Search

Abstract Ocean ecosystems have been subjected to anthropogenic influences for centuries, but the scale of past ecosystem changes is often unknown. For centuries, the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), an ecosystem engineer providing biogenic reef habitats, was a culturally and economically significant source of food and trade. These reef habitats are now functionally extinct, and almost no memory of where or at what scales this ecosystem once existed, or its past form, remains. The described datasets present qualitative and quantitative extracts from written records published between 1524 and 2022. These show: (1) locations of past flat oyster fisheries and/or oyster reef habitat described across its biogeographical range, with associated levels of confidence; (2) reported extent of past oyster reef habitats, and; (3) species associated with these habitats. These datasets will be of use to inform accelerating flat oyster restoration activities, to establish reference models for anchoring adaptive management of restoration action, and in contributing to global efforts to recover records on the hidden history of anthropogenic-driven ocean ecosystem degradation.

In today's global market, the movement of raw materials and goods in the free global market can lead to unintended consequences. One significant concern is the potential presence of contaminants and carcinogens, particularly when products originate from regions with less strict regulations and enforcement. This issue is particularly pertinent in the natural raw materials utilized in the global building materials market, where contamination by asbestos minerals can occur. Therefore, the screening of natural raw materials for asbestos content is crucial to mitigate the risk of exposure to carcinogens for both workers and the general public. In this study, we examine a challenging case involving a smectite–kaolinite clay from Gomsiqe–Puka, Albania, possibly containing mineral fibres. Detection and quantification of asbestos in this material push the boundaries of current experimental methods. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), we identified the presence of asbestos tremolite, along with a rare fibrous variety of diopside. EPMA data allowed the advancement of some speculations on the origin of the observed tremolites, showing that Al-rich tremolites are typical of oceanic settings and Al-poor tremolites are more similar to continental tremolites. We also investigated the impact of milling on the detection and quantification of mineral fibres, testing different milling times. This investigation is crucial as it can influence the classification of the raw material as asbestos-containing material or not. Our findings indicate that tremolite, cleavage fragments, and elongated particles break down into smaller World Health Organization (WHO) fibres with increasing milling times (1–5 min). However, prolonged milling (10 min) leads to overgrinding, resulting in a decrease in the number of counted WHO fibres with a length exceeding 5 µm.

The essay concerns the Vocabolario del romanesco contemporaneo edited by Paolo D'Achille and Claudio Giovanardi (2023). Of this vocabulary, the structure of the headwords, the characteristics of the lemmary and the way in which literary examples have been included are presented. There is also a focus on the presence of neologisms and words that are archaic but still alive in the knowledge of speakers. Particular attention is given to the innovative contribution of the language of young people. The vocabulary includes dialect words, but also words that are used in Rome with a special meaning, different from what they have in standard Italian.

Background: Inclusion of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in oncology clinical trials is strongly recommended. However, selecting the most appropriate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is not easy. This study aimed to develop a breast cancer (BC) specific comprehensive archive of PROMs. Methods: As part of the PRO4All project, we identified available PROMs in oncology by searching facit.org, eortc.org, eprovide.mapi-trust.org, PubMed, ema.europa.eu (European Public Assessment Reports) and published reviews. For this analysis, only BC tools were extracted. We described information about PROM name, type of questionnaire, questionnaire variant(s), recall period, number of items, and presence of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) reference in literature. Then, we assigned each item to a specific domain according to a predefined taxonomy of 38 items for outcome classification. Results: We identified and analyzed 383 PROMs. Of these, 29 were BC specific, but 2 were excluded because the questionnaires description was not available. 6 (22.2 %) were variants of another questionnaire. All questionnaires were self-reported. In 6 cases (22.2 %) the recall period to consider was the “last week”. The mean number of items per questionnaire was 25.81 (range 6–71). 602 items were assigned to an outcome domain: emotional functioning/wellbeing in 26.6 % of cases, physical functioning in 14.1 %, delivery of care in 10.8 %, and general outcomes in 10.5 %. MCID reference was found only in 4 (14.8 %) cases. Conclusions: The newly developed archive represents a useful tool to optimize the use of PROMs in the evaluation of treatments in BC patients, promoting a patient-centered approach both in clinical research and practice.

Background: The study aimed to compare the prognostic importance of the heart rate (HR) and QT—corrected (QTc) according to Fridericia, Framingham, and Bazett with respect to all-cause mortality in a large non-selected population. Methods: The analysis of digital electrocardiograms archived from 2008 to 2022 in the metropolitan area of Modena, Italy, was carried out. The population under study was divided into three groups based on age, and survival analysis was performed. Results: 131,627 patients were enrolled and, during the follow-up (mean 1641.4 days), all-cause mortality was 8.9%. Both HR and QTc were associated with mortality. All-cause mortality significantly increased with HR values greater than 81 BPM and QTc values greater than 440 msec in young subjects and 455 msec in old subjects (values of the 75th percentiles/optimal operating point). A Cox analysis confirmed the better prognostic value of Bazett’s QTc and HR in the whole population and in the three age-groups. Conclusion: Bazett’s method performed better than the others, but, unexpectedly, the HR had the same or an even better correlation with all-cause mortality. Since the HR is simple and readily available, its evaluation should be improved. However, QTC and HR values are difficult to define, causing many confounding factors, and further population studies are required.

Introdução: A doença linfoproliferativa pós transplante (PTLD) consiste na ocorrência precoce ou tardia de linfoma em pacientes imunossuprimidos após o transplante de órgãos sólidos ou medula óssea. Com o aumento do número de transplantes, maior sobrevida dos transplantados e novas medicações imunossupressoras, a doença tem aumentado sua prevalência, tendo muitas vezes desfechos desfavoráveis. Relato do caso: Trata-se de paciente de 14 anos, com transplante renal prévio há 09 anos e em uso de imunossupressão com Tacrolimus e Azatioprina. Evoluiu com comprometimento visual e massas abdominais. Em avaliação complementar com PET SCAN localizados nódulos hepático, subcutâneo torácico, abdominal e pulmonar, além de captações hipermetabólicas em linfonodos cervicais e tonsilas faríngeas. Exame oftalmológico mostrou infiltrado Anatomapatológico de linfonodo abdominal confirmatório e IHQ: doença linfoproliferativa polimórfica originando-se em desregulação/deficiência imune; cd20, pax5, cd30,bcl-2, ebv-lmp. ki67 20,0%. Investigada infecção concomitante pelo Epstein- Barr vírus (EBV), paciente com PCR positivo ao diagnóstico. Inicialmente conduzido pela nefrologia com suspensão da Azatioprina e redução de 50% da dose do Tacrolimus, posteriormente trocado por Sirolimus. Diante de ausência de resposta terapêutica paciente foi encaminhada ao serviço de Hematologia Pediátrica. Conduzida com monoterapia com 4 ciclos semanais de Rituximab, seguido de consolidação com 4 doses de Rituximab com intervalo de 3 semanas entre elas. Mantido Sirolimus em dose mínima durante todo o tratamento, em acompanhamento conjunto com a nefrologia. Obteve resposta completa, Petscan realizado 1 mês após término de consolidação com Rituximab, com resolução também completa de lesões oculares apresentadas ao diagnóstico, em seguimento e sem recaída há 8 meses. Discussão: A PTLD pode ocorrer de maneira precoce ou tardia após transplante de medula óssea ou de órgãos sólidos, destacando- se transplantes hepáticos, cardíacos e pulmonares. Além disso é observada estreita relação com infecção ou reativação de Epstein-Barr vírus (EBV), que em momento de imunossupressão e ineficaz ação dos linfócitos T, gera um microambiente favorável para multiplicação desordenada de Linfócitos B. O tratamento ainda não é claramente estabelecido, encontrando- se na literatura a medida inicial de redução ou retirada dos imunossupressores, pesando o risco de perda do transplante. Na ausência de resposta à redução/suspensão de imunossupressão, é proposto tratamento em monoterapia com Rituximab ou sua associação com quimioterapia sistêmica (RCHOP ou REPOCH). A avaliação da eficácia da associação de antiretrovirais ainda está em estudo para pacientes com PCR para EBV positivo ao diagnóstico. A resposta ao Rituximab é relacionada à expressão de CD20 nas células tumorais. A ressecção cirúrgica está reservada para casos específicos com risco de perfuração ou obstruções. Conclusão: PTLD é uma grave complicação em pacientes pós-transplante que estão em uso de imunossupressores. Com o aumento do número de casos torna-se extremamente relevante o estudo e o conhecimento da doença e de seus tratamentos.

Objetivos: Relatar um caso de tromboses arterial e venosa em paciente com Doença de Kawasaki (DK), evidenciando a importância do acompanhamento de pacientes com tal condição para prevenção de eventos trombóticos. Materiais e métodos: Relato de caso. Resultados: M.C.C.O, sexo feminino, evoluindo com febre por 6 dias, descamação em mãos e pés, hiperemia ocular, erupções cutâneas em áreas de fralda e abdômen, além de leucocitose e plaquetose ao hemograma, diagnosticada com Síndrome de Kawasaki aos 3 meses. Realizado ecocardiograma, com evidência de aneurismas importantes de coronárias direita (15,4 mm) e esquerda (tronco: 7,3 mm, circunflexa: 2,8 mm e descendente anterior: 7,1 mm). Realizada infusão de imunoglobulina em 2 dias, pulsoterapia com metilprednisolona e iniciado Ácido Acetilsalicílico (AAS) em dose de 50 mg/kg/dia. Após novo ecocardiograma e piora de aneurisma, optado por anticoagulação com enoxaparina 1 mg/kg de 12/12h, além de nova antiagregação com clopidogrel 0,2 mg/kg/dia. Recebeu alta hospitalar com anticoagulação, dupla antiagregação, prednisolona 2 mg/kg, porém, após 3 meses, paciente evoluiu com trombose de coronária direita. Mesmo com uso de tais medicações, em doses otimizadas, paciente evoluiu, ainda, aos 8 meses com trombose venosa de veia axilar direita, com resolução após 6 meses, mantendo aneurisma de veia axilar. Discussão: A DK é uma vasculite sistêmica aguda que afeta principalmente crianças menores de cinco anos. Ela é caracterizada por febre persistente, exantema, linfadenopatia cervical, alterações nas extremidades, conjuntivite bilateral não purulenta e alterações orais, como lábios rachados e língua de framboesa. Embora a causa exata da DK permaneça desconhecida, acredita-se que uma combinação de fatores genéticos e ambientais esteja envolvida. A inflamação intensa das artérias de médio calibre, característica da DK, pode predispor os pacientes ao desenvolvimento de trombose. As artérias coronárias são frequentemente afetadas, podendo levar à formação de aneurismas e, consequentemente, a eventos trombóticos coronarianos, o que pode resultar em infarto do miocárdio. Além das complicações arteriais, há relatos de eventos trombóticos venosos em pacientes com DK. A hipercoagulabilidade associada à inflamação sistêmica e às alterações endoteliais pode aumentar o risco de trombose venosa. Casos de Trombose Venosa Profunda (TVP) e embolia pulmonar foram documentados, embora sejam menos comuns do que as complicações arteriais. O manejo da DK geralmente inclui Imunoglobulina Intravenosa (IVIG) e aspirina em altas doses durante a fase aguda para reduzir a inflamação e prevenir a formação de aneurismas coronarianos. No entanto, o uso prolongado de aspirina em doses menores também visa prevenir eventos trombóticos, tanto arteriais quanto venosos. A dupla antiagregação associada à anticoagulação é utilizada em casos de aneurismas gigantes associados à trombose. Conclusão: A Doença de Kawasaki está associada a um risco aumentado de trombose arterial e venosa devido à inflamação intensa e à hipercoagulabilidade. A identificação precoce e o manejo adequado da DK são essenciais para minimizar essas complicações e melhorar os desfechos a longo prazo para os pacientes.

Patients’ self-reporting is increasingly considered essential to measure quality-of-life and treatment-related side-effects. However, if multiple patient-reported instruments are used, redundancy may represent an overload for patients.Patient-Reported Outcomes Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) are a tool allowing direct patients’ reporting of side-effects.We tested psychometric properties of a selected list of PRO-CTCAE items, in a cohort of 303 breast cancer patients, using validated instruments for quality of life assessment as anchors.The analysis of convergent validity with HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and EORTC BR-23 sub-scales, and the analysis of responsiveness with the PGIC (Patients Global Impression of Change) score supported that a selected list of PRO-CTCAE symptoms might represent a standardized, agile tool for both research and practice settings to reduce patient burden without missing relevant information on patient perceptions.Among patients using digital devices, those with a higher education levels required shorter time to fulfil questionnaires.In conclusion, a selected list of PRO-CTCAE items can be considered as a standardized, agile tool for capturing crucial domains of side-effects and quality of life in patients with breast cancer.The study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04416672).

Background: Most premenopausal patients with early breast cancer (eBC) are diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive disease and therefore candidate for adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET). Patients and methods: The Gruppo Italiano Mammella (GIM) 23-POSTER (GIM23) is a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted in 26 Italian institutions, aiming to evaluate ET choices for premenopausal patients affected by hormone receptor-positive eBC in a real-world setting. Here we report also the results in terms of type of ET prescribed according to the definition of high-risk patients by monarchE and NATALEE trials. Results: Between October 2019 and June 2022, 600 premenopausal patients were included, with a median age of 46 years. Almost half (271, 45.2 %) of the patients had stage I disease, while 254 (42.3 %) and 60 (10.0 %) patients had stage II and III, respectively. Overall, 149 (25.1 %) patients received tamoxifen alone, 83 (14.0 %) tamoxifen with ovarian function suppression (OFS), while 361 (60.9 %) received aromatase inhibitor (AI) with OFS. Patients treated with AI and OFS had higher number of metastatic axillary nodes, higher grade and more often received chemotherapy (all p

The effect on confinement loss of thickness variations along the perimeter of the tubes composing the cladding of inhibited-coupling guiding Tube Lattice hollow-core fibers is investigated by using the Azimuthal Fourier Decomposition technique (developed in Part I) for the description of the cladding modal dynamics and their interaction with the fundamental core mode. The results show that the thickness inhomogeneity affects the confinement loss spectrum through confinement loss increase and frequency red- and blue-shift of the high-loss spectral regions. The magnitudes of the confinement loss increase and the high-loss region frequency shift strongly depend on the spatial distribution of the thickness inhomogeneity. The study provides insight into the loss mechanism of non-ideal tube lattice fibers, it allows to quantify the impact of such kind of structural deformations, identifying the route to make fibers more resilient to such fabrication imperfections, and highlighting once again the importance played in inhibited-coupling fibers by the interaction between core modes and the intricate set of cladding modes.

Analizamos aquí un conjunto de narrativas de docentes de escuela secundaria durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la Argentina. Los resultados muestran la transformación de su práctica ante la virtualidad forzada y la pérdida de la materialidad de la escuela. La institución aparece así como el lugar de “lo común” y de fortalecimiento de los vínculos en un contexto de incertidumbre.

Abstract Nowadays, treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been enriched with novel therapeutical strategies. Metronomic chemotherapy (mCHT) is a continuous and frequent administration of chemotherapy at a lower dose and so whit less toxicity. Thus, this strategy could be attractive for elderly MBC patients. Aim of this analysis is to provide insights into mCHT’s activity in a real-life setting of elderly MBC patients. Data of patients ≥ 75 years old included in VICTOR-6 study were analyzed. VICTOR-6 is a multicentre, Italian, retrospective study, which collected data on mCHT in MBC patients treated between 2011 and 2016. A total of 112 patients were included. At the beginning of mCHT, median age was 81 years (75–98) and in 33% of the patients mCHT was the first line choice. Overall Response Rate (ORR) and Disease Control Rate (DCR) were 27.9% and 79.3%, respectively. Median PFS ranged between 7.6 and 9.1 months, OS between 14.1 and 18.5 months. The most relevant toxicity was the hematological one (24.1%); severe toxicity (grade 3–4) ranged from 0.9% for skin toxicity up to 8% for hematologic one. This is a large study about mCHT in elderly MBC patients, providing insights to be further investigated in this subgroup of frail patients.

Four mortar samples were collected from a submerged Roman well-cistern (1st c. CE) in the Northern part of the Lagoon of Venice, recently investigated during underwater surveys promoted by the team of maritime archaeology of the University Ca' Foscari of Venice. Samples were preliminary described following a standardized protocol of analytical techniques, including Polarized Light Optical Microscopy (PLM), Quantitative Phase Analysis-X-Ray Powder Diffraction (QPA-XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Archaeometric analyses allowed the samples to be identified as lime-based mortars enriched with ceramic fragments and sand-sized particles compatible with local alluvial deposits. Moreover, pyroclastic aggregates, inconsistent with the local geology, were added to the mortars as natural pozzolans, strongly reacted with the lime binder. Their provenance was determined through geochemical analysis by using SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) and LA-ICP-MS (Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry). The analysis targeted the inner regions of certain coarse clasts (having a grain-size ranging from approximately 450 μm to 2-3 mm), where fresh volcanic glass, unaltered by reactions, was still preserved, allowing the original geochemistry of the clasts to be delineated. The resulting fingerprints were then compared with the geochemical distribution of the pyroclastic products of the major Italian Plio-Quaternary magmatic districts. The lithological source of the analysed tephra appears to be petrochemically congruent with the Phlegraean Fields volcanic district. However, most of the volcanic clasts, especially the finer ones (< 450 μm) and shards, showed significant alteration as a result of pozzolanic reactions with the binder. The strongly alkaline anoxic underwater environment of the Venetian lagoon likely fostered the reaction kinetics, as the matrices showed a relevant development of M-A-S-H hydrates replacing the pristine Ca-bearing phases of the binder. On the other hand, the carbonation of the lime was almost null. The uniform mixture of local sands, ceramic fragments, and imported volcanic rocks, combined with brackish water, appears to have fostered pozzolanic and para-pozzolanic reactions in underwater conditions. This evidence shows, once again, how Vitruvius' recommendations on the use of Phlegraean pozzolans (Vitr. De Arch. 5.12.2) to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of seawater concretes were firmly rooted in the advanced engineering knowledge of the ancient world.

This article focuses on measuring the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the peace and security agenda, taking stock of recent initiatives and progress in this area. While there is a keen awareness of the fact that AI can be weaponized to become a tool of power politics and military competition, there is comparatively less systematic attention paid to what technology can do for peace. While it is important to address risk mitigation, equal space should be given to thinking about how to harness the peace potential of AI on a large scale. This study follows a series of publications that aim to assess the impact of technological innovation on peace, also referred to as PeaceTech, Global PeaceTech, peace innovation, or digital peacebuilding. The first section provides an overview of the debate on the impact of AI on peace and conflict. The second section examines conceptual frameworks and measures of the impact of AI on peace and conflict. The third section looks at the risks to peace and conflict posed by the use of AI and possible governance measures to mitigate them. The fourth section provides examples of AI-enabled initiatives that are having a positive impact on peace, providing a compass for public and private investment. The conclusion offers policy recommendations to advance the AI for peace agenda.

This paper critically reflects on the researcher’s effort to stimulate public engagement around the themes of inclusivity and sustainable tourism through arts-based approaches. This effort resulted in a music show on mobilities, tourism and cultural diversities performed at the IT.A.CÀ festival in Bologna[1]. Here, a songwriting-based celebration of values such as openness and inclusivity was coupled with an attempt to share with a wider audience what are the main challenges of researchers working on sustainable tourism development, thus promoting dialogue and exchange of ideas. Presenting the main obstacles and opportunities encountered, the paper performs a critical evaluation of the intervention with the aim to improve future music-based contribution to the festival I.TA.CÀ and other public engagement occasions. [1] A sample of the show can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNnwzONhsPE

The concept of mentalized affectivity (MA) encompasses the dimensions of identifying, processing, and expressing emotions and describes the process of making sense of and reevaluating one’s affects in light of autobiographical memory. This construct was developed within the theoretical framework of mentalization and, due to its interpersonal nature, added further complexity to the emotion regulation construct. This research aimed to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Brief-Mentalized Affectivity Scale for adolescents (B-MAS-A) on an Italian sample of young people (aged 13-19 years). Data were collected using non-probabilistic sampling and an online survey. Participants were asked to complete a large battery of instruments, including the B-MAS-A, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. In study 1, factor analyses carried out on a total sample of 566 adolescents identified 3 distinct dimensions of the same components of MA found in the adult population: i) identifying; ii) processing; iii) expressing emotions. The subscales showed excellent internal consistency. Study 2 (involving a subsample of 288 participants) demonstrated good levels of construct and criterion validity. These results confirm that the B-MAS-A represents a valid and robust instrument for assessing the complex and multifaceted characteristics of MA in adolescents. The B-MAS-A can make a significant contribution to clinical practice and research and encourage systematic studies on MA in psychotherapy, taking into account the developmental stage of adolescence.

The hard anodizing treatments of cast Al-Si alloys are notoriously difficult. Indeed, their microstructural features hinder the growth of a uniform, compact, and defect-free anodic oxide. In this paper, AlSi10Mg samples, produced via Gravity Casting (GC) and Additive Manufacturing, i.e., Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), were hard anodized in a sulfuric acid bath, in order to verify how the particular microstructure obtained via L-PBF affects the thickness, hardness, compactness, and defectiveness of the anodic oxide. Moreover, for the first time, Pulsed Direct Current (PDC) procedures were used to perform the hard anodizing treatments on additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy. Several combinations of temperature and electrical parameters, i.e., current density, frequency, and Duty Cycle, were tested. The anodized samples were characterized through optical microscopy analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, and accelerated corrosion tests, i.e., Potentiodynamic Polarization (POL) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The PDC procedures allowed improvement of the compromise between evenness, compactness, and defectiveness. Among the attempted PDC procedures, a specific combination of electrical parameters and temperature allowed the best results to be obtained, i.e., the highest hardness and the lowest volumetric expansion values without compromising the oxide quality rating and the corrosion resistance behavior. However, none of the attempted PCD strategies allowed the hardness values obtained on samples produced via GC to be reached.

Abstract The paper reports the results of the analyses on mortar-based materials from the Roman theatre of Aquileia (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Northern Italy), recently dated between the mid-1st Century BCE and the mid-1st Century CE. Samples were characterized by Polarized Light Microscopy on thin sections (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) and Quantitative Phase Analysis by X-Ray Powder Diffraction (QPA-XRPD). Pyroclastic aggregates (mainly pumices and scattered tuffs), incompatible with the regional geology, were found in two samples from the preparation layers of the ground floor of the building. Their provenance was determined by means of QPA-XRPD, SEM–EDS, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Laser-Ablation Inductively-Coupled-Plasma Mass-Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Mineralogical and geochemical analyses demonstrated their provenance from the Bay of Naples, thus recognizing them as pulvis puteolana, a type of pozzolanic aggregate outcropping around the modern town of Pozzuoli and prescribed by Vitruvius (De Architectura, 2.6.1) in mortar-based materials to strengthen masonries and produce hydraulic concrete for harbor piers. This evidence represents the oldest analytically-established case of pulvis puteolana exploitation in Northern Italy up to now, and an early use of the material out of Campania adapted for civil constructions in a non-strictly maritime-related environment. Indeed, the theatre was built in the low-lying Aquileia’s deltaic plain, prone to water infiltrations that are typical in lagoon-like environments. The data highlight the craftsmen’s resilience in adapting and reinterpreting the traditional use of the Neapolitan volcanic materials to deal with the geomorphological challenges of Aquileia’s lowland.

In all fiber optics, loss in the visible and UV is restricted by scattering. By improving the core roughness of hollow-core fibers, record attenuation values at short-wavelengths were achieved, opening exciting prospects in visible and UV-photonics.

This paper analyzes selected passages of the DPCM (Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers) from the 3rd December 2020 and highlights its linguistic difficulty and communicative ineffectiveness. It then offers suggestions for its rewriting by employing the principles of clarity and communicative essentiality, from which useful teaching practices can be derived.

Abstract Popular current methods for quantifying variation in biological shape are well‐suited to analyses of isolated parts (e.g. the same bone from the skeletons of many individuals). An analytical challenge exists for quantifying variation between the shapes of multiple‐part objects where each part has a different position, rotation or scale (e.g. partial or whole articulated skeletons). We investigated regularised consensus principal component analysis (RCPCA) as a multiblock method for quantifying variation in the shape of multiple‐part objects. Multiblock methods are routinely used in other big data research fields such as bioinformatics/medicine, marketing and food research, but have not been widely embraced for evolutionary biology research. We have created the new package morphoBlocks for the r programming language to make RCPCA more accessible for shape evolution research. morphoBlocks provides a complete workflow for formatting, analysing and visualising the variation between multiple‐part objects by integrating functions from a diverse range of other packages. In particular, global components produced by RCPCA provide a consensus space that we present here as a morphospace for multiple‐part objects. morphoBlocks is demonstrated with a case study of manually placed landmarks and automatically placed pseudolandmarks from the partial wing skeletons of 15 extant penguin species and five fossil penguin species. Our case study provides quantitative support for a historical hypothesis about the magnitude and mode of morphological change across the evolutionary history of penguins. RCPCA can be used to analyse two‐ or three‐dimensional datasets with 10s of landmarks, or 100s to 1,000s of semilandmarks or pseudolandmarks, from 10s to 100s of specimens comprised of two or more parts. We use morphoBlocks on a small three‐bone case study and provide a framework for applying this method to much larger studies investigating the ecological or evolutionary significance of multiple‐part objects.

Objetivos: Analisar e quantificar os pacientes com deficiência de G6PD acompanhados em serviço, sua sintomatologia, diagnóstico e complicações. Material e métodos: Realizada busca em prontuário eletrônico dos pacientes atendidos em um consultório particular de abril de 2022 a junho de 2023 com diagnóstico de deficiência de G6PD e feita análise clínica dos dados. Resultados: Foram encontrados 30 pacientes com deficiência de G6PD no período relatado. Dentre eles, 29 pacientes do sexo masculino e 1 paciente do sexo feminino. 28 dos 30 pacientes procuraram atendimento com Hematologia Pediátrica devido à alteração em teste do pezinho ampliado, realizados em rede privada. Os outros 2 realizaram o teste de dosagem enzimática devido à presença de icterícia prolongada. A única sintomatologia relatada foi icterícia com necessidade de fototerapia no período neonatal, apresentada em 40% dos pacientes. Nenhum paciente apresentou anemia hemolítica no período neonatal e posteriormente. 86% dos pacientes realizaram o teste fluorimétrico, evidenciando a deficiência de G6PD. Apenas 2 pacientes realizaram análise molecular – 1 pelo teste da bochechinha (Mutação C2926A) e outro por análise genética (Mutação G202A + G376G). Discussão: A G6PD é uma enzima que, no glóbulo vermelho, é a única via para a produção de Nicotinamida Adenina Dinucleotídeo Fosfato Reduzida (NADPH), necessária para manter a glutationa no estado reduzido. Nos eritrocitos deficientes de G6PD, a redução da conversão do NADP em NADPH leva a um baixo potencial redutor, podendo gerar crises hemoliticas de intensidade variável. A deficiência de G6PD afeta cerca de 400 milhões de pessoas, em todos os grupos raciais. O gene que codifica a G6PD está localizado no cromossomo X, de modo que a deficiência é mais comum no sexo masculino, assim como encontrado na revisão dos casos. A maioria dos indivíduos com deficiência de G6PD não apresenta sintomas e a condição permanece não detectada até que sejam expostos a um gatilho hemolítico exógeno, como infecções bacterianas, virais, ingestão de favas ou drogas. Uma das complicações mais significativas da deficiência de G6PD é a icterícia neonatal, com pico 2 a 3 dias após o nascimento. Dentro dos pacientes analisados, o único sinal da deficiência de G6PD apresentado foi a icterícia neonatal, presente em 40% dos pacientes, sendo precoce (< 24h) em apenas um caso e prolongada em apenas 2 pacientes, os quais tiveram diagnóstico da deficiência por investigação clínica após essa sintomatologia. A maioria dos pacientes realizou prova de detecção pelo método de fluorescência, mas apenas dois pacientes realizaram prova confirmatória genética. Nenhum paciente teve anemia hemolítica, o que é compatível com a prevalência da classe III, variante mais comum, em que a deficiência é moderada e a hemólise é causada apenas em situações de risco. Conclusão: A triagem neonatal universal para deficiência de G6PD ainda não é recomendada no Brasil, mas o teste do pezinho ampliado em rede privada tem sido cada vez mais adotado, com aumento dos casos detectados desta deficiência. Os pacientes analisados apresentaram pouca ou nenhuma sintomatologia durante o seguimento clínico, sendo questionado, portanto, a importância clínica deste diagnóstico na triagem neonatal, uma vez que gera, muitas vezes, apreensão familiar e restrições desnecessárias.

Objetivos: Ressaltar a raridade da condição e a ocorrência de mielodisplasia cútis em crianças. Materiais e métodos: Relato de caso. Resultados: Paciente masculino, 13 anos, em acompanhamento com hematologia devido à plaquetopenia crônica. Realizado mielograma e imunofenotipagem indicando distúrbio de maturação das séries granulocítica, monocítica e eritrocítica em > 10% das células e presença de 0,6% de blastos. Cariótipo alterado em cromossomos 3, 11 e 21. Realizado diagnóstico de SMD com cariótipo complexo sem infiltração medular. Indicado tratamento com Transplante de Medula Óssea (TMO). Em consulta pré-TMO, indicada internação devido hemorragia conjuntival e febre associadas a lesões de pele pápulo-nodulares de coloração vermelho-violáceo em membros superiores, inferiores e dorso de início há um mês, sem melhora com anti-histamínico e corticoide tópico. Em biópsia de pele, foram indicadas alterações compatíveis com Síndrome Sweet/ mielodisplasia cútis (MPO+/CD68+/CD34-/CD117-); leucemização descartada após nova avaliação de medula óssea. Durante internação, iniciado ciclo de Azacitidina, com boa resposta ao tratamento resultando na melhora das lesões. Hoje paciente em programação para realização de TMO. Discussão: A SMD é uma desordem das células hematopoiéticas, caracterizada por citopenias, hematopoiese ineficaz e risco de transformação leucêmica. Em crianças, é uma condição rara com incidência aproximada de 1 para um milhão por ano e representa cerca de 4% das doenças malignas hematológicas. Para diagnóstico são necessários pelo menos dois dos três critérios: citopenia inexplicada refratária (neutropenia, trombocitopenia ou anemia); mielodisplasia em duas ou mais linhagens celulares ou superior a 10% em linhagem única; anormalidade clonal hematopoiética/genética; elevação do número de blastos acima de 5% na medula óssea ou 2% no sangue periférico. A classificação pediátrica divide-se em três categorias principais: Citopenia Refratária das Crianças – RCC (< 2% de blastos no sangue periférico e < 5% na medula óssea); anemia refratária com excesso de blastos-AREB (2%‒19% de blastos no sangue periférico ou 5%‒19% de blastos na medula óssea); e AREB em transformação ‒ AREB-t (≥ 20%‒29% de blastos no sangue periférico ou medula óssea). O achado citogenético mais comum na população pediátrica é a monossomia 7. Cariótipo complexo (≥ 3 alterações cromossômicas, incluindo pelo menos uma aberração estrutural) é raro e é o fator prognóstico independente mais importante para pior evolução. Considerando-se que as crianças portadoras de SMD têm alta mortalidade devido aos efeitos da citopenia ou da evolução clonal para Leucemia Mieloide Aguda (LMA), o TMO alogênico é indicado como tratamento curativo. Na sua impossibilidade, o agente hipometilante Azacitidina tem mostrado algum benefício. A manifestação cutânea é incomum e consiste na infiltração da pele por células granulocíticas. Clinicamente, observam-se massas tumorais ou múltiplas lesões disseminadas, pápulo-nodulares, de crescimento rápido, firmes e vermelho-violáceas. Lesões desenvolvem-se geralmente em ossos, periósteo, tecidos moles, linfonodos e pele. A histologia com imunohistoquímica e a imunoperoxidase são fundamentais para o diagnóstico de infiltração secundária. Conclusão: Devido a raridade da SMD infantil, principalmente com apresentação cutânea, a documentação desse caso se torna importante para contribuição diagnóstica e de elucidação fisiopatológica e terapêutica.

Objetivos: Relatar o caso clínico de paciente com linfoma da zona cinzenta com características intermediárias entre Linfoma de Hodgkin Clássico esclerose nodular (LHC) e Linfoma Difuso de Grandes Células B (LDGC). Material e métodos: Relato de caso. Resultados: K.V.M. feminino, 14 anos, procedente do Pará, iniciou com febre, cefaleia, náuseas, sudorese noturna, hiporexia em agosto de 2021, dor torácica e perda de 6 kg em 2 meses. Tomografia computadorizada evidenciou massa mediastinal que foi biopsiada. Resultado Imunohistoquímico (CD30+ CD15+ PAX+ CD3- CD20-): Linfoma de Hodgkin clássico, subtipo esclerose nodular. Na primeira linha de tratamento utilizou o protocolo (OEPA-2×) + (COPDAC-4×). Alcançou remissão parcial confirmada por PET-CT quando administrada a segunda linha com Brentuximabe + Bendamustina. Em resposta parcial, após o quinto ciclo, foi encaminhada para o serviço de transplante de medula óssea do Hosp.Oncobio/Oncoclinicas ‒ Belo Horizonte. Após condicionamento com esquema BEAM, a infusão de células tronco periférica autólogo ocorreu em 05/12/2022. Em janeiro/23 apresentou nodulação na mama direita. Repetiu o PET-CT que evidenciou reativação da doença. Evoluiu com febre, derrame pleural. Transferida para o CTI em ventilação mecânica e realizada nova biópsia. Diante da gravidade do quadro e baseada na hipótese de refratariedade do linfoma de Hodgkin, fez uma dose de Pembrolizumabe antes da liberação do resultado da biopsia, cuja resposta clínica e radiológica foi satisfatória. Modificado esquema terapêutico para R-ICE após o resultado da biopsia mediastinal liberado em 14/02/2023 (CD20+CD30+ EBV+ PAX5- CD3- CKAE1/AE3- ALC-OCT3/4-): Linfoma da Zona Cinzenta (LZC) com características intermediárias entre linfoma de Hodgkin clássico esclerose nodular e linfoma difuso de grandes células B. Realizou novo PET CT após o segundo ciclo de R-ICE, cujo resultado foi satisfatório com poucas áreas de hipercaptação evidenciando resposta parcial. Paciente encontra-se clinicamente bem, aguardando a realização de novo PET-CT após o quarto ciclo de R-ICE. A continuidade do tratamento será com radioterapia e transplante de medula óssea alogênico. Discussão: LZC foi apresentado em 1998 e incorporado na classificação WHO2008 como linfoma B não classificado com características intermediarias entre LDGC e LHC. Tanto o diagnóstico quanto a terapêutica são desafiadores até os dias atuais. Afeta mais comumente adultos jovens, mas pode também ser diagnosticado em crianças. O mediastino anterior é o sítio mais comum e ocasionalmente pode ser sistêmica sem acometimento mediastinal. Pacientes com LZC tem alta taxa de recaída. O tratamento de primeira linha pode ser com R-CHOP ou EPOCH-R. Na doença refratária ou em recaída está indicado o transplante de medula óssea, radioterapia, brentuximabe, imunoterapias e terapias celulares. Conclusão: Este relato ilustra a dificuldade diagnóstica e da decisão terapêutica descrita na literatura e reafirma o quanto é necessária a integração entre a equipe clínica e laboratorial para o diagnóstico de certeza.

Background: Conventional therapies (CTs), pharmacological (PH) and non–pharmacological (NPH), do not always achieve benefits in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). We assessed efficacy and safety of acupuncture for CLBP as alternative or addition to CT. Methods: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture alone or in combination with CT to CT. We searched Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase up to May 2022. We assessed risk of bias with the original Cochrane tool and GRADE certainty of evidence. Results were pooled through meta-analysis. Results: Ten RCTs (2122 participants) were included comparing acupuncture versus CT and 4 RCTs (374 participants) were comparing acupuncture plus CT to CT alone. In terms of comparing acupuncture with NPH or PH, no differences were found for pain and disability. Comparing acupuncture with PH and NPH combined, pain and disability were reduced (SMD=-0.50, 95% CI -0.62 to -0.37; SMD=-0.71, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.24). Comparing acupuncture plus NPH with NPH alone, pain and disability were reduced (SMD=-0.70, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.46; SMD=-0.95, 95% CI -1.36 to -0.54). Comparing acupuncture plus PH with PH alone, pain and disability were reduced (MD=-0.21, 95% CI -433.28 to -10.42; MD=-3.1, 95% CI -4.87 to -1.83). Comparing acupuncture plus combined treatment versus combined treatment alone, no differences were found in pain, while disability was reduced (MD=-3.40 95% CI -5.17 to -1.63). No studies assessed adverse event. Certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Conclusions: We are uncertain whether acupuncture is more effective and safer than CT. In the comparisons without estimates’ imprecision, acupuncture showed promising results. Acupuncture could be an option based on patients’ preferences.

ABSTRACT Introduction: this paper aims to evaluate the main direct and indirect costs of the first laparotomies and laparoscopies in bariatric surgeries with a clinical-economical retrospective and cross-sectional analysis from 2017 to 2020 at a hospital with specialties besides the basic ones in southern Brazil. Methods: the study sample included 26 participants. The first 13 laparotomies, and the first 13 laparoscopies performed at the bariatric surgery service of the institution were evaluated. The values evaluated in such comparison analyzed the costs of operation and hospitalization. It is important to highlight that, in addition to the cost benefit, other costs take significance in the health area, such as: cost-utility, cost-effectiveness and cost-minimization, in addition to the cost-opportunity that is reassessed in the observation of the broad context associating all the values raised here. The software used for data analysis was Excel version® 365. The economic analysis was performed evidencing the profile of the patients and the direct and indirect costs involved in each segmentation. Results: the direct and indirect costs of videolaparoscopy amounted to BRL 10,108.10 and laparoscopy to the amount of BRL 12,568.14. Conclusion: it was concluded that laparoscopy presents more savings in the aspects of all health valuations to the detriment of laparotomy. It was concluded that the videolaparoscopy presents more savings in the aspects of all health valuations than the laparotomy.

The endometrium is fundamentally required for successful pregnancy in ruminants and species where the posthatching conceptus undergoes a protracted elongation and peri-implantation phase of pregnancy. Moreover, there are substantial waves of pregnancy loss during this pre- and peri-implantation period of pregnancy the precise source of which has not been clearly defined i.e., the maternal uterine contribution to this loss. Understanding the molecular interactions required for successful pregnancy in cattle will allow us to intervene to support pregnancy success during this vulnerable window. The endometrium contributes to most key developmental milestones of pregnancy establishment, including (1) contributing to the regulation of the oestrus cycle, (2) nourishing the preimplantation conceptus, (3) responding to the conceptus to create a more receptive microenvironment, (4) providing essential biophysical support, and (5) signalling and producing factors which affect the mother systemically. This review will summarise what we currently know about conceptus-maternal interactions as well as identify the gaps in our knowledge that could be filled with newer in vitro model approaches. These include the use of microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip devices, and bioinformatic approaches. This will help maximise food production efficiency (both meat and dairy) and decrease the environmental burden, while enhancing our understanding of the fundamental processes required for successful implantation in cattle.

Acquisition of developmental competence is a complex process in which many cell types cooperate to support oocyte maturation, fertilisation, and preimplantation embryonic development. In recent years, compelling evidence has shown that Progesterone Receptor Membra Component 1 (PGRMC1) is expressed in many cell types of the mammalian reproductive system where it exerts diverse functions. In the ovary, PGRMC1 affects follicular growth by controlling cell viability and proliferation of granulosa cells. PGRMC1 has also a direct role in promoting a proper completion of bovine oocyte maturation, as altering its function leads to defective chromosome segregation and polar body extrusion. Strikingly, the mechanism by which PGRMC1 controls mitotic and meiotic cell division seems to be conserved, involving an association with the spindle apparatus and the chromosomal passenger complex through Aurora kinase B. Conclusive data on a possible role of PGRMC1 in the preimplantation embryo are lacking and further research is needed to test whether the mechanisms that are set in place in mitotic cells also govern blastomere cleavage and subsequent differentiation. Finally, PGRMC1 is also expressed in oviductal cells and, as such, it might also impact fertilisation and early embryonic development, although this issue is completely unexplored. However, the study of PGRMC1 function in the mammalian reproductive system remains a complex matter, due to its pleiotropic function.

In recent years, the interest in multifunctional façade (MF) technology has increased significantly. Recent advances in the integration of active and passive technologies have led to a new concept of building skins with highly flexible and decentralized control. Such an approach is considered capable of tackling environmental challenges and enhancing indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Integrated HVAC systems, dynamic blinds, and renewable energy systems can drastically increase façade responsiveness and efficiency. Although the technical feasibility of active and MF technology has already been demonstrated, market applications are still limited. The goal of this paper is to define the state of the art of MFs and clarify how the integration of IoT technologies, supported by AI, can increase market interest by fully exploiting the value of these systems. Indeed, recent advances in the IoT and data analysis tools are opening up attractive scenarios in optimization process. Starting with an overview of the most interesting EU-funded projects, this paper presents a MF case study in which IoT infrastructures are fully integrated. The prototype, realized within the MEZeroE Horizon project, stimulates a debate on future trajectories (and gaps) for the marketability of MF.

This research investigates the difference between products obtained through two hydrothermal carbonization treatments. Our aim is to synthesize metal-free, carbon-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to serve as efficient and cost-effective alternatives to platinum-based catalysts. Catalysts synthesized using the traditional hydrothermal approach exhibit a higher electrocatalytic activity for ORR in alkaline media, despite their more energy-intensive production process. The superior performance is attributed to differences in the particle morphology and the chemical composition of the particle surfaces. The presence of functional groups on the surfaces of catalysts obtained via a traditional approach significantly enhances ORR activity by facilitating deprotonation reactions in an alkaline environment. Our research aims to provide a reference for future investigations, shifting the focus to the fine-tuning of surface chemical compositions and morphologies of metal-free catalysts to enhance ORR activity.

We describe a new species of extinct duck, Miotadorna catrionae sp. nov. (Anatidae, Tadornini, Tadorninae), based on a right humerus from the Miocene lacustrine deposits of St Bathans, Otago, New Zealand. Principal component analysis reveals that the new taxon is distinguished by its large size and relative proportions. This is the eighth and largest species of duck described from the St Bathans fossil assemblage and further underscores the global importance of this site for understanding anatid evolution.

We report the synthesis and characterization, in low polarity solvents, of a novel class of diametric phosphine gold(I) cavitands characterized by a 1,2,3-alternate geometry. Preliminary catalytic studies were performed on a model cycloisomerization of 1,6-enynes as a function of the relative orientation of the bonded gold(I) nuclei with respect to the macrocyclic cavity.

ObjectiveStarting from May 2022, a growing number of monkeypox cases have been identified in several countries in Europe and the United States. To date, information on social reaction to the news circulating about monkeypox is limited. Assessing psychological and social elements related to the tendency to misinterpret monkeypox information is urgent and useful in setting up tailored education and prevention programs for specific populations. The present study aims to explore the association of selected psychological and social variables to monkeypox attitudes as fake news.MethodsThree hundred and thirty-three participants (212 women, 110 men, and 11 other genders) from the general Italian population completed nine self-report measures.ResultsResults showed that people that were more likely to believe that monkeypox was a hoax were: older, heterosexual, politically conservative, and more religious. Moreoverm they were more likely to show more negative attitudes toward gay men, higher levels of sexual moralism, less knowledge and fear about monkeypox, no previous infections of COVID-19, lower number of COVID-19 vaccine doses, and being closer to no-vax theories. On the psychological side, participants that were more likely to believe that the monkeypox was a hoax were associated with lower levels of epistemic trust and order traits, with higher levels of epistemic mistrust, close-mindedness, and ability to process emotions. A full mediation model which explores the relationships between the main variables related to fake news attitudes toward monkeypox was tested, reporting good fit indices.ConclusionResults from the current study could be helpful to improve the effectiveness of health communication, design targeted education, and support people to engage in healthier behaviors.

This paper deals with the geological mapping of the late-Variscan Sàrrabus pluton, (south-eastern Sardinia), a shallow multiple and composite igneous complex dominated by several generations of granodiorites, metaluminous and peraluminous granites and repeated pulses of mantle-derived mafic magmas. The map has been compiled based on geological surveys at 1:10,000 and 1:5,000 scales, assisted by in situ gamma-ray spectrometry and detailed petrographic investigations. Granite-related ore deposits have been also reported. The emplacement age of the pluton can be constrained by U/Pb dating on zircons of Cala Regina granodiorite, yielding an age of 286 ± 9 Ma. The resulting scenario documents a bimodal magmatism controlled by an EW trending shear zone, followed by the shallower emplacement of several pulses of independent granite magmas.

The construct of epistemic trust has received much consideration in recent psychological literature, even though mainly from a theoretical perspective. The overall aim of this study was to validate the first self-report measure of epistemic trust-the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ)-in an Italian sample. Our primary goal was to test the factorial validity of the instrument, also exploring the influence of age, gender, and level of education on epistemic trust (Study 1, n = 843). Secondarily, we investigated the associations between epistemic trust, mistrust, credulity, and other aspects of psychological functioning, as well as with the presence of adverse childhood experiences in a smaller number of participants (Study 2, n = 445). Besides the ETMCQ, the survey included an ad hoc questionnaire investigating socio-demographic characteristics and self-report measures of reflective functioning, mentalized affectivity, traumatic experiences, attachment, and psychological symptoms. Statistical analysis showed a three-factor hierarchical structure similar to the model proposed in the original validation, with some differences that suggest an influence of cultural factors in determining individuals' epistemic stance. Our results corroborate previous theoretical contributions regarding the association between epistemic trust and psychological wellbeing, and between epistemic disruptions and higher levels of psychological suffering. Both Mistrust and Credulity were significantly related to the presence of childhood traumatic experiences, attachment avoidance and anxiety, lower levels of mentalization, lower abilities in emotional regulation, and higher levels of psychopathological symptoms. The ETMCQ represents an easily administered and time-effective tool. Its use could pave the way for interesting clinical and theoretical findings.

The construct of epistemic trust has received much consideration in recent psychological literature, even though mainly from a theoretical perspective. The overall aim of this study was to validate the first self-report measure of epistemic trust–the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ)–in an Italian sample. Our primary goal was to test the factorial validity of the instrument, also exploring the influence of age, gender, and level of education on epistemic trust (Study 1, n = 843). Secondarily, we investigated the associations between epistemic trust, mistrust, credulity, and other aspects of psychological functioning, as well as with the presence of adverse childhood experiences in a smaller number of participants (Study 2, n = 445). Besides the ETMCQ, the survey included an ad hoc questionnaire investigating socio-demographic characteristics and self-report measures of reflective functioning, mentalized affectivity, traumatic experiences, attachment, and psychological symptoms. Statistical analysis showed a three-factor hierarchical structure similar to the model proposed in the original validation, with some differences that suggest an influence of cultural factors in determining individuals’ epistemic stance. Our results corroborate previous theoretical contributions regarding the association between epistemic trust and psychological wellbeing, and between epistemic disruptions and higher levels of psychological suffering. Both Mistrust and Credulity were significantly related to the presence of childhood traumatic experiences, attachment avoidance and anxiety, lower levels of mentalization, lower abilities in emotional regulation, and higher levels of psychopathological symptoms. The ETMCQ represents an easily administered and time-effective tool. Its use could pave the way for interesting clinical and theoretical findings.

Being within a geographical area, EU-27, which imports a large proportion of the fish products consumed annually from abroad, Italy finds itself in a particularly critical situation; domestic production from fishing and aquaculture on the whole accounts for only 20% of consumption and even less in the case of crustaceans and cephalopods. Despite its strong dependence on foreign countries, per capita consumption is quite high, at 31 kg/y in recent times; furthermore, among the imports from abroad there is a large number of species (or their families) mostly obtained through fishing. A wiser exploitation of national fishing resources, a greater development of domestic aquaculture and consumption patterns relying less on wild fish and shellfish are desirable.

Objectives: To highlight the prevalence of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas in the olfactory cleft of patients with nasal polyposis. To demonstrate characteristics indicative of hamartoma on the CT scans of paranasal sinuses during surgery and in histopathological exams. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG and Núcleo de Otorrino BH. We performed 114 nasal endoscopic surgeries for polyposis, between February 2015 and November 2019. We assessed the olfactory cleft width in all preoperative CT scans. Upon seeing an indication of hamartoma on the CT scan, we took a tissue sample from the olfactory cleft during the surgery and sent for histopathological exam. We referred the samples to a pathologist experienced in the anatomopathological diagnosis of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas. Results: Of the 114 patients with polyposis, 54 (47.4%) had olfactory cleft enlargement and, 100% of them had tissue with a dense and hardened polypoid aspect, with a slight cerebriform appearance in this region during the surgery. Histology confirmed a respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma. Conclusion: This observation suggests that the presence of hamartomas in polyposis is common, but underdiagnosed. Level of evidence: Step 3 (Level 3).

Acne vulgaris was one of several diseases whose progression was significantly influenced psychologically by the rapid and protracted alteration of daily routines that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for specific populations like adolescents. In order to assess their psychological impact and the relationship with the progression of acne vulgaris, this study aims to examine the quality of life, stress, anxiety, and depression of acne patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and their care. This observational, multicenter investigation was carried out in five dermatology clinics in Italy. Data were obtained via a remote telephone interview using questionnaires that were approved by a group of dermatologists and psychiatrists. Evaluations included demographic information, treatment status, disease progression, dietary habits, and employment activities. Some 178 acne vulgaris patients in various stages of systemic or topical medication were included in the study: 47 of 178 (26.4%) patients showed high scores on the HADS anxiety subscale, and 41 of 178 (23%) patients showed high scores on the HADS depression subscale. The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was used to measure resilience; 70 patients out of 178 (or 39.3%) showed low resilience (range: 1.00–2.99). In 32 out of 178 patients with PSS, high levels of stress were discovered (18%). Some 50 out of 178 patients experienced alterations in their way of life, including increased acne-related symptoms of relationship humiliation and constraints on everyday activities. Some 52 out of 178 patients (29.2%) said that they felt their condition had gotten worse over the study period. Our findings revealed a potential link between the exacerbation of acne and high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as an elevated sense of stress and low or moderate levels of adaptability and resilience.

Butein (BU) and homobutein (HB) are bioactive polyhydroxylated chalcones widespread in dietary plants, whose antioxidant properties require mechanistic definition. They were investigated by inhibited autoxidation kinetic studies of methyl linoleate in Triton™ X-100 micelles at pH 7.4, 37 °C. Butein had kinh = (3.0 ± 0.9) × 104 M−1s−1 showing a chain-breaking mechanism with higher antioxidant activity than reference α-tocopherol (kinh = (2.2 ± 0.6) × 104 M−1s−1), particularly concerning the stoichiometry or peroxyl radical trapping n = 3.7 ± 1.1 vs. 2.0 for tocopherol. Homobutein had kinh = (2.8 ± 0.9) × 103 M−1s−1, pairing the relative BDEOH measured by radical equilibration EPR as 78.4 ± 0.2 kcal/mol for BU and estimated as 82.6 kcal/mol for HB. The inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase (mTYR) by HB and BU was also investigated. BU gives a reversible uncompetitive inhibition of monophenolase reaction with KI′ = 9.95 ± 2.69 µM and mixed-type diphenolase inhibition with KI = 3.30 ± 0.75 µM and KI′ = 18.75 ± 5.15 µM, while HB was nearly competitive toward both mono- and diphenolase with respective KI of 2.76 ± 0.70 µM and 2.50 ± 1.56 µM. IC50 values (monophenolase/diphenolase at 1 mM substrate) were 10.88 ± 2.19 µM/15.20 ± 1.25 µM, 14.78 ± 1.05 µM/12.36 ± 2.00 µM, and 33.14 ± 5.03 µM/18.27 ± 3.42 µM, respectively, for BU, HB, and reference kojic acid. Molecular docking studies confirmed the mechanism. Results indicate very potent antioxidant activity for BU and potent anti-tyrosinase activity for both chalcones, which is discussed in relation to bioactivity toward protection from skin disorders and food oxidative spoilage.

Abstract Background Perioperative FLOT (5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and docetaxel) has recently become the gold standard treatment for fit patients with operable gastric (GC) or gastroesophageal (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, getting a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 45%, over 23% with surgery alone. Methods RealFLOT is an Italian, multicentric, observational trial, collecting data from patients with resectable GC or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with perioperative FLOT. Aim of the study was to describe feasibility and safety of FLOT, pathological complete response rate (pCR), surgical outcomes and overall response rate (ORR) in an unselected real-world population. Additional analyses evaluated the correlation between pCR and survival and the prognostic role of microsatellite instability (MSI) status. Results Of 206 patients enrolled that received perioperative FLOT at 15 Italian centers, 124 (60.2%) received at least 4 full-dose cycles, 190 (92.2%) underwent surgery, and 142 (68.9%) started the postoperative phase. Among patients who started the postoperative phase, 105 (51.0%) received FLOT, while 37 (18%) received de-intensified regimens, depending on clinical condition or previous toxicities. pCR was achieved in 7.3% of cases. Safety profile was consistent with literature. Neutropenia was the most common G 3–4 adverse event (AE): 19.9% in the preoperative phase and 16.9% in the postoperative phase. No toxic death was observed and 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 1.0%. ORR was 45.6% and disease control rate (DCR) was 94.2%. Disease-free survival (DFS) and OS were significantly longer in case of pCR (p = 0.009 and p = 0.023, respectively). A trend towards better DFS was observed among MSI-H patients. Conclusions These real-world data confirm the feasibility of FLOT in an unselected population, representative of the clinical practice. pCR rate was lower than expected, nevertheless we confirm pCR as a predictive parameter of survival. In addition, MSI-H status seems to be a positive prognostic marker also in patients treated with taxane-containing triplets.

Conductive polymers are nowadays attracting great attention for their peculiar mechanical, electrical and optical proprieties. In particular, PEDOT can be used in a wide range of innovative applications, from electroluminescent devices to photovoltaics. In this work, the electrochemical deposition of 3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) was performed on various substrates (ITO, thin films of gold and palladium on silicon wafers) by means of both potentiostatic and potentiodynamic techniques. This was intended to further expand the applications of electrochemically deposited PEDOT, particularly regarding the preparation of thin films in tight contact with electrode surfaces. This allows one to obtain systems prone to be used as electrodes in stacked devices. Chronoamperometric experiments were performed to study the nucleation and growth process of PEDOT. SEM, ESEM and AFM analysis allowed the characterization of the morphology of the polymeric films obtained. Raman and visible spectroscopy confirmed the high-quality of the coatings on the different substrates. Then, the PEDOT films were used as the base material for the further electrodeposition of a copper layer. In this way, a hybrid electronic device was obtained, by using electrochemical methods only. The high conductivity and ohmic behavior of the device were confirmed over a wide range of frequencies with electrical impedance spectroscopy analysis.

Abstract Tremolite is one of the most common amphibole species and, in the fibrous form (i.e., characterized by crystals/particles consisting of fibres with length > 5 µm, width 3), one of the six asbestos minerals. Until now the attention of crystallographers has focused only on samples from continental environment. Here we report the first chemical and structural data of a tremolite asbestos found along the Mid Atlantic Ridge (MAR) at the eastern intersection of the Romanche Transform Fault (Equatorial MAR). Tremolite is associated with chlorite and lizardite and was formed through the green shale facies lower than zeolite in a predominantly fluid system. MAR tremolite asbestos shows very slight deviations from the ideal crystal structure of tremolite. Differences in cation site partitioning were found with respect to tremolite asbestos from ophiolitic complexes, attributed to the different chemical–physical conditions during the mineral formation. In particular, oceanic tremolite asbestos is enriched in Al and Na, forming a trend clearly distinct from the continental tremolites.

Hollow-core photonic crystal fibres: Low loss with hybrid-lattice cladding A hybrid microstructured cladding significantly reduces confinement loss and preserves single-mode operation in hollow-core photonic crystal fibres. The hybrid cladding was conceptualised and designed by Fetah Benabid of XLIM Institute, CNRS, and colleagues in France and Italy. It is made of an inner cladding of six tubes connected to an outer basket weave-like ‘Kagome’ lattice via a number of small, thin tubes. Hollow-core photonic crystal fibres surrounded by this hybrid cladding demonstrated a minimum loss figure of 1.6 decibels per kilometre at wavelengths of 1050 nanometres with robust single-mode operation in a ten-metre-long fibre. The design demonstrates the concept’s potential for single-mode waveguides and could contribute towards realising the next generation of long-haul optical fibres.

The Morrison Formation has been explored for dinosaurs for more than 150 years, often specifically for large sauropod skeletons curators wanted to mount as attractions in their museum exhibits around the world. Several long-term campaigns to the Jurassic West of the United States produced hundreds of specimens, ranging from isolated, fragmentary bones to nearly complete skeletons of these enormous herbivorous animals. Given the sheer number of specimens, keeping track of what is housed in which institution is paramount to study variability, taxonomy, and consequently geographic and temporal distribution of the various species and genera recognized from the Morrison Formation. In an attempt to facilitate these studies, we have compiled an online spreadsheet intended to combine all the available information on sauropod specimens from collection databases, published literature, and personal observations. These include lists of contents of the specimens, in what institution the material is housed, references mentioning, describing, figuring, providing measurements and/or 3D scans, locality data and stratigraphy, as well as other potentially useful data for research purposes. The spreadsheet is openly accessible, but editing is currently restricted to the authors of this study, in order to ensure high-quality data curation to keep the file as useful as possible.

The implementation of a social housing network requires the adoption of welfare policies within a shared national regulatory framework, as well as new organisational, design and community models, enabled by the pervasiveness of ICT, in order to allow a paradigm shift in the dualistic structure of the real estate market. Following an analysis conducted on several levels and the involvement of local social housing authorities, we identified guidelines that are both programmatic – in the context of policies for the home – and project-related – regarding the physical and digital space, able to foster peculiar social-care relationships. In this perspective, the integration of the domains considered (smart, community, welfare) could promote an alternative social housing network.

Background and Objectives: Liver transplantation (LT) is the best strategy for curing several primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. In recent years, growing interest has been observed in the enlargement of the transplant oncology indications. This paper aims to review the most recent developments in the setting of LT oncology, with particular attention to LT for unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA). Materials and Methods: A review of the recently published literature was conducted. Results: Growing evidence exists on the efficacy of LT in curing CRLM and peri-hilar and intrahepatic CCA in well-selected patients when integrating this strategy with (neo)-adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or locoregional treatments. Conclusion: For unresectable CCA and CRLM management, several prospective protocols are forthcoming to elucidate LT’s impact relative to alternative therapies. Advances in diagnosis, treatment protocols, and donor-to-recipient matching are needed to better define the oncological indications for transplantation. Prospective, multicenter trials studying these advances and their impact on outcomes are still required.