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This manuscript reports the application of sensors for water use efficiency with a focus on the application of an in vivo OECT biosensor. In two distinct experimental trials, the in vivo sensor bioristor was applied in yellow kiwi plants to monitor, in real-time and continuously, the changes in the composition and concentration of the plant sap in an open field during plant growth and development. The bioristor response and physiological data, together with other fruit sensor monitoring data, were acquired and combined in both trials, giving a complete picture of the biosphere conditions. A high correlation was observed between the bioristor index (ΔIgs), the canopy cover expressed as the fraction of intercepted PAR (fi_PAR), and the soil water content (SWC). In addition, the bioristor was confirmed to be a good proxy for the occurrence of drought in kiwi plants; in fact, a period of drought stress was identified within the month of July. A novelty of the bioristor measurements was their ability to detect in advance the occurrence of defoliation, thereby reducing yield and quality losses. A plant-based irrigation protocol can be achieved and tailored based on real plant needs, increasing water use sustainability and preserving high-quality standards.

Commission Directive 91/676/EC introduced water protection from nitrates from agricultural sources. The Puglia Region approved its ‘Nitrate Action Plan’ (NAP) in 2013, establishing nitrate-vulnerable zones (NVZs), with restrictions on agronomic management and administrative obligations based on territorial studies. However, those aims require appropriate feedback through monitoring activities to identify the real sources of nitrate contamination. The DEMETRA-DSS project arises from a synergy between ICT companies, research institutes and agricultural organizations. The project aims at supporting local institutions in territorial monitoring and management of contamination sources and introduces innovations capable of mitigating the agronomic impact on the territory.

Asthma and food allergy are two complex allergic diseases with an increasing prevalence in childhood. They share risk factors, including atopic family history, atopic dermatitis, allergen sensitization, and T2 inflammatory pathways. Several studies have shown that in children with a food allergy, the risk of developing asthma, particularly in early childhood, is high. Food allergen intake or the inhalation of aerosolized allergens can induce respiratory symptoms such as bronchospasm. Patients with both conditions have an increased risk of severe asthma exacerbations, hospitalization, and mortality. The current management of clinical food hypersensitivity primarily involves the dietary avoidance of food allergens and the use of self-injectable adrenaline for severe reactions. Poorly controlled asthma limits the prescription of oral immunotherapy to foods, which has emerged as an alternative therapy for managing food allergies. Biological therapies that are effective in severe asthma have been explored for treating food allergies. Omalizumab improves asthma control and, either alone or in combination with oral immunotherapy, increases the threshold of allergen tolerance. Understanding the interplay between asthma and food allergy is crucial for developing successful treatment approaches and ameliorating patient results.

Background and Objectives: The guidelines for chronic urticaria in children contain recommendations that are often based on adult studies. The diagnostic pathway has not been standardized and the effectiveness of anti-H1, omalizumab, montelukast, and systemic glucocorticoids is rarely reported in the pediatric population. There is a wide variation in the rate of remission of chronic urticaria between studies. The aim of this study is to enhance our understanding of pediatric chronic urticaria. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 37 children with chronic urticaria aged from 0 to 18 years. Demographic parameters, medical history, clinical features, laboratory data and treatment information were collected. Children were treated with the recommended dosage of second-generation H1-antihistamines, which was increased by up to twofold. Omalizumab was added for refractory anti-H1 patients. A three-day course with systemic glucocorticoids was administered for severe exacerbations. Montelukast was administered to some children. Results: Wheals without angioedema were common. Chronic urticaria was spontaneous in 32 children (86.48%), inducible in 2 (5.41%), induced by a parasite in 1 and vasculitic in 2. Treatment of the potential causes of chronic urticaria was of no benefit, except for eradication of Dientamoeba fragilis. Chronic urticaria was resolved within three years in 45.9% of cases. Allergic diseases were present in nine children (24.32%) and autoimmune diseases were present in three (8.11%). All children were treated with anti-H1 at the licensed dose or at a higher dose. A partial or complete response to anti-H1 was observed in 29 (78.38%) patients. Montelukast showed no benefit. All children treated with omalizumab responded. Systemic glucocorticoids were successfully used to treat exacerbations. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that laboratory tests should not be routinely performed in children with chronic urticaria without clinical suspicion. However, comorbidities such as thyroid autoimmune disease and coeliac disease are suggested to be monitored over the chronic urticaria course. These clinical conditions could be diagnosed from the diagnostic framework of chronic urticaria. Increasing the dosage of anti-H1 and omalizumab was effective in children resistant to standard treatment but we still need further studies to generate a standard patient-centered treatment.