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Background: The Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (ODX‐GPS) is a gene expression assay that predicts disease aggressiveness. The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic and regional factors associated with ODX‐GPS uptake. Methods: Data from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registries on men with localized prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 3 + 3 or 3 + 4, PSA ≤20 ng/mL, and stage T1c to T2c disease from 2013 through 2017 were linked with ODX‐GPS data. Census‐tract level neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) quintiles were constructed using a composite socioeconomic score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations of ODX‐GPS uptake with age at diagnosis, race and ethnicity, nSES, geographic region, insurance type, and marital status, accounting for National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk group, year of diagnosis, and clustering by census tract. Results: Among 111,434 eligible men, 5.5% had ODX‐GPS test uptake. Of these, 78.3% were non‐Hispanic White, 9.6% were Black, 6.7% were Hispanic, and 3.6% were Asian American. Black men had the lowest odds of ODX‐GPS uptake (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63–0.76). Those in the highest versus lowest quintile of nSES were 1.64 times more likely (95% CI, 1.38–2.94) to have ODX‐GPS uptake. The odds of ODX‐GPS uptake were statistically significantly higher among men residing in the Northeast, West, and Midwest compared to the South. Conclusions: Disparities in ODX‐GPS uptake by race, ethnicity, nSES, and geographical region were identified. Concerted efforts should be made to ensure that this clinical test is equitably available. Among 2013–2017 cases of localized prostate cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries, Black men, Hispanic men, and men living in the South had the lowest odds of Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (ODX‐GPS) ordering. Oncotype DX‐GPS ordering increased monotonically with increasing neighborhood socioeconomic status at diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we will argue that the identity of the entities that inhabit the nanoworld is a contextual identity. To defend that, we will analyse the so-called "biological" identity and the "synthetic" identity of nanomaterials. From this analysis, we will claim that nano-individuals (entities that show an intermediate nature between individuals and stuff), can be adequately understood from the perspective of a processual ontology. With that, we intend to contribute to the philosophical understanding of the ontology of the nano-domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the utility of the 17‐gene Genomic Prostate Score® (GPS; MDxHealth, Irvine, CA, USA) performed on prostate cancer at the positive margin of the radical prostatectomy (RP) for its association with risk of subsequent biochemical recurrence (BCR). Patients and Methods: We designed a case‐cohort for the outcome of BCR, selecting 223 from a cohort of 813 RP patients treated at Johns Hopkins from 2008 to 2017 with positive margins and available clinical data; of these, 213 had available tissue and clinical data. RNA was isolated from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumour tissue adjacent to the positive surgical margin and the GPS was evaluable in 203 of these patients with a score ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher risk. All patients underwent RP with or without adjuvant radiation therapy (ART). The statistical analysis employed Cox proportional hazards regression models for outcome of BCR weighted for case‐cohort design. Results: In univariable analysis, every 20‐unit increase in the GPS was associated with a nearly threefold increase in risk of BCR (hazard ratio [HR] per 20 units 2.82, P < 0.001). In a multivariable Cox model adjusted for age, race, Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment Postsurgical score, Grade Group at the positive margin, and ART, the GPS was significantly associated with BCR (HR 1.56 per 20 units; 95% confidence interval 1.11–2.19; P = 0.011). The study is limited by its retrospective and single institution design. Conclusions: The GPS at the positive surgical margin could help stratify prognosis and inform clinical decision‐making regarding adjuvant therapy after RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between cholesterol levels and Alzheimer's disease (AD), beginning with the early observation that individuals who died from heart attacks often had brain amyloid deposition. Subsequent animal model research proved that high cholesterol could hasten amyloid accumulation. In contrast, cholesterol-lowering treatments appeared to counteract this effect. Human autopsy studies reinforced the cholesterol-AD connection, revealing that higher cholesterol levels during midlife significantly correlated with higher brain amyloid pathology. This effect was especially pronounced in individuals aged 40 to 55. Epidemiological data supported animal research and human tissue observations and suggested that managing cholesterol levels in midlife could reduce the risk of developing AD. We analyze the main observational studies and clinical trials on the efficacy of statins. While observational data often suggest a potential protective effect against AD, clinical trials have not consistently shown benefit. The failure of these trials to demonstrate a clear advantage is partially attributed to multiple factors, including the timing of statin therapy, the type of statin and the appropriate selection of patients for treatment. Many studies failed to target individuals who might benefit most from early intervention, such as high-risk patients like APOE4 carriers. The review addresses how cholesterol is implicated in AD through various biological pathways, the potential preventive role of cholesterol management as suggested by observational studies, and the difficulties encountered in clinical trials, particularly related to statin use. The paper highlights the need to explore alternate therapeutic targets and mechanisms that escape statin intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cladding process reduces manufacturing costs by depositing super austenitic stainless steel onto low-carbon steel. Arc welding techniques, especially gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), are commonly used for this purpose. This study evaluates the influence of heat input on cladding performance. Macroscopic analysis showed good fusion of the weld beads to the base metal with no defects. Higher heat input resulted in a lower dilution rate due to increased reinforcement. A microstructural analysis of the heat-affected zones revealed similar characteristics, with martensite formation attributed to cooling conditions. Increased microhardness was observed at the interface between the cladding and base metal, corroborating the microstructural findings. Additionally, a significant enhancement in corrosion resistance was noted in the deposited layers. This research contributes to optimizing cladding processes, ensuring better material performance in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the variability of the power emission of Io's hotspots by using recent Juno/JIRAM infrared observations. The Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) is an imaging spectrometer which began observing Jupiter in August 2016. Although observing Jupiter's moons is not its primary objective, JIRAM can use the frequent opportunities to observe Io (up to once per orbit) to gather infrared images and spectra of its surface. The present study uses the data acquired by JIRAM during the last 2 years, including the location and morphology of Io's hotspots, and the temporal variability of the total output. A new photometric model for the hotspots and the dayside surface has been developed, which permits us to disentangle the temporal variability from the changes in the observation geometry. While the latitudinal dependence of the power output is not well constrained, low-latitude hotspots show a significantly more intense temporal variability and greater temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sentinel surveillance networks are sophisticated health information systems that warn about outbreaks and spread of infectious diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential, the effectiveness of countermeasures and pressures on health systems. They are underpinned by their ability to turn data into information and knowledge in a timely way. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research and Surveillance Centre (RSC) is one of Europe's oldest. We report its progressive use of technology to improve the scope of sentinel surveillance, with a focus on genomic surveillance. The technologies include terminologies, phenotypes, compute capability, virology including virial genome sequencing, and serology. The RSC's data collection developed from partial, then full extraction of computerised medical record (CMR) data. with increasing sophistication in its creation of phenotypes. The scope of surveillance in 1967 was clinical diagnosis, influenzalike-illness (ILI) was its focus. In the 1992-1993 winter virology sampling started, with progressively more sophisticated sequencing of the viral genome. From 2008 viral sequencing was comprehensive with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) the primary repository, supplemented by the COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium in-pandemic. High quality primary care data captures sociodemographic features, risk group status, and vaccine exposure; linked hospital and death data informs about severe outcomes; virology identified the causative organism and genomic surveillance the variant. Timely data access and analysis will enable identification of new variants resistant to vaccination or other countermeasures and enable new interventions to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of empyema, nephropleural fistula and perinephric abscess is rare and presents diagnostic challenges, especially when patients exhibit atypical or mild symptoms. This case report details a female in her early 90s who presented with 3weeks of chest pain and was found to have a left-sided pleural effusion. Further imaging revealed additional findings of a left-sided nephropleural fistula and left perinephric collection. The patient underwent thoracentesis and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with cultures growing Streptococcus Anginosus. Subsequently, she underwent a left nephrectomy, with pathology findings consistent with chronic pyelonephritis and a fistulous tract. The patient was discharged on intravenous antibiotics. Follow-up imaging showed improvement. The patient completed the antibiotic course and reported symptom resolution 2weeks after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juno has allowed clear, high‐resolution imaging of Io's polar volcanoes using the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) instrument. We have used data from JIRAM's M‐band (4.78 μm) imager from 11 Juno orbits to construct a global map of volcanic flux. This map provides short‐term insight into the spatial distribution of volcanoes and the ways in which high‐ and low‐latitude volcanoes differ. Using spherical harmonic analysis, we quantitatively compare our volcanic flux map to the surface heat flow distribution expected from models of Io's tidal heat deposition (summarized in de Kleer, Park, et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.26206/d4wc‐6v82). Our observations confirm previously detected systems of bright volcanoes at high latitudes. Our study finds that both poles are comparably active and that the observed flux distribution is inconsistent with an asthenospheric heating model, although the south pole is viewed too infrequently to establish reliable trends. Plain Language Summary: Our study uses data from an infrared camera on Juno called the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) to image Io, the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter. Io is the most volcanically active body in the Solar System. Io's volcanoes are powered by both the extreme tides from Jupiter and the gravitational interactions between it and Jupiter's other moons. These tides generate friction inside Io. Simulations of Io's interior suggest that, depending on how deep that friction is being generated, the surface heat flow will be higher in certain areas (de Kleer, Park, et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.26206/d4wc‐6v82). Using JIRAM, we have mapped where volcanoes are producing the most power and compared that to where we expect higher heat flow from the interior models. Our map doesn't agree with any of these models very well. JIRAM observed more volcanic activity at the poles than we expected to see based on previous observations. However, since the south pole was only observed twice, it's possible that these observations don't represent the average volcanic activity of the south pole. Very bright volcanoes that may have been continuously active for decades were also imaged during these Juno fly‐bys, some of which are nearer the poles than the equator. Key Points: We have produced a global volcanic flux map of Io using data from 11 Juno fly‐bysOur flux map doesn't agree well with tidal heat flow models reported in de Kleer, Park, et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.26206/d4wc‐6v82)The M‐band flux is anti‐correlated with the asthenospheric heating model and has only very weak agreement with the global magma ocean model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delirium is strongly associated with poor health outcomes, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed. Limited research on delirium has been conducted in Nursing Homes (NHs). Our aim is to assess delirium prevalence and its associated factors, in particular pharmacological prescription, in this care setting. Methods: Data from the Italian "Delirium Day" 2016 Edition, a national multicenter point-prevalence study on patients aged 65 and older were analyzed to examine the associations between the prevalence of delirium and its subtypes with demographics and information about medical history and pharmacological treatment. Delirium was assessed using the Assessment test for delirium and cognitive impairment (4AT). Motor subtype was evaluated using the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale (DMSS). Results: 955 residents, from 32 Italian NHs with a mean age of 84.72 ± 7.78 years were included. According to the 4AT, delirium was present in 260 (27.2%) NHs residents, mainly hyperactive (35.4%) or mixed subtypes (20.7%). Antidepressant treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was associated with lower delirium prevalence in univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The high prevalence of delirium in NHs highlights the need to systematically assess its occurrence in this care settings. The inverse association between SSRIs and delirium might imply a possible preventive role of this class of therapeutic agents against delirium in NHs, yet further studies are warranted to ascertain any causal relationship between SSRIs intake and reduced delirium incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High photon rates, like the ones required in clinical computed tomography, can generate pulse pileup in photon-counting detectors, and in extreme cases induce system paralysis. The instant retrigger technology has been developed by DECTRIS Ltd. to counteract such phenomena, effectively making detectors non-paralyzable. The instant retrigger behavior is regulated by a quantity named retrigger time, which originally was the same for all the energy thresholds of the detector. We developed a new ASIC that features an improved version of the instant retrigger (polychromatic retrigger) that allows different retrigger times for each of the four energy thresholds. In this work, we investigate how this feature can be exploited in computed tomography to mitigate pileup artifacts. Using a Monte Carlo method, we modeled a full computed tomography system with four energy thresholds (20, 50, 70 and 90 keV), and we simulated head scans from low (1x107 cps/mm2) to high (1x109 cps/mm2) photon count rates for different values of the retrigger time. The quality of the resulting images generally degrades when increasing the photon rates (pileup artifacts) and, at the same time, it becomes strongly dependent on the retrigger time. We show how, even at high incoming rates, it is possible to identify for each energy threshold a retrigger time value that restores almost completely the image quality obtained in the low count-rate scenario. The analysis indicates that the higher the energy threshold, the longer the retrigger time has to be set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tris-(2-pyridylmethyl)amines (TPA or TPMA) are polipyrydine-based ligands extensively used in catalysis and supramolecular chemistry due their capability to form stable tetradentate complexes with a large variety of metals. The unsubstituted ligand, which is also commercially available, can be synthesised by consecutive alkylation of a picoline or by reductive amination of a pyridine aldehyde. In this article, we report a novel synthetic method which opens to the post-functionalisation of these ligands in the benzylic position. This novel derivatization strategy, beside providing synthetic access to novel structures and functions, has been used to prepare a series of metal complexes which have been tested in photochemical hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Neurofilament light chain (NFL) has been shown to be increased in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and, to a lesser extent, in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). A meta‐analysis of NFL in ALS and FTD was performed. Methods: Available studies comparing cerebrospinal fluid and blood NFL levels in ALS versus neurologically healthy controls (NHCs), other neurological diseases (ONDs) and ALS mimics, as well as in FTD and related entities (behavioural variant of FTD and frontotemporal lobar degeneration syndromes) versus NHCs, ONDs and other dementias were evaluated. Results: In ALS, both cerebrospinal fluid and blood levels of NFL were higher compared to other categories. In FTD, behavioural variant of FTD and frontotemporal lobar degeneration syndromes, NFL levels were consistently higher compared to NHCs; however, several comparisons with ONDs and other dementias did not demonstrate significant differences. Discussion: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is characterized by higher NFL levels compared to most other conditions. In contrast, NFL is not as good at discriminating FTD from other dementias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Traditional weight-loss methods often result in the loss of both fat and muscle mass. For individuals with sarcopenic obesity (SO), additional muscle loss can exacerbate sarcopenia, leading to further declines in muscle strength and function, ultimately worsening quality of life. To mitigate this risk, weight-loss strategies should emphasize the preservation and building of muscle mass through adequate protein intake and tailored resistance training. This study aimed to evaluate changes in SO status following a 4-week multidisciplinary weight-loss intervention program in hospitalized patients with obesity. Methods: This study included adult patients with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2, aged 18–90 years). The SO diagnosis was performed using the handgrip strength (HGS) test and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) according to ESPEN/EASO-2022 guidelines. Results: A total of 2004 patients were enrolled, 64.8% female, with a mean age of 56 (±14) years and a BMI of 40.7 (±6.48) kg/m2. SO was present in 9.38% (188 patients) at baseline. At discharge, 80 patients (42.55%) were no longer classified as sarcopenic and showed significant improvements in HGS. The likelihood of resolving SO was not modified in patients with only phase angle (PhA) improvement (p-value = 0.141). Patients with HGS increment had a 65% probability to be No-SO at discharge and this probability, with the concomitant PhA increment, rose to 93% (p-value < 0.0001), indicating that functional changes and good nutrition status are crucial in improvement of SO. Muscle mass (MM) and SMMI remained unchanged in the studied cohort. Conclusions: Improvements in HGS and the PhA are potential markers for the efficacy of weight-loss programs tailored to patients with SO. These findings suggest that specific interventions focusing on these markers could be beneficial in managing SO patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several authors have shown that hematological parameters can be used to detect poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Thus, such features could be used in artificial intelligence (AI-based) models to predict mortality among these patients. This work aimed to develop and compare several AI-based models to predict the prognosis (death vs. survival) of cancer in patients using blood tests and patient data as inputs. At total, 908 cancer patients were assisted in a prospective study. Four artificial intelligence models were compared: artificial neural networks (ANN), supporting vector machines (SVM), decision trees and neuro-fuzzy networks. Also, four different input strategies were tested, considering the use of 49, 45, 22 and 14 inputs. The results of this study showed that the ANN and the SVM presented the best results, using 45 inputs. The ANN was the best model since it presented better statistical values for the positive (death) and negative (survival) classes. The use of blood parameters as inputs for AI-based models could be used to predict death in patients with cancer, and this methodology can be expanded to other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compound semiconductors are playing a major role in the production of X-ray pixel detectors for the application in laboratories and beamlines at photon sources. The performance of these detectors has constantly been improved for the last decades but experiments are still limited by the properties of the detector material, especially under high flux illumination. The fast development of perovskite crystals opens the possibility for new materials to be used as highly efficient X-ray pixel detectors. The published data until now, of the transport properties, demonstrate the large potential of perovskite semiconductors. The achieved values are comparable with the ones of CdTe-based detectors. This paper presents potential perovskite-based detector materials and compares their performance with the state-of-the-art CdTe-based detectors. The perspectives of perovskite semiconductors are promising for the production of large area X-ray detectors but still some challenges remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adherence to cardiovascular drug treatment can significantly benefit from a reduced pill burden, but data on this matter derived from real-life settings are currently scanty. This analysis assessed the possible changes in adherence in patients treated with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe (ROS/EZE) as free multi-pill combination who switched to ROS/EZE as single-pill combination in the setting of real clinical practice in Italy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the administrative databases for a catchment area of about seven million health-assisted residents. Adults receiving ROS/EZE as a single-pill combination from January 2010 to June 2020 (followed up to 2021) were identified. The date of the first prescription of single-pill combination of ROS/EZE was considered as the index date. The analysis included the users of ROS/EZE as a free combination during the year before the index date. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected during the period of data availability prior to the index date. Adherence to therapy was evaluated as proportion of days covered (PDC), namely the percentage of days during which a patient had access to medication, in the 12-month interval preceding or following the index date (PDC < 25% non-adherence; PDC = 25–75% partial adherence; PDC > 75% adherence). Results: A total of 1219 patients (61.1% male, aged 66.2 ± 10.4 years) were included. Cardiovascular comorbidities were found in 83.3% of them, diabetes in 26.4%, and a combination of both in 16.2%. Single-pill combination of ROS/EZE was associated with a higher proportion of adherent patients compared to free-pill combination (75.2% vs 51.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This real-world analysis suggested that switching from a regimen based on separate pills to one based on a single-pill combination resulted in improved adherence to ROS/EZE therapy. Plain Language Summary: Lipid-lowering therapy to control low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels is essential for cardiovascular risk prevention. Successful therapy depends on the type of lipid-lowering therapy, i.e., low or high statin intensity and combination of statins with ezetimibe or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, and adherence to therapy, i.e., whether the patient actually takes their pills as prescribed. If there are fewer pills to be taken, this can help patients to follow their treatment. Single-pill combinations of two drugs could facilitate adherence and thus the chances of reaching the recommended lipid targets. Here, we analyzed a sample of Italian patients with dyslipidemia to examine whether the switch from a free combination of two separate pills of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe to a single-pill combination of the same drugs could improve adherence to therapy. We found that the proportion of adherent patients increased from about just over half (51.8%) to about three-fourths (75.1%) when switching from two-pill to single-pill combination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe. These findings suggest that simplifying therapy can help improve patient adherence, which is essential for reaching lipid targets and ultimately for alleviating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing observations represent the primary means in the production of geologic maps of planetary surfaces. However, they do not provide the same level of detail as Earth's geologic maps, which rely also on field observations and laboratory analyses. Color‐derived basemaps can help to bridge this gap by highlighting peculiar surface and compositional properties. Here, we analyzed the spectral properties of the lunar Tsiolkovskiy crater through the definition of spectral units summarizing the information enclosed by a set of selected spectral parameters. We then performed a compositional analysis of the newly derived spectral units that helped us in discriminating the presence and relative abundance of the main mineralogical phases on the Moon. As a final step, we produced a geo‐stratigraphic map of the Tsiolkovskiy crater integrating in a single mapping product both morphologic, stratigraphic and compositional information. The basaltic infilling of the crater is distinguished by three spectral units associated with distinct effusive events presenting a different composition. On the central peak, plagioclase and olivine suggest the presence of Mg‐suite rocks from the lower crust. The continuous ejecta deposits are mostly characterized by impact melts and shocked materials rich in glass or agglutinates related to more mature terrains from which occasionally appear fresher anorthositic and gabbroic outcrops exposed by the inward sliding of the crater walls. Overall, the geo‐stratigraphic map allows inferring compositional variations associated with the different morpho‐stratigraphic units, which clarify and elaborate on the compositional heterogeneities within the lunar crust and the Tsiolkovskiy crater, and its geologic evolutionary history. Plain Language Summary: The main data used to produce geologic maps of planetary surfaces come from orbiting missions. However, geologic maps of Earth provide much more information, relying also on observations made on the field and analyses made in the laboratory. Color images derived from the combination and processing of spectral information can help to make planetary maps more comprehensive, similarly to the Earth's ones, by drawing attention to surface and compositional aspects. In this work, we performed a spectral and compositional study of the Tsiolkovskiy crater on the Moon which enabled us to distinguish the presence and relative quantity of the most common minerals constituting the lunar rocks. We also produced a geo‐stratigraphic map coupling the information about the surface textures and shapes, relative time of deposition, and composition. On the basaltic floor, we discriminated the presence of three different spectral characteristics correlated with a sequence of flooding events showing distinct properties and a central peak exhibiting rocks emerged from the lowest strata of the lunar crust. The continuous ejecta blanket, instead, is characterized by mature materials interspersed by fresher exposures of subsurface materials. To conclude, the new mapping product allows an in‐depth interpretation of the geologic evolution of the Tsiolkovskiy crater. Key Points: Production of a 10‐unit Spectral Units map conveying the spectral and compositional properties within the Tsiolkovskiy craterIntegration of geologic and spectral units to produce a more comprehensive mapping product, namely a geo‐stratigraphic mapElaboration on the geological and compositional evolution of our study area [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutral result of the PROMINENT trial has led to questions about the future for pemafibrate. This commentary discusses possible reasons for the lack of benefit observed in the trial. There were, however, indicators suggesting therapeutic potential in microvascular ischaemic complications associated with peripheral artery disease, with subsequent analysis showing reduction in the incidence of lower extremity ischaemic ulceration or gangrene. Reassurance about the safety of pemafibrate, together with emerging data from PROMINENT and experimental studies, also suggest benefit with pemafibrate in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (alternatively referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and microangiopathy associated with diabetes, which merit further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and insects are two of the more diverse and abundant organisms in terrestrial ecosystems. The fossil record of plant-insect interactions offers crucial insights into the coevolutionary dynamics between these groups, shedding light on the intricate relationships that have shaped terrestrial ecosystems. The study of fossil interactions is especially relevant in mid-Cretaceous ecosystems, a time of dramatic changes in the composition of floras and, consequently, in plantinsect relationships. Here, we describe the first suite of plant-insect interactions from the mid-Cretaceous of Mexico. We studied 554 plant fossils from the El Chango Lagerstatte (Cintalapa Formation, Chiapas, Mexico), including vegetative (leaves) and reproductive structures (fruits and seeds). The flora was dominated by gymnosperms (89.3%) followed by angiosperms (10.7%); other groups, such as pteridophytes and bryophytes, were absent. In total, 5.4% of the plant specimens hosted some damage. Angiosperms (all broad-leafed forms), despite being much less common than gymnosperms, expressed more evidence of damage by herbivores (35.6% of specimens damaged). In contrast, the narrow-leafed gymnosperms, the dominant group in the flora, hosted a much lower proportion of herbivory damage (1.8% of specimens damaged). The diversity of damage types (DTs) was relatively low: 14 DTs were identified, corresponding to seven FFGs, including margin feeding, hole feeding, surface feeding, piercing and sucking, oviposition, galling, and mining. Comparison with the other midCretaceous plant-insect assemblages reveals a similar richness of DTs for angiosperms but a lower richness and diversity of DTs on gymnosperms from El Chango. These results indicate preferential herbivory on angiosperms (rather than on the available gymnosperms in the assemblage) by terrestrial arthropods during a period of major changes in the structure of terrestrial ecosystems. However, it is challenging to resolve whether this apparent preference is because insects particularly targeted angiosperms or if the herbivores simply targeted broad leaves in general, since most of the available gymnosperms from El Chango are scale-leafed forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-acoustic indices allow us to rapidly evaluate habitats and ecosystems and derive information about anthropophonic impacts. However, it is proven that indices' values and trends are not comparable between studies. These incongruences may be caused by the availability on the market of recorders with different characteristics and costs. Thus, there is a need to reduce these biases and incongruences to ensure an accurate analysis and comparison between soundscape ecology studies and habitat assessments. In this study, we propose and validate an audio recording equalization protocol to reduce eco-acoustic indices' biases, by testing three soundscape recorder models: Song Meter Micro, Soundscape Explorer Terrestrial and Audiomoth. The equalization process aligns the signal amplitude and frequency response of the soundscape recorders to those of a type 1 level meter. The adjustment was made in MATLAB R2023a using a filter curve generated comparing a reference signal (white noise); the measurements were performed in an anechoic chamber using 11 audio sensors and a type 1 sound level meter (able to produce a.WAV file). The statistical validation of the procedure was performed on recordings obtained in an urban and Regional Park (Italy) assessing a significant reduction in indices' biases on the Song Meter Micro and Audiomoth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), defined as physical, cognitive, and mental-health symptoms persisting long after intensive-care-unit (ICU) discharge, is increasingly recognised as a healthcare priority. Data on screening for PICS are sparse. Our objective here was to describe post-ICU screening in France, with special attention to visit availability and evaluations done during visits. Methods: We conducted an online multicentre survey by emailing an anonymous 43-item questionnaire to French ICUs. For each ICU, a single survey was sent to either the head or the intensivist in charge of follow-up visits. Results: Of 252 ICUs invited to participate, 161 (63.9%) returned the completed survey. Among them, 46 (28.6%) offered follow-up visits. Usually, a single visit led by an intensivist was scheduled 3 to 6 months after ICU discharge. Approximately 50 patients/year/ICU, that is, about 5% of admitted patients, attended post-ICU visits. The main criteria used to select patients for follow-up were ICU stay and/or invasive mechanical ventilation duration longer than 48 h, cardiac arrest, septic shock, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Among ICUs offering visits, 80% used validated instruments to screen for PICS. Of the 115 ICUs not offering follow-up, 50 (43.5%) indicated an intention to start follow-up within the next year. The main barriers to offering follow-up were lack of available staff and equipment or not viewing PICS screening as a priority. Half the ICUs offering visits worked with an established network of post-ICU care professionals, and another 17% were setting up such a network. Obstacles to network creation were lack of interest among healthcare professionals and lack of specific training in PICS. Conclusion: Only a small minority of ICU survivors received follow-up designed to detect PICS. Less than a third of ICUs offered follow-up visits but nearly another third planned to set up such visits within the next year. Recommendations issued by French health authorities in 2023 can be expected to improve the availability and standardisation of post-ICU follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic fibrosis is a highly prevalent genetic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the CFTR gene, causing an altered function of the exocrine glands and a subsequent spectrum of hypofunctional and degenerative manifestations. The increasing availability of carrier screening programmes, the enhanced life expectancy of patients due to improved treatment and care strategies and the development of more precise and affordable molecular diagnostic tools have prompted a rise in demand of prenatal diagnosis procedures for at-risk couples, including Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). However, challenges remain: heterogeneity among screening programmes, nuances of variant interpretation and availability of novel treatments demand a considerate and knowledgeable approach to genetic counselling. In this work, we retrospectively evaluated the molecular data of 92 unselected couples who received a diagnosis of CFTR-related status and were referred to the genetics clinic at the University Hospital of Padua for genetic counselling on eligibility for PGT. A total of 50 couples were considered eligible for the procedure based on risk of transmitting biallelic pathogenic variants. We report and discuss our experience with this case series in the context of the Italian medical care system and present an overview of the most relevant issues regarding genetic counselling for PGT in CFTR-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies factor modeling for a vector of time series with long-memory properties to investigate how outliers affect the identification of the number of factors and also proposes a robust method to reduce their impact. The number of factors is estimated using an eigenvalue analysis for a non-negative definite matrix introduced by Lam et al. (2011). Two estimators are proposed; the first is based on the classical sample covariance function, and the second uses a robust covariance function estimate. In both cases, it is shown that the eigenvalues estimates have similar convergence rates. Empirical simulations support both estimators for multivariate stationary long-memory time series and show that the robust method is preferable when the data is contaminated with additive outliers. Time series of daily log returns are used as an example of application. In addition to abrupt observations, exchange rates exhibit non-stationarity properties with long memory parameters greater than one. Then we use semi-parametric long memory estimators to estimate the fractional parameters of the series. The number of factors was estimated using the classical and robust approaches. Due to the influence of the abrupt observations, these tools suggested a different number of factors to model the data. The robust method suggested two factors, while the classical approach indicated only one factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Reply to Schluessel et al. Comment on 'Cancello et al. Sarcopenia Prevalence Among Hospitalized Patients with Severe Obesity: An Observational Study'" responds to comments on the study's diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity (SO). The study focused on Caucasian inpatients with extreme fat mass (FM) excess, emphasizing the importance of considering FM% in SO diagnosis. The authors clarified that their cohort included patients across various age groups and sexes, not limited to geriatric populations, and highlighted the relevance of obesity as a risk factor for sarcopenia. [Extracted from the article]

Geopolymers are amorphous aluminosilicate inorganic polymers synthesized by alkaline activation characterized by a lower carbon footprint, greater durability, and excellent mechanical properties compared to traditional concrete, making them promising building materials for sustainable construction. To develop sustainable lightweight geopolymer-based building materials useful as fire resistant thermal insulation materials, we added 5 and 10 wt% of discarded cork dust, a readily available industrial by-product, to metakaolin before and after the alkaline activation with sodium hydroxide 8 M and sodium silicate solutions. We followed the chemical, microstructural, antibacterial, and physical properties of the resulting composites for up to 90 days in order to monitor their long-term durability. The presence of cork does not interfere with the geopolymerization process and in fact reduces the density of the composites to values around 2.5 g/cm3, especially when added after alkaline activation. The composites resulted in chemically stable matrices (less than 10 ppm of cations release) and filler (no hazardous compounds released) with a bacterial viability of around 80%. This study provides valuable insights into the tailoring of discarded cork-based composites obtained by geopolymerization with a porosity between 32 and 48% and a mechanical resistance to compression from 15 to 5 MPa, respectively, suggesting their potential as durable interior panels with low environmental impact and desirable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the variability of the power emission of Io's hotspots by using recent Juno/JIRAM infrared observations. The Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) is an imaging spectrometer which began observing Jupiter in August 2016. Although observing Jupiter's moons is not its primary objective, JIRAM can use the frequent opportunities to observe Io (up to once per orbit) to gather infrared images and spectra of its surface. The present study uses the data acquired by JIRAM during the last 2 years, including the location and morphology of Io's hotspots, and the temporal variability of the total output. A new photometric model for the hotspots and the dayside surface has been developed, which permits us to disentangle the temporal variability from the changes in the observation geometry. While the latitudinal dependence of the power output is not well constrained, low-latitude hotspots show a significantly more intense temporal variability and greater temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral indexes are tools widely used to analyze the composition of planetary surfaces. Many indexes have been formulated over the years to map the lunar surface, but there is no unified database for them. In this work we describe an Open‐Source Python package called MoonIndex, that recreates 38 indexes compiled from the literature, using data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3). The processing started with the filtering of the data cubes to reduce the noise, the continuum of the spectrum was then removed using a convex hull or a second‐and‐first‐order fit method. Later, the indexes were calculated, following as possible the original formulations. The results on spectral indexes calculated before the continuum removal were similar to those of the original formulations. Conversely, the results obtained for spectral indexes calculated after the continual removal were not always coherent. Some indexes, like the band depth, are especially sensitive to the removal method, as well as the derived band areas and asymmetries. We also recreated RGB composite maps, our results highlight the compositional patterns in a similar way as the ones in the literature, even if the color ramps can differ. The products of MoonIndex are open, ready for interpretation, versatile, consistent, and cross‐comparable. Plain Language Summary: Spectral indexes are parameters defined from the characteristics of reflectance spectra, and they are useful to investigate the spectral properties of a surface and to retrieve mineralogical properties of a planetary body. They can reveal the presence of specific minerals in rocks, indicate mineralogical variations from different units, highlight physical properties of a surface, or show the effect of the exposure to the space environment. For the Moon, several spectral indexes have been formulated over time using data from many spacecraft, but no unified database is available. In this work, we created an open‐source Python package called MoonIndex, which recreates 38 indexes to study the lunar surface. The indexes were collected from the literature, and our results achieved various levels of fidelity. Some of the indexes we calculated exactly reproduce those found in the literature, while in other cases, index calculations differ due to processing constraints or due to missing information in the original formulations, such as the continuum removal method used, or the band operations conducted to create the indexes. MoonIndex is a reliable and versatile tool to approach the compositional analysis of the lunar surface. Key Points: MoonIndex is an open‐source tool that successfully recreates spectral indexes for the Moon taken from the literatureThe continuum‐removal method has a major impact in the resulting indexes, so its selection should be considered when interpreting the dataThe indexes obtained with MoonIndex are consistent whit the results of previous authors, which usually used licensed software [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is the combination of excess fat, skeletal muscle and muscular strength/function deficit. The ESPEN/EASO have proposed new diagnostic criteria, but the SO prevalence in patients with severe obesity remains to be established. The aim of this study was to establish the SO prevalence in a large cohort of inpatients with obesity, considering sex, age, BMI, type, and number of concomitant diseases. Methods: Patient data of both genders aged between 18 and 90 years with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 underwent hospital evaluation including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and handgrip strength (HS). QoL scores were obtained by the Psychological General Well-Being Index questionnaire. The study was approved by the institutional Ethic Committee. Results: Among the 3858 patients, 444 (11.51%) exhibited a strength deficit, while 3847 (99.71%) had skeletal muscle mass deficit. The prevalence of SO was then 11.48%, with higher rates in women (12.39%), in individuals aged >70 years (27%), and in those reporting a 'poor' QoL (12.6%). No significant difference in SO prevalence was found when stratifying by BMI (30–40 kg/m2 vs. >40 kg/m2, p = 0.1710). In SO patients, osteoarticular diseases (57%), hypertension/heart failure (38%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (34%), and obstructive sleep apnea (32%) were the more frequent comorbidities. Conclusions: The application of ESPEN/EASO-SO criteria in a cohort of inpatients with severe obesity revealed 11.48% SO prevalence, which was associated with age (particularly > 70 years), gender (women), but not BMI, as determinants. Disease staging and QoL screening may improve the identification of SO high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current global population stands at 8.1 billion people and is projected to reach 9 billion by 2037. The food sector will need to undergo significant transformations to ensure food security. In this context, drying plays an important role in enhancing global food security by facilitating the safe storage of agricultural products and food. In this study, we employed two innovative drying methods: supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) drying and its combination with high-power ultrasound (scCO2+HPU) to assess their performance in drying seeds and fruits such as peas and apples. Among drying methods, supercritical carbon dioxide is emerging as a promising technology in the food drying industry. So far, the use of scCO2 has yielded promising results in the drying of spices, meat, and vegetables, but further studies are needed. High-power ultrasound has shown substantial potential in enhancing water mass transfer and microbial inactivation when coupled with technology. The outcomes of our experimental implementation demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in weight, moisture content and a notably lower water activity level for scCO2+HPU compared to scCO2 alone. These findings validate the significant potential of this integrated technology, which warrants further exploration in diverse food matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils are well known for their antimicrobial properties, making them attractive for food preservation. However, when used alone, their effectiveness can be limited. Combining essential oils with other technologies shows promise for enhancing their efficacy.. The present work focuses on a laboratory-scale feasibility analysis investigating the potential synergism between supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and rosemary essential oil (REO) to extend the shelf life of chicken breast meat, a product with a short storage time that contributes significantly to food waste. In this context, a novel method with supercritical carbon dioxide and modified atmosphere packaging (scCO2MAP) was used in combination with 1% REO. This method has a lower impact on product colour change with respect to traditional scCO2 processes while increasing food safety by reducing the number of viable microorganisms. Storage tests were conducted for up to 12 days at 4°C, measuring the load of the total mesophilic and psychrophilic microorganisms, water activity and pH. At day 0, the results showed a significant reduction in both mesophilic and psychrophilic microorganisms, respectively about 2.11 and 2.05 log CFU/g. During storage, the microorganism counts in the treated samples were lower compared to the untreated ones. The pH and water activity were not significantly different during the whole shelf life. This study shows promise for the development of a low-temperature treatment capable of enhancing the safety and of prolonging the shelf life of poultry meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present the synthesis of benzimidazo[1,2-a] quinoline-based heterocycles bearing organosulfur and organoselenium moieties through transition-metal-free cascade reactions involving a sequential intermolecular aromatic nucleophilic substitution (SNAr). Both sulfur and selenium derivatives presented absorption maxima located around 355 nm related to spin and symmetry allowing electronic 1π-π* transitions, and fluorescence emission at the violet-blue region (~440 nm) with relatively large Stokes shift. The fluorescence quantum yields were slightly influenced by the chalcogen, with the sulfur derivatives presenting higher values than the selenium analogs. In this sense, the quantum yields for selenium derivatives can probably be affected by the intersystem crossing or even the photoinduced electron transfer process (PET). The compounds were successfully applied in all-solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), where poly(9-vinylcarbazole) was employed as a dispersive matrix generating single-layer device cells. The obtained electroluminescence spectra are a sum of benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines and PVK singlet and/or triplet emissive states, according to their respective energy band gaps. The best diode rendered a luminance of 25.4 cd⋅m−2 with CIE (0.17, 0.14) and current efficiency of 20.2 mcd⋅A−1, a fivefold improvement in comparison to the PVK device that was explained by a 50-fold increase of charge-carriers electrical mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Tobacco smoke is a major health risk factor for smokers but also for non-smokers due to passive smoking. These risks come from conventional cigarette smoke but also from aerosol produced by electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs). The aim of this study was to investigate population knowledge about the adverse effects of passive smoking from traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and HTPs. METHODS Between February and October 2023, 504 subjects among the general population responded to a questionnaire with 8 questions in Italian, via a link to the Google Forms platform. The questions related to the oral health effects of active and passive smoking. Descriptive analyses of all variables in the questionnaire were performed, and statistical analyses between variables were carried out using the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS A large subset of individuals interviewed stated that active smoking is harmful to health and consider active smoking more damaging compared with passive smoking (86.3%). The majority believed that passive smoking of cigarettes is more harmful to oral health than passive smoking of HTPs (79.4%) or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) (84.9%). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that most people in this study had good knowledge about the adverse effects of active or passive smoking on health; however, knowledge regarding e-cigarettes and HTPs was poor and confused. These results reveal the complexity of perceptions regarding different types of smoking and the need for further research to fully understand the risks associated with each type of passive smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ALK and ROS1 fusions are effectively targeted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), however patients inevitably relapse after an initial response, often due to kinase domain mutations. We investigated circulating DNA from TKI-relapsed NSCLC patients by deep-sequencing. New EML4::ALK substitutions, L1198R, C1237Y and L1196P, were identified in the plasma of NSCLC ALK patients and characterized in a Ba/F3 cell model. Variants C1237Y and L1196P demonstrated pan-inhibitor resistance across 5 clinical and 2 investigational TKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme precipitation during Hurricane Florence, which made landfall in North Carolina in September 2018, led to breaches of hog waste lagoons, coal ash pits, and wastewater facilities. In the weeks following the storm, freshwater discharge carried pollutants, sediment, organic matter, and debris to the coastal ocean, contributing to beach closures, algae blooms, hypoxia, and other ecosystem impacts. Here, the ocean pathways of land‐sourced contaminants following Hurricane Florence are investigated using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) with a river point source with fixed water properties from a hydrologic model (WRF‐Hydro) of the Cape Fear River Basin, North Carolina's largest watershed. Patterns of contaminant transport in the coastal ocean are quantified with a finite duration tracer release based on observed flooding of agricultural and industrial facilities. A suite of synthetic events also was simulated to investigate the sensitivity of the river plume transport pathways to river discharge and wind direction. The simulated Hurricane Florence discharge event led to westward (downcoast) transport of contaminants in a coastal current, along with intermittent storage and release of material in an offshore (bulge) or eastward (upcoast) region near the river mouth, modulated by alternating upwelling and downwelling winds. The river plume patterns led to a delayed onset and long duration of contaminants affecting beaches 100 km to the west, days to weeks after the storm. Maps of the onset and duration of hypothetical water quality hazards for a range of weather conditions may provide guidance to managers on the timing of swimming/shellfishing advisories and water quality sampling. Plain Language Summary: Hurricane Florence hit the southeastern United States in September 2018, causing historic rainfall and flooding. Floodwaters carrying contaminants traveled down rivers to the ocean, causing harmful algal blooms, beach closures, and other impacts. In the Cape Fear River Basin, North Carolina's largest watershed, open‐air lagoons used to store waste from industrial hog farming were breached, causing sewage to flow into the ocean in a coherent feature called a 'river plume' that moved in different patterns. Flooding impacts are increasing, but the movement of contaminants in river plumes following extreme events is not well understood. We used a numerical ocean model to simulate the Cape Fear River plume carrying a dye representing contaminants following Hurricane Florence. The plume initially traveled west hugging the coast due to Earth's rotation, alternately spreading east or offshore due to changes in the direction of winds blowing on the ocean. The river plume patterns led to a delayed onset and long duration of contaminants affecting beaches far down the coast, days to weeks after the storm. We also simulated several scenarios with different river discharge and winds. This information could help guide managers on when to perform water quality sampling and issue swimming or shellfishing advisories. Key Points: Pathways of land‐sourced contaminants in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence are investigated with an ocean model with hydrology sourceThe Cape Fear River plume had a westward coastal current and intermittent offshore storage modulated by wind direction and river dischargeBeaches 100 km west saw river‐sourced water quality hazards with delayed onset and long duration, from days to weeks after the storm [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the leading nosocomial infection in critical care and is associated with adverse outcomes. When VAP is suspected, starting antibiotic therapy (AT) immediately after pulmonary sampling may expose uninfected patients to unnecessary treatment, whereas waiting for bacteriological confirmation may delay AT in infected patients. As no robust data exist to choose between these strategies, the decision must balance the pre-test diagnostic probability, clinical severity, and risk of antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study in patients with suspected non-severe VAP was to compare immediate AT started after sampling to conservative AT upon receipt of positive microbiological results. The outcomes were antibiotic sparing, AT suitability, and patient outcomes. Methods: This single-center, before–after study included consecutive patients who underwent distal respiratory sampling for a first suspected non-severe VAP episode (no shock requiring vasopressor therapy or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome). AT was started immediately after sampling in 2019 and upon culture positivity in 2022 (conservative strategy). The primary outcome was the number of days alive without AT by day 28. The secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation duration, day-28 mortality, and AT suitability (active necessary AT or spared AT). Results: The immediate and conservative strategies were applied in 44 and 43 patients, respectively. Conservative and immediate AT were associated with similar days alive without AT (median [interquartile range], 18.0 [0–21.0] vs. 16.0 [0–20.0], p = 0.50) and without broad-spectrum AT (p = 0.53) by day 28. AT was more often suitable in the conservative group (88.4% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.01), in which 27.9% of patients received no AT at all. No significant differences were found for mechanical ventilation duration (median [95%CI], 9.0 [6–19] vs. 9.0 [6–24] days, p = 0.65) or day-28 mortality (hazard ratio [95%CI], 0.85 [0.4–2.0], p = 0.71). Conclusion: In patients with suspected non-severe VAP, waiting for microbiological confirmation was not associated with antibiotic sparing, compared to immediate AT. This result may be ascribable to low statistical power. AT suitability was better with the conservative strategy. None of the safety outcomes differed between groups. These findings would seem to allow a large, randomized trial comparing immediate and conservative AT strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geological maps of Earth typically incorporate field observations of rock lithology, structure, composition, and more. In contrast, conventional planetary geological maps are often made using primarily qualitative morphostratigraphic remote sensing observations of planetary surfaces. However, it is possible to define independent quantitative spectral units (SUs) of planetary surfaces, which potentially contain information about surface composition, grain size, and space weathering exposure. Here, we demonstrate a generic method to combine independently derived geomorphic and SUs, using the Rachmaninoff basin, Mercury, as an example to create a new geostratigraphic map. From this geostratigraphic map, we can infer some compositional differences within geomorphic units, which clarifies and elaborates on the geological evolution of the region. Plain Language Summary: Geological maps of rocks on Earth include information about what landforms the rocks exhibit, what they are made from, their orientation, and more. Many such details require ground observations, but these are generally not available for planetary geological maps, which rely on spacecraft data. Spacecraft images can be used to map planetary surface textures (geomorphology), but they can also be used to measure surfaces' responses to light (reflectance or emission spectra), which contain information about what the surface rocks are made from, their physical properties (e.g., grain size, roughness, porosity), and how long they have been exposed at the surface. We have combined earlier, independent geomorphic and spectral maps of the Rachmaninoff impact basin on Mercury to create a new "geostratigraphic" map that is more like a geological map that could be made of Earth. The new map highlights places that in the original geomorphic map would have been mapped all as a single unit, but are divisible based on spectral variations, attributable to differences in what the rocks are made from. This allows us to reconstruct a more detailed geological history of the region. Our method can be applied to other regions on Mercury and to other planetary surfaces. Key Points: We combine independent morphostratigraphic and spectral units of Rachmaninoff basin to create geostratigraphic unitsGeostratigraphic units can distinguish volcanic plains and impact melt in contact with each otherGeostratigraphic units imply a wider distribution of (LRM‐composition) impact melt than previously recognized [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify how cardiomyocyte mechanosensitive signaling pathways are regulated by anisotropic stretch, micropatterned mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes were stretched primarily longitudinally or transversely to the myofiber axis. Four hours of static, longitudinal stretch induced differential expression of 557 genes, compared with 30 induced by transverse stretch, measured using RNA-seq. A logic-based ordinary differential equation model of the cardiac myocyte mechanosignaling network, extended to include the transcriptional regulation and expression of 784 genes, correctly predicted measured expression changes due to anisotropic stretch with 69% accuracy. The model also predicted published transcriptional responses to mechanical load in vitro or in vivo with 63-91% accuracy. The observed differences between transverse and longitudinal stretch responses were not explained by differential activation of specific pathways but rather by an approximately twofold greater sensitivity to longitudinal stretch than transverse stretch. In vitro experiments confirmed model predictions that stretch-induced gene expression is more sensitive to angiotensin II and endothelin-1, via RhoA and MAP kinases, than to the three membrane ion channels upstream of calcium signaling in the network. Quantitative cardiomyocyte gene expression differs substantially with the axis of maximum principal stretch relative to the myofilament axis, but this difference is due primarily to differences in stretch sensitivity rather than to selective activation of mechanosignaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Systolic blood pressure (SBP) drops recorded by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) identify patients with susceptibility to reflex syncope and orthostatic intolerance. We tested the hypothesis that treatments aimed to increase BP (reassurance, education, and lifestyle measures plus pharmacological strategies) can reduce SBP drops. Methods and results This was a multicentre, observational proof-of-concept study performed in patients with reflex syncope and/or orthostatic intolerance and with SBP drops on a screening ABPM. Among 144 eligible patients, 111 underwent a second ABPM on average 2.5 months after start of treatment. Overall, mean 24-h SBP increased from 114.1 ± 12.1 to 121.4 ± 14.5 mmHg (P < 0.0001). The number of SBP drops <90 and <100 mmHg decreased by 61%, 46% during daytime, and by 48% and 37% during 24-h period, respectively (P < 0.0001 for all). The dose–response relationship between difference in 24-h average SBP increase and reduction in number of SBP drops reached a plateau around ∼15 mmHg increase of 24-h SBP. The reduction in SBP drop rate was consistent and significant in patients who underwent deprescription of hypotensive medications (n = 44) and in patients who received BP-rising drugs (n = 67). Conclusion In patients with reflex syncope and/or orthostatic intolerance, an increase in average 24-h SBP, regardless of the implemented strategy, significantly reduced the number of SBP drops and symptom burden. A 13 mmHg increase in 24-h SBP appears to represent the optimal goal for aborting the maximal number of SBP drops, representing a possible target for future interventions. ClincalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05729724 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Severe droughts, water-use conflicts, and minimum outflow requirements have caused infeasibilities in modeling large-scale complex hydrothermal systems. This paper presents and discusses a new formulation of objective function and constraints to better represent multiple water uses and deal with infeasibilities in the HIDROTERM model, a nonlinear programming (NLP) model developed to optimize the operation of the Brazilian interconnected hydrothermal system. The system is one of the largest in the world. In the last 10 years, approximately 72% of electricity consumed in Brazil has been supplied by hydropower plants, but with increasing shares from thermal, wind, and, more recently, solar power generation. Because of hydrological changes in recent years and the additional operational constraints imposed by environmental agencies, the use of models for decision making, such as HIDROTERM, frequently encounters the problem of infeasibility. To avoid this problem, a new objective function is proposed in HIDROTERM that incorporates economic penalties when the preset requirements are not met. Based on economic considerations, some hard constraints are removed from the constraint set and added to the objective function as penalty terms. These constraints are tightly linked with multiple water uses, including environmental protection, flood control, consumptive uses, and navigation purposes. The proposed change in the objective function and constraints avoids the problem of infeasibilities and makes it possible to apply the model to extreme conditions. Additionally, this formulation helps identify and minimize the risk, duration, and intensity of unavoidable non-compliance occurrences related to multiple water uses. The presented new version of the HIDROTERM model can be used to study and support decision making in the management and operation of large-scale hydrothermal systems. These systems can be formed by a set of hydraulically connected individual hydropower plants and reservoirs, located within a set of electrically connected subsystems. Each subsystem contains demands and other power plants, including thermal, wind, nuclear, and solar plants, and exchanges. The model has been developed with continued improvements since 2008 and applied to large systems such as the Brazilian Interconnected Power System (BIPS) with over 150 reservoirs. A graphical user interface is provided. The objective function is to minimize the total costs of additional thermal dispatch and exchanges, as well as avoid or minimize deficits in energy supply in subsystems, minimum releases, consumptive uses, and minimum storages in reservoirs. The decision variables are the power and nonpower releases for each hydropower plant and the thermal dispatches and exchanges for each subsystem. Some typical applications include (1) monthly planning operation of the system, considering a planning horizon from 3 to 5 years; (2) diagnostic studies about reliability and resilience of existing systems, processing the same system configuration to a set of different hydrological or energy demand scenarios; (3) impact analysis of changes in operational rules and constraints related to multiple uses of water; and (4) planning and evaluation of expansion alternatives. The model can be applied to a complete hydrothermal system or subsets of it, including subsystems, basins, cascades, or a single hydropower plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromuscular diseases encompass a heterogeneous array of disorders characterized by varying onset ages, clinical presentations, severity, and progression. While these conditions can stem from acquired or inherited causes, this review specifically focuses on disorders arising from genetic abnormalities, excluding metabolic conditions. The pathogenic defect may primarily affect the anterior horn cells, the axonal or myelin component of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, or skeletal and/or cardiac muscles. While inherited neuromuscular disorders have been historically deemed not treatable, the advent of gene-based and molecular therapies is reshaping the treatment landscape for this group of condition. With the caveat that many products still fail to translate the positive results obtained in pre-clinical models to humans, both the technological development (e.g., implementation of tissue-specific vectors) as well as advances on the knowledge of pathogenetic mechanisms form a collective foundation for potentially curative approaches to these debilitating conditions. This review delineates the current panorama of therapies targeting the most prevalent forms of inherited neuromuscular diseases, emphasizing approved treatments and those already undergoing human testing, offering insights into the state-of-the-art interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]