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The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will be a transformative experiment for gravitational wave astronomy, and, as such, it will offer unique opportunities to address many key astrophysical questions in a completely novel way. The synergy with ground-based and space-born instruments in the electromagnetic domain, by enabling multi-messenger observations, will add further to the discovery potential of LISA. The next decade is crucial to prepare the astrophysical community for LISA’s first observations. This review outlines the extensive landscape of astrophysical theory, numerical simulations, and astronomical observations that are instrumental for modeling and interpreting the upcoming LISA datastream. To this aim, the current knowledge in three main source classes for LISA is reviewed; ultra-compact stellar-mass binaries, massive black hole binaries, and extreme or interme-diate mass ratio inspirals. The relevant astrophysical processes and the established modeling techniques are summarized. Likewise, open issues and gaps in our understanding of these sources are highlighted, along with an indication of how LISA could help making progress in the different areas. New research avenues that LISA itself, or its joint exploitation with upcoming studies in the electromagnetic domain, will enable, are also illustrated. Improvements in modeling and analysis approaches, such as the combination of numerical simulations and modern data science techniques, are discussed. This review is intended to be a starting point for using LISA as a new discovery tool for understanding our Universe.

Background and Clinical Significance: Thoracic dorsal arachnoid web (DAW) is a rare intradural extramedullary condition characterized by a thin band of arachnoid tissue compressing the dorsal spinal cord. A hallmark imaging feature is the “scalpel sign”, which refers to anterior displacement of the thoracic spinal cord with dorsal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation, producing a sagittal profile resembling a surgical scalpel. Although highly specific for DAW, this sign may also appear in other intradural conditions such as idiopathic ventral spinal cord herniation and arachnoid cysts. The clinical presentation is typically progressive and nonspecific, including lower limb weakness, sensory changes, gait disturbances, and, less frequently, sphincter dysfunction. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the subtle nature of the lesion and limited resolution of conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). High-resolution Three-Dimensional Constructive Interference in Steady State (3D-CISS) sequences improve diagnostic accuracy by highlighting indirect signs such as spinal cord deformation and dorsal CSF flow obstruction. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 57-year-old woman presenting with chronic cervico-dorsalgia, bilateral lower limb weakness, paresthesia, and progressive gait instability. Neurological examination revealed spastic paraparesis and hyperreflexia. Conventional MRI was inconclusive. However, sagittal T2-weighted and 3D-CISS sequences demonstrated the scalpel sign at the T4–T5 level, with anterior cord displacement and dorsal subarachnoid space enlargement. Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of a dorsal arachnoid web, which was resected. Postoperative follow-up showed clear improvement in motor function and gait. Conclusions: DAW should be considered in cases of unexplained thoracic myelopathy or cervico-dorsalgia with neurological signs. Early recognition of the scalpel sign using advanced MRI sequences is critical for timely diagnosis and surgical planning, which may lead to significant clinical improvement.

LISA, the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, will usher in a new era in gravitational-wave astronomy. As the first anticipated space-based gravitational-wave detector, it will expand our view to the millihertz gravitational-wave sky, where a spectacular variety of interesting new sources abound: from millions of ultra-compact binaries in our Galaxy, to mergers of massive black holes at cosmological distances; from the early inspirals of stellar-mass black holes that will ultimately venture into the ground-based detectors’ view to the death spiral of compact objects into massive black holes, and many sources in between. Central to realising LISA’s discovery potential are waveform models, the theoretical and phenomenological predictions of the pattern of gravitational waves that these sources emit. This White Paper is presented on behalf of the Waveform Working Group for the LISA Consortium. It provides a review of the current state of waveform models for LISA sources, and describes the significant challenges that must yet be overcome.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition mainly characterized by both a scarce aptitude for social interactions or communication and engagement in repetitive behaviors. These primary symptoms can manifest with variable severity and are often paired with a heterogeneous plethora of secondary complications, among which include anxiety, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, sensory alterations, and gastrointestinal issues. So far, no treatment for the core symptoms of ASD has yielded satisfactory results in a clinical setting. Consequently, medical and psychological support for ASD patients has focused on improving quality of life and treating secondary complications. Despite no single cause being identified for the onset and development of ASD, many genetic mutations and risk factors, such as maternal age, fetal exposure to certain drugs, or infections have been linked to the disorder. In preclinical contexts, these correlations have acted as a valuable basis for the development of various murine models that have successfully mimicked ASD-like symptoms and complications. This review aims to summarize the findings of the extensive literature regarding the pharmacological and nutraceutical interventions that have been tested in the main animal models for ASD, and their effects on core symptoms and the anatomical, physiological, or molecular markers of the disorder.

Background and Objective: This observational study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of combined oxygen–ozone (O2-O3) therapy under CT guidance with the oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), and myrrh in elderly patients suffering from chronic low back pain (LBP). Given the rising prevalence of degenerative spinal diseases in older adults, this study addresses the need for effective, minimally invasive treatment options. Methods: A total of 276 patients aged 65 to 92 years, with chronic unilateral or bilateral LBP, underwent CT-guided paravertebral infiltrations with an O2-O3 gas mixture. This treatment was complemented with a 30-day regimen of ALA (800 mg/day), PEA (600 mg/day), and myrrh (200 mg/day). Clinical outcomes were assessed at one month and one year post-treatment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the modified McNab method. Results: At one month, 32.94% of patients reported an excellent improvement, with the mean VAS score dropping from 8.17 to 2.81. At the one-year follow-up, 68.15% cumulatively experienced positive outcomes, with 17.78% reporting the complete resolution of pain. In this occasion, the mean VAS score was 3.57. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the combination of oxygen–ozone therapy and oral ALA, PEA, and myrrh is a promising alternative for managing chronic low back pain in the elderly, leading to significant pain reduction and improved quality of life. Findings emphasize the need for further research to validate these results and explore the long-term benefits.

Background and objective: Our study compares the clinical outcome of chronic low back pain present for over six months treated with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) + palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and myrrh and periradicular infiltrations of oxygen-ozone under CT guide to periradicular steroidal infiltrations in a short (one week), medium (three months) and long-term period (six months). Methods: We enrolled 246 patients (Group A) with low back pain treated with periradicular infiltrations of oxygen-ozone under CT guide combined with 800 mg/day of ALA + 600 mg/day of PEA + 200 mg/day of myrrh orally. Group B consisted of 176 patients with low back pain treated with periradicular infiltrations of steroids. Patients were clinically monitored one week after the end of treatment, at three months, and at six months using a modified version of McNab’s method. Results: In Group A, the one-week clinical follow-up registered a complete remission of painful symptoms in 206 patients (83.7%), and this manifestation remained optimal in 191 patients at the three-month follow-up (77.6%) and in 178 at six months (72.3%). While the results were satisfactory in 28 patients (10.9%) at one week, 32 (13%) in the medium term, and 41 (16.6%) in the long term, non-significant results were found in 12 patients in the control at one week (4.6%), in 23 at three months (9.3%) and in 27 at six months (10.9%). In Group B, at the short-term follow-up we obtained an excellent clinical result in 103 patients (80.5%), while at three months 85 patients reported the persistence of clinical benefit (66.4%) and at six months, 72 (56.2%) reported the same result. The result was rated satisfactory in 11 (8.5%) and poor in 4 (3%). At the three-month follow-up, 23 (18%) reported a satisfactory result, and 20 (15.6%) had a poor result. At six months, 24 (18.8%) reported the persistence of a satisfactory result while for 32 the result was poor (25%). Conclusion: The results highlight how the treatment associated with ozone therapy and oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid + palmitoylethanolamide and myrrh can be considered a valid alternative to common therapeutic approaches in the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder identified by impairments in common social interactions and repetitive behaviors. In ASD patients, substantial morphological alterations have been observed in the hippocampus, which represents an important region for the development of social skills. Melatonin, commonly found in many foods and plants, is also produced by the pineal gland. This indolamine, known to regulate the circadian rhythm, shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We therefore hypothesized that melatonin may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the hippocampus of ASD patients. We explored our hypothesis using the BTBR mouse, a well-regarded murine transgenic model for ASD. Immediately after weaning, male BTBR and C57BL/6 mice underwent an 8-week treatment with melatonin or vehicle. Later, through immunohistochemistry and the immunoblotting analysis of the hippocampus, we evaluated the overall expression and cellular localization of Nrf2 and SOD1, two enzymes involved in the oxidative stress response. Similarly, we evaluated NLRP3 and NFkB, two mediators of inflammation, and GAD67, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of GABA. Ultimately, we addressed melatonin’s potential to regulate iron metabolism through a DAB-enhanced Perls reaction assay. Results showed melatonin’s potential for modulating the analyzed markers in BTBR mice, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect in ASD patients.