During the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus forced many individuals to confront their mortality and worry about losing loved ones also because social distancing policies often made it impossible to say goodbye. Those not directly experiencing loss were inundated with information about COVID-19-related deaths through various media, leading to vicarious grief. This study aims to explore the long-term effects of direct and vicarious mourning on people's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 171 adults (65% female) aged 19 to 66 years (mean age = 25.8, SD = 8.57) voluntarily participated in an online survey assessing self-reported psychological measures of complicated grief, anxiety, stress, depression, dispositional neuroticism, and situational anxiety using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. MANOVA tests revealed that individuals experiencing direct mourning had extremely severe scores for anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19, while those without personal losses had moderate scores. Participants reporting high media exposure had higher scores for depression and stress. In line with Terror Management Theory, the study supported that people during the COVID-19 pandemic engaged more in proximal defenses than distal ones, taking health-protective measures, experiencing increased anxiety levels toward SARS-CoV-2 infection, and feeling more distressed. Additionally, vicarious mourning was more strongly associated with depression due to emotional empathy with others. The discussion also addresses the strengths and limitations of the study.

Until recently there was a paucity of published information on the demographics of themedical and surgical workforce for the subspecialty of liver transplantation. This is relevant as it relates to whether gender equity is being achieved across the workforce. This manuscript focuses on what eventually led to the recognition that more data were required along with what is now actually known. This involves exploring the genders of the liver transplant workforce along with their related academic activities. Potential solutions to address any ongoing imbalances are also examined. The extent and range of gender disparities previously reported for other cohorts of physicians and surgeons, are also apparent amongst the liver transplant workforce in most regions of the world. This also pertains to the higher leadership positions within liver transplant centers as well as for the relevant editorial and scientific congress roles. Common themes/recommendations are now emerging as to how best to address the lack of progress towards gender equity. These include the development and implementation of policies, the removal of barriers to career progression, plus adequate governance. Hence ongoing actions are going to be required to achieve gender equity across the relevant workforce in liver transplantation around the world.

Uterine Tumor Resembling Ovarian Sex Cord Stromal Tumor (UTROSCT) is a rare uterine mesenchymal neoplasm, which resembles ovarian sex cord tumors of the ovary. Although, in general, UTROSCT exhibits benign behavior with a favorable prognosis, this neoplasm is nonetheless classified as being of an uncertain ma-lignant potential, given its low rate of recurrence and the fact that it rarely pro-duces metastases (lymph nodes, epiploic appendix, omentum, small bowel, subcutaneous, lungs). Its histogenesis too is uncertain. Typically, UTROSCT oc-curs in peri-menopausal or menopausal women but can sometimes be observed in young women. Usually, this neoplasm can be found in the uterine corpus as a nodular intramural lesion, less frequently submucosal, subserosal or poly-poid/intracavitary. UTROSCT can cause abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, enlarged uterus, mass sensation, but sometimes it is found purely by chance. This neo-plasm can be considered polyphenotypic on morphological, immunohistochem-ical, and genetic analyses. Generally, on microscopic examination, UTROSCT shows a predominant pattern of the cords, nests, and trabeculae typical of sex cord tumors of the ovary while, immunohistochemically, it is characterized by a co-expression of epithelial, smooth muscle, and sex cord markers. The aim of this review is to report clinical and pathological data and genetic alterations to estab-lish its impact on the prognosis and management of patients affected by this rare entity.

Eotaxin-3 is a key chemokine with a relevant role in eosinophilic esophagitis, a rare chronic immune/antigen-mediated inflammatory disorder. Eotaxin-3 is a potent activator of eosinophil emergence and migration, which may lead to allergic airway inflammation. We investigated by bioinformatics tools the protein structure and the possible effects of the known variations reported in public databases. Following a procedure already established, we created a 3D model of the whole protein and modelled the structure of 105 protein variants due to known point mutations. The effects of the amino acid substitution at the level of impact on protein structure, stability, and possibly function, were detected by the bioinformatics procedure and described in detail. A web application was implemented to browse the results of the analysis and visualize the 3D models, with the opportunity of downloading the models and analyze by the own software. Among 105 amino acid substitutions investigated, the study evidenced in 44 cases at least one change in any of the investigated structural parameters. Other 6 variations are also relevant, although a structural effect is not detected by our analysis, because they substituted amino acids highly conserved, which suggests a possible function role. All these variations should be the object of particular attention, as they may induce loss of functionality in the protein.

Two desirable functions of healthy soil are nutrient cycling and pest suppression. We review recent literature on the contributions of soil microarthropods to soil health through their intersecting roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling and direct and indirect suppression of plant pests. Microarthropods can impact soil and plant health directly by feeding on pest organisms or serving as alternate prey for larger predatory arthropods, and indirectly, by mediating the ability of crop plants to resist or tolerate insect pests and diseases through interactions with the decomposition food web in support of plant nutrition. Soil fauna, including microarthropods, are key regulators of decomposition at local scales but their role at larger scales is unresolved. Future research priorities include the incorporation of multi-channel omnivory into food web modeling and understanding the vulnerability of our soil carbon to increased global temperatures.

Mesothelin is a protein that is expressed in the mesothelial cell lining in the pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium. The gene of mesothelin encodes a precursor protein that is processed to yield mesothelin, which is attached to the cell membrane by a glycophosphatidylinositol linkage and a shred fragment named the megakaryocytic-potentiating factor. The biological functions of this substance in normal cells are still unknown. Experimental studies on knockout mice suggest that this substance does not play an important role in development and reproduction. In contrast, it has been observed that mesothelin is produced in abnormal amounts in several malignant neoplasms, such as mesotheliomas and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Given that mesothelin is overexpressed in many solid tumours and has antigenic properties, this molecule could be considered a tumour marker or an antigenic target for many malignancies. Many molecular studies also have demonstrated that mesothelin is overexpressed in serous ovarian carcinomas and may bind to ovarian cancer antigen Ca-125, favouring the spread of the tumour in the abdominal cavity. 3 Here, we discuss the current knowledge of mesothelin and focus on its role in clinical and pathological diagnoses as well as its impact on the prognosis in serous ovarian carcinomas. We also briefly discuss the latest progress of mesothelin-targeting therapies for this aggressive and lethal neoplasm.

Pronounced differences exist in the biodiversity and structure of coral reef assemblages with increasing distance from shore, which may be expected given marked cross-shelf gradients in environmental conditions. Cross-shelf variation in the abundance of coral reef organisms is likely to be caused, at least in part, by differences in demography (e.g., growth and survival), though this has rarely been tested. This study quantified growth of three distinct coral taxa (Acropora nasuta, Pocillopora spp., and Stylophora pistillata) at 6 sites on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR), encompassing inshore, mid-shelf and outer-shelf reefs. Replicate colonies (up to 15 colonies per species, per reef) were stained using Alizarin red in December 2015 and retrieved 1-year later to quantify linear extension on replicate branches for each colony. Annual linear extension varied within and among coral taxa, with pronounced differences among reefs. For A. nausta. and S. pistillata, growth rates were highest at Orpheus Island, which is an inner shelf reef. However, inter-reef differences in coral growth were not explained by shelf position. Based on differences in skeletal density, which did vary according to shelf position, branching corals at the inshore sites may actually have higher rates of calcification compared to conspecifics on mid- and outer-shelf reefs. This study shows that growth of branching corals is not lower at inshore sites (and perhaps even higher) compared to sites at mid-shelf and outer reefs, despite generally higher levels of sedimentation and turbidity.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based model systems can be used to produce blood cells for the study of both hematologic and non-hematologic disorders. This commentary discusses recent advances that have utilized iPSC-derived red blood cells, megakaryocytes, myeloid cells, and lymphoid cells to model hematopoietic disorders. In addition, we review recent studies that have defined how microglial cells differentiated from iPSC-derived monocytes impact neurodegenerative disease. Related translational insights highlight the utility of iPSC models for studying pathologic anemia, bleeding, thrombosis, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, blood cancers, and neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s.

Background: Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is associated with improvement of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. We aimed to evaluate the effects of VLCKD in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) as adjunctive therapy to treatment for primary disease. Methods: We evaluated clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in 15 patients with CD and 15 controls at baseline and after 1 week and 3 weeks of VLCKD and further 2 weeks of low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD). Results: After 5 weeks of diet a significant decrease in BMI (p=0.002), waist circumference (WC) (p=0.024), systolic (p=0.015) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.005), ACTH (p=0.026), cortisone (p=0.025), total (p=0.006) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.017), triglycerides (p=0.016), alkaline phosphatase (p=0.008) and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (p=0.017), vitamin D (p=0.015) and oral disposition index (Dio)(p=0.004) was observed in CD. A significant decrease in BMI (p=0.003), WC (p=0.002), systolic (p=0.025) and diastolic (p=0.007) blood pressure and total cholesterol (p=0.026) and increase in HDL cholesterol (p=0.001) and DIo (p<0.001) was observed in controls. Conclusions: The current study confirms that ketogenic diet is effective in improving metabolic disorders and shows that a nutritional approach may be combined with conventional CD therapy in order to improve metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities.

Keywords: Cocoa value chain; Fair trade; Chocolate; Sustainable development; SDGs

Background: The concept of Quality of Work Life (QWL) has been built multidimensionally through social reproduction; it is impacted by the perceptions of each individual and by the relationship between workers and the work environment. Objective: to analyze the Work Process and QWL of assisting nurses in public health. Methods: Research in a critical paradigm, descriptive, exploratory with a qualitative approach. The population corresponds to Nurses who work in care work. Semi-structured guiding questions were applied and were analyzed with content analysis. Results: seven participants declared female; all Chilean; seven are young adults; six singles; only one has children, and one has a person dependent on her care; six are heads of household, and five receive help with housework. All have a nursing degree, five have a diploma, but none have a postgraduate. Work Process has three subcategories: work object, instrument, organization, and work conditions; the QWL category has six subcategories: definition and perception of QWL, QWL potentiating factors, QWL exhausting factors, QWL improvement strategies, the emotional burden associated with QWL, and Health problems. Conclusions: In this way, the lifestyle built by the assistance in the health area has repercussions on the quality of life and health in general.

The management of waste cooking oil (WCO) often poses significant challenges. Improper disposal of WCO results in negative environmental impacts and economic losses. However, from a circular economy perspective, WCO can be recycled and used as a sustainable feedstock for numerous industrial products, replacing virgin vegetable oils. This approach enables the recovery of resources while simultaneously addressing the problem of WCO disposal. By employing a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, the study assesses three alternative recycling pathways for WCO used as a feedstock in the production of A1) biodiesel, A2) biolubricant, and A3) biosurfactant. The aim is to identify the optimal alternative, taking into account environmental, economic, and technical factors. The procedure involved a team of chemical engineers working in the WCO recycling sector who were selected as decision-makers. The 'priority scale' combined with the Paired Comparison Technique was employed as a weighting method to evaluate the selected criteria. The results revealed that the decision-makers considered environmental sustainability as the most crucial evaluation criterion, followed by the economic criterion. In contrast, the aspect of process management was deemed less significant. Among the compared alternatives, utilizing WCO as a feedstock for biosurfactant production was assessed as the optimal WCO recycling solution. This alternative not only demonstrated the lowest coefficient variation but was also deemed the most favourable option. Biolubricant production was determined to be the second-best alternative. The adopted MCDA approach proved to be a reliable and effective tool, enabling the clear identification of the preferred WCO recycling alternative among those assessed. This was achieved through the utilization of the decision-makers' expertise and knowledge.

Undisturbed ground temperature (UGT), thermal conductivity (TC) and heat capacity (HC) are essential parameters for the design of borehole heat exchanger (BHE) and borehole thermal energy storage systems. However, field methods to assess the thermal state and properties of the sub-surface are costly and time consuming. Moreover, HC is often not evaluated but arbitrarily selected from literature considering the geological materials intercepted by boreholes. Therefore, this work aims at proposing a field heat tracing method to infer the thermal diffusivity (TD) and HC with assumption of natural transient heat conduction in the subsurface. Empirical equations were developed to reproduce a UGT profile measured along a BHE. Experimental coefficients are found with a non-linear least square solver optimization and used to calculate the damping depth and TD. Subsequently, the TD is used to evaluate HC considering TC obtained from a thermal response test (TRT). Results from this proposed heat tracing method were verified and validated against a set of TRT results and oscillatory TRT analysis using a field dual probe concept to infer HC. The example here described highlights the advantages and novelty of this fast and simple field method relying only on a single UGT profile measured before a TRT.

PG9, PG16, PGT121, and PGT145 antibodies were identified from culture media of activated memory B-cells of an infected donor and shown to neutralize many HIV-1 strains. Since HIV-1 spreads via both free virions and cell-cell fusion, we examined the effect of the antibodies on HIV-1 Env-mediated cell-cell fusion. Clone69TRevEnv cells that express Env in the absence of tetracycline were labeled with Calcein-AM Green, and incubated with CD4+ SupT1 cells labeled with CellTrace™ Calcein Red-Orange, with or without antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies PG9, PG16, 2G12, PGT121, and PGT145 (at up to 50 µg/mL) had little or no inhibitory effect on fusion between HIV-Env and SupT1 cells. By contrast, Hippeastrum hybrid agglutinin completely inhibited fusion. Our results indicate that transmission of the virus or viral genetic material would not be inhibited by these broadly neutralizing antibodies. Thus, antibodies generated by HIV-1 vaccines should be screened for their inhibitory effect on Env-mediated cell-cell fusion.

Food security (FS) during infancy is associated with lifelong outcomes. New Zealand is a developed economy that reports poor childhood nutrition-related health statistics, particularly among minority children, yet has no measure of FS applicable to infancy. The objective was to develop a FS index for New Zealand infants and examine its association with demographic covariates and health outcomes. Within a large (n=6853) nationally representative cohort, variables describing infant food consumption, breastfeeding, and maternal food-related coping methods were collected from mothers during late infancy. A FS index was derived using confirmatory factor analysis. Associations were assessed by logistic regressions and described using odds ratios (OR) and ≥95% confidence intervals (CI). 15% of the cohort was highly FS, 43% tenuously food insecure (FIS), and 16% highly food insecure (FIS). Infants from minority ethnic groups had lower odds of being food secure, as did those born to the youngest mothers, mothers who smoked, or lived in low-income households. FIS infants had higher odds of morbidity. Interventions to improve infant FS should focus on improving dietary quality, and give particular consideration to minority infants. We identified that FIS shows wide ethnic and socioeconomic inequity, and is associated with poorer health. The most important driving factors of FIS included poor quality weaning diets, and poverty and its proxies. Any interventions to improve infant FS should focus on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption to recommended intake levels, and give particular consideration to minority infants.

Starting from the environmental issues related to global warming, climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, this review paper describes how CO₂ recycling can represent a challenging strategy suitable to explore new concepts and opportunities for catalytic and industrial development. In this view, the production of dimethyl ether (DME) from catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ appears as a viable technology, able to meet also the ever-increasing need for alternative environmentally-friendly fuels and energy carriers. Basic considerations on thermodynamic aspects controlling DME production from CO₂ are presented, then summarizing the main catalytic systems developed in such a field. Special attention is paid on the role assumed during last years by zeolite-based systems, either in the methanol-to-DME dehydration step or in the one-pot CO₂-to-DME hydrogenation. On the whole, the productivity of DME results significantly to be dependent on several catalyst features, linked not only to the metal-oxide phase responsible for CO₂ activation/hydrogenation, but also to specific properties of the zeolites (i.e., topology, porosity, surface area, acidity, interaction with active metals, distributions of metal particles, …) influencing activity and stability of hybridized bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts.

Carbon (C) is one of the most abundant elements. It is part of all living organisms and is found in all states of matter (solid, liquid, gas, and plasma). It can take the form of one of the hardest and transparent materials (diamond) or it can be flexible and dark ( graphite), with many carbonaceous materials at both extremes. In gaseous form, C is a component of several greenhouse gas emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels. Carbon movement between the atmosphere, land (biosphere and lithosphere), and ocean (hydrosphere) can alter total amounts in each pool. Human activities accelerate C movement into the atmosphere, causing increases in climate change. This shift from terrestrial and oceanic C pools to the atmosphere cause an increase in the intensity and duration of droughts, hurricanes, snowstorms, and other natural phenomenon. Although society hears about C emissions there is a lack of understanding of its importance and the need to decrease C in the atmospheric pool to avoid exacerbating climate change. Forests and biochar are two biological methods to retain C in the terrestrial pool for long time and at very low cost. This review details where C comes from, its relationship with forests, and biochar and their roles in increasing carbon sequestration to limit the impacts of climate change and continue having future sustainable forests and ecosystems services that we enjoy today.

Clean production of renewable fuels is a great challenge of our scientific community. Iridium complexes have demonstrated a superior catalytic activity in the water oxidation (WO) reaction, which is a crucial step in water splitting process. Herein we have used a defective zirconium MOF with UiO-66 structure as support of a highly active Ir complex based on EDTA with formula [Ir(HEDTA)Cl]Na. The defects are induced by the partial substitution of tereftalic acid with smaller formiate groups. Anchoring of the complex occurs through a post-synthetic exchange of formiate anions, coordinated at the zirconium clusters of the MOF, with the free carboxylate group of the [Ir(HEDTA)Cl]-complex. The modified material was tested as heterogenous catalyst for the WO reaction by using Cerium Ammonium Nitrate as sacrificial agent. Although TOF and TON values are comparable to those of other iridium heterogenized catalysts, the MOF exhibits iridium leaching not limited at the first catalytic run, as usually observed, suggesting a lack of stability of the hybrid system under strong oxidative conditions.

Chitosan nanoparticle delivery systems have potential for enhancing bone healing and addressing osteomyelitis. The objective was to deliver antimicrobial agents capable of preventing or treating osteomyelitis. Each formulation was optimized to achieve desired characteristics in terms of size (ranging from 100 to 400 nm), PDI (less than 0.5), zeta potential (typically negative), and in vitro release profiles for gentamicin. Entrapment percentages varied with gentamicin ranging from 10% to 65%. The chitosan nanoparticles exhibited substantial antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against both P. aeruginosa and MRSA, with zones of inhibition ranging from 13 to 24 mm and complete reduction in colony forming units observed between 3 to 24 hours. These chitosan nanoparticle formulations loaded with antimicrobials hold promise for addressing orthopedic complications.

Background: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the reliability of two 15-sec sprint cycling tests in men and women to estimate the maximum rate of glycolysis or lactate production (VLa-Max). Methods: Eighteen men and twelve women completed two sprint sessions over 1-week. A 10-min warm-up preceded a 3 µl blood lactate (BLC) sample, after which a 15-sec sprint was completed; cyclists then rested passively while multiple lactate samples were taken until levels peaked. VLaMax was calculated as (Peak BLC – Pre BLC) * (15-sec – Talac)-1. Trial differences and reliability across trials were analyzed using a paired-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, ICC, and Bland-Altman analysis with α=0.05 for all tests; data are reported as mean ± sd. Results: Power (W) was similar across trails (773.0 ±143.5 vs. 758.2 ± 127.4; p = 0.333) and coefficient of varia-tion (CV) of 4.7%. VLaMax was similar (0.673 ± 0.024 vs 0.635 ± 0.237; p = 0.280), but only moder-ately reliably across trials with a CV, ICC, and R value of 18.6%, 0.661, and 0.67, respectively. Conclusions: A 15-sec VLaMax cycling sprint is moderately reliable being affected both by the lac-tate measurement and other variables used in the calculation. More research may offer ways to improve reliability.

To explore impact of weight change (WC) on risk of atherosclerosis measured by cIMT, 20,700 participants from the CLSA follow-up were included in analysis. WC was defined as the difference of weight measured at follow-up and baseline, then quartered into four groups (Q1–Q4). cIMT>1.0 mm was defined as high-risk for atherosclerosis. Adjusted odds ratio (OR, [95% CI]) from logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between WC and risk of atherosclerosis. At follow-up, participants have gained 0.118 kg weight, on average, and 16.4% of them were at high-risk for atherosclerosis. The mean levels of cIMT were comparable between participants from Q1 to Q4. Compared to Q2 (reference), the ORs (95% CI) were 1.00 (0.86, 1.15), 1.19 (1.03,1.38), and 1.25 (1.08,1.45) for Q1, Q3, and Q4, respectively. A similar pattern was observed when analyses conducted by <65 vs. 65+ years separately, but it was weaker for those aged 65+ years. Results from the jointed distribution analyses indicated that weight loss might increase risk for atherosclerosis among participants with obese at baseline, but not for those with cardiovascular events status at baseline. Weight gain, however, would increase risk for atherosclerosis regardless of cardiovascular events status, or overweight/obese at baseline.

Tree ordinances can be an effective means of preserving urban forests in the face of development pressures. Despite this, they also have the potential to be divisive among the public - especially when applied to privately-owned land. In this study we surveyed 1,716 Florida urban residents to understand how they value regulation and management of the urban forest. Specifically, we asked about: tree protection ordinances, incentive programs to manage or plant trees, justification for tree removal, and development. Most respondents supported tree protections, even when applied to trees on their own property or when they had the potential to limit development activities. Additionally, there was limited support for removing healthy trees for development. Respondents supported the use of funds for urban forestry efforts – particularly at the local or state level.

The present study examined music-induced dopamine release, as measured by a proxy measure of spontaneous eye blinks. Specifically, we explored the effects of uplifting and sombre tones in different sections of Vivaldi's Four Seasons to investigate the affective content of musical pieces within one composition. Seventeen participants listened to four concertos (Major modes: Spring, Autumn, Minor modes: Summer and Winter) and a silence condition while completing the 3-Stimulus Odd-ball attention task. Electrooculograms were recorded from electrodes placed above and under the left eye. Self-reported arousal and music preference measures were also gathered during the testing session. In addition, the P3a Event-Related Potential (ERP) component was analysed as another potential index of dopamine function. Results revealed significant differences in the blink rates during music listening and silence, with the largest effect observed for the sad, melancholic Winter concerto. However, no significant correlation was found between blink rate and music preference or arousal. Furthermore, no reliable association was found between blink rate and the P3a ERP component, suggesting that these measures tap into different aspects of dopamine function. These findings contribute to understanding the link between dopamine and blink rate, particularly in response to classical music. Crucially, the study's discovery that the Winter concerto, with its sorrowful tone, significantly increased the blink rate highlights the significance of sad music and perhaps the programmatic qualities of this concerto to induce a strong emotional response.

The procedures for the extraction and separation of lipids and nutraceutics from microalgae using classic solvents have been used many times. However, these production methods usually require expensive and toxic solvents. Based on our studies involving the use of eco-sustainable methodologies and alternative solvents, we select ethanol (EtOH) and cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) for extracting bio-oil and lipids from algae. Different percentage of EtOH in CPME favors the production of an oil rich of SFA useful to production biofuel or rich of compounds bioactive. The proposed method for obtain a rich extract of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids from dry algal biomass is disclosed is eco-friendly and allows a good extraction yield. The method is compared both in extracted oil percentage yield and in extracted fatty acids selectivity to extraction by supercritical carbon dioxide.

Transitional waters are fragile ecosystems with high ecological values, representing the breeding and resting sites for rare and threatened species. They deserve particular concern for protection, undergoing numerous threats from anthropogenic nature. The present review aims to analyze the recent literature on Aphanius fasciatus, nowadays considered one of the most strictly estuarine-dependent fish species, and as such affected by the degradation of lagoon habitats, and to discuss its suitability as sentinel species of the quality of transitional water environments. The analysis and discussion highlight the potential applicability of the molecular, cellular, and physiological responses of this species as diagnostic tools for detecting the subtle effects induced by environmental pollution on the biota in transitional water environments. Moreover, the suitability of the responses of this species is suggested in the wider framework of the One Health Perspective which considers human and animal health and the environmental state highly interconnected, sharing common aspects. To date, omics technologies show very great potential in reacquiring novel knowledge on the responses of the organisms to environmental changes and to the alterations of the environmental health status. Therefore, considering the relevant potential of this species as sentinel species, many efforts are needed in the next future to improve the quantity and quality of the -omics tools that refer to A. fasciatus.

In this paper we exploit concepts from Information Theory to improve the classical Chvatal’s greedy algorithm for the Set Covering Problem. In particular, we develop a new greedy procedure, called Surprisal-Based Greedy Heuristic (SBH), incorporating the computation of a “surprisal” measure when selecting the solution columns. Computational experiments, performed on instances from the OR-Library, show that SBH yields a 2.5% improvement in terms of the objective function value over the Chvatal’s algorithm while retaining similar execution times, making it suitable for real-time applications. The new heuristic was also compared with Kordalewski’s greedy algorithm, obtaining similar solutions with much lower times on large instances, and Grossmann and Wool’s algorithm for unicost instances, where SBH obtained better solutions.

Background - Mandibular flexion (MF) is a complex biomechanical phenomenon, which involves a deformation of the mandible, due mainly to the contraction of the masticatory muscles, and can have numerous clinical effects. The main aim of the current systematic review is to highlight the different factors that can increase MF, to help clinicians, identify patients to whom they should pay more attention. As a secondary outcome, we wanted to analyze the preventive measures and suitable techniques to be adopted to minimize the negative effects of this phenomenon on oral fixed rehabilitations. Methods - The review, which was carried out in accordance with the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) flowchart, was recorded in the “International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews” (PROSPERO). As research questions, “Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes” (PICO) questions were employed. Using the ROBINS-I technique, the risk of bias in non-randomized clinical studies was evaluated. Results - The initial electronic search identified over 1300 potential articles, of which 54 studies were included in this systematic review. Information regarding the relationship between MF and individual factors, mandibular movements, impression-taking and fixed rehabilitations were obtained. Conclusions – The studies included in this systematic review showed that MF is greater during protrusive movements, in the posterior areas of the lower jaw, and in patients with brachial facial type, greater jaw length, small gonial angle and less density, length and bone surface of the symphysis. The biomechanical effects of mandibular flexion on fixed restorations are debated. Prospective clinical and radiological observational studies should be conducted to evaluate the potential short-, medium- and long-term consequences of MF.

Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol abuse. Its prevalence and associated risk factors are not well documented. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, has a well-studied association with bereavement . This report uses a cross-sectional, population-based survey to estimate prevalence of bingeing and its association with new bereavement. Bingeing is defined as 4 or more drinks (women) or 5 or more drinks (men) in a 2-to-4-hour setting. For the first time, the Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) included a bereavement item, ‘Have you experienced the death of a family member or close friend in the years 2018 or 2019?’. Methods: Georgia BRFSS is a complex sampling survey administered annually. It is designed to represent the 8.1 million persons in the U.S. state of Georgia aged 18 years and older. Alcohol consumption patterns are routinely measured in the common core. In the 2019 field survey, the state added a new item probing for bereavement in the prior 24 months predating the pandemic of COVID-19. Imputation and weighting techniques were applied to yield population prevalence rates of new bereavement, bingeing, and their co-occurrence with other high-risk health states. Models, adjusted for age, gender, and race were used to estimate the risk for other unhealthy behaviors posed by the co-occurrence of bereavement and bingeing. Results: In Georgia, bereavement is common (45.8 %), and alcohol consumption is common (48.8 %). Bereavement and alcohol use co-occurred among 1,796,817 persons (45 % of all drinkers). The subset of co-occurring bereavement and binging totaled 608,282 persons. Within this group, the highest rates of bereavement were associated with death of a friend / neighbor (30.7%) or 3 plus deaths (31.8%). Conclusions: While bingeing is a known risk to public health, its co-occurrence with recent bereavement is a new observation. Public health surveillance systems need to monitor this co-occurrence to protect both individual and societal health. In a time of global bereavement, documenting its influence on binge drinking can support the work towards Sustainable Goal #3 – Good health and Well-Being. Keywords: BRFSS, Binge Drinking, Population Survey, Bereavement, SDG#3. Mental Health

: Background: Cartilage harvest and transplantation is a common surgery using costal, auricular, and septal cartilage for craniofacial reconstruction. However, absorption and warping of the cartilage grafts can occur due to inflammatory factors associated with wound healing. Transcriptional factor nuclear factor κB (NFκB) is activated by cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), and plays a central role in the transactivation of this inflammatory cytokine gene. Inhibition of NFκB may have anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of an NFκB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (Decoy) as a chondroprotective agent. Materials and Methods: Evaluation of safe and efficacious concentrations of Decoy were assessed using rabbit nasal septal chondrocytes (rNSCh) and assays for cytotoxicity, proteoglycan (PG) synthesis, and PG turnover. The efficacious concentration of Decoy determined from the rNSCh was then applied to human nasal septal cartilage (hNSC) in vitro and analyzed for PG turnover, the level of inflammatory markers, and catabolic enzymes in explant-conditioned culture medium. Results: Over the range of Decoy conditions and concentrations, no inhibition of PG synthesis or cytotoxicity was observed. Decoy at 10 μM effectively inhibited PG degradation in the hNSC explant, prolonging PG half-life 63% and decreasing matrix metalloprotease 3 (MMP3) by 70.7% (P = 0.027). Conclusions: Decoy may be a novel chondroprotective therapeutic agent in cartilage transplantation due to its ability to inhibit cartilage degradation due to inflammation cytokines.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by non-progressive central motor impairments. Mild movement disorder features have been observed in DCD. Until now, the etiology of DCD remains unclear. Recent studies suggested a genetic substrate in some patients with DCD, but comprehensive knowledge about associated genes and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms is still lacking. In this study, we first identified genes described in literature in patients with a diagnosis of DCD according to the official diagnostic criteria. Second, we exposed the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of DCD, by investigating tissue- and temporal gene expression patterns and brain-specific biological mech-anisms. Third, we explored putative shared pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD and frequent movement disorders with a known genetic component, including ataxia, chorea, dystonia, and myoclonus. We identified 12 genes associated with DCD in literature, which are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system throughout brain development. These genes are involved in cellular processes, neural signaling and nervous system development. There was a remarkable overlap (62%) in pathogenetic mechanisms between DCD-associated genes and genes linked with movement disorders. Our findings suggest that some patients might have a genetic etiology of DCD, which could be considered part of a pathogenetic movement disorder spectrum.

To fully appreciate genetics, one must understand the link between genotype (DNA sequence) and phenotype (observable characteristics). Advances in high-throughput genomic sequencing technologies and applications, so-called “-omics”, have made genetic sequencing readily available across fields in biology from applications in non-traditional study organisms to precision medicine. Thus, understanding these tools is critical for any biologist, especially those early in their career. This comprehensive review discusses the chronological development of different sequencing methods, the bioinformatics steps to analyzing this data, and social and ethical issues raised by these techniques that must be discussed and evaluated.

Late type II endoleak (T2EL) arising from internal iliac artery (IIA) network may occur after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of aortoiliac aneurysm and may require embolization if sac enlargement is demonstrated. When direct antegrade access to ipsilateral IIA is not achievable due to previous vessel coverage and/or embolization, access to the nidus can be challenging. We report a case of T2EL originating from IIA network causing iliac sac enlargement in a patient previously treated by EVAR for artoiliac aneurysm with IIA embolization and coverage, in which embolization of the nidus was performed through a percutaneous sheathless access to ip-silateral superior gluteal artery (SGA). A literature review dealing with all cases of percutaneous direct SGA access for retrograde embolization of T2EL arising from IIA after previous EVAR is also reported. The research was conducted on Pubmed database using keywords “superior glu-teal artery access,” “transgluteal embolization” and “retrograde embolization for type II endo-leak”. Related articles and references were screened for suitable articles.

Pyrolysis is a combustion process of woody biomass conducted under low or no oxygen conditions. New innovations and the need to limit open burning has resulted in numerous mobile and fixed plant pyrolysis methods that burn a variety of woody residues. Production technologies that reduce the need for open burning, the main source of potential pollutants, fall under the regulations in the Clean Air Act of 1990. This Act is the legal instrument to regulate air pollution at its source across the United States of America and it is implemented and enforced through the Environmental Protection Agency, in coordination with sister agencies. One newer innovation for reducing woody residues and emissions is an air curtain incinerator. Currently, the Clean Air Act regulates stationary solid waste incinerators, and this is also applied to mobile air curtain incinerators burning woody biomass. However, other woody biochar production methods (e.g., flame cap kilns) are not subject to these regulations. Discrepancies in the interpretation of definitions related to incineration and pyrolysis and the myriad of differences related to stationary and mobile air curtain incinerators, type of waste wood from construction activities, forest residues, and other types of clean wood make the permitting regulations confusing as permits can vary by jurisdiction. This review summarizes the current policies, regulations, and directives related to in-woods biochar production and the required permits.

The use of interleaving material with viscoelastic properties is one of the most effective solutions to improve the damping capacity of CFRP laminates. Improving composite damping without threatening mechanical performance is challenging and the use of nanomaterials should lead to the target. In this paper, the effect of a nanostructured interlayer based on Graphite Nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the damping capacity and fracture toughness of CFRP laminates has been investigated. High-content GNP/Epoxy (70wt/30wt) coating was sprayed on the surface of CF/Epoxy prepregs at two different areal weight (10 and 40 g/m2) and incorporated at the middle-plane of a CFRP laminate. The effect of the GNP areal weight on viscoelastic and the mechanical behaviour of the laminates was investigated. Coupons with low-areal weight GNP interlayer showed a 25% increase in damping capacity with a trivial reduction of the elastic modulus. Moreover, a reduction in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and fracture toughness (both mode I and mode II) was observed in the composites with GNPs interlayer. GNPs alignment and degree of compaction reached during process were found as key parameters on material performances. By increasing the areal weight a mitigation on the mechanical performances drop was achieved (-15%).

Background: Myeloid sarcoma (MS), also known as granulocytic sarcoma or chloroma, is a rare disease entity characterized by the emergence of an extramedullary tumour which may be antecedent, coexisting or manifest secondarily to an ongoing malignancy of lymphoid origin. Owing to its low prevalence, scientific reports addressing this matter comprise mainly retrospective studies with a limited number of participants, rather low-quality research and only few case reports. Despite MS’s rarity, the need for enhancing diagnostic tools and refinement of therapeutic regimens is broadly recognised among physicians. Case summary: In this case series, we present the clinical histories of two patients diagnosed with MS. The former (Case 1) exhibited MS of the sternum alongside chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), while in case of the latter (Case 2) MS was the initial manifestation of a current acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Regardless of treatment institution comprising chemotherapy (CHTH) and radiotherapy (RT), the patient afflicted by CML did eventually pass due to cardiorespiratory insufficiency secondary to an infection, whereas the second one is in clinical remission up to this date, that is 16 months since MS had been diagnosed. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of previously reported cases was conducted which involves MS in patients with AML and CML. Conclusion: The objective of this report is to emphasize the heterogeneity among the clinical manifestations of MS, to underline the relevance of histopathological and molecular diagnostic tools in opting for the appropriate therapy and that, in spite of it occurring rather uncommonly, physicians should think of MS in presence of pathological masses in patients under risk of hematological malignancies.

The core components of regenerative medicine are stem cells with high self-renewal and tissue regeneration potentials. Adult stem cells can be obtained from many organs and tissues. NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4 represent the core regulatory network that suppresses differentiation-associated genes, maintaining the pluripotency of mesenchymal stem cells. The roles of NANOG in maintaining self-renewal and undifferentiated status of adult stem cells are still not perfectly established. In this study we define the effects of downregulation of NANOG in maintaining self-renewal and undifferentiated state in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue (hASCs). hASCs were expanded and transfected in vitro with short hairpin Lentivirus targeting NANOG. Gene suppressions were achieved at both transcript and proteome levels. The effect of NANOG knockdown on proliferation after 10 passages and on the cell cycle was evaluated by proliferation assay, colony forming unit (CFU), qRT-PCR and cell cycle analysis by flow-cytometry. Moreover, NANOG involvement in differentiation ability was evaluated. We report that downregulation of NANOG revealed a decrease in the proliferation and differentiation rate, inducing cell cycle arrest by increasing p27/CDKN1B (Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B) and p21/CDKN1A(Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A) through p53 and regulate DLK1/PREF1. Furthermore, NANOG induced downregulation of DNMT1, a major DNA methyltransferase responsible for maintaining methylation status during DNA replication probably involved in cell cycle regulation. Our study confirms that NANOG regulates the complex transcription network of plasticity of the cells, inducing cell cycle arrest and reducing differentiation potential.

Rotational microwave jet spectroscopy studies of the monoterpenol α-fenchol have so far failed to identify its second expected torsional conformer, despite computational predictions that it is only very slightly higher in energy than the most stable conformer. Vibrational FTIR and Raman jet spectroscopy investigations reveal unusually complex OH and OD stretching spectra compared to other alcohols. Via modelling of the torsional states, observed spectral splittings are explained by delocalization of the hydroxy hydrogen atom through quantum tunneling between the two non-equivalent but accidentally near-degenerate conformers separated by a low and narrow barrier. The energy differences between the torsional states are determined to be only 16(1) and 7(1) cm$^{−1}hc$ for the protiated and deuterated alcohol, respectively, which further shrink to 9(1) and 3(1) cm$^{−1}hc$ upon OH or OD stretch excitation. Comparisons are made with the more strongly asymmetric monoterpenols borneol and isopinocampheol as well as with the symmetric, rapidly tunneling propargyl alcohol. Assigned are also for α-fenchol the third – in contrast localized – torsional conformer and the most stable dimer, as well as for propargyl alcohol the two most stable dimers.

Since the discovery of the first reported case with Zinc-deficiency in Iran¹ by Prasad et al. in 1961, the knowledge on Zinc has increased significantly. Zinc is the second most abundant common trace mineral in the human body, responsible for vital biological functions from cell growth and development to cell homeostasis and immune response ^2,3. Up to a fifth of the global population is estimated to suffer from different degrees of Zinc deficiency⁴. In the western world, Zinc deficiency is more prevalent among the geriatric population³, vegans/vegetarians, and people with certain underlying conditions⁴such as liver cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and various auto-immune disorders^4,5. Zinc and Zinc deficiency has been associated with several infectious diseases ^2,3. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is responsible for the ongoing pandemic belongs to the family of coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 has a high genetic similarity to another family member, SARS-CoV, which caused the first major epidemic of the 21^st century^6,7. Currently, there is no evidence linking the anti- SARS-CoV-2 response and the element Zinc. Herein and in light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we marshal the evidence associating the element Zinc with the anti-viral and antibacterial immune response as well as the cytokine storm and lung injury. Such a revisit of the precedent evidence may inspire further investigation assessing the relationship between Zincemia status and the anti-viral response in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Clairton, Pennsylvania, is home to the largest coke works facility in the United States (US). On 24 December 2018, a large fire occurred at this facility and damaged pollution control equipment. Although repairs were not completed for several months, production continued at pre-fire capacity and daily emissions increased by 24 to 35 times, with multiple exceedances of monitored levels of outdoor air pollution (OAP). The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the impact of this industrial incident and resultant OAP exceedances on asthma morbidity. We assessed pre-fire and post-fire rate ratios (RR) of outpatient and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma exacerbations among nearby adult residents. Pre-fire versus post-fire RRs increased for both visit types: RR = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.30, 2.53; p < 0.001) and 1.84 (95% CI: 1.05, 3.22; p = 0.032) for outpatient and ED visits, respectively. Additionally, total visit rates increased on days with OAP exceedances: RR = 2.47 (95% CI: 1.52, 4.01; p < 0.0001), 1.58 (95% CI: 1.00, 2.48; p = 0.048) and 1.79 (95% CI: 1.27, 2.54; p = 0.001) for PM_2.5, SO₂, and H₂S exceedance days, respectively. These results show a near doubling of acute visits for asthma exacerbations in nearby adult residents during this industrial incident and underscore the need for prompt remediation and public notification of OAP exceedances to prevent adverse health impacts.

Orthobunyaviruses (order Bunyavirales, family Peribunyaviridae) in the Simbu serogroup have been responsible for widespread epidemics of congenital disease in ruminants. Australia has a national program to monitor arboviruses of veterinary importance. While monitoring for Akabane virus, a novel orthobunyavirus was detected. To inform the priority that should be given to this detection, a scoping review was undertaken to 1) Characterise the associated disease presentations and establish which of the Simbu group viruses are of veterinary importance; 2) Examine the diagnostic assays that have undergone development and validation for this group of viruses, and 3) Describe the methods used to monitor the distribution of these viruses. Two search strategies identified 224 peer-reviewed publications for 33 viruses in the serogroup. Viruses in this group may cause severe animal health impacts, but only those phylogenetically arranged in clade B are associated with animal disease. Six viruses (Akabane, Schmallenberg, Aino, Shuni, Peaton, and Shamonda) were associated with congenital malformations, neurological signs, and reproductive disease. Diagnostic test interpretation is complicated by cross-reactivity, the timing of foetal immunocompetence and sample type. Serological testing in surveys remains a mainstay of the methods used to monitor the distribution of SGVs. Due to significant differences in survey designs, only broad mean seroprevalence estimates could be provided. Further research is required to characterise the SGV detected and determine the disease risk posed by novel orthobunyaviruses and how they could challenge current diagnostic and surveillance capabilities.

The 2019 Coronavirus pandemic which was initially referred to as 2019-nCoV, was first identified in Wuhan, China. Early response from the Chinese government included quarantine of infected persons, isolation and total lockdown of Wuhan province to prevent further spread. With the spread of the disease across national borders and declaration of the disease as a global pandemic, there has been a robust response by the international community to contain this deadly virus and prevent its further spread worldwide. Africa is not left out of this rampaging pandemic with documented cases in over 40 countries and still rising. Although extensive studies have been carried out on the novel SARS-CoV-2 on its pathogenesis, mode of infection and virulence but much is still unknown. However, potentially infectious samples are received routinely in the medical laboratory for analysis. This technical note reviews good laboratory practice (GLP) and processes across the different specialities of Medical Laboratory practice that should minimize the risk of infection to laboratory staff especially in resource-limited settings.

An ambitious citizen-science effort in the city of Indianapolis (Indiana, USA) led to the collection and analysis of a large number of samples at the property scale, facilitating the analysis of differences in soil metal concentrations as a function of property location (i.e., dripline, yard, and street) and location within the city. This effort indicated that dripline soils had substantially higher values of lead and zinc than other soil locations on a given property, and this pattern was heightened in properties nearer the urban core. Soil lead values typically exceeded the levels deemed safe for children’s play areas in the US (<400 ppm), and almost always exceeded safe gardening guidelines (<200 ppm). As a whole, this study identified locations within properties, and cities, that exhibited the highest exposure risk to children, and also exhibited the power of citizen science to produce data at a spatial scale (i.e., within a property boundary) that is usually impossible to feasibly collect in a typical research study.

The effect of COVID-19 confinement regulations on air quality in the northwestern Alps is here assessed based on measurements at five valley sites in different environmental contexts. Surface concentrations of nitrogen oxides, ozone, particle matter, together with size, chemical, and optical (light absorption) aerosol properties, complemented by observations along the vertical column are considered. The 2020 concentration anomalies relative to previous years’ average are compared with the output of a machine learning algorithm accounting for weather effects and a chemical transport model, their difference being within 10–20 %. Even in the relatively pristine environment of the Alps, the «lockdown effect» is well discernible, both in the early confinement phase and in late 2020, especially in NOx concentrations (NO decreasing by >80 % and NO2 by >50 %). While ozone shows little variation, secondary aerosols increase due to enhanced transport from the neighbouring Po basin and coarse particles decrease due to missing resuspension by traffic and, in the city, to the shutdown of a steel mill. The NO2 vertical column density decreases by >20 %, whereas the aerosol profile is mainly influenced by large-scale dynamics, except a shallow layer about 500 m thick possibly sensitive to curtailed surface emissions.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative treatment modality, frequently applied in patients suffering from haematological malignancies. In the last two decades, there have been multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs), review articles, and meta-analyses addressing the efficacy of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) as a graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Nevertheless, only a few aimed to compare the effectiveness of different r-ATG formulations. We performed a systematic literature review of articles published since 2017 to this day utilising PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and MEDLINE, with the main endpoints being prophylaxis of acute GvHD (aGvHD) and chronic GvHD (cGvHD). We subjected to scrutiny a total of 5 studies, of which 4 compared the differences between Thymoglobulin (ATG-T) and Grafalon (ATG-G), and 1 discussed the impact of ATG-T dose. Overall cGvHD, aGvHD grades II-IV, TRM, OS, NRM, LFS, relapse, overall infections, and EBV reactivation do not seem to be affected by the type of utilised rATG. However, data on aGvHD grades III-IV, GRFS, moderate-severe cGvHD, and CMV reactivation is conflicting. Through our research, we sought to summarise the most recent findings concerning r-ATGs in allo-HCT, and provide insight into the differences between the targets and origin of various ATG formulations.

While many practitioners and experts understand the risks associated with low urban tree diversity, they often lack the ability to rectify issues they encounter on their own. The current system of tree production and procurement is complex – shaped by market pressures, nursery and site constraints, local governance, and differing professional objectives among those who grow, specify, and plant trees. To understand this complexity as well as constraints to- and opportunities for increasing urban tree diversity, we conducted a series of focus groups comprised of nursery growers, landscape architects, and urban foresters. Our results highlight a significant list of considerations and constraints to diversity (both shared among green industries and some specific to growers or purchasers). More importantly, in discussing our findings we outline actionable strategies for increasing urban tree diversity.

Coronaviruses are highly transmissible and pathogenic viruses for humans and animals. The vast quantity of information collected about SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic helped to unveil details on the mechanisms behind the infection, which are still largely elusive. Recent research demonstrated that different class I/II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles might define an individual susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 spreading, contributing to the differences in the distribution of the infection through different populations; additional studies suggested that the homolog of the HLA in cats, the Feline Leukocyte Antigen (FLA), plays a pivotal role in the transmission of viruses. With these premises, this study aimed to exploit a bioinformatic approach for the prediction of the transmissibility potential of two distinct Feline Coronaviruses (FCoVs) in domestic cats (Feline enteric Coronavirus, FeCV and Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus, FIPV) using SARS-CoV-2 as the reference model. We performed an epitope mapping of nonapeptides deriving from SARS-CoV-2, FeCV and FIPV glycoproteins and predicted their affinities for different alleles included in the three main loci in class I FLAs (E, H and K). The predicted complexes with the most promising affinities were then subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to provide insights into the stability and binding energies in the cleft. Results showed the FLA proteins encoded by alleles in FLA-I H (H*00501 and H*00401) and E (E*01001 and E*07001) loci are largely responsive to several epitopes deriving from replicase and spike proteins of the analyzed coronaviruses. The analysis of the most affine epitope sequences resulting from the prediction can stimulate the development of anti-FCoV immunomodulatory strategies based on peptide drugs.

Introduction: Oral Nicotine Pouches (ONPs) are the new form of nicotine pouches that have become a type of emerging smokeless tobacco product sold by various tobacco companies. These smokeless tobacco products are being marketed for usage all over as Snus containing tobacco-derived nicotine (Natural) or as tobacco-free nicotine (Synthetic) as substitutes for other tobacco products that are limited in public places. ONPs have become popular tobacco products among adolescents/young adults and over 50% of young adult users of ONP use flavored ONP, such as menthol/mint, tobacco, dessert/candy, and fruity, being the most popular flavors. Various new ONP flavors are currently popular locally as well in the online market. Tobacco, Menthol, and fruit-flavored ONPs could motivate cigarette smokers to alteration to ONPs. Methods: We expanded our knowledge on natural/synthetic ONP flavors wheels to available data on ONPs, describing in detail their flavors and brands (US and Europe) in both natural/Synthetic ONP categories. We classified over 152 snus and 228 synthetic ONPs into the following flavor categories: “Tobacco”, “Menthol/Mint”, “Fruity”, “Candy/Deserts”, “Drink”, “Aroma”, “Spices” and “Mixed Flavors”. Results: Based on total numbers, wefound that the most popular ONPs flavor sold as tobacco and menthol to be among natural ONPs, among synthetic ONPs fruity and menthol as the most prominent flavors with varying concentrations of nicotine and other flavoring chemicals including coolant WS-23. We also illustrated possible molecular targets and toxicities due to exposure to ONPs activating several signaling cascades like AKT and NF-B might possibly lead to apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusions: Considering the marketing of ONP products with various flavor profiles and most of these products containing tobacco/menthol/fruit flavor, it is likely to have regulation and marketing disclaimer on some of these products. Further, it would be logical to determine how the market reacts in terms of compliance and non-compliance with flavor restrictions by the regulatory agencies.

The European Green Deal has set a concrete strategic plan to increase farm sustainability. At the same time, the current global challenges, due to climate change and fuels and commodity market crisis, combined with the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, comprise the need for quality food, but also the reduction of negative external effects of agricultural production, with fair remuneration for the farmers. In response, precision agriculture has great potential to contribute to the sustainable development. Precision agriculture is a farming management that provides a holistic system approach to managing the spatial and temporal crop and soil variability within a field to improve the farm’s performance and sustainability. However, farmers are still hesitant to adopt it. On these premises, the study aims to evaluate the impacts of precision agriculture technologies on farm profitability, agronomic and environmental management by farmers adopting (or not) these technologies, using the case study method. In detail, the work focuses on the period 2014-2022 for two farms that cultivate durum wheat in Central Italy. The results suggest that the implementation of precision technologies can guarantee economic and agri-environmental efficiency. Results could serve as a basis for developing a program to start training in farms as well as suggest policy strategies.

With the renewed interest for lunar surface exploration, the European Space Agency envisions to stimulate the creation of lunar communications and navigation services (LCNS) to enable, among others, autonomous navigation capabilities for lunar rovers. As the number of satellites foreseen in such a service is much smaller compared to Earth based global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), different complementary technologies are pursued to improve the attainable navigation accuracy for lunar rovers. One way to improve the position accuracy provided by the LCNS satellites is to constrain the vertical position using a high resolution digital elevation model (DEM). This article presents the results of a variance covariance analysis of an extended Kalman filter (EKF) implementation in which the LCNS ranging measurements are used together with DEM from the LRO LOLA instrument. Assuming a realistic orbit determination and time synchronization (ODTS) accuracy of the LCNS satellites, the usage of a navigation grade IMU and an oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), a 3-sigma position accuracy of less than 10 meters can be obtained. Furthermore, the availability is substantially improved as the DEM aided solution enables a position solution in case of only 3 visible satellites.

This study aimed to assess the foodborne diseases (FBD) outbreaks reported in Brazil between 2000 and 2018, based on data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (official data) and from the scientific literature. According to official data, 13,163 FBD outbreaks were reported in the country during this period, involving 247,570 cases and 195 deaths. The largest prevalence of FBD outbreaks was observed in the Southeast region of Brazil (45.6%). In most outbreaks it was not possible to determine the food implicated (45.9%) but among those identified, water was the most frequently associated (12.0%). The etiological agent was not identified in most outbreaks (38.0%), while Salmonella (14.4%) was the most frequently reported, among those identified. Homes were the main site of FBD occurrence (12.5%). Regarding data obtained from the scientific literature, 57 articles dealing with FBD in the country throughout the same period were selected and analyzed. Based on these articles, mixed foods were the most prevalent in the outbreaks (31.6%), Salmonella spp. was the pathogen most frequently reported (22.8%) and homes were also the main site of FBD occurrence (45.6%). Despite under-notification, the records of FBD outbreaks that have occurred in Brazil in the past recent years show alarming data, requiring attention from health authorities. The notification of outbreaks is essential to facilitate public health actions.

We discuss the electrodeposition of two-dimensional (2D) Pt-nanostructures on HOPG achieved under constant applied potential versus a Pt counter electrode (Eappl = ca. - 2.2 V vs RHE). The deposition conditions are discussed in terms of the electrochemical behavior of the electrodeposition precursor (H2PtCl6). We performed cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the electrochemical Pt deposit on HOPG and on Pt substrates to study the relevant phenomena that affect the morphology of Pt deposition. Under conditions where the Pt deposition occurs and H2 evolution is occurring at the diffusion-limited rate (- 0.3 V vs RHE), Pt forms larger structures on the surface of HOPG, and the electrodeposition of Pt is not limited by diffusion. This indicates the need for large overpotentials to direct the 2D growth of Pt. Investigation of the possible effect of Cl- showed that Cl- deposits on the surface of Pt at low overpotentials, but strips from the surface at potentials more positive than the electrodeposition potential. The CV of Pt on HOPG is a strong function of the nature of the surface. We propose that during immersion of HOPG in the electrodeposition solution (3 mM H2PtCl6, 0.5 M NaCl, pH 2.3) Pt islands are formed spontaneously, and these islands drive the growth of the 2D nanostructures.

Despite notable advancements in immunotherapy in the past decades, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains a promising, potentially curative treatment modality. Only a limited number of studies has performed a direct comparison of two prevalent rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) formulations — specifically, Thymoglobuline (ATG-T, formerly Genzyme) and Grafalon (ATG-G, formerly Fresenius). The primary objective of our retrospective analysis was to compare the outcomes of adult patients undergoing matched or mismatched unrelated donor (MUD/MMUD) allo-HCT, with a graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis based on either ATG-T or ATG-G. A total of 87 patients undergone allo-HCT between 2012 and 2022 were included. We observed no significant differences between ATG-T and ATG-G concerning the occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), regardless of its severity. Conversely, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) occurred less frequently in the ATG-T group compared to ATG-G (7.5% vs. 38.3%, p=0.001). Patients treated with ATG-T manifested a higher incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivations (70% vs. 31.9%, p&lt;0.001), with a shorter time between transplant and CMV (&lt;61 days, 77.8% vs. 33.3%, p=0.008) and a higher median CMV copy number (1000 vs. 0, p=0.004). Notably, despite a higher occurrence of CMV reactivations in the ATG-T cohort, most patients were asymptomatic compared to ATG-G (85.7% vs. 43.8%, p=0.005). Finally, we observed no significant differences in terms of 5-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year probability of relapse while comparing ATG-T and ATG-G (32.0% vs 40.3%, p=0.423; 63.9% vs 55.7%, p=0.438, respectively).

Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CFS-1R) is a myeloid receptor with a crucial role in monocyte survival and differentiation. Its overexpression is associated with aggressive tumor characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment and poor prognosis. CSF-1R ligands, IL-34 and M-CSF, are produced by many cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting a key role for the receptor in the crosstalk between tumor, immune and stromal cells in the TME. Recently, CSF-1R expression was reported at the cell membrane of cancer cell from different solid tumors, capturing the interest of various research group interested in investigating the role of this receptor in non-myeloid cells. This review summarizes current data available on the expression and activity of CSF-1R in different tumor types. Notably, CSF-1R+ cancer cells have been shown to produce CSF-1R ligands, indicating that CSF-1R signaling is positively regulated in autocrine manner in cancer cells. Recent research demonstrated that CSF-1R signaling enhances cell transformation by supporting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, stemness and drug resistance. In addition, this review covers recent therapeutic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, targeting the CSF-1R and designed to block the pro-oncogenic role of CSF-1R in cancer cell.

The need to recycle carbon fibre reinforced composite polymers (CFRP) has grown significantly to reduce the environmental impact generated by their production. To meet this need, thermoreversible epoxy matrices have been developed in recent years. This study investigates the performance of an epoxy vitrimer made by introducing a metal catalyst (Zn2+) and its carbon fibre composites focusing on the healing capability of the system. The dynamic crosslinking networks endow vitrimers with interesting rheological behaviour, the capability of the formulated resin (AV-5) has been assessed by creep tests. The analysis showed increased molecular mobility above a topology freezing temperature (Tv). However, the reinforcement phase inhibits the flow capability reducing the flow. The fracture behaviour of CFRP made with the vitrimeric resin has been investigated by Mode I and Mode II tests and compared with the conventional system. The repairability of the vitrimeric CFRP has been investigated by attempting to recover the delaminated samples, which yielded unsatisfactory results. Moreover, the healing efficiency of the modified epoxy composites has been assessed by using the vitrimer as an adhesive layer. The joints were able to recover about 84% of the lap shear strength of the pristine system.

Named herein “CytroCell”, the cellulosic material obtained via hydrodynamic cavitation of citrus processing waste in water is cellulose of low crystallinity, high porosity, good water holding capacity and good dispersibility in water. These properties, here demonstrated for the first time for lemon and grapefruit CytroCell, open the route to mass scale production of a useful functional material from a cheap and abundant biowaste. The process, indeed, does not require any pre-treatment of the raw material, and does not use acid, alkali, chemical oxidants or enzymes.

Semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs), have unique optical and physical properties that make them potential imaging tools in biological and medical applications. However, concerns such as the aqueous dispersivity, toxicity to cells and stability in biological environments may limit the use of QDs in bioapplications. Here, we report an investigation into the cytotoxicity of aqueously dispersed CdSe(S) and CdSe(S)/ZnO core/shell QDs in the presence of human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) and a human skin fibroblast cell line (WS-1). The cytotoxicity of the precursor solutions used in the synthesis of the CdSe(S) QDs was also determined in the presence of HCT-116 cells and compared to that of the heat-shock protein (Hsp90) inhibitor, 17-AAG. CdSe(S) QDs were found to have a low toxicity at concentrations up to 100 µg/ml, with a decreased cell viability at higher concentrations, indicating a highly dose-dependent response. Meanwhile, CdSe(S)/ZnO core/shell QDs exhibited lower toxicity than uncoated QDs at higher concentrations. Confocal microscopy images of HCT-116 cells after incubation with CdSe(S) and CdSe(S)/ZnO QDs showed that the cells were stable in aqueous concentrations of 100 µg of QDs per ml, with no sign of cell necrosis, confirming the cytotoxicity data. Key words: HCT-116, WS1, water dispersive QDs, aqueous synthesis, cytotoxicity of QDs.

Abstract Thyroid diseases have a complex and multifactorial aetiology. Despite the numerous studies on the signals referable to the malignant transition, still remain elusive the molecular mechanisms concerning the role of oxidative stress. Based on its strong oxidative power, H2O2 could be responsible for the high level of oxidative DNA damage observed in cancerous thyroid tissue and hyper-activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and PI3K/Akt, that mediate ErbB signaling. Increased levels of 8-oxoG DNA adducts have been detected in the early stages of thyroid cancer. These DNA lesions are efficiently recognized and removed by the base excision repair (BER) pathway initiated by 8-oxoG glycosylase1 (OGG1). This study investigated the relationship between the EGFR and OGG1-BER pathways and their mutual regulation following oxidative stress stimulus by H2O2 in human thyrocytes. We clarified the modulation of ErbB receptors and their downstream pathways (PI3K / Akt and MAPK / ERK) under oxidative stress (from H2O2) at the level of gene and protein expression, according to the mechanism defined in a non-pathological cell system, Nthy-ori 3-1. Later, on the basis of the obtained results of gene expression cluster analysis in normal cells, we assessed the dysregulation of the relationships in a model of papillary thyroid cancer with RET/TPC rearrangement (TPC-1). Our observations demonstrated that a H2O2 stress may induce a physiological cross-regulation between ErbB and OGG1-BER pathways in normal thyroid cells (while this is dysregulated in the TPC-1 cells. Gene expression data also delineated that MUTYH gene could play a physiological role in cross-talk between ErbB and BER pathways and this function is instead lost in cancer cells. Overall our data about OGG1 protein expression suggest that the alternative splicing mechanisms may lead to different protein isoforms, physiologically regulated in response to ErbB modulation, and that these could be dysregulated in the progression of thyroid malignancies with RET/TPC rearrangement.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia caused by both immune-mediated platelet destruction and impaired platelet production in the bone mar-row, in the absence of any other identifiable cause of low platelets count. ITP in adult patients is a disease that frequently relapses and/or becomes refractory to multiple treatments during its course, with only a small minority of adult patients attaining a sustained complete remission off-therapy. Treatment of refrac-tory ITP can be challenging, due to the unlikeliness of attaining complete response over time. On the other hand, isolated thrombocytopenia may be due to a misdiagnosed clonal myeloid disorder, such as myelodys-plastic syndrome (MDS) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), thus mimicking ITP. We here per-form a narrative review on the association between ITP and MDS/CMML and the possibility of overlap and misdiagnosis between these conditions, while we report also the case a patient treated for a severe re-fractory thrombocytopenia which bone marrow examination led to suspect an overlap of MDS and ITP. Our clinical case describes ITP which is refractory to glucocorticoids, high-dose immunoglobulins, Rituxi-mab, splenectomy, thrombopoietin receptor agonists and Fostamatinib, that ultimately attained a short-lived response to a hypometylating agent that was initiated due to bone marrow examination that aroused the suspect of MDS.

Background: CK-18 is a serological marker of apoptosis that has been widely associated with fibrosis and steatosis in NASH. Many studies have showed association CK-18 levels with NAFLD. To date, there is a profound lack of rheumatology studies on the effect of MTX therapy with regard to CK-18 levels. The relationship between CK-18 levels and cumulative MTX dose, MTX treatment duration, weekly MTX dose is not available in the literature. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between serum cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) and cumulative methotrexate dose in rheumatology patients on methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Besides, we studied the correlations between CK-18 and clinical parameters including age, disease duration , duration of MTX therapy, cumulative steroid dose and biochemical parameters such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase AST). Methods : We recruited 79 rheumatology patients on methotrexate (MTX) therapy as MTX group and 38 patients not on MTX therapy as non-MTX group . All subjects were tested for their serum CK-18 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. We identified 20 patients with the highest CK-18 levels and 20 patients with the lowest CK-18 levels and had ultrasound liver performed on them. Results : The median serum CK-18 levels were marginally higher among the patients on MTX (1.20 ng/mL [0.19-37.15]) compared to the non-MTX group (1.17 ng/mL [0.37-34.32]). There was a significantly positive relationship between serum CK-18 levels and cumulative MTX dose (r = 0.329, p = 0.003) and total duration of MTX therapy (r = 0.284, p = 0.011). Apart from the above-mentioned variables, the CK-18 levels in MTX group significantly correlated with age (r = 0.265, p = 0.018), ALT (r = 0.440, p = <0.001) and AST (r = 0.478, p= 0.004). Ultrasound liver findings showed median CK-18 levels was higher among patients with abnormal liver findings although statistical significance was not reached. Conclusion : Among patients on MTX therapy, serum CK-18 levels correlated positively with cumulative MTX dose , total duration of MTX treatment , ALT and AST levels. These findings are preliminary and requires validation by future studies in the field of rheumatology.

The time required to reach a correct diagnosis is one of the most important problems for rare disease (RD) patients. Diagnostic delay can be intolerably long, to the point that it is usually described as a “diagnostic odyssey” and, sometimes, a diagnosis might never occur. The International Rare Disease Research Consortium proposed, as ultimate goal for 2017-2027, to enable all people with a suspected RD to be diagnosed within one year if the disorder is known, and to enter a globally coordinated diagnostic and research pipeline for the unsolved cases. In-depth analysis of the genotype through next generation sequencing, together with a standardized in-depth phenotype description and sophisticated high-throughput approaches, have been applied as diagnostic tools to increase the chance of a timely and accurate diagnosis. This approach is very fruitful as, according to the Orphanet database, from 2010 to March 2017 more than 600 new RDs have been described and about 3600 genes linked to RDs have been identified. However, combination of -omics and phenotype data and international sharing of this information raise ethical concerns. Values to be assessed include not only patient autonomy but also family implications, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, solidarity and reciprocity, which must be respected and promoted and, at the same time, balanced among each other. In this work we suggest that, to maximise patients involvement in the search for a diagnosis and identification of new causative genes, undiagnosed patients should have the possibility to: 1) actively participate in the description of their phenotype; 2) choose the level of visibility of their profile in matchmaking databases; 3) express their preferences regarding return of new findings, in particular which level of Variant of Unknown Significance (VUS) significance should be considered relevant to them. The quality of the relation between individual patients and physicians, and between the patient community and the scientific community is critically important for making the best use of available data and combining efforts in the search for matches with similar cases worldwide that will help to solve unsolved cases. The contribution of patients to collecting and coding data comprehensively is critical for efficient use of data downstream of data collection.

In recent years, there is a growing concern about the alarming spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments. Increasingly, many species of bacteria, fungi and viruses are becoming immune to the most commonly used pharmaceuticals. One of the causes of the development of the resistance is the persistence of these drugs, excreted by humans, in municipal and hospital wastewater (WW). Consequently, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a primary source of antimicrobial resistance genes as novel pollutants. This systematic review sought to examine the relevant literature on pharmaceutical residues (PRs) responsible for AMR in municipal and hospital WW in order to propose a classification of the PRs of greatest concern and provide an updated source for AMR management in WWTPs. Among 546 studies collected from four databases, 18 were included in the present review. The internal and external validity of each study was assessed, and the risk of bias was evaluated on a 20-parameter basis. Results were combined in a narrative synthesis discussing influents and effluents PR concentrations at 88 WWTPs, seasonal variations, differences between hospital and municipal WW, environmental risk assessment values of antimicrobial substances and treatment facilities removal efficiencies. Among the 45 PRs responsible for AMR evaluated in this study, the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, metronidazole, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim constitute a considerable risk in terms of ubiquitous distribution, worrying concentrations, risk quotients values, and resistance to removal treatments. Gaps in knowledge, data and information reported in this review provide a valuable source for managing AMR in WWTPs.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a form of chronic lung disease that develops in neonates as a consequence of preterm birth and arrested fetal lung development. The incidence of BPD remains on the rise, as a result of increasing survival of extremely preterm infants. Severe BPD contributes to significant health care costs and is associated with prolonged hospitalizations, respiratory infections, and neurodevelopmental deficits. In this study, we aimed to detect novel biomarkers of severe BPD. We collected tracheal aspirates (TA) from preterm babies with mild/moderate (n = 8) and severe (n = 17) BPD, and we profiled the expression of 1048 miRNAs using a PCR array. Associations with biological pathways were determined with the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. We found 31 miRNAs differentially expressed between the two disease groups (2-fold change, FDR &lt; 0.05). Of these, 4 miRNAs displayed significantly higher expression levels, and 27 miRNAs had significantly lower expression levels in the severe BPD vs. the mild/moderate BPD group. IPA identified cell signaling and inflammation pathways associated with miRNA signatures. We conclude that TAs of extreme premature infants contain miRNA signatures associated with severe BPD. These signatures may serve as biomarkers of disease severity in infants with BPD.

Mutation in the ethionamide (ETH) activating enzyme, EthA, is the main factor determining resistance to this drug, used to treat TB patients infected with MDR and XDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. Many mutations in EthA of ETH resistant (ETH-R) isolates have been described but their roles in resistance remain uncharacterized, partly because structural studies on the enzyme are lacking. Thus, we took a two-tier approach to evaluate two mutations (Y50C and T453I) found in ETH-R clinical isolates. First, we used a combination of comparative modeling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics to build an EthA model in complex with ETH that has hallmark features of structurally characterized homologs. Second, we used free energy computational calculations for the reliable prediction of relative free energies between the wild type and mutant enzymes. The ΔΔG values for Y50C and T453I mutant enzymes in complex with FADH₂-NADP-ETH were 3.34 (+/−0.55) and 8.11 (+/−0.51) kcal/mol, respectively, compared to the wild type complex. The positive ΔΔG values indicate that the wild type complex is more stable than the mutants, with the T453I complex being the least stable. These are the first results shedding light on the molecular basis of ETH resistance, namely reduced complex stability of mutant EthA.

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is believed to follow a waxing and waning course, often according to environmental stressors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-existing OCD symptoms were reported to increase and to change from checking to washing behaviors, while new-onset symptoms were predominantly of the hoarding type. In the present study, we followed the evolution of OCD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and insight of illness in forty-six OCD patients throughout the pandemic. Clinical measures were collected at four different time points before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Within-subject comparisons were used to compare clinical scale scores across time, and correlations were examined between patients' baseline characteristics and changes in clinical scores. We found that all clinical measures increased during the first Italian lockdown, with respect to the pre-pandemic values. Anxiety decreased during the temporary elimination of restriction provisions, whereas severity of OCD symptoms and insight returned to pre-pandemic values during the second mandatory lockdown. These results were observed only in two sub-groups of patients: those taking benzodiazepines and those with shorter illness duration. Our findings suggest the need of additional clinical attention to these specific sub-groups of OCD patients in case of particularly distressing circumstances, while pointing to a possible adaptive role of their OCD symptoms when the environment requires a higher care of hygiene and extraordinary supply of essential resources.

In the Emergency Department (ED), pain is one of the symptoms that is most frequently reported, making it one of the most significant issues for the emergency physician, but is frequently under treated. Intravenous (IV), oral (PO), and intramuscular (IM) delivery are the standard methods for administering acute pain relief. Firstly, we compared the safety and efficacy of IN analgesia to other conventional routes of analgesia to assess if IN analgesia may be an alternative for the management of acute pain in ED. Secondary, we analyzed the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs) and rescue analgesia required. We performed a systematic review-based keywords in Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Controlled Trials Register finding only twenty randomized Clinical trials eligible in the timeline 1992-2022. A total of 2098 patients were analyzed and compared to intravenous analgesia showing no statistical difference in adverse effects. In addition, intranasal analgesia also has a rapid onset and quick absorption. Fentanyl and ketamine are two intranasal drugs that appear promising and may be taken simply and safely while providing effective pain relief. IN is simple to administer, non-invasive, rapid onset and quick absorption; it might be a viable choice in a variety of situations to reduce patient suffering or delays in pain management. Analgesia needs to be tailored to each patient's features and type of pain: IN Fentanyl and Ketamine look promising and may be administered easily and safely while providing effective pain relief.

Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in lignocellulosic biomass, where it is interlinked with lignin and hemicellulose. Bioethanol can be produced from biomass. Because breaking down biomass is difficult, cellulose-active enzymes secreted by filamentous fungi play an important role in degrading recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass. We characterized a cellobiohydrolase (AfCel6A) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase LPMO (AfAA9_B) from A. fumigatus after they were expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified. The biochemical parameters suggested that the enzymes were stable; the optimal temperature was ~60 °C. Further characterization revealed high turnover numbers (kcat of 147.9 s-1 and 0.64 s-1, respectively). Surprisingly, when combined, AfCel6A and AfAA9_B did not act synergistically. Association of AfCel6A and AfAA9_B inhibits the activity of AfCel6A, an outcome that needs to be further investigated. However, addition of AfCel6A or AfAA9_B boosts the enzymatic saccharification activity of a cellulase cocktail and the activity of cellulase Af-EGL7. The supplementation of an enzymatic cocktail with AfCel6A or AfAA9_B boosted the yield of fermentable sugars from complex substrates, especially sugarcane exploded bagasse, by up to 95%. The synergism between the cellulase cocktail and AfAA9_B is enzyme- and substrate-specific, which suggests a specific enzymatic cocktail for each biomass.

Despite the abundance of tree diversity in the natural world, and generally high tree species richness in urban areas, urban forests continue to be dominated by a limited number of species. As socio-ecological systems, urban forests are shaped by historical and current management efforts and decision-making of a wide range of human actors. Drawing on past research, we offer a conceptual framework for describing the complex interactions among tree producers and consumers as trees are selected, grown, specified, and planted in private and public urban areas. We illustrate how multiple layers of selection criteria filter down the entirety of potential local tree diversity to a handful of commonly used and accepted tree species. We detail the actors and decision makers who impact tree composition and diversity across several land types. Finally, we identify research, education and outreach needs as they relate to creating more diverse and resilient urban forest ecosystems.

For their clinical use Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs), isolated from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) are considered Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) and need to be produced according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Human platelet lysate (HPL) represents a good GMP-compliant alternative to animal serum and after pathogen inactivation with Psoralen was more efficient and safer to produce MSCs in GMP. In this study MSCs cultivated in FBS (FBS-MSC) or inactivated HPL (iHPL-MSC), were compared for their immunomodulant properties. In particular, the effects of MSCs on: 1)proliferation of total Lymphocytes (Ly) and on naïve T Ly subsets induced to differentiate versus Th1 and Th2 Ly; 2) the immunophenotype of different T cell subsets; 3)the cytokine release to verify Th1, Th2 and Th17 polarization were analyzed by using in vitro co-culture system. We observed that iHPL-MSCs showed the same immunomodulant properties observed in the FBS-MSCs co-cultures. Although, a more efficient effect on the increase of naïve T cells and, in the Th1 cytokine release related to iHPL was observed. This study confirms that iHPL, used as medium supplement, may be considered a good alternative to FBS for a GMP-compliant MSC expansion to preserve their immunomodulant proprieties.

In the aerospace sector, structural and non-structural components are usually subjected to a wide range of environmental conditions. Although lightweight, the use of composite parts for these applications is restricted, due to their poor performance in severe environmental conditions. Specifically, moisture can seriously damage the materials' performance, reducing their mechan-ical, thermal, electrical, and physical properties as well as the service time. A strategy to improve the materials’ resistance in humid environments is the use of protective lightweight barrier coatings to reduce the diffusion of gases and/or liquids in composites. Nanolamellar nanocom-posite characterized by the high in-plane orientation of nanoplatelets effectively works as barrier structures by generating tortuous paths for molecule diffusion. In this work, the effectiveness of protection against water uptake of nanocomposites reinforced with Graphite NanoPlatelets (GNPs) at high filler content (70, 80 and 90%wt) for Kevlar sandwich panels of a nacelle engine of an ATR42 aircraft has been investigated. Moisture uptake and Ground Air Ground (GAG) tests were carried out in an environmental chamber to reproduce temperature and relative humidity profiles representative of a real-scale application for a regional aircraft composite part. The high filler content of the graphene films ensures a high level of tortuosity by delaying and reducing moisture absorption by –71% compared to the unprotected panel, showing good barrier properties.

Energy homeostasis is crucial for cell fate since all cellular activities are strongly dependent on the balance between catabolic and anabolic pathways. In particular, metabolic and energetic modulation has been reported in cancer cells long time ago, but have been neglected for a long time. Instead, during the past 20 years a recovery of the study of cancer metabolism has led to better consider metabolic alterations in tumors. Cancer cells must adapt their metabolism to meet the energetic and biosynthetic demands that accompany rapid growth of the primary tumor and colonization of distinct metastatic sites. They are largely dependent on aerobic glycolysis for their energy production and also are associated with increased fatty acid synthesis and increased rates of glutamine utilization. Emerging evidence has shown that therapeutic resistance to cancer treatment may arise due to deregulation in glucose metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and glutamine utilization. Cancer cells exhibit a series of metabolic alterations induced by mutations leading to gain-of-function of oncogenes and loss-of-function of tumor suppressor genes that include increased glucose consumption, reduced mitochondrial respiration, increased reactive oxygen species generation and cell death resistance, all of which responsible for cancer progression. Cholesterol metabolism is also altered in cancer cells and supports uncontrolled cell growth. In this context, we review the roles of PPARs transcription factors, master regulators of cellular energetic metabolism, in the control and deregulation of energetic homeostasis observed in cancer. We highlight the different contribution of the different PPAR isotypes in different cancers and the differential control of their transcription in the different cancer cells.

Development and redevelopment are important drivers of tree removal and canopy loss in urban landscapes. Local ordinances are often used to curtail tree removal, but punitive regulations alone may not be enough to reduce urban tree canopy loss in land development. In Florida (US), efforts to balance trees and development have so far focused on fees and fines, but with a recent backlash against tree regulations and the fast pace of urban growth, we explored the possible role of incentives in urban tree policies. We interviewed 20 land developers across Florida to understand their perspectives on current barriers and potential incentives for tree preservation and planting. We collected data from developers, whose perspectives on tree preservation are often unknown or overlooked, despite their significant role in tree planting, removal, and retention in and around cities. Our results show that major barriers to tree preservation and planting include requirements to grade sites for stormwater management, site constraints, and monetary costs. Most developers did not know of any existing incentives beyond intrinsic motivations but said that financial incentives would be most appealing to them. Top incentive suggestions include increasing building density, reducing impact fees and tax liability, and changing tree mitigation policies. Another promising finding is that developers are willing to work with regulators to find solutions that benefit both parties. Future research should consider evaluating the level of support and viability of different incentives by gathering feedback from policymakers, land developers, and the public.

As urban development increases in density, the space to grow urban trees becomes more constrained. In heavily developed areas, small stature trees can be planted to reduce both above- and below-ground conflicts with infrastructure elements. However, even these species have their limits when placed in extremely confining conditions. In this study, we build on past work to determine the minimum planting widths of small stature urban trees. We found that species, stem diameter, and the height at which stem diameter measurements occurred were all strong predictors of trunk flare diameter (adjusted R² of 0.843). Additionally, we modelled the relationship between planting space and the presence or absence of hardscape conflicts – using the predictions derived from this effort to project the potential cost savings in two United States cities. Study results provide a guideline to create sufficient space for urban trees and minimize infrastructure damage and associated cost savings.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome related to SARS-CoV-2 infection (MIS-C) is a rare severe illness affecting pediatric patients. No data are available in literature about the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in faeces in patients with MIS-C. The SARS-CoV-2 positivity was evaluated in fecal samples obtained in a prospective cohort of pediatric patients admitted to our tertiary Hos-pital and diagnosed with MIS-C or COVID-19 between April 15, 2020, and February 29, 2021. The real-time RT-PCR was performed using a validated kit. The assay measures 3 target genes: SARS-CoV-2 gene E, gene N, gene ORF1ab. Overall, 16/63 (25%) fecal samples revealed the pres-ence of SARS -CoV-2 RNA. No differences were detected about time from presumptive viral ex-posure and the time of stool collection (14 vs 8 days, p> 0,05) as well as about the presence of gas-trointestinal symptoms (p>0.05) between patients with positive (+) stools for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and patients tested negative (-). Among children with MIS-C, stools were collected 27.5 days as median (95% CI 14-34) after presumed contact and the positivity rate was 12.5% (4/32). According to our data, we could suggest contact precautions with all patients with MIS-C. Further sample collection is ongoing to verify our preliminary data.

We investigated the biomechanical behaviour of different fixations of the tibial posterior malleolus (TPM), simulating distinct situations of involvement of the tibiotalar articular surface (TTAS) through a finite element model (FEM). A 3D computer-aided design model of the left ankle was obtained. The materials used were divided according to their characteristics into ductile and non-ductile, and all materials were assumed to be linear elastic, isotropic, and homogenous. Three different fracture lines of the TPM were defined, with sagittal angles of 10º, 25º, and 45º. For biomechanical comparison, different constructions using a trans-syndesmotic screw (TSS) only (Group T), a one-third tubular plate only with (Group PT) and without (Group PS) a TSS, and a locked compression plate with (Group LCPT) and without (Group LCPS) a TSS were tested. FEM was used to simulate the boundary conditions of vertical loading. Load application regions were selected in the direction of the 700N Z axis, 90% on the tibia and 10% on the fibula. Data on the displacement and stress in the FEM were collected, including the total principal maximum (MaxT) and total principal minimum (MinT) for non-ductile materials, total displacement (desT), localized displacement at the fragment (desL), localized displacement at syndesmosis (desS), and Von Mises equivalent stress for ductile materials. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and multiple comparison LSD tests were used. For TPM fractures with a sagittal angles 10º and 25º, desL in the PT and LCP groups was significantly lower, as well as Von Mises stress in Group LCPT in 10º, and PT and LCPT groups in 25º. TPM fractures with a sagittal angle of 45º, desL in the LCP group and Von Mises stress in Group LCPS and LCPT was significantly lower. We found that any TPM fracture may indicate instability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, even when the fragment is small. Our study showed that in fragments involving 10% of the TTAS, the use of a TSS is sufficient, but when the involvement is greater than 25% of the TTAS, either non-locked or locked plate must be used to buttress the TPM. In posterior fragments affecting 45% or more of the TTAS, the use of a locking plate is recommended.

Dogs play an important role in the transmission of Leishmania infantum but epidemiologic and clinical studies of canine tegumentary leishmaniasis (CTL) are scarce. In an endemic area of human American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) caused by Leishmania braziliensis, we determine the prevalence and incidence of both CTL and subclinical (SC) L. braziliensis infection in dogs and evaluated if the presence of dogs with the CTL or the SC L. braziliensis infection is associated with the occurrence of human ATL. SC infection in healthy animals and CTL in animals with ulcers was determined by PCR on biopsied healthy skin or on the ulcer or detecting antibodies against soluble leishmania antigen. We compared the occurrence of human ATL in homes with dogs with CTL or SC infection with control homes without dogs or with dogs without CTL or SC infection. The prevalence of SC infection was 35% and of CTL 31%. The incidence of SC infection in dogs was 4.6% and of CTL was 9.3%. The frequency of ATL in humans was 50% in homes with infected dogs and 13% in homes without L. braziliensis infection in dogs. CTL and SC infection is highly prevalent, and dogs may participate in the transmission chain of L. braziliensis.

Background: Public engagement is needed to make sure urban forestry management efforts align with the values of the public being served. Noting this, we determined current and desired urban forest access of Florida (United States) residents using the criteria from the 3-30-300 rule (i.e., 3 trees visible from home, 30% canopy in neighborhood, and a green space within 300 meters of home). Methods: A survey of 1,716 Florida residents was conducted to assess canopy coverage and green space access. Respondents were then asked if this level of urban forest access was sufficient for their needs. We also asked their perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of urban trees and whether they had any negative interactions with trees in the past. Results: We found that 37.3% of Florida residents met all three criteria of the 3-30-300 rule. Despite this, half the respondents would prefer more trees in their neighborhoods. When asked to name the top benefits provided by trees, the most common responses were shade, beauty, and attracting wildlife. The most common drawbacks to urban trees included risk to property, leaves/debris, and fears regarding storms and hurricanes. Conclusions: Florida residents largely value their urban forest and would like to see it maintained or enhanced. Improving access to greenspaces for recreation is the most pressing concern for urban forest managers in Florida looking to meet the requirements of the 3-30-300 rule. Results from this study can inform and test urban forest management at national and global scales.

The persistence of geographic inequities in vaccination coverage often evidences the presence of zero-dose and missed communities and vulnerabilities to vaccine-preventable diseases. These inequities were exacerbated in many places during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to severe disruptions to vaccination services. Understanding changes in zero-dose prevalence and associated risk factors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is, therefore, critical to designing effective strategies to reach vulnerable populations. Using data from nationally representative household surveys conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2018 and during the pandemic in 2021 in Nigeria, we fitted Bayesian geostatistical models to map the distribution of three vaccination coverage indicators: receipt of DTP1, MCV1 and any of the four basic vaccines (BCG, OPV0, DTP1 and MCV1), and corresponding zero-dose estimates independently at 1x1 km resolution and the district level during both time periods. We also explored changes in the factors associated with non-vaccination at the national and regional levels using multilevel logistic regression models. Our results revealed no increases in zero-dose prevalence due to the pandemic at the national level, although considerable increases were observed in a few districts. We found substantial subnational heterogeneities in vaccination coverage and zero-dose prevalence both before and during the pandemic, showing broadly similar patterns in both time periods. Areas with relatively higher zero-dose prevalence occurred mostly in the north and a few places in the south in both time periods. We also found consistent areas of low coverage and high zero-dose prevalence using all three zero-dose indicators, revealing areas in greatest need. At the national level, risk factors related to socioeconomic/ demographic status (e.g., maternal education), maternal access to and utilization of health services and remoteness were strongly associated with the odds of zero dose in both time periods, while those related to communication were mostly relevant before the pandemic. These associations were also supported at the regional level, but we additionally identified risk factors specific to zero dose in each region; for example, communication and cross-border migration in the northwest. Our findings can help guide tailored strategies to reduce zero-dose prevalence and boost coverage levels in Nigeria.

Metal exposure has been associated with a wide range of adverse birth outcomes and oxidative stress is a leading hypothesis of the mechanism of action of metal toxicity. We assessed the relationship between maternal exposure to essential and non-essential metals and metalloids in pregnancy and oxidative stress markers, and sought to identify windows of vulnerability and effect modification by fetal sex. In our analysis of 215 women from the PROTECT birth cohort study, we measured 14 essential and non-essential metals in urine samples at three time points during pregnancy. The oxidative stress marker 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and its metabolite 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-15-F2t-IsoP, as well as prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), were also measured in the same urine samples. Using linear mixed models, we examined the main effects of metals on markers of oxidative stress as well as the visit-specific and fetal sex-specific effects. After adjustment for covariates, we found that a few urinary metal concentrations, most notably cesium (Cs) and copper (Cu), were associated with higher 8-iso-PGF2α with effect estimates ranging from 7.3 to 14.9 % for each interquartile range, increase in the metal concentration. The effect estimates were generally in the same direction at the three visits and a few were significant only among women carrying a male fetus. Our data show that higher urinary metal concentrations were associated with elevated biomarkers of oxidative stress. Our results also indicate a potential vulnerability of women carrying a male fetus.

The stromal vascular cell fraction (SVF) of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) has increasingly come into focus in stem cell research, since these compartments represent a rich source of multipotent adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). ASCs exhibit a self- renewal potential and differentiation capacity. Our aim was to study the different expression of embryonic stem cell markers NANOG, SOX2 and OCT3/4 and to evaluate if there exists a hierarchal role in this network in ASCs derived from both SAT and VAT. ASCs were isolated from SAT and VAT biopsies of 72 consenting patients (23 men, 47 women; age 45 ± 10; BMI between 25 and 30 range) undergoing elective open-abdominal surgery. Sphere-forming capability was evaluated by plating cells in low adhesion plastic. Stem cell markers CD90 and CD105 were analyzed by flow cytometry and stem cell transcription factors NANOG, SOX2 and OCT3/4 were detected by immunoblotting and Real-Time PCR. NANOG, SOX2 and OCT3/4 interplay was explored by gene silencing. ASCs from VAT and SAT confirmed their mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) phenotype expressing the specific MSC markers CD90, CD105, NANOG, SOX2 and OCT3/4. NANOG silencing induced a significant OCT 3/4 (70% ± 0.05) and SOX2 (75% ± 0.03) down-regulation whereas SOX2 silencing did not affect NANOG gene expression. Adipose tissue is an important source of MSC, and siRNA experiments endorse a hierarchical role of NANOG in the complex transcription network that regulates pluripotency and plasticity.

Aim: to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature concerning the applications of positron emission tomography (PET)-radiomics in lung cancer patients candidates or undergoing immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted on databases and web sources. English-language original articles were considered. The title and abstract were in-dependently reviewed to evaluate study inclusion. Papers duplicate, out-of-topic, review or edi-torials articles and letters to editors were excluded. For each study, the radiomics analysis was assessed based on the relies on radiomics quality score (RQS 2.0). The review was registered on the PROSPERO database with the number CRD42023402302. Results: 15 papers were included, 13 were qualified as conventional radiomics approaches, and two were as Deep Learning radiomics. The content of each study was different, indeed, 7 papers investigated the potential role of radiomics to predict PD-L1 expression and tumor microenvironment before starting immunotherapy. Moreo-ver, 2 were relative to the prediction of response and 4 investigated the utility of radiomics to predict the response to immunotherapy. Finally, 2 papers were relative to the prediction of adverse events due to the immunotherapy. Conclusions: radiomics is promising in the evaluation of TME and for the prediction of response to immunotherapy, but some limitations should be overpassed.

Background: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common open spinal dysraphism (OSD) and is typically associated with other clinical and/or radiological abnormalities. Chiari type 2 malformation (CM-II) is observed in 80% to 96.7% of patients, and approximately 80% of cases involve posterior fossa abnormalities leading to hydrocephalus. MMC patients can present with syringomyelia, which usually improves by treating hydrocephalus. However, a minority of patients develop a progressive form of syringomyelia requiring more invasive treatments. Through this retrospective observational study, our objective is to elucidate the incidence of syringomyelia, its symptomatic manifestations, and the associated radiological and clinical characteristics in pediatric patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 39 pediatric patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele at a tertiary referral institute. The study encompassed individuals born between 1997 and 2022. Descriptive statistics were employed to explore epidemiological aspects and clinical features. Additionally, incidence rates of syringomyelia and its progressive variants were calculated, with a focus on their correlation with diagnoses of hydrocephalus, Chiari type 2 malformation (CM-II), and spinal cord tethering. Results: Over the last twenty-five years, the incidence of syringomyelia in pediatric patients affected by MMC was 46.2%. The incidence of its progressive forms was 16.7%. Two patients improved after the management of hydrocephalus with secondary Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV), and only one patient required syrinx-shunting. Conclusions: The occurrence of syringomyelia among patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) in our center aligns with reported rates in existing literature. Our findings indicate that active hydrocephalus, leading to a deterioration of hindbrain herniation, appears to be a significant factor in the development of progressive symptomatic syringomyelia within this population.

Background: from December 2019 and the spreading of syndemics, a lot of medical centers reg-istered data about their patients. In Italy, the most relevant quantity of patients was hospitalized in internal medicine wards. Methods: In this observational, retrospective cross-sectional study, all data of the COVID-19 patients, admitted Latio hospitals, from March 01 to December 31, 2020, were collected and their Epidemiological data, demographics, signs and symptoms on admission, comorbidities, laboratory findings, chest radiography and CT findings, treatment received and mortality rate were analyzed by gender to find any differences of gravity of disease. Clinician details were registered on database (one for every hospital). Cost analysis was performed by length of stay and antiviral drugs use, using point of view of Italian Healthcare System. Results: 2256 patients with mean age of 71.01 ± 28.02 years were included. For men, frequency of hyper-tension, COPD, use of oxygen therapy, Tocilizumab were significantly higher and epidemiolog-ical link was related to rehabilitation ward and community. The gender difference about hospi-talization was one day more for man. No strong significant difference by gender in the death rate was observed. Considering antiviral drugs and hospitalization, a man costs €1000 more than woman. Conclusions: In male patients, hypertension and COPD were observed more frequently and the epidemiological link was related to rehabilitation ward and community. In female sub-jects, the epidemiological link was related to Hospital and we observed significantly higher atypical chest-X ray. Tocilizumab, oxygen therapy and antiviral drugs were prescribed more in male subjects. No differences by gender we report in other treatments and outcomes. Future studies should be analyzed to get a more comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 by gender.

Background: the aim of this study was to assess acute changes on left atrial (LA) function a during a progressive exercise in patients with heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) in comparison to healthy controls (HS). Methods: twenty patients with established HFmrEF were compared with 10 HS, age-matched controls. All subiects performed a stepwise exercise test on cyclette. Echocardiography was performed at baseline, during submaximal effort, at peak of exercise, and after 5 minutes of recovery. Results: HS obtained an higher value of METs at peak exercise than HFmrEF (7.4 vs 5.6; between group p 0.002). Heart rate and systolic blood pressure presented a greater increase in the HS group than in HFmrEF (between-groups p 0.006 and p 0.003 respectively). In the HFmrEF group peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), and conduit strain were both increased at submaximal exercise (p<0.05 for both versus baseline) and remained constant at peak exercise. Peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) did not show significant changes during the exercise. In the control group PALS and PACS increased significantly at submaximal level (p<0.05 for both versus baseline) but PALS returned near baseline values at peak exercise; conduit strain decreased progressively during the exercise in HS. Stroke volume (SV) increased in both groups at submaximal exercise; at peak exercise SV remained constant in the HFmrEF while it decreased in controls (between-groups p 0.002). Conclusions: Patient with HFmrEF, show a proper increase of LA reservoir function during incremental exercise that contributes to maintain SV throughout the exercise.

Left atrial dysfunction is associated with exercise intolerance and poor prognosis in heart failure (HF). The effects of exercise training on atrial function in patients with HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of a 12-weeks supervised concurrent, aerobic continuous plus resistance, exercise training (SCT) pro-gram on left atrial function of patients with HFmrEF. The study included 70 stable patients, who were randomly assigned into two groups: SCT with (three session/week) or a control (CON) group directed to follow contemporary exercise preventive guidelines at home. Before starting the training program and at 12-weeks, all patients performed: ergometric test, 6-minute walk test and echocardiography. At 12-weeks, exercise duration at ergometric test and distance walked at 6-minute walk test presented a significant greater increase in the SCT compared to control (be-tween-groups p 0.0001 and p 0.004 respectively). Peak atrial longitudinal strain and conduit strain presented an increase of 29% and 34% respectively in the SCT and were unchanged in the CON (between-groups p 0.008 and p 0.001 respectively). Peak atrial contraction strain increased of 21% in the SCT with no changes in the CON (between-groups p 0.002). Left ventricular global longi-tudinal strain increased significantly SCT compared to control (between-groups p 0.03). In con-clusions SCT improved left atrial and left ventricular function in HFmrEF

Mental health and emotional responses to the effects of COVID-19 lockdown in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are of serious public health concern and may negatively affect the mental health status of people. Hence, this study assessed the prevalence of mental health symptoms as well as emotional reactions among sub-Saharan Africans (SSAs) and associated factors among SSAs during the COVID-19 lockdown period. This was a web-based cross-sectional, a study on mental health and emotional features from 2005 respondents in seven SSA countries. This study was conducted between April 27 and May 17, 2020 corresponding to the lockdown period in most SSA countries. Respondents aged 18 years and above and the self-reported symptoms were feeling anxious, being worried, angry, bored and frustrated. These were the main outcomes and were treated as dichotomous variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with these symptoms. We found that over half (52.2%) of the participants reported any of the mental health symptoms in SSA and the prevalence of feeling bored was 70.5% followed by feeling anxious (59.1%), being worried (57.5%), frustrated (51.5%) and angry (22.3%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that males, those aged >28 years, Central and Southern Africans, those who were not married, the unemployed, those living with more than six persons in a household, had higher odds of mental health and emotional symptoms. Similarly, people who perceived low risk of contracting the infection, and those who thought the pandemic would not continue after the lockdown had higher odds of mental health and emotional symptoms. Health care workers had lower odds for feeling angry than non-healthcare workers. During COVID-19 lockdown periods in SSA, about one in two participants reported mental health and emotional symptoms. Public health measures can be effectively used to identify target groups for prevention and treatment of mental health and emotional symptoms. Such interventions should be an integral component of SSA governments’ response and recovery strategies of any future pandemic.

The irregular timing and spatial variation in zoonotic arbovirus spillover from vertebrate hosts to humans and livestock present challenges to predicting their occurrence from year to year and within their broader geographic range, compromising effective prevention and control strategies. The objective of this study was to quantify effects of landscape composition and configuration and dynamic temperature and precipitation values on the 2018 spatiotemporal distribution of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) (Togaviridae, Alphavirus) and West Nile virus (WNV) (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) sentinel chicken seroconversion in northeastern Florida using Earth Observation (EO) data and a modeling framework that incorporated joint spatial and temporal effects. We investigated environmental effects using Bernoulli generalized linear mixed effects models (GLMMs) including a site level random effect, and then added spatial random effects and spatiotemporal random effects in subsequent runs. Models were executed using integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) and a stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) approach in R-INLA. GLMMs that included a spatiotemporal random effect performed better relative to models that included only spatial random effects and better than non-spatial models. Results indicated strong spatiotemporal structure in seroconversion for both viruses, but EEEV exhibited more punctuated and compact structure at the beginning of the sampling season, while WNV exhibited more gradual and diffuse structure across the study area toward the end of the sampling season. Percentage of cypress/tupelo wetland land cover within 3500 m of coop sites and edge density of forest land cover within 500 m had a strong positive effect on EEEV seroconversion, while the best fitting model for WNV was the intercept only model with spatiotemporal random effects. Lagged temperature and precipitation variables included in our study did not have a strong effect on seroconversion for either virus when accounting for temporal autocorrelation, demonstrating the utility of capturing this structure to avoid Type I errors. Predictive accuracy on out-of-sample data for EEEV seroconversion demonstrates the potential to develop a temporally dynamic framework to predict arbovirus transmission.

Childbirth education classes represent an antenatal tool for supporting pregnant women and couples in increasing knowledge on pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and newborn care. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the additional lesson to the prenatal course regarding the advantage of the vaccination on mitigation of maternal anxiety. An observational study was designed including participants in childbirth education classes, comparing courses enhanced by the extra lesson on vaccination during pregnancy versus those lacking it. Assessment of the impact of prenatal educational on vaccine was measured by using validated questionnaires (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI; Perceived Stress Scale, PSS; World Health Organization- Five Well-Being Index, WHO-5). A total of 145 pregnant women participated to the investigation by answering to the online survey. Of them, 33 patients (22.8%) belong to the course without lesson on vaccine, while 112 (77.2%) participated to online prenatal education inclusive of additional meeting on usefulness to get vaccinated during pregnancy. No statistical differences were found between study groups in demographics and perinatal outcomes. Participants to enriched course reported lower basal anxiety levels than those without lesson on vaccine (STAI-State, normal score <40, 30 vs. 19%, p-value 0.041; STAI-State, mild score 40-50, 78 vs 67%, p-value 0.037). With reference to the last two weeks, maternal wellbeing level was improved by the added class (score >13 as measurement of wellbeing: 62% vs 80%, p-value<0.05). Moderate perceived stress assessed by PSS was found in those pregnant women without prenatal education on vaccine (64 vs 50%, p-value 0.042). The introduction of a lesson regarding on vaccination during pregnancy in the program of prenatal education courses improves maternal anxiety levels and wellbeing, in addition to reducing perceived stress.

Background: The increased vascular risk associated to Varicella- Zoster Virus (VZV) reactivation is extensively established in the general population. This retrospective cohort study investigates whether this observation holds true for People Living With HIV (PLWH), a group already con-fronting heightened cardiovascular risk. Methods: Among PLWH who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) at our center and have been under our care for > 24 months since January 1st, 2005, individuals with a history of Herpes Zoster (HZ) were identified and compared their features with those of PLWH with no history of HZ. The prevalence of ischemic events (Deep Venous Thrombosis, Stroke, Acute Myocardial Infarction) was calculated and compared using Chi Square. Odds Ratios (O.R.) with 95% Confidence Intervals (C.I.) for ischemic events following HZ were evaluated through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Overall, 45/581 PLWH reported HZ. Ischemic events followed HZ significantly more often than the other group (13% vs. 5%, p=0.01). Both positive serology for VZV and HZ correlated with increased ischemic risk (O.R. 4.01, 95% C.I. 1.38-11.6, p=0.01 and O.R. 3.14, 95% C.I. 1.12-7.68, p=0.02, respectively), though pre-existing heart disease demonstrated stronger predictive value in multivariate analysis(O.R. 8.68, 95% C.I. 2.49-29.50, p=0.001). Conclusions: VZV potentially exacerbates vascular risk for PLWH, particularly in the presence of other predisposing factors. Further research is needed to confirm our data.

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) can help to achieve multiple Water-Ecosystem-Food Nexus Do-main Objectives & Nexus Resilience Qualities, facilitating the transition to more resilient agrifood systems and providing an evidence base for a broader Nexus policy dialogue. This paper de-scribes the stepwise methodology developed in the EU-funded LENSES project to carry out a comprehensive analysis of NBSs in 6 pilot areas in 5 Mediterranean countries, and presents the results of NBSs implementation in 4 pilot areas, highlighting obstacles and opportunities. The methodology includes the development of an analytical evaluation framework and of a com-prehensive catalogue of Nexus-related NBSs, whose suitability needs to be assessed at the local level to achieve better use of protected/natural ecosystems, increase the sustainability and mul-tifunctionality of managed ecosystems and design and manage novel ecosystems. Subsequently, in a collective learning process which supported the operationalisation of the WEF Nexus, NBSs were identified that address specific contextual vulnerabilities, improve water distribution and enhance food security, while preserving ecosystems and supporting adaptation to climate change. The added value of the proposed methodology lies in the multi-stakeholder participatory approach to gain in-depth knowledge of local agri-food systems, including their main WEF-related challenges, and to facilitate overcoming barriers to NBS implementation.

Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) expression have been reported in different cancers. We assessed the expression of 754 oncology-related miRNAs in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and evaluated their correlations with clinical parameters. We found that miR-221 and 483-3p were consistently upregulated in EAC cases vs. controls (Wilcoxon signed rank test: miR-221 P<0.0001; miR-483-3p P<0.0001). Kaplan‒Meier analysis showed worse cancer-related survival in patients expressing high miR-221 or miR-483-3p levels in all EACs (log-rank P=0.0025 and P=0.0235, respectively). Higher miR-221 or miR-483-3p levels also correlated with advanced tumor stages (Mann‒Whitney P=0.0195 and P=0.0085, respectively). Moreover, we found that overexpression of miR-221 was associated with worse survival in the low-risk EAC group. A significantly worse outcome was associated with the combined overexpression of miR-221 and miR-483-3p (log-rank P=0.0410). To identify target genes modified by miRNAs, we evaluatedtheir expression in different EAC cell lines, we transfected the corresponding mimic RNA (miRVANA) for either miR-221 or miR-483-3p and performed RNA-seq analysis. We found converging dysregulated genes involved in cancer progression, apoptosis, ATP synthesis and angiogenesis in miRNA-overexpressing cell lines, including a long non-coding RNA associated with oncogenesis, i.e., MALAT1. In conclusion, miR-221 and 483-3p overexpression in EAC correlated with low cancer-related survival, indicating that they might be considered new biomarkers for patient stratification.

Objective: To evaluate the existing meta-analytic evidence of associations between exposure to ultra-processed foods, as defined by the Nova food classification system, and adverse health outcomes. Design: Systematic umbrella review of existing meta-analyses. Data Sources: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, as well as manually searching reference lists from 2009 to June 2023. Inclusion Criteria: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort, case-control, and/or cross-sectional study designs that evaluated the associations between exposure to ultra-processed foods and adverse health outcomes in humans across the lifespan. Results: The search identified 45 unique pooled analyses, including 13 dose-response and 32 non-dose-response associations (n=9,888,373). Overall, direct associations were found between exposure to ultra-processed foods and 32 (71%) health outcome domains spanning cardiometabolic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory conditions, cancer, mental health, and mortality. Based on a pre-specified evidence classification criteria, convincing evidence (Class I) supported direct associations between greater ultra-processed food exposure and higher risks of incident cardiovascular disease-related mortality (RR: 1.50; 95%CIs: 1.37 to 1.63), type two diabetes (dose-response RR: 1.12; 95%CIs: 1.11 to 1.13), and depressive outcomes (HR: 1.21; 95%CIs: 1.16 to 1.28), as well as higher risks of prevalent anxiety outcomes (OR: 1.48; 95%CIs: 1.37 to 1.59) and combined common mental disorder outcomes (OR: 1.53; 95%CIs: 1.43 to 1.63). Highly suggestive (Class II) evidence indicated that greater exposure to ultra-processed foods was directly associated with higher risks of incident all-cause mortality (RR: 1.21; 95%CIs: 1.15 to 1.27), heart disease-related mortality (dose-response HR: 1.66; 95%CIs: 1.51 to 1.84), and type two diabetes (OR: 1.40; 95%CIs: 1.23 to 1.59), together with higher risks of prevalent obesity (OR: 1.55; 95%CIs: 1.36 to 1.77), adverse sleep-related outcomes (OR: 1.41; 95%CIs: 1.24 to 1.60), and wheezing (RR: 1.40; 95%CIs: 1.27 to 1.55). Out of the remaining 34 pooled analyses, 21 were graded as suggestive or weak strength (Class III-IV) and 13 were graded as no evidence (Class V). Using the GRADE framework, 22 pooled analyses were rated as "Low" quality, with 19 rated as "Very Low” and four rated as "Moderate" quality. Conclusions: Higher exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a greater risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes. These findings provide a rationale to evaluate the effectiveness of using population-based measures to target and reduce dietary exposure to ultra-processed foods for improved human health. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023412732.

The cyclic regeneration of human endometrium is guaranteed by the proliferative capacity of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (E-MSCs). Due to this, the autologous infusion of E-MSCs has been proposed to support endometrial growth in a wide range of gynecological diseases. We aimed to compare two different endometrial sampling methods, the surgical curettage and the Vacuum Aspiration Biopsy Random Assay, and to validate a novel xeno-free method to culture human E-MSCs. Six E-MSCs cell lines were isolated after a mechanical tissue homogenization and cultured using human platelet lysate. E-MSCs were characterized for the colony formation capacity, proliferative potential and multilineage differentiation. The expression of mesenchymal and stemness markers was tested by FACS analysis and Real-Time PCR, respectively. Chromosomal alterations were evaluated by karyotype analysis, whereas tumorigenic capacity and invasiveness were tested by soft agar assay. Both endometrial sampling techniques allowed to efficiently isolate and expand E-MSCs using a xeno-free method preserving their mesenchymal and stemness phenotype, proliferative potential and multi-lineage differentiation ability during the culture. No chromosomal alterations and invasive/tumorigenic capacity were observed. Herein we report the first evidence of efficient E-MSCs isolation and culture in Good Manufacturing Practice compliance conditions, suggesting Vabra endometrial sampling as alternative to surgical curettage.

Vitamin D and ω-3 fatty acids (ω-3) co-supplementation potentially improve type 1 diabetes (T1D) by attenuating autoimmunity and counteracting inflammation.This cohort study preliminary to a randomized control trial (RCT) is aimed to evaluate, in a series of T1D children assuming Mediterranean diet and taking cholecalciferol 1000U/day fromT1D onset, if ω-3 co-supplementation preserves the residual endogen insulin secretion (REIS).Therefore, 22 new onsets of 2017 received ω-3 [eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 60mg/kg/day], and were compared retrospectively vs. 37 previous onsets without ω-3 supplementation. HbA1c%, daily insulin demand (IU/Kg/day) and IDAA1c, a composite index (calculated as IU/Kg/dayx4 + HbA1c%) as surrogate of REIS, were evaluated at recruitment (T0) and 12 months later (T12). In the ω-3 supplemented group, dietary intakes were evaluated at T0 and T12. As outcome, decreased insulin demand (p<0.01), particularly pre-meal boluses (p<0.01), and IDAA1c (p<0.05), were found in the ω-3 group while HbA1c% were not different in the two groups. Diet analysis, at T12 vs. T0, showed that the intake of arachidonic acid (AA) was decreased (p<0.01) in the ω-3 supplemented group while other nutrients were unchanged; at T0, the AA intake was inversely correlated with HbA1c% (p<0.05; r;.0.411). In conclusion, the results suggest that vitamin D plus ω-3 co-supplementation and AA reduction in Mediterranean diet display benefits for T1D children and deserve further investigation.

: Drought monitoring and early detection have improved greatly in recent decades through the development and refinement of numerous indices and indicators. However, a lack of guidance, based on user experience, exists as to which drought monitoring tools are most appropriate in a given location. This review paper summarizes the results of targeted user engagement and the published literature to improve the understanding of drought across North America, and to enhance the utility of drought monitoring tools. Workshops and surveys were used to assess and make general conclusions about the perceived performance of drought indicators, indices and impacts information used for monitoring drought in the five main Köppen climate types (Tropical, Temperate, Continental, Polar Tundra, Dry) found across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In Tropical, humid Temperate, and southerly Continental climates, droughts are perceived to be more short-term (less than 6 months) in duration rather than long-term (more than 6 months). In Polar Tundra climates, Dry climates, Temperate climates with dry warm seasons, and northerly Continental climates, droughts are perceived to be more long-term than short-term. In general, agricultural and hydrological droughts were considered to be the most important drought types. Drought impacts related to agriculture, water supply, ecosystem, and human health were rated to be of greatest importance. Users identified the most effective indices and indicators for monitoring drought across North America to be the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) (or another measure of precipitation anomaly), followed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (or another satellite-observed vegetation index), temperature anomalies, crop status, soil moisture, streamflow, reservoir storage, water use (demand), and reported drought impacts. Users also noted the importance of indices that measure evapotranspiration, evaporative demand, and snow water content. Drought indices and indicators were generally thought to perform equally well across seasons in Tropical and the colder Continental climates, but their performance was perceived to vary seasonally in Dry, Temperate, Polar Tundra, and the warmer Continental climates, with improved performance during warm and wet times of the year. The drought indices and indicators, in general, were not perceived to perform equally well across geographies. This review paper provides guidance on when (time of year) and where (climate zone) the more popular drought indices and indicators should be used. The paper concludes by noting the importance of understanding how drought, its impacts, and indicators are changing over time as the climate warms, and by recommending ways to strengthen the use of indices and indicators in drought decision-making.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with severe COVID-19 infection and complications. This study assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in diabetes and explored reasons for nonvaccinating. This was a web-based cross-sectional survey using a mixed-method approach conducted between March-May 2021 corresponding to most SSA countries' early vaccine rollout period. Participants were those aged ≥18 years with self-reported DM in 11 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Responses to comments on reasons for vaccine hesitancy and facilitators for vaccine uptake were analyzed. Of the 73 participants with DM, 65.8% were males older than 35 years (86.3%), had post-secondary education (90%), and a significant proportion was from South Africa (39.7%), Nigeria (28.8%) and Ghana (13.7%). 64.4% had COVID-19 symptoms, 46.6% were tested for COVID-19, of which 19.2% tested positive. Few participants (6.8%) had taken the COVID-19 vaccination, 65.8% were willing to take the vaccine, while 26.0% either refused or hesitated to take the vaccine. The main reasons identified for not taking the vaccine were: advice from religious leaders, concerns about the vaccine safety, its effects, and efficacy, mistrust of the pharmaceutical companies, the conspiracy theories around the vaccines, the process of production, and the personal belief of the participants. However, participants stated they would take the vaccine if given more education about it, receive positive feedback from those vaccinated, are rewarded for taking the vaccine or if vaccination becomes a condition for travel and employment. The findings of this study showed that uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine was very low in this high-risk group. It is imperative that efforts to increase the uptake of vaccines, such as the provision of education and relevant information, are made.

Rhizobia are biological nitrogen fixing non-pathogenic micro-organisms that make inert nitrogen available to legumes establishing symbiosis and living within their nodules and promoting their growth. Livestock farmers use antibiotics without prescriptions to prevent losses, death and economic wastes, resulting in indiscriminate release of excess, un-utilized antibiotics into the environment causing detrimental effects to soil microbes particularly rhizobia.This study evaluates the susceptibility pattern of selected rhizobia strains. The intrinsic antibiotic resistance (IAR) ability of common rhizobia strains including FA3, B574, RS15, USDA136, USDA9032, R25B, 532C, CC511, RANI22, RAUG1 were investigated. The antibiotics used included Ceftazamine , Florfenicol , Cefpodoxime, Sulphamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin , Kanamycin, Ertapenem, Tetracycline , Meropenem and Carbapenem. Results showed different resistance patterns among isolates where high resistance was shown against Carbapenem and least resistance was shown against Ciprofloxacin (40mm), Tetracycline (33mm), kanamycin (45mm) and Gentamycin (50mm). Rani 22 showed most resistant. Most strains showed no resistance to these antibiotics, but it is significant to note that those with resistance can be used for the recovery of antibiotics contaminated sites and may provide potential solutions for futuristic problems associated with AMR.This study suggests that using a consortium of symbiotic rhizobia strains is a strategy to achieve optimal yields in antibiotic contaminated fields as the strains showed differences in their susceptibility pattern. Also, the antibiotics produced or contained active compounds and substances that are detrimental for the growth of rhizobia and may therefore be a hindrance to these plant growth promoting bacteria when they are applied to aid plant growth used during agricultural practises.

Background and Objective: In an experiment designed to explore the mechanisms of fludrocortisone-induced high blood pressure, we serendipitously observed aortic aneurysms in mice infused with fludrocortisone. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether fludrocortisone induces aortic pathologies in both normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic mice. Methods and Results: Male adult C57BL/6J mice were infused with either vehicle (85% polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) and 15% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); N=5) or fludrocortisone (12 mg/kg/day dissolved in 85% PEG-400 and 15% DMSO; N=15) for 28 days. Fludrocortisone-infused mice had higher systolic blood pressure, compared to mice infused with vehicle. Fludrocortisone induced aortic pathologies in 4 of 15 mice with 3 having pathologies in the ascending and aortic arch regions and 1 having pathology in both the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. No pathologies were noted in abdominal aortas. Subsequently, we infused either vehicle (N=5/group) or fludrocortisone (N=15/group) into male ApoE -/- mice fed a normal laboratory diet or LDL receptor -/- mice fed either normal or Western diet. Fludrocortisone increased systolic blood pressure, irrespective of mouse strain or diet. In ApoE -/- mice infused with fludrocortisone, 2 of 15 mice had ascending aortic pathologies, but no mice had abdominal aortic pathologies. In LDL receptor -/- mice fed normal diet, 5 had ascending/arch pathologies, 1 had pathologies in the ascending, arch, and suprarenal aortic regions. In LDL receptor -/- mice fed Western diet, 2 died of aortic rupture in either the descending thoracic or abdominal region, and 2 of the 13 survived mice had ascending/arch aortic pathologies. Aortic pathologies included hemorrhage, wall thickening or thinning, or dilation. Given the low incidence, only ascending aortic diameter in LDLR -/- mice fed Western diet reached statistical significance, compared to their vehicle. Conclusion: Fludrocortisone induces aortic pathologies independent of hypercholesterolemia. The findings in mouse studies have the potential to provide caution to people who are taking or have taken fludrocortisone that could have an increased risk of aortic pathologies.

The disruption of conventional manufacturing, supply, and distribution channels for medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread shortages and catalyzed local efforts to use nontraditional, rapid manufacturing to meet urgent healthcare needs. Here we present a crisis-responsive design framework designed to assist with product development under pandemic conditions. The framework utilizes extensive stakeholder engagement, comprehensive and dynamic needs assessment, local manufacturing, and product testing for the accelerated development of healthcare products. We contrast this framework with traditional medical device manufacturing and discuss relevant regulatory policies. We highlight the applicability of the crisis-responsive framework to a successful local program that designed and supplied face shields for a large US academic hospital. Finally, we make recommendations aimed at improving future resilience to healthcare emergencies. These include continued development of open source designs suitable for rapid manufacturing and changes in regulatory policy that strike a balance between rigidity and uncontrolled innovation.

Illumina and nanopore sequencing technologies are powerful tools that can be used to determine the bacterial composition of complex microbial communities. In this study, we compared nasal microbiota results at genus level using both Illumina and nanopore 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We also monitored the progression of nanopore sequencing in the accurate identification of species, using pure, single species cultures, and evaluated the performance of the nanopore EPI2ME 16S data analysis pipeline. Fifty-nine nasal swabs were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq and Oxford Nanopore 16S rRNA gene sequencing technologies. In addition, five pure cultures of relevant bacterial species were sequenced with the nanopore sequencing technology. The Illumina MiSeq sequence data were processed using bioinformatics modules present in the Mothur software package. Albacore and Guppy base calling, a workflow in nanopore EPI2ME and an in house developed bioinformatics script were used to analyze the nanopore data. At genus level, similar bacterial diversity profiles were found, and five main and established genera were identified by both platforms. However, probably due to mismatching of the nanopore sequence primers, the nanopore sequencing platform identified Corynebacterium in much lower abundance compared to Illumina sequencing. Further, when using default settings in the EPI2ME workflow, almost all sequence reads that seem to belong to the bacterial genus Dolosigranulum and a considerable part to the genus Haemophilus were only identified at family level. Nanopore sequencing of single species cultures demonstrated at least 88% accurate identification of the species at genus and species level for 4/5 strains tested, including improvements in accurate sequence read identification when the basecaller Guppy and Albacore, and when flowcell versions R9.4 and R9.2 were compared.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a significant global public health issue that is caused by parasites from Leishmania genus. With limited treatment options and rising drug resistance, there is a pressing need for new therapeutic approaches. Molecular chaperones, particularly Hsp90, play a crucial role in parasite biology and are emerging as promising targets for drug development. Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of 17-DMAG in treating BALB/c mice from cutane-ous leishmaniasis through in vitro and in vivo approaches. Materials and Methods: We assessed 17-DMAG cytotoxic effect on bone marrow-derived mac-rophages (BMMΦ) and its effects against L. braziliensis promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes. Additionally, we tested the compound's efficacy in BALB/c mice infected with L. braziliensis via intraperitoneal administration to evaluate the reduction of lesion size and de-crease of parasite load in the ears and lymph nodes of infected animals. Results: 17-DMAG showed selective toxicity [selective index=432) towards Leishmania amastigotes, causing minimal damage to host cells. The treatment significantly reduced lesion sizes in mice and results in parasite clearance from ears and lymph nodes. It also diminished in-flammatory responses and reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-g, TNF) and the regulatory cytokine, IL-10, underscoring its dual leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the potential of 17-DMAG as a viable treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis and support further research into its mechanisms and potential applications against other infectious diseases.