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Former food products (FFPs) are alternative feed ingredients used in livestock diets. Although the processes of transforming FFPs into animal feed often include mechanical unpacking and grinding, the final products may still be prone to packaging contamination. Common materials of packaging remnants found in FFPs are aluminium, cellulose, and plastic. Therefore, it is important to investigate and to provide information regarding the size and shape attributes of these materials to improve processing techniques in the feed industry. A total of 441 packaging remnants from 17 sources of FFPs were included in this study. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy coupled with an optical microscope was used to identify the material of the packaging remnants, which resulted in a categorisation of remnants consisting of 44 aluminium, 308 cellulose, and 89 plastic remnants. The categorised remnants were observed with a stereomicroscope and were subsequently measured by a digital camera and image analysis software. Each measurement contains 21 size attributes and 9 shape attributes, some of which were derived from calculations. The distribution of values for both size and shape attributes overlapped between the three materials though aluminium remnants were on average smaller (p < .05) in size and more regular (p < .05) in shape compared to cellulose and plastic ones. Also, aluminium remnants showed a narrower range in most of the size and shape attributes. Through the information provided by the image analysis and the measurements, it was concluded that the obtained values in size and shape attributes had broadly spread distributions that overlapped for different materials.

Abstract Wildfires emit solid-state strongly absorptive brown carbon (solid S-BrC, commonly known as tar ball), critical to Earth’s radiation budget and climate, but their highly variable light absorption properties are typically not accounted for in climate models. Here, we show that from a Pacific Northwest wildfire, over 90% of particles are solid S-BrC with a mean refractive index of 1.49 + 0.056i at 550 nm. Model sensitivity studies show refractive index variation can cause a ~200% difference in regional absorption aerosol optical depth. We show that ~50% of solid S-BrC particles from this sample uptake water above 97% relative humidity. We hypothesize these results from a hygroscopic organic coating, potentially facilitating solid S-BrC as nuclei for cloud droplets. This water uptake doubles absorption at 550 nm and the organic coating on solid S-BrC can lead to even higher absorption enhancements than water. Incorporating solid S-BrC and water interactions should improve Earth’s radiation budget predictions.

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are essential for evaluating disease-related quality of life. The International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT12) assesses various aspects of hip-related symptoms, function, sports participation, and social limitations. This study aimed to adapt and validate an Italian version of the iHOT12 according to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Materials and methods A multicenter observational cohort study was conducted to translate and validate the iHOT-12 into Italian (iHOT-12-ita) and assess its psychometric properties. Following international guidelines, we translated and culturally adapted the iHOT-12-ita. Patients with hip pain included in the study completed the iHOT-12-ita and mHHS-ita questionnaires at three timepoints: initial consultation (T0), 10–20 days later (T1), and at least 2 months after treatment (T2): hip injection, hip arthroscopy or total hip replacement. The evaluation of the iHOT-12-ita psychometric properties was conducted following the COSMIN checklist, assessing its reliability, responsiveness, interpretability, and acceptability. Results Between May 2019 to September 2022, 104 patients were included, from two tertiary hip surgery referral center clinics, they completed both questionnaires and were available for data analysis. The psychometric evaluations revealed robust test–retest reliability on 27 patients at T1, with a Lin coefficient of 0.709 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.553–0.888] and a high Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.745. At T2 after treatment, there was significant responsiveness (p

The 2021 Tajogaite eruption was marked by intense pyroclastic fallout that covered a substantial portion of La Palma island, with maximum thicknesses in the central-western part. This, combined with lava flows, resulted in widespread damage to public and private properties. In this study, we investigated if volcanic ash from this eruption could serve as a raw material in the synthesis of alkali activated materials (AAMs) and contribute to the construction of eco-friendly buildings and the restoration of those damaged by the eruption. Volcanic ash-based AAMs were synthesized using NaOH and Na2SiO3 as alkaline solutions and by adding metakaolin to enhance ash reactivity and enable processing at ambient temperatures. Lightweight porous AAMs were also produced using H2O2 and metallic aluminum as foaming agents. Chemical, textural, physical, and mechanical analyses on the final products assessed their suitability as environmentally friendly materials to be used in the reconstruction of the island infrastructure, opening new perspectives on recovery actions that can be undertaken after disastrous eruptions. Of all the islands in the Canary Archipelago, La Palma has experienced the highest number of eruptions (8) in historical times, all of which showing considerable similarity in terms of eruptive mechanisms and composition to the most recent Tajogaite event. Although this study investigated fresh Tajogaite ash, similar perspectives can be envisaged for both other recent eruptions at La Palma and other similar volcanic scenarios worldwide.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked to altered nutritional status due to increased catabolism, leading to muscle mass loss. This study aims to identify and map available evidence regarding multidisciplinary interventions focused on prevention, diagnosis and nutrition education, as well as the role of diet, to prevent and manage malnutrition in patients with COPD. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Cochrane, PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. This study adhered to the Arksey and O’Malley framework and JBI methodology. Results: Of the 1761 records identified, 15 were included. Evidence suggests that the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Mini Nutritional Assessment are the most suitable screening scale. Guidelines have highlighted that personalized nutritional counseling is a very common intervention as it allows for a consideration of all physical, psychological, and social aspects of the patient. Conclusions: The role of healthcare professionals is crucial in the early identification of nutrition-related issues and in educating patients about the prevention and management of malnutrition, both in hospital and community settings. Key aspects include early malnutrition detection, personalized counseling and patient education, and a multidisciplinary approach. These findings provide a foundation for developing of targeted patient educational initiatives to improve the nutritional management of COPD patients.

Background: Heart failure significantly impacts healthcare systems and society, affecting quality of life (QoL) due to its symptoms and continuous care needs. Nurses are crucial in managing heart failure, supporting both patients and caregivers who face physical, emotional, social, and spiritual challenges. The Family Caregiver Quality of Life (FAMQOL) scale evaluates caregivers’ QoL across all dimensions. This study aims to translate and culturally adapt the FAMQOL from English to Italian, enhancing its utility in nursing research and practice to better identify and support caregiver well-being. Methods: Following EORTC guidelines (2017), the FAMQOL underwent linguistic validation and cultural adaptation. This included independent forward translations from English to Italian, back translations, and reconciliation discussions to produce a testable translation. A pilot test with 15 caregivers assessed the questionnaire’s acceptability and comprehensibility. Results: Linguistic adjustments ensured the questionnaire’s understandability in Italian. Interviews confirmed its acceptability and comprehensibility, with minor modifications enhancing clarity. Conclusions: The translation process successfully adapted the FAMQOL for Italian caregivers. This tool is essential for nursing research and practice, providing a culturally relevant assessment of the burden of care. It allows targeted interventions to support health workers, intercepting the QoL of caregivers early and, consequently, the well-being of patients with heart failure.

Abstract Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a pivotal factor in gliomas, contributing to their complexity, progression, and therapeutic challenges. CIN, characterized by frequent genomic alterations during mitosis, leads to genetic abnormalities and impacts cellular functions. This instability results from various factors, including replication errors and toxic compounds. While CIN’s role is well documented in cancers like ovarian cancer, its implications for gliomas are increasingly recognized. CIN influences glioma progression by affecting key oncological pathways, such as tumor suppressor genes (e.g., TP53), oncogenes (e.g., EGFR), and DNA repair mechanisms. It drives tumor evolution, promotes inflammatory signaling, and affects immune interactions, potentially leading to poor clinical outcomes and treatment resistance. This review examines CIN’s impact on gliomas through a narrative approach, analyzing data from PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus. It highlights CIN’s role across glioma subtypes, from adult glioblastomas and astrocytomas to pediatric oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Key findings include CIN’s effect on tumor heterogeneity and its potential as a biomarker for early detection and monitoring. Emerging therapies targeting CIN, such as those modulating tumor mutation burden and DNA damage response pathways, show promise but face challenges. The review underscores the need for integrated therapeutic strategies and improved bioinformatics tools like CINdex to advance understanding and treatment of gliomas. Future research should focus on combining CIN-targeted therapies with immune modulation and personalized medicine to enhance patient outcomes.

Abstract Replacing cereals with food leftovers could reduce feed-food competition and keep nutrients and energy in the food chain. Former food products (FFPs) are industrial food leftovers no more intended for human but still suitable as alternative and sustainable feedstuffs for monogastric. In this study, omics approaches were applied to evaluate the impact of dietary FFPs on pig liver proteome and plasma peptidome. Thirty-six Swiss Large White male castrated pigs were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments [control (CTR), 30% CTR replaced with salty FFP (SA), 30% CTR replaced with sugary FFP (SU)] from the start of the growing phase (22.4 ± 1.7 kg) until slaughtering (110 ± 3 kg). The low number of differentially regulated proteins in each comparison matrix (SA/SU vs. CTR) and the lack of metabolic interaction indicated a marginal impact on hepatic lipid metabolism. The plasma peptidomics investigation showed low variability between the peptidome of the three dietary groups and identified three possible bioactive peptides in the SA group associated with anti-hypertension and vascular homeostasis regulation. To conclude, the limited modulation of liver proteome and plasma peptidome by the SA and SU diets strenghtened the idea of reusing FFPs as feed ingredients to make pig production more sustainable.

This thematic issue proceeds from the idea that, despite extensive research, we do not know enough about the alternatives to representative party democracy that people disenchanted with democracy and populists envision apart from greater citizen involvement. Citizens’ potential preferences seem to range from stealth democracy and decision-making by apolitical experts to deliberative mechanisms and referenda. The picture is equally blurred when it comes to the views of populist actors themselves. Research suggests that their calls for referendums diminish over time and that they reject deliberative bodies outright. This thematic issue reassesses our understanding of the extent to which populists’ and citizens’ ideas and the alternatives they propose coincide and argues for a wider dissemination of relevant research that explores these shortcomings. The articles presented explore these points by featuring conceptually and/or methodologically innovative contributions that address issues such as the mismatch between populists and citizens in terms of democratic alternatives, (dis)satisfaction with populist parties in public office, the preferences of distinct subgroups as well as the role of political emotions among populist party supporters.

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of abdominal injuries in war and conflict zones, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), presents a significant healthcare challenge. These injuries, often resulting from explosive devices, firearms, and shrapnel, lead to high morbidity and mortality rates due to delayed diagnoses, inadequate medical infrastructure, and limited access to specialised care. This review aims to summarise the literature on conflict‐related abdominal injuries in LMICs, highlighting the impact of such trauma on healthcare systems and patient outcomes, and suggesting strategies for improvement. Methods A comprehensive narrative review was conducted, focusing on studies from contemporary and historical conflict‐ridden nations. Databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched using specific keywords. Inclusion criteria encompassed various study designs and both paediatric and adult populations, with studies providing raw data prioritised. Exclusions included non‐English articles, non‐peer‐reviewed studies, and those not reporting outcomes or involving high‐income countries. Results The review identified significant challenges in managing war‐related abdominal trauma in LMICs, including a shortage of healthcare personnel and infrastructure, socio‐political barriers, and research gaps. Clinical implications of such injuries include elevated mortality rates, with surgical and nonsurgical management outcomes varying significantly. Positive advancements in diagnostics and surgical techniques have improved survival rates, yet the need for further infrastructural and workforce enhancements remains critical. Conclusion Abdominal trauma in conflict‐affected LMICs necessitates focused efforts to improve healthcare delivery, including targeted funding for infrastructure and equipment, development of training programs for trauma specialists, and increased humanitarian aid. Bridging research gaps and fostering collaborative efforts are essential for advancing the management of abdominal trauma and enhancing patient outcomes in these challenging environments.

Summary: Among the side effects of chemotherapy, dysgeusia stands out a disturbance or damage to taste perception that profoundly affects the patient's biopsychosocial well-being. Recognizing and appropriately managing this issue is paramount. This study aims to develop a systematic review protocol for evaluating multidisciplinary strategies aimed at alleviating dysgeusia in chemotherapy-treated patients. The protocol involves a thorough examination of database articles related to dysgeusia, primarily concentrating on the disorder but extending to related topics. The methodology places a strong emphasis on both methodological rigor and the relevance of selected studies. Consistent data extraction is followed by a comprehensive synthesis, providing a holistic perspective. Key objectives of this protocol include analyzing the dysgeusia problem in chemotherapy patients, identifying multidisciplinary strategies to mitigate dysgeusia, determining the most effective interventions for reducing dysgeusia, and recommending a specific assessment tool for this condition.

Introduction Tobacco smoke is a major health risk factor for smokers but also for non-smokers due to passive smoking. These risks come from conventional cigarette smoke but also from aerosol produced by electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs). The aim of this study was to investigate population knowledge about the adverse effects of passive smoking from traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and HTPs. Methods Between February and October 2023, 504 subjects among the general population responded to a questionnaire with 8 questions in Italian, via a link to the Google Forms platform. The questions related to the oral health effects of active and passive smoking. Descriptive analyses of all variables in the questionnaire were performed, and statistical analyses between variables were carried out using the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. Results A large subset of individuals interviewed stated that active smoking is harmful to health and consider active smoking more damaging compared with passive smoking (86.3%). The majority believed that passive smoking of cigarettes is more harmful to oral health than passive smoking of HTPs (79.4%) or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) (84.9%). Conclusions Results suggest that most people in this study had good knowledge about the adverse effects of active or passive smoking on health; however, knowledge regarding e-cigarettes and HTPs was poor and confused. These results reveal the complexity of perceptions regarding different types of smoking and the need for further research to fully understand the risks associated with each type of passive smoking.

Abstract Background The advancement of sequencing technologies results in the rapid release of hundreds of new genome assemblies a year providing unprecedented resources for the study of genome evolution. Within this context, the significance of in-depth analyses of repetitive elements, transposable elements (TEs) in particular, is increasingly recognized in understanding genome evolution. Despite the plethora of available bioinformatic tools for identifying and annotating TEs, the phylogenetic distance of the target species from a curated and classified database of repetitive element sequences constrains any automated annotation effort. Moreover, manual curation of raw repeat libraries is deemed essential due to the frequent incompleteness of automatically generated consensus sequences. Results Here, we present an example of a crowd-sourcing effort aimed at curating and annotating TE libraries of two non-model species built around a collaborative, peer-reviewed teaching process. Manual curation and classification are time-consuming processes that offer limited short-term academic rewards and are typically confined to a few research groups where methods are taught through hands-on experience. Crowd-sourcing efforts could therefore offer a significant opportunity to bridge the gap between learning the methods of curation effectively and empowering the scientific community with high-quality, reusable repeat libraries. Conclusions The collaborative manual curation of TEs from two tardigrade species, for which there were no TE libraries available, resulted in the successful characterization of hundreds of new and diverse TEs in a reasonable time frame. Our crowd-sourcing setting can be used as a teaching reference guide for similar projects: A hidden treasure awaits discovery within non-model organisms.