Involvement of Astrocytes in the Formation, Maintenance, and Function of the Blood-Brain Barrier

: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental structure that protects the composition of the brain by determining which ions, metabolites, and nutrients are allowed to enter the brain from the blood or to leave it towards the circulation. The BBB is structurally composed of a layer of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) bound to each other through tight junctions (TJs). However, its development as well as maintenance and properties are controlled by the other brain cells that contact the BCECs: pericytes, glial cells, and even neurons themselves. Astrocytes seem, in particular, to have a very important role in determining and controlling most properties of the BBB. Here, we will focus on these latter cells, since the comprehension of their roles in brain physiology has been continuously expanding, even including the ability to participate in neurotransmission and in complex functions such as learning and memory. Accordingly, pathological conditions that alter astrocytic functions can alter the BBB's integrity, thus compromising many brain activities. In this review, we will also refer to different kinds of in vitro BBB models used to study the BBB's properties, evidencing its modifications under pathological conditions

La riforma organica della giustizia riparativa e i suoi riflessi sul sistema penale

Il contributo riproduce, con adattamenti e integrazioni, la relazione tenuta al convegno organizzato dalla Facoltà di Giurisprudenza dell’Università di Trento (e in particolare dall’Osservatorio sulla giustizia di pace, conciliativa e riparativa), in data 5 maggio 2023, grazie a una Convenzione in essere con la Regione Autonoma Trentino-Alto Adige per la formazione permanente della giurisdizione di pace. L’Autore, nel considerare l’ingresso strutturale della giustizia riparativa nell’ordinamento come una delle più promettenti novità nel sistema di giustizia penale, si sofferma sulle innovazioni normative adottate dal legislatore italiano e ne evidenzia alcuni profili critici

The Preface and "Catalogue des Docteurs et Conciles" in Guy de Brès’ "Le baston de la foy chrestienne"

On occasion of the celebrations for the fifth centenary of Guy de Brès’ birth, as well as the publication of the first volume of the critical edition of his theological works, this article aims at analysing the epistle-like preface and Catalogue des Docteurs et Conciles included in de Brès’ first theological/polemical treatise, entitled Le baston de la foy chrestienne (first published in 1555). The preface is placed within the context of anti-Anabaptist polemics and in continuity with previous Reformed efforts to convince civil authorities across Europe that the Reformed church did not harbour seditious troublemakers or detested heretics; the Catalogue of doctors and councils, alongside the preface, constitutes a summary of the apologetical and polemical reply Le baston expressed against a Roman Catholic work by Nicole Grenier entitled Le bouclier de la foy and directed against Reformed believers and their doctrine. While the patristic and canonical sources used by de Brès for the writing of Le baston remain to be fleshed out more precisely, the critical edition of Le baston will shed new light on this and other matters, representing a further step towards the understanding of the life and theology of a key protagonist of the European Reformation of the mid sixteenth century

Management of the vaccination campaign in a population of frail older outpatients affected by cognitive or endocrinological conditions: a pilot study in Italy

Vaccination, particularly against pneumococcus and influenza, is a low-cost primary prevention, useful to avoid hard complications, particularly among frail older people. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess the effect of a strategy for influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for outpatients mainly affected by cognitive or endocrinological conditions, evaluating what could stimulate or demotivate vaccination among older people. This study was conducted during the 2023-2024 influenza season at the outpatient clinics in Palermo, Italy. A total 76 patients were included. More than half of the patients could be considered as pre-frail and about 20% frail, according to a comprehensive geriatric evaluation. Among patients, 46.05% received only vaccination against pneumococcus, 28.95% both vaccinations, and 25.0% only against influenza. Compared with the previous seasons, a 19.5% increase of influenza and 90.2% of pneumococcal vaccine uptake was observed. Side effects of vaccination were the main reason of the previous rejection, namely 76.9% for influenza and 53.8% for anti-pneumococcal vaccination. In conclusion, our study indicates how a new vaccination strategy in different settings could be feasible. Proposing influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for frail older outpatients could be an effective instrument to improve immunization coverage that is still low among older people

DO PROPRIOCEPTIVE TRAINING STRATEGIES WITH DUAL-TASK EXERCISES POSITIVELY INFLUENCE GAIT PARAMETERS IN CHRONIC STROKE? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

This study explored the unique training method that focuses on improving the sense of body positioning and movement, incorporating the concept of “doing two tasks” simultaneously. People recovering from a stroke often face challenges in walking and multitasking, such as while walking performing other tasks simultaneously. A problem with our sense of proprioception is common after a stroke, interfering with carrying out everyday activities like activities of daily living. Proprioception allows us to move more freely without consciously thinking about our environment. Our investigation involved reviewing 11 articles on this approach. The search results were promising; individuals undergoing this specialized training exhibited improved walking speed and smoother movements. The most significant enhancements were observed when participants engaged in this training 3 times a week over a month. In essence, proprioceptive training strategies with dual-task exercises proved effective in enhancing specific parameters related to walking, such as walking speed and other relevant aspects, among individuals with chronic stroke. This method aims to improve proprioceptive function, enhancing individuals’ ability to perceive and control their body’s positioning and movement, thereby addressing proprioceptive dysfunction and facilitating better functioning in daily life. By emphasizing the importance of proprioception in daily tasks, our study highlights the value of this approach to improving proprioceptive dysfunction after stroke

Ripristinare l'ordine, conservare il disordine. Una prospettiva “saturnalizia” in Terenzio

Does Roman comedy present an upside-down world? Taking this question as a starting point, after a brief Plautine premise, a specific analysis of Terence’s Adelphoe is set forth: the aim is to understand some of the mechanisms underlying comic action and to identify possible coordinates for interpreting the dramatic development of this comedy. Indeed, the effectiveness of a comic “message” is structured, sometimes with unpredictable effectiveness, precisely in the boundaries between fiction and reality

La lista del c.d.a.

Il saggio analizza il nuovo art. 147-ter.1 T.U.F., con cui ha fatto ingresso nella legislazione italiana una disciplina generale ed espressa della lista per il rinnovo del consiglio di amministrazione di S.p.a. italiane con azioni quotate (nei mercati regolamentati italiani e UE), presentata dall’organo consiliare uscente; soffermandosi sui numerosi dubbi interpretativi suscitati dal testo normativo e proponendone possibili soluzioni, idonee ad una equilibrata applicazione dello strumento.The essay analyzes the new art. 147-ter.1 T.U.F., by which a general and express regulation of the list for the renewal of the board of directors of Italian S.p.a. with listed shares (in Italian and EU regulated markets), presented by the outgoing board, has entered the Italian legislation; dwelling on the numerous interpretative doubts raised by the normative text and proposing possible solutions, suitable for a balanced application of the instrument

Prioritizing management actions for invasive non-native plants through expert-based knowledge and species distribution models

Given the high number of non-native plants that are being introduced worldwide and the time required to process formal pest risk analyses, a framework for the prioritization of management actions is urgently required. We therefore propose a framework for a replicable and standardized prioritization for management actions (eradication, control and monitoring) of invasive non-native plants, combining expert knowledge, current and future climatic suitability estimated by species distribution models (SDMs), clustering and ordination techniques. Based on expert consultation and using Italy as case study, invasive non-native plant species were selected and three categories of management actions were identified: eradication, control and containment, and monitoring. Finally, two further classes of priorities were proposed for each of the management actions: “high” and “low” priority. Overall, SDMs highlighted a high and very high suitability for Continental and Mediterranean bioregions for most invasive plants. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters with varying levels of suitability for the Italian bioregions. Cluster 1 exhibited a higher suitability across all Italian bioregions, whereas non-native plants grouped in Cluster 2 predominantly featured high suitability in Mediterranean areas. Finally, Cluster 3 showed the lowest suitability values. Two ordination analysis highlighted the variability in bioclimatic suitability for each non-native plant within each cluster, as well as their current distribution pattern. Lastly, a third ordination, integrating bioclimatic suitability and spatial patterns, has allowed the differentiation of management actions for each non-native plant at both national and bioregional scales. Specifically, seven non-native plants were earmarked for eradication action, six for monitoring action, while the remaining species were deemed suitable for control and containment. Our results and the methodology proposed meet the demand for replicable new early warning tools; that is to predict the location of new outbreaks, to establish priorities for eradication, control and containment, and to monitor invasive non-native species

Impact of Environmental Conditions on Soil Geochemistry in Southern Kazakhstan

This study investigated the elemental composition of soils in Kyzylorda and Turkestan (southern Kazakhstan), an area rich in natural resources but facing potential environmental threats from industry and agriculture. The goal was to establish baseline geochemical values and assess soil contamination risks. Soil samples were collected from across the region and analyzed using ICP-MS and INAA techniques, providing a comprehensive profile of 72 elements. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in elemental concentrations, with enrichments observed for specific elements when compared with reference values. Notably, both regions shared a core set of elements including rare earth elements (yttrium series: holmium, erbium, thulium), noble metals (gold, platinum, ruthenium, palladium), and tungsten. Enrichment patterns, however, provided distinct insights. Rare earth element enrichments likely reflect the region’s geology, while elevated radioactive elements necessitate further investigation to understand potential environmental and health risks. Enrichment of iron group elements might be linked to a combination of geological factors and anthropogenic activities like mining or industrial processes. A significantly higher number of elements exceeded background levels in Kyzylorda compared with Turkestan, suggesting greater element accumulation in Kyzylorda’s soil. This difference could be attributed to variations in regional geology or historical anthropogenic activities. The established geochemical baseline for 72 elements and the identified areas of potential contamination will inform land management practices, guide future environmental monitoring efforts, and ultimately contribute to the safeguarding of public health in southern Kazakhstan

Xyloglucan, alginate and k-carrageenan hydrogels on spheroids of adipose stem cells survival; preparation, mechanical characterization, morphological analysis and injectability

The therapeutic capabilities of autologous stem cells can be fully exploited if their survival after implantation is improved. For the first time, we compared three hydrogels, with different chemical structure, morphology, and viscoelastic properties, where the same differentiation factors were immobilized and spheroids from adipose stem cells (SASCs) were incorporated. The aim is to understand if hydrogel characteristics could influence the viability of the embedded stem cells. Specifically, hydrogels of partially degalactosylated xyloglucan (dXG), sodium alginate (Alg) and k-carrageenan (kC) were produced. The structure of the networks was probed by swelling/erosion measurements, rheological and morphological analysis. Cell viability was measured after 7 and 21 days. When SASCs were incubated under stemness conditions, dXG and kC hydrogels provide the optimal environment for cell viability. When incubated in the chondrogenic or osteogenic medium, a clear correlation was found between the storage and loss moduli and cell viability. Hydrogels with the lowest shear stiffness promote stem-cell differentiation and proliferation. The systems, particularly dXG, seem more similar to natural ECM and able to recreate niches, that colonized with stem cells could represent a real support in regenerative therapies. The injectability of formulations was evaluated to determine if they could be used for minimally invasive regenerative medicine interventions