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Legal Perspectives for a Sustainable Circular Economy
Full text linkThe open access book invites readers to critically address the new model of a Sustainable Circular Economy also from the legal point of view, tracing new perspectives in order to fairly orient the law in this systemic paradigm transition.
The paradigm shift towards a Sustainable Circular Economy is at the core of the EU policy agenda, aiming at revolutionizing the whole economic productive model that characterizes our contemporary society. However, the legal dimension is often underestimated in this framework. Actually, the legal system cannot resort to old schemes if it wants to respond properly to new challenges. In order to achieve effectively the indicated objectives of social progress, it is decisive that also the legal dimension of a Sustainable Circular Economy, and so the regulation of the market and the society on which it impacts, is designed consistently with an innovative approach. That is why this research intends to promote a general reconceptualization of existing legal configurations, exploring new perspectives to strengthen the role of individuals in the socio-economic system, as aware ‘human’ beings that, as such, take care of the world they live in
Multi-cancer early detection revisited: insights and lessons from the PATHFINDER 2 study
No full textThe PATHFINDER 2 trial confirms that multi-cancer early detection is transitioning from a conceptual innovation to a clinical reality. However, the data also underscore that technological feasibility does not equate to clinical justification, considering also that multi-cancer early detection tests have not yet undergone evaluation of safety and efficacy in randomized controlled trials. Looking ahead, the optimal use of these technologies may hence be driven by a paradigm shift, involving targeted implementation in high-risk populations, rather than widespread application to the general public. Only through robust, long-term randomized clinical trials, demonstrating reductions in cancer-specific mortality and cost-effective utilization of healthcare resources, will multi-cancer early detection testing gain a clear role in preventive oncology
Two-tier screening approach for liver fibrosis stratification in outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A multicenter cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: To examine the prevalence and severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to assess the effectiveness of the EASL-EASD-EASO algorithm for liver fibrosis screening. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 1203 Italian older outpatients with T2DM who underwent vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) assessment. MASLD was defined as CAP >= 248 dB/m. Significant liver fibrosis was defined as LSM >= 8 kPa, compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) as LSM >= 10 kPa, and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) as LSM >= 25 kPa or LSM >= 20 kPa and platelet count <150 000/mm(3). FIB-4 index was calculated in all participants. Results: The prevalence rates of MASLD, significant liver fibrosis, cACLD, and CSPH were 71.3%, 21.1%, 11.7% and 1.7%, respectively. A 2-tier screening strategy for liver fibrosis using the FIB-4 index and VCTE showed that among patients with a normal FIB-4 index, 629 (83.3%) had LSM <8 kPa and 126 (16.7%) had LSM >= 8 kPa. Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of the FIB-4 index for detecting LSM >= 8 kPa were 50.4%, 66.3%, 83.3% and 28.6%, respectively. Increased body weight (adjusted-OR 3.34, 95%CI 1.75-6.39) and elevated ALT levels (adjusted-OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.01-2.36) were the strongest predictors of significant liver fibrosis. Conclusions: MASLD and significant liver fibrosis are common in older patients with T2DM. Fibrosis risk stratification using FIB-4, followed by VCTE, is a good strategy in real-world settings. However, relying solely on FIB-4 may fail to identify some patients with advanced disease, particularly those with increased body weight and elevated serum aminotransferase levels
Extracellular Vesicles in Osteogenesis: Comparative Analysis of Stem Cell Sources, Conditioning Strategies, and In Vitro Models Toward Advanced Bone Regeneration
Full text linkExtracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from stem cells have emerged as promising mediators of osteogenesis, suggesting cell-free alternatives for bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the main stem cell sources used for EV production, including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), umbilical cord MSCs (UC-MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and alternative stromal populations. Particular attention is given to the ways in which different conditioning and differentiation strategies, such as osteogenic induction, hypoxia, and mechanical stimulation, modulate EV cargo composition and enhance their therapeutic potential. We further discuss the in vitro models employed to evaluate EV-mediated bone regeneration, ranging from 2D cultures to complex 3D spheroids, scaffold-based systems, and bone organoids. Overall, this review emphasizes the current challenges related to standardization, scalable production, and clinical translation. It also outlines future directions, including bioengineering approaches, advanced preclinical models, and the integration of multi-omics approaches and artificial intelligence to optimize EV-based therapies. By integrating current knowledge, this work aims to guide researchers toward more consistent and physiologically relevant strategies to harness EVs for effective bone regeneration. Finally, this work uniquely integrates a comparative analysis of EVs from multiple stem cell sources with engineering strategies and emerging clinical perspectives, thereby providing an updated and translational framework for their application in bone regeneration
RNAi-mediated gene silencing of a 26S proteasome subunit increases mortality of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica
No full textBACKGROUND: The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is a highly polyphagous quarantine invasive species causing severe crop damages. Its management is based on broad-spectrum insecticides and sustainable alternatives are needed. Strategies based on RNA interference (RNAi) emerged in crop protection and we aimed to explore its use to control P. japonica. RESULTS: Nine genes of P. japonica were selected as lethal candidates, based on previous wide-genome screenings on other coleopterans. To avoid off-target effects, genes showing over 80% identity with pollinator homologues were excluded and P. japonica double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were designed in the least conserved portions according to alignments with Apis mellifera. When incubated in P. japonica midgut juice, dsRNAs were not degraded. Injection and plant-mediated feeding were used to deliver dsRNAs to larvae and adults. Five targets were tested, and two genes were selected as the most effective in increasing mortality, namely regulatory particle non-ATPase 6 subunit (RPN) and shibire_dynamin-like protein (SHI). A significant transcript reduction up to 21 days (RPN: 3-5 fold-change silencing) after dsRNA injection indicated that effective gene silencing occurred, as also supported by sequencing of small RNA libraries. In adults, RNAi-mediated depletion of RPN transcript reduced survival, either when insects were injected or mass-fed on vine leaves dsRNA-treated. CONCLUSION: A subunit of the 26S proteasome was indicated as promising RNAi target for dsRNA-based insecticide against the Japanese beetle. The data pave the way for the possible use of RNAi approaches to control this pest, proactively waiting for the European Union approval of exogenously applied dsRNAs. (c) 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry
L’ascolto del minore da parte del giudice: alcune riflessioni di diritto sostanziale su una nuova riforma processuale
No full textAnalisi della recente disciplina in tema di ascolt
Exploring the Gut Microbiome in Combat Sports: A Systematic Scoping Review
Full text linkThe gut microbiota represents a complex microbial ecosystem with the potential to influence athletic performance, energy metabolism, inflammatory responses, and recovery capacity in athletes. However, the specific relationship between microbiota and performance in combat sport athletes remains poorly characterized. This scoping review systematically maps current evidence on gut microbiota-combat sports performance relationships, identifies microbial response patterns to training and competition, evaluates nutritional prebiotic and probiotic interventions, and highlights methodological gaps to guide future research. Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, 8 studies were identified, which included 247 elite and high-level athletes, comprising 169 males and 78 females, with sample sizes ranging from 12 to 53 across wrestling, mixed martial arts, martial arts, judo, and taekwondo. Associations were observed between gut microbiota characteristics and training intensity, competition level, weight management, and pre-competition psychological states. Limited taxonomic consistency was observed across studies, with most bacterial genera appearing in a single investigation, precluding the identification of robust sport-specific microbial signatures. Preliminary trials demonstrated improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms, aerobic performance, and psychological fatigue with prebiotic and probiotic interventions. However, small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity across studies limit generalizability and preclude definitive conclusions regarding the role of gut microbiome in combat sports performance
Optimizing RPL Routing Using Tabu Search to Improve Link Stability and Energy Consumption in IoT Networks
No full textThe Routing Protocol for Low-power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is widely used in Internet of Things (IoT) systems, where devices usually have very limited resources. However, RPL still faces several problems, such as high energy usage, unstable links, and inefficient routing decisions, which reduce the overall network performance and lifetime. In this work, we introduce TABURPL, an improved routing method that applies Tabu Search (TS) to optimize the parent selection process. The method uses a combined cost function that considers Residual Energy, Transmission Energy, Distance to the Sink, Hop Count, Expected Transmission Count (ETX), and Link Stability Rate (LSR). Simulation results show that TABURPL improves link stability, lowers energy consumption, and increases the packet delivery ratio compared with standard RPL and other existing approaches. These results indicate that Tabu Search can handle the complex trade-offs in IoT routing and can provide a more reliable solution for extending the network lifetime
Spinal Cord Transcutaneous Stimulation Priming Largely Enhances Lower Limb Performance during a Simulated Power Training Session in Young Active Males
Full text linkPurpose: To investigate the potential efficacy of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) priming to enhance lower limb neuromuscular performance during a subsequent power training session. Methods: Eleven young active males (age: 21.3±1.6 years) participated in this randomized crossover, sham-controlled study. The priming protocol consisted of the application of scTS or sham stimulation (Sham) at rest and during warm-up for approximately 25 minutes. Force, velocity and power as well as electromyography (EMG) of lower limbs generated during unilateral half-squats on a Smith machine were assessed over two separate experimental sessions (scTS or Sham) for: (i) four power training sets, each including six unilateral repetitions with (ii) the last (fourth) set continuing to failure. Results: Peak and mean power generated during the four power training sets preceded by scTS priming were significantly higher (11%, p<0.001 and 14%, p=0.008, respectively) than those generated in the Sham session. Similar trends were also shown by velocity, force and total impulse of force. Exploratory EMG analysis revealed that scTS priming favoured an overall improved activation of the vastus lateralis during the concentric phase. Higher peak and mean power outputs (13%, p=0.006, and 24%, p=0.014, respectively), associated with higher EMG amplitude of vastus lateralis, were promoted by scTS priming also for the last set to failure, which resulted in a similar number of repetitions between the scTS (32±17) and Sham priming (32±19) sessions. Conclusions: scTS priming enhanced neuromuscular outcomes during a simulated lower limb power training session. Further studies should implement scTS priming throughout a longitudinal power training intervention and assess its potential to enhance training-induced neuromuscular adaptations
Aloysia citrodora Polyphenolic Extract: From Anti-Glycative Activity to In Vitro Bioaccessibility and In Silico Studies
Full text linkBackground: The in vivo accumulation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs)
is associated with the development of several chronic aging-related and degenerative
diseases, as they alter protein structures and activate oxidative and inflammatory processes
through interactions with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Plant secondary metabolites
play a key role in counteracting the glycation process through various mechanisms of
action. Therefore, Aloysia citrodora leaf polyphenolic extract could represent a source
of anti-glycative compounds. Methods: The methanolic extract was characterized by
RP-HPLC-DAD-MSn, and its anti-glycative properties were investigated using several
in vitro assays mimicking the different steps of the glycation reaction. In parallel, molecular
docking studies were carried out to evaluate potential interactions between the identified
metabolites and RAGE. Furthermore, A. citrodora metabolites’ stability under simulated
in vitro digestion was assessed, and the anti-glycative activity of the bioaccessible fraction
was investigated. Results: A. citrodora extract, rich in iridoid glycosides, phenylethanoid
glycosides, and flavones, strongly inhibited AGE formation (from 10% to 100%) in both
the middle and end step of the reaction and had high methylglyoxal and glyoxal trapping
capacity. However, the digestion process affected extract stability, particularly under
intestinal conditions, yielding an overall bioaccessibility of about 40% and leading to a
subsequent reduction in anti-glycative properties. Finally, molecular modeling analysis
highlighted the ability of the studied metabolites to bind RAGE. Conclusions: A. citrodora
represents a promising source of natural anti-glycative agents with potential applications
as food ingredients. However, it is essential to improve the extract bioaccessibility and to
preserve its anti-glycative properties by developing a suitable formulatio