Transcriptomic profile of cumulus cells isolated from cumulus-oocyte complexes of prepubertal and adult sheep.

Cumulus cells (CCs) are crucial during cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) growth, maturation and fertilization. Analysis of gene expression in CCs of in vitro matured oocytes help to identify non-invasive biomarkers of oocyte quality. This study compared transcriptomic profiles of CCs from matured oocytes of prepubertal (<6 months) and adult (3-5 years) sheep.

Bisphosphonate use in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty reduces overall and aseptic revisions and periprosthetic bone mineral density loss: A systematic review from the FP-UCBM Knee Study Group.

Purpose: Bisphosphonates (BPs), widely used for osteoporosis management, have garnered attention in the context of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for their potential to preserve periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and mitigate risks such as aseptic loosening, periprosthetic fractures, and implant failure. This study systematically reviewed the current literature on the topic, hypothesising that BP therapy reduces the risk of postoperative adverse outcomes in patients undergoing TKA.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on 1 December 2024 using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Google Scholar.

Coronal plane alignment of the knee phenotypes distribution varies significantly as a function of geographic, osteoarthritic and sex-related factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classification is a nine-phenotype matrix based on limb alignment and joint line obliquity. This study aimed to provide a global overview of CPAK distribution, hypothesising significant geographic, osteoarthritic and sex-related variations.

Methods: A systematic literature search (Embase, Medline/PubMed and Cochrane Library) following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, utilising the search terms "Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee" OR "CPAK".

A dataset on forest stand structures, deadwood, and tree-related microhabitats along an urban-periurban gradient in Central Italy.

This database provides accessible and georeferenced information on forest structure, tree-related microhabitats, and deadwood of 12 urban forests located in 12 different urban parks across three Italian cities, Florence, Rome, and Campobasso. Four urban parks - varying in size, forest type, and history - were selected following an urban-periurban gradient in each city. Inner city parks are typically ancient, with native and non-native trees planted for aesthetic and cultural purposes, and scarce semi-natural vegetation remains.

The role of computer-assisted navigation in pelvic tumor surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pelvic bone tumors frequently pose significant challenges due to their proximity to noble structures, including blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Computer-assisted navigation (CAN) for pelvic bone oncology surgery was introduced in the early 2000s to improve accuracy and precision of pelvic tumor resections. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the differences in surgical accuracy, clinical outcomes, recurrence rates, and complications in pelvic bone tumor resections performed with or without CAN.

Building Greener Cities Together: Urban Afforestation Requires Multiple Skills to Address Social, Ecological, and Climate Challenges.

Urban afforestation is increasingly regarded as a key strategy for fostering biodiversity to restore and enhance the ecosystem services needed to counteract the effects of climate change in built-up areas. In Italy, several experimental afforestation projects have been launched as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), focusing on cities or metropolitan areas such as Milan, Rome, Pistoia and Campobasso. These projects follow a multidisciplinary approach, integrating botanists, foresters, urban planners, landscape architects and remote sensing specialists.

Safety and efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells for knee osteoarthritis in the elderly population: A systematic review.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease, and over 240 million people suffer from symptomatic OA, primarily in the knee, and mainly affects the elderly population over 65. A combination of different risk factors leads to biological changes in the microenvironments of the joints, causing cartilage overload and chondrocyte aging. Adipose-derived MSCs (ADSCs) are demonstrated to improve joint environments with an effective therapy for Knee OA.

Evaluation of asbestos dispersion during laser ablation of rocks containing Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA).

Health risks are often overlooked when the short-term consequences are not immediately apparent. During restoration work, cleaning actions can generate particles that pose health risks to workers through inhalation. This is particularly true in the case of asbestos fibres that might be spread out from the laser cleaning of buildings or heritage artifacts made of stone, such as serpentinite and other ultramafic rocks, that have a high probability of containing asbestos (e.

Planning Accuracy and Stem Offset Assessment in Digital Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Planning in Cementless Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) planning is crucial for restoring hip function and minimizing complications. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the accuracy of 2D versus 3D preoperative planning in THA. : The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (ROSs) published in English comparing the accuracy of 2D and 3D preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty.

Hip resurfacing versus total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Purpose: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the gold standard in the treatment of advanced hip osteoarthritis. However, hip resurfacing (HR) arthroplasty may present a viable alternative. The aim of this study was to compare complications, implant survivorship, and functional outcomes between HR and THA, to assess HR as a valid and safe alternative to THA.

Integration of ecological indicators to assess a multitemporal impact of cement industries.

The present study evaluated an integrated biomonitoring approach based on three different bioindicators: tree rings, lichens, and beetles in a complex environment (urban-industrial-forest). In Central Italy, four sampling sites were selected to assess the anthropogenic impact of cement plants taking into account (1) long-term exposure (1988-2020) through the analysis of trace elements in tree rings of Quercus pubescens; (2) medium-term exposure (2020-2021) through the analysis of trace elements in thalli (outermost portions) of the lichen Xanthoria parietina; (3) short-term exposure in spring 2021 through the bioaccumulation and evaluation of sample vitality in transplants of the lichen Evernia prunastri and a periodic survey of entomological biodiversity carried out during spring and summer 2021. Trace elements of industrial origin were found in tree rings, with different levels of accumulation between 1988 and 2020 and a maximum in 2012.

Accuracy of two-dimensional digital planning in uncemented primary hip arthroplasty: monocentric analysis of eight hundred implants.

Purpose: In the last decades, there has been a refinement in total hip arthroplasty, which allowed surgeons to achieve the highest performance and better patient outcomes. Preoperative planning in primary hip arthroplasty is an essential step that guides the surgeon in restoring the anatomy and biomechanics of the joint. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the 2D digital planning, considering cup sizing, stem sizing, and limb length discrepancy.

Modular versus monoblock stem in revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is estimated to grow in the following decades with a consequent increase of THA revisions (rTHA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare modular and monoblock stem in rTHA surgery, focusing on clinical and radiological outcomes and complication rates.

Methods: A literature search was performed using the following search strategy: ((Modular stem) OR (monolithic stem)) AND (hip review) on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane.

LAT1 (SLC7A5) catalyzes copper(histidinate) transport switching from antiport to uniport mechanism.

LAT1 (SLC7A5) is one of the most studied membrane transporters due to its relevance to physiology in supplying essential amino acids to brain and fetus, and to pathology being linked to nervous or embryo alterations; moreover, LAT1 over-expression is always associated with cancer development. Thus, LAT1 is exploited as a pro-drug vehicle and as a target for anti-cancer therapy. We here report the identification of a new substrate with pathophysiological implications, i.

MicroRNA expression changes in the development of rotator cuff tendon injuries.

Traumatic or degenerative rotator cuff (RC) tendon injuries are a leading cause of persistent shoulder pain and reduction of mobility with associated disability and dysfunction, which require each year more than 250,000 surgical repairs in the United States. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, that in the posttranscriptional phase lead to the development and function of tissues. The aim of this review was to identify miRNA expression changes in patients with RC pathologies and to determine their relevance as a potential novel diagnostic and potentially therapeutic tool for RC disorders.

Ambient and substrate energy influence decomposer diversity differentially across trophic levels.

The species-energy hypothesis predicts increasing biodiversity with increasing energy in ecosystems. Proxies for energy availability are often grouped into ambient energy (i.e.

Early return to activity of daily living after total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an orthopaedic procedure that improves the quality of life in patients suffering from hip pain related to osteoarthritis, fractures, and avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Different surgical approaches can be used for THA leading to different recovery times. Because of the lowering medium age of people undergoing THA, it is important to focus on the earlier return of physiological activity after surgery.

A multicentric evaluation of pediatric lung transplantation in Italy.

Background: Pediatric lung transplantation is performed in highly experienced centers due to the peculiar population characteristics. The literature is limited and not representative of individual countries' differences. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Italian experience.

An open and georeferenced dataset of forest structural attributes and microhabitats in central and southern Apennines (Italy).

Forests cover 30% of the Earth's landmass, host 80% of the biodiversity on land, and represent one of the main sinks of carbon. Studying forest ecosystems and dynamics is more crucial than ever now that the climate is changing. On the other hand, forest structural attributes and microhabitats data acquisition is challenging, and require huge efforts.

Panchromatic Fluorescence Emission from Thienosquaraines Dyes: White Light Electrofluorochromic Devices.

Electrofluorochromic devices (EFCDs) that allow the modulation of the light emitted by electroactive fluorophores are very attractive in the research field of optoelectronics. Here, the electrofluorochromic behaviour of a series of squaraine dyes was studied for the first time. In solutions, all compounds are photoluminescent with maxima located in the range 665-690 nm, characterized by quantum yields ranging from 30% to 4.

Open datasets wanted for tracking the insect decline: let's start from saproxylic beetles.

Background: We present six datasets of saproxylic beetles collected between 2012 and 2018 in Central and Southern Italian forests. Saproxylics represent one of the main components in forest ecosystems in terms of diversity, species richness and functional traits and, for this reason, they are an important target group for studying the modification of forests over time. The datasets consist of annotated checklists and were published on Zenodo repository.

Baltic amber: A new Cacomorphocerus Schaufuss, 1892 with two specimens preserved in a single piece, and four new Malthodes Kiesenwetter, 1852.

The Baltic amber has proven to be an incredible resource for the environmental and faunistic diversity of the Eocene and this is also evident from the vast amount of Cantharidae species (soldier beetles) described as inclusions in this resin and Fossil-Lagerstätte. The present work contributes to highlighting both this trend and the variety of forms in particular for the genus Malthodes Kiesenwetter, 1852 with four new species described and with the addition of a new species of Cacomorphocerus Schaufuss, 1892 with two specimens included in the same amber piece. The new forms, described and illustrated here, are: Cacomorphocerus obstinatus sp.

Electrochromic behaviour of Ir(iii) bis-cyclometalated 1,2-dioxolene tetra-halo complexes: fully reversible catecholate/semiquinone redox switches.

Neutral cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes of general formula [Ir(ppy)2(O^O)squi], where ppy = 2-phenylpyridine and (O^O)squi = TBC (tetrabromocatechol) or TCC (tetrachlorocatechol) in their semiquinone (squi) monoanionic redox state, were synthesized by chemically oxidizing the anionic parent complexes NBu4[Ir(ppy)2(O^O)cat], in which (O^O)cat represents the corresponding ancillary dioxolene ligand in its dianionic catecholate (cat) redox state. This chemical oxidation leads to the modification of both the photophysical and the magnetic properties of the complexes. While the NBu4[Ir(ppy)2(O^O)cat] complexes are diamagnetic (D) and yellow-orange solids, the corresponding oxidized complexes [Ir(ppy)2(O^O)squi] display paramagnetic (P) properties and are characterized by a dark-green color.

Delayed appearance of 3-methylglutaconic aciduria in neonates with early onset metabolic cardiomyopathies: A potential pitfall for the diagnosis.

Infantile onset cardiomyopathies are highly heterogeneous with several phenocopies compared with adult cardiomyopathies. Multidisciplinary management is essential in determining the underlying etiology in children's cardiomyopathy. Elevated urinary excretion of 3-methylglutaconic acid (3-MGA) is a useful tool in identifying the etiology in some metabolic cardiomyopathy.