Paint it green: A neuroscientific approach to hotel sustainability and ecological tourism - Giulia Fronda; Federico Cassioli; Roberta Sebastiani; Annalisa Beatrice Galeone; Michela Balconi (Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2021)

Gonfienti (Prato, Tuscany, Central Italy), a zooarchaeological snapshot on daily sixth-century Etruscan household life - Chiara Capalbo; Giulia Peri; Paul P. A. Mazza (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021)
While Etruscan sites have received considerable attention over the years, scholarly focus has rarely been directed on the faunal remains from the various celebrated archaeological localities. The present is a zooarchaeological analysis of archaeofaunal material from Gonfienti, a renowned Etruscan locality near Prato, in north-central Tuscany. The vast, complex archaeological site includes a large building, called Edifice 1, that was constructed starting from the sixth century BC. Predominant taphonomic signatures, human-induced damage, archaeobiological evidence and mortality patterns obtained from the study of the faunal remains from the building’s main phase of occupation revealed that the householders depended principally on cattle and subordinately on domestic suids for much of their subsistence, although game also formed part of the diet. The zooarchaeological interpretations match up very well with the interpretations of the excavators and archaeologists concerning the function of Edifice 1 and the use of some of its rooms. In addition, the low incidence of in situ weathering, extensive corrosion of cortical bone surfaces possibly by exposure to alkaline solutions and the relatively high frequency of waterfowls in the studied samples suggest that the area hosting Edifice 1 experienced very humid conditions and was surrounded by large wetland expanses at the time of its main Etruscan occupation.

Archaeometric study of wall rock paintings from the Sant’Angelo in Criptis cave, Santeramo in Colle, Bari: insights on the rupestrian decorative art in Apulia (Southern Italy) - Giovanna Fioretti; Anna Garavelli; Giulia Germinario; Daniela Pinto (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021)

Meta‐Fish‐Lib : A generalised, dynamic DNA reference library pipeline for metabarcoding of fishes - Rupert A. Collins; Giulia Trauzzi; Katherine M. Maltby; Thomas I. Gibson; Frances C. Ratcliffe; Jane Hallam; Sophie Rainbird; James Maclaine; Peter A. Henderson; David W. Sims; Stefano Mariani; Martin J. Genner (Journal of Fish Biology, 2021)
The accuracy and reliability of DNA metabarcoding analyses depend on the breadth and quality of the reference libraries that underpin them. However, there are limited options available to obtain and curate the huge volumes of sequence data that are available on public repositories such as NCBI and BOLD. Here, we provide a pipeline to download, clean and annotate mitochondrial DNA sequence data for a given list of fish species. Features of this pipeline include (a) support for multiple metabarcode markers; (b) searches on species synonyms and taxonomic name validation; (c) phylogeny assisted quality control for identification and removal of misannotated sequences; (d) automatically generated coverage reports for each new GenBank release update; and (e) citable, versioned DOIs. As an example we provide a ready‐to‐use curated reference library for the marine and freshwater fishes of the U.K. To augment this reference library for environmental DNA metabarcoding specifically, we generated 241 new MiFish‐12S sequences for 88 U.K. marine species, and make available new primer sets useful for sequencing these. This brings the coverage of common U.K. species for the MiFish‐12S fragment to 93%, opening new avenues for scaling up fish metabarcoding across wide spatial gradients. The Meta‐Fish‐Lib reference library and pipeline is hosted at https://github.com/genner-lab/meta-fish-lib .

The Cerebellum in Drug-naive Children with Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder - Sankalp Tikoo; Antonio Suppa; Silvia Tommasin; Costanza Giannì; Giulia Conte; Giovanni Mirabella; Francesco Cardona; Patrizia Pantano (The Cerebellum, 2021)
Tourette syndrome (TS) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are two neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive behaviors. Our recent study in drug-naive children with TS and OCD provided evidence of cerebellar involvement in both disorders. In addition, cerebellar functional connectivity (FC) was similar in TS patients without comorbidities (TSpure) and TS patients with OCD comorbidity (TS + OCD), but differed in pure OCD patients. To investigate in detail the cerebellar involvement in the pathophysiology of TS and OCD, we explored cerebellar structural and functional abnormalities in drug-naive children with TSpure, TS + OCD, and OCD and assessed possible correlations with severity scores. We examined 53 drug-naive children, classified as TSpure ( n = 16), TS + OCD ( n = 14), OCD ( n = 11), or controls ( n = 12). All subjects underwent a multimodal 3T magnetic resonance imaging examination. Cerebellar lobular volumes and quantitative diffusion tensor imaging parameters of cerebellar peduncles were used as measures of structural integrity. The dentate nucleus was selected as a region of interest to examine cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity alterations. Structural analysis revealed that both TSpure and TS + OCD patients had higher fractional anisotropy in cerebellar peduncles than controls. Conversely, OCD patients were characterized by lower fractional anisotropy than both controls and TSpure and TS + OCD patients. Lastly, cerebellar functional connectivity analysis revealed significant alterations in the cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuit in TSpure, TS + OCD, and OCD patients. Early cerebellar structural and functional changes in drug-naive pediatric TSpure, TS + OCD, and OCD patients support a primary role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of these disorders.

Ocean Literacy across the Mediterranean Sea basin: Evaluating Middle School Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviour towards Ocean Sciences Issues - PANAYOTA KOULOURI; ATHANASIOS MOGIAS; MELITA MOKOS; MARIA CHEIMONOPOULOU; GIULIA REALDON; THEODORA BOUBONARI; MONICA PREVIATI; ALBA TOJEIRO FORMOSO; AHMET ERKAN KIDEYS; MOHAMED ALY HASSAAN; PATRIZIA PATTI; KOSTAS KORFIATIS; et al. (Mediterranean Marine Science, 2021)
The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by rich biodiversity, and its region hosts people living in several countries with a rich variety of cultures, but – at the same time – it is “under siege”, due to anthropogenic pressures. To address these pressures, many actions are needed aiming, among others, at establishing Ocean Literacy (OL) across the Mediterranean countries and preparing the future generation of Mediterranean Sea-literate citizens. Towards this aim, the present cross-national study investigated OL issues in relation to content knowledge, possible common misconceptions, attitudes, and the self-reported behavior of 2,533 middle school students from eight Mediterranean countries (Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Malta, Spain, and Turkey), as well as certain background elements (e.g., gender, grade level, environmental education experience, sources of relevant information). The results of this study revealed that middle school students of all studied countries possess a moderate level of ocean sciences content knowledge, while they showed satisfactory pro-environmental attitudes and behavior. These findings along with further research are expected to function as a baseline for the design, implementation, and launch of specifically targeted programs, educational activities, teaching resources, curricula, and school textbooks, which will be achieved through close collaboration between schools, universities, research institutes, and Ministries of Education, thus contributing to the future protection and sustainable development of the Mediterranean Sea region.

Performance of a baited underwater video system vs. the underwater visual census technique in assessing the structure of fish assemblages in a Mediterranean marine protected area - GABRIELLA LA MANNA; IVAN GUALA; DANIELE GRECH; FRANCESCO PERRETTI; FABIO RONCHETTI; MICHELE MANGHI; ALBERTO RUIU; GIULIA CECCHERELLI (Mediterranean Marine Science, 2021)
Accurate, rapid and cost-effective fish assemblage monitoring is fundamental for marine protected area (MPA) management as a pivotal tool to verify whether and to what extent MPA conservation objectives have been achieved and to redefine these objectives in the framework of an adaptive management. Recently, there has been a sharp increase in the number of video-based methods to study fish fauna, such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems, that, depending on the objectives of the monitoring, can provide complementary or additional data to the more commonly used underwater visual census (UVC). Even though BRUV systems have been widely used in a wide range of geographic contexts and habitats, their use in the Mediterranean basin is still sporadic and the evaluation of the efficiency of BRUV systems and whether they can be used to complement other techniques needs investigation. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the performance of a BRUV system in a Mediterranean MPA and to evaluate its effectiveness in assessing the structure of fish assemblages (abundance and species richness) by comparing estimates with those obtained by the UVC technique. The fish fauna were monitored by BRUV and UVC in the Capo Caccia – Isola Piana Marine Protected Area (Sardinia, Italy), in July and October-November 2020, at four sampling sites and two areas, hundreds of meters apart, for each site. Overall, 46 taxa and a total of 3620 individuals were observed by BRUV, while 36 taxa and a total of 2995 individuals were observed by UVC. The species first observed in front of the camera’s field of view and able to reach the maximum abundance were the planktivores (Chromis chromis and Oblada melanura) followed by several carnivorous species belonging to the families Labridae, Serranidae and Sparidae, and lastly two carnivores (Mullus surmuletus and Mugilidae spp.) and some high-level predators (Dentex dentex, Seriola dumerili, Sphyraena viridensis, Dicentrarchus labrax). The maximum species richness and abundance were reached between 39 and 50 min. The cumulative species richness increased until around 30 min. Species richness was higher during the BRUV compared to the UVC monitoring. The consistency in findings between BRUV and UVC and a better performance of BRUV in detecting some species (mainly high-level predators), supports BRUV as an additional technique for describing and quantifying species richness and abundance also in the Mediterranean Sea. Based on the results of this study, the advantages/disadvantages, shortcomings, suggestions and resources needed for the two techniques are outlined.

Anatomical organization of the lateral cervical nucleus in Artiodactyls - Annamaria Grandis; Anna Gardini; Claudio Tagliavia; Giulia Salamanca; Jean-Marie Graïc; Margherita De Silva; Cristiano Bombardi (Veterinary Research Communications, 2021)
The presence of the lateral cervical nucleus (LCN) in different mammals, including humans, has been established in a number of anatomical research works. The LCN receives its afferent inputs from the spinocervical tract, and conveys this somatosensory information to the various brain areas, especially the thalamus. In the present study, the organization of the calf and pig LCN was examined through the use of thionine staining and immunohistochemical methods combined with morphometrical analyses. Specifically, the localization of calbindin-D28k (CB-D28k) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the LCN was investigated using the immunoperoxidase method. Calf and pig LCN appear as a clearly defined column of gray matter located in the three cranial segments of the cervical spinal cord. Thionine staining shows that polygonal neurons represent the main cell type in both species. The calf and pig LCN contained CB-D28k-immunoreactive (IR) neurons of varying sizes. Large neurons are probably involved in the generation of the cervicothalamic pathway. Small CB-D28k-IR neurons, on the other hand, could act as local interneurons. The immunoreactivity for nNOS was found to be mainly located in thin neuronal processes that could represent the terminal axonal portion of nNOS-IR found in laminae III e IV. This evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) could modulate the synaptic activity of the glutamatergic spinocervical tracts. These findings suggest that the LCN of Artiodactyls might play an important role in the transmission of somatosensory information from the spinal cord to the higher centers of the brain.

Environmental variability and allostatic load in the Eurasian red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris - Giulia Cordeschi; Tanja Peric; Alberto Prandi; Francesca Zoratto; Emiliano Mori (Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 2021)

Elicitation of phenylpropanoids in maqui (Aristotelia chilensis [Mol.] Stuntz) plants micropropagated in photomixotrophic temporary immersion bioreactors (TIBs) - Giulia E. Trentini; Makarena Rojas; Daniela Gajardo; Débora Alburquenque; Evelyn Villagra; Aleydis Gómez; Laura Arru; Ariel D. Arencibia (Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2021)

Cost–benefit analysis of flood mitigation measures: a case study employing high-performance hydraulic and damage modelling - Daniela Molinari; Susanna Dazzi; Edoardo Gattai; Guido Minucci; Giulia Pesaro; Alessio Radice; Renato Vacondio (Natural Hazards, 2021)
This paper shows a detailed, advanced procedure to implement cost–benefit analyses (CBAs) in order to assess the effectiveness of flood mitigation measures. The town of Lodi (North of Italy) has been selected as a case study for the research work, as it was hit by a large flood in 2002 for which several data are available. In order to compute the benefits, in terms of avoided damage with the mitigation measure in place, micro-scale damage models developed within the Flood-IMPAT + project were used. The great amount of input data for such models comes from results of a two-dimensional river modelling, for what concern the hazard parameters, and from open-source database, to evaluate the vulnerability and the exposure of the hit area. The research highlights that technological-advanced, high-performance hydraulic models allow taking into account a variety of hazard scenarios, with reasonable computational time, supporting the proper accounting of the probabilistic nature of risk in CBAs. Nonetheless, such high-resolution tools support the implementation of micro-scale damage assessment models, which can provide information on the distribution of benefits in the investigated area, increasing the effectiveness of CBAs for policy making.

Cost-sensitive rainfall thresholds for shallow landslides - Gianluca Sala; Camilla Lanfranconi; Paolo Frattini; Giulia Rusconi; Giovanni B. Crosta (Landslides, 2021)
The risk management of rainfall-induced landslides requires reliable rainfall thresholds to issue early warning alerts. The practical application of these thresholds often leads to misclassifications, either false negative or false positive, which induce costs for the society. Since missed-alarm (false negative) and false-alarm (false positive) cost may be significantly different, it is necessary to find an optimal threshold that accounts for and minimises such costs, tuning the false-alarm and missed-alarm rates. In this paper, we propose a new methodology to develop cost-sensitive rainfall thresholds, and we also analyse several factors that produce uncertainty, such as the accuracy of rainfall intensity values at landslide location, the time of occurrence, the minimum rainfall amount to define the non-triggering event, and the variability of cost scenarios. Starting from a detailed mapping of landslides that occurred during five large-scale rainfall events in the Italian Central Alps, we first developed rainfall threshold curves with a ROC-based approach by using both rain gauge and bias-adjusted weather radar data. Then, based on a reference cost scenario in which we quantified several cost items for both missed alarms and false alarms, we developed cost-sensitive rainfall threshold curves by using cost-curve approach (Drummond and Holte 2000). Finally, we studied the sensitivity of cost items. The study confirms how important is the information regarding rainfall intensity at the landslide site for the development of rainfall thresholds. Although the use of bias-corrected radar strongly improves these values, a large uncertainty related to the exact time of landslide occurrence still remains, negatively affecting the analysis. Accounting for the different missed-alarm and false-alarm misclassification costs is important because different combinations of these costs make an increase or decrease of the rainfall thresholds convenient. In our reference cost scenario, the most convenient threshold is lower than ROC-based thresholds because it seeks to minimise the number of missed alarms, whereas the missed-alarm costs are almost seven times greater than false-alarm costs. However, for different cost scenarios, threshold may vary significantly, as much as half an order of magnitude.

KRIT1 Gene in Patients with Cerebral Cavernous Malformations: Clinical Features and Molecular Characterization of Novel Variants - Claudia Ricci; Alfonso Cerase; Giulia Riolo; Giuditta Manasse; Stefania Battistini (Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 2021)
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular malformations that may result in headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and hemorrhage. CCMs occur sporadically (80%) or in familial form (20%), with autosomal dominant inheritance. Among the three CCM-related genes, mutations in KRIT1 account for 53–65% of familial cases and more than 100 different mutations have been identified so far. In the present work, we describe the clinical, neuroradiological, and genetic findings of sixteen CCM Italian patients, 13 belonging to 4 unrelated families and 3 sporadic cases. Six distinct KRIT1 gene variants, two novel (c.1730+1_1730+3del, c.1664 C>T) and four previously described (c.966G>A, c.1255-1G>A c.1197_1200del, c.1255-1_1256del), were identified, including a possible de novo mutation. All the variants resulted in a premature stop codon. Cerebral 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple CCMs in all the mutation carriers for whom it was available, including sporadic cases. One patient had also cutaneous angiomas. Among the mutation carriers, symptomatic patients constituted 66% and a variable phenotypic expression was observed. Our data confirms phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance of neurological symptoms in KRIT1 -positive families, expands the mutational spectrum of this gene, and highlights how sporadic cases with multiple lesions need an approach similar to individuals with familial CCM.

Patterns of ectoparasite infection in wild-caught and laboratory-bred cichlid fish, and their hybrids, implicate extrinsic rather than intrinsic causes of species differences in infection - Tiziana P. Gobbin; Ron Tiemersma; Giulia Leone; Ole Seehausen; Martine E. Maan (Hydrobiologia, 2021)
Parasite-mediated selection may initiate or enhance differentiation between host populations that are exposed to different parasite infections. Variation in infection among populations may result from differences in host ecology (thereby exposure to certain parasites) and/or intrinsic immunological traits. Species of cichlid fish, even when recently diverged, often differ in parasite infection, but the contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic causes are unknown. Here, we compare infection patterns between two closely related host species from Lake Victoria (genus Pundamilia ), using wild-caught and first-generation laboratory-reared fish, as well as laboratory-reared hybrids. Three of the commonest ectoparasite species observed in the wild were also present in the laboratory populations. However, the infection differences between the host species as observed in the wild were not maintained in laboratory conditions. In addition, hybrids did not differ in infection from either parental species. These findings suggest that the observed species differences in infection in the wild might be mainly driven by ecology-related effects (i.e. differential exposure), rather than by intrinsic species differences in immunological traits. Thus, while there is scope for parasite-mediated selection in Pundamilia in the wild, it has apparently not yet generated divergent evolutionary responses and may not enhance assortative mating among closely related species.

Neural encoding and functional interactions underlying pantomimed movements - Giulia Malfatti; Luca Turella (Brain Structure and Function, 2021)
Pantomimes are a unique movement category which can convey complex information about our intentions in the absence of any interaction with real objects. Indeed, we can pretend to use the same tool to perform different actions or to achieve the same goal adopting different tools. Nevertheless, how our brain implements pantomimed movements is still poorly understood. In our study, we explored the neural encoding and functional interactions underlying pantomimes adopting multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and connectivity analysis of fMRI data. Participants performed pantomimed movements, either grasp-to-move or grasp-to-use, as if they were interacting with two different tools (scissors or axe). These tools share the possibility to achieve the same goal. We adopted MVPA to investigate two levels of representation during the planning and execution of pantomimes: (1) distinguishing different actions performed with the same tool, (2) representing the same final goal irrespective of the adopted tool. We described widespread encoding of action information within regions of the so-called “tool” network. Several nodes of the network—comprising regions within the ventral and the dorsal stream—also represented goal information. The spatial distribution of goal information changed from planning—comprising posterior regions (i.e. parietal and temporal)—to execution—including also anterior regions (i.e. premotor cortex). Moreover, connectivity analysis provided evidence for task-specific bidirectional coupling between the ventral stream and parieto-frontal motor networks. Overall, we showed that pantomimes were characterized by specific patterns of action and goal encoding and by task-dependent cortical interactions.

Addressing Cetacean–Fishery Interactions to Inform a Deep-Sea Ecosystem-Based Management in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) - Pasquale Ricci; Elisabetta Manea; Giulia Cipriano; Daniela Cascione; Gianfranco D’Onghia; Maurizio Ingrosso; Carmelo Fanizza; Porzia Maiorano; Angelo Tursi; Roberto Carlucci (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2021)
Understanding of cetaceans’ trophic role and the quantification of their impacts on the food web is a critical task, especially when data on their prey are linked to deep-sea ecosystems, which are often exposed to excessive exploitation of fishery resources due to poor management. This aspect represents one of the major issues in marine resource management, and trade-offs are needed to simultaneously support the conservation of cetaceans and their irreplaceable ecological role, together with sustainable fishing yield. In that regard, food web models can represent useful tools to support decision-making processes according to an ecosystem-based management (EBM) approach. This study provides a focus on the feeding activity occurrence and the trophic interactions between odontocetes and the fishery in the marine food web of the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea), by zooming in on cetaceans’ prey of commercial interest. In particular, the quantification of trophic impacts is estimated using a food web mass-balance model that integrates information on the bathymetric displacement of both cetaceans’ prey and fishing activity. The results are discussed from a management perspective to guide future research and knowledge enhancement activities as well as support the implementation of an EBM approach.

Changes of biomechanics induced by Equistasi® in Parkinson’s disease: coupling between balance and lower limb joints kinematics - Marco Romanato; Annamaria Guiotto; Fabiola Spolaor; Leila Bakdounes; Giulia Baldassarre; Alberto Cucca; Antonella Peppe; Daniele Volpe; Zimi Sawacha (Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing, 2021)

First report of Fusarium tricinctum species complex causing leaf spot on Hosta fortunei in Italy - Angelo Garibaldi; Giulia Tabone; Vladimiro Guarnaccia; Incoronata Luongo; Maria Lodovica Gullino (Journal of Plant Pathology, 2021)

Antimicrobial stewardship experience in paediatrics: first-year activity report - Erika Silvestro; Raffaella Marino; Francesca Cusenza; Giulia Pruccoli; Marco Denina; Gianfranco De Intinis; Francesco Licciardi; Silvia Garazzino; Carlo Scolfaro (European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2021)

Safety profile of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapies (CAR-T) in clinical practice - Giulia Bonaldo; Nicola Montanaro; AlbertoVaccheri; Domenico Motola (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2021)
Purpose Two chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies have been approved in the United States (USA) in 2017 and Europe (EU) in 2018: axicabtagene ciloleucel and tisagenlecleucel. They contain the patient’s own T cells, which are extracted, genetically modified, and reinfused. Alongside the good efficacy results, the assessment of safety profile of these new therapies represents a great challenge. Our aim was to analyze the reports of the adverse drug reactions (ADR) after CAR-T administration as occurred in the real clinical setting. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study, collecting all the reports in EU (EudraVigilance, EV) and US (FAERS) databases of ADRs regarding axicabtagene ciloleucel and tisagenlecleucel. Both descriptive and statistical analyses were performed, the latter by using Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR). Results A total number of 1426 reports of suspected ADRs were retrieved in EudraVigilance and FAERS. Patients’ reported age reflected the age range for which the drugs are approved (18–64 years for axicabtagene ciloleucel and patients aged under 25 years for tisagenlecleucel). The most reported event was cytokine release syndrome (CRS), 185 events for tisagenlecleucel and 462 for axicabtagene ciloleucel in FAERS and 137 and 498, respectively, in EudraVigilance. A disproportionality was found comparing axicabtagene ciloleucel with tisagenlecleucel for the above-mentioned event: EV ROR 2.47, 95% CI 2.22–2.74, FAERS 1.89, 1.70–2.10. Conclusion CRS represents the major problem with the administration of CAR-T therapies. Our analysis has not revealed new ADRs; however, it supports the safety profile of CAR-T with new data from real clinical setting.

Biological responses in pesticide exposed lizards (Podarcis siculus) - Giulia Simbula; Ginevra Moltedo; Barbara Catalano; Giacomo Martuccio; Claudia Sebbio; Fulvio Onorati; Luca Stellati; Alessandra Maria Bissattini; Leonardo Vignoli (Ecotoxicology, 2021)
The release of contaminants as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides into the environment has been listed as one of the six major contributors to the global decline of reptiles. Although reptiles may face severe risk from contaminants due to their ecology and physiology, they are currently less studied than other vertebrate groups. In the present work, we investigated if and how different types of field treatment (conventional and organic) affected the health status of Italian wall lizard ( Podarcis siculus ) individuals in central Italy. We chose a multi-biomarker approach that evaluated the biological responses of lizards to the treatment by means of AChE activity in the nervous system, biotransformation enzymes activities and oxidative stress in the liver, micronuclei frequency measured in the erythrocytes, and rate of intestinal parasitic infection. Our findings showed evidence of effects of treatment in conventional areas and between sexes with significant oxidative stress due to hydroxyl radicals, that caused DNA damage. No difference of intestinal parasite infections was found among treatments. Podarcis siculus seems to be a good bioindicator in ecotoxicological studies and potentially in risk assessment of pesticides, although further analyses in laboratory and in the field are needed to achieve more accurate quantification of specific pesticide effects in relation to known exposure history and to understand if other mechanisms were involved in the toxicity and detoxification process of pesticides for this species.

Hippocampal connectivity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): more than Papez circuit impairment - Francesca Trojsi; Federica Di Nardo; Giuseppina Caiazzo; Mattia Siciliano; Giulia D’Alvano; Teresa Ferrantino; Carla Passaniti; Dario Ricciardi; Sabrina Esposito; Luigi Lavorgna; Antonio Russo; Simona Bonavita; et al. (Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2021)
Emerging evidence suggests that memory deficit in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease with varying impairment of motor abilities and cognitive profile, may be independent from executive dysfunction. Our multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach, including resting state functional MRI (RS-fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM), aimed to investigate structural and functional changes within and beyond the Papez circuit in non-demented ALS patients (n = 32) compared with healthy controls (HCs, n = 21), and whether these changes correlated with neuropsychological measures of verbal and non-verbal memory. We revealed a decreased functional connectivity between bilateral hippocampus, bilateral parahippocampal gyri and cerebellum in ALS patients compared with HCs. Between-group comparisons revealed white matter abnormalities in the genu and body of the corpus callosum and bilateral cortico-spinal tracts, superior longitudinal and uncinate fasciculi in ALS patients (p < .05, family-wise error corrected). Interestingly, changes of Digit Span forward performance were inversely related to RS-fMRI signal fluctuations in the cerebellum, while changes of both episodic and visual memory scores were inversely related to mean and radial diffusivity abnormalities in several WM fiber tracts, including middle cerebellar peduncles. Our findings revealed that ALS patients showed significant functional and structural connectivity changes across the regions comprising the Papez circuit, as well as more extended areas including cerebellum and frontal, temporal and parietal areas, supporting the theory of a multi-system pathology in ALS that spreads from cortical to subcortical structures.

Anticancer effects against colorectal cancer models of chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I) encapsulated in PLGA–PEG nanoparticles - Alessio Menconi; Tiziano Marzo; Lara Massai; Alessandro Pratesi; Mirko Severi; Giulia Petroni; Lorenzo Antonuzzo; Luigi Messori; Serena Pillozzi; Damiano Cirri (BioMetals, 2021)
Chloro(triethylphosphine)gold(I), (Et 3 PAuCl hereafter), is an Auranofin (AF)-related compound showing very similar biological and pharmacological properties. Like AF, Et 3 PAuCl exhibits potent antiproliferative properties in vitro toward a variety of cancer cell lines and is a promising anticancer drug candidate. We wondered whether Et 3 PAuCl encapsulation might lead to an improved pharmacological profile also considering the likely reduction of unwanted side-reactions that are responsible for adverse effects and for drug inactivation. Et 3 PAuCl was encapsulated in biocompatible PLGA–PEG nanoparticles (NPs) and the new formulation evaluated in colorectal HCT-116 cancer cells in comparison to the free gold complex. Notably, encapsulated Et 3 PAuCl (nano-Et 3 PAuCl hereafter) mostly retains the cellular properties of the free gold complex and elicits even greater cytotoxic effects in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, mediated by apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, a remarkable inhibition of two crucial signaling pathways, i.e. ERK and AKT, by nano-Et 3 PAuCl, was clearly documented. The implications of these findings are discussed.

A new species of pygmy Paroctopus Naef, 1923 (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae): the smallest southwestern Atlantic octopod, found in sea debris - Tatiana S. Leite; Erica A. G. Vidal; Françoise D. Lima; Sergio M. Q. Lima; Ricardo M. Dias; Giulia A. Giuberti; Davi de Vasconcellos; Jennifer A. Mather; Manuel Haimovici (Marine Biodiversity, 2021)

Productivity changes in the Mediterranean Sea drive foraging movements of yelkouan shearwater Puffinus yelkouan from the core of its global breeding range - Francesco Pezzo; Marco Zenatello; Giulia Cerritelli; Augusto Navone; Dimitri Giunchi; Giovanna Spano; Enrica Pollonara; Alessandro Massolo; Anna Gagliardo; Nicola Baccetti (Marine Ecology, 2021)
Pelagic seabirds are tied to their breeding colonies throughout their long‐lasting breeding season, but at the same time, they have to feed in a highly dynamic marine environment where prey abundance and availability rapidly change across space and seasons. Here, we describe the foraging movements of yelkouan shearwater Puffinus yelkouan , a seabird endemic to the Mediterranean Sea that spends its entire life cycle within this enclosed basin and whose future conservation is intimately linked to human‐driven and climatic changes affecting the sea. The aim was to understand the main factors underlying the choice of foraging locations during the reproductive phases. A total of 34 foraging trips were obtained from 21 breeding adults tagged and tracked on Tavolara Archipelago (N Sardinia, Italy). This is the largest and most important breeding area for the species, accounting for more than 50% of the world population. The relationships between foraging movements during two different breeding stages and the seasonal changes of primary productivity at sea were modeled. Movements appeared to be addressed toward inshore (

Millennial‐scale shifts in microtidal ecosystems during the Holocene: dynamics and drivers of change from the Po Plain coastal record (NE Italy) - Veronica Rossi; Giulia Barbieri; Stefano Claudio Vaiani; Marco Cacciari; Luigi Bruno; Bruno Campo; Marco Marchesini; Silvia Marvelli; Alessandro Amorosi (Journal of Quaternary Science, 2021)
Framed into a robust stratigraphic context, multivariate analyses on the Holocene palaeobiological record (pollen, benthic foraminifers, ostracods) of the Po coastal plain (NE Italy) allowed the investigation of microtidal ecosystems variability and driving parameters along a 35‐km‐long land–sea transect. Millennial‐scale ecosystem shifts are documented by coeval changes in the meiofauna, reflecting variations in organic matter–water depth (shallow‐marine environments) and degree of confinement‐salinity (back‐barrier settings). In‐phase shifts of vegetation communities track unsteady water‐table levels and river dynamics in freshwater palustrine areas. Five environmental–ecological stages followed one another crossing four tipping points that mark changes in relative sea level (RSL), climate and/or fluvial regime. At the culmination of Mediterranean RSL rise, after the 8200 event, remarkable growth of peatlands took place in the Po estuary, while low accumulation rates typified the shelf. At the transgressive–regressive turnaround (~7000 cal a bp ), the estuary turned into a delta plain with tidally influenced interdistributary embayments. River flow regime oscillations after the Climate Optimum (post‐5000 cal a bp ) favoured isolation of the bays and the development of brackish wetlands surrounded by wooded peatlands. The youngest threshold (~800 cal a bp ), which led to the establishment of the modern delta, reflects a major avulsion of the Po River.

Age, Growth and Otolith Microstructure of the Spotted Lanternfish Myctophum punctatum Rafinesque 1810 - Francesco Longo; Danilo Malara; Maria Giulia Stipa; Pierpaolo Consoli; Teresa Romeo; Marilena Sanfilippo; Francesco Abbate; Franco Andaloro; Pietro Battaglia (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2021)
This study investigated, for the first time, the age and growth of the spotted lanternfish Myctophum punctatum through an analysis of otolith microstructure. A total of 377 individuals were collected from the Strait of Messina (central Mediterranean Sea), ranging between 20.3 and 73.7 mm of standard length. Their length–weight relationship was estimated, and these outputs indicated an isometric growth, for all specimens and when males and females were analysed separately. The sagittal otoliths were removed from 185 fish, although the microincrement readings were considered valid for only 173 otoliths. Microincrement counts ranged from 32 to 48 (average = 37.6) in the otolith central zone, 30 to 56 (average = 44.3) in the middle zone, and 36 to 384 (average = 165.5) in the external zone. Overall, total microincrements ranged between 106 and 469. Different growth models (Gompertz, von Bertalanffy and logistic models) were considered, to understand which one fit best in describing the growth patterns in M. punctatum. The Gompertz model was then selected as the best-fitting model and its parameters for all individuals were L∞ = 74.79, k = 0.0084 and I = 139.60.

Testing a Novel Aggregated Methodology to Assess Hydrodynamic Impacts on a High-Resolution Marine Turtle Trajectory - Giovanni Quattrocchi; Andrea Cucco; Giulia Cerritelli; Resi Mencacci; Giorgia Comparetto; Daniela Sammartano; Alberto Ribotti; Paolo Luschi (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
We designed a novel aggregated methodology to infer the impact of ocean motions on the movements of satellite-tracked marine turtles adopting available oceanographic observations and validated products of a numerical oceanographic forecasting system. The method was tested on an 11-months trajectory of a juvenile loggerhead turtle (LT) wandering in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea) that was reconstructed with a high-resolution GPS tracking system. The application of ad-hoc designed metrics revealed that the turtle’s route shape, ground speed and periodicities of its explained variance mimic the inertial motions of the sea, showing that this methodology is able to reveal important details on the relation between turtle movements and oceanographic features. Inertial motions were also identified in the observed trajectory of a surface drifting buoy sampling the Tyrrhenian Sea in a common period. At each sampling point of the turtle trajectory, the sea current eddy kinetic energy (EKE) and a Sea Current Impact index were computed from a validated set of high-resolution ocean modeling products and their analysis showed the relevant effects of the highly variable local sea currents mechanical action. Specifically, the metric we adopted revealed that the turtle trajectory was favorably impacted by the encountered sea current advection for about 70% of its length. The presented oceanographic techniques in conjunction with high-resolution tracking system provide a practicable approach to study marine turtle movements, leading the way to discover further insights on turtle behavior in the ocean.

Understanding the Cognitive Components of Coastal Risk Assessment - Maria Francesca Bruno; Giulia Motta Zanin; Angela Barbanente; Leonardo Damiani (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2021)
Nowadays, erosion and flooding risks represent a serious threat to coastal areas and this trend will be worsened due to climate change. The increasing concentration of population in coastal areas has a negative impact on the coastal ecosystem due to change in land use and the exploitation of natural resources, which has also increased exposure to coastal hazards. Risk assessment is hence a primary topic in coastal areas and are often affected by mismanagement and competition of interest between stakeholders. This paper presents an integrated model for coastal risk assessment as well as its application on a test site in the Puglia Region (Southern Italy). An innovative approach has been developed combining a traditional index-based model, exploiting a Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response framework (DPSIR), with stakeholder’s and policy makers’ engagement by using the Future Workshop method and complementary individual working sessions structured through the use of Fuzzy-Cognitive Maps. The study shows that stakeholders’ and policy makers’ risk perception play a key role in coastal risk management and that the integration of physical risk with social perception is relevant to develop more effective management following the basics of Integrated Coastal Zone Management.

Characterization of phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the leaves of the forgotten medicinal plant Balsamita major grown in Tuscany, Italy, during the growth cycle - Alessandra Bonetti; Cecilia Faraloni; Silvia Venturini; Giulia Baini; Elisabetta Miraldi; Marco Biagi (Plant Biosystems, 2021)

Life on a hilltop: vegetation history, plant husbandry and pastoralism at the dawn of Bergamo-Bergomum (northern Italy, 15th to 7th century bc) - Roberta Pini; Cesare Ravazzi; Roberto Comolli; Renata Perego; Lorenzo Castellano; Camilla Croci; Mattia De Amicis; Davide Abu El Khair; Giulia Furlanetto; Diego Marsetti (Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 2021)

First report of a leopard (Panthera pardus)–bonobo (Pan paniscus) encounter at the LuiKotale study site, Democratic Republic of the Congo - Nicolas Corredor-Ospina; Melodie Kreyer; Giulia Rossi; Gottfried Hohmann; Barbara Fruth (Primates, 2021)
Predation is a major cause of mortality in non-human primates, and considered a selective force in the evolution of primate societies. Although larger body size is considered as protection against predation, evidence for predation on great apes by carnivores comes from chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ), gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla ), and orangutans ( Pongo spp.). Here, we describe the first encounter between wild bonobos ( Pan paniscus ) and a leopard ( Panthera pardus ). A single leopard was confronted by a group of habituated bonobos for three hours. Two adult males and one adolescent female bonobo actively harassed the leopard, which remained still for most of the encounter and reacted only to close approaches by bonobos. While no predation was observed, their behaviours confirm that bonobos perceive leopards as potential predators. Our report adds novel information to descriptions from other African ape species, and sheds light on the behavioural repertoire of bonobos’ anti-predation strategies. For future investigations, we suggest tagging leopards to remotely monitor their movements and allow assessment of encounter rates as one of several factors influencing predation pressure.

Decomposition and temperature sensitivity of fine root and leaf litter of 43 mediterranean species - Giuliano Bonanomi; Mohamed Idbella; Maurizio Zotti; Lucia Santorufo; Riccardo Motti; Giulia Maisto; Anna De Marco (Plant and Soil, 2021)
Aims Data on the decomposition of fine roots are scarce for the Mediterranean basin. This work aims to compare chemical traits, decomposition rate, and temperature sensitivity ( Q 10) for root and leaf litter of 43 Mediterranean species. Methods We carried out a two-years litterbag decomposition experiment using 43 fine roots litter and leaf litter types incubated in laboratory conditions at three different temperatures, i.e. 4 °C, 14 °C, and 24 °C. Litter was characterized for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), lignin and cellulose concentration, C/N, and lignin/N ratios. Results Fine root litter had lower N content but higher lignin concentration, lignin/N, and C/N ratios compared to leaf litter. The decay rate of fine root litter was slower than leaf litter. For both tissues, the decay rate was negatively associated with lignin concentration, lignin/N, and C/N ratios but positively with N concentration. Q 10 was higher for fine root than leaf litter, with a positive correlation with lignin while negative with N concentration. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a higher Q 10 accompanied by a slower decomposition rate of fine root litter compared to leaf litter in Mediterranean ecosystems. These results must be considered in modeling organic C at the ecosystem scale.

A detailed characterization of the hyperpolarization-activated “funny” current (If) in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived cardiomyocytes with pacemaker activity - Federica Giannetti; Patrizia Benzoni; Giulia Campostrini; Raffaella Milanesi; Annalisa Bucchi; Mirko Baruscotti; Patrizia Dell’Era; Alessandra Rossini; Andrea Barbuti (Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 2021)
Properties of the funny current ( I f ) have been studied in several animal and cellular models, but so far little is known concerning its properties in human pacemaker cells. This work provides a detailed characterization of I f in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived pacemaker cardiomyocytes (pCMs), at different time points. Patch-clamp analysis showed that I f density did not change during differentiation; however, after day 30, it activates at more negative potential and with slower time constants. These changes are accompanied by a slowing in beating rate. I f displayed the voltage-dependent block by caesium and reversed ( E rev ) at − 22 mV, compatibly with the 3:1 K + /Na + permeability ratio. Lowering [Na + ] o (30 mM) shifted the E rev to − 39 mV without affecting conductance. Increasing [K + ] o (30 mM) shifted the E rev to − 15 mV with a fourfold increase in conductance. pCMs express mainly HCN4 and HCN1 together with the accessory subunits CAV3, KCR1, MiRP1, and SAP97 that contribute to the context-dependence of I f . Autonomic agonists modulated the diastolic depolarization, and thus rate, of pCMs. The adrenergic agonist isoproterenol induced rate acceleration and a positive shift of I f voltage-dependence (EC 50 73.4 nM). The muscarinic agonists had opposite effects (Carbachol EC 50 , 11,6 nM). Carbachol effect was however small but it could be increased by pre-stimulation with isoproterenol, indicating low cAMP levels in pCMs. In conclusion, we demonstrated that pCMs display an I f with the physiological properties expected by pacemaker cells and may thus represent a suitable model for studying human I f -related sinus arrhythmias.

Removal of the EMA orphan designation upon request of the sponsor: cui prodest? - Nicola Montanaro; Giulia Bonaldo; Domenico Motola (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2021)

Laser vs. thermal treatments of green pigment PG36: coincidence and toxicity of processes - Elvira Maria Bauer; Daniele Cecchetti; Ettore Guerriero; Steven Nisticò; Giulia Germinario; Simona Sennato; Lorenzo Gontrani; Pietro Tagliatesta; Marilena Carbone (Archives of Toxicology, 2021)
Comparative laser and thermal treatments were carried out on PG36, a green phthalocyanine-based pigment, permitted in European countries where legislation on tattoo composition was issued. Prior to the treatments, PG36 was characterized by SEM imaging, EDX, IR and UV–Vis spectroscopies, revealing an excess of Si and C and O as compared to the pure halogenated Cu-phthalocyanine. Laser treatments were carried out with a Nd:YAG device applied to H 2 O and propan-2-ol dispersions. Pyrolysis and calcinations were carried out in air or under N 2 flow. The outcome of the different procedures was analyzed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, GC–mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction of the solid residues, SEM microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The comparative analysis indicated the production of different fragment compounds depending on the treatment, (pyrolysis or laser), and, to some extent, to the solvent of the dispersion, with pyrolysis generating a larger number of hazardous compounds. Hydrocarbons and cyclic siloxanes present as additives in PG36 were stable or degraded depending on the treatment. The morphology of the products is also treatment-dependent with nanoparticles

When morphology does not match phylogeny: The puzzling case of two sibling nudibranchs (Gastropoda) - Giulia Furfaro; Daniele Salvi; Egidio Trainito; Fabio Vitale; Paolo Mariottini (Zoologica Scripta, 2021)
Species delimitation is particularly challenging in Mediterranean nudibranchs because morphological distinction between closely related species is subtle and several cryptic species have been discovered. In this study, we apply an integrative approach to investigate taxonomic distinction of Flabellina cavolini and F. gaditana and assess their genetic and morphologic distinction. We combined a comprehensive phylogeographic survey from across their distribution range and compared genetic variation at mitochondrial and nuclear markers with the variation in colour pattern of cerata that is used to discriminate these two species. Phylogenetic, phylogeographic and species delimitation analyses consistently identify two evolutionary and taxonomic units that do not match with the morphospecies, demonstrating that Flabellina cavolini and F. gaditana are indeed two cryptic, closely related, species and that colour pattern of cerata is not a valid diagnostic character. This study emphasizes how the comparison of range‐wide patterns of phylogenetic and morphological variation, with the inclusion of samples from the type localities, is essential for species delimitation of Mediterranean nudibranchs. Moreover, this study demonstrates the occurrence of Flabellina gaditana in the Mediterranean Sea, allowing to extend the known distribution range of the species, that was previously restricted to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, as well as increasing our inventory of Mediterranean nudibranch diversity.

Variation and Diagnostic Power of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 in Mediterranean and Atlantic Eolid Nudibranchs (Mollusca, Gastropoda) - Matteo Garzia; Paolo Mariottini; Daniele Salvi; Giulia Furfaro (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Mediterranean marine biodiversity is still underestimated especially for groups such as nudibranchs. The identification of nudibranchs taxa is challenging because few morphological characters are available and among them chromatic patterns often do not align with species delimitation. Molecular assessments helped unveiling cryptic diversity within nudibranchs and have been mostly based on mitochondrial markers. Fast evolving nuclear markers are much needed to complement phylogenetic and systematic assessments at the species and genus levels. Here, we assess the utility of the nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) to delimit species in the eolid nudibranchs using both primary and secondary structures. Comparisons between the variation observed at the ITS2 and at the two commonly used mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S) on 14 eolid taxa from 10 genera demonstrate the ability of ITS2 to detect congeneric, closely related, species. While ITS2 has been fruitfully used in several other mollusc taxa, this study represents the first application of this nuclear marker in nudibranchs.

Relative Abundance of Floating Plastic Debris and Neuston in the Eastern North Pacific Ocean - Matthias Egger; Lauren Quiros; Giulia Leone; Francesco Ferrari; Christiana M. Boerger; Michelle Tishler (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Despite an increasing research conducted on ocean plastic pollution over the last decade, there are still large knowledge gaps in our current understanding of how floating plastic debris accumulating in subtropical oceanic gyres may harm the surface-associated pelagic community known as neuston. Removing floating plastic debris from the surface ocean can minimize potentially adverse effects of plastic pollution on the neuston, as well as prevent the formation of large quantities of secondary micro- and nanoplastics. However, due to the scarcity of observational data from remote and difficult to access offshore waters, neuston dynamics in subtropical oceanic gyres and thus the potential impacts of plastic pollution as well as of cleanup activities on the neuston remain uncertain. Here, we provide rare observational data of the relative distribution of floating plastic debris (0.05–5 cm in size) and members of the neuston in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. Our results reveal that the dominant neustonic species co-occurring with high concentrations of floating plastic debris in the North Pacific Garbage Patch (NPGP) such as Porpita porpita , Halobates spp., pteropods, isopods, heteropods, and crabs depict either a low atmospheric drag due to physical attributes or a potential plastic-associated fitness benefit such as increased surface area for oviposition and structure for habitat. We further observe relatively higher plastic to organism ratios inside the NPGP for most target species compared to waters outside the NPGP. The findings presented here provide a first observational baseline to develop ecological models that can help evaluate the long-term risks of plastic pollution and of offshore cleanup activities for neuston in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. We further suggest that offshore mitigation strategies aiming at removing floating plastic debris from the ocean surface need to evaluate both, the direct impact of neuston bycatch during plastic removal on neuston population dynamics, as well as the potential benefits of reducing the negative effects of plastic pollution on the neuston.

Clinical and Kinematic Features of Valproate-Induced Tremor and Differences with Essential Tremor - Giulia Paparella; Luca Angelini; Alessandro De Biase; Antonio Cannavacciuolo; Donato Colella; Carlo Di Bonaventura; Anna Teresa Giallonardo; Alfredo Berardelli; Matteo Bologna (The Cerebellum, 2021)
Tremor is a common movement disorder that can be induced by medications, including valproate, which is used for the treatment of epilepsy. However, the clinical and neurophysiological features of valproate-induced tremor are still under-investigated. We performed a clinical and kinematic assessment of valproate-induced tremor by considering tremor body distribution and activation conditions. We investigated possible correlations between demographic and clinical data and kinematic features. Valproate-induced tremor results were also compared with those collected in a large sample of patients with essential tremor. Sixteen valproate-induced tremor patients and 93 essential tremor patients were enrolled. All participants underwent a standardised neurological examination and video recording. Patients also underwent an objective assessment of postural, kinetic and rest tremor of the upper limbs and head tremor through kinematic analysis. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical comparisons between the two groups. Clinical evaluation showed a higher occurrence of rest tremor as well as head or voice, and lower limb involvement in patients with valproate-induced tremor. Kinematic analysis showed a substantial variability in the tremor features of patients with valproate-induced tremor. Compared to essential tremor, we found a higher occurrence of rest tremor of the upper limbs and the involvement of more body segments in valproate-induced tremor patients. Valproate-induced tremor has distinctive clinical and kinematic features, which may suggest that valproate interferes with the cerebellar functions.

Sea-ice habitat minimizes grazing impact and predation risk for larval Antarctic krill - Carmen L. David; Fokje L. Schaafsma; Jan A. van Franeker; Evgeny A. Pakhomov; Brian P. V. Hunt; Benjamin A. Lange; Giulia Castellani; Angelika Brandt; Hauke Flores (Polar Biology, 2021)
Survival of larval Antarctic krill ( Euphausia superba ) during winter is largely dependent upon the presence of sea ice as it provides an important source of food and shelter. We hypothesized that sea ice provides additional benefits because it hosts fewer competitors and provides reduced predation risk for krill larvae than the water column. To test our hypothesis, zooplankton were sampled in the Weddell-Scotia Confluence Zone at the ice-water interface (0–2 m) and in the water column (0–500 m) during August–October 2013. Grazing by mesozooplankton, expressed as a percentage of the phytoplankton standing stock, was higher in the water column (1.97 ± 1.84%) than at the ice-water interface (0.08 ± 0.09%), due to a high abundance of pelagic copepods. Predation risk by carnivorous macrozooplankton, expressed as a percentage of the mesozooplankton standing stock, was significantly lower at the ice-water interface (0.83 ± 0.57%; main predators amphipods, siphonophores and ctenophores) than in the water column (4.72 ± 5.85%; main predators chaetognaths and medusae). These results emphasize the important role of sea ice as a suitable winter habitat for larval krill with fewer competitors and lower predation risk. These benefits should be taken into account when considering the response of Antarctic krill to projected declines in sea ice. Whether reduced sea-ice algal production may be compensated for by increased water column production remains unclear, but the shelter provided by sea ice would be significantly reduced or disappear, thus increasing the predation risk on krill larvae.

The Neuroinflammatory and Neurotoxic Potential of Palmitic Acid Is Mitigated by Oleic Acid in Microglial Cells and Microglial-Neuronal Co-cultures - Jimmy Beaulieu; Giulia Costa; Justine Renaud; Amélie Moitié; Hélène Glémet; Domenico Sergi; Maria-Grazia Martinoli (Molecular Neurobiology, 2021)

Multifunctional Liposomes Modulate Purinergic Receptor-Induced Calcium Wave in Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Astrocytes: New Insights for Alzheimer’s disease - Greta Forcaia; Beatrice Formicola; Giulia Terribile; Sharon Negri; Dmitry Lim; Gerardo Biella; Francesca Re; Francesco Moccia; Giulio Sancini (Molecular Neurobiology, 2021)
In light of previous results, we assessed whether liposomes functionalized with ApoE-derived peptide (mApoE) and phosphatidic acid (PA) (mApoE-PA-LIP) impacted on intracellular calcium (Ca 2+ ) dynamics in cultured human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3), as an in vitro human blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, and in cultured astrocytes. mApoE-PA-LIP pre-treatment actively increased both the duration and the area under the curve (A.U.C) of the ATP-evoked Ca 2+ waves in cultured hCMEC/D3 cells as well as in cultured astrocytes. mApoE-PA-LIP increased the ATP-evoked intracellular Ca 2+ waves even under 0 [Ca 2+ ] e conditions, thus indicating that the increased intracellular Ca 2+ response to ATP is mainly due to endogenous Ca 2+ release. Indeed, when Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity was blocked by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), the extracellular application of ATP failed to trigger any intracellular Ca 2+ waves, indicating that metabotropic purinergic receptors (P2Y) are mainly involved in the mApoE-PA-LIP-induced increase of the Ca 2+ wave triggered by ATP. In conclusion, mApoE-PA-LIP modulate intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics evoked by ATP when SERCA is active through inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent (InsP3) endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ release. Considering that P2Y receptors represent important pharmacological targets to treat cognitive dysfunctions, and that P2Y receptors have neuroprotective effects in neuroinflammatory processes, the enhancement of purinergic signaling provided by mApoE-PA-LIP could counteract Aβ-induced vasoconstriction and reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF). Our obtained results could give an additional support to promote mApoE-PA-LIP as effective therapeutic tool for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Encapsulation of Carlina acaulis essential oil and carlina oxide to develop long-lasting mosquito larvicides: microemulsions versus nanoemulsions - Roman Pavela; Lucia Pavoni; Giulia Bonacucina; Marco Cespi; Loredana Cappellacci; Riccardo Petrelli; Eleonora Spinozzi; Cristina Aguzzi; Laura Zeppa; Massimo Ubaldi; Nicolas Desneux; Angelo Canale; et al. (Journal of Pest Science, 2021)
Carlina acaulis root essential oil (EO) is one of the most potent mosquito larvicides (LC 50 < 2 ppm). This EO is mainly composed of carlina oxide (> 90%). Poor water solubility and rapid degradation from UV light and oxygen in the environment limit the real-world use of this EO. Herein, we developed nanocarrier-based formulations, namely micro- and nanoemulsions (ME and NE, respectively) containing C. acaulis EO or carlina oxide (both at 0.5%) as active ingredients (a.i.). The larvicidal activity of ME and NE was evaluated against Culex quinquefasciatus . The highest larvicidal activity was achieved by the ME containing 0.5% of the EO (M1); its LC 50(90) was 579.1 (791.3) µL L −1 . Sublethal effects of this ME and its a.i. were assessed testing both at the LC 16 , LC 30 , LC 50 and LC 90 on mosquito larvae exposed to each product for 1–7 h, and then monitoring mortality for 18 days. At variance with the EO, ME application, even at LC 16 , led to 100% mortality at 18 days. The EO and its encapsulated form were scarcely toxic to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human fibroblast (NHF A12) cell lines. The acute toxicity of C. acaulis EO and its ME (M1) was also evaluated in Wistar rats through oral administration; EO LD 50 was 1098 mg kg −1 bw, whereas its ME, even at 5000 mg kg −1 bw (considered the upper testing limit to establish safety to mammals), was not toxic. This study highlights the outstanding efficacy of C. acaulis EO ME for developing long-lasting and safe larvicides against Cx. quinquefasciatus .

Ageing affects subtelomeric DNA methylation in blood cells from a large European population enrolled in the MARK-AGE study - Maria Giulia Bacalini; Anna Reale; Marco Malavolta; Fabio Ciccarone; María Moreno-Villanueva; Martijn E. T. Dollé; Eugène Jansen; Tilman Grune; Efstathios S. Gonos; Christiane Schön; Jürgen Bernhardt; Beatrix Grubeck-Loebenstein; et al. (GeroScience, 2021)
Ageing leaves characteristic traces in the DNA methylation make-up of the genome. However, the importance of DNA methylation in ageing remains unclear. The study of subtelomeric regions could give promising insights into this issue. Previously reported associations between susceptibility to age-related diseases and epigenetic instability at subtelomeres suggest that the DNA methylation profile of subtelomeres undergoes remodelling during ageing. In the present work, this hypothesis has been tested in the context of the European large-scale project MARK-AGE. In this cross-sectional study, we profiled the DNA methylation of chromosomes 5 and 21 subtelomeres, in more than 2000 age-stratified women and men recruited in eight European countries. The study included individuals from the general population as well as the offspring of nonagenarians and Down syndrome subjects, who served as putative models of delayed and accelerated ageing, respectively. Significant linear changes of subtelomeric DNA methylation with increasing age were detected in the general population, indicating that subtelomeric DNA methylation changes are typical signs of ageing. Data also show that, compared to the general population, the dynamics of age-related DNA methylation changes are attenuated in the offspring of centenarian, while they accelerate in Down syndrome individuals. This result suggests that subtelomeric DNA methylation changes reflect the rate of ageing progression. We next attempted to trace the age-related changes of subtelomeric methylation back to the influence of diverse variables associated with methylation variations in the population, including demographics, dietary/health habits and clinical parameters. Results indicate that the effects of age on subtelomeric DNA methylation are mostly independent of all other variables evaluated.

Increased resistance towards fatigability in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy - Matteo Beretta-Piccoli; Luca Calanni; Massimo Negro; Giulia Ricci; Cinzia Bettio; Marco Barbero; Angela Berardinelli; Gabriele Siciliano; Rossella Tupler; Emiliano Soldini; Corrado Cescon; Giuseppe D’Antona (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2021)
Purpose In facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) fatigue is a major complaint. We aimed to investigate whether during isometric sustained elbow flexions, performance fatigability indexes differ in patients with FSHD with respect to healthy controls. Methods Seventeen patients with FSHD and seventeen healthy controls performed two isometric flexions of the dominant biceps brachii at 20% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for 2 min and then at 60% MVC until exhaustion. Muscle weakness was characterized as a percentage of predicted values. Maximal voluntary strength, endurance time and performance fatigability indices (mean frequency of the power spectrum (MNF), muscle fiber conduction velocity (CV) and fractal dimension (FD)), extracted from the surface electromyogram signal (sEMG) were compared between the two groups. Results In patients with FSHD, maximal voluntary strength was 68.7% of predicted value ( p < 0.01). Compared to healthy controls, FSHD patients showed reduced MVC ( p < 0.001; r = 0.62) and lower levels of performance fatigability, characterized by reduced rate of changes in MNF ( p < 0.01; r = 0.56), CV ( p < 0.05; 0.37) and FD ( p < 0.001; r = 0.51) and increased endurance time ( p < 0.001; r = 0.63), during the isometric contraction at 60% MVC. Conclusion A decreased reduction in the slopes of all the considered sEMG parameters during sustained isometric elbow flexions suggests that patients with FSHD experience lower levels of performance fatigability compared to healthy controls.

Future changes to high impact weather in the UK - Helen M. Hanlon; Dan Bernie; Giulia Carigi; Jason A. Lowe (Climatic Change, 2021)
High impact weather events such as extreme temperatures or rainfall can cause significant disruption across the UK affecting sectors such as health, transport, agriculture and energy. In this study we draw on the latest set of UK climate projections, UKCP, to examine metrics relating to high-impact weather over the UK and how these change with different levels of future global warming from 1.5 °C to 4 °C above pre-industrial. The changes to these hazards show increases in the frequency of extremely hot days and nights, with a UK average increase in hot days of between 5 and 39 days per year between 1.5 °C and 4 °C of global warming. Projections indicate an increase in cooling degree days of 134–627% and an increase in growing degree days of 19–60% between 1.5 °C and 4 °C of global warming. Extremely hot nights, which are currently rare, are emerging as more common occurrences. The frequency of high daily temperatures and rainfall increase systematically, while the frequency of very cold conditions (based on days where temperatures fall below 0 °C) is shown to decrease by 10 to 49 days per year. A reduction in heating degree days, of 11–32% between 1.5 °C and 4 °C of warming, is projected. Levels of daily rainfall, which currently relate to increased risk of river flooding, are shown to increase across the country, with increases of days with high impact levels of rainfall occurring by 1 to 8 days per year between 1.5 °C and 4 °C of warming. Average drought severity is projected to increase for 3-, 6-, 12- and 36-month-long droughts. The largest changes in the severity of the 12-month drought are between −3 and +19% between 1.5 °C and 4 °C of warming and for 36-month drought between −2 and +54% between 1.5 °C and 4 °C of warming. The projected future changes in high impact weather from this study will enable the characterization of climate risks and ultimately be able to better inform adaptation planning in different sectors to support the increase in resilience of the UK to future climate variability and change.

Peptidogalactomannan from Histoplasma capsulatum yeast cell wall: role of the chemical structure in recognition and activation by peritoneal macrophages - Giulia Maria Pires dos Santos; Gustavo Ramalho Cardoso dos Santos; Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva Xisto; Rodrigo Rollin-Pinheiro; Andréa Regina de Souza Baptista; Elisabeth Martins da Silva da Rocha; Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado; Eliana Barreto-Bergter; Marcia Ribeiro Pinto (Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2021)

Specific occupational profiles as proxies of cognitive reserve induce neuroprotection in dementia with Lewy bodies - Giulia Carli; Cecilia Boccalini; Giovanna Vanoli; Massimo Filippi; Sandro Iannaccone; Giuseppe Magnani; Daniela Perani (Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2021)

T-tubule remodeling in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - Giulia Vitale; Raffaele Coppini; Chiara Tesi; Corrado Poggesi; Leonardo Sacconi; Cecilia Ferrantini (Journal of Muscle Research and Cell Motility, 2021)
The highly organized transverse T-tubule membrane system represents the ultrastructural substrate for excitation–contraction coupling in ventricular myocytes. While the architecture and function of T-tubules have been well described in animal models, there is limited morpho-functional data on T-tubules in human myocardium. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary disease of the heart muscle, characterized by different clinical presentations at the various stages of its progression. Most HCM patients, indeed, show a compensated hypertrophic disease (“non-failing hypertrophic phase”), with preserved left ventricular function, and only a small subset of individuals evolves into heart failure (“end stage HCM”). In terms of T-tubule remodeling, the “end-stage” disease does not differ from other forms of heart failure. In this review we aim to recapitulate the main structural features of T-tubules during the “non-failing hypertrophic stage” of human HCM by revisiting data obtained from human myectomy samples. Moreover, by comparing pathological changes observed in myectomy samples with those introduced by acute (experimentally induced) detubulation, we discuss the role of T-tubular disruption as a part of the complex excitation–contraction coupling remodeling process that occurs during disease progression. Lastly, we highlight how T-tubule morpho-functional changes may be related to patient genotype and we discuss the possibility of a primitive remodeling of the T-tubule system in rare HCM forms associated with genes coding for proteins implicated in T-tubule structural integrity, formation and maintenance.

Anti-SASP and anti-inflammatory activity of resveratrol, curcumin and β-caryophyllene association on human endothelial and monocytic cells - Giulia Matacchione; Felicia Gurău; Andrea Silvestrini; Mattia Tiboni; Luca Mancini; Debora Valli; Maria Rita Rippo; Rina Recchioni; Fiorella Marcheselli; Oliana Carnevali; Antonio Domenico Procopio; Luca Casettari; et al. (Biogerontology, 2021)
A challenging and promising new branch of aging-related research fields is the identification of natural compounds able to modulate the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which characterizes senescent cells and can contribute to fuel the inflammaging. We investigated both the anti-SASP and anti-inflammatory activities of a nutritional supplement, namely Fenoxidol™, composed of turmeric extract bioCurcumin (bCUR), Polydatin (the natural glycosylated precursor of Resveratrol-RSV), and liposomal β-caryophyllene (BCP), in two human cellular models, such as the primary endothelial cell line, HUVECs and the monocytic cell line, THP-1. Replicative and Doxorubicin-induced senescent HUVECs, both chosen as cellular models of SASP, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated THP-1, selected as a model of the inflammatory response, were treated with the three single natural compounds or with a combination of them (MIX). In both senescent HUVEC models, MIX treatment significantly reduced IL-1β and IL-6 expression levels and p16 ink4a protein, and also increased SIRT1 protein level, as well as downregulated miR-146a and miR-21 expression, two of the so-called inflamma-miRNAs, more effectively than the single compounds. In THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS, the MIX showed a significant effect in decreasing IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and miR-146a expression levels and Caspase-1 activation, in association with an up-regulation of SIRT1 protein, compared to the single compounds. Overall, our results suggest that the three analysed compounds can have a combined effect in restraining SASP in senescent HUVECs as well as the inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells.

Consistent Poplar Clone Ranking Based on Leaf Phenology and Temperature Along a Latitudinal and Climatic Gradient in Northern Europe - Giulia Vico; Almir Karacic; Anneli Adler; Thomas Richards; Martin Weih (BioEnergy Research, 2021)
In Northern Europe, poplars ( Populus ) can provide biomass for energy and material use, but most available clones were developed for lower latitudes and are unlikely to be well adapted to higher latitudes, even under warmer climates. We thus need to understand how clones respond to climatic conditions and photoperiod, and how these responses can be predicted. We answer these questions exploiting leaf phenological data of Populus clones, grown in six sites across the Baltic region, in Northern Europe, for 2 years with contrasting climatic conditions. Regarding the effects of climatic conditions and photoperiod, within each site, higher temperatures advanced the timing and enhanced the speed of spring and autumn phenology, but reduced the effective growing season length. Across sites, latitude affected the timing of spring and autumn phenology, the speed of spring phenology, and the effective growing season length; clone affected only the timing of phenology. Regarding the predictability of clone response to growing conditions, the growing degree day (GDD) model could not predict spring phenology, because the growing degree day threshold for a specific phenological stage was not only clone-, but also latitude- and year-specific. Yet, this GDD threshold allowed a robust ranking of clones across sites and years, thus providing a tool to determine the relative differences across clones, independently of latitude and temperature. A similar, but not as strong, pattern was observed in the timing of spring and autumn phenological stages. Hence, while prediction of spring phenology remains elusive, the ranking of clones based on observations of their phenology in a single location can provide useful indications on the clones’ relative performance under different latitudes and climates.

Absence of specific individuals and high food abundance elicit food calls in wild western gorillas - Silvia Miglietta; Giulia Bardino; Andrea Sotto-Mayor; Aurore San Galli; Ellen Meulman; Thomas Breuer; Terence Fuh; Shelly Masi (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2021)

Genetic insights into the dark matter of the mammalian gut microbiota through targeted genome reconstruction - Gabriele Andrea Lugli; Giulia Alessandri; Christian Milani; Alice Viappiani; Federico Fontana; Chiara Tarracchini; Leonardo Mancabelli; Chiara Argentini; Lorena Ruiz; Abelardo Margolles; Douwe van Sinderen; Francesca Turroni; et al. (Environmental Microbiology, 2021)
Summary Whole metagenomic shotgun (WMS) sequencing has dramatically enhanced our ability to study microbial genomics. The possibility to unveil the genetic makeup of bacteria that cannot be easily isolated has significantly expanded our microbiological horizon. Here, we report an approach aimed at uncovering novel bacterial species by the use of targeted WMS sequencing. Employing in silico data retrieved from metabolic modelling to formulate a chemically defined medium (CDM), we were able to isolate and subsequently sequence the genomes of six putative novel species of bacteria from the gut of non‐human primates.

The contribution of livestock to household livelihoods in Tanzania and Uganda: measuring tradable and non-tradable livestock outputs - Giulia Zane; Ugo Pica-Ciamarra (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2021)

Effect of glutamic acid foliar applications on lettuce under water stress - Giulia Franzoni; Giacomo Cocetta; Antonio Ferrante (Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2021)
The yield and quality of leafy vegetables can be compromised by reduced water availability. Glutamic acid is involved in different biological processes and among them it plays an important role in chlorophyll and proline biosynthesis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possible efficacy of glutamic acid in counteracting water stress in romaine lettuce. Lettuce plants were grown in pots filled with substrate and subjected to water deprivation. A glutamic acid solution (1.9 mM) was applied as foliar treatment, both in stressed and non-stressed plants. The effect of the treatment was evaluated at different time points during the experiment in order to evaluate changes at a molecular, physiological, biochemical and agronomic level. Yield was reduced by 35% in stressed plants, while no significant changes in quality parameters were observed, except for nitrate content, which increased under water stress. At a molecular level, the expression of genes encoding for ROS scavenging enzymes was monitored but, apparently, glutamic acid did not significantly prevent the water stress response. Slightly positive effects deriving from glutamic acid application were found for nitrate and proline contents, suggesting that a possible mode of action of glutamic acid would involve a role for these molecules. Further studies are required, also on other crop species, for confirming these results. Different concentrations and application modes should be also tested.

First report of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IB causing crown rot on Achillea millefolium in Italy - Angelo Garibaldi; Giulia Tabone; Domenico Bertetti; Maria Lodovica Gullino (Journal of Plant Pathology, 2021)

First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on Hosta fortunei in Italy - Angelo Garibaldi; Giulia Tabone; Incoronata Luongo; Maria Lodovica Gullino (Journal of Plant Pathology, 2021)

Plastic or glass: a new environmental assessment with a marine litter indicator for the comparison of pasteurized milk bottles - Roberta Stefanini; Giulia Borghesi; Anna Ronzano; Giuseppe Vignali (The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2021)
Purpose Today plastic is the most used material for food packaging, but its incorrect disposal is creating environmental issues to oceans, soil and air. Someone believes that the solution is to ban plastic and substitute it with glass packaging. Is it the right choice? This study aims at comparing the environmental impact of bottles made of PET, R-PET, non-returnable glass and returnable glass in order to understand which is the most environmental friendly packaging solution. Methods A literature analysis on the environmental impact of glass and PET bottles is carried out, taking into account their production, transport and disposal phase. Then, an environmental assessment of PET, R-PET, glass and returnable glass bottles, used to package 1 l of pasteurized milk, has been carried out using the life cycle assessment methodology and a new indicator. Inventory data were provided by an important milk processing and packaging factory located in Italy. Results were estimated using some relevant impact categories of the ReCiPe 2016 MidPoint (H) method, then a marine litter indicator (MLI) has been proposed in order to evaluate the polluting potential of milk bottles dispersed into the Mediterranean Sea. Results and discussion LCA results show that R-PET bottle gives the lowest contribution to global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, terrestrial acidification, fossil resource scarcity, water consumption and human carcinogenic toxicity, followed by PET bottle, returnable glass bottle, and finally non-returnable glass bottle. Glass is the worst packaging option because of high energy demand in the bottle production and its weight and in the transport phase. Some improvements can be obtained with returnable glass, but even if we consider that a bottle could be reused eight times, results are not comparable to the PET or R-PET bottles used only once. However, according to the MLI, returnable glass bottles become the first option, because a lot of plastic bottles could potentially be dispersed into the sea. Conclusions The substitution of plastic with glass does not help to reduce the GWP and others LCI categories, while could contribute to reduce the marine litter: overall it is important to dispose correctly packaging materials, investing in recycling and reusing. In particular, great improvements can be obtained using bottles made with recycled materials, as R-PET. In conclusion, it is necessary to disadvantage waste dispersion, giving incentives to returnable packaging and raising people awareness of environmental problems.

Neurogenic substance P—influences on action potential production in afferent neurons of the kidney? - Kristina Rodionova; Karl F. Hilgers; Peter Linz; Johannes Schätzl; Giulia Raschke; Christian Ott; Roland E. Schmieder; Mario Schiffer; Kerstin Amann; Roland Veelken; Tilmann Ditting (Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 2021)
We recently showed that a substance P (SP)–dependent sympatho-inhibitory mechanism via afferent renal nerves is impaired in mesangioproliferative nephritis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that SP released from renal afferents inhibits the action potential (AP) production in their dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Cultured DRG neurons (Th11-L2) were investigated in current clamp mode to assess AP generation during both TRPV1 stimulation by protons (pH 6) and current injections with and without exposure to SP (0.5 µmol) or CGRP (0.5 µmol). Neurons were classified as tonic (sustained AP generation) or phasic (≤ 4 APs) upon current injection; voltage clamp experiments were performed for the investigation of TRPV1-mediated inward currents due to proton stimulation. Superfusion of renal neurons with protons and SP increased the number of action potentials in tonic neurons (9.6 ± 5 APs/10 s vs. 16.9 ± 6.1 APs/10 s, P < 0.05, mean ± SD, n = 7), while current injections with SP decreased it (15.2 ± 6 APs/600 ms vs. 10.2 ± 8 APs/600 ms, P < 0.05, mean ± SD, n = 29). Addition of SP significantly reduced acid-induced TRPV1-mediated currents in renal tonic neurons (− 518 ± 743 pA due to pH 6 superfusion vs. − 82 ± 50 pA due to pH 6 with SP superfusion). In conclusion, SP increased action potential production via a TRPV1-dependent mechanism in acid-sensitive renal neurons. On the other hand, current injection in the presence of SP led to decreased action potential production. Thus, the peptide SP modulates signaling pathways in renal neurons in an unexpected manner leading to both stimulation and inhibition of renal neuronal activity in different (e.g., acidic) environmental contexts.

Computational Tools for the Investigation of the Male Lower Urinary Tract Functionality in Health and Disease - Chiara Giulia Fontanella; Emanuele Luigi Carniel (Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, 2021)
Purpose This paper aims to show the potentialities of computational bioengineering in the field of lower urinary tract pathophysiology. Engineering methods allow the investigation of urine flow in healthy and pathologic conditions and the analysis of urethral occlusion by means of artificial urinary sphincters. Methods Computational models of bladder and urethra were developed and exploited to investigate the lower urinary tract physiology in health and in disease. Average male morphometric configurations were assumed, together with typical properties of both biological tissues and fluids. The reliability of the models was assessed by the mutual comparison of results and the investigation of data from experimental and clinical activities. Results The developed models allowed to analyze typical situations, such as the micturition in health and in disease, and the lumen occlusion by external devices. The models provided information that clinical and experimental tests barely provide, as the occurrence of turbulent phenomena within urine flow, the shear stresses at the lumen wall, the external pressure that is strictly required to occlude the lumen. Conclusions The methods of bioengineering allow broadening and deepening the knowledge of the lower urinary tract functionality. More in detail, modeling techniques provide information that contributes to explain the occurrence of pathological situations, and allows to design and to optimize clinical-surgical procedures and devices.

Chiari 1 malformation and exome sequencing in 51 trios: the emerging role of rare missense variants in chromatin-remodeling genes - Aldesia Provenzano; Andrea La Barbera; Mirko Scagnet; Angelica Pagliazzi; Giovanna Traficante; Marilena Pantaleo; Lucia Tiberi; Debora Vergani; Nehir Edibe Kurtas; Silvia Guarducci; Sara Bargiacchi; Giulia Forzano; et al. (Human Genetics, 2021)
Type 1 Chiari malformation (C1M) is characterized by cerebellar tonsillar herniation of 3–5 mm or more, the frequency of which is presumably much higher than one in 1000 births, as previously believed. Its etiology remains undefined, although a genetic basis is strongly supported by C1M presence in numerous genetic syndromes associated with different genes. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 51 between isolated and syndromic pediatric cases and their relatives was performed after confirmation of the defect by brain magnetic resonance image (MRI). Moreover, in all the cases showing an inherited candidate variant, brain MRI was performed in both parents and not only in the carrier one to investigate whether the defect segregated with the variant. More than half of the variants were Missense and belonged to the same chromatin-remodeling genes whose protein truncation variants are associated with severe neurodevelopmental syndromes. In the remaining cases, variants have been detected in genes with a role in cranial bone sutures, microcephaly, neural tube defects, and RASopathy. This study shows that the frequency of C1M is widely underestimated, in fact many of the variants, in particular those in the chromatin-remodeling genes, were inherited from a parent with C1M, either asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. In addition, C1M is a Mendelian trait, in most cases inherited as dominant. Finally, we demonstrate that modifications of the genes that regulate chromatin architecture can cause localized anatomical alterations, with symptoms of varying degrees.

ERP evidence of age-related differences in emotional processing - Roberta A. Allegretta; Wesley Pyke; Giulia Galli (Experimental Brain Research, 2021)

Balance, gait, and navigation performance are related to physical exercise in blind and visually impaired children and adolescents - Ann-Kathrin Rogge; Daniel Hamacher; Giulia Cappagli; Laura Kuhne; Kirsten Hötting; Astrid Zech; Monica Gori; Brigitte Röder (Experimental Brain Research, 2021)
Self-motion perception used for locomotion and navigation requires the integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive input. In the absence of vision, postural stability and locomotor tasks become more difficult. Previous research has suggested that in visually deprived children, postural stability and levels of physical activity are overall lower than in sighted controls. Here we hypothesized that visually impaired and blind children and adolescents differ from sighted controls in postural stability and gait parameters, and that physically active individuals outperform sedentary peers in postural stability and gait parameters as well as in navigation performance. Fourteen blind and visually impaired children and adolescents (8–18 years of age) and 14 matched sighted individuals took part. Assessments included postural sway, single-leg stance time, parameters of gait variability and stability, self-reported physical activity, and navigation performance. Postural sway was larger and single-leg stance time was lower in blind and visually impaired participants than in blindfolded sighted individuals. Physical activity was higher in the sighted group. No differences between the group of blind and visually impaired and blindfolded sighted participants were observed for gait parameters and navigation performance. Higher levels of physical activity were related to lower postural sway, longer single-leg stance time, higher gait stability, and superior navigation performance in blind and visually impaired participants. The present data suggest that physical activity may enhance postural stability and gait parameters, and thereby promote navigation performance in blind and visually impaired children and adolescents.

Prevalence of genital HPV infection in STI and healthy populations and risk factors for viral persistence - Giulia Ciccarese; Astrid Herzum; Angela Pastorino; Marih Dezzana; Stefania Casazza; Maria Gabriella Mavilia; Francesco Copello; Aurora Parodi; Francesco Drago (European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2021)

250-year records of mercury and trace element deposition in two lakes from Cajas National Park, SW Ecuadorian Andes - Tobias Schneider; Benjamin A. Musa Bandowe; Moritz Bigalke; Adrien Mestrot; Henrietta Hampel; Pablo V. Mosquera; Lea Fränkl; Giulia Wienhues; Hendrik Vogel; Wojciech Tylmann; Martin Grosjean (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021)
Historical records of trace elements in lake sediments provide source-to-sink information about potentially toxic pollutants across space and time. We investigated two lakes located at different elevations in the Ecuadorian Andes to understand how trace element fluxes are related to (i) geology, (ii) erosion in the watersheds, and (iii) local point sources and atmospheric loads. In remote Lake Fondococha (4150 m a.s.l.), total Hg fluxes stay constant between ca. 1760 and 1950 and show an approximately 4.4-fold increase between pre-1950 and post-1950 values. The post-1950 increase in fluxes of other trace elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) is lower (2.1–3.0-fold) than for Hg. Mostly lithogenic sources and enhanced soil erosion contribute to their post-1950 increase (lithogenic contribution: > 85%, Hg: ~ 58%). Average post-1950 Hg fluxes are approximately 4.3 times higher in peri-urban Lake Llaviucu (3150 m a.s.l.) than in the remote Lake Fondococha. Post-1950 fluxes of the other trace elements showed larger differences between Lakes Fondococha and Llaviucu (5.2 < 25–29.5-fold increase; Ni < Pb–Cd). The comparison of the post-1950 average trace element fluxes that are derived from point and airborne sources revealed 5–687 (Hg–Pb) times higher values in Lake Llaviucu than in Lake Fondococha suggesting that Lake Llaviucu’s proximity to the city of Cuenca strongly influences its deposition record (industrial emissions, traffic, caged fishery). Both lakes responded with temporary drops in trace element accumulations to park regulations in the 1970s and 1990s, but show again increasing trends in recent times, most likely caused by increase in vehicular traffic and openings of copper and gold mines around Cajas National Park.

Long-term monitoring for the surveillance of the conservation status of Tursiops truncatus in an EU Natura2000 site in the Mediterranean Sea. A pilot study in the Tuscan Archipelago - ANTONELLA ARCANGELI; ROBERTO CROSTI; ILARIA CAMPANA; LARA CAROSSO; MARTINA GREGORIETTI; GIULIA MAINARDI; VERONICA MAZZUCATO; ALBERTO CASTELLI (Mediterranean Marine Science, 2021)
A pilot study, using the dataset from the research network ‘FLT Med Net’, which regularly monitors transborder regions in the Mediterranean Sea using ferries as platform for systematic surveys, was undertaken to assess common bottlenose dolphin range and population trends within the Natura 2000 EU marine site “Tutela del Tursiops truncatus”. The site was recently designated by the Tuscany Region (Italy) within the requirement of the EU Habitats Directive. In order to evaluate the conservation status of bottlenose dolphin according to the surveillance scheme of the Directive, two six-year periods (2007-2012; 2013-2018) were compared to assess trends in distribution-occurrence (range); Sightings Per Unit of Effort and Density (population). In total, 18146 NM were surveyed along two fixed transects, recording 90 sightings of Tursiops truncatus and a total of 268 specimens. Between the two periods, slight but not statistically significant differences were assessed, with decreasing trend in range and population of the species; no variation was detected in mean group sizes. Travelling was the most common behaviour, and juveniles were present in 20% of the sightings, concentrated during spring and summer. The consistent FLT Med Net dataset was found to be appropriate to evaluate important parameters for the assessment of trends in the conservation status of Tursiops truncatus at the Natura2000 site scale.

Interplay Between Nanoplastics and the Immune System of the Mediterranean Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus - Carola Murano; Elisa Bergami; Giulia Liberatori; Anna Palumbo; Ilaria Corsi (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
The present study highlights for the first time the interplay between model nanoplastics, such as the carboxyl-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-COOH, 60 nm) NPs and the coelomocytes of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus , a benthic grazer widely distributed in Mediterranean coastal area, upon acute in vitro exposure (4 h) (5 and 25 μg mL –1 ). Insight into PS-COOH trafficking (uptake and clearance) and effects on immune cell functions (i.e., cell viability, lysosomal membrane stability, and phagocytosis) are provided. Dynamic Light Scattering analysis reveals that PS NP suspensions in CF undergo a quick agglomeration, more pronounced for PS-COOH (608.3 ± 43 nm) compared to PS-NH 2 (329.2 ± 5 nm). However, both PS NPs are still found as nano-scale agglomerates in CF after 4 h of exposure, as shown by the polydispersity index > 0.3 associated with the presence of different PS NP size populations in the CF. The observed changes in ζ-potential upon suspension in CF (–11.1 ± 3 mV and –12.1 ± 4 mV for PS-COOH and PS-NH 2 , respectively) confirm the formation of a bio-corona on both PS NPs. Optical fluorescence microscopy and fluorimetric analyses using fluorescently labeled PS-COOH (60 nm) reveal a fast uptake of PS-COOH primarily by phagocytes within 1 h of exposure. Upon transfer to PS NP-free CF, a significant decrease in fluorescence signal is observed, suggesting a fast cell clearance. No effect on cell viability is observed after 4 h of exposure to PS-COOH, however a significant decrease in lysosomal membrane stability (23.7 ± 4.8%) and phagocytic capacity (63.43 ± 3.4%) is observed at the highest concentration tested. Similarly, a significant reduction in cell viability, lysosomal membrane stability and phagocytosis is found upon exposure to PS-NH 2 (25 μg mL –1 ), which confirms the important role of surface charges in triggering immunotoxicity. Overall, our results show that, although being quickly internalized, PS-COOH can be easily eliminated by the coelomocytes but may still be able to trigger an immune response upon long-term exposure scenarios. Taking into account that sediments along Mediterranean coasts are a sink for micro- and nanoplastics, the latter can reach concentrations able to exceed toxicity-thresholds for marine benthic species.

Correction to: Assessment of cetacean–fishery interactions in the marine food web of the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) - Roberto Carlucci; Francesca Capezzuto; Giulia Cipriano; Gianfranco D’Onghia; Carmelo Fanizza; Simone Libralato; Rosalia Maglietta; Porzia Maiorano; Letizia Sion; Angelo Tursi; Pasquale Ricci (Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 2021)

Assessment of cetacean–fishery interactions in the marine food web of the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) - Roberto Carlucci; Francesca Capezzuto; Giulia Cipriano; Gianfranco D’Onghia; Carmelo Fanizza; Simone Libralato; Rosalia Maglietta; Porzia Maiorano; Letizia Sion; Angelo Tursi; Pasquale Ricci (Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 2021)
The exploitation of fishery resources acts as a driving force on cetaceans both directly, by determining their fishing mortality or injury as by-catch species, and indirectly, through the lowering the availability of their prey. This competitive overlap between fishing and cetaceans often results in inadequate solutions so that in some cases there have been cases of intentional cetacean culling to maximize fishing production. A modelling approach applied to investigate the ecological roles of cetaceans in the food web could prove more effective to integrate ecological and fishing aspects and to provide suggestions for management. The comparative analysis carried out in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) showed that fishing exploitation provides impacts on the investigated food web greater than those due to cetacean predation. Trawling was estimated to be the most negatively impacting fishing gear considering the mortality rates and consumption flows. On the other hand, the striped dolphin was the main impact on the food web due to its highest consumption flows. Analysis showed a negative and non-selective impact on the exploited species due to the fishing gears, while the odontocetes proved to select their prey species and provide a positive impact in the assemblage. In particular, while the fishing gears are primarily size selective, targeting mostly large and economically valuable fish, the odontocetes seem to follow a co-evolution process with their prey, developing a specialization in their resources, providing control of the meso-consumers and ensuring a trophic stability in the ecosystem.

Heavy Metals Assessment in the Medjerda River Basin (Northeastern Algeria): A Preliminary Water Analysis and Toad Skin Biopsy - Noureddine Guezgouz; Costantino Parisi; Soumaya Boubsil; Gaetano Grieco; Soualah Alila Hana; Giulia Guerriero (Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 2021)
Our study attempted to monitor the quality of water in Medjarda basin (Northeastern Algeria) and to provide baseline information of heavy metals in the water as well as in a potential amphibian biosentinel, the spiny toad, Bufo spinosus . We measured pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand of water and levels of heavy metals in toad skin using an atomic absorption flame spectrophotometer. Lead (Pb) concentration in water and in toad skin at all sites exceeded respectively 60 and 96 times the standard reference values. The heavy metal concentrations, in descending order, in water and in male toad skin were as follows: Pb > Fe > Cu > Zn and Fe > Pb > Zn > Cu respectively. This study highlights the ecological status of the surrounding areas upstream of the Medjarda basin as being a point source of heavy metal pollution. It is further stated that a non-invasive skin removal is an ethically sound technique to evaluate heavy metal accumulation in aquatic animals like toad, without euthanizing the specimens and making any loss to biodiversity of the species.

Influence of Mediterranean Sea Temperature Increase on Gaeta Gulf (Tyrrhenian Sea) Biodiversity - Matteo Gentilucci; Costantino Parisi; Maria Rosaria Coppola; Fatima-Zahra Majdoubi; Adriano Madonna; Giulia Guerriero (Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 2021)

Global systematic diversity, range distributions, conservation and taxonomic assessments of graylings (Teleostei: Salmonidae; Thymallus spp.) - Steven J. Weiss; Duarte V. Gonçalves; Giulia Secci-Petretto; Gernot K. Englmaier; André Gomes-Dos-Santos; Gael P. J. Denys; Henri Persat; Alexander Antonov; Christoph Hahn; Eric B. Taylor; Elsa Froufe (Organisms Diversity & Evolution, 2021)
Graylings ( Thymallus ) are among the less well-studied groups of salmonid fishes, especially across their Asian distribution range. Here we perform a comprehensive global review of their phylogeography, systematic diversity and range distributions, including biogeographic reconstruction and assessment of both conservation and taxonomic status of each species. Based on a mitogenomic phylogenetic analysis, three approaches to the delineation of molecular operational units, and evaluation of 15 a-priori defined species, we provide biological support for the recognition of 13 grayling species, plus two additional species tentatively. Several instances of paraphyly and its potential effect on systematic inferences are discussed. Overall, the genus displays increasing species diversity and decreasing range size from higher to lower latitudes and ancestral trait reconstruction supports an East Asian origin for extant diversity, most likely centred in the Amur River drainage. Europe’s colonization by Thymallus took place as early as the late Miocene, at least two colonisations of North America are supported, and multiple dispersal events likely took place into Western Siberia. The conservation status for the 15 taxa was estimated to be: 6 least concern, 1 near-threatened, 2 vulnerable, 3 endangered and 3 data deficient.

Talking with hands: body representation in British Sign Language users - Federico Brusa; Lukas Kretzschmar; Francesca Giulia Magnani; Graham Turner; Maria Garraffa; Anna Sedda (Experimental Brain Research, 2021)

Multi‐country investigation of the diversity and associated microorganisms isolated from tick species from domestic animals, wildlife and vegetation in selected african countries - Emanuela Olivieri; Edward Kariuki; Anna Maria Floriano; Michele Castelli; Yohannes Mulatu Tafesse; Giulia Magoga; Bersissa Kumsa; Matteo Montagna; Davide Sassera (Experimental and Applied Acarology, 2021)
In many areas of Africa, recent studies highlighted the great impact of ticks on animal and human health throughout the continent. On the other hand, very limited information on the bacterial endosymbionts of the African ticks and their pattern of co-infections with other bacteria are found in literature, notwithstanding their pivotal role in tick survival and vector efficiency. Thus, we investigated the distribution of selected pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria in hard ticks collected from wild, domestic animals and from vegetation in various ecological zones in Africa and their co-occurrence in the same tick host. Overall, 339 hard ticks were morphologically identified as belonging to the genera Amblyomma , Dermacentor , Hyalomma , Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus . Molecular screening provided information on pathogens circulation in Africa, detecting spotted fever group rickettsiae, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia ruminantium , Borrelia garinii , Babesia spp., Theileria spp. and Coxiella burnetii . Furthermore, our work provides insights on the African scenario of tick-symbiont associations, revealing the presence of Coxiella , Francisella and Midichloria across multiple tick populations. Coxiella endosymbionts were the most prevalent microorganisms, and that with the broadest spectrum of hosts, being detected in 16 tick species. Francisella was highly prevalent among the Hyalomma species tested and correlated negatively with the presence of Coxiella , showing a potential competitive interaction. Interestingly, we detected a positive association of Francisella with Rickettsia in specimens of Hy. rufipe s, suggesting a synergistic interaction between them. Finally, Midichloria was the most prevalent symbiont in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato from Egypt.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Italy during the twenty-first century: an updated survey in 2019 - Tommaso Stroffolini; Alessia Ciancio; Caterina Furlan; Maria Vinci; Grazia Anna Niro; Maurizio Russello; Guido Colloredo; Filomena Morisco; Nicola Coppola; Sergio Babudieri; Luigina Ferrigno; Caterina Sagnelli; et al. (European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2021)

Promising application of the SsCBF ELISA test to monitor the therapeutic response of feline sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis from Brazilian epidemics - Vivian S. Baptista; Gabriele Barros Mothé; Giulia M. P. Santos; Carla Stefany I. Melivilu; Thayana O. Santos; Emylli D. Virginio; Pãmella A. de Macêdo-Sales; Márcia Ribeiro Pinto; Ricardo Luiz D. Machado; Elisabeth M. S. Rocha; Leila Maria Lopes-Bezerra; Andréa Regina S. Baptista (Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 2021)

Discovering symbiosis in the supralittoral: bacterial metabarcoding analysis from the hepatopancreas of Orchestia and Tylos (Crustacea) - Valeria Russini; Giulia Fassio; Claudio Chimenti; Domenico Davolos (Symbiosis, 2021)

The relation between sarcomere energetics and the rate of isometric tension relaxation in healthy and diseased cardiac muscle - Giulia Vitale; Cecilia Ferrantini; Nicoletta Piroddi; Beatrice Scellini; Josè Manuel Pioner; Barbara Colombini; Chiara Tesi; Corrado Poggesi (Journal of Muscle Research and Cell Motility, 2021)
Full muscle relaxation happens when [Ca 2+ ] falls below the threshold for force activation. Several experimental models, from whole muscle organs and intact muscle down to skinned fibers, have been used to explore the cascade of kinetic events leading to mechanical relaxation. The use of single myofibrils together with fast solution switching techniques, has provided new information about the role of cross-bridge (CB) dissociation in the time course of isometric force decay. Myofibril’s relaxation is biphasic starting with a slow seemingly linear phase, with a rate constant, slow k REL , followed by a fast mono-exponential phase. Sarcomeres remain isometric during the slow force decay that reflects CB detachment under isometric conditions while the final fast relaxation phase begins with a sudden give of few sarcomeres and is then dominated by intersarcomere dynamics. Based on a simple two-state model of the CB cycle, myofibril slow k REL represents the apparent forward rate with which CBs leave force generating states ( g app ) under isometric conditions and correlates with the energy cost of tension generation (ATPase/tension ratio); in short slow k REL ~ g app ~ tension cost. The validation of this relationship is obtained by simultaneously measuring maximal isometric force and ATP consumption in skinned myocardial strips that provide an unambiguous determination of the relation between contractile and energetic properties of the sarcomere. Thus, combining kinetic experiments in isolated myofibrils and mechanical and energetic measurements in multicellular cardiac strips, we are able to provide direct evidence for a positive linear correlation between myofibril isometric relaxation kinetics (slow k REL ) and the energy cost of force production both measured in preparations from the same cardiac sample. This correlation remains true among different types of muscles with different ATPase activities and also when CB kinetics are altered by cardiomyopathy-related mutations. Sarcomeric mutations associated to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a primary cardiac disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins, have been often found to accelerate CB turnover rate and increase the energy cost of myocardial contraction. Here we review data showing that faster CB detachment results in a proportional increase in the energetic cost of tension generation in heart samples from both HCM patients and mouse models of the disease.

A Multi-Sensor and Modeling Approach for Mapping Light Under Sea Ice During the Ice-Growth Season - Julienne Stroeve; Martin Vancoppenolle; Gaelle Veyssiere; Marion Lebrun; Giulia Castellani; Marcel Babin; Michael Karcher; Jack Landy; Glen E. Liston; Jeremy Wilkinson (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Arctic sea ice is shifting from a year-round to a seasonal sea ice cover. This substantial transformation, via a reduction in Arctic sea ice extent and a thinning of its thickness, influences the amount of light entering the upper ocean. This in turn impacts under-ice algal growth and associated ecosystem dynamics. Field campaigns have provided valuable insights as to how snow and ice properties impact light penetration at fixed locations in the Arctic, but to understand the spatial variability in the under-ice light field there is a need to scale up to the pan-Arctic level. Combining information from satellites with state-of-the-art parameterizations is one means to achieve this. This study combines satellite and modeled data products to map under-ice light on a monthly time-scale from 2011 through 2018. Key limitations pertain to the availability of satellite-derived sea ice thickness, which for radar altimetry, is only available during the sea ice growth season. We clearly show that year-to-year variability in snow depth, along with the fraction of thin ice, plays a key role in how much light enters the Arctic Ocean. This is particularly significant in April, which in some regions, coincides with the beginning of the under-ice algal bloom, whereas we find that ice thickness is the main driver of under-ice light availability at the end of the melt season in October. The extension to the melt season due to a warmer Arctic means that snow accumulation has reduced, which is leading to positive trends in light transmission through snow. This, combined with a thinner ice cover, should lead to increased under-ice PAR also in the summer months.

Influence of Sewing on Microplastic Release from Textiles During Washing - Giulia Dalla Fontana; R. Mossotti; A. Montarsolo (Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2021)

Correction to: Age and sex differences in numerical responses, dietary shifts, and total responses of a generalist predator to population dynamics of main prey - Giulia Masoero; Toni Laaksonen; Chiara Morosinotto; Erkki Korpimäki (Oecologia, 2021)

Evaluation of three commercial assays for SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection in upper respiratory tract samples - Flora Marzia Liotti; Giulia Menchinelli; Simona Marchetti; Grazia Angela Morandotti; Maurizio Sanguinetti; Brunella Posteraro; Paola Cattani (European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2021)
The increasing COVID-19 widespread has created the necessity to assess the diagnostic accuracy of newly introduced (RT-PCR based) assays for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in respiratory tract samples. We compared the results of the Allplex™ 2019-nCoV assay with those of the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay and the Quanty COVID-19 assay, respectively, all performed on 125 nasal/oropharyngeal swab samples of patients with COVID-19 suspicion. Fifty-four samples were positive, and 71 were negative with the Allplex™ assay, whereas 47 of 54 samples were also positive with the Simplexa™ assay. The Quanty assay detected 55 positive samples, including the 54 positive samples with the Allplex™ assay and 1 sample that was Allplex™ negative but Simplexa™ positive. Using a consensus result criterion as the reference standard allowed to resolve the eight samples with discordant results (one Allplex™ negative and seven Simplexa™ negative) as truly false negative. Interestingly, a Spearman’s negative association was found between the viral RNA loads quantified by the Quanty assay and the C T values of RT PCRs performed with either the Allplex™ assay or the Simplexa™ assay. However, the strength of this association was higher for the Allplex™ assay (N gene, ρ = − 0.92; RdRP gene, ρ = − 0.91) than for the Simplexa™ assay (ORF1ab gene, ρ = − 0.65; S gene, ρ = − 0.80). The Allplex™ 2019-nCoV, the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct, and the Quanty COVID-19 assays yielded comparable results. However, the role these assays might play in future clinical practice warrants larger comparison studies.

Turning the spotlight on the oligosaccharide chain of GM1 ganglioside - Elena Chiricozzi; Erika Di Biase; Giulia Lunghi; Maria Fazzari; Nicoletta Loberto; Massimo Aureli; Laura Mauri; Sandro Sonnino (Glycoconjugate Journal, 2021)
It is well over a century that glycosphingolipids are matter of interest in different fields of research. The hydrophilic oligosaccharide and the lipid moiety, the ceramide, both or separately have been considered in different moments as the crucial portion of the molecule, responsible for the role played by the glycosphingolipids associated to the plasma-membranes or to any other subcellular fraction. Glycosphingolipids are a family of compounds characterized by thousands of structures differing in both the oligosaccharide and the ceramide moieties, but among them, the nervous system monosialylated glycosphingolipid GM1, belonging to the group of gangliosides, has gained particular attention by a multitude of Scientists. In recent years, a series of studies have been conducted on the functional roles played by the hydrophilic part of GM1, its oligosaccharide, that we have named “OligoGM1”. These studies allowed to shed new light on the mechanisms underlying the properties of GM1 defining the role of the OligoGM1 in determining precise interactions with membrane proteins instrumental for the neuronal functions, leaving to the ceramide the role of correctly positioning the GM1 in the membrane crucial for the oligosaccharide-protein interactions. In this review we aim to report the recent studies on the cascade of events modulated by OligoGM1, as the bioactive portion of GM1, to support neuronal differentiation and trophism together with preclinical studies on its potential to modify the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Vitamin D and Genetic Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis - Concetta Scazzone; Luisa Agnello; Giulia Bivona; Bruna Lo Sasso; Marcello Ciaccio (Biochemical Genetics, 2021)

Numerical modelling of intra-wave sediment transport on sandy beaches using a non-hydrostatic, wave-resolving model - Giulia Mancini; Riccardo Briganti; Robert McCall; Nicholas Dodd; Fangfang Zhu (Ocean Dynamics, 2021)
The mutual feedback between the swash zone and the surf zone is known to affect large-scale morphodynamic processes such as breaker bar migration on sandy beaches. To fully resolve this feedback in a process-based manner, the morphodynamics in the swash zone and due to swash-swash interactions must be explicitly solved, e.g., by means of a wave-resolving numerical model. Currently, few existing models are able to fully resolve the complex morphodynamics in the swash zone, and none is practically applicable for engineering purposes. This work aims at improving the numerical modelling of the intra-wave sediment transport on sandy beaches in an open-source wave-resolving hydro-morphodynamic framework (e.g., non-hydrostatic XBeach). A transport equation for the intra-wave suspended sediment concentration, including an erosion and a deposition rate, is newly implemented in the model. Two laboratory experiments involving isolated waves and wave trains are simulated to analyse the performance of the model. Numerical results show overall better performance in simulating single waves rather than wave trains. For the latter, the modelling of the morphodynamic response improves in the swash zone compared with the existing sediment transport modelling approach within non-hydrostatic XBeach, while the need of including additional physical processes to better capture sediment transport and bed evolution in the surf zone is highlighted in the paper.

Effects of salinity and sodicity on the seasonal dynamics of actual evapotranspiration and surface energy balance components in mature micro-irrigated pistachio orchards - Giulia Marino; Daniele Zaccaria; Luis O. Lagos; Camilo Souto; Eric R. Kent; Stephen R. Grattan; Kristen Shapiro; Blake L. Sanden; Richard L. Snyder (Irrigation Science, 2021)

The efficacy of in vivo administration of Apremilast on mesenchymal stem cells derived from psoriatic patients - Anna Campanati; Miriam Caffarini; Federico Diotallevi; Giulia Radi; Guendalina Lucarini; Mariangela Di Vincenzo; Monia Orciani; Annamaria Offidani (Inflammation Research, 2021)

Bordetella pertussis DNA detected in a tracheostomized child blood before seroconversion - Flora Marzia Liotti; Giulia De Angelis; Domenico Speziale; Grazia Angela Morandotti; Orazio Genovese; Maurizio Sanguinetti; Brunella Posteraro (European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2021)

PM2.5 exposure as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis. An ecological study with a Bayesian mapping approach - Roberto Bergamaschi; Maria Cristina Monti; Leonardo Trivelli; Giulia Mallucci; Leonardo Gerosa; Enrico Pisoni; Cristina Montomoli (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021)
Some environmental factors are associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Air pollution could be a main one. This study was conducted to investigate the association of particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5 ) concentrations with MS prevalence in the province of Pavia, Italy. The overall MS prevalence in the province of Pavia is 169.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. Spatial ground-level PM 2.5 gridded data were analysed, by municipality, for the period 2010–2016. Municipalities were grouped by tertiles according to PM 2.5 concentration. Ecological regression and Bayesian statistics were used to analyse the association between PM 2.5 concentrations, degree of urbanization, deprivation index and MS risk. MS risk was higher among persons living in areas with an average winter PM 2.5 concentration above the European annual limit value (25 μg/m 3 ). The Bayesian map revealed sizeable MS high-risk clusters. The study found a relationship between low MS risk and lower PM 2.5 levels, strengthening the suggestion that air pollution may be one of the environmental risk factors for MS.

Evaluation of Mercury Contamination in Iranian Wild Cats Through Hair Analysis - Reza Dahmardeh Behrooz; Giulia Poma (Biological Trace Element Research, 2021)

New insights into the composition of historical remedies and pharmaceutical formulations: the identification of natural resins and balsams by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric investigations - Francesca Caterina Izzo; Giulia Carolina Lodi; Maria Luisa Vázquez de Ágredos Pascual (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021)
The present paper reports one of the first studies on the identification of natural resins and balsams in modern era drug formulations. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to investigate the composition of ancient remedies and pharmaceutical formulations coming from the Spezieria di Santa Maria della Scala in Rome, founded at the end of the seventeenth century by the Discalced Carmelites. The obtained results highlight the presence of complex mixtures containing resinaceous and lipidic-based compounds. Thanks to the detection of characteristic markers, it was possible to identify several natural resins, such as guaiacum resin, ladano resin and scammony resin. Balsamic and aromatic compounds characteristic of essential oils were identified as well. In addition, an anti-inflammatory ointment, composed by mixing Venetian turpentine, a Pinaceae resin and a triterpene resin exudate of a plant from South America, was found among the analysed formulations. Combining the analytical results, the historical research and the botanical composition, it was possible to formulate compositional hypotheses of this historical medicine and provided some indications about their use in health. The study of historical drugs is not only important to know the practices handed down by apothecaries in the past, but also fundamental to reconstruct historical recipes that can inspire new dermatological, cosmetic, hygienic and current curative products.

Water stress and insect herbivory interactively reduce crop yield while the insect pollination benefit is conserved - Chloé A. Raderschall; Giulia Vico; Ola Lundin; Astrid R. Taylor; Riccardo Bommarco (Global Change Biology, 2021)
Climate change is predicted to hamper crop production due to precipitation deficits and warmer temperatures inducing both water stress and increasing herbivory due to more abundant insect pests. Consequently, crop yields will be impacted simultaneously by abiotic and biotic stressors. Extensive yield losses due to such climate change stressors might, however, be mitigated by ecosystem services such as insect pollination. We examined the single and combined effects of water stress, insect herbivory and insect pollination on faba bean yield components and above‐ and belowground plant biomass under realistic field conditions. We used rainout shelters to simulate a scenario in line with climate change projections, with adequate water supply at sowing followed by a long period without precipitation. This induced a gradually increasing water stress, culminating around crop flowering and yield formation. We found that gradually increasing water stress combined with insect herbivory by aphids interactively shaped yield in faba beans. Individually, aphid herbivory reduced yield by 79% and water stress reduced yield by 52%. However, the combined effect of water stress and aphid herbivory reduced yield less (84%) than the sum of the individual stressor effects. In contrast, insect pollination increased yield by 68% independently of water availability and insect herbivory. Our results suggest that yield losses can be greatly reduced when both water stress and insect herbivory are reduced simultaneously. In contrast, reducing only one stressor has negligible benefits on yield as long as the crop is suffering from the other stressor. We call for further exploration of interactions among ecosystem services and biotic and abiotic stressors that simulate realistic conditions under climate change.

No Population Genetic Structure of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Tropical Western and Central Pacific Assessed Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms - Giulia Anderson; Monal Lal; Brian Stockwell; John Hampton; Neville Smith; Simon Nicol; Ciro Rico (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020)
Skipjack tuna ( Katsuwonus pelamis ) has historically been considered panmictic at the ocean basin scale because of the species’ life history and substantial absolute population size. However, recent advances in population genomics have enabled scientists to demonstrate population structure in other species that were likewise traditionally assumed to be panmictic. Accordingly, we used DArTseq, a proprietary platform of reduced-representation genome sequencing developed by Diversity Arrays Technology (DArTech) to genotype 222 skipjack tuna from 9 sample groups collected across 6 exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and over 6 years in the tropical Western and Central Pacific Ocean. This is one of the most fine-scale population genetics assessments of skipjack tuna to date. We found several statistically significant pairwise F ST comparisons using purportedly neutral loci, but very little indication of structure based on observed and expected heterozygosity, effective population size, a Mantel test, AMOVA, numerous genetic clustering and population assignment tests, and exploration of correlation with oceanographic features. Significant pairwise F ST values were often shallow and resulted in uncertainty about their biological significance. Furthermore, a test of the hypothesis that the geographic and temporal distribution of the potentially adaptive genetic diversity may depict cryptic fine scale structure using two different outlier detection methods, could not reject panmixia based on estimates of fixation indices and two clustering software. Our results support the presence of a single population of skipjack tuna in the tropical Western and Central Pacific Ocean, but highly recommend the expansion of the study area, in latitude, longitude, and seasonality, before drawing any global conclusions.

Quantitative insights on the interaction between metal ions and water kefir grains: kinetics studies and EPR investigations - Giulia Costamagna; Giorgio Volpi; Elena Ghibaudi; Marco Ginepro (Natural Product Research, 2020)

The Epilepsy-Related Protein PCDH19 Regulates Tonic Inhibition, GABAAR Kinetics, and the Intrinsic Excitability of Hippocampal Neurons - Giulia M. Serratto; Erika Pizzi; Luca Murru; Sara Mazzoleni; Silvia Pelucchi; Elena Marcello; Michele Mazzanti; Maria Passafaro; Silvia Bassani (Molecular Neurobiology, 2020)
PCDH19 encodes for protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), a cell-adhesion molecule of the cadherin superfamily preferentially expressed in the brain. PCDH19 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome named epileptic encephalopathy, early infantile, 9 (EIEE9) characterized by seizures associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. We recently reported that PCDH19 binds the alpha subunits of GABA A receptors (GABA A Rs), modulating their surface availability and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Here, we investigated whether PCDH19 regulatory function on GABA A Rs extends to the extrasynaptic receptor pool that mediates tonic current. In fact, the latter shapes neuronal excitability and network properties at the base of information processing. By combining patch-clamp recordings in whole-cell and cell-attached configurations, we provided a functional characterization of primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic rats of either sex expressing a specific PCDH19 short hairpin (sh)RNA. We first demonstrated that PCDH19 downregulation reduces GABA A R-mediated tonic current, evaluated by current shift and baseline noise analysis. Next, by single-channel recordings, we showed that PCDH19 regulates GABA A Rs kinetics without altering their conductance. In particular, GABA A Rs of shRNA-expressing neurons preferentially exhibit brief openings at the expense of long ones, thus displaying a flickering behavior. Finally, we showed that PCDH19 downregulation reduces the rheobase and increases the frequency of action potential firing, thus indicating neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings establish PCDH19 as a critical determinant of GABA A R-mediated tonic transmission and GABA A Rs gating, and provide the first mechanistic insights into PCDH19-related hyperexcitability and comorbidities.

Algae and Bioguano as promising source of organic fertilizers - Giulia Atzori; Werther Guidi Nissim; Liliana Rodolfi; Alberto Niccolai; Natascia Biondi; Stefano Mancuso; Mario R. Tredici (Journal of Applied Phycology, 2020)
The projected population growth implies an increased food demand with a severe impact on Earth’s natural resources. Improving crops yield without compromising the environment will be one of the main challenges of the next decades. Among the practices that can promote sustainable agriculture, organic fertilizers, and seaweeds in particular, are receiving growing attention. The aim of the current study was to test two macroalgae ( Chaetomorpha sp. and Cystoseira sp.), one microalga ( Chlorella CH2) and Bioguano (a mixture of macroalgae, spirulina, and guano) as organic fertilizers for the growth of barley seedlings. Remarkable plant growth was obtained on Bioguano, with seedlings showing a comparable total biomass yield with respect to the positive control plants on mineral fertilizer. Plants growth on macroalgae was reduced, even if in Chaetomorpha sp. not significantly compared to the positive control. Plants growth on Chlorella CH2 was close to that of the negative control (only water). Plants on Bioguano attained high uptake efficiencies of N (60%) and K (41%). Plants on macroalgae showed high N, and especially P (about 30%) uptake efficiency. Our results suggest a high potential for Bioguano and, to a lesser extent, for macroalgae without any synthetic fertilizer application to be used as growing substrates for crops.

Modulation of calcium signaling depends on the oligosaccharide of GM1 in Neuro2a mouse neuroblastoma cells - Giulia Lunghi; Maria Fazzari; Erika Di Biase; Laura Mauri; Sandro Sonnino; Elena Chiricozzi (Glycoconjugate Journal, 2020)
Recently, we demonstrated that the oligosaccharide portion of ganglioside GM1 is responsible, via direct interaction and activation of the TrkA pathway, for the ability of GM1 to promote neuritogenesis and to confer neuroprotection in Neuro2a mouse neuroblastoma cells. Recalling the knowledge that ganglioside GM1 modulates calcium channels activity, thus regulating the cytosolic calcium concentration necessary for neuronal functions, we investigated if the GM1-oligosaccharide would be able to overlap the GM1 properties in the regulation of calcium signaling, excluding a specific role played by the ceramide moiety inserted into the external layer of plasma membrane. We observed, by calcium imaging, that GM1-oligosaccharide administration to undifferentiated Neuro2a cells resulted in an increased calcium influx, which turned out to be mediated by the activation of TrkA receptor. The biochemical analysis demonstrated that PLCγ and PKC activation follows the TrkA stimulation by GM1-oligosaccharide, leading to the opening of calcium channels both on the plasma membrane and on intracellular storages, as confirmed by calcium imaging experiments performed with IP3 receptor inhibitor. Subsequently, we found that neurite elongation in Neuro2a cells was blocked by subtoxic administration of extracellular and intracellular calcium chelators, suggesting that the increase of intracellular calcium is responsible of GM1-oligosaccharide mediated differentiation. These results suggest that GM1-oligosaccharide is responsible for the regulation of calcium signaling and homeostasis at the base of the neuronal functions mediated by plasma membrane GM1.

A novel negevirus isolated from Aedes vexans mosquitoes in Finland - Maija T. Suvanto; Phuoc Truong Nguyen; Ruut Uusitalo; Essi M. Korhonen; Giulia Faolotto; Olli Vapalahti; Eili Huhtamo; Teemu Smura (Archives of Virology, 2020)
Negeviruses are insect-specific enveloped RNA viruses that have been detected in mosquitoes and sandflies from various geographical locations. Here, we describe a new negevirus from Northern Europe, isolated from pool of Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected in Finland, designated as Mekrijärvi negevirus (MEJNV). MEJNV had a typical negevirus genome organization, is 9,740 nucleotides in length, and has a GC content of 47.53%. The MEJNV genome contains three ORFs, each containing the following identified conserved domains: ORF1 (7,068 nt) encodes a viral methyltransferase, an FtsJ-like methyltransferase, a viral RNA helicase, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, ORF2 (1,242 nt) encodes a putative virion glycoprotein, and ORF3 (660 nt) encodes a putative virion membrane protein. A distinctive feature relative to other currently known negeviruses is a 7-nucleotide-long overlap between ORF1 and ORF2. MEJNV shares the highest sequence identity with Ying Kou virus from China, with 67.71% nucleotide and 75.19% and 59.00% amino acid sequence identity in ORF 1 and ORF 2, respectively. ORF3 had the highest amino acid sequence similarity to Daeseongdong virus 1 and negevirus Nona 1, both with 77.61% identity, and to Ying Kou virus, with 71.22% identity. MEJNV is currently the northernmost negevirus described. Our report supports the view that negeviruses are a globally distributed, diverse group of viruses that can be found from mosquitoes in a wide range of terrestrial biomes from tropical to boreal forests.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin Protection and Sustainable Boating: Species Distribution Modeling for Effective Coastal Planning - Gabriella La Manna; Fabio Ronchetti; Gianluca Sarà; Alberto Ruiu; Giulia Ceccherelli (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020)

The Social Role of Vocal Complexity in Striped Dolphins - Elena Papale; Carmelo Fanizza; Giuseppa Buscaino; Maria Ceraulo; Giulia Cipriano; Roberto Crugliano; Rosario Grammauta; Martina Gregorietti; Vito Renò; Pasquale Ricci; Francesca C. Santacesaria; Rosalia Maglietta; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020)

Studies on the aetiology of kiwifruit decline: interaction between soil-borne pathogens and waterlogging - Francesco Savian; Fabrizio Ginaldi; Rita Musetti; Nicola Sandrin; Giulia Tarquini; Laura Pagliari; Giuseppe Firrao; Marta Martini; Paolo Ermacora (Plant and Soil, 2020)
Aims In 2012, Italian kiwifruit orchards were hit by a serious root disease of unknown aetiology (kiwifruit decline, KD) that still causes extensive damage to the sector. While waterlogging was soon observed to be associated with its outbreak, the putative role of soil microbiota remains unknown. This work investigates the role of these two factors in the onset of the disease. Methods Historical rainfall data were analysed to identify changes that might explain KD outbreak and mimic the flooding conditions required to reproduce the disease in a controlled environment. A greenhouse experiment was thus designed, and vines were grown in either unsterilized (U) or sterilized (S) soil collected from KD-affected orchards, and subjected (F) or not (N) to artificial flooding. Treatments were compared in terms of mortality rate, growth, and tissue modifications. Results KD symptoms were only displayed by FU-treated vines, with an incidence of 90%. Ultrastructural observations detected tyloses and fibrils in the xylem vessels of all plants, irrespective of the treatment. Phytopythium vexans and Phytopythium chamaehyphon , isolated from roots of FU plants, emerged as the associated microorganisms. Conclusions We succeeded in reproducing KD under controlled conditions and confirmed its association with both waterlogging and soil-borne microorganism(s).

Uncovering the expression patterns and the clinical significance of miR-182, miR-205, miR-27a and miR-369 in patients with urinary bladder cancer - Nouha Setti Boubaker; Aymone Gurtner; Nesrine Trabelsi; Isabella Manni; Haroun Ayed; Ahmed Saadi; Zeineb Naimi; Meriem Ksontini; Mouna Ayadi; Ahlem Blel; Soumaya Rammeh; Mohamed Chebil; et al. (Molecular Biology Reports, 2020)

First report of Rhizoctonia solani AG-4 HG-I causing crown rot on Abelmoschus manihot in Italy - Angelo Garibaldi; Giulia Tabone; Domenico Bertetti; Maria Lodovica Gullino (Journal of Plant Pathology, 2020)

First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on Salvia involucrata in Italy - Angelo Garibaldi; Giulia Tabone; Slavica Matić; Incoronata Luongo; Maria Lodovica Gullino (Journal of Plant Pathology, 2020)

Autozygosity-driven genetic diagnosis in consanguineous families from Italy and the Greater Middle East - Flavia Palombo; Claudio Graziano; Nadia Al Wardy; Nayereh Nouri; Caterina Marconi; Pamela Magini; Giulia Severi; Chiara La Morgia; Gaetano Cantalupo; Duccio Maria Cordelli; Simone Gangarossa; Mohammed Nasser Al Kindi; et al. (Human Genetics, 2020)

Between the hammerstone and the anvil: bipolar knapping and other percussive activities in the late Mousterian and the Uluzzian of Grotta di Castelcivita (Italy) - Simona Arrighi; Giulia Marciani; Matteo Rossini; Marcos César Pereira Santos; Andrea Fiorini; Ivan Martini; Daniele Aureli; Federica Badino; Eugenio Bortolini; Carla Figus; Federico Lugli; Gregorio Oxilia; et al. (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2020)

Relationships Between Leaf Exposure Time to Air Pollution and Metal and Particulate Matter Accumulation for Holm Oak Leaves - Valeria Memoli; Francesco Esposito; Lucia Santorufo; Speranza Claudia Panico; Marco Trifuoggi; Gabriella Di Natale; Giulia Maisto (Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2020)

Down syndrome, accelerated aging and immunosenescence - Noémie Gensous; Maria Giulia Bacalini; Claudio Franceschi; Paolo Garagnani (Seminars in Immunopathology, 2020)
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, associated with moderate to severe intellectual disability. While life expectancy of Down syndrome population has greatly increased over the last decades, mortality rates are still high and subjects are facing prematurely a phenomenon of atypical and accelerated aging. The presence of an immune impairment in Down syndrome subjects is suggested for a long time by the existence of an increased incidence of infections, the incomplete efficacy of vaccinations, and a high prevalence of autoimmunity. Immunologic abnormalities have been described since many years in this population, both from a numerical and a functional points of view, and these abnormalities can mirror the ones observed during normal aging. In this review, we summarize our knowledge on immunologic disturbances commonly observed in subjects with Down syndrome, and in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as regarding chronic inflammation. We then discuss the role of accelerated aging in these observed abnormalities and finally review the potential age-associated molecular and cellular mechanisms involved.

Identification and in silico characterization of a novel PKLR genotype in a Turkish newborn - Giulia Canu; Elisa De Paolis; Benedetta Righino; Giorgia Mazzuccato; Giulio De Paolis; Ettore Capoluongo; Maria Cristina De Rosa; Andrea Urbani; Adalet Meral Gunes; Angelo Minucci (Molecular Biology Reports, 2020)

Implementation of the eazyplex® CSF direct panel assay for rapid laboratory diagnosis of bacterial meningitis: 32-month experience at a tertiary care university hospital - Tiziana D’Inzeo; Giulia Menchinelli; Giulia De Angelis; Barbara Fiori; Flora Marzia Liotti; Grazia Angela Morandotti; Maurizio Sanguinetti; Brunella Posteraro; Teresa Spanu (European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2020)

A review of the potential mechanisms of neuronal toxicity associated with antiretroviral drugs - Ilaria De Benedetto; Mattia Trunfio; Giulia Guastamacchia; Stefano Bonora; Andrea Calcagno (Journal of NeuroVirology, 2020)

Sphingolipids and plasma membrane hydrolases in human primary bronchial cells during differentiation and their altered patterns in cystic fibrosis - Nicoletta Loberto; Giulia Mancini; Rosaria Bassi; Emma Veronica Carsana; Anna Tamanini; Nicoletta Pedemonte; Maria Cristina Dechecchi; Sandro Sonnino; Massimo Aureli (Glycoconjugate Journal, 2020)
Human primary bronchial epithelial cells differentiated in vitro represent a valuable tool to study lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disorder caused by mutations in the gene coding for the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator. In CF, sphingolipids, a ubiquitous class of bioactive lipids mainly associated with the outer layer of the plasma membrane, seem to play a crucial role in the establishment of the severe lung complications. Nevertheless, no information on the involvement of sphingolipids and their metabolism in the differentiation of primary bronchial epithelial cells are available so far. Here we show that ceramide and globotriaosylceramide increased during cell differentiation, whereas glucosylceramide and gangliosides content decreased. In addition, we found that apical plasma membrane of differentiated bronchial cells is characterized by a higher content of sphingolipids in comparison to the other cell membranes and that activity of sphingolipids catabolic enzymes associated with this membrane results altered with respect to the total cell activities. In particular, the apical membrane of CF cells was characterized by high levels of ceramide and glucosylceramide, known to have proinflammatory activity. On this basis, our data further support the role of sphingolipids in the onset of CF lung pathology.

Food at the heart of the Empire: dietary reconstruction for Imperial Rome inhabitants - Flavio De Angelis; Sara Varano; Andrea Battistini; Stefania Di Giannantonio; Paola Ricci; Carmine Lubritto; Giulia Facchin; Luca Brancazi; Riccardo Santangeli-Valenzani; Paola Catalano; Valentina Gazzaniga; Olga Rickards; et al. (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2020)
This paper aims to provide a broad diet reconstruction for people buried in archaeologically defined contexts in Rome (first to third centuries CE), in order to combine archaeological and biological evidence focusing on dietary preferences in Imperial Rome. A sample of 214 human bones recovered from 6 funerary contexts was selected for carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis. The baseline for the terrestrial protein component of the diet was set using 17 coeval faunal remains recovered from excavations at Rome supplemented by previously published data for the same geographic and chronological frames. δ 13 C ranges from − 19.9 to − 14.8‰, whereas δ 15 N values are between 7.2 and 10.0‰. The values are consistent with an overall diet mainly based on terrestrial resources. All the human samples rely on a higher trophic level than the primary consumer faunal samples. Certainly, C 3 plants played a pivotal role in the dietary habits. However, C 4 plants also seem to have been consumed, albeit they were not as widespread and were not always used for human consumption. The environment played a critical role also for Romans of lower social classes. The topographical location determined the preferential consumption of food that people could obtain from their neighborhood.

Climate change and perishable food hoards of an avian predator: Is the freezer still working? - Giulia Masoero; Toni Laaksonen; Chiara Morosinotto; Erkki Korpimäki (Global Change Biology, 2020)
Changing climate can modify predator–prey interactions and induce declines or local extinctions of species due to reductions in food availability. Species hoarding perishable food for overwinter survival, like predators, are predicted to be particularly susceptible to increasing temperatures. We analysed the influence of autumn and winter weather, and abundance of main prey (voles), on the food‐hoarding behaviour of a generalist predator, the Eurasian pygmy owl ( Glaucidium passerinum ), across 16 years in Finland. Fewer freeze–thaw events in early autumn delayed the initiation of food hoarding. Pygmy owls consumed more hoarded food with more frequent freeze–thaw events and deeper snow cover in autumn and in winter, and lower precipitation in winter. In autumn, the rotting of food hoards increased with precipitation. Hoards already present in early autumn were much more likely to rot than the ones initiated in late autumn. Rotten food hoards were used more in years of low food abundance than in years of high food abundance. Having rotten food hoards in autumn resulted in a lower future recapture probability of female owls. These results indicate that pygmy owls might be partly able to adapt to climate change by delaying food hoarding, but changes in the snow cover, precipitation and frequency of freeze–thaw events might impair their foraging and ultimately decrease local overwinter survival. Long‐term trends and future predictions, therefore, suggest that impacts of climate change on wintering food‐hoarding species could be substantial, because their ‘freezers’ may no longer work properly. Altered usability and poorer quality of hoarded food may further modify the foraging needs of food‐hoarding predators and thus their overall predation pressure on prey species. This raises concerns about the impacts of climate change on boreal food webs, in which ecological interactions have evolved under cold winter conditions.

Future Socio-Political Scenarios for Aquatic Resources in Europe: An Operationalized Framework for Aquaculture Projections - Cornelia M. Kreiss; Eleni Papathanasopoulou; Katell G. Hamon; John K. Pinnegar; Sandra Rybicki; Giulia Micallef; Andrzej Tabeau; Alhambra M. Cubillo; Myron A. Peck (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020)

Blended divergences: local food and medicinal plant uses among Arbëreshë, Occitans, and autochthonous Calabrians living in Calabria, Southern Italy - Giulia Mattalia; Renata Sõukand; Paolo Corvo; Andrea Pieroni (Plant Biosystems, 2020)

Publisher Correction to: Comparative genetic analysis of grayling (Thymallus spp. Salmonidae) across the paleohydrologically dynamic river drainages of the Altai-Sayan mountain region - Steven Weiss; Jacqueline Grimm; Duarte V. Gonçalves; Giulia Secci-Petretto; Gernot K. Englmaier; Mirgaliy Baimukanov; Elsa Froufe (Hydrobiologia, 2020)

The significance of the placental genome and methylome in fetal and maternal health - Giulia F. Del Gobbo; Chaini Konwar; Wendy P. Robinson (Human Genetics, 2020)

The spatial effect of fearful faces in the autonomic response - Giulia Ellena; Simone Battaglia; Elisabetta Làdavas (Experimental Brain Research, 2020)

Real-world data on new users of atypical antipsychotics: characterisation, prescription patterns, healthcare costs and early cardio-metabolic occurrences from a large Italian database - Carlo Piccinni; Letizia Dondi; Giulia Ronconi; Silvia Calabria; Immacolata Esposito; Antonella Pedrini; Aldo P. Maggioni; Corrado Barbui; Nello Martini (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2020)

Quality assessment of escaping silver eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) to support management and conservation strategies in Mediterranean coastal lagoons - Fabrizio Capoccioni; Chiara Leone; Claude Belpaire; Govindan Malarvannan; Giulia Poma; Giovanna De Matteis; Lorenzo Tancioni; Michela Contò; Sebastiana Failla; Adrian Covaci; Eleonora Ciccotti (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2020)

Mediterranean Sea Literacy: When Ocean Literacy becomes region- specific - MELITA MOKOS; MARIA TH. CHEIMONOPOULOU; PANAYOTA KOULOURI; MONICA PREVIATI; GIULIA REALDON; FRANCESCA SANTORO; ATHANASIOS MOGIAS; THEODORA BOUBONARI; MANEL GAZO; ALESSIO SATTA; CHRISTOS IOAKEIMIDIS; ALBA TOJEIRO; et al. (Mediterranean Marine Science, 2020)
Ocean Literacy (OL) has been defined as an understanding of the ocean’s influence on people and their influence on the ocean. The OL movement was born in the US and its framework consisted of seven essential principles and 45 fundamental concepts; it is now largely accepted worldwide for use in both formal (schools and universities) and non-formal (research institutes, aquaria, museums, etc.) education settings. Based on this framework, marine scientists and educators developed the “Mediterranean Sea Literacy” (MSL) guide adapted to the specificities of the Mediterranean region, presented here. The MSL principles (7) and concepts (43), serving as guidance for research, education, informed decision-making, and improved citizens’ lifestyles, aim to contribute to environmental protection, conservation, and restoration of the Mediterranean Sea as well as to help to achieve a blue innovative and sustainable economy.

Water management for irrigation, crop yield and social attitudes: a socio-agricultural agent-based model to explore a collective action problem - Lucia Tamburino; Giuliano Di Baldassarre; Giulia Vico (Hydrological Sciences Journal, 2020)

Large-Scale Variability of Physical and Biological Sea-Ice Properties in Polar Oceans - Giulia Castellani; Fokje L. Schaafsma; Stefanie Arndt; Benjamin A. Lange; Ilka Peeken; Julia Ehrlich; Carmen David; Robert Ricker; Thomas Krumpen; Stefan Hendricks; Sandra Schwegmann; Philippe Massicotte; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020)

Farmers’ landslide risk perceptions and willingness for restoration and conservation of world heritage site of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, China - Xuan Gao; Giulia Roder; Yuanmei Jiao; Yinping Ding; Zhilin Liu; Paolo Tarolli (Landslides, 2020)
The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (China) is an ancient world heritage agricultural landscape that has been evolved in centuries as a result of farmers’ indigenous practices and knowledge. The area, however, is prone to landslides that can burden the conservation of these landscapes including their social, cultural, economic and aesthetic value. In June 2018, a landslide threatened the villages of Duosha and Mengpin affecting 138 inhabitants and the terraces structure. This event marked the need to understand how farmers coexist with these natural hazards and which are the behaviours people adopt to conserve their environment and safeguard their livelihood. Results from 125 in-person interviews showed that farmers feel threaten by landslide events derived by their personal experience, but their poor perceived preparedness and the inefficient disaster information make them more vulnerable to those events. Nevertheless, they demonstrated a desire to increase their knowledge on terraces restoration and conservation practices. This is an important signal for public authorities and practitioners that need to underpin training activities and create momentum for discussion. The demonstrated high trust in authorities’ decisions is a crucial element to pursue the objective and sustain the conservation of the terraces and the tourism economy.

Pistachio fruits rust caused by Tuberculina persicina (Ditmar) Sacc., anamorph of Helicobasidium purpureum (Tul.) Pat. - Giulia Mirabile; Livio Torta (Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 2020)

First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spots on Hibiscus syriacus in Italy - Angelo Garibaldi; Giulia Tabone; Slavica Matić; Incoronata Luongo; Maria Lodovica Gullino (Journal of Plant Pathology, 2020)

Heat stress effects on bovine sperm cells: a chronological approach to early findings - Laura Nataly Garcia-Oliveros; Rubens Paes de Arruda; Leonardo Batissaco; Vitor Hugo Guilger Gonzaga; Vinícius José Moreira Nogueira; Shirley Andrea Florez-Rodriguez; Flávia dos Santos Almeida; Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves; Sâmara Cristine Costa Pinto; Marcilio Nichi; João Diego de Agostini Losano; Giulia Kiyomi Vechiato Kawai; et al. (International Journal of Biometeorology, 2020)

Effects of 3-month high-intensity interval training vs. moderate endurance training and 4-month follow-up on fat metabolism, cardiorespiratory function and mitochondrial respiration in obese adults - Filippo Vaccari; Angelina Passaro; Andrea D’Amuri; Juana Maria Sanz; Francesca Di Vece; Eleonora Capatti; Benedetta Magnesa; Marina Comelli; Irene Mavelli; Bruno Grassi; Federica Fiori; Giulia Bravo; et al. (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2020)

New estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from biomass burning and peat fires using MODIS Collection 6 burned areas - Paolo Prosperi; Mario Bloise; Francesco N. Tubiello; Giulia Conchedda; Simone Rossi; Luigi Boschetti; Mirella Salvatore; Martial Bernoux (Climatic Change, 2020)
The Paris Agreement calls on parties to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change by engaging in appropriate policies and measures as put forward through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to strengthen transparency when reporting their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to increase their mitigation contributions to climate action from 2020. It also calls for regular and transparent monitoring and reporting of the GHG emissions and on the NDCs implementation efforts. Biomass fires significantly affect the GHG atmospheric balance, with fire emissions representing more than 5% of total emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU), according to recent estimates produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). We update previously published Tier 1 estimates of GHG emissions in FAOSTAT—which had been used in the IPCC AR5 analysis—by using new burned area activity data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) known as MCD64A1, Collection 6. The previous FAOSTAT estimates had used as input the Global Fire Emission Database v.4 (GFED4) burned area product, based on older MODIS Collection 5.1 burned area product. In line with differences between the input data used, the new FAOSTAT estimates indicate roughly 30% higher fire emissions globally than previously published. Our analysis also confirms that the FAOSTAT Tier 1 approach produces fire emissions estimates that are comparable to those computed at Tier 3 by GFED, and thus represent a useful complementary tool in support of country GHG reporting.

Miller Fisher syndrome diagnosis and treatment in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 - Paolo Manganotti; Valentina Pesavento; Alex Buoite Stella; Lucia Bonzi; Elena Campagnolo; Giulia Bellavita; Bruno Fabris; Roberto Luzzati (Journal of NeuroVirology, 2020)

The fusiform gyrus and theory of mind: a case study - Giulia Maria Tallarita; Annalisa Parente; Giuseppe Didato; Anna Rita Giovagnoli (Acta Neurologica Belgica, 2020)

Evolutionary development and co‐phylogeny of primate‐associated bifidobacteria - Gabriele Andrea Lugli; Giulia Alessandri; Christian Milani; Leonardo Mancabelli; Lorena Ruiz; Federico Fontana; Santiago Borragán; Andrea González; Francesca Turroni; Maria Cristina Ossiprandi; Abelardo Margolles; Douwe van Sinderen; et al. (Environmental Microbiology, 2020)
Summary In recent years, bifidobacterial populations in the gut of various monkey species have been assessed in several ecological surveys, unveiling a diverse, yet unexplored ecosystem harbouring novel species. In the current study, we investigated the species distribution of bifidobacteria present in 23 different species of primates, including human samples, by means of 16S rRNA microbial profiling and internal transcribed spacer bifidobacterial profiling. Based on the observed bifidobacterial‐host co‐phylogeny, we found a statistically significant correlation between the Hominidae family and particular bifidobacterial species isolated from humans, indicating phylosymbiosis between these lineages. Furthermore, phylogenetic and glycobiome analyses, based on 40 bifidobacterial species isolated from primates, revealed that members of the Bifidobacterium tissieri phylogenetic group, which are typical gut inhabitants of members of the Cebidae family, descend from an ancient ancestor with respect to other bifidobacterial taxa isolated from primates.

NMR-based metabolic study of leaves of three species of Actinidia with different degrees of susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae - Fabio Sciubba; Maria Enrica Di Cocco; Giulia Angori; Mariangela Spagnoli; Flavio Roberto De Salvador; Petra Engel; Maurizio Delfini (Natural Product Research, 2020)

Parasitism in Angus x Nellore heifers in a silvopastoral system - Hornblenda Joaquina Silva Bello; Juliana Alencar Gonçalves; Giulia Salgarella Teixeira; Juliana Mara de Freitas Santos; Gustavo do Valle Polycarpo; Fabiana Alves de Almeida; Alessandro F. T. Amarante; Ricardo Velludo Gomes de Soutello (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2020)

SORLA Expression in Synaptic Plexiform Layers of Mouse Retina - Giulia Monti; Marianne L. Jensen; Arnela Mehmedbasic; Margarita Melnikova Jørgensen; Ida E. Holm; Pernille Barkholt; Egija Zole; Christian B. Vægter; Henrik Vorum; Jens R. Nyengaard; Olav M. Andersen (Molecular Neurobiology, 2020)

Effect of exercise on telomere length and telomere proteins expression in mdx mice - Gian Luca Vita; M’hammed Aguennouz; Maria Sframeli; Francesca Sanarica; Paola Mantuano; Rosaria Oteri; Francesca Polito; Norma Licata; Sara Romeo; Maria Grazia Distefano; Matteo La Rosa; Carmen Bonanno; et al. (Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 2020)

Correction to: Residency patterns and site fidelity of Grampus griseus (Cuvier, 1812) in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central-Eastern Mediterranean Sea) - Roberto Carlucci; Aylin Akkaya Baş; Peggy Liebig; Vito Renò; Francesca Cornelia Santacesaria; Stefano Bellomo; Carmelo Fanizza; Rosalia Maglietta; Giulia Cipriano (Mammal Research, 2020)

Residency patterns and site fidelity of Grampus griseus (Cuvier, 1812) in the Gulf of Taranto (Northern Ionian Sea, Central-Eastern Mediterranean Sea) - Roberto Carlucci; Aylin Akkaya Baş; Peggy Liebig; Vito Renò; Francesca Cornelia Santacesaria; Stefano Bellomo; Carmelo Fanizza; Rosalia Maglietta; Giulia Cipriano (Mammal Research, 2020)

Comparative genetic analysis of grayling (Thymallus spp. Salmonidae) across the paleohydrologically dynamic river drainages of the Altai-Sayan mountain region - Steven Weiss; Jacqueline Grimm; Duarte V. Gonçalves; Giulia Secci-Petretto; Gernot K. Englmaier; Mirgaliy Baimukanov; Elsa Froufe (Hydrobiologia, 2020)
A high number of grayling ( Thymallus ) species have been described from the Altai-Sayan mountain region, for which little to no genetic information is available. We investigated genetic relationships within this genus of salmonid fishes using mtDNA and microsatellite markers. The analysis focused on three putative species, Markakol grayling ( T. brevicephalus ), Upper Ob grayling ( T. nikolskyi ) and Mongolian grayling ( T. brevirostris ). We integrated these data with mtDNA sequences from eight other grayling species, including two of geographic proximity to the study area. Phylogenetic results revealed three pairs of reciprocally monophyletic sister species, two of which were phylogenetically juxtaposed across isolated drainage systems. Based on microsatellite analysis (up to 10 loci) no evidence of hybridization or introgression was found among species, supporting the mtDNA phylogeny. Based on a time-calibrated tree, divergence times between the focal taxa ranged from 0.36 to 1.1 MY. The genetic data support the distinction of these species and underscore the importance of paleohydrological dynamics in this biogeographically complex region. Well-documented mega-flood events in the region provide a model of how the contemporary cross-basin distribution of these species may have evolved.

Microbial Contamination of Medical Staff Clothing During Patient Care Activities: Performance of Decontamination of Domestic Versus Industrial Laundering Procedures - Angela Chiereghin; Silvia Felici; Dino Gibertoni; Claudio Foschi; Gabriele Turello; Giulia Piccirilli; Liliana Gabrielli; Pierangelo Clerici; Maria Paola Landini; Tiziana Lazzarotto (Current Microbiology, 2020)

Neurofilament light chain: a specific serum biomarker of axonal damage severity in rat models of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity - Cristina Meregalli; Giulia Fumagalli; Paola Alberti; Annalisa Canta; Alessia Chiorazzi; Laura Monza; Eleonora Pozzi; Valentina Alda Carozzi; Kaj Blennow; Henrik Zetterberg; Guido Cavaletti; Paola Marmiroli (Archives of Toxicology, 2020)

Neanderthal occupation during the tephra fall-out: Technical and hunting behaviours, sedimentology and settlement patterns in SU 14 of Oscurusciuto rock shelter (Ginosa, southern Italy) - Giulia Marciani; Vincenzo Spagnolo; Ivan Martini; Alessio Casagli; Roberto Sulpizio; Daniele Aureli; Paolo Boscato; Annamaria Ronchitelli; Francesco Boschin (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2020)

Techno-Economic Optimisation for a Wave Energy Converter via Genetic Algorithm - Sergej Antonello Sirigu; Ludovico Foglietta; Giuseppe Giorgi; Mauro Bonfanti; Giulia Cervelli; Giovanni Bracco; Giuliana Mattiazzo (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2020)
Although sea and ocean waves have been widely acknowledged to have the potential of providing sustainable and renewable energy, the emergence of a self-sufficient and mature industry is still lacking. An essential condition for reaching economic viability is to minimise the cost of electricity, as opposed to simply maximising the converted energy at the early design stages. One of the tools empowering developers to follow such a virtuous design pathway is the techno-economic optimisation. The purpose of this paper is to perform a holistic optimisation of the PeWEC (pendulum wave energy converter), which is a pitching platform converting energy from the oscillation of a pendulum contained in a sealed hull. Optimised parameters comprise shape; dimensions; mass properties and ballast; power take-off control torque and constraints; number and characteristics of the pendulum; and other subcomponents. Cost functions are included and the objective function is the ratio between the delivered power and the capital expenditure. Due to its ability to effectively deal with a large multi-dimensional design space, a genetic algorithm is implemented, with a specific modification to handle unfeasible design candidate and improve convergence. Results show that the device minimising the cost of energy and the one maximising the capture width ratio are substantially different, so the economically-oriented metric should be preferred.

Sympagic Fauna in and Under Arctic Pack Ice in the Annual Sea-Ice System of the New Arctic - Julia Ehrlich; Fokje L. Schaafsma; Bodil A. Bluhm; Ilka Peeken; Giulia Castellani; Angelika Brandt; Hauke Flores (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020)

Analysis of a Gyroscopic-Stabilized Floating Offshore Hybrid Wind-Wave Platform - Beatrice Fenu; Valentino Attanasio; Pietro Casalone; Riccardo Novo; Giulia Cervelli; Mauro Bonfanti; Sergej Antonello Sirigu; Giovanni Bracco; Giuliana Mattiazzo (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2020)
The energy innovation scenario sees hybrid wind-wave platforms as a promising technology for reducing the variability of the power output and for the minimization of the cost of offshore marine renewable installations. This article presents a model that describes the installation of a 5 MW wind turbine on a floating platform designed by Fincantieri and equipped with gyroscopic stabilization. The use of gyros allows for the delivery of platform stabilization by damping the wave and wind induced motion on the floater and at the same time producing extra power. Shetland Island was chosen as the reference site because of its particularly harsh weather. Final results show that the total production of power in moderate and medium climate conditions is considerable thanks to the installation of the gyro, together with a significant stabilization of the platform in terms of pitching angle and nacelle acceleration.

Dynamics of the Basilicata Ionian coast: human and natural drivers - Roberta Pellicani; Ilenia Argentiero; Maria Dolores Fidelibus; Giulia Motta Zanin; Alessandro Parisi; Giuseppe Spilotro (Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 2020)

Street trees in italian cities: story, biodiversity and integration within the urban environment - Giulia Caneva; Flavia Bartoli; Ilaria Zappitelli; Valentina Savo (Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali, 2020)

Campaign to Increase Awareness of Oral Cancer Risk Factors Among Preadolescents - Katia Rupel; Giulia Ottaviani; Margherita Gobbo; Augusto Poropat; Valentina Zoi; Serena Zacchigna; Roberto Di Lenarda; Matteo Biasotto (Journal of Cancer Education, 2020)

Does aquatic thermal therapy improve quality of life after total hip replacement? A retrospective preliminary pilot study - Stefano Masiero; Giulia Pranovi; Martina Di Pumpo; Simone Bernardini; Alberto Dattilo; Alessandra Del Felice; Patrizio Sale (International Journal of Biometeorology, 2020)

Levels of Ethylenethiourea (u-ETU) in a Population Living Near Vineyards - Francesca Sammartano; Luigi Castriotta; Ester Chermaz; Giovanni Moro; Sabina Bolzan; Martina Bortoletto; D’Anna Little; Giovanni Battista Bartolucci; Mariella Carrieri; Fabiola Salamon; Giulia Bravo; Sandro Cinquetti; et al. (Exposure and Health, 2020)

Experimental analysis of open check dams and protection bars against debris flows and driftwood - Giulia Rossi; Aronne Armanini (Environmental Fluid Mechanics, 2020)

The oligosaccharide portion of ganglioside GM1 regulates mitochondrial function in neuroblastoma cells - Maria Fazzari; Matteo Audano; Giulia Lunghi; Erika Di Biase; Nicoletta Loberto; Laura Mauri; Nico Mitro; Sandro Sonnino; Elena Chiricozzi (Glycoconjugate Journal, 2020)

Gangliosides in the differentiation process of primary neurons: the specific role of GM1-oligosaccharide - Erika Di Biase; Giulia Lunghi; Maria Fazzari; Margherita Maggioni; Diego Yuri Pomè; Manuela Valsecchi; Maura Samarani; Pamela Fato; Maria Grazia Ciampa; Simona Prioni; Laura Mauri; Sandro Sonnino; et al. (Glycoconjugate Journal, 2020)

Two-mica rhyolitic tephra in the East Pisco Basin (Peru): new age and dispersion constraints for the eruptions of the Eastern Cordillera of Central Andes - Giulia Bosio; Anna Gioncada; Claudio Di Celma; Igor Maria Villa; Michel Pichavant; Mario Urbina; Giovanni Bianucci (Bulletin of Volcanology, 2020)

Multi‐model assessment of hydrological and environmental impacts on streambed microbes in Mediterranean catchments - Giulia Gionchetta; Joan Artigas; Rebeca Arias‐Real; Francesc Oliva; Anna Maria Romaní (Environmental Microbiology, 2020)
Summary Microbes inhabiting intermittent streambeds are responsible for controlling and developing many biogeochemical processes essential for the ecosystem functions. Although streambed microbiota is adapted to intermittency the intensification of water scarcity and prolonged dry periods may jeopardise their capacity to cope with hydrological changes. This study aims to evaluate whether, and to what extent, the duration of dry periods affects streambed microbial density, diversity, composition (16S rRNA gene diversity) and functions (extracellular enzyme activities and respiration). Our results highlight the fact that hydrology modulates the community composition and, to some extent, the functions carried out under different environmental conditions. The relative abundance of certain taxa inhabiting the driest intermittent communities differs significantly from those found at sites with continuous flow. Microbial functional metrics revealed a progressive increase in recalcitrant carbon degradation activity at sites with an extended dry phase. In contrast, bacterial density and diversity were mainly influenced by the catchment land use, agriculture enhanced density but reduced diversity, and the presence of riparian vegetation supported greater streambed bacterial diversity. From this perspective, a combination of prolonged dryness with reduced riparian vegetation and increased agricultural land cover could compromise the ecosystem functioning by threaten microbially mediated processes linked to the carbon cycle.

Community efficiency during succession: a test of MacArthur's minimization principle in phytoplankton communities - Giulia Ghedini; Michel Loreau; Dustin J. Marshall (Ecology, 2020)
Robert MacArthur's niche theory makes explicit predictions on how community function should change over time in a competitive community. A key prediction is that succession progressively minimizes the energy wasted by a community, but this minimization is a trade‐off between energy losses from unutilised resources and costs of maintenance. By predicting how competition determines community efficiency over time MacArthur's theory may inform on the impacts of disturbance on community function and invasion risk. We provide a rare test of this theory using phytoplankton communities, and find that older communities wasted less energy than younger ones but that the reduction in energy wastage was not monotonic over time. While community structure followed consistent and clear trajectories, community function was more idiosyncratic among adjoining successional stages and driven by total community biomass rather than species composition. Our results suggest that subtle shifts in successional sequence can alter community efficiency and these effects determine community function independently of individual species membership. We conclude that, at least in phytoplankton communities, general trends in community function are predictable over time accordingly to MacArthur's theory. Tests of MacArthur's minimization principle across very different systems should be a priority given the potential of this theory to inform on the functional properties of communities.

The contribution of wind-wave energy at sea bottom to the modelling of rhodolith beds distribution in an off-shore continental shelf - SABRINA AGNESI; ALDO ANNUNZIATELLIS; ROBERTO INGHILESI; GIULIA MΟ; ARIANNA ORASI (Mediterranean Marine Science, 2020)
The study aims to investigate the relationship between the presence of rhodolith beds and the effect on the shelf bottom boundary layer due to the action of surface wind waves. The study area is situated off-shore and north-west of Elba Island in the Western Mediterranean Sea, an area known to be characterized by rhodolith beds. A binomial logistic regression model is used in order to analyse the relationship between wind-wave energy at sea bottom, bathymetry and rhodolith bed occurrence. The results indicate a positive correlation between rhodolith bed occurrence and wave energy, while the relation with bathymetry is weaker in all the trials. The wave energy confidence interval associated to the rhodolith bed probability is also estimated, thereby informing on wind wave energy values required for the modelling of this particular benthic habitat in off-shore shelf areas.

Clinical efficacy of amoxicillin/clavulanate plus cefditoren as de-escalation combination therapy for endocarditis due to strongly biofilm-forming Enterococcus faecalis - Vittorio Attanasio; Mariagrazia Di Luca; Antonio Carozza; Sergio Severino; Carlo Pallotto; Nicolina Capoluongo; Giulia Palmiero; Mariano Bernardo; Carlo Tascini (Infectious Diseases, 2020)

Binding of S. cerevisiae iso-1 cytochrome c and its surface lysine-to-alanine variants to cardiolipin: charge effects and the role of the lipid to protein ratio - Alessandro Paradisi; Marzia Bellei; Licia Paltrinieri; Carlo Augusto Bortolotti; Giulia Di Rocco; Antonio Ranieri; Marco Borsari; Marco Sola; Gianantonio Battistuzzi (JBIC Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, 2020)

Are dizziness-related symptoms signals for suboptimal treatment of hypothyroidism? New insights from the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database - Carla Carnovale; Vera Battini; Faizan Mazhar; Giulia Mosini; Michele Gringeri; Andrea Vicenzi; Emilio Clementi; Sonia Radice (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2020)

Secondary metabolites of Tilia tomentosa Moench inflorescences collected in Central Italy: chemotaxonomy relevance and phytochemical rationale of traditional use - Claudio Frezza; Daniela De Vita; Giulia Spinaci; Marco Sarandrea; Alessandro Venditti; Armandodoriano Bianco (Natural Product Research, 2020)

Temperature variations in Central Italy (Marche region) and effects on wine grape production - Matteo Gentilucci; Marco Materazzi; Gilberto Pambianchi; Peter Burt; Giulia Guerriero (Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 2020)

One-year Mediterranean diet promotes epigenetic rejuvenation with country- and sex-specific effects: a pilot study from the NU-AGE project - Noémie Gensous; Paolo Garagnani; Aurelia Santoro; Cristina Giuliani; Rita Ostan; Cristina Fabbri; Maddalena Milazzo; Davide Gentilini; Anna Maria di Blasio; Barbara Pietruszka; Dawid Madej; Agata Bialecka-Debek; et al. (GeroScience, 2020)
Mediterranean diet has been proposed to promote healthy aging, but its effects on aging biomarkers have been poorly investigated. We evaluated the impact of a 1-year Mediterranean-like diet in a pilot study including 120 elderly healthy subjects from the NU-AGE study (60 Italians, 60 Poles) by measuring the changes in their epigenetic age, assessed by Horvath’s clock. We observed a trend towards epigenetic rejuvenation of participants after nutritional intervention. The effect was statistically significant in the group of Polish females and in subjects who were epigenetically older at baseline. A genome-wide association study of epigenetic age changes after the intervention did not return significant (adjusted p value < 0.05) loci. However, we identified small-effect alleles (nominal p value < 10–4), mapping in genes enriched in pathways related to energy metabolism, regulation of cell cycle, and of immune functions. Together, these findings suggest that Mediterranean diet can promote epigenetic rejuvenation but with country-, sex-, and individual-specific effects, thus highlighting the need for a personalized approach to nutritional interventions.

Morpho-molecular traits of Indo-Pacific and Caribbean Halofolliculina ciliate infections - Simone Montano; Davide Maggioni; Giulia Liguori; Roberto Arrigoni; Michael L. Berumen; Davide Seveso; Paolo Galli; Bert W. Hoeksema (Coral Reefs, 2020)

Diagnosing acute encephalitis in patients with hematological disorders: caveats and pitfalls - Elisa Vegezzi; Giulia Berzero; Desiree Barbetta; Anna Amelia Colombo; Oscar Borsani; Paolo Bernasconi; Francesca Compagno; Marco Zecca; Giulia Campanini; Anna Simoncelli; Matteo Paoletti; Anna Pichiecchio; et al. (Journal of NeuroVirology, 2020)

Density and Abundance of Delphinus delphis in Waters South of Samos Island, Greece (Eastern Mediterranean Sea) - Guido Pietroluongo; Giulia Cipriano; Karthik Ashok; Simone Antichi; Heloise Carlier; Anastasia Miliou; Rosalia Maglietta; Carmelo Fanizza; Roberto Carlucci (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2020)
The Mediterranean subpopulation of short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis is ranked as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List because it has sharply declined during the last decades, resulting in sparse and decreasing populations. Monitoring the conservation status of this endangered dolphin species is particularly relevant to fulfil targets under the range of several international agreements. Moreover, estimating the abundance of D. delphis is essential to verify the effectiveness of conservation action to maintain safe population levels in the Mediterranean Sea and to suggest appropriate modifications to limit potential threats. In this regard, a monitoring program of the short-beaked common dolphin in Samos Island (Greece) was carried out from 2016 to 2019, adopting a random line transect sampling method. The overall density and abundance estimates of D. delphis, obtained by applying conventional distance sampling (CDS) on sighting data, were 0.15 individuals/km2 (CV = 13.27%; 95% CI = 0.11–0.19 individuals/km2) and 51 individuals (CV = 13.27%; 95% CI = 40-66 individuals), respectively. Although, a longer time series of sighting data should be collected and a larger area should be investigated to better understand the population trend of D. delphis and its residency pattern, the results contribute to setting up a baseline reference for future assessment of its population in the Eastern Aegean Sea.

Trends of plant communities growing on the Etruscan tombs (Cerveteri, Italy) related to different management practices - Emanuela Cicinelli; Fabiola Benelli; Flavia Bartoli; Lorenzo Traversetti; Giulia Caneva (Plant Biosystems, 2020)

Coppicing and plant diversity in a lowland wood remnant in North–East Italy - Giulia Della Longa; Francesco Boscutti; Lorenzo Marini; Giorgio Alberti (Plant Biosystems, 2020)

Propolis hosts a diversemicrobial community - Enrico Casalone; Duccio Cavalieri; Giulia Daly; Francesco Vitali; Brunella Perito (World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2020)

Age and sex differences in numerical responses, dietary shifts, and total responses of a generalist predator to population dynamics of main prey - Giulia Masoero; Toni Laaksonen; Chiara Morosinotto; Erkki Korpimäki (Oecologia, 2020)
Fluctuations in the abundance of main prey species might shape animal communities, by inducing numerical responses and dietary shifts in predators. Whether numerical responses and dietary shifts differ among individuals of different age and sex has so far gained little attention. These differences could affect how much predators consume main and alternative prey, thus causing variation in predation pressure on main and alternative prey species. We studied the effect of fluctuating main prey abundance (voles) in autumn on the age and sex composition of a food-hoarding population of Eurasian pygmy owls Glaucidium passerinum (327 individuals), and on the species composition of their food stores in western Finland during 2003–2017 (629 food stores). Numbers of yearlings (< 1-year old) of both sexes and adult (+ 1-year old) females increased with increasing vole abundance. During low vole abundance, adult owls stored more small birds and less small mammals than yearlings. Females stored more small mammals than males and showed a tendency to store less birds. The amount of consumed birds (the most important alternative prey), and in particular of crested, willow, great, and blue tits, increased with low vole densities. Our results show that numerical, functional, and total responses of pygmy owls, and probably also other vertebrate predators, to the availability of the main prey in winter are shaped by the age and sex composition of the predator population, which both show large spatio-temporal variation in boreal forests.

Estuarine foraminifera from South West England: impact of metal pollution in a mining heritage area - Malcolm B. Hart; Giulia S. Molina; Christopher W. Smart (Journal of Sedimentary Environments, 2020)

SrnR from Streptomyces griseus is a nickel-binding transcriptional activator - Ylenia Beniamino; Giulia Pesce; Annamaria Zannoni; Davide Roncarati; Barbara Zambelli (JBIC Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, 2020)

Certain, but incorrect: on the relation between subjective certainty and accuracy in sound localisation - Giuseppe Rabini; Giulia Lucin; Francesco Pavani (Experimental Brain Research, 2020)

Exploring on-farm agro-biodiversity: a study case of vegetable landraces from Puglia region (Italy) - Giulia Conversa; Corrado Lazzizera; Anna Bonasia; Salvatore Cifarelli; Francesco Losavio; Gabriella Sonnante; Antonio Elia (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2020)

Aerobiology applied to the preventive conservation of cultural heritage - Giulia Caneva; Paola De Nuntiis; Marco Fornaciari; Luigia Ruga; Paola Valenti; Giovanna Pasquariello (Aerobiologia, 2020)

Antifungal activity of Mongolian medicinal plant extracts - Cristiano Giordani; Giovanna Simonetti; Damdinsuren Natsagdorj; Gotov Choijamts; Francesca Ghirga; Andrea Calcaterra; Deborah Quaglio; Giulia De Angelis; Chiara Toniolo; Gabriella Pasqua (Natural Product Research, 2020)

Nutritional Quality, Physical Properties and Lipid Stability of Ready-to-cook Fish Products are Preserved during Frozen Storage and Oven-cooking - Yara Husein; Giulia Secci; Simone Mancini; Bruno Zanoni; Giuliana Parisi (Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology, 2020)

Modeling Macroalgal Forest Distribution at Mediterranean Scale: Present Status, Drivers of Changes and Insights for Conservation and Management - Erika Fabbrizzi; Michele Scardi; Enric Ballesteros; Lisandro Benedetti-Cecchi; Emma Cebrian; Giulia Ceccherelli; Francesco De Leo; Alan Deidun; Giuseppe Guarnieri; Annalisa Falace; Silvia Fraissinet; Chiara Giommi; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020)

miR-143 expression profiles in urinary bladder cancer: correlation with clinical and epidemiological parameters - Nouha Setti Boubaker; Manuela Spagnuolo; Nesrine Trabelsi; Rahma Said; Aymone Gurtner; Giulia Regazzo; Haroun Ayed; Ahlem Blel; Omar Karray; Ahmed Saadi; Soumaya Rammeh; Mohamed Chebil; et al. (Molecular Biology Reports, 2020)

Altered mitochondrial function in cells carrying a premutation or unmethylated full mutation of the FMR1 gene - Veronica Nobile; Federica Palumbo; Stella Lanni; Valentina Ghisio; Alberto Vitali; Massimo Castagnola; Valeria Marzano; Giuseppe Maulucci; Claudio De Angelis; Marco De Spirito; Laura Pacini; Laura D’Andrea; et al. (Human Genetics, 2020)

History, extensive characterization and challenge of anti-tetanus serum from World War I: exciting remnants and deceived hopes - Nicolas Aubert; Marie Brachet-Botineau; Giulia Emi de Olivera Preto; Isabelle Benz-de Bretagne; Hervé Watier; Guillaume Brachet (Immunologic Research, 2020)
During World War I (WWI), infectious diseases including tetanus were among the most important causes of death. Even though its efficacy was somewhat controversial before the war, tetanus antiserum played a key role in reducing the mortality of this disease. A vial of tetanus antiserum dating back from WWI, left behind on the French battlefield by the US Army, was borrowed from a private collection and opened. The serum contained within was characterized by orthogonal biochemical techniques to determine if any neutralizing IgGs could remain after 100 years of storage. In vitro analysis by Size Exclusion Chromatography and Serum Protein Electrophoresis suggested the presence of residual IgG. In spite of our hopes, these IgGs were not able to protect mice against tetanus toxin challenge in a neutralizing assay. Even though our results indicate the presence of remaining IgGs inside the serum, they were functionally disabled. These results show that obscurity alone is insufficient to protect IgGs from degradation over very long periods of time at room temperature. Highlights Tetanus antiserum found its place in the therapeutic arsenal during World War I A century-old vial of tetanus antiserum was opened for biochemical and in vivo characterization Biochemical assays revealed the presence of proteins having all the characteristics of IgGs The serum was unable to protect mice against toxinic challenge

NMR and computational methods for molecular resolution of allosteric pathways in enzyme complexes - Kyle W. East; Erin Skeens; Jennifer Y. Cui; Helen B. Belato; Brandon Mitchell; Rohaine Hsu; Victor S. Batista; Giulia Palermo; George P. Lisi (Biophysical Reviews, 2020)

Backdating systematic shell ornament making in Europe to 45,000 years ago - Simona Arrighi; Eugenio Bortolini; Laura Tassoni; Andrea Benocci; Giuseppe Manganelli; Vincenzo Spagnolo; Luca Maria Foresi; Anna Maria Bambini; Federico Lugli; Federica Badino; Daniele Aureli; Francesco Boschin; et al. (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2020)

Climbing the time to see Neanderthal behaviour’s continuity and discontinuity: SU 11 of the Oscurusciuto Rockshelter (Ginosa, Southern Italy) - Vincenzo Spagnolo; Giulia Marciani; Daniele Aureli; Ivan Martini; Paolo Boscato; Francesco Boschin; Annamaria Ronchitelli (Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2020)

Parvovirus B19 infection in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab - Simona Lattanzi; Giulia Carlini; Maria Cristina Acciarri; Maura Danni; Mauro Silvestrini (Acta Neurologica Belgica, 2020)

Preservation of vitamins content in Cuccìa using an innovative method of processing - Rosaria Bognanni; Giulia Gallo; Vita Di Stefano; Maria Grazia Melilli (Natural Product Research, 2020)

Ectomycorrhizal utilization of different phosphorus sources in a glacier forefront in the Italian Alps - Michele D’Amico; Juan Pablo Almeida; Sonia Barbieri; Fabio Castelli; Elena Sgura; Giulia Sineo; Maria Martin; Eleonora Bonifacio; Håkan Wallander; Luisella Celi (Plant and Soil, 2020)

VGF peptides as novel biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease - Cristina Cocco; Giulia Corda; Carlo Lisci; Barbara Noli; Manolo Carta; Carla Brancia; Elias Manca; Carla Masala; Francesco Marrosu; Paolo Solla; Barbara Manconi; Paolo Bongioanni; et al. (Cell and Tissue Research, 2020)

Biofilm production under different atmospheres and growth media by Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from milk of cows with subclinical mastitis - Erika C. R. Bonsaglia; Giulia S. Latosinski; Rodolfo S. Rossi; Bruna F. Rossi; Fábio S. Possebon; José Carlos F. Pantoja; Ary Fernandes Júnior; Vera L. M. Rall (Archives of Microbiology, 2020)

Novel sexual dimorphism in a new genus of Bathynellidae from Russia, with a revision of phylogenetic relationships - Ana I. Camacho; Paloma Mas‐Peinado; Sanda Iepure; Giulia Perina; Beatriz A. Dorda; Adrian Casado; Isabel Rey (Zoologica Scripta, 2020)
Bathynellidae is the neglected family of Bathynellacea, a groundwater group of crustaceans with 33 genera and 107 species described and almost half of them included in the ‘catch‐all’ genus Bathynella . Due to the morphological homogeneity of the species, the taxonomic uncertainties have accumulated over time. Therefore, to explore the phylogenetic relationships among taxa, a combined approach using morphological and molecular data is needed. In this paper, we performed a phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of COI and 18S including 30 species of Bathynellidae. This data set represents the most updated one, including a new genus and a new species ( Altainella calcarata gen. n. sp. n.) of Bathynellidae described here from Altai Mountain (Russia). The new taxon presents a new type of sexual dimorphisms with a peculiar structure on the coxopod of the male thoracopod VII and also sexual dimorphism on the mandibular palp, as some species of the subfamily Gallobathynellinae. This is the first species of Bathynellidae that presents both variants of sexual dimorphism. The molecular phylogeny supports the morphology and the erection of the new genus and displays highly divergent genetic units corresponding to subfamilies, with the new genus closer to Bathynellinae genera than other subfamilies. With the description of this new species and its molecular characterization, the existence of the other genera beyond Bathynella is confirmed in Eurasia.

Multiple species of grayling ( Thymallus sp.) found in sympatry in a remote tributary of the Amur River - Steven Weiss; Giulia Secci‐Petretto; Alexander Antonov; Elsa Froufe (Zoologica Scripta, 2020)
Large‐scale phenotypic and genetic studies of the salmonid genus Thymallus (grayling) in the Palaearctic suggest that most major phylogeographic lineages represent good biological species. Evaluating such a premise in areas involved in palaeo‐hydrological dynamics where multiple species are found in sympatry should serve to assess the level of reproductive isolation, the traditional sine qua non of species recognition. Molecular sequence (mtDNA) and microsatellite (nDNA, seven loci) analysis of grayling in the upper Bureya River watershed support the occurrence of three distinctive species of grayling living in sympatry in this large oligotrophic tributary of the Amur River. One of these lineages is primarily found throughout the Lena River basin and is recognized as Baikal‐Lena grayling Thymallus baicalolenensis ; the second, the upper Amur grayling Thymallus grubii is found over large areas of the Amur catchment including the entire headwater region; and the third, the Bureya grayling Thymallus burejensis is endemic to the study area. A limited number of hybrids were identified, primarily between Baikal‐Lena grayling T. baicalolenensis and Bureya grayling T. burejensis with little to no signs of introgression among non‐hybrid individuals. Morphological distinctiveness among populations of these species living in sympatry was greater than between populations living in allopatry, suggesting character displacement. Divergence estimates among taxa range up to 6.2 MY, and allopatric origins for all three species’ is suggested. To our knowledge, this is the first data‐based confirmation of three species of grayling living in sympatry.

Leishmanicidal activity of green tea leaves and pomegranate peel extracts on L. infantum - Francesca Imperatori; Giulia Barlozzari; Arianna Scardigli; Annalisa Romani; Gladia Macrì; Norma Polinori; Roberta Bernini; Luca Santi (Natural Product Research, 2019)

Synergistic Use of Synthetic Aperture Radar and Optical Imagery to Monitor Surface Accumulation of Cyanobacteria in the Curonian Lagoon - Francesca De Santi; Giulia Luciani; Mariano Bresciani; Claudia Giardino; Francesco Paolo Lovergine; Guido Pasquariello; Diana Vaiciute; Giacomo De Carolis (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2019)
Phytoplankton blooms in internal water bodies are an unpleasant sight that often emerges on top like a layer of foam containing high concentrations of toxins (scum event). Monitoring the concentration of algae and the occurrence of scum in lakes and lagoons has become a topic of interest for management and science. Optical remote sensing is a validated tool but unfortunately it is highly hindered by clouds. For regions with frequent cloud cover, such as the Baltic region, this means loss of data, which limits the purpose of sensing to spatially and temporally characterize any scum for a comprehensive ecological analysis. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images can compensate for the weaknesses of optical images for cyanobacteria bloom monitoring purposes in the event of cloudy skies. A “ready to use” approach to detect cyanobacteria bloom in the Curonian Lagoon based on the level 2 ocean product of Sentinel-1 images is proposed. This method is empirically validated for the images of summer/autumn 2018 of the Curonian Lagoon.

Coincident Pre- and Post-Synaptic Cortical Remodelling Disengages Episodic Memory from Its Original Context - Gisella Vetere; Antonella Borreca; Annabella Pignataro; Giulia Conforto; Michela Giustizieri; Silvia Marinelli; Martine Ammassari-Teule (Molecular Neurobiology, 2019)

Clinical utility of measuring Epstein–Barr virus-specific cell-mediated immunity after HSCT in addition to virological monitoring: results from a prospective study - Angela Chiereghin; Giulia Piccirilli; Tamara Belotti; Arcangelo Prete; Clara Bertuzzi; Dino Gibertoni; Liliana Gabrielli; Gabriele Turello; Eva Caterina Borgatti; Francesco Barbato; Mariarosaria Sessa; Mario Arpinati; et al. (Medical Microbiology and Immunology, 2019)

Physiological damages of Sargassum cymosum and Hypnea pseudomusciformis exposed to trace metals from mining tailing - Giulia Burle Costa; Fernanda Ramlov; Bruna de Ramos; Gabrielle Koerich; Lidiane Gouvea; Patrícia Gomes Costa; Adalto Bianchini; Marcelo Maraschin; Paulo A. Horta (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2019)

Effective population size and heterozygosity-fitness correlations in a population of the Mediterranean lagoon ecotype of long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus - Florentine Riquet; Cathy Lieutard-Haag; Giulia Serluca; Lucy Woodall; Julien Claude; Patrick Louisy; Nicolas Bierne (Conservation Genetics, 2019)

Role of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature - Corinna Bergamini; Giulia Dolci; Stella Truong; Luisa Zanolla; Giovanni Benfari; Elena Fiorio; Andrea Rossi; Flavio Luciano Ribichini (Cardiovascular Toxicology, 2019)