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Objectives: This study investigates the psychological impact of COVID‐19 on burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients. It focuses on comparing post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), post‐traumatic growth (PTG), and resilience between BMS patients and Controls. Methods: A total of 100 BMS patients and 100 Controls from five Italian centers participated in this observational cross‐sectional study. They completed several assessments, including the General Health Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, National Stressful Events Survey Short Scale, Impact of Event Scale‐Revised, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory Short Form, and Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale. Results: BMS patients had significantly higher stress, anxiety, and depression (DASS‐21 score) and post‐traumatic stress symptoms (IES‐R‐6 score), particularly in terms of intrusive thoughts. They showed lower post‐traumatic growth (PTGI‐SF score) compared to Controls. The resilience scale (CDRS‐10) was a key predictor of PTG in both groups, explaining a significant variance in PTGI‐SF scores. Conclusions: BMS patients experienced heightened post‐traumatic stress, stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with reduced post‐traumatic growth. This highlights the need to prioritize their psychological well‐being, focusing on stress management and fostering post‐traumatic growth in challenging times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Special needs dentistry (SND) is an emerging dental specialty, with ongoing developments in education and clinical practice focused towards the tailored management of individuals with special needs (SN). Patients with SN have a higher prevalence of oral diseases and unmet dental needs compared to the general population. Although inadequate training and experience in managing patients with SN has been highlighted as a significant barrier to accessing care, there is limited data about the extent of SND teaching at the entry‐to‐practice or higher levels. Methods: This work is the first to map SND curricula globally, across 180 countries and 1265 dental schools. Results: Although 74.62% of dental schools were found in developing economies, the distribution of programs that reported SND in their courses was highly skewed towards developed countries. In terms of advanced degrees, beyond basic entry‐to‐practice training, the USA delivered 60% of the SND programs, followed by Canada (15.56%), UK (13.33%), and Australia (8.89%). The term SND appeared in 33.95% of entry‐to‐practice level program curricula and was less commonly used in transitioning economies. Only 112 SND‐specialized practitioners enter the workforce globally each year from developed economies, and all but three advanced degrees are found in G7 countries. Conclusion: By exploring the impact of economic status on its distribution, this paper highlighted the lack of SND representation in dental curricula, especially amongst programs in transitioning or developing economies. Education of both general dentists and specialists is critical as a collaborative effort is needed to manage the growing population of patients with SN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Special needs dentistry (SND) is a vast and fragmented field of study. This comprehensive bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate the scope of SND, including the existing knowledge base, distribution structure, quantitative relationships, and research trends. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted on March 10, 2022, using the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering the period from 1985 to 2021, focusing on studies reporting on special needs populations in a dentally relevant context. Records were title‐screened and analyzed for key bibliometric indicators. Results: Among 48,374 articles, 13,869 underwent bibliometric analysis. Peak SND research occurred during 1985–1997. United States led in productivity, trailed by Brazil and Japan. University of Sao Paulo excelled in Brazil, University of Washington and University of North Carolina in the United States. The Journal of Dental Research was the most productive source of research and also had the highest number of citations, followed by Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Keyword analysis revealed that "elderly", "caries", and "epidemiology" were the most commonly used author keywords. Conclusions: This study represents the first bibliometric analysis of SND literature. It emphasizes the need for increased collaboration between institutions and authors. Furthermore, it suggests focusing on research input from non‐dental disciplines and populations with rarer intellectual or developmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivation has grown worldwide in recent years, even though the world's production is still fulfilled by a few dozen cultivars well adapted to the local environments of their selection. After Turkey, Italy is the second largest producer of hazelnuts, and the province of Viterbo, in central Italy, is recognized as one of the most suitable districts for hazelnut cultivation. The production in this area relies almost entirely on local cultivar 'Tonda Gentile Romana', whereas cultivar 'Nocchione' is used as the main pollinizer. More recently, cultivar 'Tonda di Giffoni' has been introduced in new local plantations. Cultivation of many cultivars in different areas is of fundamental importance to test their adaptability to different environmental conditions, a need currently accentuated by ongoing climate change. With this aim, a European hazelnut collection field was established in 2000 in Caprarola municipality (Viterbo province), where plants of twelve hazelnut cultivars were observed over four growing seasons for their phenological, agronomic and nut traits. The cultivars studied, namely 'Barcelona', 'Camponica', 'Ennis', 'Merveille de Bollwiller', 'Negret', 'Nocchione', 'Riccia di Talanico', 'San Giovanni', 'Tombul', 'Tonda di Giffoni', 'Tonda Gentile' and 'Tonda Gentile Romana', showed a high diversity in their phenological behaviour, yield efficiency and nut and kernel traits. Cultivars 'Negret', 'Tombul' and 'Tonda Gentile', with poor yields over the years of research, do not seem suitable to be cultivated as main cultivars in the studied environment, contrary to 'Camponica' and 'San Giovanni', which produced abundantly, reaching a total of almost 30 and 25 kg plant—1 of in–shell hazelnuts, respectively. Cultivars 'Tonda Gentile Romana' and 'Nocchione' confirmed their yield consistency, whereas 'Ennis', 'Barcelona' and 'Tombul' seem suitable to be introduced as pollinizers thanks to their male blooming overlapping with the female blooming of the main cultivar 'Tonda Gentile Romana'. Cultivar 'Tonda di Giffoni' did not perform well in the studied environment, despite being recognized as one of the highest-yield cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent lights are typically used as light source in indoor horticultural production, including micropropagation. However, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been recently used for plant growth under controlled environment. Major advantage of LEDs is wavelength specificity, that allows to adequately adjust the spectra according to plant needs. The possibility of using LED as primary light source for the micropropagation of Pyrus communis L. has been investigated in this work. It was proceeded to the optimization of a protocol of micropropagation using a LED lamp as the primary light source inside of the growth chamber with specific wavelengths, to reduce energy consumption and increase the quality of the micro propagated plants. Explants were maintained in a growth chamber and exposed to three different continuous spectrum LED lamps (AP67, NS1, G2) as a primary light source and fluorescent lamps (control) for 4 weeks. At the end of four weeks period, it was proceeded to the morphometric and biochemical analysis. Shoot and leaf growths were more influenced by LED lamps as compared to fluorescent lamps (control) in both cultivars. The results showed that the shoots of William and San Giovanni cultivars showed significant differences in morphological and physiological traits, as well as in chlorophyll, carotenoid, and MDA contents. Highest number of neo-formed shoots and nodes were observed in the plantlets of cv William under AP67 LED followed by NS1 and G2 LED lights respectively as compared to the white light (control), whereas same trend was observed in cv San Giovanni under AP67 LED, but it showed higher shoots and node numbers under control LED lamps as compared to both NS1 and G2. The photosynthetic pigments were significantly decreased in leaves of both cultivars when grown under LEDs as compared to the control fluorescent lamps. Moreover, the AP67 LED light had also significant effects on the protein and MDA contents in the leaves of both cultivars in comparison to all other treatments. This work underlines the importance of the modulation of light sources in relation with different species and varieties, allowing optimizing the proliferation phase and the efficiency of Pyrus communis L. micropropagation protocol. Moreover, this protocol can be improved with further studies to examine the response of the plantlets to the ex-vitro acclimatization because the possibility of using LED light for the micropropagation of pear can be considered as a valuable alternative for its ecologically sustainable production.

Mediterranean almond growing is increasing, as confirmed in Italy where new almond orchards in areas not previously interested in this nut crop have been recently established. In these new areas, as in the coastal of Latium region, the knowledge of eco-physiological behavior as a complex interaction among cultivars, pedoclimate conditions and orchard management is still poor. Optimizing fertilization strategies according to cultivar needs is one of the main key factors to guarantee high yields and nut quality, as well as to reduce environmental pollution. With this aim, an almond field collection has been established planting medium- and late-bloom cultivars. During the growing seasons 2019–2020, leaf samples were collected at 90 and 120 days after full bloom (DAFB) analyzed for biometrical and eco-physiological traits and leaf nutrients content through foliar diagnostics. Differences in foliar nutrient content depend on both cultivar and phenological stage. According to Pearson correlation heatmap, leaf nitrogen content showed a medium–high positive correlation with Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI) either at 90 or 120 DAFB, highlighting reciprocal influences among leaf nutrient contents and some eco-physiological traits. The findings of this study will help to develop novel environmentally friendly nutrition and fertigation strategies supported by foliar diagnostics which also consider accurate cultivar requirements.

In the new introducing almond areas, it is necessary to test the more promising almond cultivar and rootstock combinations able to guarantee the best agronomic performances according to the specific pedoclimatic conditions. With this aim, two almond trials have been established in an experimental farm located in the Latium region (Italy). The first trial (A) focused on the phenological, and agronomical influences induced by the clonal rootstock ‘GF677’ on the grafted cultivars ‘Tuono’, ‘Supernova’ and ‘Genco’, in comparison to those induced by peach seedling rootstocks, in order to identify the best grafting combination for developing “high density” plantings in this new growing area. The second trial (B) tested the phenological and agronomical influences induced by three different clonal rootstocks (‘GF677’, ‘Rootpac® 20’ and ‘Rootpac® R’), on the Spanish cultivar ‘Guara’ to identify suitable dwarfing rootstocks for “super high density” plantings in the same environment. Flowering and ripening calendars of the trial A highlighted as the medium-late flowering cultivars ‘Genco’, ‘Supernova’ and ‘Tuono’ could be subject to moderate risk of cold damages. The clonal rootstock ‘GF677’ seems to anticipate flowering and vegetative bud break by a few days in ‘Tuono’ when compared to the same cultivar grafted on peach seedling rootstocks. Furthermore, the yield per plant was always higher in plants grafted on ‘GF677’. The observations carried out in trial B highlighted as the flowering of cultivar ‘Guara’ were affected by the rootstock, with ‘Rootpac® 20’, which postponed its full bloom of about one week when compared to other rootstocks, whereas ‘GF677’ imposed more vigor to the cultivar than ‘Rootpac® 20’ and ‘Rootpac® R’.

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic delay, the number and type of referrals and the clinical and psychological profile in a wide sample of patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Materials and Methods: Data on the disease onset, oral symptoms, type and number of practitioners consulted, misdiagnoses, and the presence of medically unexplained extraoral physical symptoms were recorded in 500 BMS patients. Potential predictors of diagnostic delay were also evaluated. Results: The mean diagnostic delay was 29.71 ± 47.19 months. An average of 2.61 ± 1.65 practitioners were consulted by each patient, the most frequent being the general physicians (287; 57.4%), maxillofacial surgeons (111; 22.2%), and otolaryngologists (104; 20.8%). The mean number of misdiagnoses was 3.54 ± 1.85. Nonspecific stomatitis, candidiasis, and gastroesophageal reflux were the most common misdiagnoses. Higher age, low education, the presence of dysgeusia, and a previous history of psychiatric illness were predictors of a longer diagnostic delay (p‐value: 0.028, 0.050, 0.007, 0.034, respectively). Conclusions: The lack of knowledge among specialists, the high rate of misdiagnosis, and the diagnostic delay of BMS highlight the need to introduce educational interventions in all medical specialties in order to promote an early and appropriate diagnosis, thereby improving the prognosis and quality of life of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a methodology aimed at identifying the main factors affecting the rail sector in the new normal scenario, referring to the post-pandemic era, where the transportation system has experienced significant changes. Indeed, a survey was designed, and a questionnaire was submitted to a sample of employees of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (Italian State Railway company). Then, a ranking of these factors was identified through the estimation of a Structural Equation Model (SEM). Results showed that the areas of Energy and Environment, Lifestyle, and Economy will positively affect the future of rail in the new normal scenario. This study offers insights into the dynamics of the rail sector's adaptation to post-pandemic conditions. By highlighting the factors that play a crucial role in shaping the future of rail transportation, this research suggests innovative strategies and policy initiatives to foster sustainable growth and resilience in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light spectra influence growth, development, and quality of plants and seedlings, that is one of the main aspects engaging the interests of private and public researchers and nursery industries. Propagation of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), which in the past has been held in low consideration because of the widespread use of rooted suckers directly collected in the field, today is taking on increasing interest due to the strong expansion of hazelnut cultivation. In order to improve the quality of plants and seedlings in greenhouse acclimatization, the effects of light emitting diodes (LED) lights during the ex vitro growth of two hazelnut cultivars (Tonda di Giffoni and Tonda Gentile Romana) were investigated. Plantlets were maintained in a growth chamber and exposed to three different continuous spectrum LED systems as a primary source of illumination and to fluorescent lamps used as control. LEDs differed in the percentage of some wavelength ranges in the spectrum, being AP673L rich in green and red wavelengths, NS1 in blue and green light, G2 in red and far red wavelengths. After a 4-week experimental period, morphometric, biochemical, and histological analyses were carried out. Shoot and leaf growths were influenced by LEDs more than by fluorescent lamps in both cultivars. G2 positively affected biomass increment more than the other LEDs, by inducing not only cell elongation (increase in shoot length, new internodes length, leaf area) but also cell proliferation (increase in new node number). G2 exposure had negative effects on total chlorophyll content but positively affected synthesis of flavonoids in both varieties; therefore, plants grown under this LED showed the lowest nitrogen balance index. Leaf morpho-anatomical analyzed traits (thickness, palisade cell height, number of chloroplasts, number of palisade cells), were influenced especially by G2 and, to a less extent, by NS1 light. Significant differences in some parameters were observed between the two cultivars in response to a same light source. The results obtained underline the importance of light modulation for hazelnut, providing useful information for ex vitro growth of hazelnut plantlets.

The challenges faced by the massive increase in scientific publications draw parallels to the Larsen effect, where an amplified sound loop leads to escalating noise. This phenomenon has resulted in information overload, making it difficult for researchers to stay updated and identify significant findings. To address this, knowledge synthesis techniques are recommended. These methods help synthesize and visualize large bodies of literature, aiding researchers in navigating the expanding information landscape. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing tools, such as text summarization, offer innovative solutions for managing information overload. However, the overuse of AI in producing scientific literature raises concerns about the quality and integrity of research. This manuscript highlights the need for balanced use of AI tools and collaborative efforts to maintain high‐quality scientific output while leveraging the benefits of extensive research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic exerted a strong impact on people's quality of life and increased loneliness. This study evaluates the effect of the pandemic on loneliness in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) compared with the general population. Methods. 100 BMS patients versus 100 healthy controls (HC) were recruited in five Italian centers. The 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale-8 (ULS-8), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Suicidal Ideation Attribute Scale (SIDAS) were administered. Results. BMS patients and HC showed high scores (16 [14-20.25] and 16 [14-18]) in the ULS-8. Statistically significant differences have been found considering the BMS patients lived with fewer relatives during the lockdown compared with the HC (2 [2-3] and 3 [2-4]; p : 0.012) with a lower level of satisfaction in relationships with relatives (4 [1.75-5] and 5 [4-5]; p < 0.001) and also in the DASS-21 total scores between the BMS patients and HC (16 [10-24.2] and 10 [4-17]; p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression revealed that age, education, DASS-21, and MSPSS were the most predictive variables and could explain 34.68% of the variance in the ULS-8 score (p < 0.001) in the BMS group. However, only the DASS-21 was significant in the HC group, explaining 10.11% of the variance of the ULS-8 (p : 0.033). Conclusions. Both the patients and controls experienced deep loneliness during the pandemic. However, in the BMS group, loneliness was significantly correlated with age, a higher level of education and stress, and a lower level of satisfaction in relationships with relatives and social support perceived compared with the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xerostomia and sialorrhea often accompany Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) despite no change in saliva quantity. This study analyzed BMS patients with different symptom combinations: burning only (B), burning and xerostomia (BX), burning and sialorrhea (BS), and burning with xerostomia and sialorrhea (BXS), using a large sample of 500 patients from the University of Naples Federico II. Methods: After a medical evaluation, patients were divided into four groups based on their reported symptoms: B (140), BX (253), BS (49), and BXS (58). Patient data on education, BMI, smoking/alcohol habits, comorbidities, medication use, pain intensity, quality, and psychological profile were collected. Results: The BX group showed a higher prevalence of patients taking blood thinners. Additional symptoms varied among groups, with the BX group experiencing more dysgeusia and globus, and the BS group reporting more tingling. Multivariate analysis identified BMI, dysgeusia, globus, and blood thinner use as significant factors in the B and BX groups, while male gender, tingling, alcohol use, and pain quality were significant in the BS and BXS groups. Conclusions: Overall, BMS patients display a complex range of symptoms, with xerostomia being the most frequent additional symptom. Sociodemographic, psychological, and medical factors cannot fully explain the variations in symptomatology among different patient subgroups. Further research is needed to understand the underlying causes and develop tailored treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent lights are typically used as light source in indoor horticultural production, including micropropagation. However, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been recently used for plant growth under controlled environment. Major advantage of LEDs is wavelength specificity, that allows to adequately adjust the spectra according to plant needs. The possibility of using LED as primary light source for the micropropagation of Pyrus communis L. has been investigated in this work. It was proceeded to the optimization of a protocol of micropropagation using a LED lamp as the primary light source inside of the growth chamber with specific wavelengths, to reduce energy consumption and increase the quality of the micro propagated plants. Explants were maintained in a growth chamber and exposed to three different continuous spectrum LED lamps (AP67, NS1, G2) as a primary light source and fluorescent lamps (control) for 4 weeks. At the end of four weeks period, it was proceeded to the morphometric and biochemical analysis. Shoot and leaf growths were more influenced by LED lamps as compared to fluorescent lamps (control) in both cultivars. The results showed that the shoots of William and San Giovanni cultivars showed significant differences in morphological and physiological traits, as well as in chlorophyll, carotenoid, and MDA contents. Highest number of neo-formed shoots and nodes were observed in the plantlets of cv William under AP67 LED followed by NS1 and G2 LED lights respectively as compared to the white light (control), whereas same trend was observed in cv San Giovanni under AP67 LED, but it showed higher shoots and node numbers under control LED lamps as compared to both NS1 and G2. The photosynthetic pigments were significantly decreased in leaves of both cultivars when grown under LEDs as compared to the control fluorescent lamps. Moreover, the AP67 LED light had also significant effects on the protein and MDA contents in the leaves of both cultivars in comparison to all other treatments. This work underlines the importance of the modulation of light sources in relation with different species and varieties, allowing optimizing the proliferation phase and the efficiency of Pyrus communis L. micropropagation protocol. Moreover, this protocol can be improved with further studies to examine the response of the plantlets to the ex-vitro acclimatization because the possibility of using LED light for the micropropagation of pear can be considered as a valuable alternative for its ecologically sustainable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean almond growing is increasing, as confirmed in Italy where new almond orchards in areas not previously interested in this nut crop have been recently established. In these new areas, as in the coastal of Latium region, the knowledge of eco-physiological behavior as a complex interaction among cultivars, pedoclimate conditions and orchard management is still poor. Optimizing fertilization strategies according to cultivar needs is one of the main key factors to guarantee high yields and nut quality, as well as to reduce environmental pollution. With this aim, an almond field collection has been established planting medium- and late-bloom cultivars. During the growing seasons 2019–2020, leaf samples were collected at 90 and 120 days after full bloom (DAFB) analyzed for biometrical and eco-physiological traits and leaf nutrients content through foliar diagnostics. Differences in foliar nutrient content depend on both cultivar and phenological stage. According to Pearson correlation heatmap, leaf nitrogen content showed a medium–high positive correlation with Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI) either at 90 or 120 DAFB, highlighting reciprocal influences among leaf nutrient contents and some eco-physiological traits. The findings of this study will help to develop novel environmentally friendly nutrition and fertigation strategies supported by foliar diagnostics which also consider accurate cultivar requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The symptomatology in Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is complex and it should be considered in accordance with a biopsychosocial model. Objectives: To evaluate the multidimensional aspects of pain with a complete battery of tests and to analyse its relationship with potential predictors such as mood disorders, sleep and quality of life. Methods: Forty patients with BMS versus an equal number of age and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled. The VAS, SF‐MPQ, BPI, PD‐Q, BDI‐II, STAI, PSQI, ESS, SF‐36 and OHIP‐14 were administered. Results: The scores of the VAS, SF‐MPQ, BPI, PD‐Q, BDI‐II, STAI, PSQI, SF‐36 and OHIP‐14 were statistically significantly higher in the BMS patients than the controls (p <.001**). A strongly linear correlation between pain (VAS, SF‐MPQ, BPI and PD‐Q) and disease onset (STAI, BDI‐II, PSQI and sub‐items of SF‐36 and OHIP‐14) was found. In the multiple regression analysis, the contributions of the BDI‐II and OHIP‐14 were found to be statistically significant with the SF‐MPQ, PD‐Q and BPI in terms of severity and interference, while the contributions of the STAI and sleep were found to be statistically significant with the SF‐MPQ and BPI in terms of severity and interference, respectively. Conclusions: Pain tests are differently correlated with mood and quality of life. Therefore, a complete analysis of the patient requires several tools to better understand the multidimensional aspects of pain in BMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) of the brain are observed in normal aging, in various subtypes of dementia and in chronic pain, playing a crucial role in pain processing. The aim of the study has been to assess the WMHs in Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) patients by means of the Age- Related White Matter Changes scale (ARWMCs) and to analyze their predictors. Methods: One hundred BMS patients were prospectively recruited and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Their ARWMCs scores were compared with those of an equal number of healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Intensity and quality of pain, psychological profile, and blood biomarkers of BMS patients were further investigated to find potential predictors of WMHs. Specifically, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hamilton rating scale for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered. Results: The BMS patients presented statistically significant higher scores on the ARWMCs compared to the controls, especially in the right frontal, left frontal, right parietal-occipital, left parietal-occipital, right temporal and left temporal lobes (p-values: <0.001, <0.001, 0.005, 0.002, 0.009, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively). Age, a lower educational level, unemployment, essential hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were correlated to a higher total score on the ARWMCs (p-values: <0.001, 0.016, 0.014, 0.001, and 0.039, respectively). No correlation was found with the blood biomarkers, NRS, SF-MPQ, HAM-A, HAM-D, PSQI, and ESS. Conclusion: Patients with BMS showed a higher frequency of WMHs of the brain as suggested by the higher ARWCs scores compared with the normal aging of the healthy subjects. These findings could have a role in the pathophysiology of the disease and potentially affect and enhance pain perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic influenced people's everyday lives because of the health emergency and the resulting socio-economic crisis. People use social media to share experiences and search for information about the disease more than before. This paper aims at analysing the discourse on COVID-19 developed in 2020 by Italian tweeters, creating a digital storytelling of the pandemic. Employing thematic analysis, an approach used in bibliometrics to highlight the conceptual structure of a research domain, different time slices have been described, bringing out the most discussed topics. The graphical mapping of these topics allowed obtaining an easily readable representation of the discourse, paving the way for novel uses of thematic analyses in social sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to its common association with chronic pain experience, cognitive impairment (CI) has never been evaluated in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of CI in patients with BMS and to evaluate its relationship with potential predictors such as pain, mood disorders, blood biomarkers, and white matter changes (WMCs). Methods: A case-control study was conducted by enrolling 40 patients with BMS and an equal number of healthy controls matched for age, gender, and education. Neurocognitive assessment [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Digit Cancellation Test (DCT), the Forward and Backward Digit Span task (FDS and BDS), Corsi Block-Tapping Test (CB-TT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Copying Geometric Drawings (CGD), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Trail Making A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B)], psychological assessment [Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)], and pain assessment [Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), Total Pain Rating index (T-PRI), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Pain DETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q)] were performed. In addition, blood biomarkers and MRI of the brain were recorded for the detection of Age-Related WMCs (ARWMCs). Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U -test, the Pearson Chi-Squared test and Spearman's correlation analysis were used. Results: Patients with BMS had impairments in most cognitive domains compared with controls (p < 0.001**) except in RAVLT and CGD. The HAM-D, HAM-A, PSQI, ESS, SF-36, VAS, T-PRI, BPI and PD-Q scores were statistically different between BMS patients and controls (p < 0.001**) the WMCs frequency and ARWMC scores in the right temporal (RT) and left temporal (LT) lobe were higher in patients with BMS (p = 0.023*). Conclusions: Meanwhile, BMS is associated with a higher decline in cognitive functions, particularly attention, working memory, and executive functions, but other functions such as praxis-constructive skills and verbal memory are preserved. The early identification of CI and associated factors may help clinicians to identify patients at risk of developing time-based neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD), for planning the early, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary assessment and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light spectra influence growth, development, and quality of plants and seedlings, that is one of the main aspects engaging the interests of private and public researchers and nursery industries. Propagation of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), which in the past has been held in low consideration because of the widespread use of rooted suckers directly collected in the field, today is taking on increasing interest due to the strong expansion of hazelnut cultivation. In order to improve the quality of plants and seedlings in greenhouse acclimatization, the effects of light emitting diodes (LED) lights during the ex vitro growth of two hazelnut cultivars (Tonda di Giffoni and Tonda Gentile Romana) were investigated. Plantlets were maintained in a growth chamber and exposed to three different continuous spectrum LED systems as a primary source of illumination and to fluorescent lamps used as control. LEDs differed in the percentage of some wavelength ranges in the spectrum, being AP673L rich in green and red wavelengths, NS1 in blue and green light, G2 in red and far red wavelengths. After a 4-week experimental period, morphometric, biochemical, and histological analyses were carried out. Shoot and leaf growths were influenced by LEDs more than by fluorescent lamps in both cultivars. G2 positively affected biomass increment more than the other LEDs, by inducing not only cell elongation (increase in shoot length, new internodes length, leaf area) but also cell proliferation (increase in new node number). G2 exposure had negative effects on total chlorophyll content but positively affected synthesis of flavonoids in both varieties; therefore, plants grown under this LED showed the lowest nitrogen balance index. Leaf morpho-anatomical analyzed traits (thickness, palisade cell height, number of chloroplasts, number of palisade cells), were influenced especially by G2 and, to a less extent, by NS1 light. Significant differences in some parameters were observed between the two cultivars in response to a same light source. The results obtained underline the importance of light modulation for hazelnut, providing useful information for ex vitro growth of hazelnut plantlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the new introducing almond areas, it is necessary to test the more promising almond cultivar and rootstock combinations able to guarantee the best agronomic performances according to the specific pedoclimatic conditions. With this aim, two almond trials have been established in an experimental farm located in the Latium region (Italy). The first trial (A) focused on the phenological, and agronomical influences induced by the clonal rootstock 'GF677' on the grafted cultivars 'Tuono', 'Supernova' and 'Genco', in comparison to those induced by peach seedling rootstocks, in order to identify the best grafting combination for developing "high density" plantings in this new growing area. The second trial (B) tested the phenological and agronomical influences induced by three different clonal rootstocks ('GF677', 'Rootpac® 20' and 'Rootpac® R'), on the Spanish cultivar 'Guara' to identify suitable dwarfing rootstocks for "super high density" plantings in the same environment. Flowering and ripening calendars of the trial A highlighted as the medium-late flowering cultivars 'Genco', 'Supernova' and 'Tuono' could be subject to moderate risk of cold damages. The clonal rootstock 'GF677' seems to anticipate flowering and vegetative bud break by a few days in 'Tuono' when compared to the same cultivar grafted on peach seedling rootstocks. Furthermore, the yield per plant was always higher in plants grafted on 'GF677'. The observations carried out in trial B highlighted as the flowering of cultivar 'Guara' were affected by the rootstock, with 'Rootpac® 20', which postponed its full bloom of about one week when compared to other rootstocks, whereas 'GF677' imposed more vigor to the cultivar than 'Rootpac® 20' and 'Rootpac® R'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions This study aims to assess and contrast cognitive and psychological aspects of patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS‐MCI) and geriatric patients (G‐MCI) with mild cognitive impairment, focusing on potential predictors like pain, mood disorders, blood biomarkers, and age‐related white matter changes (ARWMCs).The study enrolled 40 BMS‐MCI and 40 geriatric G‐MCI, matching them by age, gender, and educational background. Participants underwent psychological, sleepiness, and cognitive assessment including the Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT), Corsi Block‐Tapping Task, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Copying Geometric Drawings Test, Frontal Assessment Battery, and Digit Cancellation Test.G‐MCI patients exhibited higher ARWMCs scores in right (p = 0.005**) and left (p < 0.001**) temporal regions, which may relate to specific neurodegenerative processes. Conversely, BMS‐MCI patients showed higher levels of depression and anxiety and lower MMSE scores(p < 0.001**), also struggling more with tasks requiring processing speed and executive function, as evidenced by their higher TMT‐A scores (p < 0.001**).The study highlights particular deficits in global cognition and processing speed for BMS‐MCI. The influence of educational background, pain levels, cholesterol, sleep disturbances, and anxiety on these cognitive assessments underscores the need for personalized therapeutic strategies addressing both cognitive and emotional aspects of MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between hypertension (HTN) and chronic pain is still a matter of debate, and its prevalence in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) has never been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HTN in women with BMS and to evaluate its relationship with potential predictors such as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, pain, and mental health status analyzing differences with healthy women., Methods: In total, 250 women with BMS (WBMS) were prospectively recruited and compared with an equal number of healthy women (HW) matched for age. Education, body mass index, smoke and alcohol consumption, intensity and quality of pain, and psychological profile were further investigated to identify the potential predictors of HTN. Specifically, pain assessment [the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ)] and psychological assessment [Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)] was carried out for the participants., Results: HTN was found in 128 (51.2%) WBMS and 76 (30.4%) HW ( p < 0.001 ** ). The scores of the NRS, SF-MPQ, HAM-D, HAM-A, and PSQI were statistically significantly higher in the WBMS than in the HW ( p < 0.001 ** ). A strongly linear correlation between HTN and employment status, systemic diseases, and education level ( p < 0.001 ** ) was found in WBMS, while a strong correlation between HTN and employment status, hypercholesterolemia, systemic diseases, and drug consumption was found in HW ( p < 0.001 ** ). No statistically significant correlation was found between HTN and pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances., Conclusion: These results suggest that WBMS showed a higher prevalence of HTN compared with controls. Unemployed WBMS with lower education and other systemic comorbidities are at an increased risk of developing HTN. HTN is associated with alteration in the vascular structure and function of the brain, and these processes accelerate brain aging, which contributes to a reduction in intracortical connectivity, thus affecting the modulatory system of control of pain in patients with BMS, independently of their mental health assessment. Predictors that may underlie this association remain unclear, taking into account the differences found in HW, and should be further elucidated., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Canfora, Calabria, Pecoraro, Leuci, Coppola, Mazzaccara, Spirito, Aria, D'Aniello, Mignogna and Adamo.)