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The southern Pacific Islands region is highly seismically active and includes earthquakes from four major subduction systems, seafloor fracture zones and transform faults, and other sources of crustal seismicity. Since 1900, the area has experienced >350 earthquakes of M  > 7.0, including 11 of M  ≥ 8.0. Given the elevated threat of earthquakes, several probabilistic seismic hazard analyses have been published for this region or encompassed subregions; however, those that are publicly accessible do not provide complete coverage of the region using homogeneous methodologies. Here, we present a probabilistic seismic hazard model for the southern Pacific Islands that comprehensively covers the Solomon Islands in the northwest to the Tonga islands in the southeast. The seismic source model accounts for active shallow crustal seismicity with seafloor faults and gridded smoothed seismicity, subduction interfaces using faults with geometries defined based on geophysical data sets and models, and intraslab seismicity modelled by a set of ruptures that occupy the slab volume. Each source type is assigned occurrence rates based on subcatalogues classified to each respective tectonic context. Subduction interface and crustal fault occurrence rates also incorporate a tectonic component based on their respective characteristic earthquakes. We demonstrate the use of non-standard magnitude–frequency distributions to reproduce the observed occurrence rates. For subduction interface sources, we use various versions of the source model to account for epistemic uncertainty in factors impacting the maximum magnitude earthquake permissible by each source, varying the interface lower depth and segmentation as well as the magnitude scaling relationship used to compute the maximum magnitude earthquake and subsequently its occurrence rate. The ground motion characterization uses a logic tree that weights three ground motion prediction equations for each tectonic region. We compute hazard maps for 10 and 2 per cent probability of exceedance in 50 yr on rock sites, discussing the regional distribution of peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration with a period of 1.0 s, honing in on the hazard curves and uniform hazard spectra of several capital or populous cities and drawing comparisons to other recent hazard models. The results reveal that the most hazardous landmasses are the island chains closest to subduction trenches, as well as localized areas with high rates of seismicity occurring in active shallow crust. We use seismic hazard disaggregation to demonstrate that at selected cities located above subduction zones, the PGA with 10 per cent probability of exceedance in 50 yr is controlled by M w > 7.0 subduction interface and intraslab earthquakes, while at cities far from subduction zones, M w < 6.5 crustal earthquakes contribute most. The model is used for southern Pacific Islands coverage in the Global Earthquake Model Global Hazard Mosaic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the metabolic correlates of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to investigate the role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Methods: A total of 159 ALS cases underwent APOE and ALS‐related genes analysis, neuropsychological assessment and cerebral 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography. The APOE genotype was regressed against whole brain metabolism as assessed by 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography, with age, sex, education, type of onset and C9orf72 status as covariates. Results: Brain metabolism was significantly positively correlated with APOE genotype from ε2/ε2 to ε3/ε4 in the left prefrontal [Brodmann area (BA) 10], orbitofrontal (BAs 11, 45, 47) and anterior cingulate (BA 32) cortices. There was a tendency to a relative hypometabolism going towards the ε2/ε2 extreme. Conclusions: We found a highly significant, relatively lower metabolism in association with the ε2 allele in extra‐motor areas typically affected in frontotemporal dementia (left prefrontal, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortices), strengthening the finding of a role of ε2 as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in ALS. Our data suggested a link between cholesterol homeostasis and neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of a magnitude-homogenized catalogue is often one of the most fundamental steps in seismic hazard analysis. The process of homogenizing multiple catalogues of earthquakes into a single unified catalogue typically requires careful appraisal of available bulletins, identification of common events within multiple bulletins and the development and application of empirical models to convert from each catalogue's native scale into the required target. The database of the International Seismological Center (ISC) provides the most exhaustive compilation of records from local bulletins, in addition to its reviewed global bulletin. New open-source tools are developed that can utilize this, or any other compiled database, to explore the relations between earthquake solutions provided by different recording networks, and to build and apply empirical models in order to harmonize magnitude scales for the purpose of creating magnitude-homogeneous earthquake catalogues. These tools are described and their application illustrated in two different contexts. The first is a simple application in the Sub-Saharan Africa region where the spatial coverage and magnitude scales for different local recording networks are compared, and their relation to global magnitude scales explored. In the second application the tools are used on a global scale for the purpose of creating an extended magnitude-homogeneous global earthquake catalogue. Several existing high-quality earthquake databases, such as the ISC-GEM and the ISC Reviewed Bulletins, are harmonized into moment magnitude to form a catalogue of more than 562 840 events. This extended catalogue, while not an appropriate substitute for a locally calibrated analysis, can help in studying global patterns in seismicity and hazard, and is therefore released with the accompanying software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of mast cells ( MC) in different tissues, with a preferential localization in skin and bone marrow ( BM). The excess of MC in mastocytosis as well as the increased releasability of MC may lead to a higher frequency and severity of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Mastocytosis in adults is associated with a history of anaphylaxis in 22-49%. Fatal anaphylaxis has been described particularly following hymenoptera stings, but also occasionally after the intake of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids and drugs in the perioperative setting. However, data on the frequency of drug hypersensitivity in mastocytosis and vice versa are scarce and evidence for an association appears to be limited. Nevertheless, clonal MC disorders should be ruled out in cases of severe anaphylaxis: basal serum tryptase determination, physical examination for cutaneous mastocytosis lesions, and clinical characteristics of anaphylactic reaction might be useful for differential diagnosis. In this position paper, the ENDA group performed a literature search on immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions in clonal MC disorders using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, reviewed and evaluated the literature in five languages using the GRADE system for quality of evidence and strength of recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caregivers of patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state play a crucial role in the process of taking care and, as previous studies reported, they can suffer of high burden and negative health outcomes. The aim of this national cross-sectional study was to assess whether physical and mental health of caregivers, considering gender differences, is related to the presence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, age and patient's disease duration. Four-hundred and eighteen caregivers, 294 women and 124 men, completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y, Beck Depression Inventory, second version and Short Form-12. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate to which extent depressive and anxiety symptoms predict physical and mental health. Men reported higher levels of mental health state, whereas physical health was not different across gender. High levels of anxiety symptoms were associated to negative mental health outcomes in both genders, whereas depressive symptoms were found to impact on female's mental and physical health only. A comprehensive and cost-effective screening of anxiety and depressive symptoms may help to identify determinants of health worsening in order to plan, when necessary, caregivers' support. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages Female caregivers of patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state have poorer levels of mental health, whereas physical health is similar to men's., Anxiety symptoms are related to negative mental health outcomes in both male and female caregivers, whereas depressive symptoms are found to impact on female mental and physical health only., It is essential to consider and assess depressive and anxiety symptoms as they may contribute to caregivers' health worsening. This knowledge can lead to plan more comprehensive and tailored caregivers' supports and a better care for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Involvement of family members is crucial to provide daily informal caring to patients in vegetative state and minimally conscious state. Previous studies showed that perceived burden is a risk factor for informal caregivers as it increases psychophysical distress. This research further investigated the relationship between these factors and aimed at providing a model that thoroughly describes this mechanism of functioning. In the frame of a national survey on people with disorders of consciousness, 487 informal caregivers of children and adult patients in vegetative and minimally conscious state were administered measures of depression, anxiety, caregiver needs, and family strain. Regression models proposed by Baron and Kenny and the Sobel test were adopted to investigate the relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived burden and needs expressed. Our study shows that the relation between those symptoms and needs is mediated by burden, where higher burden accentuates and lower burden mitigates the needs expressed by caregivers. Our findings demonstrate that psychosocial components of the burden perceived by caregivers of patients with disorders of consciousness play a key role in shaping those caregivers' needs, especially their needs for information and communication. We recommend implementation of comprehensive steps to meet the needs of these caregivers, steps that incorporate improved economic and public health programs, social support, and use of psychological interventions to ameliorate caregivers' psychological distress and decrease their burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Al6061-T6 aluminium single layer plates, of different thickness, impacted by two different 7.62mm Armour Piercing projectiles are studied from a metallographic point of view. The material behaviour after ballistic impact is investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy as well as by micro-hardness tests. The study allows one to highlight the physical phenomena that happen during the impact: the formation of adiabatic shear bands (ASB), the evolution of softening and hardening phenomena, the creation of petalling, plugging and the formation of a melted film between the target and the penetrator as well as the localised failure mechanism. The thermo-mechanical effects on the target and the penetrator material have been examined in order to investigate in the physical phenomena ruling the ballistic damage; the differences between the two types of impactors are also highlighted. Among interesting findings, it has been noticed that a complete penetration is less detrimental and tungsten core projectile seems more damaging for the structural integrity of Al6061-T6 plates. A complete penetration allows the material to better dissipate the plastic deformation energy induced by bullet whereas the arrest increases localised material softening effect resulting in the formation of ASB. Although the creation of numerical models is not the aim of the present paper, the findings could be useful for the building of a modelling approach capable of replicating all the involved phenomena in details. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The psychological impact of breast cancer (BC) is substantial, with a significant number of patients (up to 32 %) experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exploring the emotional aspects of PTSD through the functional brain-heart interplay (BHI) offers valuable insights into the condition. BHI examines the functional interactions between cortical and sympathovagal dynamics. This study aims to investigate changes in functional directional BHI after trauma-focused (TF) psychotherapy, specifically Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU) among BC patients with PTSD. To our knowledge, this study represents the first examination of such changes. We enrolled thirty BC patients who met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, with fourteen receiving EMDR and fifteen receiving TAU over a two- to three-month period. We analyzed changes in the emotional response during a script-driven imagery setting. Quantification of the functional interplay between EEG and sympathovagal dynamics was achieved using the synthetic data generation model (SDG) on electroencephalographic (EEG) and heartbeat series. Our focus was on the difference in the BHI index extracted at baseline and post-treatment. We found statistically significant higher coupling in the heart-to-brain direction in patients treated with EMDR compared to controls. This suggests that the flow of information from the autonomic nervous system to the central nervous system is restored following EMDR-induced recovery from PTSD. Furthermore, we observed a significant correlation between improvements in PTSD symptoms and an increase in functional BHI after EMDR treatment. TF psychotherapy, particularly EMDR, appears to facilitate the restoration of the bottom-up flow of interoceptive information, which is dysfunctional in patients with PTSD. The application of BHI analysis to the study of PTSD not only aids in identifying biomarkers of the disorder but also enhances our understanding of the changes brought about by TF treatments. • TF-psychotherapy effectively restores the bottom-up flow of interoceptive information in PTSD. • Bottom-up processes in TF-psychotherapies are clinically relevant. • BHI offers valuable insights into the communication flow that underlies emotional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel approach coupling bottom-up modelling of heat demand and agent-based models. • Accounting for behaviour of building occupants improves predicted heat demand. • Likelihood of building being connected to district heat network is modelled. • Considering likelihood of connection improves district heat network profitability. A novel framework, that is comprised of large-scale, agent-based models of residential buildings and the occupants of the buildings, and a bottom-up heat demand model, is developed to assess scenarios related to the extension of a city's district heat network. The agent-based models account for the characteristics of the individual buildings and the behaviours of the individual occupants. The bottom-up heat demand model accounts for the spatial and temporal differences in heat demand of individual buildings. It is shown that by accounting for the behaviour of building occupants the time-resolved dynamics of heat demand are more accurately captured and the quantitative prediction of the heat demand is improved compared to prior approaches. The novel framework is applied to assess the extension of the district heat network of a mid-sized city in Switzerland, whereby the likelihood of a building to connecting to the extended network can be considered. By accounting both for the profitability of the predicted heat demand and for the likelihood of a building being connected to the extended network, the internal rate of return of the infrastructure can be increased by 25%, compared to an extension of the network where these aspects are not considered. Overall, this novel framework provides insights and cost-effective solutions for policy makers and energy multi-utilities regarding the decarbonisation of building stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In particular, in the case of bariatric patients, weight reduction before surgery might play a mechanistic role [[1]] reducing postoperative complications, decreasing operating time, facilitating technical aspects of surgery and improving co-morbidities such as glycemic control and cardiovascular performance. Keywords: Prehabilitation; Exercise; Nutrition; Autonomic nervous system; Lifestyle; Hear rate variability EN Prehabilitation Exercise Nutrition Autonomic nervous system Lifestyle Hear rate variability 517 520 4 04/20/21 20210401 NES 210401 Dear Editor, Improving cardiovascular risk profile in surgery candidates may reduce surgical risk and ameliorate prognosis. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction et but de l’étude Dans le but d’améliorer la prévention, le dépistage et la prise en charge de la dénutrition protéino-énergétique, un focus sur l’état nutritionnel des patients de trois services de soin a été mené. Matériel et méthodes Le recueil des données a été effectué à l’aide de deux grilles standardisées (une grille patient et une grille médecin). Les critères recueillis portaient, d’une part, sur l’état nutritionnel des patients, et d’autre part, sur une évaluation des pratiques médicales en termes de nutrition. Résultats Trois services de médecine ont été audités : oncologie ambulatoire, pneumologie et gastro-entérologie. Pour chacun des services 18, 23 et 21 patients ont été interrogés, ainsi que 7 médecins. Pour le service d’oncologie ambulatoire la moyenne d’âge était de 74 ans, la perte de poids moyenne de 5,3 kg en 9,1 mois et l’IMC moyen de 24,5. En pneumologie la moyenne d’âge était de 69 ans, la perte de poids de 6,1 kg en 2,3 mois et l’IMC moyen de 25,7. En gastro-entérologie la moyenne d’âge était de 64 ans, la perte de poids de 5,6 kg en 10 jours et l’IMC moyen de 25,3. Soixante-dix pour cent des patients relatent une perte d’appétit depuis le début de leur traitement. Soixante-trois pour cent d’entre eux se souviennent avoir reçu des conseils diététiques. Du point de vue médical : la dénutrition n’est évaluée qu’occasionnellement (87 %) et tracée dans le dossier informatisé qu’à hauteur de 57 %. Les outils de dépistage utilisés sont la perte de poids et les marqueurs biologiques. Pour 86 % des médecins interrogés, aucun protocole de prise en charge de la dénutrition n’est disponible dans leur service de soins. Conclusion Cette étude a été présentée au Clan et plusieurs axes d’amélioration ont ainsi pu être déterminés : une homogénéisation des pratiques sur le dosage de l’albumine, une plus grande utilisation de l’évaluation de la prise alimentaire, l’élaboration d’une plaquette « évaluation de l’état nutritionnel : diagnostic et conduite à tenir » remise à chaque prescripteur et le recrutement d’une diététicienne transversale pour la prise en charge de la dénutrition sur l’établissement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This article investigates the hospital costs related to the management of COVID-19 positive patients, requiring a hospitalization (from the positivity confirmation to discharge, including rehabilitation activities).Methods: A time-driven activity-based costing analysis, grounding on administrative and accounting flows provided by the management control, was implemented to define costs related to the hospital management of COVID-19 positive patients, according to real-word data, derived from six public Italian Hospitals, in 2020.Results: Results reported that the higher the complexity of care, the higher the hospitalization cost per day (low-complexity = €475.86; medium-complexity = €700.20; high-complexity = €1,401.65). Focusing on the entire clinical pathway, the overall resources absorption, with the inclusion of rehabilitation costs, ranged from 6,198.02€ to 32,141.20€, dependent from the patient's clinical condition.Conclusions: Data could represent the baseline cost for COVID-19 hospital management, thus being useful for the further development of proper reimbursement tariffs devoted to hospitalized infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experimental, analytical and numerical simulations were performed to study the ballistic resistance of 6061-T6 aluminium plates subjected to a normal impact of small calibre armour piercing bullets. Two types of bullets were used, steel and tungsten carbide core bullets. Three plate thicknesses, 101.6 mm, 76.2 mm and 25 mm, were considered. Bullets were impacted at ordnance velocity thus results range from deep penetration to complete perforation with residual velocity. Ballistic results, deformations of the plates and of the bullets are discussed and reproduced through numerical simulations using both LS-DYNA and ABAQUS solvers; analytical models by means of a cavity expansion approach are also used. Exploiting analytical and numerical models the ballistic behaviour of the two bullets on the three plates is discussed with emphasis on the capability of the models to reproduce the physical features of the phenomena. X-ray diffraction measurements for the residual stress patterns of the plate's surface were also performed on all of the plates both before and after the tests and the experimental measurements are compared with the numerical model results. A specific discussion about tungsten carbide core bullet behaviour is reported highlighting the importance of the sabot in the impact phenomena. Although the work focuses on monolithic plates, the results and discussion can be of interest for the design of optimised multilayer armour shields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) was the longest and most extensive glacial interval during the Phanerozoic, lasting from the Late Devonian to the late Permian (362–254 Ma). Numerous questions remain on the spatial and temporal extent of the ice centers, the timing of expansion and contraction of the ice sheets, and the distribution of ice across Gondwana through time. The Tepuel–Genoa Basin, in Patagonia (Argentina) was situated within the paleo South Polar Circle and contains a nearly continuous lower Carboniferous (Tournasian) to lower Permian (Artinskian) succession. The Mojón de Hierro Formation has been described as both non-glacial and glacial in origin, but lacks detailed sedimentological descriptions. This research investigates a ∼50 m succession with sedimentological and geochemical analysis within strata in the upper portion of the Mojón de Hierro Formation at Arroyo Garrido (Chubut Province). Five stratigraphic sections were measured and the strata were categorized into five lithofacies: 1) deformed sandstones, 2) thin-bedded diamictites, 3) graded rhythmites, 4) laminated mudstones with dispersed clasts, and 5) laminated mudstones. Deposition occurred in a slope environment from debris flows, turbidity currents, mass-movements, hemipelagic sedimentation, and ice rafting. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) indicates values similar to average marine shales, which suggests that the muds were supplied from temperate terrestrial sediment sources. This indicates that icebergs from a distant source transited the basin and grounded glaciers were not present in the catchment area. Vanadium/chromium ratios (V/Cr) indicate dysoxic (restricted water circulation) values in samples between the mass-transported blocks and oxic values (well circulated water) in samples stratigraphically above the filled/leveled ponded mini basin. These oxygenation conditions suggest that the mass-transport deposit formed a topography on the sea floor, resulting in a mini basin that ponded sediments within the blocks. A local glacial source was not substantiated for the upper Mojón de Hierro Formation at Arroyo Garrido neither through the detailed facies analysis nor through geochemical proxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic hazard modeling is a multidisciplinary science that aims to forecast earthquake occurrence and its resultant ground shaking. Such models consist of a probabilistic framework that quantifies uncertainty across a complex system; typically, this includes at least two model components developed from Earth science: seismic source and ground motion models. Although there is no scientific prescription for the forecast length, the most common probabilistic seismic hazard analyses consider forecasting windows of 30 to 50 years, which are typically an engineering demand for building code purposes. These types of analyses are the topic of this review paper. Although the core methods and assumptions of seismic hazard modeling have largely remained unchanged for more than 50 years, we review the most recent initiatives, which face the difficult task of meeting both the increasingly sophisticated demands of society and keeping pace with advances in scientific understanding. A need for more accurate and spatially precise hazard forecasting must be balanced with increased quantification of uncertainty and new challenges such as moving from time‐independent hazard to forecasts that are time dependent and specific to the time period of interest. Meeting these challenges requires the development of science‐driven models, which integrate all information available, the adoption of proper mathematical frameworks to quantify the different types of uncertainties in the hazard model, and the development of a proper testing phase of the model to quantify its consistency and skill. We review the state of the art of the National Seismic Hazard Modeling and how the most innovative approaches try to address future challenges.Plain Language Summary: In this review paper we describe the state of the art in modeling earthquake hazard at the national scale. National hazard models take our understanding of fundamental earthquake processes and develop models of earthquake shaking relevant to the decades to come. The shaking estimates from the models provide important inputs into societal decision making across a wide range of uses including such things as building design requirements or for guiding insurance policy. Here were introduce national models from 10 regions around the world, including multinational models that aim to make results comparable from nation to nation. We describe key challenges and assumptions in making the models and provide recommendations about research for improving future generations of national models. An emerging and overriding philosophy is the need to better quantify and make useful the uncertainties in our knowledge of earthquake processes. Future models will better be able to include this uncertainty and will aim to better quantify the ability of the models to provide the outputs society needs. Finally, future models will become increasingly reliant on computer models that simulate how earthquakes interact with each other and cause shaking at the surface of the Earth.Key Points: National Seismic Hazard Models (NSHMs) are regional models that take our understanding of earthquake occurrence and their consequent shaking intensities and make this information useful for decision makers and societyKey goals in modern probabilistic NSHMs are the improved quantification of uncertainty and research to understand the skill and usefulness of the forecastsCurrent PSHA‐based methods used by NSHMs from diverse tectonic settings around the world are reviewed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence suggests that early neurodevelopmental defects in Huntington's disease (HD) patients could contribute to the later adult neurodegenerative phenotype. Here, by using HD-derived induced pluripotent stem cell lines, we report that early telencephalic induction and late neural identity are affected in cortical and striatal populations. We show that a large CAG expansion causes complete failure of the neuro-ectodermal acquisition, while cells carrying shorter CAGs repeats show gross abnormalities in neural rosette formation as well as disrupted cytoarchitecture in cortical organoids. Gene-expression analysis showed that control organoid overlapped with mature human fetal cortical areas, while HD organoids correlated with the immature ventricular zone/subventricular zone. We also report that defects in neuroectoderm and rosette formation could be rescued by molecular and pharmacological approaches leading to a recovery of striatal identity. These results show that mutant huntingtin precludes normal neuronal fate acquisition and highlights a possible connection between mutant huntingtin and abnormal neural development in HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecular and material science approach is used to describe the influence of coarse and fine buckwheat bran on wheat dough properties and bread textural quality. Focus is given on (i) gluten solvation and structural arrangements in presence of bran as studied by front-face fluorescence; (ii) thermo-mechanical behavior of dough during heating studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and (iii) texture of bread crumb analyzed in terms of a cellular solid. The thermo-mechanical behavior of dough was found to be largely related to starch phase transitions during heating. The use of thermodynamic approaches to biopolymer melting revealed that key transitions such as the onset of starch gelatinization were function of the interplay of water and bran volume fractions in the dough. Front-face fluorescence studies in wheat dough revealed that gluten solvation and structural arrangements were delayed by increasing bran addition level and reduction in particle size, as indicated by the drastic decrease in the protein surface hydrophobicity index. Variations in gluten structure could be strongly related to dough baking performance, i.e. specific volume. With regards to texture, the approach revealed that crumb texture was controlled by variations in density, moisture and bran volume fractions. Overall, this study elucidates a number of physical mechanisms describing the influence of buckwheat bran addition to dough and bread quality. These mechanisms strongly pointed at the influence of bran on water partitioning among the main polymeric components. In the future, these mechanisms should be investigated with bran material of varying source, composition and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debranning is a pre-milling treatment that partially removes the external coats and the aleurone layer of the kernel, allowing the selective recovery of bioactive compounds, such as fiber and phenolic compounds. A two-step debranning process was applied to purple wheat, a naturally antioxidant-rich variety, that removed 9.7% of the material. Debranned fractions from the first (F1; 3.7% of the whole grain) and the second (F2; 6.0% of the debranned grain after the first step) step were used separately to produce fiber-enriched pasta. Bran from conventional milling (CB) was also used as a control. F1 and F2 had a higher or comparable content in total and soluble fiber than CB. Moreover, both samples exhibited a higher ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) than CB, whereas the highest amount of anthocyanins was found in F1 (695 ± 64 μg/g). When compared with CB-enriched pasta, samples enriched with either F1 or F2 had similar FRAP values (2.6 ± 0.1 and 2.3 ± 0.2 μmol Fe(II)/g for pasta with F1 and F2, respectively), and a higher amount of anthocyanins (67.9 ± 0.9 and 60 ± 1 μg/g for pasta with F1 and F2, respectively), while retaining a fair cooking quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent major earthquakes in the Italian territory have reaffirmed the seismic vulnerability of precast industrial buildings typical of past Italian building practices, highlighting structural deficiencies observed during previous events and primarily related to the transfer of horizontal forces between structural and nonstructural elements. An intrinsic lack of shear and ductility capacity has been observed in simply supported beam-to-joist and beam-to-column connections, primarily constituted by vertical steel dowels or solely relying on shear friction, with or without neoprene pads. These connections were designed neglecting seismic loads and their premature failure was observed during recent seismic events to cause a loss of support of beam elements, owing to the relative movements of elements, and the collapse of part of the buildings, primarily the roof. The seismic displacement demand of the industrial buildings under consideration is larger than traditional RC frame structures owing to their higher flexibility, according to both higher interstory height and to a cantilevered static scheme. Furthermore, this high flexibility may also result in displacement incompatibility between structural and nonstructural elements, such as precast cladding panels, causing their connection failure. On the basis of detailed field observations on a relevant number of buildings, collected just after the earthquakes, seven representative industrial facilities are examined to outline the primary vulnerabilities of one-story precast concrete structures not designed and detailed for seismic loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Autonomic nervous system ( ANS) regulation may be altered in functional diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS), but published data are not clear to date. The aim of the study was to analyze ANS function in IBS subjects classified by Rome III criteria and healthy controls using standardized technique. Methods ANS activity was evaluated by autoregressive spectral analysis of RR interval and systolic arterial pressure variabilities, to obtain indices of sympatho-vagal modulation of the heart and of spontaneous cardiac baroreflex ( α index). A symptom list was used to score 18 somatic complaints (score 0-180) (4 SQ). Fatigue and stress were assessed through the use of a global scoring index (0-10). Key Results We enrolled 41 IBS subjects (29 F, age 40 ± 2 years) and 42 healthy matched controls. Heart rate was higher in IBS than control subjects (69 ± 2 vs 61 ± 1; p < 0.001). The total variance of RR interval variability, and α index, were significantly lower in IBS compared to controls (1983.12 ± 384.64 ms2 vs 4184.55 ± 649.59 ms2; 18.1 ± 2 ms/mmHg vs 29 ± 3 ms/mmHg; p < 0.01). The α index results showed an inverse correlation with stress scores and somatic symptoms. Conclusions & Inferences IBS subjects display a significant reduction in α index, an established marker of cardiac baroreflex. ANS dysfunction appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of IBS and its assessment may open new perspectives for clinical management of patients suffering from IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The management of medication-overuse headache (MOH) is often difficult and no specific guidelines are available as regards the most practical and effective approaches. In this study we defined and tested a consensus protocol for the management of MOH on a large population of patients distributed in different countries.Subjects and Methods: The protocol was based on evidence from the literature and on consolidated expertise of the members of the consensus group. The study was conducted according to a multicentric interventional design with the enrolment of 376 MOH subjects in four centres from Europe and two centres in Latin America. The majority of patients were treated according to an outpatient detoxification programme. The post-detoxification follow-up lasted six months.Results: At the final evaluation, two-thirds of the subjects were no longer overusers and in 46.5% of subjects headache had reverted back to an episodic pattern of headache. When comparing the subjects who underwent out-patient detoxification vs those treated with in-patient detoxification, both regimens proved effective, although the drop-out rate was higher in the out-patient approach.Conclusions: The present findings support the effectiveness and usability of the proposed consensus protocol in different countries with different health care modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• IL-10 has a dual role in immune responses. • IL-10 is increased in lupus, promotes autoantibody production and is evaluated as a therapeutic target in SLE patients. • IL-10 producing subsets of regulatory T-cells and B helper T-cells play different roles in B-cell responses and in lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterised by the production of pathogenic autoantibodies against nuclear self-antigens. The anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic cytokine Interleukin-10 appears to play a paradoxical pathogenic role in SLE and is therefore currently therapeutically targeted in clinical trials. It is generally assumed that the pathogenic effect of IL-10 in SLE is due to its growth and differentiation factor activity on autoreactive B-cells, but effects on other cells might also play a role. To date, a unique cellular source of pathogenic IL-10 in SLE has not been identified. In this review, we focus on the contribution of different CD4+T-cell subsets to IL-10 and autoantibody production in SLE. In particular, we discuss that IL-10 produced by different subsets of adaptive regulatory T-cells, follicular helper T-cells and extra-follicular B-helper T-cells is likely to have different effects on autoreactive B-cell responses. A better understanding of the role of IL-10 in B-cell responses and lupus would allow to identify the most promising therapies for individual SLE patients in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction During the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) changes of brain electrical activity was recently demonstrated in victims of psychological traumas. Objectives Thirty-one victims of psychological traumas were investigated at the first EMDR session (t0) and at the last one performed after processing the index trauma (t1). Aims To investigate differences in EEG source activity and EEG source functional connectivity (EEG-SFC) in eyes closed condition before the beginning of t0 and t1 EMDR therapy session. Methods Electrical source activity was computed by eLORETA from a 37-channel EEG. EEG-SFC analysis was based on the lagged phase synchronization (LPS), derived by a two-step eLORETA procedure: dimensionality reduction of inverse matrix from 6239 voxels to 28 regions of interest (ROIs); LPS indices computation, for each spectrum band, in all possible ROI pairs. Results Resting-state EEG source activity resulted in a low frequency increase of posterior cingulate cortex and a high frequency (beta2 and gamma) decrease in right prefrontal and parietal cortex between t0 and t1. Significant enhancements of EEG-SFC were detected in t1 respect to t0 between ROI pairs of theta band right temporo-parahippocampal regions and alpha band fronto-parietal regions. Conclusions Significant modifications of resting-state electrical brain activity were present after EMDR therapy. These findings suggest that the elaboration of psychological traumas induced by EMDR produces, in a resting-state condition, an enhancement of activity and functional connectivity of cerebral sources involved in cognitive control and emotional processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]