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Seaweed and yeast extracts as sustainable phytostimulant to boost secondary metabolism of apricot fruits
Get PDFIn our study, we investigated the effects of Expando, a commercial biostimulant derived from seaweed and yeast extracts, on the secondary metabolism of Lady cot and Orange prima apricot cultivars. Notably, treatments with or 5.0 L/ha of Expando improved fruit uniformity and harvests synchronization, providing agronomic benefits. Expando positively influenced the biosynthesis of essential bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins in both apricot pulp and peel, as validated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. These metabolic enhancements translated into significantly increased total antioxidant activity, particularly evident in the peel samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct effects of the 5.0 and 4.0 L/ha treatments, distinguishing them from lower doses and the control group. Our findings emphasize the potential of Expando to enhance the phytochemical profile of apricot fruits, positioning biostimulants as pivotal tools for improving fruit quality and sustainability in agriculture. Expando offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to enhancing crop yield and nutritional value, representing a significant step towards more resilient and environmentally conscious farming practices. Further research is needed to explore its broader implications and optimize application strategies for commercial orchards
Multichannel ECG Spectral Analysis via Functional Data Methods: A Structured Approach to Dynamic Signal Dependencies
No full textElectrocardiogram (ECG) feature extraction is fundamental for detecting pathological conditions, yet traditional methods based on statistical summaries often fail to capture subtle morphological alterations. In this study, we adopt a functional spectral approach to analyze multichannel ECG data, preserving its temporal structure. We compare two methodologies for estimating the spectral density operator: Graphical Functional Principal Component Analysis (GFPCA), which computes cross-covariance at individual time points, and freqdom.fda, which extracts spectral features from basis expansion coefficients. In a case study of detachment episodes, freqdom.fda shows a better bias-variance tradeoff, effectively filtering noise while preserving key spectral patterns distinguishing regular and symptomatic states
Predictors of uveitic macular edema and functional prognostic outcomes: real-life data from the international AIDA Network uveitis registry
Get PDFObjectives: To detect factors capable of predicting the development of macular edema (ME) throughout the disease course in patients affected by non-infectious uveitis (NIU). Methods: Predictive factors leading to the development of ME were analyzed through regression analysis. The functional impact of ME on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also examined. Results: A total of 1,160 NIU patients (1,857 eyes) were analyzed. ME was observed in 148 (12.76%), affecting 211 eyes. It was significantly more frequent in patients with non-anterior NIU (p < 0.0001, RR = 4.01), retinal vasculitis (p < 0.0001), and other structural complications (p = 0.0005). Gender, HLA-B*27 and/or HLA-B*51 positivity, and ethnicity did not show any significant impact on the prevalence of ME (p = 0.635, p = 0.372, p = 0.193, respectively). Four variables were associated with ME development during NIU course: the non-anterior anatomical pattern (p < 0.0001, OR = 4.01), the presence of retinal vasculitis (p = 0.028, OR = 1.68), complications other than ME (p = 0.044, OR = 1.51) and immunosuppressive treatment (p = 0.010, OR 1.69) while the diagnosis of Behçet disease-related uveitis was less likely to be associated with ME development (p = 0.24, OR 0.545). Mean ± SD BCVA was significantly lower in eyes with ME (0.82 ± 0.30) compared to eyes without ME (0.71 ± 0.33). Conclusion: ME can develop across all NIU types, but is more likely in cases involving the posterior segment and retinal vasculitis. Regular and focused monitoring is recommended for these high-risk patients. The study also highlights the limited predictive value of demographic and HLA-related factors, helping refine clinical risk stratification and predictive modeling in NIU
THE DIFFERENT EFFECTS OF TWO GLOBAL WARMING CONDITIONS ON TWO SEA URCHIN SPECIES EXPOSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS
No full textGradual ocean warming and marine heatwaves represent major threats for marine organisms already facing other anthropogenic-derived hazards, such as chemical contamination in coastal areas. Sea urchin larvae are a common model system in marine ecotoxicological studies to assess the impacts of climate change and pollution. Here I report the combined effects of thermal stress and exposure to three different pollutants of the marine environment (gadolinium, vanadium and phthalates) on embryos of two key Mediterranean sea urchin species with predicted opposite responses to global warming, the temperate Paracentrotus lividus and the sub-tropical Arbacia lixula. These species are among the most abundant echinoids living in shallow rocky reefs of the southwestern Mediterranean and are ecologically important because their herbivorous grazing impacts macroalgae and leads to the formation of barrens habitats. Embryos were exposed to combined treatments of three temperatures (18°C, 21°C, 24°C) and a wide range of concentrations of the three pollutants (from environmentally relevant to cytotoxic). We tested the single and combined effects to thermal stress and pollutants at two functional levels: i) exposure–response relationships, analyzing the effects in terms of abnormal development and mortality; ii) morphological, analyzing impacts of treatments on larval phenotypes and morphometric traits of larval growth and biomineralization. With respect to developmental progression, elevated temperatures at near-future projections (+3°C, 21°C) accelerated development and achievement of the larval stage, while extreme warming at present-day marine heatwave conditions (+6°C, 24°C) breached the thermotolerance threshold of both species with a higher proportion of abnormal larvae.
We found a fascinating double side effect of increased temperature combined to pollution: a mild temperature increase (+3°C) reduced the negative effects of pollutants on development with a lower percentage of abnormality and improved skeleton growth, while combined heatwave conditions (+6°C) and pollution resulted in a lower proportion of embryos reaching the advanced larval stages.
Our results indicate that the negative effects of pollutants-exposure on P. lividus and A. lixula larval development and biomineralization will be mitigated by near-future ocean warming temperatures, up to a thermotolerance threshold triggering negative synergistic effects. Our data highlight the need for a better understanding of the interactions between the multiple stressors faced by marine species in coastal environments
Il peccato e le conseguenze sul creato nel Giudaismo del Secondo Tempio
No full textThe relationship between sin and its consequences on creation has not been widely reflected in the writings - that have survived - of apocalyptic literature and more generally of Second Temple Judaism. Already in the book of Genesis the flood is caused not so much by the disobedience of Adam and Eve, but by the union of angels with women (Gen 6:1-7); this explanation of the origin of evil has found favor in Second Temple Judaism and is the basis of some texts that enjoyed great authority such as the book of Enoch or Jubilees, as well as in some Qumran writings. Starting from this idea, it seems that the concept of "destruction" and "punishment" is seen rather as punishment for wicked people and that creation does not find space in the reflection on the consequences of human wickedness and the entry of evil into the world
Outcome of Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemias or Myelodysplastic Syndromes After Relapsing From Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: The GITMO AML/MDS‐Relapse Registry Study
No full textDisease relapse represents the main cause of treatment failure after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome
(MDS) patients [1]. Thus, minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring following allo-SCT is a mainstay of good clinical practice.
The prognosis following relapse is dismal, and recently new treatment options, such as hypomethylating agents (HMAs) alone or in combination with venetoclax (VEN), have been used
also in the setting of post-transplant disease relapse, but data from prospective trials are lacking [2].
With the aim to describe the real-life management of AML/ MDS post-transplant relapses in Italy, we conducted this retrospective registry study, involving 33/63 (52%) transplant centers in Italy and including 859 cases of disease relapse registered between 2015 and 2021 (GITMO-AML/
MDS relapse study; Clini calTr ials. gov: NCT06790680). All patients included in the registry provided informed consent for data registration in the PROMISE database. Clinically available data were extracted from the PROMISE database, and additional queries on the relapse event were submitted to each center to minimize missing data
A Sustainable Smart Dryer for Aromatic Herbs
No full textNowadays, there is a growing consumer interest in medicinal and aromatic herbs. The microbiological quality of nutraceutical and aromatic plants has become a pivotal factor for buyers. Italian producers adhere to specific hygiene
regulations to diminish the bacterial load of these plants, focusing primarily on operations between harvest and packaging, such as the crucial drying process.
This drying process occurs at temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °C, facilitated by devices equipped with a heat pump. It involves applying very dry air (with 5% humidity) to dehumidified products and heating them to the desired temperature. This rapid drying method preserves the colour, aroma, and chemical composition
of the food, ensuring the production of high-quality products. This study aims to optimize the drying process using a dryer plant located in Grotte (Italy), powered by a photovoltaic Renewable Energy Source (RES) for nutraceutical and aromatic species produced in Sicily, namely rosemary and sage. Energy is generated by photovoltaic panels mounted on the roof and in one facades of the dryer structure, facilitating on-site energy exchange and self-consumption. The annual potential production of the photovoltaic generator is 8383 kWh, and the dryer was tested
for four drying cycles using the energy generated by the solar source. This drying cycle lasts for 24.5 h, just more than one day. Sensors-acquired data were transmitted via Wi-Fi to a ThingSpeak account, enabling real-time monitoring of the drying process. The obtained information included variations in product moisture content and drying rates. The WSN-based system played a crucial role in decision support during the drying process, allowing precise monitoring of biomass moisture loss and drying rates for rosemary and sage. Interestingly, different biomass densities did not significantly impact the drying process for sage
Affrontare la Dispersione Scolastica: Gamification nella Didattica secondo i Futuri Insegnanti
No full textLa dispersione scolastica continua a essere un problema critico nel contesto educativo
contemporaneo, richiedendo soluzioni innovative e mirate. La gamification emerge come una strategia innovativa e promettente per il successo scolastico degli studenti, infatti, attraverso l'integrazione di elementi ludici e motivazionali, offre un approccio dinamico e coinvolgente per migliorare l’apprendimento.
Il seguente contributo, attraverso la progettazione e la somministrazione di un questionario, si focalizza sull'analisi delle percezioni dei futuri docenti, studenti di primo e secondo anno di Scienze della Formazione Primaria dell’Università degli Studi di Palermo, riguardo l'implementazione di questa metodologia innovativa.
L'analisi dei dati ha evidenziato una tendenza positiva e un'ampia accettazione nei confronti dell'impiego della gamification, mettendo in risalto il potenziale nel migliorare l'engagement degli studenti, stimolare la partecipazione attiva e favorire il raggiungimento degli obiettivi educativi.
Tuttavia, emergono anche sfide e limitazioni, tra cui la necessità di una progettazione curriculare mirata e l’importanza di prevedere una formazione specifica per i docenti.
Lo studio fornisce una panoramica iniziale delle percezioni dei futuri docenti riguardo l'utilizzo della gamification nella didattica e fornisce importanti spunti per la progettazione di interventi didattici con l'obiettivo ultimo di contribuire alla riduzione della dispersione scolastica e migliorare l'esperienza di apprendimento degli studenti
Improving student wellbeing and learning through serious games and active breaks
No full textIn a context where education requires innovative approaches to maintain
students’ attention and increase their engagement, active breaks and Serious
Games emerge as effective tools to improve well-being and learning. Active
breaks, short physical or cognitive intervals, reduce mental fatigue and increase
concentration (Pastor-Vicedo et al., 2024; Masini et al., 2023). Serious Games,
on the other hand, promote the acquisition of academic and socio-emotional
skills through interactive and engaging learning (Papoutsi, Drigas & Skianis,
2022; Mulcahy & Zainuddin, 2021). Recent studies show that both tools
improve motivation, reduce learning anxiety and enhance metacognitive skills
(Papanastasiou & Drigas, 2017; Flogie et al., 2020). The integration of these
tools into teaching can transform the entire educational experience, making it
more dynamic and effective. This study explores their impact on teaching,
highlighting how to optimize the learning process and student well-being
Acute cannabis intoxication among the paediatric population
Get PDFThis narrative review synthesizes the toxicological, clinical and medico-legal
aspects of paediatric cannabis intoxication. By providing a comprehensive
overview, it aims to inform future research, guide policymaking, and enhance
clinical and toxicological practice in addressing this growing public health
concern. The pharmacokinetics of cannabinoid ingestion in children are
significantly influenced by the immaturity of their gastrointestinal tract and
metabolic enzyme systems, resulting in altered oral bioavailability. Clinical data
indicate
that
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC)-related
effects
in
paediatricpaediatric patients typically emerge within 2 hours of ingestion, with
moresevere symptomsdeveloping within 4 hours. The endocannabinoid system
(ECS) undergoes significant developmental changes, with marked differences in
cannabinoid receptorexpressionanddistribution acrossfetal, neonatal, andadult
brains. During neurodevelopment, CB1 receptors exhibit unique expression
patterns, including transient localization in brainstem regions critical for
neurovegetative functions. These developmental dynamics likely explain
children’s heightened sensitivity to THC’s neurological and neurovegetative
effects, often resulting in more severe outcomes compared to adults. The
reliable detection of cannabinoids involves integrating screening methods with
confirmatory analytical techniques. Urine immunoassay testing is widely
considered an helpful toolto assess a previous exposure, becoming positive
within 3–4 h of ingestion. However, this method is prone to false positives.
Plasma THC concentration, when measured close to the event, offers valuable
insights into the quantity ingested and the correlation between exposure and
clinical outcomes in the impairment window. Hair analysis, while useful for
distinguishing between acute and chronic use, is susceptible to various biases.
The rising incidence of acute cannabis intoxication in children underscores the
urgent need for targeted public health interventions and stricter regulatory
frameworks. Preventive measures such as child-resistant packaging, public
education campaigns, and cannabis use screening during pregnancy are
essential to mitigate risks. Clinicians should consider THC exposure in the
differential diagnosis of children presenting with unexplained neurological, immune, or metabolic symptom