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Opening new roads for multi-directional functional applications through in vitro chemical and biological analysis of Zoegea leptaurea L. extracts
No full textZoegea leptaurea L. has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, headaches, and skin diseases. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the phenolic content, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition, cytotoxic anti-biofilm/probiotic properties of the flowers, stems, leaves, and aerial parts of Z. leptaurea. Results indicated that 70% EtOH extraction yielded the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents across different plant organs, with the highest levels recorded in the flowers (44.86 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and leaves (28.84 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g), respectively. Chlorogenic acid was the predominant compound in the stems and leaves, with the highest concentration obtained using 70% EtOH (5919.1 mg/kg and 10,786.70 mg/kg, respectively). The 70% EtOH extract of the flowers exhibited the strongest antiradical activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] = 45.10 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g); 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-
6-sulfonic acid [ABTS] = 64.53 mg TE/g) and ion-reducing capacity (Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC] = 118.81 mg TE/g; ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] = 65.29 mg TE/g). The EtOH extract of the flowers and the EtOAc extract of the aerial parts exhibited the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase activity (2.79 and 2.56 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g),with the latter also displaying the strongest anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (3.35 mg GALAE/g). The strongest cytotoxic
effect was observed in the EtOAc extract of the leaves against lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), with an IC50 value of 18.39 μg/mL. Additionally, the inhibitory activity of the extracts against immature and mature biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria was assessed, revealing notable antibiofilm activity. Concurrently, the extracts stimulated the growth of five probiotic strains, with some reaching up to six times their respective control growth levels. In conclusion, the findings of this study
suggest that Z. leptaurea is a promising source of bioactive compounds and warrants further investigation for its potential role in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases
Multilevel governance approach to adaptation. The construction of the Italian mid- Adriatic green infrastructure
No full textThere is a persistent discrepancy between the climate adaptation measures advocated by European and international bodies and the actual implementation of such measures. While implementation frequently
occurs at the municipal level, which makes municipalities pivotal actors, this is insufficient. Indeed, the involvement of other levels of governance and the private sector is essential, as are adaptation actions that permeate all plans, programs, and projects of a public entity. An approach to adaptation that refers to
multilevel governance and mainstreaming strategies for implementation is pioneered in the Life+ A_GreeNet Project, which envisages the construction of the green infrastructure of the Italian mid-Adriatic city. This approach integrates adaptation actions into existing decision-making and policy processes, innovates the
processes of construction of urban plans, and promotes the management and care of green with innovative and flexible tools
New Arylpiperazines as Potent and Selective Dopamine D4 Receptor Ligands Potentially Useful to Treat Glioblastoma
No full textThe dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) has recently been proposed as an emerging target for treating glioblastoma (GBM). In this article, new piperazine ligands, analogues of the potent and selective D4R lead compounds 9 and 10, were prepared and evaluated for their affinity at D2-like receptor subtypes. The most promising results were obtained by replacing the N4-phenyl terminal of 9 with a naphthyl group. Indeed, α-naphthyl derivative 15 proved to have four times higher affinity for D4R than lead 9, whereas β-naphthyl compound 16 was about tenfold more selective for D4R than 9. These compounds behaved as D4R antagonists in both Gi/Go activation and β-arrestin2 recruitment assays. Interestingly, both decreased cell viability dose-dependently and altered the cell cycle of U87 MG, T98G, and U251 MG human GBM cell lines after 48 h treatment, inducing an increase in ROS levels and time-dependent mitochondrial depolarization
Nutritional Support in the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers in Healthy Aging: A Systematic Review of Nursing Interventions in Community Care
No full textIntroduction: Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a significant challenge in chronic care, particularly among the elderly with reduced mobility. They result in substantial socio-healthcare costs and negatively impact patients’ psychological well-being. Malnutrition is a key risk factor, hindering healing and increasing the risk of complications. As such, appropriate nutritional interventions are crucial for managing PUs. However, these interventions are often underestimated in clinical practice, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach to elder care and healthy aging. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to identify the best scientific evidence on nutritional interventions implemented by nurses in community settings to prevent complications related to PUs. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative outcomes reported in the included studies were analyzed. Method: This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA international guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL databases. A predefined search strategy using Boolean operators was employed, and two researchers independently selected papers, with a third researcher resolving any discrepancies. Additional sources and manual reviews were conducted to minimize selection bias. Results: Out of 1003 records, 6 studies were included. Findings indicate that nurses play a fundamental role in managing PUs in community settings through specific nutritional intervention assistance processes. These healthcare professionals are pivotal in the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of vulnerable individuals with PUs. Conclusions: Nurses are strategic in the management of PUs within community care for frail populations. With nutritional support that plays a key role in both preventing and accelerating the healing of PUs. Policymakers are encouraged to invest in nursing roles to enhance assistance in community contexts, supporting healthy aging and lifestyle medicine approaches
Measuring Them all: Individual-Based Functional Spatial Patterns in Mountain Grasslands
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Spatial patterns of plant traits have rarely been studied at distances below 10 cm. Is it possible to detect nonrandom functional patterns at a very fine scale in mountain secondary grasslands? An analysis in terms of trait similarity, magnitude and density correlation can highlight the importance of different biotic and abiotic processes at these scales. We expect species identity to be of secondary importance if all individuals are identified by their measured traits, resulting in consistent patterns whether it is considered or not, especially if ITV (intraspecific trait variability) and functional overlap are high.
Location
Natural reserve “Montagna di Torricchio,” a strict reserve in the Marche region, central Apennines, Italy.
Methods
Plant height, leaf area, and specific leaf area have been measured for each individual (1094 ramets) in 10 quadrats, divided into two grasslands differing in canopy cover. Functional redundancy and ITV were evaluated with overlap measures and variance partitioning. Marked point pattern statistics have been used to test for non-randomness of trait patterns either by considering all individuals at once or by excluding conspecific pairs.
Results
At distances below 8 cm, we found evidence of trait convergence, pairs smaller than expected and negative density correlation. Above 8 cm, we found trait divergence and larger than expected pairs. We suggest biotic and abiotic causes for this, linked to physical packing or similarity in soil depth, respectively. The results differed between traits and between grasslands. The results were consistent whether conspecific pairs were excluded or not. There is a high functional overlap among species, and ITV has a large contribution to variability.
Conclusions
We found nonrandom functional patterns in grasslands below 10 cm, an almost unexplored scale range in any vegetation. The approach used showed that taxonomic identity is less important than the functional setting of individuals at this scale
Effettività (Principio di)
Get PDFSintetica esposizione del principio e delle principali problematiche ad esso conness
Quercetin derivatives in roasted Coffea arabica and its popular beverages
No full textThis study is focused on quantification of six quercetin derivatives in roasted Coffea arabica L. from different geographical origins and post-harvest processing methods for the first time. Popular beverages (espresso and moka) were also studied. By developing and validating new extraction techniques from roasted coffee and coffee
beverages, it was found that Ethiopian roasted coffee exhibited the highest total contents of quercetin derivatives (108.85 ± 10.03 ng/g), with quercetin-3-glucuronide being the most abundant (60.28 ± 5.95 ng/g). Guatemalan and Colombian coffees had high levels of quercetin-3-glucuronide (56.06 ± 5.95 ng/g and 51.14 ± 0.19 ng/g) as
well. The study also showed that natural and honey post-harvest processing preserved more quercetin derivatives compared to washed method. Furthermore, espresso extraction yielded higher flavonoids content than moka. This research suggests that the selection of specific combination of coffee origins and post-harvest methods could
enhance the intake of flavonoids and potentially promote the health status
Novel rat model of gaming disorder: assessment of social reward and sex differences in behavior and c-Fos brain activity
No full textRationale: In 2018, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) classified Gaming Disorder (GD) as a mental disorder. GD mainly occurs among adolescents, who, after developing addiction, show psychopathological traits, such as social anxiety, depression, social isolation, and attention deficit. However, the different studies conducted in humans so far show several limitations, such as the lack of demographic heterogeneity and equal representation of age, differences in the type of game and in the follow-up period. Furthermore, at present, no animal models specific to GD are available. Objectives: To address the lack of an experimental model for GD, in the present work, we proposed a new GD rat model to investigate some peculiar tracts of the disorder. Methods: Two-month-old Wistar Kyoto rats, both males and females, were subject to a five-week training with a new innovative touch-screen platform. After five weeks of training, rats were assessed for: (a) their attachment to the play under several conditions, (b) their hyperactivity during gaming, and (c) the maintenance of these conditions after a period of game pause and reward interruption. After sacrifice, using immunohistochemistry techniques, the immunoreactivity of c-Fos (a marker of neuronal activity) was analyzed to study different neural areas. Results: After the training, the rats subjected to GD protocol developed GD-related traits (e.g., hyperactivity, loss control), and the behavioral phenotype was maintained consistently over time. These aspects were completely absent in the control groups. Lastly, the analysis of c-Fos immunoreactivity in prelimbic cortex (PrL), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), nucleus Accumbens, amygdala and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) highlighted significant alterations in the GD groups compared to controls, suggesting modifications in neural activity related to the development of the GD phenotype. Conclusions: The proposal of a new GD rat model could represent an innovative tool to investigate, in both sexes, the behavioral and neurobiological features of this disorder, the possible role of external factors in the predisposition and susceptibility and the development of new pharmacological therapies
Research of innovation design of Intangible Cultural Heritage Mortise and Tenon
No full textThe traditional mortise and tenon technique, a hallmark of Oriental craftsmanship, has been widely
used across China and Asia, significantly influencing the evolution of Chinese science and
technology. However, with the rise of globalization and mass production, traditional methods like
mortise and tenon are increasingly overshadowed, posing a threat to their survival. This thesis
explores the revitalization of mortise and tenon craftsmanship through innovation, emphasizing its
potential to address contemporary challenges in design while preserving cultural heritage and
promoting sustainability.
Guided by Roberto Verganti’s theory of meaning-driven innovation, this study investigates how
mortise and tenon craftsmanship, beyond its functional use, can act as a symbol of cultural identity
and sustainable design. By examining its applications in humanistic architecture, eco-friendly
furniture, and cultural products like the Luban lock, the research redefines the value of this ancient
technique in modern contexts. The study highlights the adaptability of mortise and tenon in addressing
ecological responsibility, advocating for green design practices to reduce environmental impact.
This research, grounded in both practice and theory, demonstrates how mortise and tenon
craftsmanship can adapt to modern needs, bridging tradition and innovation. It provides designers
with a roadmap for integrating cultural continuity with ecological responsibility, offering theoretical
and practical support for the modernization of traditional craftsmanship. The revival of mortise and
tenon in contemporary design is not merely a technological resurgence but a cultural renaissance,
ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing world
