Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is a critical marker of mitochondrial health and plays a key role in cellular bioenergetics. Alterations in mtDNA-CN have been associated with aging, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have revealed that various plant-derived extracts, as well as the secondary metabolites they produce, known as phytochemicals, can modulate mtDNA-CN through mechanisms including the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, and mtDNA repair. This review examines plant-derived extracts and phytochemical compounds from a wide range of plant species- including Ginkgo biloba, Crocus sativus, Curcumin and many others- able to modulate mtDNA dynamics, scavenging oxygen free radicals and improving antioxidant defense systems.
Considering the increasing Italian school drop-out rates, this study aims to analyze the phenomenon of school refusal, focusing on the main individual factors that characterize it. School refusal is a multifactorial issue involving emotional, affective and social difficulties. Given these considerations, the research is divided into two consecutive studies. Study 1 examines the factor structure of the SCREEN (Gall & eacute;-Tessonneau and Gana 2019) by comparing the original version, the 18-item three-factor version, and 12-item short form four-factor version, in order to identify the best-fitting structure for Italian adolescent students (N = 351; Mage = 15.8; SD = 0.99). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggests that the short four-factor version is the best fitting model for the Italian context. Study 2 investigated the mediating role of positive and negative affect in the relationship between resilient coping and the four dimensions of school refusal (N = 581; Mage = 16.1; SD = 1.00). A Structural Equation Model (SEM) with latent variables was used to evaluate the associations between variables. Results suggest that resilient coping is associated with positive and negative affect, which are in turn differentially associated with dimensions of school refusal. Study highlights the importance of early identification and intervention, suggesting that fostering resilient coping strategies and positive affect at school may be associated with lower risk of avoidance and better school well-being.
Oxidative stress (OS) and endothelial dysfunction are major drivers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in peritoneal dialysis (PD). MOTS-c, a mitochondria-derived peptide, is emerging as a key regulator of skeletal muscle health, metabolic homeostasis, and vascular function, yet its role in the uremic environment remains unexplored. We investigated the relationship between MOTS-c levels, OS markers, and vascular stiffness in PD patients. This pilot, clinical study included 32 stable PD patients (mean age 60.7 ± 1.2 years, 62.5
Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) represents a promising and non-invasive technique for the characterisation of biological tissues, but its diagnostic performance strongly depends on the electrode configuration, system geometry, and electronic acquisition strategies. In this work, a three-dimensional model based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) is developed to investigate the detectability of epithelial neoplasms through optimised electrode excitation schemes. The adjacent and opposite configurations are systematically compared in terms of impedance contrast, spatial sensitivity, and neoplastic inclusion localisation capability. The simulations were implemented using an open-source finite element solver with heterogeneous multilayer tissue models. The results show that the configuration with opposite electrodes significantly improves impedance contrast and sensitivity in three-dimensional models, allowing for better detection of localised conductivity anomalies. The proposed approach contributes to the design of optimised EIT electronic systems for early and non-invasive screening applications of epithelial cancer.
Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disorder where biochemical remission often fails to ensure psychological recovery. Drawing on cross‑sectional, longitudinal and registry evidence, this paper proposes a longitudinal clinical phenotype to reconcile divergence between hormonal control and patient‑reported outcomes. Psychological burden unfolds along a temporal gradient, where HR‑QoL captures persistent functional and somatic sequelae, emotional distress reflects adaptive strain during disease transitions, and psychiatric morbidity emerges from cumulative dysfunction. Treatment burden, chronic pain/arthropathy and subtle cognitive deficits are highlighted as mediators that sustain or worsen psychological outcomes. This framework supports routine longitudinal psychological assessment and integrated management of residual structural burden and psychosocial adaptation to improve lived recovery.
