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In this paper, the first complete phytochemical analysis of an Italian specimen of Araucaria cunninghamii Mudie led to the identification of six secondary metabolites, one of which was identified in the species for the first time. The chemophenetic and ethnobotanical evaluations of this specimen are widely discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature reports suggest that the presence of proteins in pomegranate seeds is responsible for sensitization and IgE-mediated allergic reactions. The objective of this study was the analysis of a pomegranate seed extract and the isolation and characterization of proteins contained in high amounts. The extract characterization showed a protein profile with main bands at about 18 kDa and below 10 kDa upon SDS-PAGE, and molecules were recognized by specific IgEs upon immunoblotting. Then, two new 2S albumins, a monomeric and a heterodimeric one, were isolated by using classical biochemical methods. They were identified via direct protein sequencing and mass spectrometry, and their primary structure was analyzed and compared with homologous allergenic proteins via bioinformatics. In an Italian population of 703 suspected allergic patients, analyzed by using the FABER® test, the frequency of sensitization to the monomeric and heterodimeric 2S albumins was 1.7% and 0.28%, respectively. This study reports for the first time the isolation and characterization of two 2S albumins from pomegranate seeds. The clinical relevance of these molecules needs further investigation, for instance in populations having different exposures and allergy profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and chronic, debilitating skin condition characterized, in its acute flare phase, by clinically severe and potentially life-threatening systemic manifestations. Data on GPP are still scanty, particularly in Europe and at a national level. The aim of this study was to provide expert indications on several disease-related and patient-related aspects of GPP, with specific focus to the Italian context. Methods: We conducted an iterative eDelphi study following the recommended criteria for reporting methods and results. After a thorough bibliographic review aimed to identify unknown or controversial issues in GPP, the following areas were investigated through a few specific questions/statements for each area: (1) disease epidemiology; (2) disease characteristics, with specific interest toward GPP flares; (3) diagnosis and diagnostic delay; (4) GPP treatment; (5) GPP patient journey and use of healthcare resources in Italy; (6) unmet needs and quality of life. An Executive Board of 9 principal investigators revised and approved the topics to be examined and overviewed the whole project. A total of 35 experts from different Italian areas, including 34 board-certified Italian dermatologists and 1 representative of patients' associations, took part in the study. Results: A high agreement in responses from Italian experts emerged during two eDelphi iterations on – among several other aspects – GPP prevalence and incidence in Italy, use of European Rare and Severe Psoriasis Expert Network diagnostic criteria, flare frequency and duration, best diagnostic and care pathway, and main unmet needs of Italian patients. On the other hand, a broad spectrum of treatments (of different drug classes) was reported both in the acute and chronic phases of GPP, and no consensus on the issue was thus achieved. Conclusions: Consensus findings from this Delphi study of GPP experts may be useful to fill gaps of knowledge and improve awareness of this rare disease, as well as to help clinical and public health management of GPP in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While often positive, the lifecourse transition to motherhood is susceptible to the risk for developing mood disorders. Postpartum anxiety has often been overshadowed by other perinatal-specific mental health disorders, such as postpartum depression, and therefore has not been at the forefront or center of as much empirical study. This has meant there is a lack of effective and reliable tools with which to measure it, despite growing evidence suggesting its detrimental impact on mothers, their babies, wider family and social contacts, and on healthcare systems. This current study aimed to translate and validate the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale [PSAS] into the Italian language, and to validate the tool for its use in detecting anxiety specific to motherhood. Methods: The study (N = 457) comprised 4 stages: English-Italian translation and back-translation to obtain the Italian version [PSAS-IT]; a preliminary pilot study to adapt the PSAS to the characteristics of the Italian population; measurement invariance; and internal reliability of subscales. Results: The PSAS-IT demonstrates similar psychometric properties as the original English-language PSAS, with acceptable acceptability, construct and convergent validity, and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis for multiple groups (Italy and United Kingdom) showed that the factor structure of the PSAS was valid for both groups [+2 (2436) = 4679.481, p < 0.001, TLI = 0.969, CFI =0.972, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR =0.064]. Discussion: The resulting findings offer a reliable measure of postpartum anxiety in Italian language up to six months after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to test the COVID19-PB scale's psychometric properties and its dimensionality in a sample composed of 1107 Italian adults aged from 18 to 80 years (M = 39.59; SD = 16.36), 75% (n = 830) females, and 25% (n = 277) males. Exploratory, Confirmatory factor analysis and parallel analysis were used to validate the instrument that resulted from the Ebola Virus protective behaviours scale adaptation. Fear of covid-19 and a 1-item level of adherence to the Covid-19 protection scale were used to test the measure's convergent validity. A four-factor structure emerged from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis: direct avoidance, avoidance of public spaces, avoidance of social interaction, and talking about the virus as protection. COVID-19 PB was a valuable measure to assess individuals' competencies in assuming correct behaviours during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key demographic, psychosocial, and lifestyle-related characteristics of forest therapy participants in Italy. A survey was conducted among 1070 adults who had engaged in standardized forest therapy experiences between June 2021 and October 2022. The findings indicate that most forest therapy participants in Italy share certain distinctive traits. They are primarily female, aged between 45 and 54 years, employed, and unmarried. Moreover, they possess a high level of education, predominantly reside in urban areas, demonstrate a strong environmental awareness, maintain a nature-oriented attitude, and typically exhibit moderate levels of trait anxiety. Additionally, they tend to be nonsmokers, possess a healthy BMI within the normal range, and consume an adequate quantity of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. However, it should be noted that their male counterparts tend to be overweight and exhibit poorer dietary habits. Irrespective of gender, approximately 40% of forest therapy participants in Italy live with a chronic disease that requires daily medicinal treatment. Subsequent research should investigate whether these characteristics hold true in different countries. Furthermore, exploring the potential effectiveness of health-promoting interventions integrated with forest therapy sessions could prove beneficial in addressing these specific issues among forest therapy participants. By doing so, such interventions have the potential to contribute significantly to public health promotion and overall community well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Happiness is receiving more and more interest both as a determinant of health and a measure of outcome in biomedical and psychological sciences. The main objective of this study was to assess how the levels of happiness vary in a large sample of Italian adults and to identify the socio-demographic conditions which impair happiness domains the most. The participants of this survey consisted of 1695 Italian adults (85.9% women; 14.1% men) who completed the Measure of Happiness (MH) questionnaire online. In this study, the differences between groups in total and single domain (life perspective, psychophysical status, socio-relational sphere, relational private sphere, and financial status) happiness levels were examined through a propensity score matching analysis with respect to socio-demographic conditions, including gender, age, annual income, relationship status, having children, and education level. The results show that low income has a negative impact on happiness levels, whereas being in a relationship has a positive effect. Having children appears to have a negative impact on male happiness. Males appear to be happier than females, especially with regard to the psychophysics status. This evidence emphasizes the urgency for Italian policymakers to take actions on removing obstacles to people's happiness, especially with regard to financial distress, parenthood, and gender gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A contribution to the Italian adaptation of the original English version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 for children and youth (WHODAS-Child), proxy-administered among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability. Observational and retrospective study with within-dependent variables by cross-sectional sampling on psychometric properties (internal consistency and construct/criterion validity) of the 36- and 7-item versions of the Italian WHODAS-Child. The original English version was translated into Italian, also considering the Italian version of the WHODAS 2.0 for adults. The Italian questionnaire was then translated back into English. All authors compared the original and back-translated English versions. The sample was collected among parents and clinicians of 100 children with ASD. To assess convergent/divergent validity, the Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS) was also administered. Cronbach's α for both versions' total scores was good. WHODAS-Child also showed a positive correlation with the three DSM-5 levels of impairment. A pattern of correlations with the ADOS was found for all domains of the WHODAS-Child except for the mobility and self-care domains. The WHODAS-Child Italian proxy-administered version has the potential to be a reliable and valid tool to measure functional impairment in children with ASD. World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 for children and youth (WHODAS-Child) has shown to be sensitive in detecting children and youth functioning in the domains of activity and participation. WHODAS-Child Italian version seems to be a reliable and valid tool to measure the functional impairment in children with autism spectrum disorder. A critical issue for rehabilitation is that a single "minimal clinically important difference" score for the WHODAS-Child has not yet been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionWhile often positive, the lifecourse transition to motherhood is susceptible to the risk for developing mood disorders. Postpartum anxiety has often been overshadowed by other perinatal-specific mental health disorders, such as postpartum depression, and therefore has not been at the forefront or center of as much empirical study. This has meant there is a lack of effective and reliable tools with which to measure it, despite growing evidence suggesting its detrimental impact on mothers, their babies, wider family and social contacts, and on healthcare systems. This current study aimed to translate and validate the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale [PSAS] into the Italian language, and to validate the tool for its use in detecting anxiety specific to motherhood.MethodsThe study (N = 457) comprised 4 stages: English-Italian translation and back-translation to obtain the Italian version [PSAS-IT]; a preliminary pilot study to adapt the PSAS to the characteristics of the Italian population; measurement invariance; and internal reliability of subscales.ResultsThe PSAS-IT demonstrates similar psychometric properties as the original English-language PSAS, with acceptable acceptability, construct and convergent validity, and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis for multiple groups (Italy and United Kingdom) showed that the factor structure of the PSAS was valid for both groups [χ2 (2436) = 4679.481, p < 0.001, TLI = 0.969, CFI =0.972, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR =0.064].DiscussionThe resulting findings offer a reliable measure of postpartum anxiety in Italian language up to six months after birth.

The Test of Mobile Phone Dependence (TMD) is a questionnaire designed for appraising the main dimensions of problematic smartphone use in adolescence. This study evaluates the factor structure and psychometric properties of the TMD on a sample of 813 Italian middle and high school students. The original three-factor model (Abstinence, Lack of Control, and Tolerance) of the TMD was tested through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results of the goodness of fit indices indicated a satisfactory solution. The overall TMD score showed a good level of internal consistency and good construct validity with the duration of use, age of possession of the first mobile phone, perceived self-efficacy, gender, and participants' age. The relationship between TMD and Nomophobia was also explored. Overall, the results indicate that the TMD is a valid and reliable assessment tool in Italian culture. However, reliability issues emerged on the subfactor Lack of Control. This indicates that the scores on this subfactor should be treated with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Happiness is receiving more and more interest both as a determinant of health and a measure of outcome in biomedical and psychological sciences. The main objective of this study was to assess how the levels of happiness vary in a large sample of Italian adults and to identify the socio-demographic conditions which impair happiness domains the most. The participants of this survey consisted of 1695 Italian adults (85.9% women; 14.1% men) who completed the Measure of Happiness (MH) questionnaire online. In this study, the differences between groups in total and single domain (life perspective, psychophysical status, socio-relational sphere, relational private sphere, and financial status) happiness levels were examined through a propensity score matching analysis with respect to socio-demographic conditions, including gender, age, annual income, relationship status, having children, and education level. The results show that low income has a negative impact on happiness levels, whereas being in a relationship has a positive effect. Having children appears to have a negative impact on male happiness. Males appear to be happier than females, especially with regard to the psychophysics status. This evidence emphasizes the urgency for Italian policymakers to take actions on removing obstacles to people’s happiness, especially with regard to financial distress, parenthood, and gender gaps.

Background: Till 31 March 2020, 105,792 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Italy including 15,726 deaths which explains how worst the epidemic has affected the country. After the announcement of lockdown in Italy on 9 March 2020, situation was becoming stable since last days of March. In view of this, it is important to forecast the COVID-19 evaluation of Italy condition and the possible effects, if this lock down could continue for another 60 days. Methods: COVID-19 infected patient data has extracted from the Italian Health Ministry website includes registered and recovered cases from mid February to end March. Adoption of seasonal ARIMA forecasting package with R statistical model was done. Results: Predictions were done with 93.75% of accuracy for registered case models and 84.4% of accuracy for recovered case models. The forecasting of infected patients could be reach the value of 182,757, and recovered cases could be registered value of 81,635 at end of May. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of country lockdown and self isolation in control the disease transmissibility among Italian population through data driven model analysis. Our findings suggest that nearly 35% decrement of registered cases and 66% growth of recovered cases will be possible.

Abstract Background The cline of human genetic diversity observable across Europe is recapitulated at a micro-geographic scale by variation within the Italian population. Besides resulting from extensive gene flow, this might be ascribable also to local adaptations to diverse ecological contexts evolved by people who anciently spread along the Italian Peninsula. Dissecting the evolutionary history of the ancestors of present-day Italians may thus improve the understanding of demographic and biological processes that contributed to shape the gene pool of European populations. However, previous SNP array-based studies failed to investigate the full spectrum of Italian variation, generally neglecting low-frequency genetic variants and examining a limited set of small effect size alleles, which may represent important determinants of population structure and complex adaptive traits. To overcome these issues, we analyzed 38 high-coverage whole-genome sequences representative of population clusters at the opposite ends of the cline of Italian variation, along with a large panel of modern and ancient Euro-Mediterranean genomes. Results We provided evidence for the early divergence of Italian groups dating back to the Late Glacial and for Neolithic and distinct Bronze Age migrations having further differentiated their gene pools. We inferred adaptive evolution at insulin-related loci in people from Italian regions with a temperate climate, while possible adaptations to pathogens and ultraviolet radiation were observed in Mediterranean Italians. Some of these adaptive events may also have secondarily modulated population disease or longevity predisposition. Conclusions We disentangled the contribution of multiple migratory and adaptive events in shaping the heterogeneous Italian genomic background, which exemplify population dynamics and gene-environment interactions that played significant roles also in the formation of the Continental and Southern European genomic landscapes.

Background: Increased micronuclei (MNi) frequencies in human lymphocytes are an indicator of chromosome instability and could be influenced by different exogenous and endogenous factors. The increased exposure to environmental pollutants has led to the awareness of the necessity for constant monitoring of urban human populations. Aim: We evaluated the MNi frequency in a sample belonging to the non-occupationally exposed population of Turin (North-Western Italy). A possible effect of body mass index, age and sex on the genomic damage levels was also investigated. Subjects and Methods: The study included 150 subjects. MNi, nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBUDs) were scored in 1,000 lymphocytes per subject. Results: The MNi, NPBs and NBUDs average frequencies (‰ ± S.D.) were 7.19 ± 2.51, 1.65 ± 1.54 and 2.07 ± 1.76, respectively. Turin shows one of the highest MNi frequencies with respect to other Italian cities and European regions. A significant correlation was found between MNi, NPBs, NBUDs frequencies, age and body mass index. Conclusion: Baseline MNi frequency was established in a sample of a city, like Turin, exposed to high levels of environmental pollutants. We hope that the results of this study can be used as a stimulus for future biomonitoring programmes in other Italian and globally distributed cities.

Background: Early detection of anxiety symptoms in older people is capital as it may be linked to increased physical/functional disabilities, onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, and poor cognitive functioning. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of psychometrically validated anxiety measures in the elderly. Aims: This study aimed at assessing the psychometric properties of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y (STAI-Y) and providing the first normative data for the Italian elderly population. Methods: The sample included 361 individuals aged 65–94. All subjects underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the state (S-Anxiety) and trait anxiety (T-anxiety) scales of the STAI-Y. Results: The S-Anxiety and T-Anxiety scales showed reliable internal consistency and, overall, good item characteristics. Divergent validity was "apparently" threatened, with S-Anxiety scale correlating with MMSE and GDS, and T-Anxiety scale only with GDS. The principal component analysis revealed a three-factor solution for both scales, i.e., presence and absence of state (or trait) anxiety, and performance anxiety. Since no effect of sociodemographic variables was found, unadjusted cutoffs were provided. Conclusions: Although some questions on the psychometric properties of the STAI-Y remain unanswered, this normative study can help clinicians and researchers to monitor anxiety levels in the Italian elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second wave of a novel coronavirus in Italy has caused 247,369 new cases and 1782 deaths only in October 2020. This significantly alarming infectious disease controlling board to impose again mitigation measures for controlling the epidemic growth. In this paper, we estimate the latest COVID-19 reproduction number (R_0) and project the epidemic size for the future 45 days. The R_0 value has calculated as 2.83 (95% CI: 1.5–4.2) and the cumulative incidences 100,015 (95% CI; 73,201–100,352), and daily incidences might be reached up to 15,012 (95% CI: 8234–16,197) respectively.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate in a representative sample of the Italian population whether the SARS-CoV2 pandemic and the subsequent home isolation had repercussion on the daily sleep/wake cycling and habits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional survey consisted of various multiple- choice questions concerning demographic characteristics, sleep habits, and sleep-related problems was broadcast through mainstream social-media. Individuals were randomly allowed to participate from April 29th to May 17th, namely 50 days after the lockdown imposition and the day before its abrogation. RESULTS: 58.84% of respondents experienced a change in their sleep habits. 71% of those whose sleep changed showed a delayed sleep pattern. Overall, a two-fold risk of delayed sleep pattern without any change in total sleep time emerged during the investigation period. Females emerged almost 2 times more likely to modify their sleep habits than males. Youths were also more likely to experience modifications than old people, who conversely appeared protected. A significant improvement in daytime sleepiness occurred during the home isolation which additionally correlated with delayed bedtime and less sleep time. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of change in sleep habits, especially among youths and females, occurred in Italian population during the home isolation to limit the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. Moreover, self-reported daytime sleepiness decreased in severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reconstruct the phenotypical and clinical implications of the Italian genetic structure, we thoroughly analyzed a whole‐exome sequencing data set comprised of 1686 healthy Italian individuals. We found six previously unreported variants with remarkable frequency differences between Northern and Southern Italy in the HERC2, OR52R1, ADH1B, and THBS4 genes. We reported 36 clinically relevant variants (submitted as pathogenic, risk factors, or drug response in ClinVar) with significant frequency differences between Italy and Europe. We then explored putatively pathogenic variants in the Italian exome. On average, our Italian individuals carried 16.6 protein‐truncating variants (PTVs), with 2.5% of the population having a PTV in one of the 59 American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) actionable genes. Lastly, we looked for PTVs that are likely to cause Mendelian diseases. We found four heterozygous PTVs in haploinsufficient genes (KAT6A, PTCH1, and STXBP1) and three homozygous PTVs in genes causing recessive diseases (DPYD, FLG, and PYGM). Comparing frequencies from our data set to other public databases, like gnomAD, we showed the importance of population‐specific databases for a more accurate assessment of variant pathogenicity. For this reason, we made aggregated frequencies from our data set publicly available as a tool for both clinicians and researchers (http://nigdb.cineca.it; NIG‐ExIT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental conditions and past migratory events may have shaped genetic heterogeneity of clinically relevant enzymes involved in the phase I metabolism of the most common therapeutic drugs. Aim: To investigate the genetic variability of CYP2D6, CYP2B6, CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 across the Italian Peninsula, by sampling only ancestrally and geographically homogeneous individuals from northern, central and southern Italy. Subjects and methods: A total of 25 SNPs were genotyped in 174 unrelated Italian individuals by means of multiplex PCR and minisequencing reactions. CYP2D6 genotypic data were used to predict phenotypes and the phylogenetic relationships among reconstructed haplotypes were represented by means of a Median Joining Network. Results: Pairwise Fisher Exact tests revealed significant differences between northern and southern Italy in the distribution of CYP2C19 genotypes, with the CYP2C19*2 allele appearing over-represented in northern Italy. Likewise, significant differences in the distribution of CYP2D6 genotypes (*4/*3, *4/*4 and *6/*4) responsible for the poor metabolizer phenotype were observed in northern with respect to both central and southern Italy. Conclusions: The north–south structuring pattern showed by CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 underline how a deeper knowledge of the geographic distribution of alleles may improve clinical practice and help to avoid hypothetical bias in drug trials.

Background: Due to its central and strategic position in Europe and in the Mediterranean Basin, the Italian Peninsula played a pivotal role in the first peopling of the European continent and has been a crossroad of peoples and cultures since then. Aim: This study aims to gain more information on the genetic structure of modern Italian populations and to shed light on the migration/expansion events that led to their formation. Subjects and methods: High resolution Y-chromosome variation analysis in 817 unrelated males from 10 informative areas of Italy was performed. Haplogroup frequencies and microsatellite haplotypes were used, together with available data from the literature, to evaluate Mediterranean and European inputs and date their arrivals. Results: Fifty-three distinct Y-chromosome lineages were identified. Their distribution is in general agreement with geography, southern populations being more differentiated than northern ones. Conclusions: A complex genetic structure reflecting the multifaceted peopling pattern of the Peninsula emerged: southern populations show high similarity with those from the Middle East and Southern Balkans, while those from Northern Italy are close to populations of North-Western Europe and the Northern Balkans. Interestingly, the population of Volterra, an ancient town of Etruscan origin in Tuscany, displays a unique Y-chromosomal genetic structure.

Background: The cline of human genetic diversity observable across Europe is recapitulated at a micro-geographic scale by variation within the Italian population. Besides resulting from extensive gene flow, this might be ascribable also to local adaptations to diverse ecological contexts evolved by people who anciently spread along the Italian Peninsula. Dissecting the evolutionary history of the ancestors of present-day Italians may thus improve the understanding of demographic and biological processes that contributed to shape the gene pool of European populations. However, previous SNP array-based studies failed to investigate the full spectrum of Italian variation, generally neglecting low-frequency genetic variants and examining a limited set of small effect size alleles, which may represent important determinants of population structure and complex adaptive traits. To overcome these issues, we analyzed 38 high-coverage whole-genome sequences representative of population clusters at the opposite ends of the cline of Italian variation, along with a large panel of modern and ancient Euro-Mediterranean genomes. Results: We provided evidence for the early divergence of Italian groups dating back to the Late Glacial and for Neolithic and distinct Bronze Age migrations having further differentiated their gene pools. We inferred adaptive evolution at insulin-related loci in people from Italian regions with a temperate climate, while possible adaptations to pathogens and ultraviolet radiation were observed in Mediterranean Italians. Some of these adaptive events may also have secondarily modulated population disease or longevity predisposition. Conclusions: We disentangled the contribution of multiple migratory and adaptive events in shaping the heterogeneous Italian genomic background, which exemplify population dynamics and gene-environment interactions that played significant roles also in the formation of the Continental and Southern European genomic landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first ever analysis of the provincial population in Italy since ca. 1770, using 1911 boundaries, and providing a key variable for future studies on Italian economic history. The new data reveal, in line with national figures, two distinct stages: one of low population growth before 1821, and one of higher growth after 1821. A preliminary inspection suggests that the process of Unification did not represent a significant factor of change in the demographic trends of the majority of the Italian provinces, with only a few exceptions. Rather, it seems that the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the period of Restoration constituted the key dynamics in driving population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased micronuclei (MNi) frequencies in human lymphocytes are an indicator of chromosome instability and could be influenced by different exogenous and endogenous factors. The increased exposure to environmental pollutants has led to the awareness of the necessity for constant monitoring of urban human populations. Aim: We evaluated the MNi frequency in a sample belonging to the non-occupationally exposed population of Turin (North-Western Italy). A possible effect of body mass index, age and sex on the genomic damage levels was also investigated. Subjects and Methods: The study included 150 subjects. MNi, nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBUDs) were scored in 1,000 lymphocytes per subject. Results: The MNi, NPBs and NBUDs average frequencies (‰ ± S.D.) were 7.19 ± 2.51, 1.65 ± 1.54 and 2.07 ± 1.76, respectively. Turin shows one of the highest MNi frequencies with respect to other Italian cities and European regions. A significant correlation was found between MNi, NPBs, NBUDs frequencies, age and body mass index. Conclusion: Baseline MNi frequency was established in a sample of a city, like Turin, exposed to high levels of environmental pollutants. We hope that the results of this study can be used as a stimulus for future biomonitoring programmes in other Italian and globally distributed cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marseilleviridae is a family of viruses which have only been propagated in acanthamoeba. Marseillevirus sequences have been recently detected in different human matrices by viral metagenomics. Single‐center studies worldwide have estimated a low prevalence of marseillevirus both in symptomatic patients and in healthy donors but, to date, no informations are available on the prevalence of this giant virus in Italy. By a polymerase chain reaction targeting the ORF152 viral sequence, we tested sera from 197 immunosuppressed patients and 285 healthy donors, and 63 and 30 respiratory and cerebrospinal fluid samples, respectively, of patients with various clinical conditions and referring the Virology Division for diagnostic purposes. We observed no evidence of Marseillevirus DNA in all 575 samples tested. Marseillevirus probably does not cause infection in human. Highlight: We observed no evidence of Marseillevirus DNA in immunocompetent and immunocompromised Italian patients.Marseillevirus probably does not cause infection in human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The PowerPlex® ESI 17 Fast and ESX 17 Fast Systems represent faster cycling versions released by Promega® to follow the requirements of ENFSI and EDNAP groups’ for new STR genotyping systems in Europe. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters were estimated in a population sample of 120 unrelated healthy individuals living in Sicily (Western Sicilian population sample) using PowerPlex® ESI 17 Fast and PowerPlex® 17 Fast Systems. Full concordance of the results for both systems was observed. No significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected. The observed heterozygosity changed from 0.85833 for FGA to 0.95 for TH01. The combined power of discrimination for the 16 loci was >0.999999.

Objective: Here we report an investigation on the accuracy of the b Test, a measure to identify malingering of cognitive symptoms, in detecting malingerers of mild cognitive impairment.Method: Three groups of participants, patients with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (n = 21), healthy elders (controls, n = 21), and healthy elders instructed to simulate mild cognitive disorder (malingerers, n = 21) were administered two background neuropsychological tests (MMSE, FAB) as well as the b Test.Results: Malingerers performed significantly worse on all error scores as compared to patients and controls, and performed poorly than controls, but comparably to patients, on the time score. Patients performed significantly worse than controls on all scores, but both groups showed the same pattern of more omission than commission errors. By contrast, malingerers exhibited the opposite pattern with more commission errors than omission errors. Machine learning models achieve an overall accuracy higher than 90% in distinguishing patients from malingerers on the basis of b Test results alone.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that b Test error scores accurately distinguish patients with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder from malingerers and may complement other validated procedures such as the Medical Symptom Validity Test.

The main goal of the present research is to develop and validate the Perceived Economic Inequality Scale (PEIS), an instrument measuring individuals' perceptions of economic inequality at the national level. The study was conducted on a representative sample of the Italian population ( N = 1,446, 51% women). The factorial structure of the scale was assessed through cross-validated exploratory-confirmatory factor analyses. To inspect the PEIS psychometric properties, item and correlation analyses were performed. The results showed that the PEIS is a valid and reliable unidimensional measure of perceived economic inequality at the national level. Further support of the PEIS construct validity was provided by the correlation of the scale score with the perceived wage gap and ideological beliefs like the economic system justification, social dominance orientation, meritocratic beliefs, and participants' political orientation. Crucially, multigroup confirmatory factor analysis supported configural, metric, and scalar invariances of the scale across socio-demographic groups. The PEIS allows researchers to assess the subjective component of economic inequality by also serving as a useful tool for unpacking the psychological correlates of perceived inequality.

Objective: Here we report an investigation on the accuracy of the b Test, a measure to identify malingering of cognitive symptoms, in detecting malingerers of mild cognitive impairment. Method: Three groups of participants, patients with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (n = 21), healthy elders (controls, n = 21), and healthy elders instructed to simulate mild cognitive disorder (malingerers, n = 21) were administered two background neuropsychological tests (MMSE, FAB) as well as the b Test. Results: Malingerers performed significantly worse on all error scores as compared to patients and controls, and performed poorly than controls, but comparably to patients, on the time score. Patients performed significantly worse than controls on all scores, but both groups showed the same pattern of more omission than commission errors. By contrast, malingerers exhibited the opposite pattern with more commission errors than omission errors. Machine learning models achieve an overall accuracy higher than 90% in distinguishing patients from malingerers on the basis of b Test results alone. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that b Test error scores accurately distinguish patients with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder from malingerers and may complement other validated procedures such as the Medical Symptom Validity Test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are at risk of overweight and obesity, two major health problems, though underweight can be a negative prognostic factor too. Awareness of the body mass index (BMI) in ACHD is very limited. The present study describes the use and prevalence of BMI in Italian symptomatic hospitalized ACHD patients in relation to complexity by Bethesda system classification, diagnosis, sex and age.Methods and Results: We classified 1388 ACHD patients, aged 18-69 years, on the basis of their BMI, and compared them to the Italian reference population. In our total ACHD population we found a significantly higher prevalence of underweight compared to the Italian reference population (6.34% vs 3.20%). ACHD women were more underweight than men. Underweight decreased with age. Overweight was significantly less frequent in the total ACHD population (26.73% compared to 31.70%) in the Italian reference population. Men were more likely to be overweight than women. In statistical terms obesity was similar in the Italian reference population (10.50%) and our ACHD population (9.58%). Both overweight and obesity increased with age. Results were comparable using a diagnostic anatomical-functional classification and the Bethesda system classification.Conclusions: In our cohort of ACHD the prevalence of underweight was double that of the Italian reference population. The prevalence of overweight was lower, while obesity was similar. Since BMI does not account for differences in body fat distribution, a future aim will be to quantify the visceral component of the adipose tissue in ACHD patients and examine their body composition in order to reflect their risk of acquired cardiovascular disease better, and either to maintain or achieve an adequate visceral component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ) is a validated and widespread measure to assess dysfunctional sexual beliefs. The study aimed to test the psychometrics of the Italian version of the SDBQ. A total of 1009 participants (422 men and 587 women, 739 healthy and 270 complaining about sexual problems) took part in the current study. Principal component analysis identified 3 factors in the male version: macho beliefs, sexual conservatism and control over sexuality. In the female version 4 factors were found: sexual conservatism, affection primacy, control over sexuality and age related beliefs. Confirmatory factorial analyses supported the adequacy of the factor structure for both genders. SDBQ showed associations with sexual functioning, differentiating between clinical and control group. This measure is useful in the assessment of sexual dysfunctions, evaluating sexual beliefs and assisting with clinical interventions aimed to work on these vulnerabilities and maintaining factors for sexual problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age prediction helps investigation to narrowing down the number of potential suspects and give more reliable predicted appearance. However, since it is not known if some of the widely used methylation markers (ELOVL2, C1orf132, TRIM59, KLF14 and FHL2) are applicable as age predictors in the Italian population, in this study we collected and analyzed a set of saliva samples from 96 Italian individuals aged 19–67 years. All DNA samples were quantified, bisulfite-converted, amplified with monoplex and analyzed using PyroMark Q48 Autoprep (Qiagen). The age prediction was performed according to reference (Zbieć-Piekarska et al. [1]). Preliminary results shown a linear correlation between the methylation markers studied and age in the Italian samples, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) of 0.75 and the value of median absolute deviation (MAD) of 5.4. The MAD value observed with group 1 (age 20 s or less) was 2.8, with group 2 (30 s) was 4.5, with group 3 (40 s) was 4.7 and with group 4 (50 s or more) was 5.4. If we take the assumption that age prediction is correct when predicted age is in the range of max ±5 years of the actual age, the number of correct prediction decrease with increasing of the age group. Moreover, in contrast of what expected, our data set has shown a bias in the underestimating of predicted age at the increasing of chronological age (20% group 1, 60% group 2, 79% group 3 and 88% group 4). This experiment suggest to increase the number of different population sampled since DNA methylation could be affected by genetic variation, environmental and lifestyle variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the FokI polymorphism (rs2228570) in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) and conventional risk factors were associated with spine disorders in the Italian population, but without gender analysis. Two-hundred and sixty-seven patients (149 males, 118 females) with lumbar spine disorders were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 254 (127 males, 127 females) asymptomatic controls were enrolled. The exposure to putative risk factors was evaluated and FokI polymorphism was detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). An association between lumbar spine pathologies and higher than average age; overweight; family history; lower leisure physical activity; smoking habit; higher number of hours/day exposure to vibration and more sedentary or intense physical job demand was observed in male patients. In contrast, in females, only higher age, overweight, family history and lower leisure physical activity were risk factors. FF genotype was a 2-fold risk factor to develop discopathies and/or osteochondrosis concomitant with disc herniation for both gender patients, while heterozygous Ff was protective for females only. In males only ff genotype was protective for discopathies and/or osteochondrosis and F allele was a 2-fold risk factor for hernia; discopathies; discopathies and/or osteochondrosis. Sex-related differences in voluntary behaviors, exposure to environmental risks and genetic background could be crucial for a gender-differentiated management of patients with spine disorders.

Fish and shellfish belonging to five different species among pelagic, benthonic and molluscs, were collected from the Gulf of Catania in 2017 to evaluate arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn). Risk of developing chronic systemic effects derived from seafood consumption was evaluated with the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and compared with the results obtained from the same area and the species, collected in 2012. Hg, Cd and Pb concentrations were found below the limits set by European Community for human consumption in all the analysed species. The total risk is reduced from 1.1 to 0.49, and this result is strongly associated with the lower bioaccumulations levels found for Hg, Mn, Se and V. Others metals such as As, Pb, Ni and Zn bioaccumulation levels remain approximately the same, conversely, it is revealed a slight increase of Cd and Cr. Overall, the present study show a positive picture of the studied area, the Gulf of Catania, highlighting not only a decreased metal availability of the study area, but, above all, a decreased risk to develop chronic systemic effects derived from consumption of local seafood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) is a rapid screening battery created for assessing the presence of anhedonia, namely the inability to experience pleasure. Although, this symptom has widely been investigated in clinical settings, individual differences in anhedonia are also present in healthy population. The aim of present study was to validate the translated Italian version of this test. One thousand six hundred ninety-seven consecutive healthy subjects (55% female) of different ages (age 18-82 years) underwent SHAPS. Participants who showed mild level of anhedonia also completed the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS), Mood Disorders Insight Scale (MDIS), and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). The SHAPS showed good internal consistency and discriminant validity; moreover, the factorial analysis highlighted that SHAPS had a three-factor structure for explaining the anhedonic construct. 14.9% showed a significant reduction of hedonic tone (SHAPS ≥ 3). Finally, the degree of anhedonia was significantly correlated with BDI and BHS scores, but not with age or gender. Although anhedonia is a prominent feature of many psychiatric and neurological disorders, the presence of this symptom in the healthy population highlighted the importance to develop reliable tool. SHAPS shows good psychometric properties to assess multidimensional anhedonia symptoms also in Italian healthy population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]