Oxytocin, prostaglandin F2α, and scopolamine for uterine involution of dairy cows.

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of three substances with ecbolic activity, Oxytocin, Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and Scopolamine, on the uterine involution process in dairy cows and on the resumption of ovarian activity. Eighty bovine were randomly divided in four groups: GROUP C: 20 cows treated, within 24 h of calving, with 5 mL/head of saline solution; GROUP PG: 20 cows treated, within 24 h of calving, with 150 µg/head of d-cloprostenol; GROUP OX: 20 cows treated, within 24 h of calving, with 50 IU/head of oxytocin acetate; GROUP S: 20 cows treated, within 24 h of calving, with 40 mg/q Scopolamine Butylbromide. Each cow was subjected to blood samples to evaluate the Hydroxyproline (HYP) levels, at T0, within 24 h after calving, and T7, T14, T28, 7, 14, and 28 days after calving, respectively. At T14 and T28, an ultrasound examination was performed to measure the diameter of ex-pregnant horn. In all cows, the reproductive indices (days to first service and number of artificial insemination for conception) were evaluated. In all groups, the HYP concentrations have been rising from T0 to T28, with the maximum levels obtained at T28 in the groups PG and S. As regard the diameter of uterine horn, the comparison among the groups showed significant differences only at T28, with lower values in the group PG and S. In group S and PG, the days to first service were less than other groups. Treatment with Scopolamine and PGF2α resulted in better outcomes, evidenced clinically by more efficient uterine involution and faster ovarian recovery.

ESDM intervention in severe preschool autism: an Italian Case report, psychological and social medicine reflections.

BACKGROUND: The goal of our contribution is to discuss a preschool intervention based on the Early Start Denver Model and the use of the main tools for the detection of adaptive behaviour in cases of autism: Vineland, ABAS. CASE PRESENTATION: the work is the presentation of a clinical case that has benefited from an intervention with the Early Start Denver Model methodology for the benefit of a child with socio-cultural and economic disadvantages. This early intervention, in a child of 36 months, which followed the diagnosis, was possible thanks to the intervention of many third-sector organizations which allowed this child, with a serious autism profile, to receive an evidence-based intervention for free. At the beginning of the intervention, the child presented a diagnosis of severe autism with absence of gaze, vocalizations and other communicative impairments. The level of motor clumsiness was also quite high, as were stereotypies. CONCLUSIONS: Research has shown the usefulness of intervening in this area with an early assessment and/or diagnosis and immediate intervention; however, public health services are not always able to maintain this pace. Our contribution therefore shows on the one hand the evidence of the improvements achieved by the child despite the low intensity of the treatment, and on the other hand, demonstrates the total versatility and adaptability of the Denver Model to the Italian context. In our conclusions, there are also some reflections on the tools used to measure adaptive behavior which seem to have a number of limitations and criticalities.

Influence of hydraulic clam dredging and seasonal environmental changes on macro-benthic communities in the Southern Adriatic (Central Mediterranean Sea).

Macro-benthic communities on the shallowest soft bottoms are impacted by hydraulic dredgers used for the harvesting of the striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina). Changes in macro-benthic assemblages were analysed across four areas in the Southern Adriatic Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea) during the winter and summer 2022 (low and high fishing pressures, respectively). Two sampling surveys were carried out collecting abundance data (N/100m2) of 69 species. Diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner and Equitability) were calculated and differences between seasons and areas were tested using non-parametric tests. Changes in the assemblage and feeding habits were explored by adopting permutational multivariate analysis of variance on 34 species. Moreover, environmental conditions of all areas in the two seasons were characterized by a set of 8 variables. Seasonal changes in diversity were only detected for the Shannon-Weiner index, with values significantly higher in winter than summer. Macro-benthic assemblages differed between the two seasons, and the winter assemblages were well-distinct in each area. In contrast, a high overlap was shown in the summer assemblages of the four areas. Changes in feeding habits showed an increase in filter feeding polychaetes and opportunistic/scavenger species during the summer. Temperature, Salinity and primary production were positively correlated to summer stations indicating potential thermic stress on the assemblages. The results provide information on the benthic community impacted by dredge disturbance and seasonal changes driven by environmental conditions, stressing the need to integrate these aspects in assessments on the health status of marine ecosystems required by European directives and fishery management plans.

Pregnancy in autistic women and social medical considerations: scoping review and meta- synthesis.

Introduction: This article addresses a topic that has been largely overlooked by scientific literature, namely pregnancy in autistic women. Generally, the issue of sexuality in disability, particularly in disabled women, autistic or otherwise, has been underexplored. However, it is necessary to scientifically investigate this topic to propose adequate social and health policies. Therefore, we chose to conduct a scoping review to answer three main questions: "What does it mean for an autistic woman to be pregnant?"; "How do these two conditions coexist?"; "Are health services prepared to receive this population adequately or does autism become a stigma for pregnant women?" Methods: We conducted a systematic review and qualitative thematic synthesis following the Preferred Reporting Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses on autistic women and pregnancy in the last 10 years. Results: The studies included in our review are 7, extremely diverse in terms of methodologies and sample sizes. Despite the heterogeneity of samples and methodologies, all research tends to highlight the following results. For autistic women during pregnancy, three areas seem to be the most difficult: sensory issues, mood disorders, and relationships with specialists. Discussion: Our study found that women with ASD face unique challenges during childbirth that differ from those of neurotypical women. Participants often felt belittled, ignored, and uninformed about the care they received, and being placed at the centre of attention was often seen as negative and hindering rather than positive. However, the research shows us how some "expected" results, such as difficulties in breastfeeding, have been disproven.

Psychiatric advance directives (Ulysses Contract): the need for a specific law and a criteria proposal for its introduction.

AIM: Advance healthcare directives in the psychiatric field raise more concerns and controversies compared to their use in other medical branches. We discuss the role of advance directives in this field and suggest a criteria proposal for the settlement of a comprehensive regulation on the matter. METHODS: We analyse the existing law and discuss the ethical points in the Italian context and, in comparison, with the United Kingdom context. RESULTS: Numerous studies have highlighted that psychiatric patients experience advance directives as an instrument to participate in therapeutic decision-making. Regarding the usefulness of advance directives, Italy and the United Kingdom did not approve deontological rules or laws. The United Nations Commission states that, based on the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is necessary to respect the spatient's will, even if it is biased by psychic disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The Convention does not consider advance directives; instead, they just suggest using some support to have the patient regain their competence. In case this is unsuccessful, it is necessary to appoint a substitute decision-maker to express, even in the light of the advance directives, the will that the patient would have expressed if he had been competent.

The Effect of Physical Exercise during COVID-19 Lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted an effect on the general population that went over every expectation. To explore the effect of physical exercise (PE) during the national lockdown in Italy, a survey was drawn up and administered to a sample composed of 208 subjects. The questionnaire comprised 81 multiple-choice items, including sociodemographic data, health-related questions, and assessment of physical exercise, satisfaction with life, depression, and personality. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of physical exercise during the outbreak following the present hypothesis: first, if a link exists between the time spent on physical exercise during the lockdown and the perceived health condition, depressive and somatic symptomatology, and life satisfaction; second, to find associations among the SF-12 component summaries and the other psychological outcomes; and finally, to explore how physical and psychological variables are predictive of PCS-12 and MCS-12. The results showed that both vigorous and moderate physical exercise was strongly correlated with psychological variables, with statistically significant negative correlations found between age and physical exercise. Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between physical exercise and mental health indices, such as MCS-12 and SWLS, whereas negative correlations were found with BDI, PCS-12, and SOM-H. The correlation analysis also revealed that physical and individual mental health summaries were associated with psychological outcomes, with statistically significant negative correlations found between PCS-12 and MCS, PCS-12 and SOM-H, and MCS-12 and BDI scores. Regression analysis showed that physical activities and psychological status both had a direct influence on perceived mental and physical well-being during the lockdown, accounting for 56.7% and 35.5% of the variance, respectively. The p-values for the significant correlations ranged from <0.05 to <0.01. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of physical exercise and psychological well-being in maintaining good health during the pandemic.

The choice of Caesarean section between clinical indication and patient autonomy: The physician between rock and hard place.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Caesarean delivery carries a higher risk of short- and long-term complications for both mother and baby than vaginal delivery. However, over the past two decades, data show a considerable increase in requests for Caesarean sections. This manuscript analyses the case of Caesarean Section on maternal request without a clinical indication from a medico-legal and ethical perspective. METHOD: Medical associations and bodies databases were searched for published guidelines and recommendations on the use of caesarean sections on maternal requests. As derived from the literature, medical risks, attitudes, and reasons for this choice have also been summarized. RESULTS: International guidelines and medical associations recommend strengthening the doctor-patient relationship by setting up an information process to make the pregnant woman understand the danger of Caesarean delivery without clinical indications and to make her consider whether she can survive natural childbirth. CONCLUSION: Caesarean section on maternal request and without clinical indications is an emblematic case of how the physician could be between two opposing interests. Our analysis shows that if the woman's rejection of natural birth persists and clinical indications for Caesarean delivery are lacking, the physician must respect the patient's choice.

Babies under 1 year with atypical development: Perspectives for preventive individuation and treatment.

A baby's first year of life is a time of immense development and cerebral plasticity. Following today's research and clinical observation, the period of the first year of life provides a new challenge inasmuch it is presently clear that it is possible to identify developmental anomalies in this window of time. Effecting early screening procedures could prove very useful, especially where we find genetic vulnerabilities in brothers and sisters of autistic subjects. Interventions of this kind, already practiced by some Public Health systems, can mean taking early action and primary protective measures with significant impacts not only on the subjects (babies and family members) concerned, but also on the public purse. It is, therefore, essential to provide for specific professionalized procedures for psychologists, pediatricians and neuropsychologists to be introduced through personnel highly specialized in interventions during the first year of life.

Food from the Depths of the Mediterranean: The Role of Habitats, Changes in the Sea-Bottom Temperature and Fishing Pressure.

As part of the "Innovations in the Food System: Exploring the Future of Food" Special Issue, this paper briefly reviews studies that highlight a link between deep-sea fishery resources (deep-sea food resources) and vulnerable marine ecosystems (VME), species, and habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, providing new insights into changes in commercial and experimental catches of the deep-sea fishery resources in the central Mediterranean over the last 30 years. About 40% of the total landing of Mediterranean deep-water species is caught in the central basin. Significant changes in the abundance of some of these resources with time, sea-bottom temperature (SBT), and fishing effort (FE) have been detected, as well as an effect of the Santa Maria di Leuca cold-water coral province on the abundance of the deep-sea commercial crustaceans and fishes. The implications of these findings and the presence of several geomorphological features, sensitive habitats, and VMEs in the central Mediterranean are discussed with respect to the objectives of biodiversity conservation combined with those of management of fishery resources.

Urinary Nickel and Progesterone in Workers Exposed to Urban Pollutants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the exposure to a low dose of nickel could determinate a variation in levels of progesterone in outdoor workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty one subjects were divided by sex, task, age, seniority, and cigarette smoking habit. For each workers was evaluated the dose of blood progesterone and urinary nickel.The statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The Pearson correlation showed a statistically significant correlation between urinary nickel levels and progesterone. The multiple linear regression showed a significant correlation between progesterone and urinary nickel in the total sample and in the subgroups of smokers and workers with tasks of traffic direction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that occupational exposure to low doses of nickel present in urban pollution may influence to progesterone levels in outdoor workers.

Managing multiple pressures for cetaceans' conservation with an Ecosystem-Based Marine Spatial Planning approach.

Despite the recognized important ecological role that cetaceans play in the marine environment, their protection is still scarcely enforced in the Mediterranean Sea even though this area is strongly threatened by local human pressures and climate change. The piecemeal of knowledge related to cetaceans' ecology and distribution in the basin undermines the capacity of addressing cetaceans' protection and identifying effective conservation strategies. In this study, an Ecosystem-Based Marine Spatial Planning (EB-MSP) approach is applied to assess human pressures on cetaceans and guide the designation of a conservation area in the Gulf of Taranto, Northern Ionian Sea (Central-eastern Mediterranean Sea). The Gulf of Taranto hosts different cetacean species that accomplish important phases of their life in the area. Despite this fact, the gulf does not fall within any area-based management tools (ABMTs) for cetacean conservation. We pin down the Gulf of Taranto being eligible for the designation of diverse ABMTs for conservation, both legally and non-legally binding. Through a risk-based approach, this study explores the cause-effect relationships that link any human activities and pressures exerted in the study area to potential effects on cetaceans, by identifying major drivers of potential impacts. These were found to be underwater noise, marine litter, ship collision, and competition and disturbance on preys. We draw some recommendations based on different sources of available knowledge produced so far in the area (i.e., empirical evidence, scientific and grey literature, and expert judgement) to boost cetaceans' conservation. Finally, we stress the need of sectoral coordination for the management of human activities by applying an EB-MSP approach and valuing the establishment of an ABMT in the Gulf of Taranto.

Benefits and Risks of the Technological Creep of LED Light Technologies Applied to the Purse Seine Fishery.

This study is a first attempt to investigate the catch efficiency of LED light technology compared to the traditional incandescent lamp that is used in the purse seine fishery (PS) in the Central Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Catches per unit effort were adopted to assess the performance of lighting systems, considering the electrical energy and the fuel consumption as effort units. Concerning the catch efficiency, the white LED, which emits the same light spectra as the incandescent lamp, increased the yield by over 2 times per consumption unit of energy and fuel. The yield efficiency increased up to approximately 6 and 9 times when adopting the pulsing white or blue LED, respectively. These increases were due to the energy savings resulting from the flashing of the white LED or by the greater water penetration of the blue LED. No significant difference in target species sizes was detected between the use of LEDs and the incandescent lamp. The results obtained from estimates of the hourly fuel consumption and CO2 emissions stress potential benefits in the reduction of the carbon footprint due to the use of LEDs within the PS fishery. Positive economic impacts were derived from the LED technology on the PS fishery, with the fuel cost-saving percentages all being higher than 60%. The LED technology clearly shows potential benefits at the economic level for the fishermen, and the possibility of mitigating indirect negative effects on the environment due to fuel combustion and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, the application of new technology that improves the catch efficiency of fishing gears should be carefully considered. The lack of regulations controlling technological advancement could cause unwanted long-term effects.

Invasive or not? The case of Grateloupia turuturu (Rhodophyta, Halymeniales) in the Northern Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea).

It has been predicted that Grateloupia turuturu, native of the cold-temperate waters of Japan, is one of the most invasive marine species considered as a threat to global marine biodiversity. However, few studies have been carried out to assess the extent of its spread worldwide. Its seasonal dynamics in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, a transitional water system in the Northern Ionian Sea, were observed for ten years. Systematic monthly observations were carried out from 2008 to 2018. The length of thalli and density were measured alongside the seawater temperature. Data were processed by means of non-parametric statistical analyses. No invasive behavior was detected for G. turuturu. It seems well established in the Mar Piccolo even though its population is limited to the station of first detection. However, due to its shown preference for plastic substrate, it could become a vector of another urgent threat, that is plastic pollution.

Detection of Astrovirus in a Cow with Neurological Signs by Nanopore Technology, Italy.

In this study, starting from nucleic acids purified from the brain tissue, Nanopore technology was used to identify the etiological agent of severe neurological signs observed in a cow which was immediately slaughtered. Histological examination revealed acute non-suppurative encephalomyelitis affecting the brainstem, cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata, while by using PCR-based assays, the nucleic acids of major agents for neurological signs were not detected. By using Nanopore technology, 151 sequence reads were assigned to Bovine Astrovirus (BoAstV). Real-time RT-PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH) confirmed the presence of viral RNA in the brain. Moreover, using the combination of fluorescent ISH and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques, it was possible to detect BoAstV RNA and antigens in the same cells, suggesting the active replication of the virus in infected neurons. The nearly whole genome of the occurring strain (BoAstV PE3373/2019/Italy), obtained by Illumina NextSeq 500, showed the highest nucleotide sequence identity (94.11%) with BoAstV CH13/NeuroS1 26,730 strain, an encephalitis-associated bovine astrovirus. Here, we provide further evidence of the role of AstV as a neurotropic agent. Considering that in a high proportion of non-suppurative encephalitis cases, which are mostly indicative of a viral infection, the etiologic agent remains unknown, our result underscores the value and versatility of Nanopore technology for a rapid diagnosis when the PCR-based algorithm gives negative results.

Ecosystem functioning of two marine food webs in the North-Western Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea).

The ecosystem functioning of two marine food webs covering the north-eastern (Salento) and south-western (Calabria) sectors of the North-Western Ionian Sea (NWIS) (Central Mediterranean Sea) was investigated through a food-web model. Data inputs covered a wide set of ecological information applied to 58 functional groups (FGs). The sum of consumption and the mean predation mortality rate were calculated for benthic, demersal, and pelagic subsystems indicating the predator and prey roles of the FGs. A complex system of energy and biomass exchanges characterized the investigated food webs indicating an important benthic-pelagic coupling. In the food webs of both areas, the regulation of flows between the benthic-pelagic coupling seems to occur through the benthopelagic shrimps and the small pelagics due to their wasp-waist control role. Differences were observed concerning the top predators. Odontocetes play this keystone role in the Salento food web. Anglers, bathyal squids, and sharks assume this functional role in Calabria. The geomorphology and hydrography in the NWIS could affect the biomass and energy exchanges in this coupling. The higher flows of consumption of the benthic system observed in the Calabria food web could be influenced by a widespread presence of canyons along the continental edge which increase the benthic productivity. In contrast, the flows of consumption in the Salento food web seem to be driven by the planktonic productivity supporting the pelagic, benthopelagic, and demersal compartments. This condition could be favored by the large extension of the shelf break zone. The food-web models realized for the NWIS represent ideal platforms for the development of analysis with dynamic simulations. The comparative analysis of the two food webs by means of the FGs and their functional traits allowed the general pattern of ecosystem structure and functioning in the NWIS to be identified, making it an interesting approach to investigate the marine ecosystem.

Prevalence of chronic venous pathology in healthcare workers and the role of upright standing.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous disease (CVD) affects around 25% of adult population in developed countries and it often represent a health problem for different kind of workers, in particular for who spend much of the working time in upright standing. METHODS: The study was carried out on a population of 173 nonmedical workers of a midsize hospital in Italy (91 nurse, 31 support staff workers and 51 employees). The study protocol was taken from a previous study of our group and included a clinical examination and a questionnaire. RESULTS: From the analysis of data it emerged a particular importance of upright standing as major risk factor for CVD. The prevalence of venous pathology seems to be greater among nurses and auxiliaries than the administrative staff and, as expected, it was significantly higher among female workers than in males. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained show that the clinical-diagnostic protocol described can be used by doctors for screening venous pathology at workplaces.

No Correlation between Blood Benzene Levels and Luteinizing Hormone Plasma Values in Outdoor Workers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether low-dose exposure to benzene, an environmental pollutant to which male and female traffic policemen are daily exposed to could cause alterations in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. METHODS: From an initial sample of 1594 workers, we only selected 95 workers of whom study we knew the values of late-shift benzene and LH hormone. All subjects underwent biological monitoring (final blood benzene evaluation) and luteinizing hormone dosing. Excluding subjects with the main confounding factors, the final sample included 76 workers. The normal distribution of the variables was evaluated using the Kolmogorov - Smirnov test, followed by the logarithmic transformation of the LH and benzene values. The comparison among means was performed by using the t-test for the independent samples. The ANOVA test was performed for variables with more than 2 modes (ages and seniority) and Pearson correlation index between variables in the total sample and after subdivision as to sex, job, sports activity and smoking. The results were considered significant when p values were less than 0.05. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The study did not show a correlation between benzene levels and LH plasma levels in outdoor workers.

Comparative histochemical analysis of intestinal glycoconjugates in the blunthead pufferfish Sphoeroides pachygaster and grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus (Teleostei: Tetraodontiformes).

The localization of intestinal glycoconjugates of the blunthead pufferfish Sphoeroides pachygaster and the grey triggerfish Balistes capriscus from the north-western Ionian Sea was analysed by histochemical methods (PAS, AB pH 2.5, HID) and lectin binding experiments (WGA, LFA, SBA, sialidase-SBA, PNA, sialidase-PNA, ConA, AAA, UEA-I, LTA) to assess how evolutionary loss of a functional stomach in S. pachygaster affects intestinal secretions relative to the B. capriscus, which retains the plesiomorphic gastric condition. Sphoeroides pachygaster had a lower content of acid mucins but more complex sialylation patterns than B. capriscus. GalNAc and GlcNAc residuals were present in both, but GalNAc residuals in S. pachygaster were subterminal to sialic acid. Balistes capriscus lacked galactosylated residuals and its enterocytes had a glycocalyx that differed in composition between the small intestine and the rectum and was missing from S. pachygaster. Functional and ecological implications of these findings are discussed.

Quality of Life in Dementia Sufferers: The Role of Diet and Exercise.

BACKGROUND: Among the myriad of factors modulating quality of life assessments estimated in patients presenting a variety of cognitive impairments, the distinctive and critical influence of diet and exercise cannot be overestimated. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the evidence to confirm the association between these health-endowering agents and cognitive performance in People With Dementia as well as providing a correlation between Mini Mental State Examination scores and available anthropometric data. METHODS: The authors tested the hypothesized correlation on a sample of subjects with instrumentally confirmed cognitive impairment using parameters as Body Mass Index and calf circumference. RESULTS: The results confirm the hypothesis and suggesting the possible use of anthropometric data in the process of objective evaluation of the patient with cognitive impairment that could also be used for forensic medicine.