University of Chieti-Pescara

Personality traits are linked to a variety of cognitive and socio-emotional factors, including lateralization patterns. Autism, prosopagnosia, and atypical cradling have been associated with altered lateralization and socio-emotional processing. This study explores how autism traits, cradling-side preferences, and face recognition abilities relate to individual personality differences. Three-hundred neurotypical adults (150 males) completed an online survey including the imaged cradling preference and three validated questionnaires: the Autism spectrum Quotient (AQ), Prosopagnosia Index-20 (PI-20), and the Big Five Personality Questionnaire (BFQ). Results showed a strong left-cradling bias (LCB) unaffected by sex, handedness, parental status, autism traits, or face recognition abilities. AQ negatively predicted Extraversion, Agreeableness, Emotional Stability, and Openness. LCB correlated with higher Agreeableness and moderated the negative association between AQ and Extraversion. These findings suggest a potential link between cradling preferences, autism traits, and personality, possibly reflecting reduced right-hemisphere specialization in emotional processing and social behaviour.

Background Visual expertise is pivotal for accurate ECG interpretation. We aimed to identify and measure expertise‐based differences in visual search patterns, cognitive load, and diagnostic accuracy during ECG analysis using eye‐tracking technology. Methods First‐ to third‐year residents and board‐certified expert cardiologists interpreted ECGs of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, while eye‐tracking glasses recorded fixation count, duration, and pupil dilation. Diagnostic accuracy and cognitive load via NASA Task Load Index were analyzed. Heatmaps illustrated relationships between cognitive load, perceived workload, and self‐assessed performance across experience levels and ECG task complexities. Results Expert readers interpreted ECGs significantly faster than residents (107.6 ± 32.8 vs. 205.31 ± 57.43 s; p < 0.001) and demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy across all levels of task difficulty (p < 0.001). Eye‐tracking analysis revealed that experts exhibited fewer fixations (67.7 ± 25.7 vs. 143.7 ± 29.9; p < 0.001) and longer fixation durations (3.9 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 1 s; p = 0.032) than residents. Experts also showed lower pupil dilation changes (4.8% ± 2% vs. 10.5% ± 4.2%; p = 0.015). Increased task difficulty was associated with greater pupil dilation, particularly among novices (mean pupil dilation for difficult tasks 13.4% ± 4.1% vs. 7.3% ± 2.3% for easy tasks; p = 0.008), indicating higher cognitive demand. Experts maintained superior self‐assessed performance (8 ± 0 vs. 7 ± 1.2; p = 0.009) and reported lower perceived negative workload (4.5 ± 1.45 vs. 6 ± 0.55; p = 0.041). Conclusions In this pilot study, expert readers achieved faster and more accurate diagnoses, exhibiting more efficient visual search patterns and lower cognitive load. Pending external validation, our findings suggest that ECG training programs should focus on developing targeted visual techniques, cognitive efficiency, and adaptive coping strategies to enhance accurate interpretation.

Yilan Crater is a newly discovered impact structure in Northeast China. However, the impact process and its subsurface properties have not been properly investigated yet. Here we employed multiple seismic methods to gain insight on its subsurface structures, based on an ultra-dense observation with 220 seismic nodes. We observed a clear site amplification within the circular region of the crater generated by loose sediment and impact-fractured rocks. The resulting bowl-shaped structure beneath the Yilan crater was further revealed by the ambient noise tomography and Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio analysis. Multiple solutions for the impact velocity and diameter were found by a parametric investigation, while the impact energy is around 1 E17 Joules, likely representing one of the most significant impact events in the last 80,000 years. These findings offer new insights into the Yilan impact event and its potential effects on the surrounding environment, highlighting the need for further multidisciplinary investigations.

The rs12970134 variant near the melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4-R) has gained relevance suggesting an age dependent phenotypic effect in the induction of obesity in young age. A previous study evaluating 740 Caucasian children has shown this association in prepubertal children older than 8 years. The aim of this study was to assess whether the obesogenic effect of M4CR gene contributed to obesity also in adolescence. After 8 years participants of the original study were contacted and invited to perform an anthropometric evaluation. Out of 35 carriers of the AA risk allele of MC4-R, 12 subjects accepted to participate. Adolescent subjects with the AA risk allele of MC4-R were matched with 24 and 48 subjects, respectively for AG and GG variants. Differences between the three MC4-R genotypes for anthropometric data, for percentage of overweight and obesity and for changes in BMI-SDS over visit have been assessed. At Visit 1 (baseline examination study), the AA risk genotype was confirmed to be associated with higher BMI-SDS (1.3 ± 0.4 vs 0.4 ± 0.1) and waist circumference (66.5 ± 5.8 vs 60.9 ± 7.1) when compared to the GG genotype (p < 0.016 both). At Visit 2 the AA genotype not only was associated with a higher BMI-SDS (1.07 ± 0.5 vs 0.02 ± 0.8) and WC (95.6 ± 13.3 vs 64.9 ± 13.5) when compared to GG genotype, but also when compared to AG genotype (vs 0.5 ± 0.1 and 62.9 ± 10.0, p < 0.016). Whereas AA genotype demonstrated no change of BMI-SDS between visit 1 and visit 2 (p00.32), AG and GG genotype showed a significant reduction (p = 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). Furthermore, a higher percentage of patients were affected by overweight/obesity in the AA genotype compared to AG and GG genotypes (50% vs 20.8% vs 16.5% p = 0.03). This study demonstrates that the rs12970134 variant not only exerts an obesogenic influence in the prepubertal age but remains a major risk factor also during adolescence.

Tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has emerged as a promising treatment option for severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients unsuitable for surgery. Recent findings from randomized clinical trials consistently demonstrated a reduction in TR severity and significant symptomatic improvement with T-TEER, particularly in terms of quality of life and functional status. However, no significant differences in mortality or hospitalizations were observed compared to guideline-directed medical therapy. In this complex scenario, careful patient selection and a comprehensive evaluation of the tricuspid valve remain critical for optimizing outcomes. Patients with preserved right ventricular (RV) function, absence of pulmonary hypertension (PH), and no significant organ dysfunction are more likely to benefit from T-TEER. Conversely, in patients with severe RV dysfunction, lack of contractile reserve, pre-capillary or severe combined post-capillary PH, end-stage organ failure, and significant impairment in daily activities and self-care, the procedure may be futile. Patients in the grey zone should be evaluated by a dedicated heart team, with a tailored decision-making approach.

This paper presents an innovative procedure for the advanced digitalization of acoustic footprints in historical theaters, aimed at preserving their acoustic characteristics for future reconstruction in the event of disasters. The methodology incorporates laser scanning and acoustic simulations with ODEON, followed by a novel archiving process that ensures the long-term availability of detailed acoustic models. We propose a systematic approach to creating a geometric and acoustic model that includes multi-scenario simulations to capture the acoustic response under varying conditions. The validated acoustic model is then archived in interoperable formats to facilitate future use and reconstruction. By documenting the acoustic parameters alongside the geometric data, this approach not only preserves the theater’s acoustic legacy but also provides a robust framework for future restorations. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of this method in maintaining the historical integrity of acoustic responses, ensuring that future generations can experience the unique acoustic characteristics of these sites of cultural heritage.

To evaluate ocular surface and eyelid modifications occurring in glaucomatous patients diagnosed with glaucoma therapy-related ocular surface disease (GT-OSD) and retinal comorbidities who previously underwent serial Intravitreal injections (IVIs) of aflibercept. Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with a diagnosis of GT-OSD and concomitant retinal diseases were enrolled in a two-center retrospective observational study. The main outcome measures were: Noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), Tear meniscus height (TMH), Bulbar redness score (BRS), fluorescein Tear film Break Up Time (TBUT), Corneal Fluorescence Staining (CFS), Schirmer test I (ST), and inferior eyelid Meibomian Glands (MGs) dropout. Differences between treated and fellow eye (TE, FE), were considered. The median number of IVIs (aflibercept) in TE was 4 (interquartile range (IQR) 3-6.50). Mean BRS was significantly lower (p = 0.011) and median TBUT higher (p = 0.037) in TE compared to FE. Despite CFS and NIBUT did not significantly differ between eyes, their median values showed a marginal tendency for better results in TE compared to FE. Serial IVIs of aflibercept positively affected some features of the GT-OSD, reducing conjunctival hyperemia and improving the tear film stability. These preliminary results could open to new strategies for ocular surface management in glaucoma, whether confirmed in larger prospective studies.

Objective The present study aimed to design and synthesize a new series of benzothiazole analogues containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole, and assess their biological activities as potential anticancer agents. Methods N-(5,6-dimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2-((5-(substituted amino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio)acetamide derivatives (4a-4h) were synthesized via the reaction of thiadiazole derivatives (3a-3h) with 2-chloro-N-(5,6- dimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetamide (1) in the presence of potassium carbonate. All the target compounds have been characterized by spectral analysis. The anticancer activities of compounds 4a-4h were tested against two human HT-1376 bladder and HT-29 colorectal carcinoma cells using the WST-1 assay. Flow cytometry was used for the determination of apoptosis, cell cycle, and caspase 3/7 activity. Moreover, wound-healing assay was utilized to evaluate cell migration. In silico physicochemical, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological properties of compound 4g were determined by pkCSM, SwissADME, and SwissTargetPrediction online web tools. Results Among all synthesized derivatives, compound 4g (N-(5,6-dimethylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2-((5-((3- methoxyphenyl)amino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)thio)acetamide) recorded the highest antiproliferative activity against HT-1376 cells with an IC50 as 26.51 μM at 24 h, which was less cytotoxic than cisplatin (IC50=14.85 μM). The combined treatment with compound 4g and cisplatin increased the cellular apoptosis with a higher impact compared with the cisplatin group. The higher accumulation of cells in the G2 phase, a significant increase of caspase 3/7 activity, and the inhibition of migration rate were also observed in HT-1376 following a combination of compound 4g and cisplatin treatment versus cisplatin alone, which might be involved in the apoptotic effects of compound 4g. Conclusion The in vitro anticancer potential of compound 4g lays the foundation for future research to focus on its value as a novel and advanced cancer therapy.

Importance Progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is a significant contributor to long-term disability accumulation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Prior studies have used varying PIRA definitions, hampering the comparability of study results. Objective To compare various definitions of PIRA. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study involved a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the MSBase registry from July 2004 to July 2023. The participants were patients with MS from 186 centers across 43 countries who had clinically definite relapsing-remitting MS, a complete minimal dataset, and 3 or more documented Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessments. Exposure Three-hundred sixty definitions of PIRA as combinations of the following criteria: baseline disability (fixed baseline with re-baselining after PIRA, or plus re-baselining after relapses, or plus re-baselining after improvements), minimum confirmation period (6, 12, or 24 months), confirmation magnitude (EDSS score at/above worsening score or at/above threshold compared with baseline), freedom from relapse at EDSS score worsening (90 days prior, 90 days prior and 30 days after, 180 days prior and after, since previous EDSS assessment, or since baseline), and freedom from relapse at confirmation (30 days prior, 90 days prior, 30 days before and after, or between worsening and confirmation). Main Outcome and Measure For each definition, we quantified PIRA incidence and persistence (ie, absence of a 3-month confirmed EDSS improvement over ≥5 years). Results Among 87 239 patients with MS, 33 303 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 24 152 (72.5%) were female and 9151 (27.5%) were male. At the first visits, the mean (SD) age was 36.4 (10.9) years; 28 052 patients (84.2%) had relapsing-remitting MS, and the median (IQR) EDSS score was 2.0 (1.0-3.0). Participants had a mean (SD) 15.1 (11.9) visits over 8.9 (5.2) years. PIRA incidence ranged from 0.141 to 0.658 events per decade and persistence from 0.753 to 0.919, depending on the definition. In particular, the baseline and confirmation period influenced PIRA detection. The following definition yielded balanced incidence and persistence: a significant disability worsening compared with a baseline (reset after each PIRA event, relapse, and EDSS score improvement), in absence of relapses since the last EDSS assessment, confirmed with EDSS scores (not preceded by relapses within 30 days) that remained above the worsening threshold for at least 12 months. Conclusion and Relevance Incidence and persistence of PIRA are determined by the definition used. The proposed standardized definition aims to enhance comparability among studies.

This chapter explores the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) reporting in nonprofit organizations (NPOs). It aims to bridge the gap in scholarly research on how NPOs address DEI in their performance measurement, accountability, and transparency. Through a scoping review methodology, the chapter identifies existing literature that examines how DEI influences nonprofit governance, leadership, and organizational strategies. Key questions addressed include the prevalence of academic research on DEI reporting in NPOs and the main thematic aspects and keywords related to this area. The findings reveal a growing interest in DEI reporting, especially after 2019, with a focus on governance, such as board diversity and CEO characteristics, accountability mechanisms, and impact evaluation. The chapter also highlights the significance of DEI for NPOs in terms of improving organizational outcomes, enhancing stakeholder trust, and increasing funder appeal. The review emphasizes the need for further empirical studies and suggests future research directions, including case studies and content analyses of nonprofit reports, to better understand DEI integration and its challenges in nonprofit reporting frameworks.

Over the past 50 years, international organizations, regulations, and civil society have acknowledged the inclusive workplace climate (IWC) for people with disability (PwD) as a social dimension of CSR practices. In Italy, these CSR scopes have been reinforced by the evolution of the disability management legislation, which is more binding for public organizations, due to the connection with the public value of their actions. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of cultural and personnel controls on the IWC for PwD, as perceived by non-managerial public employees. A survey was conducted among subordinate employees of a sample of Italian municipalities. A regression model was used to test the research design. The findings revealed that non-managerial employees’ experience of cultural and personnel controls positively affects their perceptions of IWC for PwD through organizational identification. The results contribute to the research on management control integrations with the micro-foundations of public employees’ social responsibility and to the emerging studies on CSR drivers in public organizations. Public management and policymakers should value informal controls to strengthen inter-functional integrations with the human resource management area and promote a substantial workplace inclusion of PwD.

The biological functions of the scaffold protein Ran Binding Protein 9 (RanBP9) remain elusive in macrophages or any other cell type where this protein is expressed together with its CTLH (C-terminal to LisH) complex partners. We have engineered a new mouse model, named RanBP9-TurnX, where RanBP9 fused to three copies of the HA tag (RanBP9-3xHA) can be turned into RanBP9-V5 tagged upon Cre-mediated recombination. We created this model to enable stringent biochemical studies at cell type specific level throughout the entire organism. Here, we have used this tool crossed with LysM-Cre transgenic mice to identify RanBP9 interactions in lung macrophages. We show that RanBP9-V5 and RanBP9-3xHA can be both co-immunoprecipitated with the known members of the CTLH complex from the same whole lung lysates. However, more than ninety percent of the proteins pulled down by RanBP9-V5 differ from those pulled-down by RanBP9-HA. The lung RanBP9-V5 associated proteome includes previously unknown interactions with macrophage-specific proteins as well as with players of the innate immune response, DNA damage response, metabolism, and mitochondrial function. This work provides the first lung specific RanBP9-associated interactome in physiological conditions and reveals that RanBP9 and the CTLH complex could be key regulators of macrophage bioenergetics and immune functions.

Introduction Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in patients with poorly controlled epilepsy. To date, a higher risk of developing SUDEP is mainly identified by clinical factors, among which generalized tonic–clonic seizures and their frequency stand out as part of the highly debated SUDEP‐7 Scoring. This review investigates the role of neuroimaging‐based approaches as a tool to help predict SUDEP. Methods We carried out a systematic search of the literature to identify multimodal neuroimaging modifications (i.e., MRI, fMRI, PET, and SPECT) in patients with epilepsy who died from SUDEP. The following databases were used: PubMed and Google Scholar. The review was registered on the PROSPERO platform (Registration code: CRD42024558765). Results Fifteen articles were selected, investigating 104 SUDEP cases compared with 792 non‐SUDEP epileptic patients and 280 healthy controls (HC) (overall mean age 33.9 ± 1.6). Results suggest that SUDEP and non‐SUDEP cases and HC differ anatomically and functionally. In the SUDEP population, MRI data indicate relevant volume differences in the gray matter of the hippocampus and cerebellar cortices. In addition, functional imaging reveals discrepancies in network modulation within the brainstem and its relationship with several cortical structures. Although less consistent, PET and SPECT scan data point toward alterations in metabolism and perfusion in the frontal and brainstem areas. Conclusion The reviewed data support correlations between the occurrence of SUDEP and neuroimaging multimodal alterations that could be relevant in death prediction.

Background The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of olfactory stimuli from breast and formula milk on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) cerebral and splanchnic patterns in late preterm infants. Methods We conducted a multicenter prospective observational pretest-test study in 30 late preterm infants subjected to olfactory stimuli from breast and formula milk. Regional oxygenation status, tissue function in cerebral and splanchnic districts, and cerebral-splanchnic hemodynamic redistribution were recorded at four pre-determined time-points: before sniffing (30 min), during sniffing (30 s), short-term (30 min), and long-term after olfactory stimuli (180 min). Results After olfactory stimuli from breast and formula milk we found: (i) a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in cerebral oxygenation and cerebral-splanchnic hemodynamic redistribution after breast milk stimulus, (ii) a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in splanchnic oxygenation and splanchnic-cerebral hemodynamic redistribution after formula milk stimulus. Conclusions The present results show early changes in NIRS patterns in cerebral and splanchnic districts after breast and formula milk stimuli. Data opens the way to further studies using NIRS as a reliable tool for central nervous system and splanchnic development and response after olfactory stimuli.

Background Tooth extraction often leads to remodeling and shrinkage of the alveolar crest, particularly on the buccal side. This study aimed to assess the impact of grafting procedures on augmenting a thin buccal alveolar bone following tooth extraction and immediate implant placement. Methods The third mandibular premolar was bilaterally extracted in dogs, and implants were immediately placed into the distal sockets. At the test sites, the buccal bone wall was augmented with a xenograft, while both test and control sites were covered with a collagen membrane. After three months, biopsies were collected for histological analysis. Results Marginal bone loss averaged 3.0 ± 1.3 mm at control sites and 1.9 ± 0.8 mm at test sites (p = 0.084). At the test site, new bone formation extended from the buccal bone surface through the graft material, incorporating the granules and occasionally reaching the outermost areas, especially in the coronal regions. However, most of the outer regions of the biomaterial lacked newly formed bone. Conclusion The study indicates that neither the use of a xenograft covered by a collagen membrane nor the application of a collagen membrane alone effectively preserved the buccal bone wall after tooth extraction and immediate implant placement.

Background LGALS3BP, also referred as Gal-3BP, Mac2-BP, or 90 K, is a heavily glycosylated, secreted protein prominently localized at the surface of cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). Its levels are significantly elevated in various types of cancer, including neuroblastoma, and are generally associated with advanced disease and tumor progression. Our previous research has shown that LGALS3BP is an effective target for ravtansine (DM4)-based Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) therapy in multiple preclinical models. Methods We assessed total and extracellular vesicles (EVs)-associated LGALS3BP through ELISA assay in serum of a pseudometastatic neuroblastoma model to evaluate the correlation of LGALS3BP levels with tumor dissemination. We employed a syngeneic neuroblastoma mouse model using murine neuroblastoma NXS2 cells overexpressing human LGALS3BP in order to evaluate immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by anti-LGALS3BP ADC therapy and investigated the nature of the tumor immune infiltrate by cytofluorimetry. Furthermore, we designed a six-arm in vivo experiment to evaluate the efficacy of ADC in combination with an immune check-point inhibitor (ICI) anti-PD-1. Finally, a rechallenge assay was conducted on cured mice to assess the presence of immunological memory. Results Here, we report that circulating and EVs-associated LGALS3BP levels significantly correlate with neuroblastoma progression and dissemination. Moreover, we show that in the syngeneic NXS2 neuroblastoma model, DM4 treatment induces cell surface expression of ICD markers calreticulin, HSP70, and HSP90, and an increased PD-L1 expression in vitro, followed by enhanced tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in vivo. Notably, the combination therapy of anti-LGALS3BP-targeting ADC with anti-PD-1 results in a higher inhibition of tumor growth and prolonged survival compared with either agent given alone. Rechallenge assay reveals that mice previously treated and cured with the ADC retain immune memory, suggesting the therapy’s ability to induce a durable and protective antitumor immune response. Conclusions Our findings establish that circulating LGALS3BP is a potential biomarker for liquid biopsy and uncover this protein as a suitable target for therapeutic strategies combining 1959-sss/DM4 ADC with an anti-PD-1 ICI for the treatment of LGALS3BP expressing neuroblastoma.

Marinesco–Sjögren syndrome (MSS) is a neuromuscular disease which presents with ataxia, muscle weakness and cataracts. This syndrome is typically caused by mutations in SIL1 gene, an ER co-chaperone that disrupts protein folding. Although it is known that accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER profoundly affect reduction–oxidation (redox) homeostasis and energy production, the possible role of these processes in MSS was not investigated to date. In patient-derived fibroblasts, both maximal mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial ATP production rates were diminished, while the glycolytic fraction remained unaffected. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were increased, while glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were decreased. Oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA was comparable or even lower to that observed in control cells. Similar alterations were observed in the muscle tissue of the woozy mouse model of MSS. In conclusion, we identified a mitochondrial energy deficit and an adaptive cellular mechanism that effectively manage oxidative stress in Sil1-deficient cells.