to TERT and, in turn, telomere processivity, which eventually leads to accelerated aging of affected cells. Our study provides a structural basis for the design of TPP1-targeting ligands with therapeutic potential against cancer and telomeropathies.

Drones are increasingly used for monitoring wildlife, and it is therefore necessary to evaluate their impact on animal behavior. According to the landscape of fear framework, animals assess and respond to perceived risks in their environment by adjusting their behavior and space use to avoid potential threats. Understanding how drones influence risk perception is thus crucial to avoid generating stress and altering the animal’s natural behavior. Geoffroy’s spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are endangered arboreal primates, but information on their distribution and abundance is scarce throughout their geographical distribution. Drones can aid to rapidly obtain such information, but data of their impact on the monkeys are needed to design surveys that minimize disturbance (i.e., any interference or modification of the natural behavior of the monkeys caused by the presence and operation of drones). Here, we evaluated whether drone flights influenced the following spider monkey behaviors: agonistic displays, self-scratching, whinny vocalizations, feeding, resting, social interactions, and moving. We also evaluated the effect of three flight parameters, flight height (35, 50 m above ground level), speed (2, 4 m/s), and distance to the drone (“close”, “medium”, and “far”) on spider monkey behavior and examined whether repeated exposure to drones resulted in tolerance (i.e., lack of a behavioral response). We found that drone flights influenced only agonistic displays and resting and that the only flight parameter affecting behaviors was the distance between the monkeys and the drone. We found that spider monkeys developed a tolerance to drone flights only for agonistic displays. Based on our results, we suggest that spider monkeys do not perceive drone flights as major sources of disturbance (such as predators) in the short term, and that drone monitoring can be a viable option to study this species if adequate flight protocols are implemented.

Geoffroy’s spider monkeys, an endangered, fast-moving arboreal primate species with a large home range and a high degree of fission–fusion dynamics, are challenging to survey in their natural habitats. Our objective was to evaluate how different flight parameters affect the detectability of spider monkeys in videos recorded by a drone equipped with a thermal infrared camera and examine the level of agreement between coders. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the impact of flight speed (2, 4, 6 m/s), flight height (40, 50 m above ground level), and camera angle (−45°, −90°) on spider monkey counts in a closed-canopy forest in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our results indicate that none of the three flight parameters affected the number of detected spider monkeys. Agreement between coders was “substantial” (Fleiss’ kappa coefficient = 0.61–0.80) in most cases for high thermal-contrast zones. Our study contributes to the development of standardized flight protocols, which are essential to obtain accurate data on the presence and abundance of wild populations. Based on our results, we recommend performing drone surveys for spider monkeys and other medium-sized arboreal mammals with a small commercial drone at a 4 m/s speed, 15 m above canopy height, and with a −90° camera angle. However, these recommendations may vary depending on the size and noise level produced by the drone model.

Mind-mindedness (MM) refers to caregivers' proclivity to treat a child as having an active and autonomous mental life. It has been shown to be a powerful predictor of many developmental outcomes and to mitigate the impact of risk conditions. However, longitudinal studies on MM reporting changes over time and individual differences among mothers have been scant and quite inconclusive, mainly due to the investigation of changes between only two time points. The current study analyzes MM's developmental trajectories across four time points (3, 6, 9, and 12 months of infants' age) along with the moderating effects of four variables (maternal sensitivity, age, education, and family income). The sample included healthy mother-infant dyads (N = 93, 46 female infants), belonging to monolingual Italian predominantly middle-class families, with 15% (n = 14) classified as low income (below the relative poverty threshold). The dyads were videotaped during semistructured play interactions and transcripts were coded for appropriate mind-related comments (AMRCs) and nonattuned mind-related comments (NAMRCs). Mothers' AMRCs, compared to NAMRCs, showed more temporal stability. Both AMRCs and NAMRCs showed a linear decrease with individual differences across dyads decreasing over time, and dyads becoming increasingly similar one with the other. Low income moderated the normative trend of appropriate mind-related comments. These findings suggest that MM, while depending largely on an individual trait at earlier ages, when infants' mental states are less intelligible, adapts to the increase of infants' sociocommunicative repertoire over time. They also highlight the importance of ecological constraints on the quality of caregiving.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life‐limiting disorder in Caucasian populations. It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), which lead to an impairment of protein expression and/or function. CFTR is a chloride/bicarbonate channel expressed at the apical surface of epithelial cells of different organs. Nowadays, more than 2100 CFTR genetic variants have been described, but not all of them cause CF. However, around 80–85% of the patients worldwide are characterized by the presence, at least in one allele, of the mutation F508del. CFTR mutations cause aberrant hydration and secretion of mucus in hollow organs. In the lungs, this condition favors bacterial colonization, allowing the development of chronic infections that lead to the onset of the CF lung disease, which is the main cause of death in patients. In recent years, evidence has reported that CFTR loss of function is responsible for alterations in a particular class of bioactive lipids, called sphingolipids (SL). SL are ubiquitously present in eukaryotic cells and are mainly asymmetrically located within the external leaflet of the plasma membrane, where they organize specific platforms capable of segregating a selected number of proteins. CFTR is associated with these platforms that are fundamental for its functioning. Considering the importance of SL in CFTR homeostasis, we attempt here to provide a critical overview of the literature to determine the role of these lipids in channel stability and activity, and whether their modulation in CF could be a target for new therapeutic approaches.

Abstract Conservation funding is currently limited; cost‐effective conservation solutions are essential. We suggest that the thousands of field stations worldwide can play key roles at the frontline of biodiversity conservation and have high intrinsic value. We assessed field stations’ conservation return on investment and explored the impact of COVID‐19. We surveyed leaders of field stations across tropical regions that host primate research; 157 field stations in 56 countries responded. Respondents reported improved habitat quality and reduced hunting rates at over 80% of field stations and lower operational costs per km2 than protected areas, yet half of those surveyed have less funding now than in 2019. Spatial analyses support field station presence as reducing deforestation. These “earth observatories” provide a high return on investment; we advocate for increased support of field station programs and for governments to support their vital conservation efforts by investing accordingly.

The overconsumption of conventional plastics has led to several environmental and social-economic issues related to plastic pollution, carbon emissions and resource depletion. Acknowledging these issues, the introduction of alternatives such as bioplastics has been promoted by national, supranational, and international organizations. However, the market for such materials is still niche, where businesses are uncertain about the benefits and costs associated with the use of these innovative materials. Successful (and sustainable) uptake of such alternatives will depend on public acceptance and changes in consumer behavior. Therefore, this study aims to explore how consumers' orientation towards environmental sustainability is related to consumer utilization of alternatives such as bio-based and biodegradable plastics. Consumer knowledge and performance expectations of these materials are also analyzed. This study employed a predominately quantitative research approach, where a self-administered online survey was used to collect the opinions of consumers across society using a snowball sampling technique. Results show continued consumer confusion, unrealistic expectations, and a value-action gap. These elements may have consequences for market uptake and broader implications across the value chain. A key implication is that both policy makers and businesses should address these barriers through enhanced communication of relevant information alongside improved consumer awareness and education.

Abstract Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with a wide variety of clinical and research applications. As increasingly acknowledged, its effectiveness is subject dependent, which may lead to time consuming and cost ineffective treatment development phases. We propose the combination of electroencephalography (EEG) and unsupervised learning for the stratification and prediction of individual responses to tDCS. A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind crossover study design was conducted within a clinical trial for the development of pediatric treatments based on tDCS. The tDCS stimulation (sham and active) was applied either in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or in the right inferior frontal gyrus. Following the stimulation session, participants performed 3 cognitive tasks to assess the response to the intervention: the Flanker Task, N-Back Task and Continuous Performance Test (CPT). We used data from 56 healthy children and adolescents to implement an unsupervised clustering approach that stratify participants based on their resting-state EEG spectral features before the tDCS intervention. We then applied a correlational analysis to characterize the clusters of EEG profiles in terms of participant’s difference in the behavioral outcome (accuracy and response time) of the cognitive tasks when performed after a tDCS-sham or a tDCS-active session. Better behavioral performance following the active tDCS session compared to the sham tDCS session is considered a positive intervention response, whilst the reverse is considered a negative one. Optimal results in terms of validity measures was obtained for 4 clusters. These results show that specific EEG-based digital phenotypes can be associated to particular responses. While one cluster presents neurotypical EEG activity, the remaining clusters present non-typical EEG characteristics, which seem to be associated with a positive response. Findings suggest that unsupervised machine learning can be successfully used to stratify and eventually predict responses of individuals to a tDCS treatment.

Abstract Behavioural contagion is a widespread phenomenon in animal species, which is thought to promote coordination and group cohesion. Among non-human primates, however, there is no evidence of behavioural contagion in Platyrrhines (i.e. primates from South and Central America) yet. Here, we investigated whether behavioural contagion is also present in this taxon, by assessing yawning and scratching contagion in a wild group (N = 49) of Geoffroy’s spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). We conducted focal samples to examine whether individuals observing the triggering event (i.e. a naturally occurring yawning or scratching event in the group) would be more likely to yawn or scratch in the following 3 min, as compared to individuals who did not observe the triggering event. We ran generalized linear mixed models using a Bayesian approach, and found that the probability of yawning and scratching was higher for individuals observing others yawning and scratching, respectively, as compared to individuals who did not observe such an event. Behavioural contagion did not vary depending on the observer’s sex, kinship or relationship quality with the individual performing the triggering event. These findings provide the first evidence for yawning and scratching contagion in a wild group of spider monkeys, and importantly contribute to the debate about the evolutionary origins of behavioural contagion in primates.

The yellow pea (Pisum sativum L. ‘Eso’, sin. Lathyrus oleracaeus Lam.(YP)) is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Peas, along with other legumes, are an excellent source of proteins and essential amino acids; the yellow variety is known for maintaining a good protein profile even if subjected to industrial processing. However, the presence of antinutrients, such as phytates and oligosaccharides, limits its consumption as a fresh legume to its use as a source of isolated proteins or for animal feed. The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in the entire phytochemical profile of YP seeds as a function of the harvest time. YPs harvested at about 40, 50, 60, and 70 days from sowing were examined by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy employing 1H-NMR, 1H-1H TOCSY, and 1H-13C HSQC. In total, 40 molecular species were identified and quantified; it was observed that there was a monotonous decrease in amino acids, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites as a function of time. Antinutrient levels increased, but only in later sampling times. This study identified the optimal harvest time for yellow peas “Eso” in the fortieth day from sowing, adding new information about the best nutritional outcome for humans.

An increasing number of patients experiences prolonged symptoms, whose profile and timeline remain uncertain, a condition that has been defined as post COVID. The majority of recovered hospitalized patients manifests at least one persistent symptom even sixty days after the first clinical manifestation's onset. Particularly, in light of the COVID-19-related symptomatology, it has been hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 might affect the dopamine pathway. However, no scientific evidence has been produced so far.To this end, human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons were infected with EU, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. The infection with EU and Delta variants, but not with Omicron, results in a reduced intracellular content and extracellular release of dopamine. Indeed, the tyrosine hydroxylase was found to be significantly upregulated at the mRNA level, while being greatly reduced at the protein level. The major downstream synthetic enzyme DOPA-decarboxylase and the dopamine transporter were significantly downregulated both at the mRNA and protein level. Notably, in vitro SARS-CoV-2 infection was also associated with an altered MAP2 and TAU expression and with an increased presence of neuronal stress markers.These preliminary observations suggest that the dopamine metabolism and production are affected by SARS-CoV-2, partially explaining some of the neurological symptoms manifested.

The provisioning of 5G technology does not only involve mobile terminals, but also new services such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). The aim of this study is to examine the ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF) and throughput performance of a FWA deployment utilizing Standalone technology operating at 3.5 GHz. To address the unique characteristics of 5G FWA signals, an innovative framework has been designed based on the measurement of 5G FWA spectrum using four independent chains and an additional traffic generation chain to saturate the radio link capacity at the measurement location. Methodologies for evaluating 5G FWA exposure under conservative conditions, such as measurements of exposure during active traffic generation and maximum power extrapolations, are also introduced. Results from real measurements taken at a baseball stadium show that 5G FWA exposure is consistently low, typically below 0.4 [V/m], with an upper bound of 0.59 [V/m], while the achieved throughput is up to 250 [Mbps]. Additionally, the measured 5G exposure levels are a small fraction compared to those emitted by other technologies such as 4G. Furthermore, the values estimated by simulation from the output power counters of the base station are found to be in close agreement with the measured exposure levels.

In spite of the application of different cleaning procedures, the marble used for the portrait bust of Queen Margherita di Savoia continued to show permanent discoloration, consisting of an unevenly distributed grayish alteration, mainly on the front part. In this work, a multi-analytical, non-invasive approach was proposed using spectrocolorimetry, reflectance spectroscopy and multispectral imaging. The initial assumption, suggesting the presence of altered protective materials based on organic products (such as waxes or oils,) applied in the past according to traditional practices, was excluded, revealing instead the presence of deposits of particulate matter, which penetrated inside the crystalline structure of the marble, leading to a variation in its shade. Cleaning tests were also carried out to define the best product, using sustainable chemicals such as Polar Varnish Rescue®, alkoxyde surfactant, disodium EDTA, GLDA and Politect® Base in order to identify the best methodology and materials for sustainable cleaning, respecting the integrity of the original matter. Politect® Base demonstrated better action in comparison to the other products tested, and similar results were obtained with GLDA, which could be applied in areas where the Politect® is less efficient (e.g., lace).

Background: Explosive and fast body movements, sprints, jumps and quick changes of direction, which are characteristic of the football training, place considerable strain on the hamstring muscles. Due to the high occurrence of hamstring injuries, new preventive strategies are required that focus on high-velocity training. The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of high-velocity elastic-band training in reducing the occurrence of hamstring injuries in football players.Methods: Male football players from 15 teams (n = 319) playing in national competitions participated in this study. The players were involved in a 5-week exercise period in either the intervention group (INT) or the control group (CON), with a follow-up period of ∼4 months where hamstring injuries and exposure time were recorded. The INT group had two to three sessions per week of elastic-band training with low-load, high-velocity leg curls while lying prone; the CON group performed self-paced football-specific drills.Results: The incidence rate of hamstring injuries was 6.5% in the INT group (8 out of 123 players) and 9.2% in the CON group (18 out of 196 players). Although the INT group showed almost 1/3 reduction in hamstring injury incidence compared to the CON group, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences (p > 0.05, odds ratio [OR] = trivial-to-small) in distribution between the groups were found in hamstring injury characteristics (leg dominance and mechanism) except for the distribution of injuries that occurred during matches or training (p = 0.036; OR = 6.14, moderate).Conclusion: The program of high-velocity elastic-band training did not prove to be effective in preventing hamstring muscle injuries in football players despite displaying some positive indications that could be considering when creating injury prevention programs.

Bio-based and biodegradable plastics (BBPs) are innovative materials, wholly or partially produced from biomass, with the potential to enhance the circulation of resources in the biological cycle of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s butterfly diagram. Although BBPs are generally considered more environmental-friendly than conventional plastics, robust scientific evidence is still missing. The lack of tools and metrics to assess the circularity and sustainability of the BBPs industry poses relevant challenges for its upscaling and contribution to climate neutrality goals in Europe. It calls for adopting system and life cycle thinking, guided by multi-level and multi-dimensional examinations, which led researchers to build a comprehensive picture of trends, gaps and future orientations that may boost a sustainable circular bioeconomy in the sector. The value- chain based and multi-faceted SWOT analysis that emerged from the intersection of system and corporate data reveals the need to establish a combined circular bioeconomy strategy where incentives to integrated local supply chain, dedicated EPR scheme, eco-design guidelines, revised EoL standards, new clear labelling schemes and harmonised sustainability criteria should be prioritized and conjointly pursued to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable circular bioeconomy of the BBPs value chain.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that children and adults can develop. A complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors may underlie interindividual variability in ADHD and potentially related aggressive behavior. Using high-resolution molecular biology techniques, we investigated the impact of some MAOA and SLC6A4 variations on ADHD and aggressive behavior in a group of 80 Italian children with ADHD and in 80 healthy controls. We found that homozygous genotypes of MAOA rs6323 and rs1137070 were associated with an increased risk of ADHD (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively), whereas the heterozygous genotypes (GT of rs6323 and CT of rs1137030) (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0006) were strongly linked to a lower risk of developing this disorder. In patients with aggressive behavior, we highlighted only a weak negative association of both MAOA polymorphisms (heterozygous genotypes) with aggressiveness, suggesting that these genotypes may be protective towards specific changes in behavior (p = 0.05). Interestingly, an increase in the GG genotype of rs6323 (p = 0.01) and a decrease in GT genotype (p = 0.0005) was also found in patients without aggressive behavior compared to controls. Regarding 5HTT gene genotyping, no allele and genotype differences have been detected among patients and controls. Our work shows that defining a genetic profile of ADHD may help in the early detection of patients who are more vulnerable to ADHD and/or antisocial and aggressive behavior and to design precision-targeted therapies.

This study investigates the potential of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) as environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional solvents for the removal of low-polarity materials commonly found in cultural heritage artefacts. Recognizing the environmental and health concerns associated with conventional solvents, this research focuses on FAME to remove low/non-polarity or non-polar substances used in cultural heritage preservation. Laboratory samples coated with low molecular synthetic resins (LMW) such as Regalrez 1094 and microcrystalline wax were treated with FAME applied in gel to prevent solvent–substrate interactions. Photographic documentation under UV-vis light, optical microscope observations, and spectrocolorimetric analysis were used for assessing surface “cleanness”, while FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was used to detect possible residue from treatment. Moreover, SEM analysis was used for a better understanding of the results. The best results were obtained using FAME base on methyl stearate according to Hansen-RED.

The goal of this intensive longitudinal study was to trace the developmental trajectories of infant pointing production, through consideration of the modality (i.e. pointing alone vs pointing-vocal coupling) and the communicative intention (i.e. imperative vs declarative). Multilevel analysis was used to model the normative trend and the individual differences in pointing trajectories. Eighteen Italian infants participated in this study and were followed monthly from 9 to 18 months of age. The infants were involved in a structured task designed to elicit imperative and declarative pointing (T-POINT). The proportion of pointing for each participant as a function of age, modality (pointing alone vs pointing-vocal coupling) and context (imperative vs declarative), and the interactional effects, were modelled. Random effects among participants for age trends were estimated. This analysis defined the following: (1) a significant linear increase in pointing production, without and with vocalisation; (2) a significant increase in pointing-vocal coupling over pointing produced alone, in an accelerated form; (3) that the context does not appear to moderate linear and quadratic trends; and (4) that infants differed in their developmental trajectories with respect to the quadratic component, which means that some of the infants developed faster with age than the others. Results are discussed with respect to the hypothesis of strong integration between different systems of communication, further underlining the progression of pointing-vocal coupling.

Abstract Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a kinase involved in different cellular functions, including autophagy, endolysosomal pathways, and immune function. Mutations in LRRK2 cause autosomal-dominant forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Heterozygous mutations in GBA1, the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), are the most common genetic risk factors for PD. Moreover, GCase function is altered in idiopathic PD and in other genetic forms of the disease. Recent work suggests that LRRK2 kinase activity can regulate GCase function. However, both a positive and a negative correlation have been described. To gain insights into the impact of LRRK2 on GCase, we performed a comprehensive analysis of GCase levels and activity in complementary LRRK2 models, including (i) LRRK2 G2019S knock in (GSKI) mice, (ii) peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs), plasma, and fibroblasts from PD patients carrying LRRK2 G2019S mutation, (iii) patient iPSCs-derived neurons; (iv) endogenous and overexpressed cell models. In some of these models we found a positive correlation between the activities of LRRK2 and GCase, which was further confirmed in cell lines with genetic and pharmacological manipulation of LRRK2 kinase activity. GCase protein level is reduced in GSKI brain tissues and in G2019S iPSCs-derived neurons, but increased in fibroblasts and PBMCs from patients, suggesting cell-type-specific effects. Overall, our study indicates that LRRK2 kinase activity affects both the levels and the catalytic activity of GCase in a cell-type-specific manner, with important implications in the context of therapeutic application of LRRK2 inhibitors in GBA1-linked and idiopathic PD.

ABSTRACT: The objective of these studies was to evaluate the impact of dietary muramidase (MUR) on endogenous amino acids (AA) losses and digestibility of nutrients in wheat and corn-based broiler diets. In experiment 1, the effect of dietary MUR on the flow of endogenous AA (EAA) at the jejunum and terminal ileum of broilers were assessed using either the nitrogen (N) free diet method (NFD) or the highly digestible protein diet method (HDP; 100 g casein/kg diet). Sialic acid and muramic acid concentrations were measured in the jejunal content. In experiment 2, a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 base grains (wheat or corn), with low or high metabolizable energy (ME) levels, and without or with MUR supplementation was implemented. All diets contained phytase, xylanase, and cellulase. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), protein (CP), amino acids (AA), crude fat, and energy, as well as the apparent total tract metabolizability (ATTM) of DM, CP, and gross energy (GE) were determined. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA was obtained by correcting AID values for basal ileal EAA obtained from chicks fed with NFD or HDP in experiment 1, jejunal EAA flow of all AA was higher (P < 0.001) compared to the ileum, but this effect was method dependent. Jejunal, but not ileal, EAA flow measured with HDP was higher compared to NFD, as well as sialic acid (P < 0.001) and muramic acid (P < 0.004) concentrations. Muramidase inclusion had no effect on basal EAA flow, independently of the segment and the method used. In experiment 2, dietary MUR supplementation increased the AID of CP (P < 0.05), all AA, and tended (P = 0.07) to increase the AID of GE, independently of the cereal type used. However, ATTM of DM and GE, but not CP, increased with MUR inclusion compared with the control treatments, especially in wheat and low ME diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MUR supplementation improved AID of CP and AA without affecting EAA losses and increases energy utilization.