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Abstract Mathematical and physical modeling of flows in collapsible pipes often relates the flow area to the difference between the internal and the external pressures (i.e. the transmural pressure). The relation is used to model the conduits of the human body transporting biological fluids, is called tube law and usually considers the transmural pressure resulting from isotropic external pressure only. We provide a new empirical tube law considering anisotropic conditions of the external load; our formulation is based on the hypothesis, supported by clinical and experimental findings, that in physiological conditions both isotropic and anisotropic stresses are combined in the external load acting on vessels. The proposed mathematical model was validated through laboratory experiments reproducing the flow through a collapsible tube representing the physiological conditions of male urethra during micturition. The proposed tube law better agrees with the experimental observations, in comparison to classic formulations available in literature, thus showing that the proposed model better describes the physiological condition of flow in collapsible tubes subjected to anisotropic external load. The application of our model can be readily extended to several types of vessels.

Abstract Diabetes is a prevalent metabolic condition with substantial health and economic impacts. Therefore, effective and accessible indicators are essential for early detection and prevention. This study investigates the link between the waist-to-calf circumference ratio (WCR) and diabetes risk in a large cohort from the Longevity Check-Up (Lookup) 8+ Study. The present investigation is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Diabetes was defined either as self-reported diagnosis, or fasting plasma glucose equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL, or random plasma glucose equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL. The WCR was calculated by dividing waist circumference by calf circumference. A total population of 8900 participants (mean age 57.1 ± 14.8 years, 55% women) was included in the study. The prevalence of diabetes was 9.4%. Mean WCR displayed a significant trend (p for trend

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 provides an opportunity to examine biological phenotypes (observable morphological, functional and biological characteristics) in individuals who experience the same acute condition, potentially revealing differences in response to acute external stressors. The aim our study was to investigate biological phenotypes in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19, exploiting a panel of aging biomarkers. Methods Data were gathered from the FRACOVID Project, an observational multicenter study, aimed to evaluate the impact of frailty on health-related outcomes in patients 60 + with COVID-19 in Northern Italy. A hierarchical cluster analysis was run using log-transformed and scaled values of TNF-a, IL-1 beta, IL-6, PAI-1, GDF-15, NT-proBNP, and Cystatin C evaluated at admission. Results Eighty-one participants (mean age 75.3 years; 60.5% male) were evaluated. Frailty was identified in 42% of the sample and 27.2% were unable to ambulate outdoors. The mean hospital stay was 24.7 days, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 18.5%. Three biological phenotypes were found: (1) ‘inflammatory’, with high inflammatory biomarkers; (2) ‘organ dysfunction’, characterized by elevated cystatin C and NT-proBNP, and lower inflammatory markers; and (3) ‘unspecific’, with lower NT-proBNP and GDF-15 levels, and intermediate concentrations of other biomarkers. The ’organ dysfunction’ phenotype showed the highest mean age and prevalence of frailty, disability, and chronic diseases. The ‘inflammatory‘ phenotype showed the highest burden of respiratory and systemic signs and symptoms of infection. Conclusion Biological phenotypes might be used to identify different clinical and functional phenotypes in individuals affected by COVID-19.

Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) success in bovine reproduction is vital for the cattle industry’s economic sustainability and for advancing the understanding of reproductive physiology. Identify high-fertile animals’ fertility is a complex task due to multifactorial traits, including hormonal, age-related, and body condition factors. Early high-fertility identification is crucial for timely interventions and enhancing AI success. In this study, we present the potential use of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on blood serum for early identification of high-fertile Nellore female cows for AI protocols. Blood serum FTIR spectra were obtained from Nellore female cows before AI. FTIR spectra underwent data analysis and the results demonstrated successful discrimination between animals that exhibit pregnant and non-pregnant diagnoses 30 days after AI. FTIR spectra revealed consistent vibrational modes, emphasizing Amide I and II bands. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) effectively segregated groups based on molecular information. Linear SVM with C = 10 and 4 PCs achieved 100% accuracy in the group classification. This innovative approach using FTIR spectroscopy and ML algorithms offers a promising means of high-fertile cow identification, potentially improving AI outcomes in Nellore cattle. The study presents valuable insights into advancements in reproductive management practices for this economically significant breed.

Objectives: The present study examined the associations between the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), physical function, and the prevalence of sarcopenia in Italian community-dwelling older adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Unconventional settings across Italy (e.g., exhibitions, health promotion campaigns). Participants: Older adults (65+ years) who provided a written informed consent. Methods: Physical function was evaluated according to isometric handgrip strength (IHG) and 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS) performances. Muscle power parameters were estimated based on 5STS values. Sarcopenia was operationalized according to the presence of low physical function (IHG or 5STS) plus low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), estimated according to calf circumference. A 12-item food questionary was used to estimate the dietary intake of PUFAs, which included omega-3 (α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids. Results: Multiple linear regression results indicate negative and significant associations between the dietary intake of α-linolenic acid and muscle power, and between docosahexaenoic acid consumption and ASM. No significant associations were found between PUFAs-related variables and sarcopenia. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that PUFAs-related variables were negatively and significantly associated with physical function and body composition in older adults. Nevertheless, no significant associations were found with sarcopenia. These findings suggest that a more detailed analysis of covariates should be conducted in future investigations that aim to examine the associations between the dietary intake of PUFAs and sarcopenia-related parameters.

Sarcopenia is associated with structural, ultrastructural, and molecular abnormalities of skeletal muscle. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a pivotal factor involved in muscle aging and sarcopenia. Mitochondrial bioenergetics are significantly reduced in muscles of older adults which is associated with whole-body aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and physical performance. Transcriptional profiling of muscle samples from older adults also revealed inverse correlations between gene expression patterns of autophagy and mitophagy and muscle volume and physical performance. This is in line with the proposition that mitochondrial quality control (MQC) processes are key to organellar and tissue health. MQC encompasses mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and mitophagy. The latter has recently been included among the hallmarks of aging and alterations in MQC have been associated with chronic sterile inflammation as well as muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Several biomarkers spanning MQC, inflammation, metabolism, intercellular communication, and gut microbiota have been linked to sarcopenia. Findings from these initial studies hold promise to inform geroscience-based research in the field of sarcopenia by offering a plausible biological framework for developing gerotherapeutics and monitoring their effects.

PHYSICS MISCONCEPTIONS IN FIRST CYCLE SCHOOL: AN EDUCATION QUESTIONNAIRE Abstract The achievement of an adequate level of scientific knowledge is unanimously recognized as an important milestone, not only for training future scientists but above all to enable the new generations to possess important skills for responsible and critically informed citizenship. Regarding Italy, international comparisons highlight the accentuation of specific critical issues in this area. Concerning the search for teaching actions aimed at improving the understanding of physical phenomena, it remains fundamental to understand the preconceptions from which students start and the cognitive obstacles that these entail. We have prepared and validated a questionnaire with the aim of highlighting the most common critical elements in the explanation of physical phenomena by students aged 11-14. The collected data confirm the presence of widespread misconceptions already reported in the literature, which it is appropriate to bring to the attention of teachers. The questionnaire is complemented by formative feedback intended to provide initial indications for their revision.

Wildfires represent a critical environmental and social challenge, with long-term implications for human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure. This complex issue is exacerbated by various factors, including socioeconomic changes, unsustainable practices in agro-forestry land management, and the intensification of extreme weather events. The complexity of fire management in Italy necessitates effective governance mechanisms and planning tools at both regional and national levels. This study looks at successful prevention strategies, such as prescribed burning and proactive land management, while also addressing existing governance challenges, such as coordination among relevant institutions and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks. In addition to providing insights into the current state of fire governance and proposing practical solutions, we suggest that more resilient and sustainable fire management practices, already successfully implemented in some regions, should be adopted nationwide in Italy.

The question of history learning at school and its improvement has long been a subject of discussion, but it continues to present unresolved critical issues due to pupils’ difficulties in understanding this discipline, difficulties in defining clear and accountable learning objectives and the lack of adequate assessment systems. In line with international research, this article intends to show how it is possible to overcome these critical issues by identifying the development of historical thinking as the purpose of learning history, making explicit the dimensions of which it is composed and matching them with a taxonomy of learning objectives that can be translated into adequate assessment tests. The work presents an example of this process in the construction of a model test applied in the final year of primary school as part of an instructional intervention for progressive improvement of whose objectives the pupils were made aware.

Background: Poor sleep quality may contribute to sarcopenia, but evidence remains sparse. This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the association between subjective sleep quality and probable sarcopenia in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults enrolled in the Longevity Check-Up 8+ study. Methods: Participants were asked about their sleep quality over the past month, with four possible options (“very good”, “quite good”, “quite bad”, very bad”). For the analysis, participants were grouped into good or bad sleep quality categories. Probable sarcopenia was operationalized according to handgrip strength values < 27 kg for men and

Ageism encompasses the creation of negative stereotypes of aging that culminate in the development of prejudicial thoughts and discriminatory actions against people in advanced age. Stereotypes refer to major characteristics, overgeneralized, not supported by observations, that are created to categorize, simplify, and combine complex characteristics, attributes, and behaviors shared by members of a group into more simplistic categories. Negative aging stereotypes include the assumption that old people are weak, reminiscent, sick, and tired, to quote a few. In early age, these views may generate intergenerational conflicts between young and old people, but they seem to have little effect on other aspects of life. However, in middle-aged and older adults, the presence of negative-self stereotypes of aging are significantly associated with several health parameters, including walking speed, cognitive function, mental health problems, and accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Furthermore, observational studies found that ageism might be associated with cardiovascular events, obesity, dementia, and death. These harmful effects are possibly mediated by the interaction between ageism and fundamental mechanisms of aging, mainly inflammation. Given the clinical implications of this relationship, the present manuscript provides a critical review of the available literature that examined associations between ageism and health parameters. We also discuss the main possible mechanisms underlying this association, the main limitations of the current literature, candidate strategies to counteract ageism, and directions to future studies. Finally, we provide a critical opinion of the current scenario and its potential adaptability to the clinical practice.

Background: An age-dependent normative values of calf circumference (CC) has been recently proposed as an accessible proxy for muscle mass. However, its usefulness to estimate sarcopenia has not been assessed. The objectives of the present study were to determine if the substitution of the classical way to assess muscle mass by these values have enough diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value among older adults living in the community. Methods: Data from the Toledo Study of Healthy Ageing (TSHA) were used. CC was measured using an anthropometric tape. We used two age-groups CC cut-off points: the TSHA CC median and the one proposed in the Longevity Check-up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project. Sarcopenia was defined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), and FNIH criteria standardized for our population (sFNIH). Frailty (according to the Frailty Phenotype and the Frailty Trait Scale-5) and disability (Katz index) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Mortality and first hospitalization were also recorded. Logistic (incident frailty and worsening disability) and Cox (mortality and hospitalization) regressions were performed. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed through Kappa index, AUCs, positive and negative predictive values. Predictive ability was assessed through AUCs and integrated AUCs (IAUCs). Results: 1531 participants (74.8 ± 5.8 years; 45.6% men) were included in the analysis. Prevalence rates of sarcopenia were 22.7% (sFNIH), 15.0% (FNIH), and 13.9% (EWGSOP2). Using TSHA-based cut-points of CC, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 16.8% (sFNIH), 11.0% (FNIH), and 11.5% (EWGSOP2). According to LC7+-based CC cut-off points, sarcopenia prevalence was 17.6% (sFNIH), 11.9% (FNIH), and 12.4% (EWGSOP2). CC cut-off points showed low-to-moderate agreement (Kappa Index values between 0.49 and 0.69) with appendicular lean mass for the evaluation of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia identified by Lookup 7+ and TSHA CC cut-off points was associated with the adverse events examined, with similar AUCs and IAUCs than original sarcopenia definitions, and were lost after adjustment by baseline frailty, except when the original EWGSOP2 definition was used. Conclusions: Using normalized values of CC as a criteria of muscle mass shows moderate agreement with classical criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia and offer similar predictive value in community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract Background Muscle power is associated with health‐related parameters. Simple equations were validated to estimate lower extremity muscle power measures based on the time to complete the five‐repetition sit‐to‐stand test. The present study was conducted to provide lower extremity muscle power estimates and produce centile values in a large and relatively unselected population across a wide age spectrum. Methods Data were from the Longevity Check‐up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project, an ongoing initiative conducted in unconventional settings (e.g., exhibitions, shopping centres and health promotion campaigns) across Italy to foster adoption of healthy lifestyles. Absolute, relative, allometric and specific muscle power measures of the lower extremities were estimated using validated formulas. Cross‐sectional centile and normative values for muscle power measures from 18 to 81+ years were produced for the two sexes. Smoothed normative curves for men and women were constructed using the lambda–mu–sigma method. Results From 1 June 2015 to 31 October 2021, 13 515 participants were enrolled of whom 12 864 were eligible for the present study. Mean age was 55.9 years (standard deviation: 14.8 years; range: 18–98 years), and 7217 (56.%) were women. Absolute, relative, allometric and specific muscle power declined significantly with age. Specific patterns of decline were observed according to sex and muscle power parameter. Absolute muscle power peaked at 41–50 and 31–40 years in men and women, respectively. Afterwards, a decline rate of approximately 12% per decade was observed, regardless of sex. Relative muscle power showed the largest reduction with age, such that it was 40.6% and 46.4% smaller in men and women older than 80, respectively, compared with those aged 18–30 years. Age‐related changes in allometric and specific muscle power measures were similar between men and women. Conclusions Data from the Lookup 7+ project indicate that lower extremity muscle power estimated using simple equations is significantly associated with age. Sex‐specific patterns of decline in absolute and relative muscle power were observed with age. Allometric and specific muscle power declined at a similar rate in men and women.

Abstract Background Wide consensus exists on the notion that low muscle mass is a predictor of negative health‐related events, such as disability, morbidity, and mortality. Indeed, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 had identified muscle mass as the key component to confirm the diagnosis of sarcopenia. However, the lack of normative values for muscle mass across ages hampers the practical assessment of this important parameter. The aim of the present study was to produce cross‐sectional centile and normative values for calf circumference (a surrogate estimation of muscle mass) across a wide spectrum of ages using a large and unselected sample of community‐dwellers enrolled in the Longevity Check‐up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project. Methods This is a cross‐sectional study using the data of Lookup 7+ project, an ongoing study started in June 2015 and conducted in unconventional settings (i.e., exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns). Candidate participants were considered eligible for enrolment if they were at least 45 years of age and provided written informed consent. Calf circumference was measured using an inextensible but flexible plastic tape in a sitting position with the knee and ankle at a right angle and the feet resting on the floor. Normative values for calf circumference from ages 45 to 80 + years were generated. Results A total of 11 814 participants were enrolled from 1 June 2015 to 30 September 2022. The mean age of participants included in the analyses was 61.8 years (standard deviation; 10.2 years; range: 45–98 years), and 6686 (57%) were women. Normative values for calf circumference were obtained for men and women, stratified by age groups. Accordingly, a calf circumference tape, with colour bands that demarcate the centiles range into which the patient falls, was created and validated. Conclusions Our study established age‐ and gender‐specific centile reference values for calf circumference. The calf circumference tape can be used to easily interpret the assessment in every‐day practice for the early detection of individuals with or at risk of sarcopenia and malnutrition.

Chickpea and lentils are one of the most important legumes not only as sources of food and nutrients but also for enrichment of soil as a nitrogen fixating crop. An early onset of higher temperatures and drought are affecting chickpea and lentil growth and flowering leading to reduction of yield. In search for a tolerant varieties presented study performed a large-scale screening of two legume varieties (chickpea and lentils) investigating phenotypical response to early onset of drought under heat stress. Under heat stress and two different irrigation conditions, 19 chickpea and 18 lentil accessions were examined. The evaluation focused on their growth, biomass production, and flowering rate in comparison to commercially available varieties. Six chickpea accessions showed tolerance to water stress while only two lentil accessions differed from the rest of tested accessions. Generally, lentils genotypes were less stressed by decreased water availability compared to chickpea. Large scale screening of legume accessions could be a valuable tool to identify new varieties that could show phenotypical traits more adaptable to climate related environmental stresses. To improve the reproductive efficiency in chickpeas and lentils under adverse conditions associated to climate change an extensive breeding effort should be focused on investigation of more tolerant genotypes and cultivation in crop systems.

Abstract Background Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is one of the most frequent peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) in western countries. Skin involvement is common and may reveal the malignancy. Despite its frequency, skin involvement in AITL has been poorly described. Objectives We aimed to analyze the cutaneous expression of PTCL of TFH origin and its prognostic impact. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study by retrieving histopathological reports including the mention ‘AITL’ or ‘PTCL with T‐follicular helper phenotype’ (PTCL‐TFH) from five French tertiary hospital centers. Results From 2000 to 2022, we reviewed 382 histopathological records and identified 52 AITL cases and 5 PTCL‐TFH cases with cutaneous involvement. Thirty‐two (56%) patients were males with a mean age of 63 years. Fifty‐six (98%) patients presented with lymphadenopathy, 32 (56%) splenomegaly and 17 (30%) hepatomegaly. B signs were present in 34 (60%) patients. Skin lesions were present on the lower limbs in 44 (77%) patients, trunk in 38 (67%) patients, upper limbs in 35 (61%) and head in 27 (47%). Macules and papules were the most frequent lesions found in 47 (82%) patients, followed by nodules in 10 (17%) patients, erythemato‐squamous plaques in 10 (17%) patients, purpura in 9 (16%), urticaria in 9 (16%) and blisters in 5 (9%) patients. Erythroderma affected seven patients (12%). A skin biopsy was taken in 50 patients and revealed a specific lymphomatous infiltrate in 36 cases. A dominant skin T‐cell clone was detected in 13 out of 17 (76%) patients. Among the 14 patients with a nonspecific dermatitis, various histopathological patterns were observed including interface dermatitis, psoriasiform dermatitis, vasculitis, bullous dermatitis, granulomatous dermatitis and thrombotic vasculopathy. After a median follow‐up of 24 months (range, 0–121 months), median overall survival was 121 months (95% CI, 25.2–NA). At last follow‐up, 33 patients (58%) were alive, 20 (35%) were in complete remission and 7 (12%) were in partial remission; 30 (53%) patients experienced at least one relapse, including nodal relapses in 24 (80%) cases and cutaneous relapses in 12 (40%). Conclusions This study revealed the deep heterogeneity of skin presentations in AITL. Atypical skin presentations were common and included blistering, purpuric and psoriasiform eruptions.

MIGLIORARE LA COMPRENSIONE DEL TESTO E LE CAPACITÀ DI SINTESI NELLA SCUOLA PRIMARIA: UNO STUDIO QUASI-SPERIMENTALE Abstract The paper reports the results of the evaluation of a programme aimed at improving reading comprehension and summarising skills of fourth graders through a quasi-experimental study conducted with 671 students (421 in the experimental group and 250 in the control group) in Italian schools. Students assigned to the experimental group received three months of the intervention while students in the control group continued with regular teacher practice. Results showed a statistically significant difference between the two conditions on reading comprehension and summarising skills. Students included in the experimental group outperformed students in the control group in both the measures used (dppc2 = 0.32 in the Summarising Test and dppc2 = 0.54 in the Summary Qualitative Assessment). No differences were found between students with different proficiency vocabulary levels in the experimental group. The implications for research practice and limitations of the study are discussed.

Abstract. Background. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cabazitaxel in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients aged ≥80 years, we performed a retrospective study on a sample of patients from 11 Italian cancer centers. Materials and methods. Fifty-seven patients aged ≥80 years were treated with cabazitaxel after previous failure with docetaxel; 39 completed a comprehensive geriatric assessment questionnaire (34 fit and 5 vulnerable) and 8 patients (14%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) ≥2, while most had a PS of 0–1 (86%). Cabazitaxel was administered at a dose of 25 mg/m2 in 30 (52%) patients and 20 mg/m2 or adapted schedules in 27 (48%) patients. These schedules were adopted mainly in patients ≥85 years (75%), with a PS ≥2 (87.5%), and those classified as vulnerable (100%). Results. The duration of treatment was 4.8 months and was comparable in all subgroups; disease control rate was reported in 36 patients (63%); prostate-specific antigen response was recorded in 18 patients (31.5%). Median overall survival was 13.1 months regardless of age (