Soil organic carbon (SOC) changes associated with land conversion to energy crops are central to the debate on bioenergy and their potential carbon neutrality. Here, the experimental evidence on SOC under perennial energy crops (PECs) is synthesised to parameterise a whole systems model and to identify uncertainties and knowledge gaps determining PECs being a sink or source of greenhouse gas (GHG). For Miscanthus and willow (Salix spp.) and their analogues (switchgrass, poplar), we examine carbon (C) allocation to above- and belowground residue inputs, turnover rates and retention in the soil. A meta-analysis showed that studies on dry matter partitioning and C inputs to soils are plentiful, whilst data on turnover are rare and rely on few isotopic C tracer studies. Comprehensive studies on SOC dynamics and GHG emissions under PECs are limited and subsoil processes and C losses through leaching remain unknown. Data showed dynamic changes of gross C inputs and SOC stocks depending on stand age. C inputs and turnover can now be specifically parameterised in whole PEC system models, whilst dependencies on soil texture, moisture and temperature remain empirical. In conclusion, the annual net SOC storage change exceeds the minimum mitigation requirement (0.25 Mg C ha−1 year−1) under herbaceous and woody perennials by far (1.14 to 1.88 and 0.63 to 0.72 Mg C ha−1 year−1, respectively). However, long-term time series of field data are needed to verify sustainable SOC enrichment, as the physical and chemical stabilities of SOC pools remain uncertain, although they are essential in defining the sustainability of C sequestration (half-life >25 years).

Objective The aim of this review is to identify the best evidence to define rehabilitative approaches to acute and post-acute phases of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Methods A literature search (of PubMed, Google Scholar, PEDro and Cochrane databases) was performed for relevant publications from January to April 2020. Results A total of 2,835 articles were retrieved, and the search resulted in a final total 31 published articles. A narrative synthesis of the selected articles was then performed. Some studies examine the effect of the pandemic on rehabilitation services and provide suggestions for a new reorganization of these services. Other studies focus on COVID-19 sequelae, formulating recommendations for rehabilitative interventions. Conclusion For COVID-19 patients, an integrated rehabilitative process is recommended, involving a multidisciplinary and multi-professional team providing neuromuscular, cardiac, respiratory, and swallowing interventions, and psychological support, in order to improve patients’ quality of life. The intervention of a physician expert in rehabilitation should assess the patient, and a dedicated intervention set up after thorough assessment of the patient’s clinical condition, in collaboration with all rehabilitation team professionals. LAY ABSTRACT Rehabilitation, in a multidisciplinary and multi-professional setting, plays a pivotal role in the management of Covid-19 patients, focusing on respiratory and motor functions and it is therefore crucial to establish treatment strategies to guarantee an optimal recovery of these patients. We performed a review of the scientific literature. All the studies concerning respiratory rehabilitation treatments for Covid-19 patients were included. Respiratory rehabilitation has the goal of improve respiratory symptoms, preserve function and reduce complications and disability; it also has positive effects on the psychological sphere, reducing anxiety and depression that can frequently develop in this context.

Miscanthus is a low input energy crop suitable for low fertility marginal arable land and thought to provide carbon sequestration in soil. We analysed a long-term field experiment (14-year) to determine whether differences in genotype, growth habit, and root distribution affected soil carbon spatially under different Miscanthus genotypes. Soil cores were taken centrally and radially to a depth of 1 m, and divided into six vertical segments. Total root length (TRL), root dry matter (RDM) and d 13 C signature of soil organic carbon (SOC) were measured directly, and root length density (RLD), fractions of Miscanthusderived soil organic C (SOC M ), and residual soil carbon (SOC orig ) were calculated. Genotype was found to exhibit a statistically significant influence on spatial allocation of SOC. Grouping varieties into 'tuftforming' (T) and 'non-tuft-forming' (NT) phenotypes revealed that respective groups accumulated similar amounts of RDM over 14 years (11.4 AE 3.3 vs. 11.9 AE 4.8 Mg ha À1 , respectively). However, phenotype T allocated more carbon to roots in the subsoil than NT (33% vs. 25%). Miscanthus genotypes sequestered between 4.2 and 7.1 g C 4 -SOC kg À1 soil over the same period, which was more than the average loss of C 3 -derived SOC (3.25 g kg À1 ). Carbon stocks in the 'A horizon' under Miscanthus increased by about 5 Mg ha À1 above the baseline, while the net increase in the subsoil was marginal. Amounts of Miscanthus root C in the subsoil were small (1.2-1.8 Mg C ha À1 ) but could be important for sustainable sequestration as root density (RLD) explained a high percentage of SOC M (R 2 = 0.66).Abbreviations: AGB, above ground (dry) biomass (Mg ha À1 ); BGB, below ground (dry) biomass (Mg ha À1 ); G, gap; P, plant; RLD, root length density (cm cm À3 ); RDM, root dry matter (g m À2 ); RD, root diameter (mm); SOC, soil organic carbon (%); TRL, total root length (km m À2 ); T, tuft forming Miscanthus genotypes; NT, non-tuft forming Miscanthus genotypes.

Frailty is a highly prevalent condition in the elderly that has been increasingly considered as a crucial public health issue, due to the strict correlation with a higher risk of fragility fractures, hospitalization, and mortality. Among the age-related diseases, sarcopenia and dysphagia are two common pathological conditions in frail older people and could coexist leading to dehydration and malnutrition in these subjects. “Sarcopenic dysphagia” is a complex condition characterized by deglutition impairment due to the loss of mass and strength of swallowing muscles and might be also related to poor oral health status. Moreover, the aging process is strictly related to poor oral health status due to direct impairment of the immune system and wound healing and physical and cognitive impairment might indirectly influence older people’s ability to carry out adequate oral hygiene. Therefore, poor oral health might affect nutrient intake, leading to malnutrition and, consequently, to frailty. In this scenario, sarcopenia, dysphagia, and oral health are closely linked sharing common pathophysiological pathways, disabling sequelae, and frailty. Thus, the aim of the present comprehensive review is to describe the correlation among sarcopenic dysphagia, malnutrition, and oral frailty, characterizing their phenotypically overlapping features, to propose a comprehensive and effective management of elderly frail subjects.

This provisional PDF corresponds to the article as it appeared upon acceptance.A copyedited and fully formatted version will be made available soon. The final version may contain major or minor changes. Subscription: Information about subscribing to Minerva Medica journals is online at:http://www.minervamedica.it/en/how-to-order-journals.php Reprints and permissions: For information about reprints and permissions send an email to:journals.dept@minervamedica.it -journals2.dept@minervamedica.it -journals6.dept@minervamedica.it EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA Abstract BACKGROUND: Peripheral facial nerve palsy (FNP) can have various causes, such as Bell's palsy or after surgery for acoustic neuroma. Rehabilitation is often required but there is no evidence that any rehabilitation approach is more efficacious than another.AIM: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of neurocognitive-rehabilitative approach through mirror-therapy (MT) and motor-imagery (MI), integrated into the traditional rehabilitation with mime-therapy and myofascial-approach.DESIGN: This study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, controlled-trial. POPULATION: Twenty-two patients were randomized into two groups: mirror-therapy (N=11, MT and MI) and traditional-rehabilitative group (N=11, mime-therapy and a myofascial-approach). METHODS: Outcome assessments were performed before treatment (T0), after one month (T1=10 session, twice/week), after the second and third months (T2=10 twice/week + 5 of MT+MI one/week and T3=10 twice/week + 5 of MT+MI 1/week), and at the 4-week follow-up (T4=2 months follow-up).RESULTS: The analysis of the functional evaluations show that both groups experienced progressive improvement T0 to T3, with stabilization of the results at the follow-up. There was a significant difference in House-Brackmann-Scale scores between T0 and follow-up in favor of the experimental group. In terms of quality of life (FaCE scale), total scores and social function items improved in both groups from T0 to T3. The experimental group obtained better results with regard to quality of life and emotional depression. COPYRIGHT© EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICAThis document is

In recent years, the interest in oxygen–ozone (O2O3) therapy application has considerably increased in the field of rehabilitation. Despite its widespread use in common clinical practice, the biochemical effects of O2O3 are still far from being understood, although its chemical properties seem to play a pivotal role in exerting its positive effects on different pathological conditions. Indeed, the effectiveness of O2O3 therapy might be partly due to the moderate oxidative stress produced by O3 interactions with biological components. O2O3 therapy is widely used as an adjuvant therapeutic option in several pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and immune over-activation, and most musculoskeletal disorders share these pathophysiological processes. The present comprehensive review depicts the state-of-the-art on the mechanisms of action, safety and effectiveness of O2O3 therapy in the complex scenario of the management of musculoskeletal disorders. Taken together, our findings suggest that O2O3 therapy seems to reduce pain and improve functioning in patients affected by low back pain and knee osteoarthritis, as reported by several studies in the literature. However, to date, further studies are warranted to clearly investigate the therapeutic effects of this promising therapy on other musculoskeletal disorders in the field of rehabilitation.

To date, the application of oxygen-ozone (O2O3) therapy has significantly increased in the common clinical practice in several pathological conditions. However, beyond the favorable clinical effects, the biochemical effects of O2O3 are still far from being understood. This comprehensive review aimed at investigating the state of the art about the effects of O2O3 therapy on pro-inflammatory cytokines serum levels as a modulator of oxidative stress in patients with musculoskeletal and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The efficacy of O2O3 therapy could be related to the moderate oxidative stress modulation produced by the interaction of ozone with biological components. More in detail, O2O3 therapy is widely used as an adjuvant therapeutic option in several pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammatory processes and immune overactivation. In this context, most musculoskeletal and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) share these two pathophysiological processes. Despite the paucity of in vivo studies, this comprehensive review suggests that O2O3 therapy might reduce serum levels of interleukin 6 in patients with TMD, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases with a concrete and measurable interaction with the inflammatory pathway. However, to date, further studies are needed to clarify the effects of this promising therapy on inflammatory mediators and their clinical implications.

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