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Abstract Objective Epileptic seizures occurring in late adulthood often remain of unknown origin. Sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebral small vessel disease characterized by intracerebral hemorrhage, microhemorrhage and superficial siderosis, occurring mostly in elderly. This observational case–control study aimed to assess the occurrence of CAA in patients experiencing their first seizure in late adulthood. Methods We enrolled consecutive patients aged ≥55 years presenting with late‐onset seizures (LOS) to the emergency departments or outpatient clinics of two Italian centers, from April 2021 to October 2022. Two age‐matched control subjects with neurological symptoms other than epileptic seizure were recruited for each enrolled case. All participants underwent brain MRI (1.5 Tesla) including blood‐sensitive sequences and were assessed for probable CAA diagnosis according to Boston criteria 2.0. Chi‐squared test was performed to evaluate group differences. Univariate logistic regression analysis tested the association between clinical variables and CAA. Results We included 65 patients with LOS (27 females; mean age 72.2 ± 8.9 years) and 130 controls (49 females; mean age 70.3 ± 8.9 years). Diagnosis of probable CAA was achieved in 10.8% (7/65) of LOS patients and 2.3% (3/130) controls, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.011). The OR for CAA in the LOS group was 5.2 as compared to the control group (95% CI = 1.3–20.6, p = 0.02). Significance The frequency of CAA is significatively higher in patients with LOS as compared to other neurological diseases, suggesting that a portion of LOS of unknown or vascular origin are associated with CAA. Plain Language Summary Late‐onset seizures (LOS) are very frequent in the elderly and often have no clear cause. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a condition where amyloid proteins build up in the blood vessels of the brain, causing them to become weak and prone to bleeding. In this study, we explored the occurrence of CAA in people with LOS. We found that people with LOS were more likely to have a diagnosis of CAA than controls (i.e., people with other neurological diseases).

NIR spectroscopy is a rapid, economic and not destructive technique employed in food analysis. Concerning fresh table grape, the analysis is usually limited to juices, homogenates or skin extracts which usually give better NIR prediction models. Scanning of intact berries is challenging since each berry has specific features (berry shape, presence of superficial pigmentation, etc.) and, moreover, there are punctual variations even within the same berry. It would be of great interest to obtain information about maturity parameters and consumer's appreciation directly from intact berries, since it would save both time and money. In this article, near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometric methods have been employed to search for a correlation between sensory analysis and analytical data. The research findings show how it is possible to use a rapid, economic and not destructive emerging technology such as NIR spectroscopy to understand consumer's preference directly from intact berries.

In viticoltura, per la realizzazione di nuovi impianti sono utilizzate piante bimembri ottenute in vivaio o direttamente in campo. Negli ultimi anni, allo scopo di ottenere rapidamente nuovi impianti, si sta diffondendo la tecnica dell'innesto su barbatella radicata. Tale tecnica, realizzata in vivaio, prevede l'innesto a tavolino delle marze della varietà scelta su barbatelle radicate di portainnesto di specie di Vitis americane. Dopo un periodo di forzatura e ambientamento in vivaio, le piantine vengono messe a dimora in campo, nello stesso anno di realizzazione dell'innesto. Al fine di valutare tale tecnica, presso il CREA – Viticoltura ed enologia sede di Turi, è stata sperimentata la possibilità di utilizzare due differenti tipologie d'innesto su diversi portinnesti. Per assicurare una buona resistenza del punto d'innesto ed una buona protezione dalla contaminazione e dalla disidratazione è stato utilizzato un materiale di saldatura costituito da una pellicola elastica e semitrasparente. La sperimentazione è stata condotta per due anni, su 12 varietà di uve da tavola di recente costituzione. I risultati hanno mostrato buoni attecchimenti e saldatura dei bionti. Alcune differenze sono state riscontrate sui portinnesti utilizzati e sui tempi di germogliamento dopo l'innesto.

In the CREA-Viticoltura ed Enologia, Lab of Turi, during the last ten years, we started a breeding program for table grapes to obtain new seedless varieties, by using conventional breeding by crossings, and embryo rescue techniques. Other than seedlessness, additional targets for this breeding program are: the possibility of extending the harvesting period, the attitude to cold storage, transport and shelf-life, resistance to diseases both on the plant and in post-harvest conditions, the good productivity, the quality of the grapes, the easy cultivation management of the vineyard (reduced water, nutritional requirements, etc ...). More than 10.000 new genotypes have been obtained through the use of over 20 table grape varieties and more than 18 different crossing combinations. The following characteristics have been observed on these individuals for more than three years: berry color, length and weight cluster, average berry weight, sugars, pH, acidity, class of seedlessness, floral morphology, resistance to diseases. The results of these activities revealed that some combinations have better performance among all. In the near future, this activity will allow to focus on parental genotypes able to provide individuals with the best desired traits.

This article examines the impact of socially constructed meanings regarding social minorities on the development of inclusion policies for these groups in higher education. This analysis is based on a comparative case study between Global South and Global North, specifically focusing on a dialogue between Brazil and Nordic contexts. Social minorities, such as women, the impoverished, black people, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants and people with disabilities, are more likely to be socially underserved, making them more susceptible to adverse experiences. From this perspective, we analyse the definitions and characteristics currently applied to social minorities and reflect on how these traits function in the field of higher education in order to support student inclusion. Using a theoretical approach from Semiotic Cultural Psychology, we examine the current political landscape and how socially constructed meanings related to these groups influence the development of inclusion policies. These debates reflect an overriding need to reimagine higher education as an arena for inclusion and critical thinking, not only fostering access for social minorities, but also ensuring such debates continue within academia, and, therefore, within society.

The biological activity of structural HIV-1 proteins is not limited to ensuring a productive viral infection but also interferes with cellular homeostasis through intra- and extracellular signaling activation. This interference induces genomic instability, increases the lifespan of the infected cell by inhibiting apoptosis, and subverts cell senescence, resulting in unrestricted cell proliferation. HIV structural proteins are present in a soluble form in the lymphoid tissues and blood of infected individuals, even without active viral replication. The HIV matrix protein p17, the envelope glycoprotein gp120, the transenvelope protein gp41, and the capsid protein p24 interact with immune cells and deregulate the biological activity of the immune system. The biological activity of HIV structural proteins is also demonstrated in endothelial cells and some tumor cell lines, confirming the ability of viral proteins to promote cell proliferation and cancer progression, even in the absence of active viral replication. This review corroborates the hypothesis that HIV structural proteins, by interacting with different cell types, contribute to creating a microenvironment that is favorable to the evolution of cancerous pathologies not classically related to AIDS.

This paper discusses the results of a research that integrates Digital Interactive Storytelling (DIST), competence-oriented mathematical activities, and argumentation called DIST-M. The general aim is to support a reflective knowledge of mathematical concepts by implementing a digital educational device based on collaborative and dialogical activities proposed by researchers. Within a dialogical dimension of interactions (Bakhtin, 1981), argumentative practice is considered a social activity, where the acquisition and elaboration of new knowledge take place within a social space with multiple interlocutors in a dynamic process. The participants are engaged in constructing and negotiating mathematical meanings within a specific context. This dialogical approach to argumentation tends to create an authentic argumentative culture that is a system of implicit and explicit rules where the exchanges and interactions among participants require a joint elaboration of new meanings, within a given mathematical context, through a dialogical exchange. Learning and development result from a dialogical negotiation process during which new knowledge is developed and those already possessed are re-organized and systematized (Bakhtin, 1981; Vygotskij, 1978). In the current pandemic circumstances, technologies are the main tools to uphold the educational processes. Despite the fact that the DIST-M was implemented and tested before the COVID-19 era, its epistemic bases of dialogism mediated by technology could significantly keep alive the dialogic interaction in educational settings that have been heavily affected by the social distancing and promote mathematical thinking. The articles focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal n. 4, "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all."

IntroductionTo investigate the feasibility, discriminative and convergent validity, and reliability of a lower limb sensor-based proprioception measure in children with upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions.MethodWe assessed three proprioception modalities (joint movement, joint position, and dynamic position sense) of the lower limbs in 49 children with UMN lesions and 50 typically developing (TD) peers (5–19 years). Forty-three children with UMN lesion had a congenital and six an acquired brain lesion and 82% were able to walk without a walking aid. We evaluated the feasibility, compared the test results between children with UMN lesions and TD peers, and calculated Spearman correlations (rs) between the modalities. We quantified relative reliability with Intra-Class Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and absolute reliability with Smallest Detectable Changes (SDC).ResultsMost children with UMN lesions (>88%) found the tests easy to perform. The children with UMN lesions had significantly (p

Monomeric and polymeric flavan-3-ols (proanthocyanidins) content in grapes is higher in seeds compared to berry skins. Monomeric flavan-3-ols are more astringent, however, they can combine with other monomer, with anthocyanins and with mannoproteins released by yeast and therefore lose their harsh features in wines. Proanthocyanidins extracted during fermentation and maceration processes in red wines, are important for the organoleptic characteristics of the product and for its aging. There is a difference between skins and seeds proanthocyanidins, with the latter being perceived as more harsh and astringent. One of the most important purposes of refinement and aging of red wines very rich in polyphenols is the slow loss of bitterness. Instead, for wines ready to drink seeds tannins can give bitter overtones, therefore reducing their quality since consumers generally prefer a reduced astringency and attenuated bitterness. This paper investigates the possibility of employ some new seedless grapes crossings of Vitis vinifera L., obtained in recent breeding programs carried out at the CREA-VE of Turi, for the production of improved red and rosé wines made with traditionally red winemaking.

BackgroundCognitive-motor training in form of exergames has been found to be feasible and effective for the improvement of motor and cognitive functioning in older adults and several patient populations. Exergame training under unstable conditions might increase the proprioceptive resources needed and thus might be a superior training approach compared to exergame training on stable ground for stroke patients, who often have proprioceptive deficits.ObjectiveAim of this study is to assess the feasibility and effects of exergame-based cognitive-motor training on a labile platform on physical and cognitive functioning in stroke inpatients.MethodsThis is two-armed pilot randomized controlled trial taking place in an inpatient neurologic rehabilitation clinic. A total of 30 persons that are undergoing inpatient rehabilitation due to a stroke will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). Participants of the IG will receive exergame-based motor-cognitive training on a labile surface, whereas participants of the CG will train on a stable surface. Primary outcome is feasibility comprising measures of adherence, attrition, safety and usability. Secondary outcomes will be measures of cognitive (psychomotor speed, inhibition, selective attention, cognitive flexibility, brain activity) and motor (functional mobility, gait speed, balance, proprioception) functioning.ResultsData collection started in February 2024 and is expected to be completed by August 2024.ConclusionThis is the first study looking into exergame training on labile surface in stroke patients. It will give valuable insights into the feasibility and potential added value of this type of training and thus inform further implementation efforts in the context of inpatient rehabilitation.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06296069.

Neste texto, investigamos o modo como a botânica participa da produção alquímica do currículo de Ciências na EJA através da análise de um material didático especificamente produzido para a modalidade. No diálogo com Michel Foucault e Thomas Popkewitz, percebemos que, ainda que a botânica não apareça como unidade temática explicitamente nomeada, ela é alquimicamente transformada, participando da constituição de conhecimentos de outros temas, como ecologia e atmosfera, identificando a botânica como elemento estruturante na construção dos saberes em ecologia, significada como fio condutor para o entendimento da vida na Terra. Argumentamos que estudos em história do currículo desnaturalizam a noção de uma botânica descontextualizada e memorística nas escolas, mostrando como a botânica hibridiza-se na produção de conhecimentos em Ciências.

Abstract Background Migraine and epilepsy are two paroxysmal chronic neurological disorders affecting a high number of individuals and being responsible for a high individual and socioeconomic burden. The link between these disorders has been of interest for decades and innovations concerning diagnosing and treatment enable new insights into their relationship. Findings Although appearing to be distinct at first glance, both diseases exhibit a noteworthy comorbidity, shared pathophysiological pathways, and significant overlaps in characteristics like clinical manifestation or prophylactic treatment. This review aims to explore the intricate relationship between these two conditions, shedding light on shared pathophysiological foundations, genetic interdependencies, common and distinct clinical features, clinically overlapping syndromes, and therapeutic similarities. There are several shared pathophysiological mechanisms, like CSD, the likely underlying cause of migraine aura, or neurotransmitters, mainly Glutamate and GABA, which represent important roles in triggering migraine attacks and seizures. The genetic interrelations between the two disorders can be observed by taking a closer look at the group of familial hemiplegic migraines, which are caused by mutations in genes like CACNA1A, ATP1A2, or SCN1A. The intricate relationship is further underlined by the high number of shared clinical features, which can be observed over the entire course of migraine attacks and epileptic seizures. While the variety of the clinical manifestation of an epileptic seizure is naturally higher than that of a migraine attack, a distinction can indeed be difficult in some cases, e.g. in occipital lobe epilepsy. Moreover, triggering factors like sleep deprivation or alcohol consumption play an important role in both diseases. In the period after the seizure or migraine attack, symptoms like speech difficulties, tiredness, and yawning occur. While the actual attack of the disease usually lasts for a limited time, research indicates that individuals suffering from migraine and/or epilepsy are highly affected in their daily life, especially regarding cognitive and social aspects, a burden that is even worsened using antiseizure medication. This medication allows us to reveal further connections, as certain antiepileptics are proven to have beneficial effects on the frequency and severity of migraine and have been used as a preventive drug for both diseases over many years. Conclusion Migraine and epilepsy show a high number of similarities in their mechanisms and clinical presentation. A deeper understanding of the intricate relationship will positively advance patient–oriented research and clinical work.

More than 80 million people worldwide have been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are now approximately 39 million individuals living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although treatments against HIV infection are available, AIDS remains a serious disease. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), also known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), consists of treatment with a combination of several antiretroviral drugs that block multiple stages in the virus replication cycle. However, the increasing usage of cART is inevitably associated with the emergence of HIV drug resistance. In addition, the development of persistent cellular reservoirs of latent HIV is a critical obstacle to viral eradication since viral rebound takes place once anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is interrupted. Thus, several efforts are being applied to new generations of drugs, vaccines and new types of cART. In this review, we summarize the antiviral therapies used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, both as individual agents and as combination therapies, and highlight the role of both macrophages and HIV cellular reservoirs and the most recent clinical studies related to this disease.