M Caselli

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This study looked at two different ways to measure how young children in Italy (aged 8-24 months) communicate using words and gestures. Researchers tested nearly 650 children with the full version and about 580 with the shorter version of a communication assessment tool. They found that both forms gave similar results about children's communication skills, showing they can be used interchangeably with a strong agreement rate of over 70%. Who this helps: This benefits parents and healthcare providers by enhancing understanding of early communication development in young children.

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This study looked at how toddlers copy each other's smiles and yawns to understand how they share emotions and connect socially. Researchers found that within one second, toddlers were likely to smile after seeing another toddler smile, and they yawned within three minutes of seeing someone yawn. Interestingly, these social behaviors decreased when the toddlers had strong social bonds, suggesting that how they mimic each other can depend on their experiences and environment. Who this helps: This research helps parents and caregivers understand the social development of toddlers.

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The study looked at how a specific bond in human neuroglobin (hNgb) affects its behavior when exposed to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a common detergent. Researchers found that both the normal hNgb and a modified version without the disulfide bond changed shape when exposed to SDS, but the version lacking the bond changed even more dramatically and experienced faster breakdown of an important component called heme. This is significant because the stability and function of neuroglobin are crucial for protecting nerve and retinal cells, which can impact neurological health. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurological conditions and their doctors.

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This study looked at how wild geladas, a type of monkey that primarily eats grass, use their hands when plucking grass. Researchers observed 28 geladas in Ethiopia and found that they used their left hand more frequently than their right, making 6.5 plucking movements per second with their left hand compared to 4.3 with their right. This left-hand preference indicates that the geladas may rely more on their right brain hemisphere for this task, which is important for understanding how manual skills have evolved in primates. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying primate behavior and evolution.

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This study looked at children who talk late to see how different types of late talkers (those who mainly express themselves verbally and those who both hear and express) use words and gestures. Researchers found that children who struggled more with understanding language (receptive-expressive late talkers) performed worse, answering correctly only 9% of the time for nouns, compared to 35% correct for expressive late talkers. Understanding these differences is important for helping tailor communication support to each child's needs. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and speech therapists working with late talkers.

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This study looked at how contagious yawning happens in bonobos, focusing on different ways to measure it—either by observing real yawns or by showing videos. The researchers found that the age and familiarity of the yawning bonobos affected how often they yawned in response to others, with older bonobos yawning more in natural situations, while younger ones reacted more to videos of their own group. Understanding these patterns is important because it helps us know how social connections influence animals' behavior and how they synchronize with one another. Who this helps: This research benefits animal behaviorists and veterinarians who study social interactions in animals.

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This research paper examines a specific mathematical concept related to energy and surfaces on a type of geometric space called Riemannian manifolds. The authors found that multiple definitions of a particular energy measure are equivalent, and they explored how this relates to a phenomenon called the heat kernel. Their work lays important groundwork for understanding certain complex shapes called nonlocal minimal surfaces, revealing that there are infinitely many of them on these manifolds. Who this helps: This benefits mathematicians and researchers working in geometry and related fields.

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This study looked at how African savannah elephants play socially and how it relates to their aggression levels. Researchers observed groups of elephants and found that social play decreased with age but was most common among males. They also discovered that elephants who played together often had stronger social bonds, suggesting that play helps them cooperate without being aggressive. Who this helps: This information benefits elephant conservationists and wildlife behavior researchers.

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This study looks at whether girls develop language skills earlier than boys and explores various factors that may influence any observed differences. It finds that while girls may have a slight advantage in language development, this difference isn't consistent across all ages or significant in all cases. The research highlights that boys show more variability in language skills, leading to more boys being identified as having poor verbal abilities. Who this helps: This information can assist parents and educators in understanding language development in young children.

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This study looked at how the presence of keepers and the type of food affected the behavior of 17 bonobos over three months. Researchers found that bonobos showed more anxiety when the keeper was there and food wasn't available, while they engaged in more social interactions with familiar keepers and when food quality was low. Importantly, these findings highlight that both the quality of food and the relationship with keepers can significantly impact bonobo behavior, which can help improve their care in captivity. Who this helps: This benefits animal caretakers and organizations that manage captive bonobos.

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This study looked at how much and how well immigrant preschoolers in Italy use their first language (L1) and Italian as their second language (L2). Researchers found that the amount of Italian spoken by parents and how much children actively used their first language at home had a significant impact on their vocabulary skills, explaining 42% of the variation for L1 and 47% for L2. This is important because it highlights that both the quantity and quality of language exposure can greatly influence language development in young children. Who this helps: This helps immigrant families and educators by showing how supportive language environments improve vocabulary skills.

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This study looked at whether children with Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) are more likely to develop Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) as they grow. Researchers followed 528 Italian children and found that 7.01% were diagnosed with SLD. Key factors that increased the chances of developing SLD included a prior diagnosis of DLD, being male, and having a family history of learning issues, resulting in a 54% likelihood of these children developing SLD. Who this helps: Parents and educators of children with language difficulties.

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This study looked at the effects of a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, used to treat strokes, in patients with heart failure compared to those without. Out of nearly 9,000 patients studied, 642 had heart failure, and although the success in reopening blocked blood vessels was similar (about 77% for heart failure patients), those with heart failure faced higher risks; 30.7% died within three months compared to 18.5% of non-heart failure patients. This is important because it highlights that heart failure increases the risk of dying early after a stroke, even with treatment. Who this helps: This study benefits patients with heart failure and their doctors by providing important information about stroke outcomes.

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This research examined the communication skills of children who are late talkers, focusing on those born prematurely and those born at full term. They studied 68 children and found three groups: severe late talkers (25%), who struggled with communication and cognitive skills; moderate late talkers (35%), who had some challenges but were better off; and mild late talkers (40%), who showed more typical language development. Understanding these differences is important for tailoring support and interventions for late talkers to help them improve their communication skills. Who this helps: This benefits parents and healthcare providers working with young children who are late talkers.

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This study looked at how yawning spreads among bonobos, a type of primate, to better understand the social factors that influence this behavior. Researchers recorded yawns in a group of 18 bonobos and found that unlike chimpanzees and humans, more yawns led to even more yawning among the bonobos. They also discovered that young bonobos did not yawn in response to others and that females tended to yawn more in response to other females, especially when those females were in a reproductive state. Who this helps: This research benefits primate scientists and those studying social behaviors in animals.

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This study looked at how children with temporary language delays communicate using gestures and spoken words. Researchers examined 33 toddlers to see how their gestures and vocabulary changed by the time they were around 6 years old. They found that children with temporary language delays used more gestures without accompanying speech compared to those with typical development, while children who went on to have a developmental language disorder primarily relied on gestures to help them express what they couldn't say. Who this helps: This helps parents and doctors identify different types of language delays in young children.

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This study examined how local lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's mobility in Italy. Researchers found that these restrictions reduced individual mobility by 7 percentage points compared to nearby areas that weren't restricted. The findings are important because they highlight how different local job markets impacted people's ability to return to normal movement patterns after restrictions were lifted. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and local businesses.

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This study looked at patients with atrial fibrillation who had a stroke while taking blood thinners known as nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. Over an average follow-up of 15 months, 192 out of 1,240 patients (15.5%) had additional serious events, including 111 more strokes and 57 major bleeds. The findings highlight that these patients are at a high risk for further strokes and bleeding, indicating a need for better prevention strategies. Who this helps: Patients with atrial fibrillation and their doctors.

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This study explored how certain proteins in the blood could help identify patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a brain disorder common in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers examined blood samples from 20 patients with CAA and 20 healthy individuals and found that levels of amyloid-β1-40 and alpha-synuclein were significantly higher in both red blood cells and plasma of CAA patients, while another protein, tau, was elevated only in red blood cells of these patients. These findings indicate that blood tests could potentially assist in diagnosing CAA and differentiating it from other neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers improve diagnosis for patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

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Researchers studied female bonobos to see if their reproductive swelling phases (when they show signs of fertility) synchronize with one another and how social factors influence this. They found that over the years (from 2009 to 2022), female bonobos tended to start their swelling phases at the same time, especially as they spent more time together, which increased their social bonds. This synchronization likely helps strengthen their relationships and stability within the group. Who this helps: This helps bonobo researchers and conservationists understand female social dynamics, which can inform efforts to maintain healthy populations in the wild.

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The study looked at how different types of enrichment—food-based, physical, and auditory—affect the behavior of ring-tailed lemurs in captivity at Pistoia Zoo. Researchers observed the lemurs over 107 hours and found that these types of enrichment reduced stress-related behaviors, showing that enriching their environment positively impacts their well-being. This is important for improving the care of captive animals and ensuring they lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Who this helps: This helps zookeepers and animal welfare specialists.

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This study looked at how brain conditions called cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and white matter disease (WMD) affect the risk of bleeding in the brain after treatment for a stroke with a drug called rt-PA. Out of 434 patients treated, 23.3% had CMBs, and 34.7% of those patients experienced bleeding in the brain. The findings indicate that having CMBs increases the risk of bleeding but also suggest that patients with CMBs shouldn’t automatically be excluded from receiving this treatment, as other factors need to be considered. Who this helps: This research benefits stroke patients and doctors deciding on treatment options.

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This study looked at how patients in rural areas use technology and social media, especially in relation to their upper-body health care. Of the 412 patients surveyed, 55% used social media, with many using platforms like Facebook to look up health information. It turns out that younger women and those with home Internet were more likely to use social media and express interest in telemedicine, which could improve access to health care. Who this helps: This research benefits rural patients and doctors looking to expand telehealth services.

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This study looked at two different short questionnaires that help assess the language skills of Italian children between 18 and 24 months old. Researchers found that these questionnaires reliably measured children's vocabulary size and identified those at risk for language delays, accurately pinpointing 75% of at-risk cases. This is important because it helps ensure that children who may struggle with language development are recognized early and can get the support they need. Who this helps: This benefits parents and healthcare providers working with young children.

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This study examined DNA from tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released by glioblastoma tumor cells to see if they could help classify different types of tumors. The researchers found that the DNA in these EVs accurately reflected key tumor characteristics, enabling them to determine the type of glioblastoma with high accuracy. This is important because it offers a non-invasive way to identify tumor subtypes, which can be crucial for tailoring treatments to patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with glioblastoma by providing a less invasive method for tumor classification.

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This study looked at how young geladas, a type of monkey, engage in play to see if it helps them develop social skills or physical abilities. They analyzed 527 videos of play sessions and found that while playing with others from different groups involved more competition, overall play was similar across different ages and groups, supporting both social and motor development. This matters because it shows that play helps geladas build friendships and improve their skills, important for their survival and social structure. Who this helps: Researchers and conservationists studying social behaviors in animals.

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This study looked at two forms of a protein called thymidylate synthase, which is important for cell growth and is a target for cancer drugs. Researchers found that they can use a special type of light to track how this protein changes between its active and inactive forms. They discovered that drugs can be designed to specifically stabilize the inactive form, potentially helping to prevent drug resistance in cancer treatment. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and doctors by offering new strategies for treatment.

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This study looked at how early deaf adults use their eye movements to react to social cues, like someone looking at them, versus non-social cues, like arrows. Researchers found that both deaf and hearing participants were similarly affected by these cues in terms of reaction times, but deaf individuals were slower overall and made more eye movements when they had to respond. The study shows that eye movements can be important for understanding how deaf adults pay attention, which helps explain their slower reactions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and professionals working with deaf adults to better understand their attention and response patterns.

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This study looked at different ways to help young children diagnosed with developmental language disorder (DLD) improve their language skills. Researchers analyzed 27 studies and found that early and intensive intervention, especially for three- and four-year-olds, significantly boosts their phonological skills, with benefits lasting for at least a few months. This is important because improved language skills can greatly enhance a child's overall development and ability to communicate effectively. Who this helps: This helps young children with developmental language disorder and their families.

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This study looked at how living in farmland versus pasture affects the social behavior and health of wild geladas, a type of monkey, in Ethiopia. The researchers found that geladas in crop areas faced more human disturbances and had higher signs of health problems, like skin issues and parasites, with those in crop areas showing 1.5 times more parasites than those in pastures. These findings are important because they highlight the negative impacts of agricultural expansion on wildlife, which can affect their health and social dynamics. Who this helps: This helps conservationists and wildlife managers who work to protect primates and their habitats.

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This study looked at the language development of 200 children, half of whom were low-risk preterm and half were full-term, at 30 months old. It found four different language profiles, ranging from children with the lowest skills (21%) who struggled with vocabulary and sentence use, to those with the highest skills (31.5%) who had rich vocabulary and complete sentences. Understanding these profiles can help identify children who need extra support in their language development, which is important for their overall cognitive and motor skills. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, educators, and speech therapists working with young children.

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This study looked at how likely pregnant women are to "catch" a yawn from someone else compared to women who have never given birth. The researchers found that pregnant women yawned in response to others' yawns much more often, with a notable difference seen in both experimental (where 49 women watched videos of yawning babies) and natural settings (with 131 women in social situations). This matters because it suggests that emotional attachment during pregnancy might play a role in why yawning is more contagious among certain people, highlighting how our social connections can influence our behavior. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their families understand the emotional ties that can impact their behaviors.

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Researchers at the Mayo Clinic adapted a cognitive rehabilitation program for patients with mild cognitive impairment to be delivered online during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that participants in both virtual and in-person sessions reported high satisfaction levels, with average scores between 5.8 and 6.6 out of 7, and experienced improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms. This is important because it shows that virtual treatment can provide effective care for patients when in-person options are limited. Who this helps: This helps patients with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers.

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Researchers studied geladas, a wild monkey species in Ethiopia, to see if yawning is contagious among them, similar to what has been observed in captivity. They discovered that geladas were most likely to yawn in response to the yawns of others, especially between individuals from different groups, with males being particularly responsive. This finding shows that yawning in these monkeys may serve a social and communicative purpose, helping them coordinate movements and interactions at a group level. Who this helps: This research benefits wildlife biologists and conservationists studying animal behavior and social dynamics.

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This study looked at how handling infants by non-mothers affects grooming among wild geladas, a type of monkey found in Ethiopia. Researchers observed that when non-mothers handled infants, the grooming sessions between them and the mothers lasted longer. Specifically, grooming was more frequent and lasted longer with 55 recorded sessions, suggesting that this behavior helps strengthen social bonds among female geladas. This finding is important because it shows how social interactions in a group can enhance cooperation and support for mothers, possibly affecting the care of infants in the future. Who this helps: This helps researchers and conservationists studying social behavior in primates.

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This study looked at how using robots in different industries in Italy affects the risk of getting COVID-19 at work. The findings showed that industries with more robots generally had a lower risk of virus spread among workers, supporting the idea that robots can help reduce close contact and, therefore, contagion. This is important because it highlights how technology can play a role in keeping workplaces safer during pandemics, though it also raises concerns about job impacts due to increased robot use. Who this helps: This helps both workers and business owners by providing insights into safer work environments.

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This study examined how using telemedicine for follow-up care after hand and upper extremity surgery affects travel, appointment length, and patient satisfaction. Researchers found that 90% of patients preferred telemedicine for follow-up visits, which cut travel distance to an average of 60 miles and reduced visit time from 38 minutes in person to just 7 minutes online. This is significant because it shows that telemedicine can effectively provide care while saving time and reducing travel hassle for patients. Who this helps: Patients recovering from hand and upper extremity surgery.

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This study looked at how a reading program that parents implement can help children who are late to talk, specifically focusing on low-risk preterm and full-term kids. Out of 50 children aged 31 months, those who participated in the reading program (27 kids) showed better progress, with more of them starting to speak in complete sentences compared to those who didn't participate (23 kids). The results are important because they indicate that engaging parents in their children's language development can lead to significant improvements in children’s ability to express themselves. Who this helps: This helps parents and their young children who are experiencing delays in speech.

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This study looked at patients with acute strokes caused by blocked blood flow (called acute ischemic strokes) and atrial fibrillation (a heart condition), specifically comparing those with strokes in the back of the brain (posterior) to those in the front (anterior). Researchers analyzed data from 2,470 patients and found that about 8.6% experienced serious complications within 90 days, with similar risks in both groups regardless of when they started taking blood-thinning medications; those who started within 2 days had a 5.3% risk with posterior strokes and 4.3% with anterior strokes. This matters because it helps doctors understand that the timing of starting anticoagulant treatment does not differ in risk based on where the stroke occurred. Who this helps: This benefits patients with strokes and atrial fibrillation as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how living with someone who has an eating disorder affects caregivers' stress and emotional well-being. Researchers surveyed 97 caregivers and found that those who had a personal history of eating disorders, were the main caregiver, or cared for someone with anorexia nervosa experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This information is important because it can help doctors better support caregivers, which may also lead to improved treatment for patients with eating disorders. Who this helps: Caregivers and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at two different versions of a language assessment tool for young children in Italy, designed to track how well they are learning to speak. Researchers found that both versions of the tool, a complete form and a shorter version, gave similar results, agreeing 97% of the time for children performing below average. This means that parents and doctors can confidently use either version to understand a child's language development progress. Who this helps: Parents and doctors assessing early language development in young children.

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This study looked at a specific flavonoid compound that can combat diseases caused by Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. Researchers found that the compound changes its fluorescence properties when it binds to proteins: in solutions with hydrogen bonds, the regular fluorescence is stronger, while in other solutions, a different type of fluorescence appears due to a change in the molecule's structure. This variation in fluorescence helps scientists track how the compound interacts with target proteins, which is crucial for developing effective treatments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians working on treatments for parasitic diseases.

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This study looked at how deaf children aged 7 to 14 years respond to eye gaze cues compared to hearing children who speak different languages. Researchers found that while all groups reacted faster to cues that correctly indicated a target, deaf children had a response that was twice as strong as the other groups. This matters because it shows that having a different sensory experience, like being deaf, can enhance the ability to understand important social signals, which may benefit their social interactions. Who this helps: This helps deaf children and their families by highlighting their strengths in social communication.

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This study looked at two new types of small molecules made from a compound called dithienosilole, which can be used in optoelectronic devices like solar panels and LEDs. Researchers found that these molecules have good qualities for these applications, such as stability and broad absorption of light, making them promising options for future technologies. Specifically, they noted that both molecules have low energy gaps crucial for their performance, and their ability to emit light changes based on their environment. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers developing advanced electronic and optical materials.

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This study looked at the effects of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) on patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Researchers analyzed 375 PTC patients and found that those with CLT had a cure rate of 91.8%, compared to 76.3% for those without CLT, indicating that CLT may provide a protective benefit in cancer outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of immune cell balance in the tumor environment and how it can influence cancer aggressiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients with papillary thyroid cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a common type of heartburn medication, affect magnesium levels in patients who experienced a dangerous heart rhythm called torsades de pointes (TdP). Researchers found that 58% of the patients with TdP were using PPIs, and those taking PPIs had significantly lower magnesium levels compared to those who weren't; about 40% of PPI users developed low magnesium after at least two weeks of treatment. This is important because low magnesium increases the risk of serious heart problems, so doctors need to be careful when prescribing PPIs to avoid these risks. Who this helps: Patients taking PPIs and healthcare providers managing cardiac care.

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This study looked at how well deaf children and adults use Italian Sign Language (LIS) by having them complete a sentence reproduction task. It found that younger children omitted signs more often than older children and adults, and that the combination of facial expressions and hand movements—important parts of signing—was particularly challenging for them. Understanding these differences is important for improving education and support methods for deaf children learning sign language. Who this helps: This helps deaf children, their educators, and families.

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This study examined the levels of oxidative stress in 55 elderly patients with a brain condition called leukoaraiosis (LA), which often causes unexplained dizziness. Researchers found that after two months of taking a polyphenol supplement, patients showed a notable reduction in markers of oxidative stress and a significant improvement in their dizziness, as measured by a specific scale. These findings are important because they suggest that monitoring oxidative stress could help track patient health and responses to treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with leukoaraiosis and dizziness, as well as their doctors.

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This study examined the presence of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) in the intestines of patients with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The researchers found that SFB was present in all stool samples from children who were weaning and was also detected in both ulcerative colitis patients and healthy individuals. Importantly, patients with active ulcerative colitis showed a trend toward having higher levels of SFB, which could lead to new treatment strategies. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ulcerative colitis by potentially opening new avenues for treatment.