Contribution of infectious diseases to the selection of ADH1B and ALDH2 gene variants in Asian populations

Background: The gene variants ADH1B*2 (Arg48His, rs1229984) and ALDH2*2 (Glu504Lys, rs671) are common in East Asian populations but rare in other populations. We propose that selective pressures from pathogen exposure and dietary changes during the neolithic transition favored these variants. Thus, their current association with differences in alcohol sensitivity likely results from phenotypic plasticity rather than direct natural selection. Methods: Samples sourced from the Allele Frequency Database (ALFRED) were utilized to compute the average frequency of ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 across 88 and 61 countries, respectively. Following computation of the average national allele frequencies, we tested the significance of their correlations with ecological variables. Subsequently, we subjected them to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Elastic Net regularization. For comprehensive evaluation, we collected individual-level phenotypic associations, compiling a Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) spanning multiple ethnicities. Results: Following multiple testing correction, ADH1B*2 displayed significant correlations with Neolithic transition timing (r = 0.405, p.adj = 2.013e-03, n = 57) and historical trypanosome burden (r = -0.418, p.adj = 0.013, n = 57). The first two components of PCA explained 47.7% of the total variability across countries, with the top three contributors being the historical indices of population density and trypanosome and leprosy burdens. Historical burdens of the Mycobacteria tuberculosis and leprosy were the sole predictive variables with positive coefficients that survived Elastic Net regularization. Conclusions: Our analyses suggest that Mycobacteria may have played a role in the joint selection of ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2, expanding the "toxic aldehyde hypothesis" to include Mycobacterium leprae. Additionally, our hypothesis, linked to dietary shifts from rice domestication, emphasizes nutritional deficiencies as a key element in the selective pressure exerted by Mycobacteria. This offers a plausible explanation for the high frequency of ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 in Asian populations

Integration of GIS and Water-Quality Index for Preliminary Assessment of Groundwater Suitability for Human Consumption and Irrigation in Semi-Arid Region

The Setifian high-plains region, Northeast of Algeria, grapples with challenges in water resource management. As the water demand intensifies across a diverse range of sectors, assessing groundwater quality becomes indispensable. This article responds to the critical need for a thorough assessment of groundwater quality in the Wadi Boussellam sub-watershed. Employing a GIS-based method, we evaluate groundwater geochemistry by estimating the Water Quality Index (WQI), offering a comprehensive overview of water consumption. The analysis of groundwater samples reveals distinct facies, including calcic bicarbonate, calcic chloride, calcic sulfate, and magnesium sulfate, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the hydrochemical composition in the Setif region. Hydrochemical indices, specifically the WQI, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), and Na% are applied to assess groundwater suitability for various applications. The results indicate that most crops are generally suitable for irrigation, though they advise exercising caution with regard to human consumption. This study underscores the significance of regular monitoring to avert groundwater contamination and ensure sustainable use in the Setif region, providing insights that emphasize the ongoing necessity for efforts in water resource management and the preservation of this vital resource’s quality

Environmental quality between regulatory synthesis and project verification

Regulatory references governing design activities have gradually expanded, and national and EU regulations often overlap redundantly. This aspect is particularly evident in environmental obligations, where the Italian requirements about Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) have been supplemented by the constraints of the Do No Significant Harm principle (DNSH) introduced for all PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) measures. A process of rationalisation and synthesis has been conducted for the regulations to address their interpretational complexity, enabling the differentiation of overlaps and novel elements. The result is a tool to support designers, validating authorities and administrations responsible for measures. It is helpful in guiding design choices, monitoring compliance with different requirements and verifying environmental quality

Calibration in the "real world" of a partially specified stochastic volatility model

We study the "real-world" calibration of a partially specified stochastic volatility model, where the analytic expressions of the asset price drift rate and of the stochastic variance drift are not specified. The model is calibrated matching the observed asset log returns and the priors assigned by the investor. No option price data are used in the calibration. The priors chosen for the asset price drift rate and for the stochastic variance drift are those suggested by the Heston model. For this reason, the model presented can be considered as an "enhanced" Heston model. The calibration problem is formulated as a stochastic optimal control problem and solved using the dynamic programming principle. The model presented and the Heston model are calibrated using synthetic and Standard & Poor 500 (S&P500) data. The calibrated models are used to produce 6, 12, and 24 months in the future synthetic and S&P500 forecasts

Sexually transmitted infections in Adolescents and Young Adults: an Italian experience

Introduction. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be caused by a number of microorganisms that vary greatly in size, life cycle, clinical manifestations, and sensitivity to available treatments. Transmission of STIs can occur during unprotected (or condomless) sexual contact and through the exchange of body fluids during any type of activity. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases remains high in the world, despite diagnostic and therapeutic improvements for these infectious diseases that rapidly eliminate the contagiousness of patients. Our study determines the prevalence of STI pathogens in adolescents and young adults in the population of the Province of Macerata (Italy). We will analyze data in correspondence to age and gender, and we will compare our results to international studies. Materials and Method. We analyzed STI test results from the entire database of a Provincial Health Authority for the period 2021–2022. The samples came from the following age groups: 0–12, 13–18, 19–25, and 26–35 from 2021 to 2022. The results came from vaginal and cervical swabs (for females); urethral, rectal, and pharyngeal swabs (for males and females); and seminal fluid (for males) for the following infections: HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasmas, Gardnerella, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum. The results also came from blood tests for HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and Treponema pallidum (TPHA, VDRL). In addition, we examined results from urine tests for chlamydia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, trichomonas, and Treponema pallidum. Conclusions. The literature for other countries reports the need for comprehensive, culturally and developmentally sensitive care to address sexuality-related issues in adolescents and young adults, a need that also applies to Italy. These data will be of great importance in adopting evidence-based STI control programs in Marche Region. This study could, indeed, represent a landmark for public health officials and professionals, with the aim of promoting adolescents’ access to sexual health services to receive useful information, strengthening preventive measures in younger age groups, and designing sexual education programs. © 2024 by the authors

Hydrogeological and Climatic Risks: The Emblematic Case of an Exceptional Debris Flow in Central Apennines (Italy)

The present work aims to highlight a particular event where there was a concomitance of particular hydrogeological and climatic conditions, unfortunately in a scenario which could be repeated. In fact, the south-eastern slope of Mount Vermenone (Central Apennines, Italy) was affected by a severe landslide movement of debris flow type. The phenomenon was triggered in the midhigh portion where a vast and thick debris accumulation (coarse, loose, and weakly cemented materials) was present. The aforementioned materials, in addition to being located on a steep slope, were frequently in a condition of water saturation during the winter, given the presence of springs and the characteristic impluvial form in which they were concentrated. In January 1997, a rapid snowmelt increased the water saturations in the thick debris, so that the materials became unstable on the slope and the movement is quickly activated. A fast and dense debris flow was triggered, moving along the steep slope down to the main valley floor: Here, the high energy flow did not stop but continued, spreading its accumulation almost to the built-up area. Only after several days and months the stream was able to resume its course, incising the huge mass of alluvial materials that can still be seen today at the edge of the plain. In addition, the groundwater resource also has been compromised as some springs in the area have changed their regime or even disappeared. The event was of considerable impact, and given its exceptional nature, studies on the dynamics of the landslide phenomenon were carried out. These in particular were conducted on the possibility of reactivations and also toward the monitoring of the adjacent areas. In this regard, a first response from the installed © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024 H. Chenchouni et al. (eds.), Recent Advancements from Aquifers to Skies in Hydrogeology, Geoecology, and Atmospheric Sciences, Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-47079-0_64 D. Aringoli (*) University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy e-mail: [email protected] instruments was that no movement was recorded, and therefore, we are facing a very high threshold before triggering, probably due to the high permeability of the materials

Study of Macrophage Activity in Cats with FIP and Naturally FCoV-Shedding Healthy Cats

Coronavirus frequently infects humans and animals, showing the ability to recombine and cross over to different species. Cats can be considered a model for studying coronavirus infection, in which feline coronavirus (FCoV) represents a major enteric pathogen related to gastroenteric disease. In this animal, the virus can acquire tropism for macrophage cells, leading to a deadly disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). In this study, monocyte-derived macrophages were isolated by CD14-positive selection in venous whole blood from 26 cats with FIP and 32 FCoV-positive healthy cats. Phagocytosis and respiratory burst activities were investigated and compared between the groups. This is the first study comparing macrophage activity in cats affected by FIP and healthy cats positive for FCoV infection. Our results showed that in cats with FIP, the phagocytic and respiratory burst activities were significantly lower. Our results support the possible role of host immunity in Coronaviridae pathogenesis in cats, supporting future research on the immune defense against this systemic disease

Unlocking the potential of Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum L., Apiaceae): a neglected species with future crop prospect

The increasing interest in new renewable resources for industrial products leads farmers and growers to identify under-explored or overlooked species as potential new crops. Indeed, plant biodiversity research has contributed to highlight the potential interest of some species for industrial exploitation. This is the case of Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum L., Apiaceae), an ancient pot-herb cultivated at the time of Romans, and now almost completely dumped. It is considered an invasive species in several areas. Alexanders is a promising new crop due to its ecological adaptability, vigorous growth, and reproductive performance, along with the content of valuable essential oil (EO), fixed oil, and bioactive furanosesquiterpenes. In this framework herein we present an overview of the potential of this forgotten plant as source of substances exploitable at industrial level for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and oleochemical applications, with special reference to the development of green insecticides and acaricides

Propagation of synchrotron radiation through double microchannel plate device: Comparison of experimental data and wave-approach simulation

Since third-generation synchrotron radiation facilities are highly brilliant sources, the scattering of a partially coherent beam gives rise to strong interference effects. We present and discuss in this contribution the comparison of simulated and experimental diffraction patterns collected with an optical device made by two identical flat Micro Channel Plates (MCPs) illuminated by synchrotron radiation at different energies. The experimental patterns clearly show the increase of the density of the main peak with respect to those collected with a single flat MCP. Data demonstrate that the use of a device based on two MCPs is an ideal optical system to condense the primary radiation in a narrow intense central peak