1. Subterranean environments contribute to three-quarters of classified ecosystem servicesStefano Mammola, David Brankovits, Tiziana Di Lorenzo, Isabel R. Amorim, Raluca Ioana Bancila, Adrià Bellvert, Enrico Bernard, Anna Blomberg, Nataša Mori, Maja Zagmajster, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Beneath the Earth’s surface lies a network of interconnected caves, voids, and systems of fissures forming in rocks of sed-imentary, igneous, or metamorphic origin. Although largely inaccessible to humans, this hidden realm supports and reg-ulates services critical to ecological health and human well-being. Subterranean ecosystems are integral to majorbiogeochemical cycles, sustain diverse surface habitats, and serve as the primary source of irrigation and drinking water.They also offer non-material benefits, including scientific discovery, education, and cultural practices. Yet, these contri-butions often go unrecognised, partly due to the lack of a unified synthesis of ecosystem services across terrestrial, fresh-water, and marine subterranean compartments. This gap limits effective communication of their value to scientists,practitioners, and the public. Through a systematic expert-based review, we show that subterranean ecosystems contrib-ute to up to 75% of classified ecosystem services. Notably, many of these contributions are described only qualitatively,lacking numerical or economic quantification. Next, we list examples of the main ecosystem services provided by subter-ranean systems to offer a global overview of their multifaceted value and vulnerability to environmental change. Webelieve this synthesis provides researchers and practitioners with concrete examples to communicate more effectivelythe importance of subterranean ecosystems to diverse audiences.
Keywords: groundwater, hypogean, nature value, drinking water, food production, biotechnology, geothermal energy, sustainability, ecotourism, cultural heritage
Published in DiRROS: 02.03.2026; Views: 265; Downloads: 245
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2. Inappropriate sinus tachycardia in athletes : could nutraceuticals play a role?Antonio Scarà, Alessio Borrelli, Antonio Gianluca Robles, Sara Burazor, Lorenzo-Lupo Dei, Federico Zanin, Andrej Pernat, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a syndrome characterized by unexpectedly fast and prolonged sinus rates at rest or with minimal physical activity. Epidemiologic characteristics are uncertain, but most patients are young and female. When IST occurs in athletes, its management (controlling symptoms and reducing heart rate) can present additional challenges. We designed an observational pilot study to investigate whether a food supplement can be useful in the treatment of IST when standard therapy is refused. Methods: We enrolled 50 consecutive recreational athletes affected by frequent recurrences of IST. Twelve-lead ECG and Holter ECG parameters were recorded at enrollment (T0) and after a 6-month treatment (T1) with the food supplement. Symptoms and quality of life were also evaluated through specific questionnaires. The study population was compared to a historical control group of 25 patients receiving ivabradine as treatment for the same clinical condition. Results: The resting ECG heart rate was 88.7 ± 12.4 bpm (T0) and 73.6 ± 6.6 bpm (T1) (p < 0.00001); Holter average heart rate was 88.4 ± 3.3 bpm and 74.9 ± 4.8 bpm (p < 0.0001). Holter ECG maximum heart rate was 147.1 ± 16.7 bpm and 139.2 ± 16.8 bpm (p = 0.06); Holter minimum heart rate was 49.9 ± 6.5 bpm and 50.5 ± 6.9 bpm (p = 0.33). Finally, the number of sustained episodes decreased from 3.3 ± 1.7 to 0.8 ± 0.8 (p < 0.00001). The following variations in ASTA scores were observed: ASTA symptom scale (range: 0–27) decreased from 14.9 ± 2.1 to 5.8 ± 1.4 (p < 0.00001), while ASTA HR QoL (range: 0–39) decreased from 24.1 ± 2.1 to 10.8 ± 2.3 (p < 0.00001). Conclusions: The findings of our pilot study suggest that this food supplement could play a beneficial role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life in recreational athletes affected by IST who refuse standard medical therapy. These clinical effects appear to correlate with significant improvements in resting ECG parameters and some Holter ECG parameters.
Keywords: inappropriate sinus tachycardia, food supplement, ivabradine, Holter ECG, herat rate, symptom relief
Published in DiRROS: 24.02.2026; Views: 284; Downloads: 122
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3. A chromosome-level genome assembly of the western nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes)Weiqiao Rao, Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre, Lorenzo Seneci, Jože Pungerčar, Andreas Hougaard Laustsen, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: We present a chromosome-level genome assembly of the western nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes ammodytes), the most medically important viper in Europe. Using PacBio Sequel and Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing, we generated ∼270 Gb of data, achieving ∼131× coverage of the genome. The final assembly spans 1.55 Gb with a contig N50 of 45.9 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 210 Mb, anchored into 18 pseudo-chromosomes. Completeness was supported by recovery of 97.1% of Vertebrata BUSCOs. A total of 20,775 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 96.6% were functionally annotated. Repetitive sequences accounted for 53.75% of the genome, dominated by LINEs (41.87%) and LTRs (14.35%). We identified 112 venom-related genes across 15 families, with expansions in SVMPs, Snaclecs, sPLA₂s, SPIs, and SVSPs, together comprising 62.5% of the venom repertoire. Chemosensory genes were also expanded, including 448 olfactory receptors, 72 taste receptors, and 29 vomeronasal receptors. This assembly represents the most complete genome resource for a true viper to date and provides a key resource for investigating venom evolution, chemosensory adaptation, and comparative snake genomics.
Keywords: snake venom, venom gland
Published in DiRROS: 10.02.2026; Views: 477; Downloads: 175
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4. The role of crystal-bubble interactions, outgassing and magma composition in the ascent dynamics of alkaline magmas : implications for eruptions at VesuviusFabio Arzilli, Giuseppe La Spina, Emily C. Bamber, Daniele Morgavi, Lorenzo Fedele, Lucia Mancini, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Intermediate to evolved alkaline magmas (phono-tephritic, tephri-phonolitic and phonolitic) exhibit a wide range in eruptive style and have produced some of the most catastrophic eruptions in human history, such as the 79 AD Plinian eruption of Vesuvius (Italy). However, eruptive dynamics are driven by complex, non-linear conduit processes during magma ascent, requiring a holistic approach to investigate their influence on explo- sivity. This study integrates synchrotron radiation X-ray computed microtomography (SRμCT) with a 1D steady- state conduit model, to investigate how crystal-bubble interactions, pre-eruptive conditions, outgassing, and magma composition affect eruptive style at alkaline volcanic systems, using Vesuvius as a case study. We analyse pyroclasts from the 79 AD Plinian and 1944 lava-fountaining eruptions using SRμCT. Our SRμCT results reveal that heterogeneous bubble nucleation can be promoted further by leucite crystals, contributing to the high bubble number densities (>10⁴ mm⁻³) observed in Plinian products. Despite high bubble connectivity, low throat-pore size ratios (the ratio between the radii of the throat and connected vesicles) and elevated tortuosity restrict gas–melt separation during fast magma ascent, promoting fragmentation. Numerical simulations reveal tephri-phonolitic and phonolitic magmas are prone to fragmentation across diverse conditions, producing highly explosive eruptions. Only relatively high temperatures (>1050 ◦ C) and low bubble number densities (102 to 103 mm-3) can promote lava flow and fountaining activity. Instead, phono-tephritic magmas exhibit highly explosive eruptions at considerably lower temperatures (<950 ◦C). Temperature controls magma viscosity, influencing the ascent rate and the outgassing efficiency, which, in turn, affects conduit dynamics and the eruptive behaviour. Our findings highlight that for alkaline systems, the parameter space which is conducive to highly explosive eruptions expands as the magma composition evolves and its viscosity increases. These insights enhance our understanding of eruption mechanisms, providing critical insights for assessing volcanic hazard and emergency planning at alkaline volcanic systems.
Keywords: outgassing, conduit dynamics, eruptive style, crystal-bubble interaction, alkaline magmas, vesuvius
Published in DiRROS: 10.02.2026; Views: 457; Downloads: 52
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5. Unveiling unique endemic associations: a contribution to the knowledge of chasmophytic vegetation on the Sorrento Peninsula and Picentini MountainsDario La Montagna, Emile Ammann, Francesco Buttarazzi, Vito Emanuele Cambria, Lorenzo Caucci, Elisa De Luca, Michele De Sanctis, Sara Frasca, Fabio Attorre, Giuliano Fanelli, 2025, not set Abstract: Sorrento Peninsula, together with an outpost at the top of the Picentini Mountains, is rich in local endemics and has been well studied from a taxonomical perspective. The vegetation is instead poorly known, particularly the plant assemblages of rock cliffs. In this paper, we present the phytosociological insights on cliff-dwelling communities of rocky ranges in the top of Sorrento Peninsula (600-1800 m a.s.l.). We carried out 28 relevés (8 already published) and conducted multivariate analyses to classify the vegetation. We analysed the bioclimatic context of the relevés with Rivas-Martínez indexes and carried out a comparison with other rock vegetation from the Central Mediterranean. We found three clusters that we classified into 2 associations, one of which is further divided into two sub-associations (Globulario neapolitanae-Loniceretum stabianae typicum Fanelli et al. 2020; Globulario neapolitanae-Loniceretum stabianae globularietosum neapolitanae subass. nova; Diantho virginei-Seselietum polyphylli ass. nova). We refer this vegetation to a new alliance, Lonicerion stabianae all. nova, distinguished from the other rock vegetation of the Central Mediterranean because develops in an intermediate range between the mediterranean, temperate and weakly continental climate. Sorrento Peninsula and the cliffs at the top of Picentini Mountains are characterised by endemic cliff vegetation, rich in exclusive taxa. We suggest that it represents a distinct phytogeographical sector in the context of the Italian Peninsula.
Keywords: casmophytic vegetation, Mediterranean, phytogeography, rock vegetation, Southern Italy, syntaxonomy
Published in DiRROS: 23.01.2026; Views: 410; Downloads: 243
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6. Reduced ATP turnover during hibernation in relaxed skeletal muscleCosimo De Napoli, Luisa Schmidt, Mauro Montesel, Laura Cussonneau, Samuele Sanniti, Lorenzo Marcucci, Elena Germinario, Jonas Kindberg, Alina L. Evans, Marco Vincenzo Narici, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Hibernating brown bears, due to a drastic reduction in metabolic rate, show only moderate muscle wasting. Here, we evaluate if ATPase activity of resting skeletal muscle myosin can contribute to this energy sparing. By analyzing single muscle fibers taken from the samebears,eitherduring hibernationorin summer,wefindthatfibersfromhibernatingbearshaveamilddeclineinforce production and a significant reduction in ATPase activity. Single fiber proteomics, western blotting, and immunohistochemical analyses reveal major remodeling of the mitochondrial proteome during hibernation. Furthermore, using bioinformatical approaches and western blotting we find that phosphorylated myosin light chain, a known stimulator of basal myosin ATPase activity, is decreased in hibernating and disused muscles. These results suggestthatskeletalmusclelimitsenergylossbyreducingmyosinATPaseactivity, indicating a possible role for myosin ATPase activity modulation in multiple muscle wasting conditions.
Keywords: translational research, animal physiology, metabolism
Published in DiRROS: 14.01.2026; Views: 292; Downloads: 202
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7. New advances in jellyfish anatomy : the benefits of endocasts and X-ray microtomography in the investigation of the gastrovascular system of Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Scyphozoa; Rhizostomeae; Cepheidae)Gregorio Motta, Marco Voltolini, Lucia Mancini, Diego Dreossi, Francesco Brun, Valentina Tirelli, Lorenzo Peter Castelletto, Manja Rogelja, Antonio Terlizzi, Massimo Avian, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Historically, research on jellyfish anatomy has been viewed as secondary in importance and has not benefited from technical advances that could improve the quality of the results when compared to other disciplines. The most notable example is the anatomical research on jellyfish, which has been done using conventional methods for many years. Thus far, recent studies have shown that X-ray microtomography (µCT) and resin endocasts can yield outputs with remarkably high detail quality. The application of a similar protocol to Cotylorhiza tuberculata has allowed us to redescribe the anatomy of this species’ gastrovascular system, providing numerous additional details, among them the double constricted canal structure present in the oral arms, which was absent in previous descriptions. Additionally, functional anatomy experiments have revealed a double circulation system within these canals, featuring specialized oral arms’ openings for intake and outflow, as previously observed in Rhizostoma pulmo. These findings challenge the theory of a simple digestive system in scyphozoans featuring openings that acts both as mouths and anuses. Given the genetic distance between Cotylorhiza tuberculata and Rhizostoma pulmo, which belong to different suborders (Kolpophorae and Dactyliophorae, respectively), we propose that this complex gastrovascular circulation pattern may be more widespread among the Rhizostomeae.
Keywords: jellyfish anatomy, Cotylorhiza tuberculata, gastrovascular system
Published in DiRROS: 13.01.2026; Views: 924; Downloads: 227
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8. Obscurin deficiency leads to compensated dilated cardiomyopathy and increased arrhythmias : contractile functionJosè Manuel Pioner, Enrico Pierantozzi, Raffaele Coppini, Egidio Maria Rubino, Valentina Biasci, Giulia Vitale, Annunziatina Laurino, Lorenzo Santini, Marina Scardigli, Carlo Reggiani, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Obscurin is a large muscle protein whose multiple functions include providing mechanical strength to the M-band and linking the sarcomere to the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in obscurin are linked to various forms of muscle diseases. This study compares cardiac function in a murine model of obscurin deletion (KO) with wild-type (WT) in vivo and ex vivo. Echocardiography showed that KO hearts had larger (+20%) end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, reduced fractional shortening, and impaired ejection fraction, consistent with dilated cardiomyopathy. However, stroke volume and cardiac output were preserved due to increased end-diastolic volume. Morphological analyses revealed reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum volume, with preserved T-tubule network. While myofilament function was preserved in isolated myofibrils and skinned trabeculae, experiments in intact trabeculae revealed that Obscn KO hearts compared with WT displayed (1) reduced active tension at high frequencies and during resting-state contractions, (2) impaired positive inotropic and lusitropic response to β-adrenergic stimulation (isoproterenol 0.1 μM), and (3) faster mechanical restitution, suggesting reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum refractoriness. Intracellular [Ca2+]i measurements showed reduced peak systolic and increased diastolic levels in KO versus WT cardiomyocytes. Western blot experiments revealed lower SERCA and phospholamban (PLB) expression and reduced PLB phosphorylation in KO mice. While action potential parameters and conduction velocity were unchanged, β-adrenergic stimulation induced more frequent spontaneous Ca2+ waves and increased arrhythmia susceptibility in KO compared with WT. Taken together, these findings suggest that obscurin deletion, in adult mice, is linked to compensated dilated cardiomyopathy, altered E-C coupling, impaired response to inotropic agents, and increased propensity to arrhythmias.
Keywords: sarcoplasmic reticulum, T-tubule alterations, E-C coupling, inotropic agents, arrhythmia
Published in DiRROS: 09.01.2026; Views: 507; Downloads: 0 |
9. Are caves enough to represent karst groundwater biodiversity? Insights from geospatial analyses applied to European obligate groundwater-dwelling copepodsEmma Galmarini, Mattia Di Cicco, Barbara Fiasca, Nataša Mori, Mattia Iannella, Tiziana Di Lorenzo, Francesco Cerasoli, Diana Maria Paola Galassi, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Caves are recognized as biodiversity hotspots for groundwater fauna, including obligate groundwater-dwelling copepods (Crustacea: Copepoda), exhibiting high species richness, endemism, and phylogenetic rarity. However, the extent to which caves alone provide a representative estimate of copepod species richness in karst areas remains uncertain. Taking advantage of the recently published EGCop dataset, the first expert-validated, Europe-wide occurrence dataset for obligate groundwater-dwelling copepods (hereinafter, GW copepods), this study investigates the distribution of GW copepods into karst areas, comparing species richness in caves versus other karst groundwater habitats (e.g., springs, karst streams, artificial wells), within and among the European karst units. The main aims are: (i) identifying karst areas which represent hotpots of GW copepod species richness; (ii) assessing to which extent caves, as open windows to the subterranean environments, contribute to define hotspots of GW copepods’ species richness into karst areas across Europe. EGCop comprises 6,986 records from 588 copepod species/subspecies distributed among four orders: Cyclopoida (3,664 records, 184 species), Harpacticoida (3,288 records, 395 species), Calanoida (32 records, seven species), and Gelyelloida (two records, two species). To perform geospatial analyses, we filtered the dataset by: (i) selecting only the records with spatial uncertainty in the associated coordinates lower than 10 km; (ii) searching for those records falling within, or very close to, the polygons representing European karst areas. Species richness hotspots were then estimated through geospatial analyses in geographic information system (GIS) environment. Within the selected records, those specifically referring to karst habitats (2,526 records, 369 species) are primarily represented by Harpacticoida (1,199 records, 228 species) and Cyclopoida (1,293 records, 132 species). Among species collected from karst habitats, records from caves (1,867, 73.9%) belong to 318 species (Harpacticoida = 189, Cyclopoida = 122, Calanoida = 7), representing 86.1% of the total species richness of karst habitats. Geospatial analyses reveal that the European hotspots of GW copepods’ species richness recorded exclusively in caves reflect the spatial arrangement of postglacial refugia in southern karst regions, though representing a subset of the broader diversity found across all karst groundwater habitats. Our findings highlight that the contribution of cave systems in groundwater biodiversity assessments and related conservation planning may vary depending on the evolution and morphologies of the target karst regions—often pointing to a high representativeness of caves for subterranean biodiversity, sometimes revealing their lower explanatory power within the broader karst systems.
Keywords: copepoda, groundwater, biodiversity, datasets, caves, karst, Europe
Published in DiRROS: 19.12.2025; Views: 464; Downloads: 387
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10. Glyoxal as single crosslinker for mechanically blown, condensed and hydrolyzable tannin foamsJonas Eckardt, Michele De Nato, Elena Colusso, Lorenzo Moro, Primož Šket, Samuele Giovando, Gianluca Tondi, 2025, original scientific article Published in DiRROS: 05.12.2025; Views: 856; Downloads: 297
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