Influence of Body Condition Score on Reproductive Recovery in Spring and on Some Hematochemical Parameters in Sarda Breed Sheep

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and reproductive recovery in Sarda dairy breed ewes, as well as its association with some hematochemical parameters, focusing on the male effect as a method to induce out-of-season ovulation. The male effect is commonly used in sheep farming as an alternative to hormonal treatments, but its success can be influenced by factors such as BCS. In this experiment, 200 healthy lactating ewes (aged 3–5 years) were divided into four groups based on BCS (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5). BCS was measured on a 1–5 scale by touching the amounts of muscling and fat deposition in the loin region. On 15 May, 10 rams of proven fertility were introduced, and removed 50 days later. Blood samples were collected at days 15, 30, and 50 for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and albumin analysis, along with BCS evaluations. Lambing dates, fertility rates, litter size, and the time from ram introduction to lambing were recorded. The results showed that ewes with a higher BCS (3.0 and 3.5) had improved fertility rates, earlier lambing, and a better overall reproductive performance compared to ewes with a lower BCS (2.0 and 2.5). Higher BCS groups also exhibited higher levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The study concluded that a BCS of 3.0 is optimal for reproductive efficiency in Sarda ewes during the male effect in spring, promoting better reproductive outcomes and animal welfare without the need for hormonal treatments

Managing Invasive Alien Species in Forest Corridors and Stepping Stones

Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a significant threat to forest ecosystems by disrupting ecological networks and competing with native species. Forest habitat patches and corridors designed to enhance connectivity and biodiversity can unintentionally promote the dispersal of IAS, further compromising the ecological integrity of the forest ecosystem. This chapter discusses two main aspects related to IAS and forest connectivity: (1) the spread of IAS in the landscape and their impacts on native species and (2) the consequences of IAS on forest connectivity. Effective management of IAS is crucial to improve connectivity for native species while restricting the spread opportunity for aliens and preserve biodiversity. Ideally, a site-specific risk analysis should precede conservation or restoration efforts, determining the potential impact of IAS on the respective habitat patch’s structural and functional connectivity, and vice versa. Furthermore, this chapter explores management strategies to control IAS, including physical removal, biological control, and monitoring. Citizen involvement and remote sensing play vital roles in supporting management actions, IAS detection and long-term monitoring, and habitat connectivity. Including stakeholders such as forest owners and managers in such actions ensures a collaborative approach to safeguarding forest ecosystems from the threats posed by IAS

Phenotypic and genetic analysis of auction selling performances of young Simmental calves

Italian Simmental (IS) is a dual-purpose cattle breed that counts about 90,000 cows registered in its official Herdbook. The breeding scheme is based on a composite index in which meat production has a 20% weight. The sale of calves is a source of revenue for farmers; thus, the Italian Simmental Breeders Association is planning to include data coming from auctions in its breeding scheme. The aim of this study was to analyse phenotypic and genetic background of age at auction (AU), live body weight (LBW), price per kg of body weight (PKg) and total sale price (TSP) recorded during auctions. Records were available for 51,825 Simmental calves coming from 2180 herds and sold during 898 auctions in the period 2004–2023. The traits were analysed using herd, sex, age of the dam as cross-classified fixed effects; for the genetic analysis, animal and maternal genetic effects were included. All considered effects had a significant impact on the analysed traits. Heritability estimates were 0.16 ± 0.01, 0.35 ± 0.02, 0.24 ± 0.02 and 0.27 ± 0.02, for AU, LBW, PKg and TSP, respectively. The high phenotypic correlation found between LBW and TSP confirmed the weight as the main variable responsible for the selling price. The results corroborated the negative genetic correlations between AU and weight or TSP. The analysed traits were almost not correlated with the other traits already included in the breeding program. The efficacy of these traits for predicting future performances of calves at the end of the cycle of fattening should be further investigated

Novel Perspectives on Genetic Evaluation in Early-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: Clinical Implications and Future Directions

Background: Early-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) exhibits distinct clinical and genetic profiles compared to AF in older adults. The increasing detection of AF among younger patients—often in the absence of traditional risk factors—has raised interest in the genetic determinants underlying the condition. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the genetic architecture of early-onset AF, assess the clinical utility of genetic testing, and discuss future directions for integrating genetic insights into personalized management strategies. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of recent studies, including genome-wide association studies and targeted sequencing efforts, that examined rare pathogenic variants and polygenic risk scores in early-onset AF. The review also considers emerging data on atrial cardiomyopathy and evaluates current guideline recommendations for genetic testing. Results: Data indicate that rare variants, particularly in genes such as TTN, LMNA, and KCNQ1, play a significant role in early-onset AF, with evidence suggesting an association between these mutations and adverse clinical outcomes. Polygenic risk scores further complement traditional risk factors, providing a more nuanced risk stratification. Despite these advances, challenges remain in the interpretation of variants of uncertain significance, cost-effectiveness, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in clinical implementation. Conclusions: Integrating genetic evaluation into the diagnostic and management framework of early-onset AF holds promise for improved risk stratification and personalized therapy. Future large-scale, multi-ethnic studies and ongoing refinement of genetic risk models are essential to overcome current limitations and enhance the clinical applicability of genetic testing in this rapidly evolving field

Biochar effects on durum wheat (Triticum durum) under ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2

Wheat has a pivotal role in food chains and human diet, and the understanding of its productive and qualitative performance under elevated CO2 (e[CO2]) is therefore a primary research target. While e[CO2] generally boosts wheat yield and biomass, major concerns remain about the impact on qualitative traits. The use of biochar as amendment, thanks to its well-known ability to improve soil fertility and crop production and quality, could be a suitable solution to cope with the negative effect of e[CO2] on qualitative traits. To test this hypothesis, we present the results of an open field experiment investigating the combined effects of biochar application and e[CO2] on quantitative and qualitative performance of two commercial durum wheat (Triticum durum) cultivars (Aureo and Claudio). The experimental design included plots treated without [B0] or with 30 t ha−1 of biochar as amendment [B30] and grown at ambient a[CO2] and e[CO2] (570 ppm). Results indicated that biochar increased soil temperatures by +1 °C during winter, thus favouring an earlier phenology and average biomass (+10 % and +7.2 %) and yield (+13.2 % and +8.5 %) increase in both a[CO2] and e[CO2] treatments compared to the no biochar [B0] treatments. Biochar treatments also increased flag leaf chlorophyll and decreased flavonoids, and enhanced intrinsic water use efficiency due to increases in photosynthesis and decreases in stomatal conductance. Spike density, falling number and thousand kernel weight were positively and significantly altered by biochar amendment, whilst the remaining parameters mostly differed between cultivars only. By contrast, biochar application did not alleviate nitrogen reduction in grains and straw in both cultivars neither increase grain protein content, although it remained sufficient for pasta making under all treatment combinations. Accordingly, biochar use could be preferentially adopted for increasing the productivity of high-quality cultivars whose destination and industrial processing would not suffer from a decrease in quality parameters

Implementing proximity care for people with multiple sclerosis in Italy: the bottom-up approach of the StayHome project

Objective: In Italy, around 137,000 people live with multiple sclerosis, facing organizational complexities due to the current model's limited focus on proximity care. This project aims to define a proximity model, in accordance with recent developments in the Italian healthcare landscape, engaging over 150 healthcare stakeholders and potentially impacting approximately 14,000 patients. Methods: An analysis was pursued to map the multiple sclerosis pathway, followed by interviews to capture the actual implementation in Italian Multiple Sclerosis Centers. Through the experts' insights, an optimal proximity care pathway and a Maturity Model framework were defined. This model was piloted in 14 centers, and a preliminary pre-post analysis was performed to evaluate initial improvements. Finally, a two-round Delphi method validated the Maturity Model dimensions and a set of key performance indicators. A scientific board including neurologists, patient associations and scientific associations, supervised project progresses and methodologies. Results: The Pilot study results show an overall increase in the centers' positioning within the Maturity Model levels after adopting center-specific action plans. To generalize the model, the Delphi panel validated a subset of process, volume, outcome and patient experience indicators (9 of 26 proposed) along with qualitative dimensions defining the Maturity Model (13 of 20 proposed), therefore, outlining a comprehensive monitoring framework for the multiple sclerosis patient pathway. Conclusion: This study shows, for the first time in Italy, the efficacy of a bottom-up approach in addressing organizational challenges within the current multiple sclerosis scenario. This integrated model offers future opportunity for replication across various care pathways and settings