Inter-comparisons in the gas exchange patterns and root characteristics under both well-watered and drought conditions were done in three-years-old seedlings of three oak species (Quercus cerris L., Q. frainetto Ten., and Q. ilex L.) growing in controlled environment. Well-watered Q. cerris had greater physiological performances than other oaks, but under drought it was not able to face the water stress showing also structural modifications such as reduction of root length and average diameter. On the other hand, Q. ilex maintained root growth both in drought or well-watered soils. Moreover, it was able to keep open stomata also under water stress, although stomatal conductance (g,) was low. Q. frainetto had an intermediate position in regard to its physiological and root structural characteristics between Q. cerris and Q. ilex under drought stress. For all oaks the relationship between g(s) and the ratio of sub-stomatal and ambient CO2 concentration (C-i/C-a) highlighted the dynamic adaptation of g(s) to the increase of hydraulic resistances of leaf, stem, and roots portions, more evident during the air humidity change and progressive soil dehydration. This suggests a well-triggered above- and under-ground mechanism to endure the drought stress

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Joint hypermobility (JH) is a common, though largely ignored physical trait with increasing clinical reverberations. A few papers suggest a link between JH and selected neurodevelopmental disorders, such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD). JH is also the hallmark of various hereditary connective tissue disorders (HCTDs). Children with HCTDs may present abnormal neurodevelopment but its manifestations remain undetermined. This study examined 23 children (group 1), aged 4-13 years, with different HCTDs (i.e., 19 with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)/hypermobility spectrum disorder, 3 with molecularly confirmed classical EDS, and 1 with Loeys-Dietz syndrome type 1 due to TGFBR2 mutation) and 23, age- and sex-matched children with DCD (group 2). All underwent 14 different psychometric tests exploring motor, cognitive, executive-attentive, and emotional-behavior features. In group 1, 30%, 22%, and 13% patients presented DCD (with or without dysgraphia), learning disabilities, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, respectively. None had cognitive delay. In group 2, 17% patients presented generalized JH and none had HCTDs. DCD children presented more motor and coordination troubles than HCTDs patients, while quality of life of children with HCTDs resulted more deteriorated due to somatic manifestations and behavioral traits. This study presents the full overview of neurodevelopmental attributes in HCTDs, and compares with standardized tools the neurodevelopmental profile of children with DCD and HCTDs. While the high rate of neurodevelopmental comorbidities in HCTDs deserves attention, the impact of a dysfunctional connective tissue in children with a primary diagnosis of DCD needs more research.