Deep learning (DL) algorithms used for DOTATATE PET lesion detection typically require large, well-annotated training datasets. These are difficult to obtain due to low incidence of gastroenteopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), and the high cost of manual annotation. Furthermore, networks trained and tested with data acquired from site specific PET/CT instrumentation, acquisition and processing protocols have reduced performance when tested with offsite data. This lack of generalizability requires even larger, more diverse training datasets. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of improving DL algorithm performance by better matching the background noise in training datasets to higher noise, out-of-domain testing datasets. 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT datasets were obtained from two scanners: Scanner1, a state-of-the-art digital PET/CT (GE DMI PET/CT; n=83 subjects), and Scanner2, an older-generation analog PET/CT (GE STE; n=123 subjects). Set1, the data set from Scanner1 was reconstructed with standard clinical parameters (5 minutes; Q.Clear) and list-mode reconstructions (VPFXS 2, 3, 4, and 5-minutes). Set2, data from Scanner2, representing out-of-domain clinical scans, used standard iterative reconstruction (5 minutes; OSEM). Reconstructed datasets were divided into training, validation, and testing datasets in a 60%, 20%, 20% proportion, and a deep neural network was trained with each: Network1 for Scanner1 and Network2 for Scanner2. DL performance (Network1) was tested with out-of-domain test data (Set2). To evaluate the effect of training sample size, we tested DL model performance using a fraction (25%, 50%, and 75%) of Set1 for training. Scanner1, list-mode 2-minute reconstructed data demonstrated the most similar noise level compared that of Set2, resulting in the best performance (F1=0.713). This was not significantly different compared to the highest performance, upper-bound limit using in-domain training for Network2 (F1=0.755; p-value=0.103). Regarding sample size, the F1 score significantly increased from 25% training data (F1=0.478) to 100% training data (F1=0.713; p<0.001). List-mode data from modern PET scanners can be reconstructed to better match the noise properties of older scanners. Using existing data and their associated annotations dramatically reduces the cost and effort in generating these datasets, and significantly improves the performance of existing DL algorithms. List-mode reconstructions can provide an efficient, low-cost method to improve DL algorithm generalizability.

The Nordic countries are practically always well positioned in the main international economic, social and sustainability indices and recommending the scientific literature that the variables that these indices intend to measure translate into sustainable economic growth, with this unprecedented empirical study we intend to verify through the ARDL methodology for space temporal 2004 -2018 if the maintenance of high scores in these indexes translates into effective economic growth. The ARDL methodology has the advantage of giving us short- and long-term coefficients. Using four of the main international indices, we conclude that for Nordic countries for economic growth, economic freedom is of no significance and business-friendly regulation is the most important variable. A fundamental discovery in our study (in which Granger's Causality complements the ARDL methodology) is that these countries have been able to adapt perfectly to the globalization process and that entrepreneurship has worked as an important contribution to the continued economic and social success of these countries, allowing them to continue to enjoy their “Nordic Welfare States” in these uncertain and troubled times. These variables have contributed to its economic and social sustainability.

Purpose: At a time of a pandemic SARS-CoV2 infection, and in the context of the multiorgan crosstalk widely accepted as a mechanism participating in the pathophysiology of all organs and systems, a correlation between adipose tissue, muscle and the immune system has been investigated. Physical Activity (PA) represents the first line of defence against metabolic diseases and infections, like SARS-CoV2, modulating several crucial functions such as inflammation and immune response. Conversely, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders – all correlated with PA - negatively impact on general health status, including susceptibility to infections. Here we review the complex interplay between type 2 diabetes, obesity, immune response, inflammation and viral infections, such as the current SARS-CoV2, focusing on the molecular mechanisms modulated by exercise. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was completed to identify joint biomarkers previously used to investigate acute and chronic exercise training. Results: we show that PA may counteract/mitigate viral adverse effects. We also describe data suggesting that vitamin D supplementation, frequently observed in practitioners of sport and regular exercise, could represent an additional positive factor in supporting COVID-19 with fighting against the virus. Conclusion: Altogether this evidence confirms that an active lifestyle and PA not only counteract dysmetabolic diseases but could also be effective for counteracting SARS-CoV2 infection. It is therefore essential to persuade people to keep active.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) triggers alterations in the maternal gut microbiome. Alongside metabolic shifts, microbial products may impact clinical factors and influence pregnancy outcomes. Here, we performed two separate analyses to integrate the maternal microbiome-metabolomic differences from a subset of the “Choosing Healthy Options in Carbohydrate Energy” (CHOICE) study. Women diagnosed with GDM were randomized to a diet higher in complex carbohydrates (CHOICE, n=18, 60% complex carbohydrate/25% fat/15% protein) or a conventional GDM diet (CONV, n=16, 40% carbohydrate/45% fat/15% protein). All meals were provided, diets were eucaloric, and fiber content was similar. CHOICE diet was associated with increases in TMAO, lysophosphotidylcholines, indoxyl sulfate, and several triglyceride (TG) species, while CONV diet was associated with higher plasma hippuric acid, aspartic acid, betaine, glutamic acid, indole propionic acid, and indoleacetic acid, suggesting that differences in lipid metabolism and tryptophan utilization pathways are linked to specific maternal diets. We also identified two latent metabolic groups not associated with either diet treatment: one metabolome associated with higher fasting glucose, and the other associated with higher fasting TGs after 7 weeks on either diet. Our study underscores the importance of utilizing dietary approaches to optimize maternal-fetal health outcomes in GDM treatment.

Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a normal cell proliferation-inducing enzyme encoded by AURKA gene, with over-expression observed in different types of malignancies. Hence, the goal is to find potential inhibitors against AURKA. In this study, molecular docking, Standard Precision and Extra Precision methods were employed. After the docking study, the ligands showed an extremely low binding score which suggested very high binding affinity of the ligands. Furthermore, Quantum polarized ligand docking (QPLD) was performed to predict the binding status of the molecules. Based on the binding affinity, the top four compounds were chosen for further analysis. The docked complexes were further analyzed in explicit water conditions using 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculation. Then, density functional theory (DFT) calculation was used to calculate the molecular properties of the molecules. Finally, systems biology experiments validated the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies and indicated that quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and rutin could inhibit the AURKA. The results show that, these four molecules have high binding affinity to the AURKA and significant interactions (LEU139, GLU211and ALA213) were also identified with the hinge region of Aurora kinase A. Thus, LEU139, GLU211, and ALA213 were identified as the crucial protein mechanisms.

The conformational state of the activation loop (A-loop) is pivotal for the activation of most protein kinases. Hence, the characterization of the conformational dynamics of the A-loop is important to increase our understanding of the molecular processes related to diseases and to support the discovery of small molecule kinase inhibitors. Here, we carry out a combination of Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Essential Dynamics (ED) analyses to fully map the effects of phosphorylation, ADP, and conformation disrupting (CD) inhibitors (i.e., CD532 and MLN8054) on the dynamics of the A-loop of Aurora-A. MD revealed that the stability of the A-loop in an open conformation is enhanced by single phospho-Thr-288, while paradoxically, the presence of second phosphorylation at Thr-287 decreases such stability and renders the A-loop more fluctuant in time and space. Moreover, we found that such post-translational modification has a significant effect on the direction of A-loop motions. ED analysis suggests that the presence of the phosphate moiety induces the dynamics of Aurora-A to sample two distinct energy minima, instead of a single large minimum, as in unphosphorylated Aurora-A states. This suggests that the conformational distributions of Aurora-A with both single and double phospho-threonine modifications are remarkably different from the unphosphorylated state. In the closed states, binding of CD532 and MLN8054 inhibitors has the effect of increasing the distance of the N- and C-lobes of the kinase domain of Aurora-A, and the angle analysis between those two lobes during MD simulations showed that the N- and C-lobes are kept more open in presence of CD532, compared to MLN8054. As the A-loop is a common feature of Aurora protein kinases, our studies provide a general description of the conformational dynamics of this structure upon phosphorylation and different ligands binding.

Throughout history, the unique Dacian landscape has aroused the imagination of many. For decades, researchers have been fascinated by the magnificent structures the Dacians built and how they altered the mountains to their advantage. Dacian sites, despite their grandeur, remain mostly unknown due to their position deep within Romania's vast forests, generally in remote regions and hidden from the naked eye. Ground exploration in densely forested mountain regions is extremely difficult, and even if such campaigns existed, they would be insufficient to provide a comprehensive picture of the Dacian world. The lack of high-resolution remote-sensing data for wide areas made big-scale assessments of the landscape impractical. This is about to change, as new large datasets of LiDAR-derived digital elevation models, covering the entire heart of Dacian world, are now freely available. This paper reports on one of the most recent freely available LiDAR-based high-resolution digital elevation models in Romania, its impact on Romanian mountain archaeology, and how this can shape future research directions in understanding the Dacian landscape.

Background: As cancer progresses, cells acquire traits that allow them to disperse and disseminate to distant locations in the body – a process known as metastasis. While in the vasculature, these cells are referred to as circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and can manifest either as single cells or clusters of cells (i.e., CTC clusters), with the latter being the most aggressive. The increased metastatic potential of CTC clusters is generally associated with cooperative group benefits in terms of survival, such as increased resistance to shear stress, anoikis, immune attacks and drugs. However, the adoption of a group phenotype poses a challenge when exiting the vasculature (extravasation) as the large size can hinder the passage through vessel walls. Despite their significant role in the metastatic process, the mechanisms through which CTC clusters extravasate remain largely unknown. Based on the observed in vivo association between CTC clusters and platelets, we hypothesized that cancer cells take advantage of the platelet-derived Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) – a signalling factor that has been widely implicated in many aspects of cancer, to facilitate their own dissemination. To address this possibility, we evaluated the effect of exogenous TGF-β1 on an experimentally evolved non-small lung cancer cell line that we previously developed and used to investigate the biology of CTC clusters. Results: We found that exogenous TGF-β1 induced the dissociation of clusters into adherent single cells. Once adhered, cells released their own TGF-β1 and were able to individually migrate and invade in the absence of exogenous TGF-β1. Based on these findings we developed a model that involves a TGF-β1-mediated plastic switch between a cooperative phenotype and a single-celled stage that enables the extravasation of CTC clusters. Conclusions: This model allows for the possibility that therapies can be developed against TGF-β1 signalling components and/or TGF-β1 target genes to suppress the metastatic potential of CTC clusters. Considering the negative impact that metastasis has on cancer prognosis and the lack of therapies against this process, interfering with the ability of CTC clusters to switch between cooperative and individual behaviours could provide new strategies to improve patient survival.

The global issues of overweight and sedentary lifestyles demand comprehensive responses from health systems, yet health education still needs to be more cohesive and less sporadic. This study focuses on primary school children as a specific target for instilling healthy habits, employing ac-tive learning strategies to address healthy diet and physical activity. Through Problem-Based Learning projects, the study engaged fourth-grade primary students in acquiring healthy habits. The study was carried out over four consecutive years at a school with two lines, allowing the employment of an opportunity sample and evaluating intervention and control groups by com-paring their corresponding scores. Control groups integrated a total of 54 students, while the in-tervention group included a total of 159 students. A pre-test and post-test questionnaire were used for data collection. Evaluation differential scores revealed statistically significant higher scores in the intervention groups: 3.62 points in control groups and 6,94 in intervention groups, particu-larly in attitudinal competences. These strategies not only facilitated the development of crucial skills such as information search, synthesis, representation, analysis, decision-making, teamwork, and intrapersonal awareness but also significantly broadened the knowledge acquired in aspects related to healthy habits. This approach proved effective in helping children comprehend the im-portance of healthy choices and encouraged integrating such habits into their daily lives.

In response to the growing demand for high-strength and high-toughness materials in industries like aerospace and automobiles, there is a need for metal matrix composites (MMCs) that can simultaneously enhance strength and toughness. This paper focuses on the design configurations of MMCs, which include both the configurations resulting from reinforcements and the inherent heterogeneity of the matrix itself. The mechanical properties of MMCs are influenced by factors such as reinforcement content, shape, size, and spatial distribution within the composite architecture. Among them, Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) are particularly significant in aerospace, electronics, and electric vehicles due to their potential for weight reduction and enhanced performance. However, the challenge lies in the inverse relationship between strength and toughness, hindering the widespread utilization and large-scale development of MMCs. The design configuration of composites plays a critical role in achieving concurrent improvements in strength and toughness. This review explores the advantages of toughness, toughening mechanisms, reinforcement distribution characteristics, and structural parameters in the design of composite architectures. Drawing inspiration from biological composites like bone, the development of synthetic composites with homogeneous structural designs provides insights into attaining exceptional strength and toughness in lightweight engineering structures. Additionally, understanding fracture behavior and toughening mechanisms in heterogeneous nanostructures is vital for advancing the field of metal matrix composites. Summarily, the design of composite architectures holds tremendous potential for tailoring AMCs with outstanding strength and toughness, addressing the requirements of lightweight engineering structures in various industries.

An algorithm for the treatment of images affected by both blurring and salt&pepper noise is proposed with a cost only proportional to the number of pixels. The methodology uses a discretization scheme for the Laplace operator multiplied by a suitable nonlinear term depending on the gradient. Even if this approach resembles a diffusion type algorithm, only one step of the procedure is applied, leading to significant time savings. The procedure is successfully tested on some standard black&white natural images.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) electric wires were subjected to dechlorination in subcritical water at three different temperatures in a high-pressure reactor. About 2.09, 73.08 and 95.96 wt. % of chlorine in PVC wires was removed during dechlorination at 200, 250 and 300 °C, respectively. The solid residues were analyzed and characterized by thermogravimetry, at three different heating rates (5, 10 and 20 °C/min) in inert and oxidizing atmosphere. With the purpose of studying the emission of chlorinated pollutants, pyrolysis experiments at 850 °C were also performed in a laboratory scale reactor with the dechlorinated materials, as well as with the original PVC electric wire. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) formation increased, but chlorobenzenes (ClBz) and chlorophenols (ClPh) formation decreased as the temperature of dechlorination increased; naphthalene was the most abundant PAH and monochlorobenzene and monochlorinated phenols (3-+4-) were the most abundant chlorinated compounds.

Melasma is a challenging skin condition which involves both structural and functional skin alterations. Despite the availability of various treatment options, the management remains complex. This is the first study to investigate topical application of Rosa Damascena stem cell exosomes when used concomitantly with microneedling in women and men with facial melasma. We recruited 20 subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, exhibiting melasma of varying severity. The modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were utilized to evaluate treatment response. The treatment protocol involved microneedling followed by exosome application over four or five sessions, at 4-week intervals. Ninety percent of subjects demonstrated a significant improvement in mMASI scores, while only 10% showed no change. GAIS assessment further supports overall improvement, with just 10% categorized as "not changed". Tolerability was favorable, with mild, transient side effects. Our findings suggest promising outcomes with this combined therapy, underscoring its potential as a safe and effective approach for treating melasma, particularly in severe and moderate cases. However, further research with larger sample sizes and control arms is warranted to validate these findings and explore long-term efficacy.

The novel respiratory disease COVID-19 has reached the status of worldwide pandemic and large efforts are currently being undertaken in molecularly characterizing the virus causing it, SARS-CoV-2. The genomic variability of SARS-CoV-2 specimens scattered across the globe can underly geographically specific etiological effects. In the present study, we gather the 48,635 SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes currently available thanks to the collection endeavor of the GISAID consortium and thousands of contributing laboratories. We analyze and annotate all SARS-CoV-2 mutations compared with the reference Wuhan genome NC_045512.2, observing an average of 7.23 mutations per sample. Our analysis shows the prevalence of single nucleotide transitions as the major mutational type across the world. There exist at least three clades characterized by geographic and genomic specificity. In particular, the clade G, prevalent in Europe, carries a D614G mutation in the Spike protein, which is responsible for the initial interaction of the virus with the host human cell. Our analysis may drive local modulation of antiviral strategies based on the molecular specificities of this novel virus.

This article argues that we need to look at living examples provided by non-state communities in various regions of the world that are, perhaps unwittingly, contributing to the maintenance of the Earth's optimal thermal balance. These fully sustainable communities have been living outside the mainstream for centuries, even millennia, providing examples in the global struggle against the degradation of social–ecological systems. They have all, to varying degrees, embraced simple forms of living that make them ‘exemplary ethical communities’ (EECs) – human communities with a track record of sustainability related to forms of traditional knowledge and the capacity to survive outside the capitalist market and nation-state system. The article proceeds in three steps: First, it condenses a large body of research on the limits of the existing nation-state system and its accompanying ideology, nationalism, identifying this institutional–ideological complex as the major obstacle to tackling climate change. Second, alternative social formations that could offer viable micro-level and micro-scale alternatives are suggested. These are unlikely to identify with existing nation-states as they often form distinct types of social communities. Taking examples from hunter-gatherer societies and simple-living religious groups, it is shown how the protection and maintenance of these EECs could become the keystone in the struggle for survival of humankind and other forms of life. Finally, further investigation is called for, into how researchers can come forward with more examples of actually existing communities that might provide pathways to sustainability and resistance to the looming global environmental catastrophe.

Since late 2019, COVID-19, a severe acute respiratory syndrome pandemic, was caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family, . Several antiviral therapies, mostly derived from previous epidemics, were initially repurposed to fight this not rarely life-threatening respiratory illness. Among them, however, the only specific antibody-based therapy available against SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first year of the pandemic was represented by COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). CCP, collected from recovered individuals, contains high levels of polyclonal antibodies of different subclasses able to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tens of randomized controlled trials have been conducted during the last three years of the pandemic to evaluate the safety and the clinical efficacy of CCP in both hospitalized and ambulatory COVID-19 patients, whose main results will be summarized in this narrative review. In addition, we will present the current knowledge on the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune polyclonal immunoglobulins.

Background: Wilms' tumor (or nephroblastoma) is a malignant and solid neoplasm that derives from the primitive renal bud. It represents the most frequent primary tumor of the urogenital tract in childhood, and treatment consists of surgery and chemo-radiotherapy. However, concerning the quality of life, the new therapeutic frontier is exploring other safer and potentially more effective options, such as minimally invasive surgery and biological drugs. Method: Literature (Pubmed) from January 2013 to March 2023 was reviewed. Results: One hundred five articles were included in the review. Conclusion: In addition to the therapeutic strategies already identified, such as classic surgery and pharmacological therapies, recent studies focus attention on the new frontiers of minimally invasive surgery, such as diagnostics using biomarkers and immunotherapy, which could represent a new therapeutic option and possibly less risky than in the past, contributing in fact to the current knowledge of the scientific panorama in terms of "tumor microenvironment" and systemic implications deriving from oncological disease.

An out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The survival rate can be influenced by the Chain of Survival. The school is the institution that has the opportunity to promote the education of citizens in Basic Life Support (BLS), increasing the number of trained bystanders. This study aimed to identify the theoretical and practical knowledge and self-reported skills in BLS, in order to characterise the motivation to intervene in an emergency situation. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study of the survey type was developed with a sample of 1215 students enrolled in 10th grade of secondary education in 2019-2020 in Portugal. The results point to a fragile appropriation of theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of BLS. Self-declared competences tend to rank below the theoretical knowledge manifested. Motivation to intervene is high: students are sensitive to the topic, willing to learn and highlight the importance and social relevance of the topic. We conclude that students do not feel nor are able to intervene in an OHCA episode. It seems necessary to develop didactic proposals that align the teaching of BLS with the Essential Learning at the end of compulsory education in Portugal.

The chemistry and electrochemistry basic fields have been active since the last two decades of the past century studying how surface modification of electrodes by coating with conductive films enhances their activity and performance. In the light of the development of alternative sustainable ways of energy storage and carbon dioxide conversion by electrochemical processes, these research studies have jumped in the 21st century to more applied fields such as chemical engineering, energy and environmental science and engineering. The huge amount of literature on experimental works dealing with the development of CO2 electroreduction processes addresses electrocatalyst development. Membranes can help understanding and controlling the mass transport limitations of current electrodes and reactors designs. The present bibliometric review addresses the papers published in the 21st century regarding membrane coated electrodes and electrocatalysts to enhance electrochemical reactor performance and viability with a special focus on the urgent issue of carbon dioxide capture and utilization.

Intratumour heterogeneity is often associated with poor response to treatment and bad prognosis. In addition to constitutive genetic/epigenetic sources, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity can reflect cell plasticity due to changes in gene expression patterns induced by signals from the tumour microenvironment or other cells. Positive interactions between cancer clones can increase their fitness and contribute to tumour growth, resistance to drugs and metastasis. Consequently, understanding the pathways involved in such behaviours is of great significance for cancer treatment. To explore if and how genetically distant clones can synergistically enhance each other's metastatic potential, this study used three (two breast and one lung) cancer cell lines with different aggressiveness levels. We found that (i) the conditioned media from the breast and lung aggressive lines induce mesenchymal features and increase the migration and invasion potential of the poorly metastatic breast line, and (ii) in both cases, this interclonal communication is based on the same soluble factor – namely, the tumour growth factor TGF-β1. Furthermore, when the two breast lines are mixed and co-cultured, the invasive potential of both lines is enhanced, and this outcome is dependent on the recruitment of the less aggressive clone into expressing a malignant phenotype. Based on our findings, we propose a two-tier model whereby highly metastatic clones can recruit weakly metastatic clones into acquiring an invasive phenotype, which in turn augments the invasion ability of the former (i.e., a “help me help you” strategy) through shared proteases and/or ECM remodelling. We suggest that such synergistic cooperation can easily emerge via cross-talk involving metastatic clones able to constitutively secrete signalling molecules that induce and maintain their own malignant state (i.e., autocrine/cell-autonomous signalling) and clones that have the ability to respond to those signals (i.e., paracrine/non-cell-autonomous signalling) and express a metastatic phenotype. Taking into account the lack of therapies to directly affect the metastatic process, interfering with such cooperative behaviours that tumour cells engage in during the early steps in the metastatic cascade could provide an additional strategy to increase patient survival.

The evolutionary transition from single-celled to multicellular individuality requires organismal fitness to shift from the cell-level to the cell group. This reorganization of fitness occurs by allocating the two components of fitness, survival and reproduction, between two specialized cell types in the multicellular group – soma and germ, respectively. How does the genetic basis for such fitness reorganization evolve? One possible mechanism is the co-option of life-history genes present in the unicellular ancestors of a multicellular lineage. Single-celled organisms must regulate their investment in survival and reproduction in response to environmental changes, particularly decreasing reproduction to ensure survival when stressed. Such stress response life-history genes can provide the foundation for the genetic basis for cellular differentiation in multicellular lineages. The regA gene family in volvocine green algae provides a model system to study how this co-option occurs. We discuss the origin and evolution of the volvocine regA gene family, including regA – the gene that controls somatic cell development in the model organism Volvox carteri. We hypothesize that the co-option of life history trade-off genes is a general mechanism involved in the transition to multicellular individuality, making volvocine algae and the regA family a useful template for similar investigations in other lineages.

The associations between dietary sodium intake (DSI), dietary potassium intake (DPI), and kidney stone disease (KSD) are not clear. We examined The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018 to determine the independent associations between daily DSI, DPI, DSI/DPI and prevalent KSD. 19,405 participants were included for analysis, of which 1,895 had KSD. Higher DSI was not associated with increased odds of KSD in regression analysis when DSI was modeled as a continuous variable (OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-1.00, p=0.2), or when comparing highest quartile of DSI to lowest quartile (OR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.68–1.04, p=0.1). Unlike DSI, higher DPI associated strongly with reduced odds of KSD in regression analysis when DPI was modeled as a continuous variable (OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-0.99, p=0.02), or when comparing highest quartile of DPI to lowest quartile (OR =0.75, 95% CI: 0.60–0.94, p=0.01). Lastly, higher DSI/DPI also associated strongly with increased odds of KSD in regression analysis when DSI/DPI was modeled as a continuous variable (OR=1.1, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20, p=0.03), or when comparing highest quartile of DPI to lowest quartile (OR =1.30, 95% CI: 1.10–1.70, p=0.008). All the observed relationships were independent of total calorie intake. In conclusion, both lower DPI and higher DSI/DPI associate with an increased risk of KSD. Future prospective studies are needed to clarify these causal relationships.

We report here a giant microfossil resembling the conidium of an ascomycete fungus (cf. Alternaria alternata). The specimen is preserved in stromatolitic black chert of the Gunflint Iron Formation (Paleoproterozoic Eon, Orosirian Period, ca. 1.9-2.0 Ga) of southern Ontario, Canada, and the rock that provided the thin section may have been collected by Elso Barghoorn as part of the original discovery of the Gunflint microbiota. The large size of the fossil sets it apart from other, tiny by comparison, Gunflint microfossils. The fossil is 200 microns in length and has cross walls. Individual cells are 30-46 microns in greatest dimension. The apical ‘spore’ is cap-shaped, and has partly separated from the rest of the structure. Cloulicaria gunflintensis gen. nov. sp. nov. may provide early evidence for eukaryotes (fungi) in the fossil record, and may also represent the earliest evidence for asexual reproduction in a eukaryote by means of mitospores.

In the last decades, the automatic recognition and interpretation of brain waves acquired by electroencephalographic (EEG) technologies have undergone remarkable growth, leading to a consequent rapid development of Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs). EEG-based BCIs are non-invasive systems that allow communication between a human being and an external device interpreting brain activity directly. Thanks to the advances in neurotechnologies, and especially in the field of wearable devices, BCIs are now also employed outside medical and clinical applications. Within this context, this paper proposes a systematic review of EEG-based BCIs, focusing on one of the most promising paradigms based on Motor Imagery (MI) and limiting the analysis to applications that adopt wearable devices. This review aims to evaluate the maturity levels of these systems, both from the technological and computational points of view. The selection of papers has been performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), leading to 84 publications considered in the last ten years (from 2012 to 2022). Besides technological and computational aspects, this review also aims at systematically list experimental paradigms and available datasets in order to identify benchmarks and guidelines for the development of new applications and computational models.

A cross-flow ultrafiltration harvesting system of a pre-concentrated microalgae culture was tested in an innovative anaerobic-based WRRF. The microalgae culture was cultivated in a membrane photobioreactor fed with the effluent from an anaerobic membrane bioreactor treating sewage. These harvested microalgae biomass was then anaerobically co-digested with primary and secondary sludge from the water line. Depending on the needs of this anaerobic co-digestion, the filtration harvesting process was evaluated intermittently over a period of 212 days for different operating conditions, mainly the total amount of microalgae biomass harvested and the desired final total solids concentration (up to 15.9 g·L1 with an average of 9.7 g·L1). Concentration ratios of 15-27 were obtained with average transmembrane fluxes ranged from 5 to 28 L·m2·h1. Regarding membrane cleaning, both backflushing and chemical cleaning resulted in transmembrane flux recoveries that were, on average, 21% higher than those achieved with backflushing alone. The carbon footprint assessment shows promising results as the GHG emissions associated with the cross-flow ultrafiltration harvesting process could be less than the emissions savings associated with the energy recovered from the biogas production from the anaerobic valorisation of the harvested microalgae.

Human respiratory beta coronavirus are emerging causes for Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC). SARS-CoV2 is circulating worldwide since November 2019. We review here the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in COVID-19, and data supporting the role for dysregulation of the RAS counterregulatory axis due to binding of SARS-CoV2 S protein to ACE2 receptor. Since this counterregulatory axis provides benefits not only on the cardiovascular front but also in acute lung injury, we speculate on potential use of ACE inhibitors and AT₁R blockers in critically ill COVID-19 patients, and report current evidences.

Measles is targeted for elimination since 2001, with significant reduction in cases recorded worldwide, but outbreaks occur periodically due to immunization gaps. The present study analyzes the evolution of vaccination coverage rates (VCR) in Romania, a EU country with large measles epidemics during the last two decades, including an ongoing outbreak in 2023. Vaccination against measles is included in the National Immunization Program from 1979, initially as a single dose, and since 1994, with 2 doses. The vaccine uptake was initially high, with national VCR of >97%. However, from 2010 onwards, the VCR dropped and remained constantly under 90%. This decline was caused by several factors, including a decreasing number of general practitioners, discontinuities in vaccine supply, emigration, with increased numbers of children lost to follow-up and a surge in vaccine hesitancy. Additional decreases in the already low levels of VCR were recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic: in 2022 the VCR reached the lowest level in the last decade, with 83.4% for the first dose (6.6% decrease compared to 2019) and 71.4% for the second dose (4.4% decrease compared to 2019), with important subregional differences. The constant suboptimal vaccination coverage rate in Romania threatens the progress toward measles elimination.

Background: transcriptome data provide a valuable resource for the study of cancer molecular mechanisms, but technical biases, samples’ heterogeneity and small sample sizes result in poorly reproducible lists of regulated genes. Additionally, the presence of multiple cellular components contributing to cancer development complicate the interpretation of bulk transcriptomic profiles. Methods: we collected 48 microarray datasets of laser capture microdissected breast tumors, and performed a meta-analysis to identify robust lists of genes differentially expressed in these tumors. We created a database with carefully harmonized metadata to be used as a resource for the research community. Results: combining the results of multiple datasets improved the statistical power, and the analysis of stroma and epithelium separately allows identifying genes with different contribution in each compartment. Conclusions: our database can profitably help biomarkers’ discovery and is readily accessible through a user-friendly web interface (https://aurorasavino.shinyapps.io/metalcm/).

In an increasingly resource-constrained era, the utilization approach of waste and by-products from grain processing, is attractive widely, considering both nutritive value and economic aspects and move towards more sustainable food systems. Following the fundamentals of a circular economy, the need of the hour lies in its effective utilization as a grain waste and by-products conversion into value-added products in food industry. The aim of this study is twofold: 1. Understanding the progress of grain waste and by-products to valorization in human nutrition, using bibliometrics; different literature databases namely Google Scholar, Web of Science and Elsevier Scopus have been evaluated for their merits and values; 2. Exploration of knowledge-based strategies, by reviewing the literature concerning the possible use of grain waste and by-products for food processing industry, reducing burden on virgin raw materials. The review allowed to unlock the latest-advances of upcycling side streams and waste from grain processing industry.

In the history of civil aircraft transportation, ice formation has been identifies as a key factor in the safety of flight. Anti-icing and deicing system have emerged through the years with the aim to prevent or to eliminate ice formation on wing airfoil, control surface and probes. Modern flying machine demand more efficiency in order to reduce the carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of flight transport. In order to achieve this goal the need to have efficient aircraft with efficient and low power consuming system is fundamental. This paper proposes a new model for ice accretion using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This model permits to simulate the shape of the ice formed over a profile varying boundary conditions (i.e.- speed, liquid water content and so on). The proposed model takes into account also the amount of heat transferred between water and the surrounding environment and includes the effects of air turbulence on the ice formation process. The CFD simulations have been validated with NASA experimental outcome and show good agreement. The proposed model can be also used to investigate the effects of various parameters such as air speed, Liquid Water Content and air temperature on the ice formation process. The results evidences that the proposed model can accurately predict ice formation process and is suitable to optimize the design of anti-icing or deicing system for aircraft and helicopters. This approach is not limited to aerospace but can also be exported to other applications such as transportation, wind turbine, energy management and infrastructure.

Along with density and mass variations of the oceans driven by global warming, Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) in response to the last deglaciation still contributes significantly to present-day sea-level change. Indeed, in order to reveal the impacts of climate change, long term observations at tide gauges and recent absolute altimetry data need to be decontaminated from the effects of GIA. This is now realized by means of global models constrained by the observed evolution of the paleo-shorelines since the Last Glacial Maximum, which account for the complex interactions between the solid Earth, the cryosphere and the oceans. In the recent literature, past and present-day effects of GIA are often expressed in terms of fingerprints describing the spatial variations of several geodetic quantities like crustal deformation, the harmonic components of the Earth's gravity field, relative and absolute sea level. However, since it is driven by the sluggish readjustment occurring within the viscous mantle, GIA shall taint the pattern of sea-level variability also during the forthcoming centuries. The shapes of the GIA fingerprints reflect inextricable deformational, gravitational, and rotational interactions occurring within the Earth system. Using up-to-date numerical modeling tools, our purpose is to revisit and to explore some of the physical and geometrical features of the fingerprints, their symmetries and intercorrelations, also illustrating how they stem from the fundamental equation that governs GIA, i.e., the Sea Level Equation.

Efficiently solving the problem of computing, in a distributed fashion, the shortest paths of a graph whose topology dynamically changes over time is a core functionality of many today’s digital infrastructures, probably the most prominent example being communication networks. Many solutions have been proposed over the years for this problem that can be broadly classified into two categories, namely Distance-Vector and Link-State algorithms. Distance-Vector algorithms are widely adopted solutions when scalability and reliability are key issues or when nodes have either limited hardware resources, as they result in being very competitive approaches in terms of both the memory and the computational point of view. In this paper, we first survey some of the most established solutions of the Distance-Vector category. Then, we discuss some recent algorithmic developments in this area. Finally, we propose a new experimental study, conducted on a prominent category of network instances, namely generalized linear preference (GLP) power-law networks, to rank the performance of such solutions.

Atomic force microscopes are used, beside their principal function as surface imaging tools, in surface manipulation and measurement of interfacial properties. In particular, they can be modified to measure lateral friction forces that occur during the sliding of the tip against the underlying substrate. However, the shape, size, and deformation of the tips profoundly affect the measurements in a manner that is difficult to predict. In this work, we investigate the contribution of these effect to the magnitude of the lateral forces during sliding. The surface substrate is chosen to be few-layer AB-stacked graphene surface whereas the tip is initially constructed from face-centered cubic gold. In order to separate the effect of deformation from shape, rigid tips of three different shapes were considered first, namely a cone, a pyramid and a hemisphere. The shape was seen to dictate all aspects of the interface during sliding, from temperature dependence to stick-slip behavior. Deformation was investigated next by comparing a rigid hemispherical tip to one of identical shape and size but with all but the top three layers of atoms free to move. The deformation, as also verified by an indentation analysis, occurs by means of the lower layers collapsing on the upper ones, thereby increasing the contact area. This collapse mitigates the friction force and decreases it with respect to the rigid tip for the same vertical distance. Finally, the size effect is studied by means of calculating the friction forces for a much larger hemispherical tip whose atoms are free to move. In this case, the deformation is found to be much smaller but the stick-slip behavior is much more clearly seen.

Morphological dissimilarity and its evolution over time are one of the most unexpected variations found when comparing cell cultures in 2D and 3D. Monolayer cells appear to flatten in the lower part of the plate, adhering to and spreading in the horizontal plane while not extending vertically. Consequently, cells developed in two dimensions have a forced apex-basal polarity. Co-cultivation and crosstalking between multiple cell types, which control development and formation in the in vivo counterpart, are possible in 3D cultures. With or without a scaffold matrix, 3D model culture may exhibit more in vivo-like morphology and physiology. 3D cultures mimic relevant physiological cellular processes, transforming them into one-of-a-kind drug screening platforms. The structures and dynamics of regulatory networks, which are increasingly studied with live-imaging microscopy, must be considered to help and guarantee the functional maintenance of a 3D structure. However, commercially available technologies that can be used for current laboratory needs are minimal, despite the need to make it easier to acquire cellular kinetics with high spatial and temporal resolution, in order to improve visual efficiency and, as a result, experimentation performance. The CELLviewer is a newly developed multi-technology instrument that integrates and synchronizes the work of various scientific disciplines. The aim of this study is to test the device using two different models: a single Jurkat cell and an MCF-7 spheroid. The two models are loaded into the microfluidic cartridge for each experiment after they have been grown and captured in time-lapse for a total of 4 hours. The samples used are tracked under the operation of the optics after adaptive autofocus, while slipping inside the cartridge chamber, and the 3D rotation was successfully obtained experimentally. The MitoGreen dye, a fluorescence marker selectively permeable to live cells, was then used to determine cell viability. To measure the model diameter, construct fluorescence intensity graphs along a straight line passing through the cell, and visualize the spatial fluorescence intensity distribution in 3D, ImageJ software was used.

Silybin is a natural compound extensively studied for its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-cancer properties. Envisioning the enhancement of silybin potential by suitable modifications in its chemical structure, here, a series of new 7-O alkyl silybins derivatives were synthesized by Mitsunobu reaction starting from the silybins and tyrosol-based phenols, such as tyrosol (TYR, 3), 3-methoxytyrosol (MTYR, 4) and 3-hydroxytyrosol (HTYR, 5). This research sought to explore the antioxidant and anticancer properties of new eighteen derivatives and their mechanisms. In particular, the antioxidant properties of new derivatives outlined by DPPH assay, showed a very pronounced activity depending on the tyrosyl moiety (HTYR>MTYR>>TYR). A significant contribution of the HTYR moiety was observed for silybins and 2,3-dehydro-silybin based derivatives. According to the very potent antioxidant activity, 2,3-dehydro-silybin derivatives 15ab, 15a and 15b exerted the most potent anticancer activity in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis for cell cycle and apoptosis revealed that 15ab, 15a and 15b induce strong G1 phase arrest and increase late apoptotic population in PC-3 cells. Additionally, western blotting for apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 confirmed apoptosis induction by these silybin derivatives in PC-3 cells. These findings hold significant importance in the investigation of anticancer properties of silybin derivatives and strongly encourage swift investigation in pre-clinical models and clinical trials.

Specific foods and nutrients help prevent the progression from persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection to cervical cancer (CC). We aimed to focus on dietary patterns which may be associated with hrHPV status and risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+). Overall, 539 eligible women, including 127 CIN2+, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study, and tested for hrHPV infection. Food intakes were estimated using a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied. Using the Mediterranean Diet Score, we demonstrated that, among 252 women with normal cervical epithelium, medium adherence to Mediterranean diet decreased odds of hrHPV infection when compared to low adherence (adjOR=0.40, 95%CI=0.22-0.73). Using principle component analysis, we also identified two dietary patterns which explained 14.31% of variance. Women in the 3^rd and 4^th quartiles of the “western pattern” had higher odds of hrHPV infection when compared with 1^st quartile (adjOR=1.77, 95%CI=1.04-3.54 and adjOR=1.97, 95%CI=1.14-4.18, respectively). Adjusting for hrHPV status and age, women in the 3^rd quartile of the “prudent pattern” had lower odds of CIN2+ when compared with 1^st quartile (OR=0.50, 95%CI=0.26-0.98). Our study is the first to demonstrate the association of dietary patterns with hrHPV infection and CC, discouraging unhealthy habits in favour of Mediterranean-like diet.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has transitioned from a progressive, fatal disease to a chronic, manageable disease thanks to better defining of antiretroviral therapy, hence contributing to increased life expectancy. In parallel, a growing number of subjects without overt clinical signs of disease but living with chronic HIV infection (people living with HIV, PLWH) are experiencing early cardiovascular disease worldwide. However, a progressive increase in the prevalence of multiple comorbid diseases has been reported as these patients age, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular mortality can be either directly related to the viral infection, a progressive reduction of response to the antiretroviral therapy, chronic inflammation or lifestyle-related. Cardiovascular ageing represents a relevant issue in the management of HIV-infected patients. Although the exact pathophysiological mechanism that leads PLWH to develop cardiovascular disease is not entirely understood, there is substantial evidence that they accumulate age-related conditions earlier than the general population. Furthermore, since the proportion of PLWH growing older than 50 years has progressively increased, this results in a complex interaction between disease-related pathophysiology and the exposition of a growing burden of cardiovascular risk factors. For this reason, we performed a systematic review of the genes most frequently associated with ageing in HIV-infected subjects, followed by a bioinformatic analysis to explore the biological impact of the genes related to ageing.

Background and Objectives Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1 MIM # 162200), also known as von Recklinghausen disease, is among the most common autosomal dominantly transmitted disorders characterized mainly by neurocutaneous manifestations such as café au lait spots, intertriginous freckling, various types of neurofibromas (cutaneous neurofibromas or plexiform tumors), neurological manifestations, and bone abnormalities. It occurs with an incidence of 1:3000–1:4000 cases. Cone-rod dystrophies belong to the large group of retinal dystrophies, a highly heterogeneous group of disorders clinically manifested mainly by damage to cone and rod cells and have a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Many genes are involved in their etiology, with more than 100 currently identified, including the CRX gene responsible for the autosomal dominant form of cone-rod dystrophy (ad CORD). Materials and Methods: The authors present an intriguing case of a patient diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) as an infant and ocular involvement (myopia and astigmatism onset at age 15), which yielded a surprising molecular testing result. Results: Molecular DNA analysis identified a rare occurrence of two mutational variants, including a pathogenic variant in the NF1 gene, c.3871-2A, and a likely pathogenic variant in the CRX gene c.119G>A. Conclusions: The authors present this case to highlight the surprises offered by molecular testing in a condition where the diagnosis is usually based on clinical criteria, thus providing patients with competent genetic advice.

The current design process of a new aircraft includes several mod- eling and testing steps.The main purpose of the Ground Vibration Testing is to achieve experimental vibration data of the whole aircraft structure, in terms of frequencies, damping factors, and mode shapes to ensure that the aircraft will be free from any aeroelastic instability and safe to fly in the desired flight envelope. GVT results are also mainly used for validating and eventually im- proving FEM models of the aircraft examined. On the other hand, structural dynamic models are used to predict the flutter behavior and carefully plan the in-flight flutter tests, and lead to mitigation of the risks related to them. This paper aims to compare different aeroelastic methods outcomes achieved using two diverse commercial software: the widely used NASTRAN™ and the most recently developed Zonatech ZAERO. The flutter computation results are obtained by means of P-K, K, and G methods. The first case presented is the aeroelastic analysis of a forward-swept wing whereas the second case concerns the stabilator of a two-seater ultralight aircraft, for which an experimental campaign of vibrations test is also carried out. The structural mode shapes at each generated frequency mode are also visually presented.

In Philadelphia chromosome positive B-cell (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (LLA), growing evidence has ac-cumulated about the efficacy of low-intensity and chemo-free regimens. Our objective was to analyze all recent trials evaluating these treatments and to compare them in terms of efficacy. We applied the Shiny method, an artificial intelligence technique, to analyze Kaplan-Meier curves and reconstruct patient-level data. Reconstructed patient data were then evaluated through standard survival statistics and subjected to indirect head-to-head treatment comparisons. The endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Based on 848 reconstructed patients, 9 trials were analyzed. The survival data from these trials were pooled into three types of treatments: i) treatments based on ty-rosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combined with reduced-intensity chemotherapy (denoted as TKICHE); ii) TKIs as-sociated to steroids with no chemotherapy (TKISTE); iii) chemotherapy-free combinations of blinatumomab plus TKIs (TKIBLI). According to the Shiny method, the three PFS curves were reported in a single Kaplan-Meier graph and subjected to survival statistics. In terms of PFS, TKIBLI ranked first, TKICHE second, and TKISTE third; the differences between these three regimens were statistically significant. This multi-treatment Kaplan-Meier graph, generated through the Shiny method, summarized the current evidence on these treatments in both qualitative and quantitative terms.

: In Philadelphia chromosome positive B-cell (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (LLA), growing evidence has accumulated about the efficacy of low-intensity and chemo-free regimens. Our objective was to analyse all recent trials evaluating these treatments and to compare them in terms of efficacy. We applied the Shiny method, an artificial intelligence technique, to analyse Kaplan-Meier curves and reconstruct patient-level data. Reconstructed patient data were then evaluated through standard survival statistics and subjected to indirect head-to-head treatment comparisons. The endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Based on 562 reconstructed patients, 8 trials were analyzed. The survival data from these trials were pooled into three types of treatment: i) treatments based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combined with reduced-intensity chemotherapy (denoted as TKICHE); ii) TKIs associated to steroids with no chemotherapy (TKISTE); iii) chemotherapy-free combinations of blinatumomab plus TKIs (TKIBLI). According to the Shiny method, the three PFS curves were reported in a single Kaplan-Meier graph and subjected to survival statistics. In terms of PFS, TKIBLI ranked first, TKICHE second, and TKISTE third; the differences between these three regimens were statistically significant. In conclusion, the multi-treatment Kaplan-Meier graph generated in this study has effectively summarized the current evidence on these treatments in comparative terms.

In the last decade, the drone market has grown rapidly for both civil and military purposes. Due to their versatility, drones demand is constantly increasing, with several industrial players joining the venture to transfer urban mobility to the air. This has exacerbated the problem of noise pollution, mainly due to the relatively lower altitude of these vehicles and to the proximity of their routes to extremely densely populated areas. In particular, both the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic optimization of the propulsive system and of its interaction with the airframe are key aspects of the design of aerial vehicles for the success or the failure of their mission. The industrial challenge involves finding the best performance in terms of loading, efficiency and weight, and, at the same time, the most silent configuration. For this reason, research has focused on an initial localization of the noise sources and, on further analysis, of the noise generation mechanism, focusing particularly on directivity and scattering. The aim of the present study is to review the noise source mechanisms and the state-of-the-art technologies available in literature for its suppression, focusing especially on the fluid-dynamic aspects of low Reynolds numbers of the propulsive system and on the interaction of the propulsive-system flow with the airframe.

Sulfenic acids as small molecules are too unstable to be isolated and their transient nature offers the possibility to involve them in concerted processes that lead to the obtainment of functional groups such as sulfoxides, sulfones and disulfides. All these functions are present in a number of natural and synthetic drugs and can represent structural motives inducing biological relevant properties. In this small review the generation and reactions of sulfenic acid bearing naturally occurring residues are described. Carbohydrate and aminoacid-derived sulfenic acids have been used in concerted addition to triple bonds to obtain alliin derivatives and thiosugars in enantiomerically pure form. Glycoconjugates with sulfinyl, sulfonyl and disulfane functional groups and pyridine-derived disulfides have been obtained from bis and tris-sulfinyl precursors of sulfenic acids. Small families of such compounds have been subjected to preliminary biological tests. Starting from the evidence that the control of molecular architecture and the presence of suitable functional groups can play a significant role on the exhibition of biological properties, apoptotic effects on malignant cells by glycoconjugates and inhibitory activity against the important human pathogen S. aureus by pyrimidine-derived disulfides have been found.

Statistical based reconstruction methods and signal processing tooling techniques are implemented and used to detect delaminations or debondings within composite items. From literature it appears that, although a single procedure for the estimation of the structural health is a fast solution, a multiple analysis based on different reconstruction methods or different damage parameters could provide more detailed information about the location and the severity of possible failures. This work discusses the advantage of using cross-correlation analysis in a data-driven approach based on ultrasonic guided waves (GW) tomographic technique and piezoelectrics (PWAS) in pitch-catch configuration. In this sense, this work evidences an improvement in damage detection when the cross-correlation is included as part of the GW-based system for damage assessment approach. The specimens used as test structures to demonstrate the validity of the methodology derive from an aircraft wing test article where damages are specified as skin delamination produced by low energy impact.

Research found that those who believe sexual orientation is inborn have generally positive attitudes towards gay men and lesbians. However, other studies have also found that these beliefs could include negative eugenic ideas. This study aims to investigate the role of people’s beliefs about the aetiology of sexual orientation on attitudes towards adoption for both gay and lesbian couples. We hypothesized that this relationship would be mediated by sexual prejudice. To test the predictions, 256 Italian heterosexual participants were asked to answer to a scale about their beliefs regarding the aetiology of sexual orientation, sexual prejudice, and attitudes towards adoption by same-sex couples. Results confirmed that the relationship between aetiology beliefs and adoption support was fully mediated by sexual prejudice. These investigation results suggest that the belief that sexual orientation is controllable may serve to justify one’s prejudice and, in turn, result in a lower support for same-sex couples’ adoption.

.Background: Negative outcomes associated with medications (NOM) and drug-related problems (DRP) significantly impact individuals with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) given the complexities of managing kidney disease and associated comorbidities. The present study aims to assess the frequency of NOMs/DRPs among KRT patients and identify contributing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital (Granada, Spain), involving 117 outpatient adults with KRT. Data were collected from February 2021 to July 2023 using electronic records, semi-structured interviews (Dáder Method), and discussions with nephrology specialists. NOMs/DRPs were identified following treatment guidelines. Binary logistic regression determined associated factors (p-value < 0.05). Results: Across 117 patients, 2,436 NOMs and 3,303 DRPs were identified, averaging 20.82 NOMs and 28.23 DRPs per patient. Prevalent NOMs included untreated conditions (58.95%), quantitative ineffectiveness (35.43%), and non-quantitative safety problems (5.13%). Dominant DRPs were undertreated conditions (37.63%), wrong dose/posology/length (33.00%), risk of adverse drug reactions (ADR) (16.14%), and non-adherence (6.87%). Patients with ADR, undertreated condi-tions, and anemia were associated with quantitative ineffectiveness. Risk of ADR and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency correlated with non-quantitative safety problems. Conclusions: KRT pa-tients exhibited a substantial prevalence of NOMs/DRPs. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of these complexities for improved patient care.

The surprisingly high catalytic activity of gold has been known to the heterogeneous catalysis community since the mid-1980s. Significant effort has been directed towards improving the reactivity of these surfaces towards important industrial reactions. One such strategy is the introduction of small amounts of other metals to create Au-based surface alloys. In this work, we investigate the synergistic effect of Pt doping of the Au(111) surface towards decreasing the activation barrier of the methanol dehydrogenation elementary step, within first-principles density functional theory. To this aim we construct several models of \ce{Pt}-doped Au(111) surfaces, including a full \ce{Pt} overlayer and monolayer. The effect of \ce{Pt} surface doping is then investigated via the computation of adsorption energies of the various chemical species involved in the catalytic step, and the estimation of activation barriers of methanol dehydrogenation. Both electronic and strain effects induced by \ce{Pt} surface doping concur in substantially lowering the activation energy barrier of this important reaction elementary step. Morever, in the presence of preadsorbed atomic oxygen, \ce{Pt} surface doping can be used to reduce the activation energy for methanol dehydrogenation to as low as 0.1 eV.

The integration of the increasing share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) requires the availability of suitable energy storage systems to improve the grid flexibility, and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems could be a promising option. In this study, a CO2-free Diabatic CAES system is proposed and analysed. The plant configuration is derived from a down-scaled version of the McIntosh diabatic CAES plant, where the natural gas is replaced with green hydrogen, produced on site by a Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyser powered by a Photovoltaic power plant. In this study, the components of the hydrogen production system are sized to maximize the Self-Consumption share of PV energy generation and the effect of the design parameters on the H2-CAES plant performance are analysed on a yearly basis. Moreover, a comparison between the use of natural gas and hydrogen in terms of energy consumption and CO2 emissions is discussed. The results show that the proposed hydrogen fuelled CAES can effectively match the generation profile and the yearly production of the natural gas fuelled plant by using all the PV energy production, while producing zero CO2 emissions.

Unlike other SDGs, the SDG4 about quality education is not a goal in itself, but rather a tool to achieve different goals. Universities in this respect play a crucial role in the short-term implementation of SDGs for education, including new approaches and contents. Current academic debates explore the best practices via deductive-theoretical or inductive-experiential methods, yet not always considering the geographical, and therefore cultural and infrastructural factors affecting the success and the failure of such practices. In this paper, we systematize the implementation of SDGs in Italian universities from 2016 to 2019. Eighteen experiences have been collected after a national call by the Italian Network of Sustainable Universities (RUS) aimed at mapping the current landscape of SDG related actions. Results have been analyzed according to two criteria: 1- the educational "container" where the SDGs implementation takes place (from random workshops to dedicated courses); 2- the different organizational scales (from the foundation of a new department to the campaigns by local green teams). With this paper, we do not propose a total refunding or "deus-ex-machina" solutions, disregarding the local factors and the local resources in Italian universities. On the contrary, we draw a map to propose the reuse of an existing structure with adjustments, retrofitting and renewal actions towards holistic and coordinated sustainability efforts. Results show that, within the Italian context, SDGs implementation is still primarily understood as a strategic element for branding and promoting the green image of the Athenaeum. Secondarily, it is seen whether as a separate discipline to be inserted into existing curricula and original teachings or as a conceptual tool for remedying specific societal challenges through random workshops or fieldworks. Conclusions highlight the value of this first Country-wide systematization of the Italian Higher Education Institutions toward SDGs implementation. This exercise avoids individual experiences remaining isolated and self-concluded, and, most importantly, provides comparability and transferability criteria to help similar cases. Further works envisage the recognition of same elements in the broader European traditions, as well as the enhancement of stimuli for a personal and societal transformation generated by the partnership of all those people and institutions engaged in the exciting yet urgent defy of today's societal challenges.

Serelaxin (RLX), the recombinant form of human Relaxin-2 hormone, protects the heart from the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced damage due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. RLX exerts its actions by binding to its specific RXFP1 receptor whereby it regulates multiple cellular transduction pathways. In this in vitro study we offer first evidence for the involvement of AMP kinase/Sirtuin1 (AMPK/SIRT1) pathway in the protection afforded by RLX against H/R-induced damage in H9c2 cells. Treatment of the H/R-exposed cells with RLX (17 nmol L−1) enhanced SIRT1 expression and activity. Inhibition of SIRT1 signaling with EX527 (10 µmol L-1) reduced the beneficial effect of the hormone on mitochondrial efficiency and cell apoptosis. Moreover, RLX upregulated AMPK pathway, as shown by the increase in the expression of phospho-AMPK active protein. Finally, AMPK pathway inhibition by Compound C (10 and 20 μmol L−1) abrogated the increase in SIRT1 expression induced by RLX, thus suggesting the involvement of AMPK pathway in this effect of RLX. The results of this study strengthen the concept that RLX exerts its cardioprotective effects against H/R-induced injury by multiple pathways which also include AMPK/SIRT1.

This study aimed to evaluate the hazards posed by foodborne bacteria of the Listeria genus by analyzing prevalence, diversity and virulence of Listeria spp. in food and food manufacturing plants. Seventy five isolates obtained from the routine analysis of 653 samples by three diagnostic laboratories in Northern Italy were genotipically differentiated by Repetitive Extragenic Palindrome (rep) PCR with the GTG5 primer, identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and examined by specific PCR tests for the presence of L. monocytogenes virulence determinants occasionally found to occur in other species of the genus. The identity of the amplification products was confirmed by sequencing. Fifty seven isolates were identified as L. innocua, 12 as L. monocytogenes, 5 as L. welshimeri and one as L. seeligeri. All L. monocytogenes isolates belonged to the serotype 1/2a and were predicted to be virulent for the presence of the inlJ internalin gene. Potentially virulent strains of L. innocua, L. seeligeri and L. welshimeri, carrying the L. monocytogenes inlA gene and/or hly gene, were identified, and most isolates were found to possess the toxin-antitoxin system mazEF for efficient adaptation to heat shock. Results indicated the need to reinforce food contamination prevention measures against all Listeria species by efficiently defining their environmental distribution.

Background: The oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) assessment evaluated the impact of individual’s oral health on the patient's physical and psychosocial status. We evaluated the association between subjective OHRQoL, measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire, and unfavorable body mass index (BMI) (i.e., too high or too low) in a large population-based study on older adults from Southern Italy. Moreover, we assessed which of the seven OHIP-14 domains was most strongly associated with an unfavorable BMI. Methods: We used data on a subpopulation of the Salus in Apulia Study, including 216 older adults. BMI &lt;18.4 kg/m2 and &gt;30 kg/m2 were classified as unfavorable, values between 18.5 and 30 kg/m2 were classified as ideal. Results: Higher OHIP-14 total score increased the risk to have an unfavorable BMI [odds ratio (OR):1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.01-1.15]. In the model adjusted for age, sex, education, hypertension, carbohydrate consumption, and alcohol consumption, this finding was confirmed with higher OHIP-14 total score increasing the risk to have an unfavorable BMI (OR:1.10, 95% CI:1.01-1.22), and higher age linked to a decreased risk to have an unfavorable BMI (OR:0.89, 95% CI:0.82-0.97). In a random forest regression model, the most important predictive domains/sub-scales of OHIP-14 in mean decrease Gini for unfavorable BMI were, in order of decreasing importance, physical pain, functional limitation, psychological discomfort, physical disability, social disability, psychological disability, and handicap. Conclusions: In older age, negative OHRQoL, particularly linked to the physical pain domain, increased the risk of underweight or overweight and obesity.

Much evidence has accumulated over the past decade in favor of a significant association between dysbiosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Presently, the pathogenetic mechanisms triggered by molecules produced by the altered microbiota, also responsible for the onset and evolution of Alzheimer Disease will be described. Our attention will be focused on the role of astrocytes and microglia. Numerous studies have progressively demonstrated how these glial cells are important to ensure an adequate environment for neuronal activity in healthy conditions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident how both cell types can mediate the onset of neuroinflammation and lead to neurodegeneration when subjected to pathological stimuli. Based on this information, the role of major microbiota products in shifting the activation profiles of astrocytes and microglia from a healthy to a diseased state will be discussed focussing on Alzheimer Disease pathogenesis.

The association of alcohol intake with kidney stone disease (KSD) is not clear. We examined the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018 and used logistic regression analyses to determine the independent association between alcohol intake and prevalent KSD. 29,684 participants were eligible for the final analysis including 2,840 prevalent stone formers (SF). Mean alcohol intake was 37.0±2.4 g/day among SF compared to 42.7±0.9 among non-SF (p=0.04). Beer [Odds ratio (OR)=0.76, 95% CI: 0.61-0.94, p=0.01] and wine (OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.59-0.96, p=0.03) intakes were strongly associated with lower odds of prevalent KSD while liquor intake had no association. The effect from beer was dose dependent with an OR of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.20–0.57, p56g/day of beer to non-drinkers. Interestingly, the effect from wine was only significant among participants drinking moderate amount, with an OR of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.36–0.81, p=0.003) compared to non-drinkers. These effects were consistent in spline models. This study suggests that both moderate to heavy beer intake and moderate wine intake are associated with a reduced risk of KSD. Future prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship.

We aimed to assess the caffeine intake before and during pregnancy, compliance with caffeine recommendations during pregnancy (200 mg/day) and factors associated with higher intakes before and in first trimester of pregnancy. Caffeine consumption was collected in a Spanish cohort of pregnant women through a validated food questionnaire, before and in each trimester of gestation (T1, T2 and T3). 463 pregnant women were recruited and follow-up through pregnancy. Compliance with caffeine intake recommendations during pregnancy and quintiles of mg/day of caffeine before and in T1 of pregnancy were calculated. A multivariate logistic regression, comparing extreme quintiles of consumption (Q1 vs Q5) was used. Mean caffeine intake before pregnancy was 120.05 mg/day (SD 117.85), 42.76 mg/day (SD 63.90) at 12th GW, 42.00 mg/day (SD 59.76) at 24th GW and 39.34 mg/day (SD 50.9) at 32nd GW (p&lt;0.001). 86% of women complied with caffeine recommendations during pregnancy. At pregnancy (T1), being an active smoker was associated with Q5 &gt; 100.1 mg/day, aOR = 22.69; 95% CI 4.67- 110.26. igh diet quality, aOR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13- 0.68, and moderate physical activity level, aOR= 0.44; 95% CI, 0.19-1.00, were inversely associated with Q5 &gt; 100.1 mg/day. Pregnant women are mostly adhering to current caffeine intake guidelines. Higher caffeine intake at pregnancy is associated with other unhealthy habits during pregnancy.

Hybrid lead halide perovskites have been revolutionary in the photovoltaic research field, reaching efficiencies comparable with the most established photovoltaic technologies, although they do not yet reach their competitor stability. The search for a stable configuration required the engineering of the charge extraction layers; in this work, molecular doping is used as an efficient method for small molecule and polymer, employed as hole transport materials in planar heterojunction configuration on compact-TiO2. We proved the viability of this approach, obtaining significantly increased performances and reduced hysteresis on compact titania-based devices. We investigated the photovoltaic performance, correlating to the hole transport material structure. We have demonstrated that the molecular doping mechanism is more reliable than the oxidative doping, and verified that molecular doping in polymeric hole transport materials leads to highly efficient perovskite solar cell, with long-term stability.

The term neuroinflammation defines the reactions of astrocytes and microglia to alterations in homeostasis in the diseased central nervous system (CNS), the exacerbation of which contributes to the neurodegenerative effects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Local environmental conditions, such as the presence of proinflammatory molecules, mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and local cell-cell interactions, are determinants of glial cell phenotypes. In AD, the load of the cytotoxic/proinflammatory amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is a microenvironmental component increasingly growing in the CNS, imposing time-evolving challenges on resident cells. This study aimed at investigating the temporal and spatial variations of the effects produced by this process on astrocytes and microglia, either directly or by interfering in their interactions. Ex vivo confocal analyses of hippocampal sections from the mouse model TgCRND8 at different ages have shown that overproduction of Aβ peptide induced early and time persistent disassembly of functional astroglia syncytium and promoted a senile phenotype of reactive microglia, hindering Aβ clearance. In the late stages of disease, these patterns were altered in the presence of Aβ-plaques, surrounded by typically reactive astrocytes and microglia. Morphofunctional characterization of peri-plaque gliosis revealed a direct contribution of astrocytes in plaque buildup that might result in shielding Aβ-peptide cytotoxicity and, as a side effect, in exacerbating neuroinflammation.

Qualtra, an innovative 10 MW geothermal power plant proposal, employs a closed-loop design to mitigate emissions, ensuring no direct release into the atmosphere. A thorough assessment utilizing energy and exergy analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Exergo-economic and Exergo Environmental Analysis (EevA) was conducted. The LCA results, utilizing the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint methodology, encompass all the spectrum of environmental indicators provided. The technology implemented makes it possible to totally avoid direct atmospheric emissions from the Qualtra plant, so the environmental impact is mainly due to indirect emissions over the life cycle. The results obtained for the Global Warming Potential indicator is about 6.6 g CO2/kWh, notably lower compared to other conventional systems. Contribution analysis reveals that the construction phase dominates, accounting for over 90% of the impact in all LCA MidPoint categories. At the component level, a single score calculation incorporating normalization and weighting was executed. The resulting single score is then used into Exergo-Environmental Analysis (EEvA), highlighting the well system as the most impactful contributor, constituting approximately 45% of the total impact. Other substantial contributions to the environmental impact include the condenser (21%), the turbine (17%), and the HEGeo (14%). The Exergo-Economic analysis assesses cost distribution across major plant components, projecting an electricity cost of about 8.3 c€/kWh.

The information society has transformed human life. Technology is almost everywhere, including health and education. For example, years ago, speech and language therapy students required a long time and high-cost equipment to develop healthcare of the auditory and vestibular systems competencies. The high cost of the equipment permitted its practical use only in classes, hindering students’ autonomy in developing those competencies. That situation was a real issue, even more in times of pandemic where online education was essential. This article describes SAEF, an open-source software simulator for autonomously developing procedural audiology therapy competencies, user acceptance, and the validity of experiments and results. SAEF delivers immediate feedback and performance results. Obtained results permit validating students’ and educators’ acceptability of SAEF in audiology therapy education. Obtained results invite authors to continue developing simulator software solutions in other health education contexts. SAEF was developed using open-source technology to facilitate its accessibility, classification, and sustainability.

The stability and harmony of ecological niches rely on intricated interactions between their members. During evolution, organisms have developed the ability to thrive in different environments taking advantage of each other’s metabolic symphonies. Among them, microalgae are a highly diverse and widely distributed group of major primary producers whose interactions with other organisms play essential roles in their habitats. Understanding the basis of these interactions is crucial to control and exploit these communities for ecological and biotechnological applications. The green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a well-established model, is emerging as a model organism for studying a wide variety of microbial interactions with ecological and economic significance. In this review, we bring together and discuss current knowledge that points to C. reinhardtii as a model organism for studying microbial interactions.

Efforts to quantify and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the built environment often neglect embodied emissions, instead focusing on reducing emissions from building operations. Utilizing sustainably sourced mass timber offers low embodied carbon alternatives to traditional concrete and steel structural systems, however the variability in embodied carbon for different mass timber approaches remains understudied. In this study, we used life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the whole building embodied carbon of nine mass timber design options and two typical concrete and steel reference cases for an eight-story mixed-use building, ensuring structural, acoustic, thermal, programmatic, and fire-rating equivalence between the designs. The study found that the mass timber designs vary significantly, ranging between a 14-52% reduction in whole building embodied carbon from the most impactful reference case, and a 31-73% reduction when considering the structural systems alone. This study demonstrates the value that whole building LCA (WBLCA) provides as a primary driver for low-carbon structural system design and architectural development of mass timber buildings, beyond that of single material comparisons using environmental product declarations (EPDs).

Groundwater contamination is an ever-growing environmental issue that has attracted much and undiminished attention for the past half century. Groundwater contamination may originate from both anthropogenic (e.g., hydrocarbons) and natural compounds (e.g., nitrate and arsenic); to tackle the removal of these contaminants, different technologies have been developed and implemented. Recently, bioelectrochemical systems (BES) have emerged as a potential treatment for groundwater contamination, with reported in situ applications that showed promising results. Nitrate and hydrocarbons (toluene, phenanthrene, benzene, BTEX and light PAHs) have been successfully removed, due to the interaction of microbial metabolism with poised electrodes, in addition to physical migration due to the electric field generated in a BES. The selection of proper BESs relies on several factors and problems, such as the complexity of groundwater and subsoil environment, scale-up issues, and energy requirements that need to be accounted for. Modeling efforts could help predict case scenarios and select a proper design and approach, while BES-based biosensing could help monitoring remediation processes. In this review, we critically analyze in situ BES applications for groundwater remediation, focusing in particular on different proposed setups, and we identify and discuss the existing research gaps in the field.

According to the changed operative conditions due to lockdown and successive reopening a number of facts can be analysed. The main effects have been detected on: mobility, environment, social media and people flows. While in this first report only mobility, transport and environment are reported. The analysis performed identified a strong reduction of the mobility and transport activities, and in the pollutants. The mobility reduction has been assessed to be quite coherent with respect to what has been described by Google Global mobility report. On the other hand, in this paper a number of additional aspects have been put in evidence providing detailed aspects on mobility and parking that allowed us to better analyze the impact of the reopening on an eventual revamping of the infection. To this end, the collected data from the field have been compared from those of google and some considerations with respect to the Imperial college Report 20 have been derived. For the pollutant aspects, a relevant reduction on most of them has been measured and rationales are reported.

The intentional damages to local Cultural Heritage sites carried out in recent months by the Islamic State have received wide coverage from the media worldwide. Earth Observation data provide important information to assess these damages in such non-accessible areas, and automated image processing techniques would be needed to speed up the analysis if a fast response is desired. This paper shows the first results of applying fast and robust change detection techniques to sensitive areas, based on the extraction of textural information and robust differences of brightness values related to pre- and post-disaster satellite images. A map highlighting potentially damaged buildings is derived, which could help experts at timely assessing the damages to the Cultural Heritage sites of interest. Encouraging results are obtained for two archaeological sites in Syria and Iraq.

The exponential growth in the consumption of electronics, in combination with the reduction in their useful life, leads to a significant increase in the volume of electronic material discarded. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are modules composed of ceramic, polymer and metallic materials of high economic value and with a great potential for damage to biotic and anthropic environments when inadequately discarded. The aims of this work was to study the main environmental impacts and the efficiency of mechanical operations in the electronic waste recycling process in optimizing the concentration of metallic copper. For this, the samples obtained were characterized according to their morphology and chemical composition, and subjected to physical and mechanical treatments: dismantling, grinding, separation by granulometry, density and magnetic property. The environment impacts were estimated by the Life Cycle Assessment of the pre-treatment processes, associated with copper extraction operations in WPCBs. According to the results obtained, it is possible to infer that the NM +1mm Concentrated product presents in its metallic composition around 78% of copper, which contributes to the efficiency of the hydrometallurgical extraction processes. It is noteworthy that the Concentrated class represents about 14% of copper (wt) taking into account the amount of 3.789 kg of PCB waste input material. The potential for reinsertion of the dust in the material recovery process is highlighted, given that the chemical composition of this particulate has a significant presence of metals. In general, it was found that due to the higher concentration (wt %) of the sample being allocated in the range of - 0.15mm + 0.05mm, the elements Fe (18.30%), Si (10.73%), Ca (9.21%) and Cu (8.89%) stand out regarding the participation of the elemental composition of this fraction and also regarding the general composition of the sample. Furthermore, the generation of dust during the fragmentation process, can be associated with occupational respiratory diseases when not managed. About the Life Cycle Assessment, in seven of the nine categories evaluated, crushing and screening activities accounted for more than 90% of the recorded impact values. In general, it is estimated that in the pre-treatment phase be generated 15.4 kg CO2 eq.

Food exchange lists have been widely used in dietary practice in health and disease situations, but there are still no exchange lists for sports foods. The aim of this study was to develop a sports foods exchange list based on previously published statistical criteria. A cross-sectional study of the nutritional composition of sports foods, regarding macronutrients and energy, was carried out. A total of 323 sports foods from 18 companies were selected and divided into seven groups: sports drinks; sports gels; sports bars; sports confectionery; protein powders; protein bars; and liquid meals. A sports foods composition database based on portion size was created. Food exchange groups, with the definition of the amounts - in grams - of each sports foods within each group, were designed using the same methodology and statistical criteria as previously published. The nutritional composition of the portions usually consumed by athletes and/or recommended in commercial packaging was used to calculate the mean energy and macronutrient values for each group. Within each sports foods group, different subgroups were defined due to differences in the main and/or secondary macronutrient. The mean nutrient values of each exchange group and the subgroups were determined according to previously established rounding criteria. This sports foods exchange list, made up of commercial sports products, is a novel tool for dietetic practice. Its management will allow dietitians to adapt dietary plans more precisely to the training and/or competition of the athlete.

To obtain drop-in fuel properties from non-feed biomass, we herein report the catalytic hydrotreatment of microalgae biocrude, produced from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of Spirulina. Our contribution focuses on the effect of temperature, initial H2 pressure, and residence time on the removal of heteroatoms (O and N). In contrast to common hydrotreating experimental protocols at batch scale, we devised a set of two-level factorial experiments and studied the most influential parameters affecting the removal of heteroatoms. It was found that up to 350 °C, the degree of deoxygenation (de-O) is mainly driven by temperature, whereas the degree of denitrogenation (de-N) also relies on initial H2 pressure and temperature-pressure interaction.Based on this, complete deoxygenation was obtained at mild operating conditions (350 °C), reaching a concurrent 47 % denitrogenation. Moreover, three optimized experiments are reported with 100 % removal of oxygen. In addition, the analysis by GC-MS and Sim-Dis gives insight to the fuel quality. The distribution of heteroatom N in lower (<340 °C) and higher (>340 °C) fractional cuts is studied by a fractional distillation unit following ASTM D-1160. Final results show that 63-68 % of nitrogen is concentrated in higher fractional cuts.

Biosensors detect specific bio-analytes by generating a measurable signal from the interaction between the sensing element and the target molecule. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensors offer unique advantages due to their high sensitivity, real-time response capability, and label-free detection. The typical SAW modes are the Rayleigh mode and the shear-horizontal mode. Both present pros and cons for biosensing applications and generally need different substrates and device geometries to be efficiently generated. This study investigates and characterizes ultra-high-frequency (UHF-) SAW resonator biosensors. It reveals the simultaneous presence of the two typical SAW modes, clearly separated in frequency, called slow and fast. The two modes are studied by numerical simulations and biosensing experiments with the glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein (GFAP) biomarker. The slow mode is generally more sensitive to changes in surface properties, such as temperature and mass changes, by a factor of about 1.4 with respect to the fast mode.

This review underscores the critical significance of incorporating network perspectives in epidemiology. Classic compartmental models (CM) employed to describe epidemic spreading often fail to capture the intricacies of real disease dynamics. Rooted in the mean-field assumption, CM models oversimplify by assuming that every individual has the potential to "infect" any other, neglecting the inherent complexity of underlying network structures. Given that social interactions follow a networked pattern with specific links between individuals based on social behaviors, the amalgamation of classic CM and network science in epidemiology becomes essential for a more authentic portrayal of epidemic spreading. This review delves into noteworthy research studies that, from various perspectives, elucidate how the synergy between networks and CM can enhance the accuracy of epidemic descriptions. In conclusion, we explore research prospects aimed at further elevating the integration of networks within the realm of epidemiology, recognizing its pivotal role in refining our understanding of disease dynamics.

Remote sensing plays a central role in the assessment of environmental phenomena and has increasingly become a powerful tool for monitoring shorelines, rivers morphology, flood waves delineation and floods assessment. Optical based monitoring and characterization of river evolution at long time scales is a key tool in fluvial geomorphology. However, the evolution occurring during extreme events is crucial for the understanding of the river dynamics under severe flow conditions and requires the processing of data from active sensors to overcome cloud obstructions. This work proposes a cloud-based unsupervised algorithm for the intra-event monitoring of river dynamics during extreme flow conditions based on time series of Sentinel-1 SAR data. The method allows the extraction of multi-temporal series of spatially explicit geometric parameters at high time and spatial resolutions, linking them to the hydrometric levels acquired by reference gauge stations. Intra-event reconstruction of inundation dynamics has led to the estimation of the relationship between hydrometric level and wet area extension and the assessment of bank erosion phenomena. Time series of SAR acquisitions, provided by Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellites, were analyzed to quantify changes in the wet area of a reach of the Tagliamento river under different flow conditions. The algorithm, developed within the Python-API of GEE, first empowers the Sentinel-1 images with the hydrometric level, then involves radiometric slope correction and speckle noise filtering. The Otsu method is then used for image segmentation leading to a water and dry land binary classification. Results support many types of analysis about river dynamics, including morphological changes, floods monitoring and relief efforts and bio-physical habitat dynamics. The results encourage future advancements and applications of the algorithm, specifically exploring SAR data from ICEYE and Capella Space constellations, which offer significantly higher spatial and temporal resolutions compared to Sentinel-1 data.

The inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is a model-based technique to compute the displacement (and then the strain) field of a structure from strain measurements and a geometrical discretization of the same. Different literature works exploit the error between the numerically reconstructed strains and the experimental measurements to perform damage identification in a Structural Health Monitoring framework. However, only damage detection and localization are performed, without attempting a proper damage size estimation. The latter could be based on machine learning techniques, however, an a priori definition of the damage conditions would be required. To overcome these limitations, the present work proposes a new approach in which the damage is systematically introduced in the iFEM model to minimize its discrepancy with respect to the physical structure. This is performed with a maximum likelihood estimation framework, where the most accurate damage scenario is selected among a series of different models. The proposed approach is experimentally verified on an aluminum plate subjected to fatigue crack propagation, which enables the creation of a Digital-Twin of the structure itself. The strain field fed to the iFEM routine is experimentally measured with an Optical Backscatter Reflectometry fiber and the methodology is validated with independent observations of lasers and the Digital Image Correlation.

Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs) is a promising technique to cure brain diseases. On the one hand, by serving as drug carriers, they can bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver drug molecules to the brain parenchyma; on the other hand, their transport trajectory can be manipulated by applying an external magnetic field. However, due to the complex microstructure of brain tissues, e.g. the anisotropy of white matter (WM), how to achieve desired drug distribution patterns, e.g. uniform distribution, by tuning the drug delivery system is largely unknown. Here, in this study, by adopting a mathematical model capable of capturing the diffusion trajectories of MNPs in the microstructures, we systematically investigated the effects of key parameters in the MNPs delivery system on the equivalent diffusion coefficient of MNPs in the microenvironment of brain WM. The results show that uniform distribution of MNPs in anisotropic tissues can be achieved by adjusting the particle size and magnetic field. We have not only obtained a deeper understanding on how to optimise the MNPs delivery system, it can also be anticipated that an improved mathematical model could even help to achieve complex drug distribution patterns in the complicated brain environment by designing an appropriate combination of the key parameters.

Intestinal microbiota attracts daily attention of a growing number of study which have attempted to link gut dysbiosIs with a variety of disease states: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflamed bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD), leaky gut syndrome (LGS), food intolerance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, etc.. In our study we analyzed how intestinal dysbiosis may be related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and depression through the exchange of information through the gut-brain axis (GBA). We studied 33 subjects, 13 males and 20 females, who reported CFS or/and depression: we investigated their salivary cortisol levels, blood serotonin, omega 3/6 ratio, intestinal dysbiosis (calculated on the urinary levels of indoxyl sulfate and skatole), and we looked for the presence of Candida a. or mycetes in the stool; the data accumulated with this research show a correlation between the presence of Candida a./miceti, indoxyl sulfate urine values beyond the physiological and low serotonin levels. In addition, data analysis showed that the EPA/DHA values also show pro-inflammatory levels in case of dysbiosis and low serotonina levels. The relationship, however, with cortisol levels requires further research although this study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between these values, measured at specific times, and serotonin levels. Aims its connections with We investigated the relationship between stress (evaluated through the measurement of salivary cortisol levels) and gastrointestinal efficiency measured as a function of intestinal fermentative and putrefactive dysbiosis, evaluating the levels of urinary indoxyl sulfate in the first case (a possible correlation with the presence of Candida spp or Mycetes in the subjects feces was investigated), urinary skatole levels in the second one, in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (SFC) and depression. In these patients we also have studied omega 3/6 ratio, and finally we have analized the impact that the alteration of these parameters can have on the serotonin levels. This research attemps to highlight the contact points, in some cases not so obvious, among these topics, contact points that, although they give us interesting indications, show the need to be further deepened by analyzing a larger amount of data.

In recent years, the demand for natural and synthetic zeolites has surged due to their distinctive properties and myriad industrial applications. This research aims to synthesise crystalline zeolites by co-recycling two industrial wastes: salt slag (SS) and rice husk ash (RHA). Salt slag, a problem-atic by-product of secondary aluminium smelting, is classified as hazardous waste due to its reac-tive and leachable nature, though it is rich in aluminium. Conversely, RHA, an abundant and cost-effective by-product of the agro-food sector, boasts a high silicon content. These wastes were utilised as aluminium and silicon sources for synthesising various zeolites. The study examined the effects of temperature, ageing time, and sodium concentration on the formation of different zeolite phases and their crystallinity. Results indicated that increased Na+ concentration favoured SOD zeolite formation, whereas LTA-type zeolite formation was promoted at higher temperatures and extended ageing times. The formation range of the different zeolites was defined and supported by a crystallographic, microstructural, and morphological analysis. Additionally, the thermal be-haviour of the zeolites was investigated. This work underscores the potential to transform indus-trial waste, including hazardous materials like salt slag, into sustainable, high-value materials, fostering efficient waste co-recycling and promoting clean, sustainable industrial production through cross-sectoral industrial symbiosis.

In this paper, the power quality of interconnected microgrids is managed using a Model Predictive Control (MPC) methodology which manipulates the power converters of the microgrids in order to achieve the requirements. The control algorithm is developed for the microgrids working modes: grid-connected, islanded and interconnected. The results and simulations are also applied to the transition between the different working modes. In order to show the potential of the control algorithm, a comparison study is carried out with classical Proportional-Integral Pulse Width Modulation (PI-PWM) based controllers. The proposed control algorithm not only improves the transient response in comparison with classical methods but also shows an optimal behavior in all the working modes, minimizing the harmonics content in current and voltage even with the presence of non-balanced and non-harmonic-free three-phase voltage and current systems

This study aimed to develop a state-of-the-art method for assessing chemical risks. The method combined desk research findings and the authors' practical knowledge to identify the major shortcomings in performing risk assessments at the workplace. Data were collected from nine SMEs across three sectors: agriculture, laboratory research, and conservation and restoration laboratories. The results of the discussions with the workers and on-site observations were used to develop the method to assess chemical risks. The method uses numerical factors to account for the level of conformity and the duration of exposure to support an estimation of the probability of an incident. The developed method was designed to enhance risk assessment practices and tackle common issues encountered by enterprises, including SMEs.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim of this study was to investigate whether albumin structural alterations correlate with DKD severity and evaluate whether native and reduced albumin concentrations could complement the diagnosis of DKD. To this aim, one hundred and seventeen T2DM patients without (n=42) and with (n=75) DKD (DKD I-III upon KDIGO classification) were evaluated; total albumin concentration (tHA) was quantified by bromocresol green assay, while structural alterations were profiled assessed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The concentrations of albumin in native (eHA, effective albumin) and reduced (rHA) forms were then assessed. HRMS analyses showed a reduced relative amount of native albumin in DKD patients along with an increased abundance of altered forms, especially those bearing oxidative modifications. Accordingly, both eHA and rHA values varied along the stages of progressive renal failure, and alterations dose-dependently correlated with renal dysfunction. ROC curves analysis showed a significantly higher sensitivity and specificity of eHA and rHA with respect to tHA for the diagnosis of DKD. Importantly, at multivariable logistic regression analysis, eHA was identified as independent predictor of DKD.

This study examines the practicality and limitations of using a FANUC CRX-10 iA/l collaborative robot to assemble a product component, highlighting the trade-offs between increased roboisation and reduced manual intervention. Through a detailed case study in the i-Labs laboratory, critical factors affecting precision assembly such as station layout, tooling design and robot programming are discussed. The findings highlight the benefits of robots for non-stop operation, freeing up human operators for higher value tasks despite longer cycle times. In addition, the paper advocates further research into reliable gripping of small components, a current challenge for robotics. The work contributes to open science by sharing partial results and methods that could inform future problem solving in robotic assembly.

Every intervention of planning, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural and agri-environmental policies requires assessment tools that should have the characteristics of relevance, completeness, interpretability, data quality, efficiency, and overlapping. Despite the extensive selection of bibliographies and numerous projects designed to develop agri-environmental indicators necessary for assessing the sustainability of new policies, it is difficult to have an integrated and updated set of indicators available, which can be an effective and practical application tool to assists policymakers, researchers, and actors in policy design, monitoring and impact assessment. Particularly, such need is pressing to face the new environmental challenges imposed by the upcoming European Union Green Deal on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2023. This study, therefore, aims to fill this gap by proposing a selection methodology and different pools of agri-environmental indicators differentiated based on a scale approach (crop-farm-district-region). Furthermore, we have attempted to validate our approach by quantifying selected indicators for a specific evaluation necessity, represented in this case by an assessment of environmental impact of land use change induced by CAP greening requirements in the Northern Italy context. Results of this validation show original crops’ impacts comparison, but also highlight great knowledge gaps in the available literature.

The Internet has become an essential tool for adolescents. It is part of their social integration within peers and supports their identity construction. The Internet can also become a source of addiction; especially when used as a coping strategy towards unpleasant life situations. The feeling of loneliness is an emotion present during the adolescence. However, when in excess, it can lead to suicidal ideations. We questioned ourselves on the impact of an excessive use of the Internet by adolescents, with their feeling of loneliness and the risks of suicidal ideations. We attempted to find an answer to this question by performing a literature review. We found one result matching our search criteria’s, which is itself a literature review. We noted the absence of studies with regards to the interaction between the feeling of loneliness, the addiction to the Internet, and the risk of suicidal ideations amongst adolescents. We established a theoretical model which could be used as a lead for future research. We insist on the importance that studies are made in this domain, in order to enable us to establish efficient preventive measure on the risks of suicidal ideations amongst adolescents.

Convalescent blood product therapy has been introduced since early 1900s to treat emerging infectious disease based on the evidence that polyclonal neutralizing antibodies can reduce duration of viremia. Recent large outbreaks of viral diseases for whom effective antivirals or vaccines are still lacking has revamped the interest in convalescent plasma as life-saving treatments. This review summarizes historical settings of application, and surveys current technologies for collection, manufacturing, pathogen inactivation, and banking, with a focus on COVID-19.

Satellite remote sensing is a powerful tool to map flooded areas. In the last years, the availability of free satellite data sensibly increased in terms of type and frequency, allowing producing flood maps at low cost around the World. In this work, we propose a semi-automatic method for flood mapping, based only on free satellite images and open-source software. As case studies, we selected three flood events recently occurred in Spain and Italy. Multispectral satellite data acquired by MODIS, Proba-V, Landsat, Sentinel-2 and SAR data collected by Sentinel-1 were used to detect flooded areas using different methodologies (e.g., MNDWI; SAR backscattering variation; Supervised classification). Then, we improved and manually refined the automatic mapping using free ancillary data like DEM based water depth model and available ground truth data. For the areas affected by major floods, we also validated and compared the produced flood maps with official maps made by river authorities. We calculated flood detection performance (flood ratio) for the different datasets we used. The results show that it is necessary to take into account different factors for the choice of best satellite data, among these, the time of satellite pass with respect to the flood peak is the most important one. SAR data showed good results only for co-flood acquisitions, whereas multispectral images allowed detecting flooded areas also with the post-flood acquisition. With the support of ancillary data, it was possible to produce reliable geomorphological based flood maps in the study areas.

The current 2019-2021 marine pharmacology literature review provides a continuation of previous reviews covering the period 1998 to 2018. Preclinical marine pharmacology research during 2019-2021 was published by researchers in 42 countries and contributed novel mechanism of action pharmacology for 171 structurally characterized marine compounds. The peer-reviewed marine natural products pharmacology literature reported antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antituberculosis,and antiviral mechanism of action studies for 49 compounds, 87 compounds with antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities as well as affecting the immune and nervous system, while another group of 51 compounds demonstrated novel miscellaneous mechanisms of action, which upon further investigation, may contribute to several pharmacological classes. Thus, in 2019-2021, a very active preclinical marine natural product pharmacology pipeline provided novel mechanism of actions as well as new lead chemistry for the clinical marine pharmaceutical pipeline targeting the therapy of several disease categories.

Understanding whether the long-term follow-up (LTFU) system is working for families is critical to measuring the success of newborn screening (NBS) and understanding why some families are lost to follow-up. Caregivers were recruited from six pediatric specialty care clinics. Data was gathered from caregivers via six focus groups (n=24) and open-ended responses on a survey (n=33). Caregiver participants represented a wide range of NBS-related conditions and children’s ages. While this is not the first study to gather caregivers’ input, it is unique in its breadth of perspectives (e.g., metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobinopathy, etc.) and its focus on LTFU. When asked about goals for their children, caregivers identified health-related goals (i.e., ability for children to care for themselves, not being hindered by diagnosis) and non-health related goals (i.e., defining themselves outside of disease, participating in sports, making friends). In qualifying the LTFU care they want and need for their child and the key factors that influence access and engagement, caregivers identified three themes: communication and relationships with providers; care team roles and factors; and care access and utilization factors. The themes identified are not disjoint; they are intertwined and collectively illustrate the lived experiences of families at the epicenter of LTFU care.

The medical research field has been tremendously galvanized to improve the prediction of therapy efficacy by the revolution in artificial intelligence (AI). An earnest desire to find better ways to predict the effectiveness of therapy with the use of AI has propelled the evolution of new models in which it can become more applicable in clinical settings such as breast cancer detection. However, in some instances, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was obliged to back some previously approved inaccurate models for AI-based prognostic models because they eventually produce inaccurate prognoses for specific patients who might be at risk of heart failure. In light of instances in which the medical research community has often evolved some unrealistic expectations regarding the advances in AI and its potential use for medical purposes, implementing standard procedures for AI-based cancer models is critical. Specifically, models would have to meet some general parameters for standardization, transparency of their logistic modules, and avoidance of algorithm biases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about AI-based prognostic methods and describe how they may be used in the future for predicting antibody-drug conjugate efficacy in cancer patients. We also summarize findings of recent late-phase clinical trials using these conjugates for cancer therapy.

One of the most notable changes in the Esophageal Cancer (EC) epidemiology is the rising incidence and prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in developed countries, likely due to lifestyle and/or environmental factors that may play an important role in EAC onset. The aim of this systematic review was to collect and summarize all the available evidence regarding lifestyle, diet and EAC risk. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases in January 2021 for studies providing information about lifestyle, diet, WCRF/AICR recommendations and EAC risk. A total of 106 publications met the inclusion criteria. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are associated with increased EAC risk. Physical activity does not appear to have a significant direct role in EAC risk. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains appeared to be more protective than a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, and processed meat. Alcohol does not seem to be related to EAC whereas smokers, particularly heavy smokers, have an increased risk of EAC. Primary prevention remains the best option to avert EAC. BMI and WC, along with low consumption of red and processed meat, high consumption of plant food, and the avoidance of smoking are pivotal for EAC prevention.

The growth of demand for metallic minerals has faced with the need for new techniques and improving technologies for all mine life cycle operations. Nowadays, the exploitation of old tailings and mine wastes facilities could represent a solution to this demand, with economic and environmental advantages. W-Sn Panasqueira Mine has been operating for more than 100 years. Its first processing plant “Rio” was located near Zêrere river being the mineral processing residues deposited on the top hillside on the margin of this river in Cabeço do Pião tailings dam. The lack of maintenance and monitoring of this enormous structure in the last twenty years represents high risks to the environment and population of the surrounding region. The re-mining of the tailings by hydrometallurgical methods was considered, in order to satisfy these two enounced conditions - metals demand and environmental risk, aiming for the sale of the metal to pay the environmental intervention. Field samples campaign allowed collecting data and results from laboratory tests driving to use regression optimization. The re-mining solution was studied, taking into account the technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects.

The neonatal Hub and Spoke (HandS) ECMO approach provides emergent ECMO implantation to support neonates in severe cardio-respiratory life-threatening conditions at secondary (Spoke) centers, and a safe transfer to the ECMO center (Hub). We report a retrospective review of 11 neonates fom January 2014 to January 2020, presenting with life-threatening conditions and treated by HandS ECMO team in Spoke hospitals. Protocols and checklists were arranged by a local group of ECMO experts and shared with all the hospitals located in North-Eastern Italy. At the emergent call, all patients were cared for at the Spoke hospitals, receiving maximal respiratory and cardiovascular support (including high frequency oscillatory ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, and major inotropic intravenous infusion). All but 3 patients were affected by life-threatening meconium aspiration syndrome. Median duration of ECMO support and hospitalization were 4 days (range 2-32) and 30 days ( range 8-50), respectively. All but 2 patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, were weaned off ECMO and discharged home without complications. At a median follow up of 14.4 months (1.3-74.8), all survivors were alive and in good clinical conditions, without medications, and normal somatic growth. All but one had normal neuropsychological development. We conclude that HandS ECMO model for treating neonates in life-threatening conditions is effective and successful. A specialized multidisciplinary team and common organizational protocols shared between Hub and Spoke centers are the key-points for success. While excellent results occur with MAS (100% survival), treatment was not successful in CDH, in which other that HandS ECMO issues are implied. Lessons learned from our experience are presented and discussed in this article.

Optimization of post polymerization processing of polyolefin elastomers (POE) is of considerable industrial interest. To this aim, experimental determination and theoretical interpretation of the thermodynamics and mass transport properties of POE-solvent mixtures is relevant. Sorption behaviour of n-hexane vapour in a commercial propylene-ethylene elastomer (V8880 VistamaxxTM from ExxonMobil) is addressed here, determining experimentally the sorption isotherms at temperatures ranging from 115 to 140 °C and pressure values of n-hexane vapour up to 1 atm. Sorption isotherms have been interpreted with the Non-Random-Hydrogen-Bonding Equation of State model retrieving, from data fitting, the value of the binary interaction parameter for the n-hexane/V8880 system. Both the case of temperature-independent and of temperature-dependent binary interaction parameter have been considered. Sorption kinetics was also investigated at different pressures and has been interpreted using a Fick’s model determining values of the mutual diffusivity as a function of temperature and of n-hexane/V8880 mixture composition. From these values, n-hexane intra-diffusion coefficient has been calculated interpreting its dependence on mixture concentration and temperature by a semi-empiric model based on free volume arguments.

Nitrates can cause severe ecological imbalances in aquatic ecosystems, with considerable consequences for human health. Therefore, monitoring this inorganic form of nitrogen becomes essential for any water quality management structure. This research aimed at developing a novel Nitrate Portable Measurement System (NPMS) for monitoring nitrate concentrations in water samples. NPMS is a reagent-free ultraviolet system developed using low-cost electronic components. Its operation principle is based on Beer-Lambert law for measuring Nitrate concentrations in water samples through light absorption in the spectral range 295-315 nm. The system is equipped with ready to use ultraviolet sensor, Light Emission Diode (LED), op-amp, microcontroller, liquid crystal display, quartz cuvette, temperature sensor, and battery. All the components are assembled in a 3D-printed enclosure box which allows a very compact self-contained equipment, with high portability, enabling field and near real time measurements. The proposed methodology and the developed instrument were used to analyse multiple nitrate standard solutions. The performance was evaluated in comparison with the Nicolet Evolution 300, a classical UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the retrieved measurements by both instruments within the investigated spectral band and for concentrations above 5 mg NO3- /l.

Presynaptic Ca²⁺-influx through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCC) is a key signal for synaptic vesicle release. Synaptic neurexins can partially determine the strength of transmission by regulating VGCCs. However, it is unknown whether neurexins modulate Ca²⁺-influx via all VGCC subtypes similarly. Here, we performed live cell imaging of synaptic boutons from primary hippocampal neurons with a Ca²⁺-indicator. We used the expression of inactive and active Cre recombinase to compare control to conditional knockout neurons lacking either all or selected neurexin variants. We found that reduced total presynaptic Ca²⁺-transients caused by the deletion of all neurexins were primarily due to the reduced contribution of P/Q-type VGCCs. The deletion of neurexin1α alone also reduced the total presynaptic Ca²⁺-influx but increased Ca²⁺-influx via N-type VGCCs. Moreover, we tested whether the decrease of Ca²⁺-influx induced by activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1-receptor) is modulated by neurexins. Unlike earlier observations emphasizing a role for β-neurexins, we found that the decrease of presynaptic Ca²⁺-transients induced by CB1-receptor activation depended more strongly on the presence of α-neurexins in hippocampal neurons. Together, our results suggest that neurexins have unique roles in the modulation of presynaptic Ca²⁺-influx through VGCC subtypes and that different neurexin variants may affect specific VGCCs.

Identified by the eponym “Edwards’ Syndrome,” trisomy 18 (T18) represents the second most common autosomal trisomy after T21. The pathophysiology underlying the extra chromosome 18 is a nondisjunction error, mainly linked with the advanced maternal age. More frequent in female fetuses, the syndrome portends high mortality, reaching a rate of 80% of miscarriages or stillbirths. The three-step evaluation includes first trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy using a combination of maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency thickness, fetal heart rate and maternal serum free ß-hCG and PAPP-A; followed by the research for fragments of fetal DNA in maternal blood; and, finally, invasive techniques leave to the established diagnosis. Starting with the first trimester scan, selected ultrasound findings should be investigated to define not only the impact of the genetic problem on the fetus, but also to address the prenatal counselling. Previous series underline that T18 is not uniformly lethal. An active dialogue on the choices in the management of infants with T18 has emerged, sustained by the transition from the comfort care to the intervention attitude. Survival rates for individuals with supposedly fatal conditions have increased. In this novel scenario, an ad hoc counselling is pivotal. To support it, a comparative analysis by pictorial assays between ultrasound and autopsy findings could be beneficial. We provide an illustrative tool from a clinical case managed in early second trimester, with the purpose to strive a balanced approach in the hard choice faced by couples of fetuses with T18.

Epidemiologic studies suggest an inverse correlation between coffee consumption and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases, but the role of caffeine and roasting degree are still matter of debate. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of caffeinated (light, medium, and dark roast) and decaffeinated instant coffee samples in acetylcholinesterase inhibition and antioxidant assays, as well as in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. Caffeinated coffees inhibited the acetylcholinesterase in much smaller concentrations than decaffeinated coffee. All coffee samples showed antioxidant capacity without relation with the caffeine content. Dopaminergic-like activity in the haloperidol-induced catalepsy test was observed with caffeinated coffee, but not in the decaffeinated sample. The medium roast coffee reduced the number of rotations of rats after methamphetamine administration on the 6-hydroxydopamine unilateral lesion of the medial forebrain bundle. However, the coffee treatment did not avoid the loss of dopaminergic neurons on substantia nigra pars compact and only the smallest dose of coffee was able to avoid the decrease of dopamine levels in the lesioned side of the striatum. Altogether, these results suggest that coffee exerts moderate pro-cholinergic and pro-dopaminergic effects and caffeine seems to be the main responsible for these effects.

The extensive collection of paper documents and books stored in the archives of universities worldwide is a hidden cultural heritage that is frequently inaccessible. To overcome this problem, the University of Genoa, Italy, seeks to collect, store, and digitize a wide variety of items, encompassing books, manuscripts, archival materials, and documents related to museum artifacts, which together form a cultural heritage of great importance and historical significance. To make such a cultural heritage accessible to both humans and machines, images and videos must be provided with alternate descriptions, metadata, and speech-to-text transcriptions while ancient texts, for which OCR techniques are often not effective, must be accompanied by word-for-word transcripts. This work presents the design of a transcription system for the “University Museum System” at the University of Genoa, Italy (SMA-UniGe), including user interface elements and users’ engagement techniques. The goal is to create an accessible digital heritage that can be enjoyed by all, facilitated by a community of digital volunteers who are eager to dedicate their time, have a great experience, socialize, and interact on the proposed transcription system. The system exploits gamification theory to transform the typically monotonous task of transcription into a captivating experience. This activity is in line with the so-called University third mission, i.e., the activity of public engagement that aims at generating knowledge outside the academic environment to the benefit of the social, cultural, and economic development.

Oligodendroglioma (OG) is a brain tumor that contributes to < 1% of brain tumor diagnoses in the pediatric population. Unfortunately, pediatric OG remains without definitive molecular characteristics to aid in diagnosis, and little is known about the tumor microenvironment. Tumor cells' metabolism and proliferation rate are generally higher than healthy cells, so their iron demand is also significantly increased. This consideration underlines the great importance of iron for tumor development and progression. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effect of iron in a cellular in vitro model of human oligodendroglioma brain tumor. Cell morphology, the effect of siderotic medium on cell growth, iron uptake, and the expression of iron metabolism-related genes were evaluated by optic microscopy, ICP-MS, confocal microscopy, and RealTime PCR, respectively. This study underlines the great importance of iron for tumor development and progression, but also the possibility of reducing the available iron concentration to determine an antiproliferative effect on OGs. Therefore, every attempt can be promising to defeat the OGs for which there are currently no long-term curative therapies.

Hepatic Encephalopaty (HE) is a common complications of advanced liver disease and acute liver failure. It is a condition that features both neurological and psychiatric symptoms, that affects mortality, morbidity and quality of patients and caregivers’ life. HE diagnosis is generally an exclusion diagnosis. Once the patient is admitted to hospital, clinical examination, blood tests and eventually neuroimaging should be performed in order to rule out other causes of acute brain dysfunction. Moreover, HE recognizes various precipitants that can potentially promote its onset, alone or in combination, that must be identified. Once the diagnostic process is complete, a correct treatment should be started. The anti-HE treatment is based on a combination of correction of precipitants and non-absorbable disaccharides and non-absorbable antibiotic, such as rifaximin. Once the patient is discharged from the hospital, specific anti-HE therapy should be maintained in order to prevent other HE episodes.

(1) Background: This case presents a rare and challenging clinical scenario involving a 50-year-old female patient diagnosed with Inflammatory Carcinoma, a particularly aggressive and rapidly growing form of breast cancer. The disease is characterized by heat, redness, swelling and noticeable changes in the breast's skin texture, resembling the skin of an orange (peau d'orange). This case is important because it contributes to the limited clinical literature on such aggressive forms of breast cancer.; (2) Methods: The multidisciplinary approach was employed. Diagnostic procedures such as imaging tests, biopsy, and histopathological examination were performed to confirm the diagnosis of Inflammatory Carcinoma and assess the extent of the disease. The presence of the HER2 protein on the tumor cells supported the selection of a combination therapy involving systemic chemotherapy and targeted biological therapy.; (3) Results: The patient responded positively to the combination therapy consisting of systemic chemotherapy and targeted biological therapy. The aggressive nature of Inflammatory Carcinoma, characterized by rapid growth and distinct skin changes, was effectively addressed. The presence of the HER2 protein on the tumor cells indicated the potential efficacy of the combination therapy in aggressive forms of breast cancer.; (4) Conclusions: This case highlights the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cases of breast cancer, especially rare and aggressive subtypes like Inflammatory Carcinoma. The positive response of the patient to the combination therapy involving systemic chemotherapy and targeted biological therapy demonstrates the potential for favorable outcomes in aggressive disease presentations.

Several noninvasive vascular biomarkers have been suggested for improving the risk stratification for atherothrombotic events. To identify biomarkers suitable for detecting intermediate-risk individuals who might benefit from lipid-lowering treatment (L-LT) in primary prevention, the present study tested the association of plasma LDL-cholesterol with coronary artery calcification (CAC) Agatston score, high carotid and femoral intima-media thickness (IMT), low carotid distensibility and high carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity in 260 asymptomatic individuals at intermediate cardiovascular risk and free of diabetes and L-LT. High or low vascular biomarkers were considered when their value was above the 95th or below the 5th percentile, respectively, of the distribution in the healthy or in the study population. LDL-cholesterol was independently associated with the CAC score =0 (OR 0.67; 95%CI 0.48-0.92, P=0.01), CAC score >100 (1.59; 1.08-2.39, P=0.01) and with high femoral IMT (1.89; 1.19-3.06, P<0.01), but not with other biomarkers. Our data confirm that in the presence of CAC score =0 in individuals at intermediate risk, L-LT can be avoided, while it should be used in those with CAC score >100. Femoral artery IMT could represent a useful biomarker for decision regarding L-LT, however the reference values according to sex and age should be established in a large healthy population

In the dairy cattle sector, the evaluation of the effects induced by heat stress is still one of the most impactful and investigated aspects as it is strongly connected to both sustainability of the production and animal welfare. On the other hand, more recently, the possibility of collecting large dataset made available by the increasing technology diffusion is paving the way for the application of advanced numerical techniques based on machine learning or big data approaches. In this scenario driven by rapid change there could be the risk of dispersing the relevant information represented by the physiological animal component, which should maintain the central role in the development of numerical models and tools. In the light of this, the present literature review aims to consolidate and synthesize existing research on the physiological consequences of heat stress in dairy cattle. The present review provides, in a single document, an overview as complete as possible of the heat stress-induced responses in dairy cattle with the intent of filling the existing research gap for extracting the veterinary knowledge present in the literature and make it available to those who are developing numerical models and tools.

The Lambousa fishtank, an archaeological structure entirely carved in bedrock, can be easily recognized and measured in plan on Google Earth (GE). We surveyed in situ this excellent archaeological marker in 2016 through direct measurements using traditional field measurements, such as metric tapes and invar rods, and terrestrial photogrammetry, using Structure from Motion (SfM) methods. The bedrock on which the fishtank is founded is an Upper Pleistocene calcarenite also containing Persistrombus Latus. The age of the studied fishtank has not been previously published, but on the basis of the construction technique and the interpretation provided by [1] and references therein . We assume that it was built in the period between 2.1 and 1.8 ka BP, like similar fishtanks in the Mediterarranen area. Architectural structures consist of an evident crepido ora a stone base, and a tunnel which allows for sea water exchange during high tides. The aforementioned hole is well correlated with the crepido which lies around the fishtank. These architectural components allow to evaluate the palaeosea level with significant precision during the time when the fishtank was active. MIS 5.5 coastal deposits that outcrop in the study area are located at a maximum altitude of a few meters, while the inner margin of the MIS 5.5 terrace allows us to hypothesize a “quasi-tectonic stability” also in the long-term. We have also tested several GIA predictions of relative sea level at Lambousa for the past 3.5 kyr according to GIA models ICE-6G (VM5a), ICE-7G (VM7) and to the GIA model by Lambeck and Purcell (2015), obtained with the SELEN4 sea level equation solver.