SILVIA ANZILLOTTI
During the second year of my PhD, I continued my project on circulating tumor cells (CTCs), focusing in particular on the optimization of different isolation methods and their subsequent culture. In parallel, I worked on another project aimed at the isolation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) obtained from subcutaneous adipose tissue through liposuction procedures. These cells were subsequently separated into two subpopulations, hASCs CD146+ and hASCs CD146−, using the CELLection™ Biotin Binder Kit. The effectiveness of the separation was verified by assessing CD146 protein expression through both immunofluorescence assays and Western blot analysis. Scaffolds will subsequently be developed and implanted in mice to study tissue regeneration and in vivo vascularization.
FABIO ARTOSI
My PhD focuses on the study of advanced melanoma. One study involves the analysis of differential expression of markers associated with acquired therapeutic resistance (CD8, CD103+, αSMA, CD271, ADAR1, ADAR2) in perilesional tissue of primary melanoma compared with cutaneous metastases. A second study, currently nearing completion, is aimed at proteomic analysis of sera from patients with advanced melanoma. In this context, proteomic expression profiles of patients registered in the national database (UK Biobank) were analyzed and compared with those of healthy subjects stratified by age and sex. To validate these data, evaluation of specific protein markers (IL11, IL3, elastin, and PAEP) in the sera of patients with metastatic melanoma, compared with healthy controls, is currently underway at the Department of Biology of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, in collaboration with the UOSD of Dermatology.
LUCIA AZZONI
Research activity focused on the analysis of fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings during the last hour of labor, with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the “physiological” classification in the early identification of intrapartum asphyxia. Tracings of term neonates with acidosis (pH < 7.20 and/or base deficit ≥ 12 mmol/L) were retrospectively examined, highlighting a significant increase in baseline heart rate and the appearance of evolving hypoxic patterns. Seminar activities addressed the physiological interpretation of FHR and the clinical-metabolic correlation with neonatal parameters.
LUIGI BELLINI
Project title: PRIN-AI Project – Multi-omics analysis and automated detection of blood clots in acute ischemic stroke (AIS): correlation between radiomic features, histological and biochemical data for the definition of personalized therapeutic pathways and prognostic models.
LEONARDO BENELLI
My PhD track has a radiological focus. During the first year, I initiated a research project centered on the evaluation, through cardiac CT, of atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and burden in patients with recently diagnosed diabetes (less than 5 years). In collaboration with the Departments of Endocrinology and Cardiology, data from approximately 50 patients were collected for analysis.
Between late 2023 and early 2024, I participated in a study on prognostic factors assessed by cardiac CT prior to TAVI. This study was submitted by me and published in November 2024 in the journal JCDD.
Between late 2024 and June 2025, in collaboration with the Pulmonology Department of Tor Vergata, I contributed to a scientific study on the effects of Nintedanib (an antifibrotic drug used in early idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) on epicardial adipose tissue, evaluating potential molecular interactions between cardiac adipocytes and pulmonary fibroblasts, with recruitment of 43 patients.
Additionally, between December 2024 and February 2025, I delivered 53 hours of lectures in Diagnostic Imaging at the Faculty of Medicine of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” in Tirana (Albania).
DANIELE BIANCHI
My PhD track follows the clinical and scientific pathway developed during my specialization in Urology, with particular reference to lower urinary tract dysfunctions, urodynamics, and minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in patients of all ages, both neurological and non-neurological. Within the concept of minimal invasiveness—understood as both reduced clinical risk and improved patient acceptance—my interests have focused on non-invasive urodynamics, neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of voiding disorders, and intravesical botulinum toxin injections. A key aspect in the management of urinary disorders, particularly in neurological patients, is the chronic nature of these conditions, which requires strategies aimed at maximizing adherence to therapy, improving quality of life, and preventing complications such as renal damage and infections.
CLAUDIA BIANCO
The aim of my PhD project is to evaluate the effects of EGFL7 (Epidermal Growth Factor-Like 7) knock-down on embryo implantation using trophoblast cells (HTR-8/SVneo). Both 2D and 3D (spheroid) cultures are used to investigate the effects of EGFL7 knock-down on proliferation rate, migration, and invasion of extracellular matrices. To mimic the endometrium–embryo interaction, a 3D endometrial model is being developed through bioprinting using endometrial stromal (HESC) and epithelial (Ishikawa) cell lines. In addition, a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of EGFL7 in HTR-8/SVneo cells is under development. Several courses and conferences were attended in this context (Continuous Improvement in IVF, SIERR; Placental Biology Course, Loke Center; Statistics Course, Revelo).
SILVIA CACCIOTTI
During the second year of my PhD, I had the opportunity to carry out a research period abroad at the University College London laboratory, where I joined the group led by Dr. Amy McTague, focused on studying alterations in the expression of the SLC12A2 gene and its role in childhood epilepsy. During this period, I acquired expertise in fibroblast reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), iPSC culture, and their differentiation into cerebral organoids. I subsequently characterized these organoids by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR to validate correct differentiation and tested the use of antisense oligonucleotides as a potential therapeutic strategy.
DAVIDE CALABRÒ
As a medical doctor specialized in Orthopedics and Traumatology, my PhD research focuses on musculoskeletal disorders in general. In particular, as a member of the Hip Pathology Workgroup of the Italian Society of Arthroscopy, Knee, Upper Limb, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIAGASCOT), my activities are mainly centered on hip-related pathologies. I am continuing data collection for a study on femoroacetabular impingement and its incidence in sports, developing a retrospective observational study on the prevalence of this condition in professional soccer players in collaboration with colleagues from the SIAGASCOT Groin Pain Workgroup. I am also involved in two clinical studies on bone fragility and am promoting the development of two additional manuscripts on hip chondromatosis and ischiofemoral impingement. I participated as a speaker at the 15th AUOT Congress (“Technological Innovation in Orthopedics and Traumatology: Between Social Media and Scientific Evidence”) and published an article in an international scientific journal on the treatment of a rare traumatic injury, talar extrusion (“missing talus”).
CAMILLA CAPPELLETTI
During this year, under the supervision of Prof. Marco Barchi, I participated in a research project focused on the analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying Klinefelter syndrome. The main objective of this research is the characterization of the genetic causes responsible for XY chromosome aneuploidy in humans. Over these months, patients were enrolled, segregation analyses of the supernumerary X chromosome were conducted, and sequencing analyses were performed and are currently ongoing. At the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, within the Unit of Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics led by Dr. Marco Tartaglia, I collaborated on research projects aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying rare diseases and RASopathies, performing genomic analyses based on massively parallel sequencing and DNA methylation profiling using Illumina array and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). This research has resulted in several publications [PMID: 41190595; PMID: 41153399; PMID: 40725455; PMID: 40410387; PMID: 40518603; PMID: 40017155; PMID: 40040505]. During my second year, I also participated in university-organized seminars and completed a course in Bioinformatics.
ANGELICA CATALANO
The title of my PhD track is the study and analysis of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in fetuses with late-onset growth restriction. Data collection and analysis are carried out at G.B. Grassi Hospital, where patients are selected and undergo ultrasound evaluation throughout the entire course of pregnancy.
ALFREDO CERIMELE
The PhD project entitled “Investigating Drug Efficacy and Pharmacokinetic Profiles in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas Using In Vitro Models with Potential Microfluidic Integration” focuses on the development of advanced preclinical platforms to study treatment responses in pediatric high-grade gliomas (PDHGG). My activities included evaluating Gemcitabine and Methotrexate on patient-derived neurospheres, integrating pharmacokinetic profiling through LC–MS analysis and the use of the Dypha Combo microfluidic system to simulate in vitro treatment conditions closer to the clinical setting. In parallel, I managed pediatric biological samples (peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid, fresh tissue) and generated primary cultures from PDHGG, processing approximately 15 fresh tissue samples and obtaining 11 stable cell lines, some of which were validated against the original tumor.
MATTEO CIFERRI
I developed multimodal brain decoding models using human fMRI data and intracortical recordings from non-human primates.
• I tested different architectural configurations and training objectives (loss functions).
• I performed retrieval and stimulus reconstruction evaluations to compare model complexity and performance.
Human fMRI
Objective: to understand how brain activity represents multimodal stimuli (audio, language, vision).
Method: machine learning models mapping fMRI voxels to embeddings extracted from foundation models (pre-trained AI models).
Results: performance depends more on training objectives than on model complexity; contrastive linear models achieved the best retrieval performance.
Primate intracortical data
Objective: to analyze the contribution of temporal dynamics and non-linearity in stimulus–brain mapping.
Method: temporal models based on attention mechanisms and MLPs to predict visual embeddings and reconstruct images via generative models.
Results: moderate non-linearity and temporal selectivity improve reconstruction fidelity while maintaining compact and interpretable architectures.
ELENA COLONNELLO
My current PhD research focuses on the emerging field of Sexual Traditional Chinese Medicine (S-TCM), which integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western medicine for the treatment of sexual and reproductive dysfunctions. The objectives of my research are to: (1) review the literature to analyze the effectiveness of TCM treatments for sexual and reproductive disorders, with particular attention to approaches not yet widely explored in Western medicine; (2) identify and evaluate strategies for integrating TCM and Western medicine to develop combined treatment protocols; (3) develop and test an integrative care model including clinical assessment, treatment, and personalized follow-up; and (4) evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness of this integrated care model among patients and healthcare professionals.
FABRIZIO COMAITA
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet during Pregnancy: Effects on Fetal and Neonatal Cortical Development.
This study aims to evaluate whether low maternal adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is associated with delays in fetal and neonatal cortical development. The study will include singleton fetuses undergoing neurosonography between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation, with a postnatal follow-up assessment. Cortical development variables will be compared according to maternal dietary adherence assessed using the validated Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Pregnancies with maternal or fetal complications will be excluded. Cortical measurements will be adjusted for head circumference and expressed as multiples of the median (MoM) of the expected value. Participation in a conference on eating disorders in April 2024 supported the development of this study.
JACOPO CONTEDUCA
My PhD track focuses on the study of advanced surgical technologies in the osteoarticular field. In my daily work as a consultant orthopedic surgeon at Vito Fazzi Hospital in Lecce, much of my research activity is related to the application of surgical techniques in orthopedic and trauma surgery. During 2025, two papers in knee ligament surgery and one paper in pediatric traumatology were published. A retrospective study on the outcomes of surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures with a minimum follow-up of six years is currently ongoing.
FRANCESCA COPPA
My research project focuses on aneurysmal aortopathies, specifically on the regulatory mechanisms underlying the fibrotic process that characterizes these conditions, with particular reference to Marfan syndrome–associated aneurysmal aortopathy. In this context, I contributed to a review entitled “miRNA Regulation of Cell Phenotype and Parietal Remodeling in Atherosclerotic and Non-Atherosclerotic Aortic Aneurysms: Differences and Similarities” (Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Feb 24;25(5):2641), primarily focusing on the evaluation of aortic wall alterations in histological specimens. I also supported experimental activities aimed at investigating the correlation between TGFBeta signaling hyperactivation—responsible for fibrosis in Marfan syndrome—and the upregulation of specific miRNAs (particularly miRNA-632). Furthermore, I evaluated and compared the effects of conventional antihypertensive therapies currently used in Marfan patients (Carvedilol, Ramipril, Losartan) with those of specific miRNA inhibitors (anti-miRNA-632) on aortic fibrosis in in vitro MFS models, with the aim of identifying novel targeted and personalized therapeutic approaches.
ELISA MEDDI
My research activity focuses on the study of measurable residual disease (MRD) using multiparametric flow cytometry in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with particular emphasis on the development and validation of a new analytical panel. This activity is supported by extensive outpatient clinical work in the field of myeloproliferative disorders. I participated in several national and international conferences related to my specialty and presented as a speaker on two occasions: at the EHA Scientific Working Group (SWG) meeting held in Berlin on April 25–26, 2025, with a presentation on the Italian registry of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (tMNs), and at the GROM-Lazio meeting on March 18, 2025, with a presentation on the application of flow cytometry in myelodysplastic syndromes. I also participate as a sub-investigator in phase II and III clinical trials.
MARCO MICALI
My research activity focuses on the use of transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUS) to promote remyelination in a cuprizone-induced murine model of multiple sclerosis. Two distinct acoustic protocols were developed for the experimental design, aimed respectively at inducing neurostimulation and enhancing myelin formation in the brain. Animals were divided into two experimental groups, each paired with a corresponding control group. Treatment effects were analyzed using X-ray phase-contrast tomography, focused synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-diffraction, and immunohistochemical analyses. Immunofluorescence analyses are also planned in the near future. The results obtained enable detailed imaging of myelin at micro- and nanometric scales, allowing the quantification of qualitative and quantitative variations among wild-type, treated, and sham subjects.
FEDERICO MORETTI
My PhD research focuses on myeloproliferative neoplasms, with particular emphasis on acute myeloid leukemias. The study activity is centered on the analysis, application, and evaluation in clinical practice of the clinical fitness categories proposed by the SIE/SIES/GITMO score, as well as on attempts to integrate biological fitness parameters into both intensive and less-intensive chemotherapy regimens. Within the research project, I also gained experience in the use of flow cytometry for the assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia. In addition, I participated as a trainee in national and international congresses and conferences, as well as in clinical trials in the hematological field.
CHIARA MORGANTE
During the second year of my PhD, I participated in several research projects focused on the identification of genetic and epigenetic factors influencing susceptibility to multifactorial diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of these studies was to identify gene variants and alterations in the expression of target genes potentially involved in interindividual variability in disease susceptibility.
In parallel, I took part in pharmacogenomic studies on patients with psoriatic arthritis, aimed at identifying genetic and epigenetic factors affecting variability in response to biologic drugs, in terms of both therapeutic efficacy and tolerability. These studies also included the analysis of cellular senescence markers, such as telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and oxidative damage, as well as the investigation of the role of microRNAs in modulating responses to biologic therapies.
Finally, from July 16 to August 31, 2025, I completed a research internship at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Florianópolis, Brazil), where I acquired skills in a novel methodology for the in vivo study of cellular respiration and in biochemical techniques for analyzing oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species.
FILIPPO M. PANFILI
My PhD track has a focus in Medical Genetics and is entitled “Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in Rare Diseases: From Clinic to Laboratory.” The seminar activities attended were related to the bioinformatics course, covering topics such as RNA-seq, Stat2, FunGen, and Stat3, as documented in the attached certificates.
CHIARA PATELLI
My PhD project focuses on prenatal ultrasound diagnostics, with particular reference to the diagnostic and prognostic potential of fetal neurosonography. Fetal neurosonography is an advanced imaging technique that allows detailed evaluation of fetal neurological development and is essential for identifying malformations, as well as alterations or delays in brain development.
One of the projects developed during the year, conducted at Policlinico Tor Vergata – Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, evaluated the effects of maternal obesity on fetal neurocortical development. It is well established in the literature that maternal obesity may negatively affect offspring neurocognitive development and is associated with lower cognitive scores in childhood and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the existence of a prenatal ultrasound-detectable correlate of these alterations.
SEILA PERRONE
Prenatal diagnosis, fetal echocardiography, and referral obstetric ultrasound.
ERIKA PITTANA
Within the PhD program in Medical-Surgical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, my research focuses on the application of advanced imaging techniques in neuroradiology and cardiovascular imaging, with particular interest in automated image analysis. The main project concerns the development and validation of machine learning methods for the analysis of bolus-tracking CT series, with the aim of reproducibly extracting functional biomarkers, such as hemodynamic parameters, from radiological images and supporting clinical and research workflows.
Training activities, including seminars and teaching, were consistently oriented toward these topics and included participation in conferences dedicated to translational research, artificial intelligence applied to diagnostic imaging, and issues related to data quality and scientific reporting.
NUNZIA PIUMELLI
This study focuses on the analysis of patients affected by neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), characterized by deficits leading to significant impairment of social and relational functions. NDDs include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The project involves the application of molecular diagnostic protocols using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and clinical exome sequencing (CES). Genetic data are analyzed using visual exploration tools such as the Integrative Genomics Viewer (IGV), and genomic variants are classified using databases and predictive platforms including ClinVar, VarSome, Franklin, and MutationTaster.
Bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data is performed using dedicated software, such as Geneyx Analysis and Nostos Genomics, to identify novel potentially pathogenic variants. The project also includes the hypothesis of stratifying subjects with NDDs to improve clinical–genetic characterization and optimize diagnostic and care pathways.
FRANCESCA POMETTI
My PhD track focuses on perinatal medicine, fetal diagnosis, and therapy. I taught the integrated course of Obstetric and Gynecological Pathology, Endocrinology, and Sexology for the Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery at San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli Hospital during the 2024/2025 academic year. I am a subject expert (cultore della materia) in the Medicine and Surgery degree program at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. I contributed to the development of the new Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) guidelines on physiological pregnancy as a member of the Evidence Review Team (ERT) until January 2025. I obtained international certification as an Expert in Maternal Hemodynamics. I delivered presentations at several webinars and conferences, serve as a reviewer for scientific journals, and have published five articles in international journals, with three additional manuscripts currently under review. I won the award for Best Oral Communication at the SIGO 2024 Congress and actively participated in conferences and theoretical–practical courses on fetal heart assessment and first-trimester screening.
NICOLETTA PREALONI
This prospective observational study includes preterm newborns with a gestational age at birth ≤ 32 weeks and/or a birth weight ≤ 1500 g who undergo neurosonographic examination at term-equivalent age. Quantitative analysis of pixel brightness intensity (PBI) of the parieto-occipital periventricular white matter, compared with that of the homolateral choroid plexus assessed by neurosonography, demonstrated strong potential for the evaluation of white matter echogenicity in preterm newborns. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between nutrient intake via enteral and parenteral routes during the first week of postnatal life and its impact on white matter development in preterm newborns.
ALESSIA PRIMERANO
The research project entitled “Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors as Antifibrotic Therapeutic Agents for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa” aims to investigate the role of histone deacetylases in the progression of cutaneous fibrosis, the main and most disabling feature in patients affected by recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disease, and to identify potential inhibitors that could be used as symptomatic therapies to counteract fibrosis. To date, research activities have been conducted using in vitro preclinical disease models, with future plans to include in vivo models. During the year, I participated in a series of seminars and data clubs organized by the Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), where I presented my research data. I also attended several seminars and a course in bioinformatic analysis offered as part of the PhD training program. In addition, I am a co-author of a published scientific article.
SHAQIR QERAMA
The PhD project focuses on the development of diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for lymphoproliferative disorders, with particular interest in lymphomas with predominantly cutaneous involvement and their differential diagnosis with inflammatory skin diseases. The study involves the use of diagnostic techniques such as molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and skin biopsies. All data are collected in our laboratory in Tirana at the Catholic Hospital “Our Lady of Good Counsel.”
AURORA MAYLET RAMON GONZALEZ
Research related to the PhD thesis focuses on gestational diabetes and obesity and their effects on cardiac remodeling in newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes or obesity.
SERENA RESTA
Evaluation of pelvic floor function and morphology during pregnancy to better understand the physiological mechanisms that may underlie the onset of pelvic floor dysfunctions during menopause. The project also aims to identify potential risk factors in order to develop predictive models for the identification of high-risk patients.
CONSUELO RUSSO
In April 2025, I carried out teaching activities in Gynecology and Obstetrics (4 hours) for the Medicine and Surgery degree course at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. During 2025, I produced nine scientific papers published in international journals, as first author (n = 2) and co-author (n = 7), including three as corresponding author.
FEDERICO SABUZI
Metabolomic Analysis of Ischemic Stroke Patients: Exploring Clinical Parameters and Predictive Modelling is a research project aimed at analyzing the metabolome in patients affected by acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. A similar project focusing on the metabolomic analysis of cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage has also been submitted to the Ethics Committee of Policlinico Tor Vergata.
Scientific activity includes oral presentations and participation in national and international conferences, as well as teaching activities in diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology within the Medicine and Surgery degree program and the Medical Radiology Technician courses at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Scientific output includes publications primarily focused on acute ischemic stroke and endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms, some already published and others currently under review in international journals.
CHIARA SALZANO
The project “Advancing Intelligent Control Systems for Focused Ultrasound-Induced BBB Opening”, within the Brainstorm program (HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDEROPEN-01, Grant No. 101099355), aims to improve the safety of focused ultrasound (FUS) protocols for blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening through the development of innovative control systems and the evaluation of novel contrast agents.
Within the project, an AI-based predictive control system was designed to anticipate the onset of inertial cavitation and modulate ultrasound delivery in real time. Moving beyond current approaches based on arbitrary, non-consensus thresholds, a data-driven labeling system based on k-means clustering was introduced to identify an intrinsic signal threshold (5 dB). The model was trained on a heterogeneous dataset acquired using a realistic brain phantom, varying microbubble reconstructions, flow, concentration, and acoustic pressure.
When the model predicts cavitation onset in the immediate subsequent time window, acoustic pressure is reduced by 0.04 MPa without interrupting treatment. System performance demonstrated high transferability, with accuracy of 0.87, AUROC of 0.94, F1-score of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.84, and specificity of 0.87. In parallel, the research includes comparisons between novel contrast agents, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microbubbles, and commercial agents, aiming to characterize differences in stability, cavitation threshold, and dynamics.
ISABELLA SANTINI
Corticosteroid therapy administered to pregnant women presenting with symptoms suggestive of preterm labor is associated with a well-established reduction in perinatal mortality and morbidity. However, since a substantial proportion of women receiving antenatal corticosteroids do not subsequently deliver preterm, concerns have been raised regarding the potential effects of unnecessary corticosteroid exposure on fetal and neonatal growth.
This study prospectively investigates the effects of antenatal corticosteroid administration on fetal and neonatal growth in pregnancies complicated by suspected preterm labor that ultimately result in term delivery (≥ 37 weeks of gestational age). Data were collected by comparing fetuses exposed to antenatal corticosteroids with non-exposed fetuses, assessing fetal growth through estimated fetal weight (EFW) measured by ultrasound. Growth velocity was calculated as the difference in Z-score between prenatal and birth EFW, divided by the time interval in days between the two assessments and multiplied by 100.
Exposed pregnancies showed significantly lower growth velocity for head circumference, abdominal circumference, and EFW compared with non-exposed pregnancies, with no significant differences in femur length or Doppler parameters. In conclusion, antenatal corticosteroid exposure is associated with a significant reduction in fetal growth velocity without concomitant alterations in cerebroplacental Doppler indices.
AMARILDO SMAKAJ
During 2025, my research activity developed continuously and in line with the objectives of the PhD program in Medical-Surgical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, with particular focus on musculoskeletal disorders, complex traumatology, osteoporosis, and translational orthopedic research. Numerous Scopus-indexed scientific articles were published during the year, including original clinical studies, multicenter studies, literature reviews, meta-analyses, and translational research contributions.
Publications addressed complex and periprosthetic traumatology, orthopedic surgery in the elderly, return to sport after pelvic fractures, degenerative and metabolic bone diseases, basic and translational research on bone and muscle metabolism, and clinical and observational studies on innovative pharmacological therapies and quality-of-life outcomes. Teaching activities totaling 40 hours were also conducted within the Degree Program in Orthopedic Techniques at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, along with significant participation as a speaker at national congresses.
DARIA M. SOSCIA
The project focuses on female reproductive health and is divided into two studies. The first evaluates the effects of direct exposure to organophosphate pesticides on the functionality of ex vivo granulosa cells collected from patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Metabolomic and biochemical analyses of follicular fluids are integrated with dietary habits and lifestyle data.
The second study investigates the relationship between circadian rhythms, heart rate, physical activity, temperature, and glycemia, monitored in real time using wearable devices, and uterine implantation of euploid blastocysts in ART cycles with preimplantation genetic testing. Data are integrated with dietary and lifestyle information collected through validated questionnaires and complemented by hormonal and molecular analyses of peripheral blood.
SALVATORE TECCE
During my PhD, I collaborated with Professor Tarantino and Professor Gasbarra on a multicenter project dedicated to the prevention and management of fragility fractures and sarcopenia, using innovative techniques such as Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry (REMS) and Computerized Bone Mineralometry (MOC). Within the osteosarcopenia research line, I actively participated in seminars and laboratory activities on intraoperative samples. I contributed to patient enrollment, data collection, and analysis, and conducted a specific study on muscle quality assessed by REMS to evaluate the relationship between muscle composition and bone fragility.
SARA VERDE
During my second year of the PhD in Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, I focused on the development of a non-invasive device for real-time detection of specific biomarkers aimed at monitoring and personalizing treatments. I tested the repeatability and reproducibility of a previously optimized fluorescence-based enzymatic assay to quantify phenylalanine levels in patients with phenylketonuria, assessing intra- and inter-day variability.
In addition, I explored the use of an RNA aptamer for the recognition of exosomes released by glioblastoma stem cells. Exosomes were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and ZetaView, and the presence of EphA2 protein was confirmed through FACS and proteomic analyses. I evaluated the binding capability of the A40s aptamer and its ability to discriminate between EphA2-positive and negative exosomes using FACS, validating results with ELONA and RT-PCR assays.
CHUNLIN WANG
My primary research focus is male sexual dysfunction. During the third year of my PhD, I published one research article as the first author in the Journal of Sexual Medicine and another as co–first author in Andrology. Additionally, I co-authored four other research articles. As a reviewer for Andrology, I reviewed nine manuscripts, and I also reviewed
one manuscript each for BMC Urology and Basic and Clinical Andrology. Furthermore, I participated in two academic workshops.