Investigation of the molecular basis of PAMP-induced resistance

The recognition of conserved microbial features termed pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by surface-localized pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) constitutes the first layer of plant innate immunity. Although details of early immune signaling events are starting to be unveiled, the molecular mechanisms leading to restriction of pathogen growth are still poorly understood. To gain more insight into this process, two different approaches were employed. I used reverse genetics to study the involvement of three different secondary metabolites, namely camalexin, glucosinolates and callose, in PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) against the phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000. These are well known active defences Arabidopsis employs to restrict fungi and oomycetes invasion. Results showed that these compounds are dispensable for antibacterial resistance triggered by the bacterial PAMP flagellin (flg22). In addition, as an unbiased approach, I performed a novel genetic screen aimed at identifying molecular components required for induced resistance to Pto DC3000. For this, I developed a high-throughput assay for bacterial infection in Arabidopsis seedlings that enabled to select mutants impaired in flg22-induced resistance to Pto DC3000. The pir (PAMP-induced resistance) screen identified four loci whose mutation leads to a reproducible reduction of flg22-induced resistance. These genes have not been previously characterized for their role in immunity, and therefore can be considered as novel components of PTI. By employing a combination of reverse genetics, metabolomics and chemistry approaches, I obtained preliminary data suggesting that flavonoids act as cellular buffers and/or are employed as active defenses against bacteria. In addition, interference with the mevalonic acid biosynthetic pathway impairs antibacterial defenses, suggesting a role in immunity. Additional tests are underway to better assess the contribution of these PIR genes to PTI. Therefore, through the pir screen, I have identified several novel loci required for plant immunity that will increase our knowledge of the plant immune system

Evaluation of feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of school-based physical activity “active break” interventions in pre-adolescent and adolescent students: a systematic review

Objective The present systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of school-based physical activity (PA) interventions of “active breaks” on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive functions, and well-being in pre-adolescents and adolescents attending secondary and high school. Methods In March 2021, we performed a systematic research in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MedLine, and PsycINFO databases and through grey literature. Quality assessment was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Tool for Quality Assessment for RCTs and the STROBE tool for observational studies. We included studies that investigated classroom PA interventions led by teachers such as active breaks or physically active lessons on PA levels, classroom behaviour, cognitive function, and quality of life in pre-adolescent and adolescent population attending secondary and high school. Synthesis Three studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies showed a positive effect of active breaks on students’ classroom behaviour and quality of life. One study registered a positive effect in the increase in school PA levels; unfortunately, this effect was not found in the overall levels of PA or in the reduction of sedentary behaviour. All three studies showed the feasibility and acceptability of active breaks intervention in secondary and high school settings. Conclusion This systematic review suggests the potential benefit of this type of intervention integrated in the secondary and high school curriculum on classroom behaviour, school PA levels, and well-being.Objectif La présente revue systématique visait à étudier l’impact des interventions d’activité physique (AP) en milieu scolaire des « pauses actives » sur les niveaux d’AP, le comportement en classe, les fonctions cognitives et le bien-être des préadolescents et des adolescents fréquentant l’école secondaire et le lycée. Méthodes En mars 2021, nous avons effectué une recherche systématique dans les bases de données CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, MedLine, PsycINFO et à travers la littérature grise. L’évaluation de la qualité a été réalisée conformément à l’outil Cochrane d’évaluation de la qualité pour les ECR et à l’outil STROBE pour les études observationnelles. Nous avons inclus les études portant sur les interventions d’AP en classe menées par les enseignants, telles que les pauses actives ou les leçons d’activité physique sur les niveaux d’AP, le comportement en classe, la fonction cognitive et la qualité de vie chez les préadolescents et les adolescents fréquentant l’école secondaire et le lycée. Synthèse Trois études répondaient aux critères d’inclusion. Deux études ont montré un effet positif des pauses actives sur le comportement en classe et la qualité de vie des élèves. Une étude a enregistré un effet positif dans l’augmentation des niveaux d’AP à l’école, malheureusement cet effet n’a pas été trouvé dans les niveaux globaux d’AP ou dans la réduction du comportement sédentaire. Les trois études ont montré la faisabilité et l’acceptabilité de l’intervention des pauses actives dans les écoles secondaires et les lycées. Conclusion Cette revue systématique suggère le bénéfice potentiel de ce type d’intervention intégrée dans le programme scolaire des collèges et lycées sur le comportement en classe, les niveaux d’AP à l’école et le bien-être

Physical Fitness and BodyWeight in Pre-Adolescent School Children: The EUROFIT Motor Fitness Test Explored on 11-12-Year-Old Children.

Nowadays, the early prevention of obesity in childhood is one of the most critical public health issues. More than half of children and adolescents worldwide do not meet the recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. This trend can reduce physical fitness and, consequently, cause a decrease in the quality of life throughout the lifespan. Physical fitness, defined as a set of abilities to perform physical activity and exercise (such as aerobic capacity, endurance, strength, flexibility), is considered one of the most important health markers in adulthood and childhood as well as adolescence. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the physical fitness of pre-adolescent children of the Emilia-Romagna region. Children’s anthropometric parameters (height and weight) and physical fitness levels - assessed via the EUROFIT test battery - were measured. In all of the applied EUROFIT tests, children’s performance was below the sucient age and gender values. Moreover, it was negatively associated with obesity. Our research provided evidence that the general fitness of our sample was low and the performance of overweight/obese children was lower compared to the under/normal weight students

An innovation diffusion model of a local electricity network that is influenced by internal and external factors

Haynes et al. (1977) derived a nonlinear differential equation to determine the spread of innovations within a social network across space and time. This model depends upon the imitators and the innovators within the social system, where the imitators respond to internal influences, whilst the innovators react to external factors. Here, this differential equation is applied to simulate the uptake of a low-carbon technology (LCT) within a real local electricity network that is situated in the UK. This network comprises of many households that are assigned to certain feeders. Firstly, travelling wave solutions of Haynes’ model are used to predict adoption times as a function of the imitation and innovation influences. Then, the grid that represents the electricity network is created so that the finite element method (FEM) can be implemented. Next, innovation diffusion is modelled with Haynes’ equation and the FEM, where varying magnitudes of the internal and external pressures are imposed. Consequently, the impact of these model parameters is investigated. Moreover, LCT adoption trajectories at fixed feeder locations are calculated, which give a macroscopic understanding of the uptake behaviour at specific network sites. Lastly, the adoption of LCTs at a household level is examined, where microscopic and macroscopic approaches are combined

Exercise and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers among Adult with Cancer: A Systematic Review

Evidence shows that exercise can have a favourable effect in cancer patients. The exercise's clinical benefits are likely to concern multiple interrelated biological pathways, among which oxidative stress plays a key role. Regular training can induce an adaptive response that strengthens the antioxidative status of the body. To formulate public health recommendations regarding the optimal exercise prescription for cancer patients, a detailed understanding is needed regarding the effect of exercise on variables linked to oxidative stress and antioxidant status of patients. The goal of this systematic review, based on PRISMA, was to explore and critically analyse the evidence regarding the efficacy of exercise on oxidative stress biomarkers among people with cancer. Study search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus. The studies' quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and STROBE scale. After identification and screening steps, 10 articles were included. The findings provide an encouraging picture of exercise, including resistance training and aerobic activities, in people with cancer. The exercise improved the indicators of the total antioxidant capacity, increased the antioxidant enzymes' activity, or reduced the biomarkers of oxidative damage in various forms of cancer such as breast, lung, head, and neck Regarding oxidative DNA damage, the role of exercise intervention has been difficult to assess. The heterogeneity of study design and the plethora of biomarkers measured hampered the comparison of the articles. This limited the possibility of establishing a comprehensive conclusion on the sensitivity of biomarkers to estimate the exercise's benefits. Further high-quality studies are required to provide data regarding oxidative stress biomarkers responding to exercise. This information will be useful to assess the efficacy of exercise in people with cancer and support the appropriate prescription of exercise in anticancer strategy

Effects of School Nurse-Led Interventions in Collaboration with Kinesiologists in Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that schools adopt a whole-school strategy for healthy behaviors involving different health professionals. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nurse-led interventions in collaboration with kinesiologists on physical activity and lifestyle behaviors’ outcomes in school settings. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022343410). The primary research study was developed through the PICOS question: children and adolescence 6–18 years (P); school nurse-led interventions in promoting physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behaviors (I); usual lessons, no intervention focusing on PA (C); PA levels, sedentary behaviors, and healthy lifestyle behaviors (O); experimental or observational study with original primary data and full-text studies written in English (S). Seven studies were included. Interventions were heterogeneous: besides physical activities carried out in all studies, the interventions were based on different health models and strategies (counselling, face-to-face motivation, education). Five out of seven articles investigated PA levels or their related behaviors using questionnaires, and two used ActiGraph accelerometers. Lifestyle behaviors were assessed with heterogeneous methods. Five out of seven articles showed an improvement in at least one outcome after the interventions, whereas two papers showed a statistically non-significant improvement. In conclusion, school interventions involving nurses, also in association with other professionals such as kinesiologists, can be effective in reducing sedentary behaviors and improving healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents

Active Breaks and Distance Learning: new strategies for well-being and movement education Active Breaks e DAD: nuove strategie per educare al benessere ed al movimento

La situazione pandemica ha drasticamente ridotto le opportunità di movimento e di socializzazione dei bambini anche in ambito scolastico, costringendo ad effettuare le lezioni a distanza, la Didattica a distanza e la Didattica Aumentata Digitalmente. Pertanto, si proporrà il metodo delle pause attive o active breaks che consistono in brevi momenti della lezione (5-10 min.) per effettuare delle attività strutturate. Tali interventi non necessitano di spazi e di attrezzature particolari ma possono essere praticate più volte al giorno e per brevi periodi non solo nel contesto classe ma anche a casa e in autonomia da ogni singolo bambino. Gli studi IMOVE e ABS sono un punto di partenza e una testimonianza dell’efficacia e della sostenibilità degli interventi school-based. Studi futuri dovranno concentrarsi sugli effetti a lungo termine delle active breaks sulla performance scolastica e sul beneficio nel lavoro degli insegnanti.The pandemic situation has drastically reduced the opportunities for movement and socialization of children even in the school environment, forcing them to carry out remote lessons, distance learning and digitally augmented education. Therefore, we will propose the method of active breaks or active breaks which consist of short moments of the lesson (5-10 min.) To carry out structured activities. These interventions does not require special spaces and equipment but can be practiced several times a day and for short periods not only in the classroom context but also at home and independently by each individual child. The I-MOVE and ABS studies are a starting point and a testimony of the effectiveness and sustainability of school-based interventions. Future studies will have to focused on the long-term effects of active breaks on school performance and on the benefit of the work of teachers

The Association of Four Natural Molecules-EGCG, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and HA-To Counteract HPV Cervical Lesions: A Case Report

Precancerous lesions of the uterine cervix, due to HPV infections, are still today a great medical challenge. This clinical case highlighted the effectiveness of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), vitamin B12, folic acid, and hyaluronic acid (HA) in counteracting HPV lesions in a 39-year-old patient with a long history of viral persistence, cervical lesions of various degree, and several unsuccessful surgical approaches. After eight weeks of treatment, both the histological and cytological analyses revealed only a chronic cervicitis without any malignant lesions or cellular dysplasia, thus reducing the urgency of an invasive surgery, a total hysterectomy