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Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis reveals canonical and novel pathways modulated by nanoceria in mammalian retinal degeneration
No full textRetinal neurodegenerative diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Retinitis Pigmentosa cause irreversible vision loss due to the limited regenerative capacity of the mammalian retina. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) are emerging therapeutics against oxidative stress and inflammation, major drivers of photoreceptor degeneration, and have demonstrated morphological and functional neuroprotection in preclinical models. However, the genome-wide transcriptional mechanisms underlying these effects remain incompletely characterized. We performed retinal transcriptomic analysis in a rat AMD model induced by intense light and treated intravitreally with nanoceria. Six groups were analyzed: control, light damage, vehicle, nanoceria, vehicle + light damage, and nanoceria + light damage. Light damage activated inflammatory and apoptotic programs, with upregulation of cytokines (Tnf, Il6, Il1b, Ccl2) and downregulation of photoreceptor genes (Rho, Pde6a/b, Gnat1). Nanoceria treatment counteracted these effects, suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators, restoring antioxidative genes (Nfe2l2, Gclc, Sod2), and enhancing neuroprotective factors (Bdnf, Cntf, Ngf). Pathway analyses revealed inhibition of TNF/NF-κB/IL-17 signaling and activation of PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, and neurotrophin pathways. Unexpectedly, nanoceria also modulated amino acid and insulin metabolism (Ass1, Cps1, Insr, Irs1, Slc2a4) and reactivated transcription factors (Ascl1, Sox2, Notch1) typically silent in adult retina. Our findings highlight nanoceria as a multifunctional therapeutic that mitigates retinal degeneration by coordinating oxidative, inflammatory, and regenerative responses. Together with prior morphological and functional validations, these results support the translational potential of nanoceria for treating retinal neurodegenerative diseases
Effect of Nirsevimab as a Primary Preventive Strategy on the Incidence, Severity, and Viral Etiology of Bronchiolitis: A Four-Year Observational Study.
No full textBackground: Bronchiolitis is a prevalent viral respiratory illness in infants, often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under 1 year of age. The introduction of Nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody approved in 2022, aimed to reduce RSV-related hospitalizations and severe cases. This study assesses the impact of Nirsevimab on bronchiolitis incidence, severity, and viral etiology in Sicily from 2021 to 2025.
Methods: This observational study included all pediatric patients hospitalized for bronchiolitis at the University of Catania's Pediatric Respiratory Unit between October 2021 and March 2025. Data were collected on viral etiology, hospital stay duration, clinical severity and respiratory support requirements across four epidemic seasons. Statistical analysis was used to compare outcomes across the different years, with a focus on the 2024-2025 season, which was the first to implement Nirsevimab immunization.
Results: From 2022 to 2025, the incidence of hospitalized bronchiolitis decreased significantly, with a reduction of 84% in the 2024-2025 season compared to previous (2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24) years (p < 0.0001). In the 2024-2025 season, a significant difference was observed in the percentage of RSV cases in 2025 compared to previous years and a significant reduction in the circulation of non-RSV viruses. The average hospital stay and clinical severity remained stable throughout the years. Only one hospitalized patient in the 2024-2025 season had received Nirsevimab, presenting with mild bronchiolitis.
Conclusion: The introduction of Nirsevimab in Sicily led to a significant reduction in bronchiolitis incidence, with a reduction of RSV and non-RSV cases. Clinical severity and hospital stay duration remained unchanged. The findings support the efficacy of Nirsevimab in preventing severe bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization
Advances in Maxwell’s Equations: Overview, Applications and Relations with Other Foundational Equations of Theoretical Physics
No full textDear Colleagues,
Maxwell’s equations serve as a foundational bridge between classical field theory and the modern quantum and relativistic landscape. This Special Issue, "Advances in Maxwell’s Equations: Overview, Applications and Relations with Other Foundational Equations of Theoretical Physics," seeks to explore this relationship through the lens of rigorous mathematical frameworks. We aim to highlight how modern geometric methods and functional analysis—including the application of Schwartz distribution theory—provide a deeper understanding of electromagnetic phenomena and their interplay with other fundamental wave equations.
A central theme of this collection is the formal correspondence between Maxwell’s system and Schrödinger-type equations. We encourage submissions that utilize advanced mathematical tools to investigate existence, uniqueness, and the construction of exact solutions. Whether through the study of underlying symmetries, the application of generalized functions, or the exploration of wave–particle dualities in curved spacetimes, we invite contributors to submit original research that bridges the gap between abstract mathematics and theoretical physics, as well as the gap between classical and quantum physics.
By examining Maxwell's theory alongside the foundational equations of quantum and relativistic mechanics, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of electromagnetic research.
Prof. Dr. David Carfì
Guest Edito
Comprehensive dose-dependent hepatorenal protective effects of Ziziphus nummularia leaf extract against quinolphos-induced toxicity in Wistar rats
No full textDimethyl carbonate as a green organic modifier in supercritical fluid extraction of pesticide residue analysis in apple samples
No full textIn line with the Green Analytical Chemistry principles, the drive to replace conventional organic solvents with more sustainable alternatives is rapidly evolving. This study introduces dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a novel co-solvent in supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for the multi-residue analysis of pesticides in apple samples. The extraction performance of DMC was systematically compared with that of acetonitrile (ACN) and bio-ethanol (EtOH) under optimized conditions (30% co-solvent, 150 bar, 70 °C, 1 mL min−1 flow rate, and 21 min of total extraction time). A panel of 64 pesticides, covering different chemical classes (e.g., organochlorine, organophosphorus, pyrethroid, carbamate, benzamides, triazoles), polarities (with log kow ranging from −0.9 to 7.7), and molecular weights (ranging from 141 to 532), were evaluated. The method achieved an average extraction yield of 85% with DMC, while also providing significantly cleaner extracts by reducing the co-extraction of matrix components. These results underline the potential of DMC to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of pesticide residue analysis, closely aligning with the objectives of green analytical practices
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Children: A Clinical Overview of Diagnosis and Management
No full textNontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), often referred to as environmental or atypical mycobacteria, are opportunistic pathogens phylogenetically as well as clinically distinct from both the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. In the pediatric age group, NTM disease manifests with a diverse range of clinical phenotypes. Cervicofacial lymphadenitis stands out as the most common presentation among children who are immunocompetent. Conversely, skin and soft tissue infections, pulmonary disease and disseminated infections constitute less prevalent, yet clinically important, disease forms. Accurate identification is paramount, as differentiating NTM infections from tuberculosis (TB) remains challenging based solely on clinical symptoms, initial laboratory analyses, or standard radiological findings. This distinction is critical because treatment protocols for NTM infections differ substantially from those for tuberculosis. This narrative review offers a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of NTM infections in children. It examines the spectrum of clinical presentations and their prevalence, addresses the complexities of diagnosis and therapy, and underscores the importance of differential diagnosis against tuberculosis. Furthermore, we explore current diagnostic strategies, available therapeutic options, and the link between specific clinical syndromes and tailored management, pointing out existing knowledge gaps and suggesting priorities for future research. The absence of rapid, species-specific diagnostic tools often results in delayed initiation of targeted treatment, while overlapping clinical features with TB can lead to misdiagnosis. Therapeutic management is complicated by the necessity for prolonged drug courses, frequent occurrences of drug intolerance, limited availability of child-appropriate formulations, and the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance. Successfully tackling these issues demands enhanced surveillance, precise species-level identification, the creation of child-friendly drug formats, and the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines specifically designed for the pediatric population
Protective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on in vitro Adipocyte Senescence and Metabolic Dysfunction
No full textAn Integrated Assessment of Battery and Hydrogen Electric Vehicles for Urban and Interurban Service Operations
No full textUrban freight and service operations represent a critical challenge for cities, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, congestion, and competition for curb space. In addition to parcel deliveries, many service trips combine transport with installation, maintenance, or packaging recovery, generating long vehicle dwell times and inefficient use of public space. This paper investigates alternative operational scenarios for such activities, evaluating technological and organizational options that can reduce their environmental and spatial impacts. The study compares a diesel LCV baseline with four zero-emission configurations: battery electric LCVs; battery electric LCVs integrated with micro-hubs and cargo e-bikes; hydrogen fuel cell LCVs for long-range operations, and hydrogen fuel cell LCVs combined with cargo e-bikes via micro-hubs. The methodological framework is based on a vehicle routing problem (VRP) formulation supported by empirical data from Rome. It integrates indicators of energy use, carbon emissions, and curb-side occupation, and it includes the spatial representation of routes on urban and inter-urban maps to highlight operational differences across the five scenarios. Results indicate that zero-emission vehicles can eliminate tailpipe emissions, while logistics reorganization through decoupling improves the use of public space and enables the recovery of packaging materials. Battery solutions appear best suited to short and medium distances, whereas hydrogen is advantageous for longer routes. Overall, the study shows that combining technological and organizational measures provides a robust pathway toward sustainable logistics and more efficient service operations in metropolitan contexts
Matematizzazione e discretizzazione del reale: Platone e Benasayag
No full textL’obiettivo di questa comunicazione è prendere in esame la ricostruzione storico-filosofica di Miguel Benasayag secondo la quale gli attuali processi di digitalizzazione del reale costituirebbero la formulazione di un nuovo platonismo matematico. Non soltanto nell’ontologia digitale, come nel platonismo, il linguaggio matematico è considerato il linguaggio universale della natura; ma soprattutto, in entrambi gli scenari, l’esperienza organica è svalutata a favore di una idealità astratta ed immateriale. Ad unire storicamente la cosmologia platonica alle nuove ideologie del digitale è, come mostrerò, la decisiva operazione di approssimazione del reale all’idealità matematica effettuata da Galilei
Redefining Thyroid Nodule Evaluation: Demographics, Misleading Symptoms, and Diagnostic Challenges. Insights From a Multicenter Study
No full textObjective: Thyroid ultrasound (US) is the cornerstone for diagnosing nodular thyroid disease, yet many US examinations are prompted by nonspecific local symptoms (LS) like dysphagia or a palpable neck mass (NM). The clinical utility of such referrals remains debated. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study analyzed 614 patients diagnosed with thyroid nodules (TNs) via US from 2 endocrinology centers in Italy between December 2021 and October 2022. Patients were grouped based on referral reason: symptomatic TNs, further subdivided into NM and LS, versus nonsymptomatic TNs. Clinical, ultrasonographic, and management data were compared. Results: Symptomatic TNs accounted for 28.7% of cases (19.2% NM, 9.5% LS). NM patients were younger, more often female, and had larger, often cystic or isthmic-located nodules than nonsymptomatic TN patients. Conversely, LS patients had no significant differences in thyroid volume or nodule size but showed a higher prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Fine-needle aspiration was more common in the NM group because of larger nodules, but malignancy rates did not differ across groups. Surgical rates were similar, whereas thermal ablation was more frequent in the NM group. Conclusions: A third of TNs are diagnosed during US prompted by LS, yet only NMs are associated with distinct nodule characteristics. Dysphagia and dysphonia were nonspecific and more related to gastroesophageal reflux disease than TNs. These findings support caution against overuse of US. Demographics, nodule features, and location should guide clinical suspicion and imaging decisions to avoid unnecessary imaging and interventions