The review of soil legacy data as a first step for the construction of a soil health monitoring system in the Mediterranean Region

In the Mediterranean region and particularly in the Near East and North Africa Mediterranean (NENA) countries, the soils and landscapes are extensively degraded, due to long-term unsustainable anthropogenic pressure and the effects of climate change. The average level of health of the soil resources is low and already inadequate to support economic development and food security targets. In the context of the sustainable management and protection of soil resources, considering the specificities of Mediterranean environmental conditions, there is an urgent need to make soil data and soil information (SDI) data understandable and usable for the purpose of monitoring soil health and assessing soil ecosystems in the region. Steps toward this aim are being taken within the PRIMA-funded SOIL4MED project, which focuses on monitoring soil health and developing information systems to promote sustainable soil management in Mediterranean region, aligning with the Global Soil Partnership aims and approaches. The project starts with a comprehensive review of legacy soil point data provided by partner countries, i.e. Italy, Lebanon, Spain, France, Tunisia, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Morocco. A total of almost 9,000 soil profiles data were collected, thanks also to the contributions of some research institutes (i.e., IAO, CREA, IRD/ORSTOM). These were then subjected to detailed analysis in order to ascertain the types of survey methods employed, the different soil classification systems used and the type of data available for each country (e.g., field data, lab data). The systematic collection of data has revealed several key findings. Firstly, that legacy data are frequently old, in non-digital format and lack homogeneity in terms of soil classification systems, field and lab methods, and data formats. Secondly, that if properly processed, such data are able to provide an overview of soil characteristics and properties in the Mediterranean area. Therefore, to use these data systematically and effectively, they must be harmonized and digitized in order to develop an easily accessible and standardized database of soil information. The process of collecting, evaluating, integrating multiple types of soil legacy data, homogenizing them using a single classification system (WRB, 2022), and their subsequent inclusion in a database, provides a more robust and complete view of the evidence available about soil health in the MR. It is a key step in the selection of soil health indicators and provides useful information to define past and present soil health conditions. This collaborative effort represents a crucial preparatory step for the future realization of the Soil Atlas of the Mediterranean Region

Receptor and metabolic insights on the ability of caffeine to prevent alcohol-induced stimulation of mesolimbic dopamine transmission

The consumption of alcohol and caffeine affects the lives of billions of individuals worldwide. Although recent evidence indicates that caffeine impairs the reinforcing properties of alcohol, a characterization of its effects on alcohol-stimulated mesolimbic dopamine (DA) function was lacking. Acting as the pro-drug of salsolinol, alcohol excites DA neurons in the posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA) and increases DA release in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). Here we show that caffeine, via antagonistic activity on A2A adenosine receptors (A2AR), prevents alcohol-dependent activation of mesolimbic DA function as assessed, in-vivo, by brain microdialysis of AcbSh DA and, in-vitro, by electrophysiological recordings of pVTA DA neuronal firing. Accordingly, while the A1R antagonist DPCPX fails to prevent the effects of alcohol on DA function, both caffeine and the A2AR antagonist SCH 58261 prevent alcohol-dependent pVTA generation of salsolinol and increase in AcbSh DA in-vivo, as well as alcohol-dependent excitation of pVTA DA neurons in-vitro. However, caffeine also prevents direct salsolinol- and morphine-stimulated DA function, suggesting that it can exert these inhibitory effects also independently from affecting alcohol-induced salsolinol formation or bioavailability. Finally, untargeted metabolomics of the pVTA showcases that caffeine antagonizes alcohol-mediated effects on molecules (e.g. phosphatidylcholines, fatty amides, carnitines) involved in lipid signaling and energy metabolism, which could represent an additional salsolinol-independent mechanism of caffeine in impairing alcohol-mediated stimulation of mesolimbic DA transmission. In conclusion, the outcomes of this study strengthen the potential of caffeine, as well as of A2AR antagonists, for future development of preventive/therapeutic strategies for alcohol use disorder

Human leukocyte antigen-G in hepatocellular carcinoma driven by chronic viral hepatitis or steatotic liver disease

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, primarily driven by viral infections (HCV, HBV) and steatotic liver diseases (SLD). Despite advances in treatment, early detection and accurate prognosis remain challenging. The Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) molecule is dysregulated in various conditions, including cancers and viral infections. This study aimed to investigate HLA-G’s role in viral-related and SLD-driven HCC. We analyzed a cohort of 116 HCC patients and 140 healthy controls to assess HLA-G genetic variants and soluble levels. Results showed significantly higher levels of soluble HLA-G in HCC patients compared to controls (Pc = 0.003). Moreover, overall survival (OS) was significantly lower in patients with the extended HLA-G*01:01:01/UTR-1 haplotype (Log-rank test, p = 0.002), a trend consistent in both HCV and/or HBV-related HCC (p = 0.025) and SLD-related HCC (p = 0.018). Elevated sHLA-G levels were associated with shorter OS across both subgroups (p = 0.034 (HBV/HCV) and p = 0.010 (SLD), respectively). The findings suggest that elevated levels of soluble HLA-G and specific genetic variants are associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients, highlighting the potential of HLA-G as a prognostic biomarker in both viral-related and steatotic liver disease-related HCC

MICA and NKG2D gene polymorphisms influence graft survival, and response to therapy in kidney transplantation

Background: Antibody-mediated rejection is a significant cause of kidney transplant failure. Recent studies have shown that the MHC class I MICA gene influences the transplantation outcome. However, the role of the primary MICA receptor, NKG2D, has yet to be explored. Aim: We aimed to investigate the correlation between recipient/donor MICA allele matching and NKG2D genotype with the risk of antibody-mediated rejection and their potential clinical effects and implications for organ maintenance therapy. Methods: Of the 524 patients who underwent transplantation, 387 were eligible for the study. Complete MICA allele and two functional polymorphisms of NKG2D (rs1049174C>G and rs2255336G>A) were analyzed in 148 transplanted patients and 146 controls. Results: Increased recipient/donor MICA allele mismatches correlate with an elevated risk of antibody-mediated rejection (X2 = 6.95; Log-rank=0.031). Notably, the rs1049174[GG] genotype contributes to a significantly increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection (X2 = 13.44; Log-rank=0.001 and X2 = 0.34; Log-rank=0.84). The combined effect of two MICA allele mismatches and rs1049174[GG] genotype shows the highest risk (X2 = 23.21; Log-rank<0.001). Most importantly, patients with rs1049174[GG] and rs2255336[AA] genotypes may respond less to mTOR inhibitor immunosuppressive therapy than Calcineurin inhibitors (rs1049174[GG]; P=0.035; and rs2255336[AA]; P=0.002). Conclusion: Recipient/donor MICA allele mismatches and specific NKG2D variants, as well as their combinations, influence kidney transplant outcomes, providing insights for personalized treatment and enhancing graft survival

GRIDA3—a shared resources manager for environmental data analysis and applications

GRIDA3 (Shared Resources Manager for Environmental Data Analysis and Applications) is a multidisciplinary project designed to deliver an integrated system to forge solutions to some environmental challenges such as the constant increase of polluted sites, the sustainability of natural resources usage and the forecast of extreme meteorological events. The GRIDA3 portal is mainly based on Web 2.0 technologies and EnginFrame framework. The portal, now at an advanced stage of development, provides end-users with intuitive Web-interfaces and tools that simplify job submission to the underneath computing resources. The framework manages the user authentication and authorization, then controls the action and job execution into the grid computing environment, collects the results and transforms them into an useful format on the client side. The GRIDA3 Portal framework will provide a problem-solving platform allowing, through appropriate access policies, the integration and the sharing of skills, resources and tools located at multiple sites across federated domains

Social and Behavioral Rhythms is Related to the Perception of Quality of Life in Old Adults

Introduction: The purpose is to verify in old adults if social and behavioral rhythms (SBRs) are correlated with a positive perception of the quality of life (QoL). Social and behavioral rhythms and related circadian biorhythms are known as central points in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorders. A secondary aim is to see if a similar relationship can be found in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in old adults. Sample: 141 people aged ≥65 years (58.9% Female). Methods: Each subject was evaluated using the Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale (in which higher scores show more dysfunctional SRBs); SF-12 for QoL and a screening tool for depressive symptoms. They underwent a medical evaluation and blood level assays including cholesterol and triglycerides. The medical diagnoses including MDD were taken into account. Results: The Social and Behavioral Rhythms Scale score correlated inversely with SF-12 score (p<0.001) and positively with PHQ9 (p<0.0001). People with MDD had a higher score on social rhythms than controls without (p<0.01). The study highlighted, for the first time, that social and behavioral rhythms have a role in old adults living in the community. Conclusion: Further longitudinal studies with a sufficient number of individuals will be required to confirm these data and clarify causal links of the association

Moderate exercise improves cognitive function in healthy elderly people: Results of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Physical activity in the elderly is recommended by international guidelines to protect against cognitive decline and functional impairment. OBJECTIVE: This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was set up to verify whether medium-intensity physical activity in elderly people living in the community is effective in improving cognitive performance. DESIGN: RCT with parallel and balanced large groups. SETTING: Academic university hospital and Olympic gyms. SUBJECTS: People aged 65 years old and older of both genders living at home holding a medical certificate for suitability in non-competitive physical activity. METHODS: Participants were randomized to a 12-week, 3 sessions per week moderate physical activity program or to a control condition focused on cultural and recreational activities in groups of the same size and timing as the active intervention group. The active phase integrated a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, including drills of “life movements”, strength and balance. The primary outcome was: any change in Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R) and its subscales. RESULTS: At the end of the trial, 52 people completed the active intervention, and 53 people completed the control condition. People in the active intervention improved on the ACE-R (ANOVA: F(1;102)=4.32, p=0.040), and also showed better performances on the memory (F(1;102)=5.40 p=0.022) and visual-space skills subscales of the ACE-R (F(1;102)=4.09 p=0.046). CONCLUSION: A moderate-intensity exercise administered for a relatively short period of 12 weeks is capable of improving cognitive performance in a sample of elderly people who live independently in their homes. Clinical Trials Registration No: NCT0385811