Phenolic Profiles of Red Wine Relate to Vascular Endothelial Benefits Mediated by SIRT1 and SIRT6

Dietary phenolic compounds possess potent bioactivity against inflammatory pathways of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Here, the phenolic profile and bioac-tivity of Italian red wines Gaglioppo, Magliocco, and Nerello Mascalese were characterized. NMR, HPLC/UV-Vis and spectrophotometric characterization showed that Magliocco was the richest wine in monomeric anthocyanins (two-fold), catechins, and low molecular weight phenolics (LMWP). A positive correlation was observed between the polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05), with Magliocco displaying the highest antioxidant capacity (p < 0.01). In vitro evidence on the endothelial cell models of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia showed the ability of Magliocco to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01) and cytokine release (p < 0.01) and to upregulate SIRT1 and SIRT6 (p < 0.01). On the whole, the results indicated that the quantitative and qualitative phenolic profiles of red wines influence their in vitro beneficial effects on oxidative and proinflammatory milieu in endothelial cells, showing a positive modulation of SIRT1 and SIRT6, both implied in vascular aging

Genomic and physiological resilience in extreme environments are associated with a secure attachment style

Understanding individual capability to adjust to protracted confinement and isolation may inform adaptive plasticity and disease vulnerability/resilience, and may have long-term implications for operations requiring prolonged presence in distant and restricted environments. Individual coping depends on many different factors encompassing psychological dispositional traits, endocrine reactivity and their underlying molecular mechanisms (e.g. gene expression). A positive view of self and others (secure attachment style) has been proposed to promote individual resilience under extreme environmental conditions. Here, we tested this hypothesis and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms in 13 healthy volunteers confined and isolated for 12 months in a research station located 1670 km away from the south geographic pole on the Antarctic Plateau at 3233 m above sea level. Study participants, stratified for attachment style, were characterised longitudinally (before, during and after confinement) for their psychological appraisal of the stressful nature of the expedition, diurnal fluctuations in endocrine stress reactivity, and gene expression profiling (transcriptomics). Predictably, a secure attachment style was associated with reduced psychological distress and endocrine vulnerability to stress. In addition, while prolonged confinement and isolation remarkably altered overall patterns of gene expression, such alteration was largely reduced in individuals characterised by a secure attachment style. Furthermore, increased resilience was associated with a reduced expression of genes involved in energy metabolism (mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation). Ultimately, our data indicate that a secure attachment style may favour individual resilience in extreme environments and that such resilience can be mapped onto identifiable molecular substrates

Evolution of the genetic structure in Triticum durum Desf. germplasm from Southern Italy

Among the Mediterranean countries, Italy has the longest tradition in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) breeding and its germplasm can be considered as one of the richest and most valuable. There are indications that in the past decades the genetic bases of this crop may have been eroded coupled with the diffusion of a relatively small number of outstanding genotypes with proven adaptability and yield potential. Over time large germplasm collections have been established and now “old type” germplasm can be recovered from genebanks. In southern Italy durum wheat germplasm has been collected starting from the 1947 up to year 2000 and the changes of the genetic structure of this precious wheat germplasm that occurred over time have been studied on the basis of morphological traits and molecular markers, particularly SSR. A sample of 107 durum wheat accessions collected since 1947 in Southern Italy was analyzed at the University of Basilicata by 22 quanti-qualitative morphological traits and 30 microsatellite loci. The accessions were grouped into two groups on the basis of their collection date. A great variability was observed for morphological traits, particularly for quantitative ones. These characters showed a significative differentiation among the two groups. Molecular markers revealed high polymorphism and identified 115 alleles, with an average of 3,83 alleles per locus. Nine private alleles were found in the first group, while in the second one they were five; it was also possible to identify accessions with rare alleles, mostly of the first group. Molecular analysis revealed a decrease of the genetic diversity over time. The use of morphological and molecular markers revealed of great utility in assessing temporal trends in the diversity of Southern Italy wheat germplasm. The evidence of both genetic diversity and genetic erosion of durum wheat genepool further strengthens the strategic relevance of undertaking appropriate genetic conservation measure either at local or global scale

A Preliminary Analysis of Anthropogenic and Natural Impacts on a Volcanic Lake Ecosystem in Southern Italy by UAV-Based Monitoring

Lakes play an important role in providing various ecosystem services. However, stressors such as climate change, land use, or land-cover change threaten the ecological functions of lakes. National and international legislations address these threats and establish consistent, long-term monitoring schemes. Remote sensing techniques based on the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) have recently been demonstrated to provide accurate and low-cost spatio-temporal views for the assessment of the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems and the identification of areas at risk of contamination. Few studies have been carried out so far on the employment of these tools in the monitoring of lakes. Therefore, high-resolution UAV surveys were used to analyse and evaluate natural and anthropogenic impacts on the habitat status of a volcanic lake in a protected area. Five UAV flights took place during a year-long cycle (November 2020 to November 2021) in a volcanic lake located in southern Italy. For each flight performance, an orthomosaic of georeferenced RGB images was obtained, and the different features of interest were monitored and quantified using automated processing in a GIS environment. The UAV images made it possible not only to estimate the flooded shores but also to detect the impact of human-made structures and infrastructures on the lagoon environment. It has been possible to observe how the rapid changes in lake-water level have led to the submersion of about 90.000 m2 of terrain in winter, causing the fragmentation and degradation of habitats, while the connectivity of the natural ecosystem has been threatened by the presence of the road around the lake. The proposed methodology is rather simple and easily replicable by decision makers and local administrators and can be useful for choosing the best restoration interventions

Promoting Older Adults’ Independent Living with Assistive Technology: Emotional Requirements, Technostress and Formal Caregivers Perspective

Assistive technology has the potential to promote the independent living of older adults. To ensure adoption, the user experience and investigation of user needs should be meticulously assessed. One factor that can influence acceptance and adoption of innovative technology is the emotional aspect. Despite this understanding, the examination of how emotions and other demographic factors play a role technology perception are not thoroughly examined. This study evaluated emotional requirements and stress toward technology in a monitoring and socialization service after 6 months of use by 64 older adults. The perspective of 25 formal caregivers was also considered. Monitoring service showed higher 'stay informed' requirement but similar emotional aspects compared to socialization. Overall, although not significantly, the monitoring scenario scored higher in the emotional requirements and elicited lower stress towards technology, aligning with formal caregiver’s perception of its technical superiority. Future guidelines for long-term studies should consider the emotions and needs of the OA and the system’s technical reliability to maximize the efficacy

Non-Oncological Radiotherapy: A Review of Modern Approaches

Despite being usually delivered in oncological patients, radiotherapy can be used as a successful treatment for several non-malignant disorders. Even though this use of radiotherapy has been scarcely investigated since the 1950s, more recent interest has actually shed the light on this approach. Thus, the aim of this narrative review is to analyze the applications of non-oncological radiotherapy in different disorders. Key references were derived from a PubMed query. Hand searching and clinicaltrials.gov were also used. This review contains a narrative report and a critical discussion of non-oncological radiotherapy approaches. In conclusion, non-oncological radiotherapy is a safe and efficacious approach to treat several disorders that needs to be further investigated and used in clinical practice

CARdioimaging in Lung Cancer PatiEnts Undergoing Radical RadioTherapy: CARE-RT Trial

Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common, steady growing lung tumour that is often discovered when a surgical approach is forbidden. For locally advanced inoperable NSCLC, the clinical approach consists of a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, eventually followed by adjuvant immunotherapy, a treatment that is useful but may cause several mild and severe adverse effect. Chest radiotherapy, specifically, may affect the heart and coronary artery, impairing heart function and causing pathologic changes in myocardial tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the damage coming from these therapies with the aid of cardiac imaging. Methods: This is a single-centre, prospective clinical trial. Patients with NSCLC who are enrolled will undergo computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before chemotherapy 3 months, 6 months, and 9-12 months after the treatment. We expect to enrol 30 patients in 2 years. Conclusions: Our clinical trial will be an opportunity not only to highlight the timing and the radiation dose needed for pathological cardiac tissue changes to happen but will also provide useful data to set new follow-up schedules and strategies, keeping in mind that, more often than not, patients affected by NSCLC may present other heart- and lung-related pathological conditions