Maria Cristina

Macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) plays a crucial role in the proliferation and differentiation of the monocyte-macrophage lineage across vertebrates. In this study, we identified and characterized two CSF1 paralogues and their corresponding receptor genes in the intestine of the goldfish (Carassius auratus), showing sequence homology with known teleost species. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of CSF, its receptor CSF-R1, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in intestinal macrophages. These macrophages were localized within mucosal, submucosal, and muscularis layers, suggesting distinct functional subtypes. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed differential gene expression patterns, with csf1a, csf1b, and csf1ra highly expressed in the brain, while csf1rb transcripts were predominant in the intestine. Immunophenotypic characterization using CD14 and CD86 markers further demonstrated macrophage heterogeneity. Additionally, BMP2-expressing macrophages were observed in the muscularis externa, implying a potential role in neuromuscular regulation. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular and immunohistochemical profiles of goldfish intestinal macrophages, highlighting their potential role in immune responses and gut homeostasis.

by Ștefania Alice Petrache Andreea Gabriela Nicola Maria Cristina Beznă and

by and Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 28, 90123 Palermo, Italy

by and Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy

This study investigates the effect of tomato and grape pomace powders on the structural and rheological properties of carrot-based mousses, with complementary physicochemical and compositional analyses. The incorporation of tomato pomace (TEP) resulted in increased viscosity, adhesiveness, and cohesiveness, accompanied by a brighter and more color-stable appearance. In contrast, grape pomace (GPP) enhanced hardness and contributed to a more compact internal structure, while producing darker and less saturated color tones. Both pomace powders significantly affected the microstructure and elemental composition of the mousses. The tomato pomace was associated with a higher relative abundance of potassium and magnesium, whereas the grape pomace increased the relative levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. Increasing pomace concentrations led to a decrease in pH, particularly in the TEP_3.0 and GPP_3.0 variants, indicating an acidifying effect of the added plant materials. The results demonstrate that fruit and vegetable pomace powders can effectively modulate the structural, rheological, and compositional characteristics of plant-based mousses. These by-products represent functional ingredients that support the valorization of food processing waste and offer technological potential for the formulation of fiber- and polyphenol-enriched semi-solid food products within a circular economy framework.

Gait abnormalities are key features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and might be present in isolated REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD), a prodromal marker of alpha-synucleinopathy. To assess spatio-temporal gait parameters from prodromal (iRBD) to early/moderate PD stages in normal, fast and dual-task conditions. This prospective multicenter study included two independent cohorts with Polysomnography-confirmed iRBD, drug-naïve PD (naïve-PD), early and moderate treated PD (early-PD, mid-PD), and age-matched healthy controls (HC). Gait was assessed using mobile health technology. A total of 324 participants were enrolled: 194 in the Digital Neurological Assessment (DNA) cohort (23 iRBD, 57 naïve-PD, 49 mid-PD, 65 HC) and 130 in the TPA cohort (28 iRBD, 34 early-PD, 68 HC) composed from TREND, PASS-PD and ABCPD cohorts. In the two independent cohorts, iRBD and early PD (treated and non-treated) showed higher step time compared to HC, especially during dual-task gait. In fast walking, all patient groups had longer step time than HC. Step length was control-like in iRBD and early treated PD, whereas it was lower in both naïve and moderate stages PD in all different task conditions. Temporal gait parameters, especially during dual task walking, are sensitive markers of prodromal PD whereas reduced step length is occurring only in phases when PD diagnosis is already possible. These cross-sectional data need a further validation on ongoing longitudinal studies in prodromal and early stages PD.

Doctoral School of Cybernetics and Statistics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania

by Maria Grazia Doro Davide Adriano Santeufemia and

by Maria Grazia Doro Giovanni Battista Maestrale Paolo Antonio Ascierto and