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While it is widely acknowledged that fingerprint recognition has played an essential part in policing and forensic science, little is known about fingerprint alterations in medical science, specifically as a consequence of anticancer treatments. Thus, we aimed to analyze the extent of evidence between cancer treatments and fingerprint alterations in adults with cancer.

Assessing the performance of spontaneous plants in abandoned quarries under future environmental scenarios is important for successful restoration practises. Air warming is one of the most relevant ongoing climatic changes in the Mediterranean. We tested the effects of increasing temperature on the germination of five species spontaneously colonising the abandoned sectors of a Carrara marble quarry (Tuscany, central Italy). We selected five plant species with different widths of their distribution range, from local endemic to invasive alien: Santolina pinnata, Globularia incanescens, Hypericum coris, Helichrysum italicum,and Buddleja davidii. Seeds were collected in situ and their germination was tested in laboratory conditions at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C. The effects of temperature and species on germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT) were tested through two-way ANOVA. Increasing temperatures negatively affected the GP of S. pinnataand H. coris. G. incanescensperformed better at intermediate temperatures, whilst H. italicumbenefited from increasing temperatures. B. davidiishowed a similar high GP under all the treatments. MGT decreased with increasing temperature for all the species, except for S. pinnata, which showed an increase of MGT with increasing temperature. We highlighted that, under future warmer climatic conditions, the two endemic species will be disadvantaged with respect to the species with a wider distribution range and the non-native species in the studied quarry. This evidence is relevant for restoration planning since seeding the two endemic species could be unsuccessful under future environmental scenarios, when H. italicumand B. davidiiwill be more competitive in the colonisation of the quarry.

Tricuspid valve disease is an often underrecognized clinical problem that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, patients will often present late in their disease course with severe right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and life-limiting symptoms that have few durable treatment options. Traditionally, the only treatment for tricuspid valve disease has been medical therapy or surgery; however, there have been increasing interest and success with the use of transcatheter tricuspid valve therapies over the past several years to treat patients with previously limited therapeutic options. The tricuspid valve is complex anatomically, lying adjacent to important anatomic structures such as the right coronary artery and the atrioventricular node, and is the passageway for permanent pacemaker leads into the right ventricle. In addition, the mechanism of tricuspid pathology varies widely between patients, which can be due to primary, secondary, or a combination of causes, meaning that it is not possible for 1 type of device to be suitable for treatment of all cases of tricuspid valve disease. To best visualize the pathology, several modalities of advanced cardiac imaging are often required, including transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, to best visualize the pathology. This detailed imaging provides important information for choosing the ideal transcatheter treatment options for patients with tricuspid valve disease, taking into account the need for the lifetime management of the patient. This review highlights the important background, anatomic considerations, therapeutic options, and future directions with regard to treatment of tricuspid valve disease.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is rare in patients aged <21 years. Young adults aged 18 to 21 years are frequently included in adult VTE studies, whereas pediatric VTE studies include patients aged up to either 18 or 21 years. The clinical characteristics of young adult patients with VTE have not been well defined.

Here, we present a detailed description of the in situ isothermal crystallization of poly(trimethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)(PTF) as revealed by real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS). From FTIR experiments, the evolution of hydrogen bonding with crystallization time can be monitored in real time, while from GIWAXS, crystal formation can be followed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to simulate FTIR spectra for different theoretical structures, enabling a precise band assignment. In addition, based on DFT ab initiocalculations, the influence of hydrogen bonding on the evolution with crystallization time can be understood. Moreover, from DFT calculations and comparison with both FTIR and GIWAXS experiments, a crystalline structure of poly(trimethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) is proposed. Our results demonstrate that hydrogen bonding is present in both the crystalline and the amorphous phases and its rearrangement can be considered as a significant driving force for crystallization of poly(alkylene 2,5-furanoate)s.

Faced with increasing waste production, authorities are seeking to encourage better household waste management and need to identify levers for change. We propose a model integrating the major determinants of pro-environmental behaviour assumed in prominent theoretical models. Based on meta-analytical evidence, we incorporated situational, normative, attitudinal and self-processes and tested this integrative model to predict intentions to perform two overlooked behaviours: food waste separation and deposit at waste disposal centres. To go beyond intention we also investigated habits to sort food waste. An online survey was administered to two samples (Ntotal= 2,814) and data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results showed a good fit of an integrative model (CFIs > .917; TLIs > .910; RMSEAs < .043; SRMRs < .071). Waste management intentions and habits are directly predicted mainly by personal norms and perceived behavioural control. The latter is predicted by facilitating conditions and pro-environmental identity. Personal norms are predicted by social norms, pro-environmental identity and perceived behavioural control. Our results confirm the relevance of a model integrating situational, normative, attitudinal and self-processes to explain waste management intentions and provide a basis for the development of waste management interventions.

Energy citizenship (EC) is a concept that has received little attention in psychological research. However, citizen participation and engagement in the energy system play an important part in the EU’s vision of a low-carbon economy. The expectation is that EU citizens take an active role in a decentralized energy market and become ‘energy citizens’. Psychologically, it remains unclear who is likely to support this transition. In this paper, we investigate which psychological factors predict support for EC and might motivate individuals to become active in the energy transition using an online questionnaire. Results from Austria (n= 272) show that personal norms predict support for an EC scenario in a multiple linear regression, whereas biospheric values, ecological attitudes, awareness of adverse consequences, as well as ascription of responsibility do not. Further unique variance is explained by right-wing authoritarianism, a concept understudied but important for the massive societal changes involved in the energy transition. We highlight the importance of feeling personally responsible and obliged and being open to overcome conventions for the transition towards EC.

Walking and cycling are considered sustainable transport modes, promoted as a means to reduce car traffic. In the scientific literature, they have mostly been investigated separately, but should be considered jointly to enable a modal shift. Both daytime and dark conditions need to be studied, to improve understanding of how environmental features are affected by temporal variation. A conceptual model is introduced to advance understanding of the significance of different environmental factors for walking/cycling, and serves as the basis for the design of an empirical study. A between-subject design was used, comparing two pedestrian/cycle paths located in two mid-sized Swedish cities during daytime and after dark. Pedestrians (n= 90) and cyclists (n= 74) responded to questionnaires assessing environmental parameters hypothesized to be of importance for walking and cycling. Three-factor ANOVAs indicated differences between the two locations (perceived stimuli), between pedestrians and cyclists (environmental appraisal, affective response, behavioural intention) and between daytime and dark conditions (visual accessibility, restorative potential). The conceptual model helps identify the importance of various environmental features.

An online survey was distributed to a national sample of the Norwegian public (N= 699) to investigate factors associated with the extent to which people worry about microplastics. Respondents were asked about their familiarity with and the extent to which they worry about the issue, after which they answered a battery of questions about their perceptions of risk and personal values. Microplastics were judged to be moderately known, somewhat uncontrollable, very threatening to humankind, and even more so to plants and animals. Perceived personal threat was lower than that to plants, animals and humankind. Regression analyses predicted worry about microplastics from sociodemographic variables and personal values, and from different aspects of people’s risk perceptions. Gender, age group and endorsing self-transcendence over self-enhancement values predicted greater worry, yet these variables were not significantly associated when risk perceptions were included in the regression model. These findings shed further light on how individual risk judgements can explain self-reported levels of worry about microplastics, beyond individual differences in personal values.

Abstract: Background: The literature does not support the choice between open and laparoscopic management of splenic artery aneurysms (SAA).Methods: We designed a prospective, randomized comparison between open and laparoscopic surgery for SAA. Primary end points were types of surgical procedures performed and clinical outcomes. Analysis was developed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: Fourteen patients were allocated to laparotomy (group A) and 15 to laparoscopy (group B). Groups displayed similar patient- and aneurysm-related characteristics. The conversion rate to open surgery was 13.3 %. The type of surgical procedure performed on the splenic artery was similar in the two groups: aneurysmectomy with splenic artery ligature or direct anastomosis was performed in 51 % and 21 % of patients in group A and in 60 % and 20 % in group B, respectively. The splenectomy rate was similar (14 % vs. 20 %). Postoperative splenic infarction was observed in one case in each group. Laparoscopy was associated with shorter procedures (p = 0.0003) and lower morbidity (25 % vs. 64 %, p = 0.045). Major morbidity requiring interventional procedures and blood transfusion was observed only in group A. Laparoscopy was associated with quicker resumption of oral diet (p < 0.001), earlier drain removal (p = 0.046), and shorter hospital stay (p < 0.01). During a mean follow-up of 50 months, two patients in group A required hospital readmission. In group B, two patients developed a late thrombosis of arterial anastomoses. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that laparoscopy permits multiple technical options, does not increase the splenectomy rate, and reduces postoperative complications. It confirms the supposed clinical benefits of laparoscopy when ablative procedures are required but laparoscopic anastomoses show poor long-term results.

There is a lack of academic literature that explores the evaluation of football club’s carbon footprints. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first study where the football’s club’s overall carbon footprints were assessed. This study’s main objectives were to measure the football club environmental impact and promote the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions for famous significant sports events such as the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) matches. The football club is a part of one of the biggest football clubs in Europe, which operates, manages, and maintains various facilities by assisting the football club in decision-making processes to identify the most relevant business engagement areas. The following research questions were considered: (a) What are the hotspots and the most significant contributors to GHG emissions of a football club? (b) How to improve emissions management within the stadium organization? (c) How to establish a carbon reduction and management plan? The researchers visited this stadium to collect data and interview managers of the football club. The GHG assessment results provide some relevant confirmation of the guidelines that emerged during the onsite visit. This study found that indirect emissions produced by a supporter’s transportation mode are equivalent to 38%, followed by energy consumption, accounting for 25% of the total GHG emissions. Specific future recommendations for sports organizations, such as (i) intermediate goal is to cut GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2030 and (ii) model scope 3 emissions and set scope 3 targets if scope 3 emissions account for 40% or more of their overall emissions, have emerged after this study.

Using vegetation as a bioindicator in urban and degraded areas is an effective way to assess the status of the environment. In this work, we present the results of a phytosociological investigation of a suburban river and of its surroundings in southern Tuscany (Bestina river and its tributary Bestinino in Asciano, Province of Siena). By means of 94 phytosociological relevés, we identified 34 plant communities belonging to the 17 classes. Six habitats included in the 92/43/EEC Directive, plus two habitats recently proposed for inclusion, were identified, as well as one habitat of regional interest. The study revealed that, despite the high levels of human disturbance, aquatic and herbaceous riparian vegetation is still well-preserved, though mostly represented by stress-tolerant communities. On the contrary, most of the vegetation types not being directly linked to the river dynamic are in poor conservation status. Despite this, some habitats of community interest were detected even in non-riverine sites. Our work provides the basic knowledge for future restoration of the Bestina river and of its surroundings, wished by the Tuscany Region.

In patients with a prohibitive surgical risk, the AngioVac cannula can be used to remove left-sided cardiac masses, as an off-label adaptation of the device. We herein describe a novel micro-invasive approach to gain access to the left atrium for the aspiration of a mitral valve mass in a patient affected by severe coronavirus disease 2019. Through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy, the right superior pulmonary vein was accessed and used to insert the aspiration cannula. A parallel venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-like circuit provided circulatory and respiratory support to ensure proper intra- and postoperative hemodynamic stabilization.

Background: The coronavirus pandemic had a major impact in Italy. The Italian health system’s re-organization to face the emergency may have led to significant consequences especially in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancies. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer in nine Gruppo Italiano RIcerca Cancro Gastrico (GIRCG) centers.Methods: All patients assessed for gastric adenocarcinoma at nine GIRCG centers between January 2019 and November 2020 were included. Patients were grouped according to the date of “patient 1’s” diagnosis in Italy: preCOVID versus COVID. Clinico-pathological and outcome differences between the two groups were analyzed.Results: A total of 632 patients were included in the analysis (205 in the COVID group). The cT4 weighted ratios were higher in 2020 from April to September, with the greatest differences in May, August and September. The cM+ weighted ratio was significantly higher in July 2020. The mean number of gastrectomies had the greatest reduction in March and May 2020 compared with 2019. The median times from diagnosis to chemotherapy, to complete diagnostic work-up or to operation were longer in 2019. The median time from the end of chemotherapy to surgery was 17 days longer in the preCOVID group.Conclusions: A greater number of advanced or metastatic cases were diagnosed after the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially after the “full lockdown” periods. During the pandemic, once gastric cancer patients were referred to one of the centers, a shorter time to complete the diagnostic work-up or to address them to the best treatment option was required.

NICTA is Australia's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre of Excellence. It is the largest organization in Australia dedicated to ICT research. While it has close links with local universities, it is in fact an independent but not-for-profit company in the business of doing research, commercializing that research and training Ph.D. students to do that research. Much of the work taking place at NICTA involves various topics in artificial intelligence. In this article, we survey some of the AI work being undertaken at NICTA., AI@NICTA National Information and Communications Technology Australia (NICTA) is the largest ICT research center in Australia, having been established 10 years ago in 2002. It has five laboratories in four [...]

ASK ANY ONE OF OUR SEVEN HEROES OF CONSERVATION finalists why they have devoted themselves to fish and wildlife, and invariably they will talk about the future. With projects spanning [...]

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Delirium, often underdiagnosed in the intensive care unit, is a common complication of critical illness that contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Clinicians should be aware of common risk factors and triggers and should work to mitigate these as much as possible to reduce the occurrence of delirium. This review first provides an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and consequences of delirium in critically ill patients. Presented next is the current evidence for the pharmacologic management of delirium, focusing on prevention and treatment of delirium in the intensive care unit. It concludes by outlining some emerging treatments of delirium.

Background: A difficulty score for laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is lacking in the literature. A retrospective cohort study was designed to develop a preoperative “difficulty score” for LA. Methods: A multicenter study was conducted involving four Italian tertiary centers for adrenal disease. The population was randomly divided into two subsets: training group and validation one. A multicenter study was undertaken, including 964 patients. Patient, adrenal lesion, surgeon’s characteristics, and the type of procedure were studied as potential predictors of target events. The operative time (pOT), conversion rate (cLA), or both were used as indicators of the difficulty in three multivariate models. All models were developed in a training cohort (70% of the sample) and validated using 30% of patients. For all models, the ability to predict complicated postoperative course was reported describing the area under the curve (AUCs). Logistic regression, reporting odds ratio (OR) with p-value, was used. Results: In model A, gender (OR 2.04, p= 0.001), BMI (OR 1.07, p= 0.002), previous surgery (OR 1.29, p= 0.048), site (OR 21.8, p&lt; 0.001) and size of the lesion (OR 1.16, p= 0.002), cumulative sum of procedures (OR 0.99, p&lt; 0.001), extended (OR 26.72, p&lt; 0.001) or associated procedures (OR 4.32, p= 0.015) increased the pOT. In model B, ASA (OR 2.86, p= 0.001), lesion size (OR 1.20, p= 0.005), and extended resection (OR 8.85, p= 0.007) increased the cLA risk. Model C had similar results to model A. All scores obtained predicted the target events in validation cohort (OR 1.99, p&lt; 0.001; OR 1.37, p= 0.007; OR 1.70, p&lt; 0.001, score A, B, and C, respectively). The AUCs in predicting complications were 0.740, 0.686, and 0.763 for model A, B, and C, respectively. Conclusion: A difficulty score based on both pOT and cLA (Model C) was developed using 70% of the sample. The score was validated using a second cohort. Finally, the score was tested, and its results are able to predict a complicated postoperative course.

Background: Patients with a history of stroke presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI) are often excluded from thrombolytic therapy owing to fear of intracranial hemorrhage. Few data, however, are available on the risks vs the benefits of thrombolysis in patients with an acute MI and a prior cerebrovascular event (PCE). Methods: Data were derived from 2 nationwide surveys of 2012 consecutive patients with acute MI admitted to all 25 coronary care units in Israel during 1992 and 1994. Thrombolytic therapy was given to patients with a PCE at the discretion of the treating physicians. Outcomes were compared between patients with an acute MI with and without a PCE and between patients with a PCE treated with or excluded from thrombolysis. Results: Patients with a PCE (n=115 [6%]) were older, with higher rates of atherosclerotic risk factors and in-hospital complications than their counterparts without a prior event (n=1897). They were treated less often with thrombolysis or mechanical reperfusion. The 1-year mortality rates were higher among patients with a PCE (28% vs 19%, P[is less than].01), but not after multivariate adjustments for clinical characteristics (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.55). Patients with an acute MI and a PCE who were treated with thrombolysis (n=29 [25%]) were compared with 46 patients found ineligible for thrombolysis primarily because of their PCE. The timing of the PCE was comparable in both groups (one fifth in the preceding year), while prior transient ischemic attacks were more prevalent among patients who had undergone thrombolysis. The patients who were treated with thrombolysis (n=29) were older, had a higher rate of anterior infarction, and, while in the hospital, received aspirin, anticoagulants, and [Beta]-blockers more often than their counterparts (n=46). In-hospital intracranial hemorrhage did not occur in either group. The 1-year mortality rates were 2-fold higher among patients who had not undergone thrombolysis compared with those who had (33% vs 18%; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-7.64). Conclusions: These findings, derived from 2 nationwide surveys of consecutive patients with acute MI, suggest that patients with PCEs have an adverse outcome attributed to their older age and less favorable risk profile. Thrombolytic therapy, however, based on our preliminary data, may be beneficial in selected patients with an acute MI with a nonrecent PCE. Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:601-606

ABSTRACTIntroductionTildrakizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the p19 subunit of IL-23, a crucial cytokine for Th17 cells. Tildrakizumab has been assessed in several Phase I, II, and III clinical trials and is approved for treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are indicated for systemic therapy.Areas coveredThe available evidence on the efficacy, safety, and use of tildrakizumab in special populations was evaluated by 14 experts who critically reviewed the current literature.Expert opinionTildrakizumab has good efficacy that lasts for at least 5 years in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, and appears to be safe and well tolerated in the long-term with no apparent dose-related differences in adverse events, a low incidence of discontinuation due to adverse events, and no evidence of increased risk of malignancies. The safety and the efficacy of tildrakizumab has also been confirmed in special populations such as those with inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and advanced age. Early intervention with IL-23-inhibitors, such as tildrakizumab, may help to control symptoms and change the long-term course of the disease in patients affected by plaque psoriasis, while improving the quality of life and potentially minimizing the risk of developing comorbidities.

Sorghum halepenseis a synanthropic tall grass distributed worldwide from tropical to temperate zones, and it is often considered an invasive alien. It is a perennial, rhizomatous plant that tends to form dense stands derived from vegetative and sexual propagation. Despite roadside plant communities dominated by Sorghum halepenseare very common in southern Europe, their phytosociological aspects are scarcely studied. In this work, we present the results of a vegetation survey in peninsular Italy, carried out by means of the phytosociological method. In total, we carried out 73 relevés in Liguria, Tuscany, Latium, Campania, Basilicata, and Apulia. We statistically compared our relevés to those from the Balkans classified in the Cynodonto-Sorghetumhalepensis, an association of agricultural annual weed vegetation of the class Stellarietea mediaes.l. used in the past as a reference for Italian S. halepense-dominated communities. Our results show that the Italian communities are different from the Cynodonto–Sorghetum halepensiscommunities, since the latter are rich in annual species, while the former are rich in perennial species. From the syntaxonomic point of view, the Italian communities are better classified in the class Artemisietea vulgaris. We describe the new (sub-)ruderal association Potentillo reptantis–Sorghetum halepensis, including a meso-hygrophilous variant with Urtica dioicaand an agricultural variant with Elymus repens. We have evidence that the Potentillo–Sorghetumoccurs in Italy, Kosovo and Slovenia, but its distribution is possibly wider due to conspicuous presence of cosmopolitan species characterizing the association. Our work provides a baseline for the knowledge of an alien-dominated plant community that can invade habitats with high conservation value.

Frailty is a relatively new concept for intensivists, and is defined as a status of increased vulnerability to stressors associated with reduced reserve and function of different physiological systems. Supporting the hypothesis that frailty may be an important predictor of poor prognosis among older patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU), this study seeks to evaluate the association between frailty at ICU admission and short and long-term mortality.

The signature file access method has, in recent years, received a great deal of attention as a storage structure suitable for associative retrieval from data files produced by various applications. Even though the basic idea is simple, several implementation methods have been suggested, each offering certain advantages in special cases. Combination of the methods is also possible. However, some combinations cannot be used or result in implementations with poor performance. In this paper we survey the methods and outline how they can be used for multimedia data. The main contribution is a guide that can be used to select effective implementations for specific applications. The decision-making process is explained with examples.

Controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of reducing the blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in reducing the incidence of coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic middle-aged men. However, a similar reversibility of the risk of coronary artery disease has not been demonstrated for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation and triglyceride reduction. Therefore, the effect of administering 400 mg of bezafibrate retard daily versus placebo (double blind) to patients with myocardial infarction preceding randomization by 6 months to 5 years, or a clinically manifest anginal syndrome documented by objective evidence of dynamic myocardial ischemia, or bath, is being investigated. Three thousand subjects (aged 45 to 74 years) are being enrolled from 19 cardiac departments in Israel, with total serum cholesterol between 180 and 250 mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [is less than or equal to] 45 mg/dl and triglycerides [is less than or equal to] 300 mg/dl. In addition, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations are required to be [is less than or equal to] 180 mg/dl [is less than or equal to] 460 mg/dl for patients aged

In this work, laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are generated on the surface of thin films of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) fabricated by spin coating on silicon. Previous studies have shown the appearance of LIPSS in this type of materials with femtosecond laser pulses in the near‐infrared region of the spectrum, despite the extremely low absorption of the polymer. The present work consists of an exploration of the effect of adding complexity to the femtosecond laser fields employed for irradiation. Changes in the repetition rate of the pulse train, the pulse duration, and the pulse temporal chirp are explored, and conditions for optimum LIPSS formation are identified. The effects of these modifications on the polymer surface topography, assessed by atomic force microscopy, are described and discussed. Periodic surface structures in the sub‐micron range have been generated on the surface of a polymeric thin film deposited on Si by irradiation with trains of near‐infrared, ultrashort laser pulses. The effects of varying properties of the train of pulses (inter‐pulse delay, pulse duration, and frequency chirp) on the characteristics of the laser‐induced surface topography have been investigated.

Among asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis but no recent stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia, either carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can restore patency and reduce long-term stroke risks. However, from recent national registry data, each option causes about 1% procedural risk of disabling stroke or death. Comparison of their long-term protective effects requires large-scale randomised evidence.

The synthesis of calix[4]- and -[6]arene derivatives P6(H)22+·(Cl–)2, V4(H)24+·(Cl–)2·(I–)2, and V6(H)24+·(Cl–)2·(I–)2bearing N-linked pyridinium (P) and viologen (V) units at the upper rim is described here. A rare example of an anionic conformational template is reported for p-pyridiniumcalix[6]arene P6(H)22+, which adopts a 1,3,5-alternate conformation in the presence of chloride anions. Derivatives P6(H)22+·(Cl–)2, V6(H)24+·(Cl–)2·(I–)2, and V4(H)24+·(Cl–)2·(I–)2show a negative solvatochromism, while their UV–vis acid–base titration evidenced that upon addition of a base, new bands appear at 487, 583, and 686 nm, respectively, due to the formation of betainic monodeprotonated species P6(H)1+, V6(H)13+, and V4(H)13+. These new bands were attributable to the intramolecular charge-transfer (CT) transition from the phenoxide to the pyridinium or viologen moiety and were responsive to the presence of cations. In fact, the band at 487 nm of P6(H)1+was quenched in the presence of a hard Li+cation, and the color of its acetonitrile solution was changed from pink to colorless upon addition of LiI. Consequently, this derivative can be considered as a useful host for the recognition and sensing of lithium cations.

The purpose of the study was to examine moderation of intergenerational transmission of crime and antisocial behavior of parents to adult arrests of sons (from age 18 years to ages 37–38 years). Moderators examined were from late childhood (constructive parenting and sons’ inhibitory control, internalizing symptoms, and cognitive function), adolescence (delinquency and deviant peer association), and early adulthood (educational achievement, employment history, substance use, deviant peer association, and partner antisocial behavior). Study participants were parents and sons (N= 206) from the longitudinal Oregon Youth Study, recruited from schools in the higher crime areas of a medium-sized metropolitan region in the Pacific Northwest. Assessment included official arrest records, school data, interviews, and questionnaires. As hypothesized, parents’ and sons’ histories of two or more arrests were significantly associated. Predictions of sons’ arrests from a broader construct of parental antisocial behavior were significantly moderated by sons’ late childhood cognitive function and early adult employment history, substance use, and romantic partner’s antisocial behavior. Overall, there was relatively little intergenerational association in crime at low levels of these moderators. Findings indicate relatively large intergenerational associations in crime. The identified moderators may be used as selection criteria or targeted in prevention and treatment efforts aimed at reducing such associations.

Despite advances in cardiovascular care, managing cardiogenic shock caused by structural heart disease is challenging. Patients with cardiogenic shock are critically ill upon presentation and require early disease recognition and rapid escalation of care. Temporary mechanical circulatory support provides a higher level of care than current medical therapies such as vasopressors and inotropes. This review article focuses on the role of hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical circulatory support, and device selection in patients who present with cardiogenic shock due to structural heart disease. Early initiation of appropriate mechanical circulatory support may reduce morbidity and mortality.

Little is known about the prognosis of patients with massive pulmonary embolism (PE) and its risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) compared with non‐massive PE, which may inform clinical decisions. Our aim was to compare the risk of recurrent VTE, bleeding, and mortality after massive and non‐massive PE during anticoagulation and after its discontinuation. We included all participants in the RIETE registry who suffered a symptomatic, objectively confirmed segmental or more central PE. Massive PE was defined by a systolic hypotension at clinical presentation (<90 mm Hg). We compared the risks of recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and mortality using time‐to‐event multivariable competing risk modeling. There were 3.5% of massive PE among 38 996 patients with PE. During the anticoagulation period, massive PE was associated with a greater risk of major bleeding (subhazard ratio [sHR] 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.32), but not of recurrent VTE (sHR 1.15, 95% CI 0.75–1.74) than non‐massive PE. An increased risk of mortality was only observed in the first month after PE. After discontinuation of anticoagulation, among 11 579 patients, massive PE and non‐massive PE had similar risks of mortality, bleeding, and recurrent VTE (sHR 0.85, 95% CI 0.51–1.40), but with different case fatality of recurrent PE (11.1% versus 2.4%, P= .03) and possibly different risk of recurrent fatal PE (sHR 3.65, 95% CI 0.82–16.24). In this large prospective registry, the baseline hemodynamic status of the incident PE did not influence the risk of recurrent VTE, during and after the anticoagulation periods, but was possibly associated with recurrent PE of greater severity.

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo establish the safety of transcaval TAVR with the LOTUS Edge system.MethodsA single center prospective observational study was performed over the course of eight months. Median follow up period was 45 days.ResultsTen patients underwent transcaval TAVR with the LOTUS Edge system with 100% procedural success. No patients suffered access-related complications or significant bleeding with either the expandable or static sheaths. One patient died due to periprocedural subarachnoid hemorrhage.ConclusionsOur data suggest transcaval TAVR with the LOTUS Edge delivery system is safe and feasible in patients otherwise unsuitable for transfemoral access.Abbreviations:TAVR: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement; TTE: Transthoracic echocardiogram; LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction; CT: Computed tomography; IVC: Inferior vena cava; VARC-2: Valve Academic Research Consortium-2

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe aim of this study is to describe the successful emergency plan implemented by Padova University Hospital (AOUP) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe emergency plan included early implementation of procedures aimed at meeting the increasing demand for testing and care while ensuring safe and timely care of all patients and guaranteeing the safety of healthcare workers.ResultsFrom 21 February to 1 May 2020, there were 3,862 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Province of Padua.A total of 485 patients were hospitalized in AOUP, of which 91 were admitted to the ICU; 12 .6% of admitted patients died. The average bed occupancy rate in the ICU was 61.1% (IQR 43.6%:77.4%). Inpatient surgery and inpatient admissions were kept for 76% and 74%, respectively, compared to March 2019.A total of 123,077 swabs were performed, 19.3% of which (23,725 swabs) to screen AOUP workers. The screening of all staff showed that 137 of 7,649 (1.8%) hospital workers were positive. No healthcare worker died.DiscussionAOUP strategy demonstrated effective management of the epidemic thanks to the timely implementation of emergency procedures, a well-coordinated effort shared by all hospital Departments, and their continuous adjustment to the ongoing epidemic. Timely screening of all hospital workers proved to be particularly important to defend the hospital, avoiding epidemic clusters due to unknown positive cases.

Crystallization is a fundamental process in materials science, providing the primary route for the realization of a wide range of new materials. Crystallization rates are also considered to be useful probes of glass-forming ability1–3. At the microscopic level, crystallization is described by the classical crystal nucleation and growth theories4,5, yet in general solid formation is a far more complex process. In particular, the observation of apparently different crystal growth regimes in many binary liquid mixtures greatly challenges our understanding of crystallization1,6–12. Here, we study by experiments, theory and computer simulations the crystallization of supercooled mixtures of argon and krypton, showing that crystal growth rates in these systems can be reconciled with existing crystal growth models only by explicitly accounting for the non-ideality of the mixtures. Our results highlight the importance of thermodynamic aspects in describing the crystal growth kinetics, providing a substantial step towards a more sophisticated theory of crystal growth.