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SAMM (Solar Activity MOF Monitor) is a ground based robotic instrument that has been developed to study and constantly monitor the magnetic activity of the Sun, focusing on Active Regions (ARs). These regions are characterized by complex magnetic structures that may result in explosive events usually associated with large amount of particle and matter ejections in the space environment. When interacting with the Earth magnetosphere they can represent a threat for our infrastructures both in space (satellites, navigation systems) and on the ground (power plants and electrical grids). Based on Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) magneto optical filters (MOFs), SAMM provides a “tomographic” view of the magnetic structures delivering high cadence magnetograms and dopplergrams at different heights of the solar atmosphere thus providing a unique dataset with the aim to push forward the current space weather forecasting capabilities. Being able to forecast these events enough in advance (even few hours) is a fundamental task to put in place mitigation strategies to reduce the potential catastrophic impact on vital infrastructures on earth. In this scenario the SAMM observatory has been realized to be a “node” that can be replicated in a world-wide network with the aim to give a continuous coverage of the Sun situation. This project has been initially funded by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE) in 2015 through a soft loan grant and its development and operation is carried on within a scientific collaboration between the INAF – Rome and Naples Astronomical Observatories and the Italian small enterprise (SME) Avalon Instruments. After three years of development, SAMM is in the commissioning phase. In this paper we are presenting a final instrument description along with the first light images.

Abstract An established hallmark of cancer cells is metabolic reprogramming, largely consisting in the exacerbated glucose uptake. Adipocytes in the tumor microenvironment contribute toward breast cancer (BC) progression and are highly responsive to metabolic fluctuations. Metabolic conditions characterizing obesity and/or diabetes associate with increased BC incidence and mortality. To explore BC-adipocytes interaction and define the impact of glucose in such dialogue, Mammary Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MAd-MSCs) were differentiated into adipocytes and co-cultured with ER+ BC cells while exposed to glucose concentration resembling hyperglycemia or normoglycemia in humans (25mM or 5.5mM). The transcriptome of both cell types in co-culture as in mono-culture was profiled by RNA-Seq to define the impact of adipocytes on BC cells and viceversa (i), the action of glucose on BC cells, adipocytes (ii) and their crosstalk (iii). Noteworthy, we provided evidence that co-culture with adipocytes in a glucose-rich environment determined a re-program of BC cell transcriptome driving lipid accumulation, a hallmark of BC aggressiveness, promoting stem-like properties and reducing Tamoxifen responsiveness. Moreover, our data point out to a transcriptional effect through which BC cells induce adipocytes de-lipidation, paralleled by pluripotency gain, as source of lipids when glucose lowering occurs. Thus, modulating plasticity of peri-tumoral adipocytes may represent a key point for halting BC progression in metabolically unbalanced patients.

Degradation, a reduction of the ecosystem’s capacity to supply goods and services, is widespread in tropical forests and mainly caused by human disturbance. To maintain the full range of forest ecosystem services and support the development of effective conservation policies, we must understand the overall impact of degradation on different forest resources. This research investigates the response to disturbance of forest structure using several indicators: soil carbon content, arboreal richness and biodiversity, functional composition (guild and wood density), and productivity. We drew upon large field and remote sensing datasets from different forest types in Ghana, characterized by varied protection status, to investigate impacts of selective logging, and of illegal land use and resources extraction, which are the main disturbance causes in West Africa. Results indicate that functional composition and the overall number of species are less affected by degradation, while forest structure, soil carbon content and species abundance are seriously impacted, with resources distribution reflecting the protection level of the areas. Remote sensing analysis showed an increase in productivity in the last three decades, with higher resiliency to change in drier forest types, and stronger productivity correlation with solar radiation in the short dry season. The study region is affected by growing anthropogenic pressure on natural resources and by an increased climate variability: possible interactions of disturbance with climate are also discussed, together with the urgency to reduce degradation in order to preserve the full range of ecosystem functions.

Diabolik has marked a decisive watershed in Italian culture and imagination. Confronting the way it tra- versed sixty years of Italian history allows us to examine the complex plot that links Italian comics to me- dial and socio-cultural changes. This article investigates the relationships between the comics series and the cinematic Diabolik, discussing the mechanisms of adaptation and remediation, the changes in aesthetic forms and symbolic references that have aimed to intercept a vast and heterogeneous audience over several years and different media. We will analyze the evolution that Diabolik’s storyworld has undergone, from the establishment of the comics series to the film adaptations, examining how the franchise has traversed and adapted to the changing imaginaries and spaces (physical and medial) in constant metamorphosis, and considering how it has responded to the identity needs of Italian audiences from the 1960s to the present. Finally –- and, crucially – we will focus on the trilogy recently directed by the Manetti brothers (Diabolik, 2021; Diabolik - Ginko all’attacco!, 2022; and Diabolik - Chi sei?, 2023), considering the relation it bears to the comics series, discussing the semiotic and aesthetic choices through which the filmmakers have adapted the hypotexts and remediated the original material, and highlighting its palimpsestuous character.

Abstract Background Wnt/β-catenin signalling impairment accounts for 85% of colorectal cancers (CRCs), including sporadic and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) settings. An altered PI3K/mTOR pathway and gut microbiota also contribute to CRC carcinogenesis. We studied the interplay between the two pathways and the microbiota composition within each step of CRC carcinogenesis. Methods Proteins and target genes of both pathways were analysed by RT-qPCR and IHC in tissues from healthy faecal immunochemical test positive (FIT+, n = 17), FAP (n = 17) and CRC (n = 15) subjects. CRC-related mutations were analysed through NGS and Sanger. Oral, faecal and mucosal microbiota was profiled by 16 S rRNA-sequencing. Results We found simultaneous hyperactivation of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/mTOR pathways in FAP-lesions compared to CRCs. Wnt/β-catenin molecular markers positively correlated with Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and negatively with Bacteroides in FAP faecal microbiota. Alistipes, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae were enriched in FAP stools and adenomas, the latter also showing an overabundance of Lachnoclostridium, which positively correlated with cMYC. In impaired-mTOR-mutated CRC tissues, p-S6R correlated with Fusobacterium and Dialister, the latter also confirmed in the faecal-ecosystem. Conclusions Our study reveals an interplay between Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/mTOR, whose derangement correlates with specific microbiota signatures in FAP and CRC patients, and identifies new potential biomarkers and targets to improve CRC prevention, early adenoma detection and treatment.

Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent and fatal type of bone tumor. It is characterized by great heterogeneity of genomic aberrations, mutated genes, and cell types contribution, making therapy and patients management particularly challenging. A unifying picture of molecular mechanisms underlying the disease could help to transform those challenges into opportunities. This review deeply explores the occurrence in OS of large-scale RNA regulatory networks, denominated “competing endogenous RNA network” (ceRNET), wherein different RNA biotypes, such as long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs and mRNAs can functionally interact each other by competitively binding to shared microRNAs. Here, we discuss how the unbalancing of any network component can derail the entire circuit, driving OS onset and progression by impacting on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor growth and metastasis, and even chemotherapeutic resistance, as distilled from many studies. Intriguingly, the aberrant expression of the networks components in OS cells can be triggered also by the surroundings, through cytokines and vesicles, with their bioactive cargo of proteins and non-coding RNAs, highlighting the relevance of tumor microenvironment. A comprehensive picture of RNA regulatory networks underlying OS could pave the way for the development of innovative RNA-targeted and RNA-based therapies and new diagnostic tools, also in the perspective of precision oncology.

In April 2023, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by one new family, 14 new genera, and 140 new species. Two genera and 538 species were renamed. One species was moved, and four were abolished. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.

Introduction: The aim of our study was to treat two similar groups of patients suffering from BPH: one group with a complex based on phycocyanin, PEA and selenium; the other group with dutasteride. So the effectiveness of these treatments was checked, especially regarding the improvement of LUTS and the reduction of PSA and prostate volume. Materials and methods: We included 104 patients in the study. All patients aged between 50 and 70 years, PSA values between 4 and 10 ng/ml, prostate volume calculated by transrectal ultrasound between 50 and 70 cc, flowmetry with maximum flow value greater than or equal to 10 ml/s, no suspicious nodules on DRE, no suspicious lesions on MRI (PI-RADS 1-2), negative previous prostatic biopsies or never bioptied, moreover absence of diabetes mellitus or chronic renal failure (blood creatinine >2 mg/dl). We considered: -Group A of 54 men who used the complex; -Group B of 50 patients treated with dutasteride. Then we controlled all patients 6 months after starting therapy, considering the following parameters: PSA, prostate volume, flowmetry. Results: Our results showed that both dutasteride and complex decreased PSA levels (both had a p

Aim: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex and long-lasting musculoskeletal disorder characterized by mood changes, fatigue, headache, and extensive musculoskeletal pain. Spirulina has potent antioxidant, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to evaluate spirulina’s capacity to protect rats against FM caused by reserpine. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a subcutaneous injection of reserpine (1 mg/kg) once a day for three days. Subsequently, they were administered an oral dose of 400 mg/kg of Spirulina for 21 days. Many molecular, biochemical, and behavioral tests have been evaluated. Results: Daily spirulina consumption was able to limit the increase in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and a reduction in biogenic amine levels as well as behavioral alterations. Significance: This study demonstrated for the first time that dietary integration with spirulina could be helpful to reduce the onset of pain, inflammation and mental disturbance in FM patients.

Purpose: Comparing IOL power calculation formulas in long eyes (AL≥26.00 mm) to find the best axial length (AL) adjustment/IOL power calculation formula combination. Design: Retrospective, comparative, case-series. Participants: Patients with long eyes that underwent cataract surgery. Methods: five-hundred-fifty-four eyes of 554 patients were examined before and after standard phacoemulsification without complications. Eyes were subdivided in 3 groups according to AL: 26.00≤AL