University of Salento

Shareable abstractThe organisation and implementation of long-term home noninvasive ventilation treatment for COPD patients across Europe is complex and heterogeneous. Further research and experience sharing is required to optimise and align the patient pathway.https://bit.ly/3M3r566

Accurate age estimation is crucial in forensic contexts, yet current methods have limitations. This study evaluates whether integrating clavicle length with medial clavicular epiphysis (MCE) ossification improves age estimation on conventional chest radiographs. A retrospective analysis was performed on 743 chest radiographs from Italian individuals aged 10-30 years. MCE ossification was staged according to Schmeling's classification, and clavicle length was measured. Three multivariable linear regression models were developed, and post-hoc subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate age-dependent performance. Results showed that while clavicle length correlated significantly with age in the overall sample (p < 0.001), its predictive value was limited to early adolescence (10-15 years) and became non-significant in the critical forensic window of 16-20 years (p = 0.342). Nevertheless, the combined regression model (MCE stage + clavicle length + sex) achieved the best overall performance (R2 = 0.685, RMSE = 3.20 years, MAE = 2.51 years; AUC = 0.94, OA = 87.2%). In classifying individuals around the 18-year threshold, this model significantly outperformed traditional binary cut-offs and single-variable models (p < 0.001). While the "Stage 4" rule yielded high specificity (98.1%) but low sensitivity (62.5%), the combined regression model achieved a sensitivity of 91.4% with acceptable specificity (80.1%). These findings suggest that transitioning from rigid cut-offs to statistical modeling provides a more balanced risk assessment, reducing false negatives, although the specific added value of clavicle length diminishes after the pubertal growth spurt.

The tumour microenvironment of glioblastoma (GBM) as defined by mechanical heterogeneity, hypoxia, and hyaluronic acid (HA)-rich extracellular matrix (ECM), is a highly dynamic milieu which influences tumour progression and therapeutic resistance. Yet, how these cues converge to regulate mechanosensitive pathways in 3D remains poorly understood. Here, we engineered agar-based porous hydrogels functionalized with HA to independently tune stiffness and ECM composition, creating biomimetic 3D niches for GBM cells. The presence of HA coating showed to increase hydrogel stiffness, promote YAP/TAZ nuclear localisation, and elevate total LATS1/2 expression, consistent with Hippo pathway feedback regulation. Over time, however, hypoxic niches emerged that destabilised this feedback, enabling sustained YAP nuclear activity. HA also modulated OCT4 and Sox2 localisation and attenuated HIF-1α nuclear accumulation, indicating that HA also modulates the spatial distribution and nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α. Also, a cooperative regulation through the HA-CD44-CXCR4 axis, showed integrated biochemical and mechanical signals to reinforce YAP/HIF crosstalk. Together, these results reveal a dynamic interplay between ECM stiffness, HA signalling, and hypoxia in shaping YAP/HIF crosstalk and stem-like phenotypes in GBM and establish our hydrogel platform as a powerful tool to dissect and therapeutically exploit these interactions.

In recent years, implantable optoelectrical devices have emerged as an effective resource for modulating and monitoring neural activity with high spatiotemporal resolution. By integrating optical stimulation, electrophysiological recording, and neurochemical sensing, these multifunctional interfaces offer novel ways to interrogate brain circuits in vivo. However, the greater the integration, the more sophisticated and consequently challenging the front-end of the implantable system becomes. The challenge revolves around three bottlenecks: (i) complexity of high-density optoelectrical integration, (ii) adverse long-term foreign body response (FBR), and (iii) limited incorporation of sensors for both cellular and biomolecular activity, including neurotransmitter activity and dynamics. Here we focus on the strategies to address these challenges in the context of device engineering at its interface with tissue. First, we present platforms developed by the scientific community for interacting with neural cells via electrical and optical means to achieve high resolution. Then we discuss soft, biocompatible materials and thermally-drawn polymer fibers to minimize mechanical mismatch and implementation of electrochemical, optical, and organic transistor-based sensors for multimodal neurochemical detection. Finally, we outline future perspectives for the development of next-generation neural interfaces capable of chronic, multisite, and multimodal interrogation of neural dynamics, with potential applications in both basic neuroscience and translational neurotechnologies.

(1) Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a major public health issue, with survival largely determined by the initial rhythm and timeliness of resuscitation. Comprehensive population-based data are essential for guiding prevention, emergency medical services (EMS) planning, and improving outcomes. (2) Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of all adult OHCA cases managed by EMS in Lecce (Italy) between January 2013 and March 2025. Demographics, arrest circumstances, initial rhythm, time intervals, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were analyzed across age, sex, temporal, and pandemic-related strata. Rhythm classification followed European Resuscitation Council guidelines. (3) Results: A total of 11,653 cases were analyzed (mean age 76.8 ± 15.5 years, 56.6% male). Asystole (AS) was the predominant rhythm (88.7%), followed by ventricular fibrillation (VF, 7.6%), pulseless electrical activity (PEA, 1.3%), and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT, 0.08%). VF was more common in younger and male patients, while AS increased with age. Hour-level analysis revealed circadian peaks: VF in late afternoon and AS in early morning. Pandemic analysis showed reduced VF and increased AS during COVID-19, with partial recovery post-pandemic. ROSC occurred in 3.47% overall, strongly associated with shockable rhythms. EMS response times were stable across day-night and pandemic phases. (4) Conclusions: AS dominates OHCA presentations, especially among the elderly, whereas VF remains the strongest predictor of ROSC. Circadian variation at the hourly level suggests potential for EMS optimization. Pandemic-related shifts in rhythm highlight the vulnerability of the chain of survival to societal disruptions. Strengthening bystander CPR, expanding AED availability, and tailoring EMS strategies remain key priorities for improving OHCA outcomes.

The northeastern Atlantic species of the gastropod genus Jujubinus Monterosato, 1884 (Trochidae, Cantharidinae) are reviewed based on an integrative taxonomic approach. Based on a comprehensive phylogenetic framework of cantharidine genera, it is suggested that the scope of the genus Jujubinus should be restricted to a radiation in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, not including the tropical Indo-West Pacific species frequently ascribed to it. For Trochus montagui Wood, 1828, traditionally ascribed to Jujubinus, we did not find unequivocal evidence of it belonging in this clade, but rather we found some indication of a closer relationship with Clelandella miliaris (Brocchi, 1814) than with the Jujubinus clade. Thirteen morphospecies were checked against a DNA-barcoding dataset (cox1) and a molecular phylogenetic framework (cox1, 16S, single genes and combined datasets, analysed by Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses). Twenty-two secondary species hypotheses were eventually retained. For fifteen of them an available name has been found; seven are herein described as new.

Since 1988, the Hierapolis-Pamukkale site has been included in the UNESCO list for the uniqueness of its archaeological ruins and thermal installations within an extraordinary natural setting. The site is located in the active seismic area of the Denizli basin, which has been affected over the centuries by recurrent strong earthquakes that destroyed numerous ancient cities, some of which were later abandoned due to heavy damage. Hierapolis to this day exhibits faulted architectural relics distributed throughout the site, crossed by natural petrified water channels, and generally related to the largely exposed main faults visible in the SSE-NNW direction. The Basilica Bath is a partially collapsed monumental building located outside the northern part of the Hierapolis walls, where the primary faults are supposed to run, but have not been clearly identified. In this paper, we present the results of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) carried out to detect archaeological features and, in a selected line, coupled with seismic refraction tomography (SRT) to identify possible fault directions related to the partial collapse of the Basilica Bath. Geophysical measurements provide new data on supposed buried remains, and a likely fault configuration that may have caused the partial collapse of the building, supporting further studies on its reconstruction and reuse in ancient times.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are hazardous air pollutants with high toxicity and a strong potential for secondary pollutant formation. However, their occurrence and behavior in the Arctic remain poorly understood. During the Alaskan Layered Pollution and Chemical Analysis (ALPACA) field campaign in Fairbanks, Alaska in January-February 2022. Surface observations in downtown Fairbanks revealed two major pollution periods, with extremely cold (down to -35°C) and warmer temperatures (around 0°C), respectively. BTEX concentrations reached 4–12 times higher than those reported in the US and European countries under dark, cold Arctic winter conditions at breathing level, posing a significant health risk. We simulated BTEX atmospheric distributions in the Fairbanks region using the FLEXible PARTicle-Weather Research and Forecasting (FLEXPART-WRF) Lagrangian particle dispersion model and anthropogenic emissions at the surface and aloft. Due to limited photochemical loss in to the dark polar winter conditions, we treat BTEX as an unreactive tracer in the model. The control run with the emission inventory developed by Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) substantially underestimates BTEX concentrations compared to observations during both polluted periods, indicating deficiencies in winter emissions and near-surface mixing. Enhancing cold-start gasoline vehicle emissions by a factor of 2 during very low-temperatures substantially improved model results during the cold polluted period, while introducing a relative humidity dependence for mobile emissions improved simulated BTEX during the warm, humid pollution period. Addition of emissions of residential heating oil aromatics, not taken into account in the ADEC inventory, also reduced normalized mean biases by 5-10%.The improved model simulation was used to investigate contributing source sectors. While mobile traffic emissions were identified as the dominant source of BTEX across the Fairbanks North Star Borough, residential heating and non-point sources contributed substantially in downtown Fairbanks. Replacing residential wood burning in the inventory with oil heating during severe pollution periods, in line with air quality control guidelines, was found to effectively reduce BTEX concentrations, particularly benzene by up to 30%. While persistent surface-based temperature inversions largely confined BTEX below ~20 m, upward transport, induced by wind shear, during severe episodes, sometimes lofted near-surface pollutants to higher altitudes, potentially contributing to regional pollution and background Arctic haze.The findings of this study emphasise the need to accurately account for temperature and humidity dependent vehicle emissions, residential oil heating emissions, and winter boundary-layer dynamics for improved simulations of air quality in cold wintertime environments, not only in the Arctic but also in mid-latitudes.

Hellenistic Mouldmade Ware originated in Athens in the last quarter of the 3rd century BCE, drawing inspiration primarily from metal prototypes. The production quickly spread, with new workshops emerging in Asia Minor and throughout the eastern Aegean region before establishing a presence in the central Mediterranean. The Ionian-Adriatic basin became one of the most significant areas involved in the production of this ceramic class. Among the recognized production districts, the southern Illyrian district stands out, with Durrës as its main centre. Several other sites likely functioned as satellite workshops of Dyrrhachium, as evidenced by the strong similarities in the morphological and decorative repertoire of the pottery produced.

Viroids are a serious threat to plant health due to their broad host range, high infectivity, and latent infections. Europe's heterogeneous climate, ecology, and agriculture make it a key setting for viroid research. Despite numerous country- and host-specific reports, a continental synthesis has been lacking. In this study, we systematically collected all available official records of plant viroids in Europe from 1972 to 2025. A total of 255 documents were analyzed, encompassing 35 countries of the European continent and 118 host plant species, classified by host use (cultivated, ornamental, wild) and growth habit. Nucleotide sequences of the most common European viroids were retrieved from the NCBI database to assess genetic diversity and recombination. Europe hosts 32 of the 45 recognized viroid species worldwide (~71%), representing all eight genera. Southern Europe emerged as the main hotspot (~70% of reports), largely associated with Mediterranean climates and intensive cultivation of woody crops. Cultivated plants were the dominant hosts across all regions, while ornamentals were particularly important in Northern and Western Europe. Population genetic analyses revealed heterogeneous patterns, quasispecies dynamics, and recombination, shaped by host and geography. This is the first integrated overview of viroids across Europe, highlighting the importance of surveillance, sequencing, and genomic research.