Gender inequities in speaker representation and academic recognition: A cross-sectional observational study

Aim: This study evaluates gender disparities in speaker representation at the Italian Society of Orthodontists (SIDO) congresses (2020–2024) and the International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) 2020, focusing on gender distribution and academic impact, measured by the h-index. Materials and Methods: The SIDO congress programs (2020–2024) and IOC 2020 were analyzed to count male and female invited speakers. The h-index for each speaker was retrieved from the Scopus database to assess academic productivity. Statistical tests, including the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples t-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test, were used to analyze gender-based differences in representation and h-index values. Results: Data from the SIDO congresses showed a persistent gender imbalance in both representation and academic recognition. In 2020, only 6 out of 29 speakers were female, with their average h-index (7.33) significantly lower than that of male speakers (13.13). Female representation increased to 31 % in 2024, but their average h-index (8.95) still lagged behind males (11.13). At the IOC 2020, female speakers represented 24 % but had a higher average h-index (22.62) than males (20.91). Conclusions: This study highlights significant gender disparities in both speaker representation and academic recognition in orthodontics. Despite increased female participation at SIDO congresses, their academic impact remains lower than that of their male counterparts. These findings emphasize the need for initiatives promoting gender equality, such as mentorship programs and inclusive policies, to empower women and reduce the gender gap in academic and professional settings

Selective breeding of heat-tolerant black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae: gut microbial shifts and transcriptional patterns

The black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have garnered great attention for their potential role in converting organic waste into high-quality insect proteins, providing valuable feed components for animal production and highly enriched organic manure for crop production. However, environmental factors such as high temperatures can compromise their productivity. To address this, we conducted selective breeding of BSFL at 40 °C, and the bred group was improved with higher body weight, survival rates, and substrate reduction after nine generations of breeding. Notably, the gut microbiota of the heat-tolerant colony was highly represented by the bacteria belonging to Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, while the Bacteroidetes phyla were decreased. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the upregulated genes in 40 °C bred groups were primarily involved in biological processes such as Spliceosome, FoxO signaling pathway, longevity regulating pathways, Drug metabolism, and Xenobiotic metabolism via cytochrome P450. These findings provide a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BSFL’s adaptation to heat stress, facilitating future industrial application advancements

Normal hearing function genetics: have you heard all about it? An integrated approach of genome-wide association studies and transcriptome-wide association studies in three Italian cohorts

Introduction: Deepening the genetic mechanisms underlying Normal Hearing Function (NHF) has proven challenging, despite extensive efforts through Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Methods: NHF was described as a set of nine quantitative traits (i.e., hearing thresholds at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kHz, and three pure-tone averages of thresholds at low, medium, and high frequencies). For each trait, GWAS analyses were performed on the Moli-sani cohort (n = 1,209); then, replication analyses were conducted on Carlantino (CAR, n = 261) and Val Borbera (VBI, n = 425) cohorts. Expression levels of the most significantly associated genes were assessed employing single-nucleus RNA sequencing data (snRNA-seq) on human fetal and adult inner ear tissues. Finally, for all nine NHF traits, Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies (TWAS) were performed, combining GWAS summary statistics and pre-computed gene expression weights in 12 brain tissues. Results: GWAS on the Discovery cohort allowed the detection of 667 SNPs spanning 327 protein coding genes at a p < 10−5, across the nine NHF traits. Two loci with a p < 5 × 10−8 were replicated: 1. rs112501869 within SLC1A6 gene, encoding a brain high-affinity glutamate transporter, reached p = 6.21 × 10−9 in the 0.25 kHz trait. 2. rs73519456 within ASTN2 gene, encoding the Astrotactin protein 2, reached genome-wide significance in three NHF traits: 0.5 kHz (p = 1.86 × 10−8), PTAL (p = 9.40 × 10−9), and PTAM (p = 3.64 × 10−8). SnRNA-seq data analyses revealed a peculiar expression of the ASTN2 gene in the neuronal and dark cells populations, while for SLC1A6 no significant expression was detected. TWAS analyses detected that the ARF4-AS1 gene (eQTL: rs1584327) was statistically significant (p = 4.49 × 10−6) in the hippocampal tissue for the 0.25 kHz trait. Conclusion: This study took advantage of three Italian cohorts, deeply characterized from a genetic and audiological point of view. Bioinformatics and biostatistics analyses allowed the identification of three novel candidate genes, namely, SLC1A6, ASTN2, and ARF4-AS1. Functional studies and replication in larger and independent cohorts will be essential to confirm the biological role of these genes in regulating hearing function; however, these results confirm GWAS and TWAS as powerful methods for novel gene discovery, thus paving the way for a deeper understanding of the entangled genetic landscape underlying the auditory system

Behaviour of Brown Bears Under Fluctuating Resource Availability

Mast seeding, the variable and intermittent production of seeds, has cascading effects on ecosystem functioning. This study explores its influence on the brown bear populations in the Italian Alps, focusing on beechnuts (Fagus sylvatica L.), the primary food source for bears in the region. Using historical data and field sampling, we estimated and mapped the annual seed biomass from 2007 to 2021 for the province of Trento. The energy content of beechnuts was assessed through high heating values, providing the caloric resources available. Data on beechnuts production, records of damages and GPS data from 16 Eurasian brown bears were integrated to perform a temporal and spatial analysis at home range and at landscape level. Standardised damages to beehives and livestock decreased during mast years, suggesting that bears met their trophic needs through natural food sources. In fact, bears used more agricultural areas and less beech forest during years of beech crop failure. At landscape level, agriculture and pasture areas close to beech forests and distant from cities showed a higher risk of damage, providing a tool to anticipate management actions. This work provides insights on the ecological dynamics and conservation implications of brown bears in the study area by mapping the spatial and temporal aspects of mast seeding and bear-related damages

Hindfoot Valgus and First Ray Insufficiency: Is There Correlation?

The first metatarsal has the greatest inclination of all metatarsals and carries about 40% of body weight during the static stance. The rearfoot and the first ray (FR) are two distinct structures, but they are strongly related to the latest studies in the literature; however, their mutual involvement in the foot biomechanics appears not to be fully explored. Understanding their interdependence is essential to approaching the patient in his totality. This overview aims to analyze the current evidence from the latest studies that examine the correlation between FR insufficiency (FRI) and hindfoot valgus (HV), focusing on their biomechanical interaction, clinical implications, and treatment approaches. All analyzed studies showed that plantarflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint in correct alignment increased by 26% compared to a deviated articulation. In FRI, the "windlass" mechanism appears compromised, and FR lacks the necessary stability and plantarflexion; consequently, the medial arch collapses, and the foot moves into excessive pronation. On the other hand, in HV condition, the pulley system is significantly diminished, and peroneus longus contraction cannot stabilize the FR with resultant FRI and dorsal migration. A significant correlation was found between hindfoot alignment and first metatarsal rotation (86% of patients) and between HV and hallux valgus. Foot orthoses, physical therapy, and exercise programs, especially in the initial stages of symptomatic HV, provide satisfactory results in 67% to 90% of cases, improving foot alignment and pain relief in FRI patients. In more severe cases, surgical intervention to realign the hindfoot is indicated with a very low complication rate (1-4%), which can vary from 24% to 55% in stage 4 flatfoot. No study in the literature has been found to address both pathologies simultaneously from a treatment point of view, and, although not all HV patients are affected by FRI, most patients seem to benefit from surgical stabilization of the FR in 80% of individuals with symptomatic HV. However, despite a predominance of FRI among HV individuals, not all clinical studies have confirmed this correlation

Replacing fishmeal with an insect meal blend: implications for intestinal microbiota in European seabass.

In this study, we investigated the effects of an insect meal (IM) blend containing larvae of Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor on the gut microbiota of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), a key species in Mediterranean marine aquaculture. This research stands out by examining a combination of IMs rather than a single source, thereby addressing an underexplored area in the current literature. In a feeding trial that lasted 75 days, European seabass were fed three different diets: a commercial-like control diet and two experimental diets containing partial replacement of FM with IM (25 % and 50 %). The experimental diets showed no adverse effects on feed intake or overall fish health. Analysis of the microbiota revealed significant changes in gut microbial communities, with a trend towards increased bacterial richness and diversity in fish fed IM. Beta diversity analysis showed that the mucosa-associated microbial communities were stable across diets, while the digesta associated microbiota showed notable shifts in the IM25 and IM50 groups, suggesting that the transient microbiota is more sensitive to dietary changes. The study also found an enrichment of beneficial bacterial genera, particularly Bacillus and Paenibacillus, in fish fed IM. These genera, known for their chitinolytic activity, have likely adapted to the increased chitin content in IM diets. Oceanobacillus (Bacillaceae) and Brevibacterium (Brevibacteriaceae) were more abundant in the digesta of fish from the IM25 and IM50 groups, but not in the mucosa. Their presence indicates that they react more strongly to changes in diet than to a stable mucosal environment. Overall, the study highlights the potential of an IM-based diet to support fish health and growth while promoting a favorable gut microbiota

Beyond the Imposter: Deciphering Capgras Syndrome and Multidisciplinary Management

Capgras syndrome(CS)presentsauniquediagnosticandmanagementchallenge,particularlywhenassociatedwithneurodegen- erative conditions.Thiscasereportdescribesa73-year-oldfemalediagnosedwithLewybodydementia(LBD)whodevelopedCS, manifesting asthedelusionalbeliefthatherdeceasedhusbandhadbeenreplacedbyanimposter.Theclinicalpresentationwas complex, includingpronouncedsleepdisturbances,cognitivedecline,behavioralanomalies,andvisualhallucinations,necessitat- ing athoroughdifferentialdiagnosisprocess.Wedetailthepatient’s history,clinical findings, andtheinvestigationsundertaken, including brainimagingandcognitiveassessments.Themanagementapproachinvolvedapersonalizedtreatmentplanintegrating Lithium sulfate,Citalopram,andLurasidone,alongsidepsychosocialinterventions.Whileapartialimprovementwasobserved,the case underscoresthecomplexitiesofmanagingCSinthecontextofLBD,highlightingtheneedfortailoredandmultidisciplinary approaches tocare.ThiscasecontributestothelimitedliteratureonCSinLBDandprovidespracticalinsightsforclinicians managing similarpresentations