Journals
2026 EN
Doni Lucia · Briozzo Ian · Cerabolini Bruno E. L.
+5 more
ABSTRACT Grazing and land abandonment trigger ecological succession and can affect plant communities by determining the relative importance of ecological assembly rules. A thorough understanding of these processes requires the implementation of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, along with knowledge of how they relate to each other in response to disturbance. We carried out survey on 120 plots and calculated taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity, the diversity's dimensionality, as well as the community weighted means to detect species functional response to changes in land‐use. Extensive grazing supported highest taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. Whereas intense grazing had lowest diversity values. Abandoned grasslands resulted in differences between time periods, with past abandonment decreasing in diversity as succession advances. Functional diversity weakly varied among land‐use categories, yet the CWM analysis highlighted an increase in conservative resource‐use strategies through succession, and avoidance mechanisms with an increase in acquisitive traits in grazed communities. The importance of metrics in explaining the variation of the biodiversity space varied according to land‐use categories, where to the diversity of intensive grazing and past abandonment contributed most phylogenetic diversity, for intermediate grazing and recent abandonment the variation was explained mostly by functional diversity, and we found equal contribution between phylogenetic and functional diversity in extensive grazing. Our study suggests that reality is more complex than the simple paradigm that mechanisms of habitat filtering and limiting similarity lead to less and more diverse communities, highlighting the importance to treat the three diversity components as complementary. This knowledge supports management practices in grasslands experiencing grazing intensification or abandonment, especially in protected areas where legislation imposes responsibility for conservation action.
Journals
2026 EN
Santi Francesco · Schrader Julian · Testolin Riccardo
+28 more
Large‐scale biodiversity databases encompass three main types of data for plants, namely single species point occurrences, co‐occurrences in vegetation plots, and checklists for specific areas. Evidence shows that such data types exhibit specific biases, reporting different species assemblages at local scales. We used the Mediterranean Basin, a global biodiversity hotspot with more than 2200 islands larger than 0.01 km 2 , to compare island vascular plant diversity patterns emerging from occurrence data (Global Biodiversity Information Facility; GBIF), vegetation plots (European Vegetation Archive; EVA), and species checklists (Global Inventory of Flora and Traits; GIFT). We aggregated plant data at the island level and compared geographic coverage, inventory completeness, and taxonomic coverage among these data sources. The combined databases accounted for 8702 species distributed on 790 islands (35.6% of the target islands). Data availability increased from small (26.8%) over medium (75.7%) to large islands (100.0%). Spatial coverage of databases on a 30 × 30 km grid was high for GBIF (52.8%) and EVA (45.4%), and low for GIFT (21.7%). GIFT provided higher native and alien species richness values for most of the islands, whereas GBIF and EVA consistently missed a considerable fraction of the expected species richness. Taking GIFT as reference, GBIF, and to a lesser extent EVA, showed a positive bias towards perennial species and an underrepresentation of annuals. Despite their lower taxonomic coverage, GBIF and EVA data can complement our knowledge on Mediterranean islands' plant diversity, providing data for islands lacking plant inventories. Moreover, GBIF and EVA's large datasets can be used for investigating other levels of ecological organisation and modelling single species (GBIF) or population (EVA) trends over space and time. Finally, our results advocate for a coordinated effort to fill the knowledge gaps through data collection and digitisation, possibly integrating data collected by experts by means of citizen science initiatives.
Journals
2026 EN
Laliberte Michele M. · Gobin Keisha C. · Potechin Madelaine B.
+3 more
ABSTRACT Aim Emerging adults (EAs), aged 18–25, may have distinct characteristics and, therefore, treatment needs compared to adults over 25 (adults > 25) that are poorly understood. Objective This study compares EAs to adults > 25 entering eating disorder (ED) treatment to better characterise their differences. Method Participants were 623 individuals (332 EAs; 291 adults > 25) with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or related OSFED, referred to outpatient ED treatment from 2004–2020. Using retrospective demographic data, assessment information, and treatment attendance, EAs were compared to adults > 25 on: demographic characteristics, high‐risk behaviours, diagnostic profiles, substance use, and treatment engagement. EAs with and without prior ED treatment were compared. Results Over half (55%) of EAs report living with family versus 14% of adults > 25. EAs reported more self‐harm, ED‐related theft, and greater cannabis use than adults > 25. While there were no differences in rates of comorbidity, EAs were less likely to have received treatment for comorbid illnesses. EAs without previous ED treatment were also more likely to disengage from treatment than those with prior treatment. Conclusions EAs and adults > 25 demonstrate similar diagnostic profiles and rates of treatment drop‐out. However, EAs may need individualised treatment planning for high‐risk behaviours and comorbid illnesses. Recommendations for the care of EAs in adult programs are made.
Journals
2026 EN
Forti Luca · Pelfini Manuela · Masseroli Anna
+6 more
Abstract This paper investigates human‐induced geomorphological transformation along the Fraele Valley (Central Alps, Northern Italy) following the construction and operation of the Cancano I, San Giacomo di Fraele and Cancano II hydroelectric dams. By integrating historical maps (1866–1931), aerial imagery (1945–1954), declassified satellite data, recent remote sensing products and field geomorphological mapping, we reconstruct the evolution of the Adda River corridor from a natural braided river system to a regulated and largely submerged hydrographic network. The results show that the original fluvial landforms, characterized by debris‐flow fans, gravel bars and dynamic channels, were progressively submerged and reworked by reservoir development and seasonal water‐level fluctuations, promoting the formation of fan deltas, shoreline gullies and subaqueous landforms and redirecting sediment fluxes into the artificial basins. Field surveys during an exceptional low‐lake level in 2023 improved remote‐sensing interpretations, revealing submerged landforms, reactivated drainage pathways and localized shoreline erosion. These multiscale observations highlight how repeated water‐level oscillations act as a key morphodynamic driver, enhancing sediment reworking and slope–reservoir nexus. This work contributes to the understanding of anthropogenic geomorphology in high‐mountain regions, underscoring the value of combining remote sensing data, historical cartography and field evidence to assess large‐scale and subtle diachronic transformations of the Alpine catchment. The study highlights the need for integrated approaches to evaluate long‐term landscape change and geomorphic feedbacks in regulated mountain catchments.
Journals
2026 EN
Zuliani Giovanni · Boscolo Bragadin Francesca · Romagnoli Tommaso
+5 more
ABSTRACT Objective Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are critical aspects of the clinical presentation of dementia. There is no universally accepted approach for the managment of BPSD, currently based first on a non‐pharmacological and subsequently on a pharmacological approach. We explored the potential effect of long‐term treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) on BPSD severity over time. Methods The initial sample included 4032 older patients with mild‐moderate dementia (Alzhemier's disease ‐ AD, Lewy body dementia ‐ LBD, or vascular dementias ‐ VaD) from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (NACC UDS). After propensity score matching, a cohort of 1408 patients (704 treated with AChEI = AChEI+ and 704 not treated = AChEI−) was generated. The mean age was 73.2 years (females: 50.4%). The mean follow‐up duration was 4.3 ± 1.6 years (range: 2.2–8.3 years). Patients were evaluated at baseline, T1 (2 years), T2 (4 years), T3 (6.2 years), and T4 (8.1 years). BPSD severity was assessed by Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI‐Q). Results The baseline mean NPI‐Q severity score was 1.33. At T4, the score increased to 1.41 in AChEI− patients (+6% from baseline), while it decreased to 1.26 in AChEI+ (−6%) (all p < 0.01 from T1 to T4). As regards the NPI‐Q sub‐items, six of them (hallucinations, agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, anxiety, disinhibition and irritability/lability) exhibited significant differences over time (all p < 0.01) in favor of the AChEI + group (stabilization or improvement). Similar trends were observed when LOAD, LBD and VaD were considered separately. In contrast, for five domains (delusions, elation/euphoria, motor disturbances, night‐time behaviors, and appetite/eating changes) no differences were observed. Conclusions Our study supports the potential role for AChEI in BPSD management, demonstrating a trend toward symptoms stabilization or improvement in patients with mild‐moderate dementia. Although the effects were not uniform across all NPI‐Q domains, and the limitations of the study, our results reinforces the relevance of AChEI in the comprehensive treatment of dementia.
Journals
2026 EN
Dalby C. · Dibble Austin · Carvalheiro J.
+5 more
ABSTRACT The integral role of the insula cortex in sensory and cognitive function has been well documented in humans, and fine anatomical details characterizing the insula have been extensively investigated ex vivo in both human and non‐human primates. However, in vivo studies of insula anatomy in humans (in general) and within‐insula parcellation (in particular) have been limited. The current study leverages 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging to delineate cortical depth intensity profiles within the human cortex. Our analysis revealed two separate clusters of relatively high and low signal intensity across the insula cortex located in three distinct compartments within the posterior, anterior‐inferior, and middle insula. The posterior and anterior‐inferior compartments are characterized by elevated T1‐weighted signal intensities, contrasting with lower intensity observed in the middle insular compartment, compatible with ex vivo studies. Importantly, the detection of the high T1‐weighted anterior cluster is determined by the choice of brain atlas employed to define the insular region of interest. We obtain reliable in vivo within‐insula parcellation at the individual and group levels, across two separate cohorts acquired in two separate sites ( n 1 = 21, Glasgow, UK; n 2 = 101, Amsterdam, NL). Results are further confirmed by deriving cortical depth dependent profiles from T1Map and R1Map images. These results reflect new insights into the insula anatomical structure, in vivo, while highlighting the use of 7 Tesla in neuroimaging with potential implications for individualized medicine approaches.
Journals
2026 EN
Francesca Zantomio · Michele Belloni · Vincenzo Carrieri
+2 more
ABSTRACT We investigate how disability insurance (DI) generosity affects DI take‐up and labor market participation in a setting where benefits can be cumulated with substantial labor earnings. Using rich administrative data on Italian private‐sector workers and a Regression Discontinuity in Time design, we find a large behavioral response to DI generosity, with an elasticity of 1.26 in DI take‐up, while employment effects are minor and concentrated among immigrants. Our identification strategy exploits a major social security reform that reduced the expected DI replacement rate and generated a clear income effect. To address unobserved heterogeneity and the unobservability of underlying disability, we focus on individuals affected by acute cardiovascular shocks whose DI eligibility is plausibly exogenous. Overall, our results suggest that when earnings cumulability is extensive, DI is widely perceived as a complement to labor income. This has important implications for the design of labor‐inclusive DI schemes.
Journals
2026 EN
Calabrese Luca · Abousiam Monir · Tagliabue Marta
+95 more
ABSTRACT Background Nodal metastases significantly affect prognosis in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). In early‐stage OCSCC (cT1–T2 cN0), management of the clinically negative neck (cN0) remains controversial. Depth of invasion (DOI) is a key determinant for END, but other histopathological parameters, such as grading, perineural invasion (PNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and worst pattern of invasion (WPOI), are emerging prognostic factors. Methods This multicenter retrospective study analyzed 1109 patients with cT1‐T2 cN0 OCSCC treated at 30 Italian hospitals since 2017. Data on histopathological parameters, tumor characteristics, and patient outcomes were collected via the REDCap platform. Simple and multivariable logistic regression models were developed to assess predictors of occult nodal metastases. Results A total of 585 patients were clinically classified as cT1 tumors (53%), 503 as cT2 (45%), and cTis (1.9%). Of the 1109 patients, 193 (28%) had occult nodal metastases, with DOI, LVI, PNI, WPOI, and grading emerging as significant predictors. A predictive model integrating these variables demonstrated superior accuracy compared to a DOI‐only model (AUROC comparison, p < 0.01). Conclusion This study highlights the importance of incorporating multiple histopathological parameters into risk models for occult nodal metastases, overcoming the fixed DOI as a cutoff. The proposed predictive model offers a more precise method for guiding END in early‐stage OCSCC, allowing individualized risk estimation.
Journals
2026 EN
Vigna Ernesto · Martino Enrica Antonia · Pitino Annalisa
+82 more
ABSTRACT The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in older patients requires careful balancing of therapeutic efficacy with the risks of treatment intolerance. Frailty assessment is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of clinical outcomes, but its specific role in guiding therapy with second‐generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors remains poorly defined. We conducted a prospective, multicenter investigation of 326 consecutive CLL patients aged 65 years or older who received zanubrutinib across 52 Italian centers, aiming to evaluate whether the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) could predict treatment discontinuation in real‐world practice. The cohort was characterized by advanced age (median 78.1 years, range 65.1–94.5), with over half of the patients presenting with Binet stage C disease. Two‐thirds were treated in the frontline setting, while the remainder received zanubrutinib as salvage therapy. After a median follow‐up of 8 months, 48 patients (14.7%) discontinued treatment, most commonly due to toxicity or disease progression. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a CFS of 3 as the optimal threshold for predicting discontinuation, with an area under the curve of 0.65 (95% CI 0.56–0.73, p < 0.001). At 12 months, the discontinuation rate was significantly higher among patients with a CFS > 3 (29.2%) compared with those with a CFS ≤ 3 (8.8%) ( p < 0.001); among conventional prognostic variables, only relapsed/refractory disease demonstrated an independent association with TTD. These findings highlight the CFS as a simple yet powerful clinical tool that provides incremental prognostic information beyond standard disease‐related factors. Incorporating frailty assessment into treatment planning may enhance patient selection and optimize therapeutic strategies for elderly CLL patients in daily practice.
Journals
2026 EN
Gramegna Doriana · Mondelli Paolo · Pappagallo Susanna Anita
+10 more
ABSTRACT Multiple myeloma (MM) is recognized as a malignancy shaped by its complex tumor microenvironment (TME), which fuels disease progression and therapeutic resistance. Recent advances in single‐cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, mass cytometry, and advanced imaging have enabled high‐resolution mapping of tumor and immune cell interactions within their native context, also revealing spatial heterogeneity that influences clinical outcomes. These tools, complemented by scalable computational frameworks and artificial intelligence, provide cost‐effective alternatives to dissect immune landscapes and derive prognostic biomarkers from both bulk and single‐cell data. However, technical complexity, resource demands, and the need for robust standardization limit their immediate clinical application. On the other hand, machine learning techniques enhance integration and predictive power of existing datasets, supporting the development of personalized, immune‐informed therapeutic strategies. This review highlights recent advances, discusses the strengths and limitations of emerging technologies with a particular focus on their integration to decipher TME biology and pave the way toward precision medicine in MM.