Search

IntroductionParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Complementary and alternative therapies are increasingly utilized to address its complex multisystem symptomatology. Art therapy involves motoric action and visuospatial processing while promoting broad biopsychosocial wellness. The process involves hedonic absorption, which provides an escape from otherwise persistent and cumulative PD symptoms, refreshing internal resources. It involves the expression in nonverbal form of multilayered psychological and somatic phenomena; once these are externalized in a symbolic arts medium, they can be explored, understood, integrated, and reorganized through verbal dialogue, effecting relief and positive change.Methods42 participants with mild to moderate PD were treated with 20 sessions of group art therapy. They were assessed before and after therapy with a novel arts-based instrument developed to match the treatment modality for maximum sensitivity. The House-Tree-Person PD Scale (HTP-PDS) assesses motoric and visuospatial processing–core PD symptoms–as well as cognition (thought and logic), affect/mood, motivation, self (including body-image, self-image, and self- efficacy), interpersonal functioning, creativity, and overall level of functioning. It was hypothesized that art therapy will ameliorate core PD symptoms and that this will correlate with improvements in all other variables.ResultsHTP-PDS scores across all symptoms and variables improved significantly, though causality among variables was indeterminate.DiscussionArt therapy is a clinically efficacious complementary treatment for PD. Further research is warranted to disentangle causal pathways among the aforementioned variables, and additionally, to isolate and examine the multiple, discrete healing mechanisms believed to operate simultaneously in art therapy.

Shallow, small-rate releases of ethanol-blended fuels from underground storage tanks (USTs) may be quite common and result in subsurface CH4 generation. However, vadose zone transport of CH4 generated from these fuel releases is poorly understood, despite the potential to promote vapor intrusion or create explosion hazards. In this study, we simulated shallow CH4 generation with a controlled subsurface CH4 release from July 2014 to February 2015 to characterize subsurface CH4 migration and surface emissions and to determine environmental controls on CH4 fate and transport. July 2014 through November 2014 was an extended period of drought followed by precipitation during December 2014. Throughout the experiment, under varied CH4 injection rates, CH4 formed a radially symmetrical plume around the injection point. Surface efflux during the drought period of the experiment was relatively high and stable, with approximately 10 to 11 and 34 to 52% of injected CH4 reaching the ground surface during the low-and high-rate injections, respectively. Following the period of precipitation and increased soil moisture, efflux dropped and stabilized at approximately 1% of injected CH4, even as soil moisture began to decrease again. Tracer and inhibitor experiments and estimates of soil diffusivity suggest that microbial CH4 oxidation was responsible for the observed drop in efflux. The decrease in efflux only after soil moisture increased suggests a strong environmental control over the transport and oxidation of vadose zone CH4.

Abstract Regenerative life support systems for space crews recycle waste into water, food, and oxygen using different organisms. The European Space Agency’s MELiSSA program uses the cyanobacterium Limnospira indica PCC8005 for air revitalization and food production. Before space use, components’ compatibility with reduced gravity was tested. This study introduced a ground analog for microgravity experiments with oxygenic cyanobacteria under continuous illumination, using a random positioning machine (RPM) setup. L. indica PCC8005 grew slower under low-shear simulated microgravity, with proteome analysis revealing downregulation of ribosomal proteins, glutamine synthase, and nitrate uptake transporters, and upregulation of gas vesicle, photosystem I and II, and carboxysome proteins. Results suggested inhibition due to high oxygen partial pressure, causing carbon limitation when cultivated in low-shear simulated microgravity. A thicker stagnant fluid boundary layer reducing oxygen release in simulated microgravity was observed. These findings validate this RPM setup for testing the effects of non-terrestrial gravity on photosynthetic microorganisms.

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the persistence, treatment adherence and drug cost associated with biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in the management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in Italy, with a focus on biosimilar drugs. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving eight hospital pharmacies, between January 2017 and December 2020, on naïve patients with at least one b/tsDMARD dispensation indicated for PsA. Patients were followed up for 12 months and persistence and adherence were evaluated by proportion of days covered (PDC). The originator and biosimilar for adalimumab and etanercept were compared. Furthermore, the real annual cost per patient based on adherence to therapy was calculated. Results: Patients initiating b/tsDMARDs for PsA had a mean persistence of 263 days and 48.6% remained persistent for 1 year. Adherent patients (PDC ≥ 0.8) were 47.6% for the overall population. Similar persistence and adherence were observed between patients treated with the adalimumab originator and its biosimilar, while patients treated with the etanercept originator showed lower persistence and adherence compared to those treated with its biosimilar (mean persistence: 222 vs. 267 days, patient persistent at 1 year: 29.4% vs. 51.5%, mean PDC: 0.53 vs. 0.70, adherent patients: 23.5% vs. 51.5%). The average annual drug cost ranged from €8,724 (etanercept) to €14,783 (ustekinumab), with an annual saving of more than €2,500 by using biosimilars. Conclusion: Poor adherence to medications contributes to suboptimal clinical outcomes. The comparison between biosimilar and originator offers further evidence in support of the biosimilar to optimizing resources in healthcare.

Summary: Spirulina is the commercial name for edible cyanobacteria of the genus Limnospira. The taxonomy of this genus is confusing with four species distributed in two lineages. Furthermore, the species Limnospira fusiformis has been cited as toxic by potentially producing microcystins. Taxonomic ambiguity combined with suspected health concerns constitute a major issue for spirulina producers. In a collection of six cultivars and one ecotype, we identified strains of the two lineages through metagenetic and morphological analyses. We demonstrated that the genus Limnospira only comprises two distinct species according to genomic comparisons of three genomes obtained in this study and 19 reference genomes. We showed that the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene is sufficient to identify the genus Limnospira and to distinguish the two species. Toxinogenesis investigations on eleven genomes from each Limnospira species revealed no genes involved in cyanotoxin synthesis, reflecting the inability of this genus to produce microcystins.

Abstract Regenerative life support systems (RLSS) will play a vital role in achieving self-sufficiency during long-distance space travel. Urine conversion into a liquid nitrate-based fertilizer is a key process in most RLSS. This study describes the effects of simulated microgravity (SMG) on Comamonas testosteroni, Nitrosomonas europaea, Nitrobacter winogradskyi and a tripartite culture of the three, in the context of nitrogen recovery for the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA). Rotary cell culture systems (RCCS) and random positioning machines (RPM) were used as SMG analogues. The transcriptional responses of the cultures were elucidated. For CO2-producing C. testosteroni and the tripartite culture, a PermaLifeTM PL-70 cell culture bag mounted on an in-house 3D-printed holder was applied to eliminate air bubble formation during SMG cultivation. Gene expression changes indicated that the fluid dynamics in SMG caused nutrient and O2 limitation. Genes involved in urea hydrolysis and nitrification were minimally affected, while denitrification-related gene expression was increased. The findings highlight potential challenges for nitrogen recovery in space.

A novel approach to the analysis and classification of time series signals using statistical models of reconstructed phase spaces is introduced. This is shown to be viable and effective alternative to traditional signal classification approaches, particularly for signals with strong nonlinear characteristics.

Rome is vulnerable to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) attacks. The study evaluates Rome’s advanced emergency departments’ state of emergency plans for massive influx of injures (PEIMAF) plans for CBRNe attacks. We propose a chemical attack on Saint Peter’s Square during the Pope’s General Assembly and its effects. The National Stockpile Antidotes’ activation and territorial distribution timing work well for chemical attacks. We also estimated activation timing. Our data show that despite a good organization, travel times can be improved. We also believe that all major Roman hospitals must develop the PEIMAF, which should be followed by an organized training plan involving theoretical teaching and indoor and outdoor simulation to train hospital staff and evaluate PEIMAF weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The effectiveness and efficiency of first aid depend on timing, and each PEIMAF analyzed, while coherent and adequate for internal purposes, fails to integrate with the other hospitals. Integration can speed up National Stockpile Antidotes delivery and save lives. For the best CBRNe response, detailed intervention protocols must be created, updated daily, and exercised.

Summary: The advancement of regenerative life support systems (RLSS) is crucial to allow long-distance space travel. Within the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA), efficient nitrogen recovery from urine and other waste streams is vital to produce liquid fertilizer to feed food and oxygen production in subsequent photoautotrophic processes. This study explores the effects of ionizing radiation on nitrogen cycle bacteria that transform urea to nitrate. In particular, we assess the radiotolerance of Comamonas testosteroni, Nitrosomonas europaea, and Nitrobacter winogradskyi after exposure to acute γ-irradiation. Moreover, a comprehensive whole transcriptome analysis elucidates the effects of spaceflight-analogue low-dose ionizing radiation on the individual axenic strains and on their synthetic community o. This research sheds light on how the spaceflight environment could affect ureolysis and nitrification processes from a transcriptomic perspective.

Commercially produced cyanobacteria preparations sold under the name spirulina are widely consumed, due to their traditional use as a nutrient-rich foodstuff and subsequent marketing as a superfood. Despite their popularity, the microbial composition of ponds used to cultivate these bacteria is understudied. A total of 19 pond samples were obtained from small-scale spirulina farms and subjected to metagenome and/or virome sequencing, and the results were analysed. A remarkable level of prokaryotic and viral diversity was found to be present in the ponds, with Limnospira sp. and Arthrospira sp. sometimes being notably scarce. A detailed breakdown of prokaryotic and viral components of 15 samples is presented. Twenty putative Limnospira sp.-infecting bacteriophage contigs were identified, though no correlation between the performance of these cultures and the presence of phages was found. The high diversity of these samples prevented the identification of clear trends in sample performance over time, between ponds or when comparing successful and failed fermentations.

An analysis of a cotE cotH double mutant gene from Bacillus subtilis reveals that CotH may be localized in the inner coat. CotH is involved in the assembly of many proteins on the outer layer of the coat. Spores of the cotH null mutant, though impaired in germination, are resistant to heat, lysozyme and chloroform. The mutant spores are pleiotropically deficient in many coat proteins such as products of cotB, cotC and cotG. The cotH gene is located at 300 degrees on the B. subtilis genetic map between the two divergent genes, cotB and cotG.

Abstract Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the essential metabolic needs for human survival in harsh space environments, both during travel and on orbital/planetary stations. This will become increasingly necessary as missions reach farther away from Earth, thereby limiting the technical and economic feasibility of resupplying resources from Earth. Further incorporation of biological elements into state-of-the-art (mostly abiotic) LSS, leading to bioregenerative LSS (BLSS), is needed for additional resource recovery, food production, and waste treatment solutions, and to enable more self-sustainable missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a whole suite of functions crucial to sustain human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and successful settlement on Moon or Mars such as environmental control, air regeneration, waste management, water supply, food production, cabin/habitat pressurization, radiation protection, energy supply, and means for transportation, communication, and recreation. In this paper, we focus on air, water and food production, and waste management, and address some aspects of radiation protection and recreation. We briefly discuss existing knowledge, highlight open gaps, and propose possible future experiments in the short-, medium-, and long-term to achieve the targets of crewed space exploration also leading to possible benefits on Earth.

Throughout their cancer treatments, around half of all patients will undergo irradiation that is accompanied by several side effects reducing their quality of life and leading to the interruption or extension of their treatment course. Pelvic irradiation leads to the triggering of mucositis and dysbiosis, further impairing the daily life of the patients. In this work, we address the ability of Limnospira indica strain PCC 8005 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 in alleviating the above-mentioned side effects triggered by the local pelvic irradiation of 12 Gy in a mouse model. We found that the combinatorial administration of these food supplements was able to confer partial tight junction protection while the bacterial translocation towards the mesenteric lymph nodes was found to be identical between the saline sham-irradiated and supplemented irradiated group. Furthermore, the supplemented group did not present a significant shift in microbial composition following pelvic irradiation, indicating that the bacterial formulation was able to mitigate the dysbiosis induced by the latter treatment, as observed in the saline irradiated group. These very promising results will be further completed by investigating the mode of action and/or active molecules mediating the beneficial effects of both L. indica PCC 8005 and L. rhamnosus GG.

Abstract Background The incidence of obesity, a known risk factor for several metabolic and chronic diseases, including numerous malignancies, has risen sharply in the world. Various clinical studies demonstrate that excessive Body Mass Index (BMI) may worsen the incidence, prognosis, and mortality rates of breast cancer. Thus, understanding the link tying up obesity and breast cancer onset and progression is critically important, as it can impact patients’ survival and quality of life. Recently, circulating extracellular vesicle (EV) derived miRNAs have attracted much attention for their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential in oncology research. Although the potential role of EV-derived miRNAs in the early detection of breast cancer has been repeatedly mentioned, screening of miRNAs packaged within serum EVs has not yet been reported in patients with obesity. Methods Circulating EVs were isolated from normal weight (NW), and overweight/obese (OW/Ob) breast cancer patients and characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), and protein marker expression. Evaluation of EV-associated miRNAs was conducted in a screening (RNA-seq) and a validation (qRT-PCR) cohort. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to uncover significantly enriched biological processes, molecular functions and pathways. ROC and Kaplain-Meier survival analyses were used for clinical significance. Results Comparison of serum EV-derived miRNAs from NW and OW/Ob patients detected seven differentially expressed miRNAs (let-7a-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-4772-3p, and miR-10a-5p) in the screening cohort. GO analysis revealed the enrichment of protein phosphorylation, intracellular signal transduction, signal transduction, and vesicle-mediated transport among the top biological processes. In addition, the target genes were significantly enriched in pathways related to PI3K/Akt, growth hormones, and insulin signalings, which are all involved in obesity-related diseases and/or breast cancer progression. In the validation cohort, qRT-PCR confirmed a significant down-regulation of EV-derived let-7a in the serum of OW/Ob breast cancer patients compared to NW patients. Let-7a levels also exhibited a negative correlation with BMI values. Importantly, decreased let-7a miRNA expression was associated with higher tumor grade and poor survival in patients with breast cancer. Conclusion These results suggest that serum-EV derived miRNAs may reflect a differential profile in relation to a patient’s BMI, which, once validated in larger cohorts of patients, could provide insights into novel specific biomarkers and innovative targets to prevent the progression of obesity-mediated breast cancer.

This paper introduces SEISMONOISY, an application designed for monitoring the spatiotemporal characteristic and variability of the seismic noise of an entire seismic network with a quasi-real-time monitoring approach. Actually, we have applied the developed system to monitor 12 seismic networks distributed throughout the Italian territory. These networks include the Rete Sismica Nazionale (RSN) as well as other regional networks with smaller coverage areas. Our noise monitoring system uses the methods of Spectral Power Density (PSD) and Probability Density Function (PDF) applied to 12 h long seismic traces in a 24 h cycle for each station, enabling the extrapolation of noise characteristics at seismic stations after a Seismic Noise Level Index (SNLI), which takes into account the global seismic noise model, is derived. The SNLI value can be used for different applications, including network performance evaluation, the identification of operational problems, site selection for new installations, and for scientific research applications (e.g., volcano monitoring, identification of active seismic sequences, etc.). Additionally, it aids in studying the main noise sources across different frequency bands and changes in the characteristics of background seismic noise over time.

IntroductionThis article addresses a topic that has been largely overlooked by scientific literature, namely pregnancy in autistic women. Generally, the issue of sexuality in disability, particularly in disabled women, autistic or otherwise, has been underexplored. However, it is necessary to scientifically investigate this topic to propose adequate social and health policies. Therefore, we chose to conduct a scoping review to answer three main questions: “What does it mean for an autistic woman to be pregnant?”; “How do these two conditions coexist?”; “Are health services prepared to receive this population adequately or does autism become a stigma for pregnant women?”MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and qualitative thematic synthesis following the Preferred Reporting Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses on autistic women and pregnancy in the last 10 years.ResultsThe studies included in our review are 7, extremely diverse in terms of methodologies and sample sizes. Despite the heterogeneity of samples and methodologies, all research tends to highlight the following results. For autistic women during pregnancy, three areas seem to be the most difficult: sensory issues, mood disorders, and relationships with specialists.DiscussionOur study found that women with ASD face unique challenges during childbirth that differ from those of neurotypical women. Participants often felt belittled, ignored, and uninformed about the care they received, and being placed at the centre of attention was often seen as negative and hindering rather than positive. However, the research shows us how some “expected” results, such as difficulties in breastfeeding, have been disproven.

Summary: Following on from the NASA twins’ study, there has been a tremendous interest in the use of omics techniques in spaceflight. Individual space agencies, NASA’s GeneLab, JAXA's ibSLS, and the ESA-funded Space Omics Topical Team and the International Standards for Space Omics Processing (ISSOP) groups have established several initiatives to support this growth. Here, we present recommendations from the Space Omics Topical Team to promote standard application of space omics in Europe. We focus on four main themes: i) continued participation in and coordination with international omics endeavors, ii) strengthening of the European space omics infrastructure including workforce and facilities, iii) capitalizing on the emerging opportunities in the commercial space sector, and iv) capitalizing on the emerging opportunities in human subjects research.

Summary: RNA-sequencing for whole transcriptome analysis requires high-quality RNA in adequate amounts, which can be difficult to generate with low-biomass-producing bacteria where sample volume is limited. We present an RNA extraction protocol for low-biomass-producing autotrophic bacteria Nitrosomonas europaea and Nitrobacter winogradskyi cultures. We describe steps for sample collection, lysozyme-based enzymatic lysis, and a commercial silica-column-based RNA extraction. We then detail evaluation of RNA yield and quality for downstream applications such as RNA-Seq.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Verbeelen et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.