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Disorders of consciousness (DoC) are characterized by alteration in arousal and/or awareness commonly caused by severe brain injury. There exists a consensus on adopting advanced neuroimaging and electrophysiological procedures to improve diagnosis/prognosis of DoC patients. Currently, these procedures are prevalently applied in a research-oriented context and their translation into clinical practice is yet to come. The aim of the study consisted in the identification of measures derived from routinary electroencephalography (EEG) able to support clinicians in the prediction of DoC patients’ outcome. In the present study, a routine EEG was recorded during rest from a sample of 58 DoC patients clinically diagnosed as Unresponsive Wakefulness State (UWS) and Minimally Conscious State (MCS) and followed-up for 3 months. EEG-based features characterizing brain activity in terms of spectral content and resting state networks organization were used in a predictive machine learning model to i) identify which were the most promising features in predicting patients’ exit from the DoC, regardless of the clinical diagnosis and ii) verify whether such features would have been the same best discriminating UWS from MCS or specific of the outcome prediction. A predictive machine learning model was built on EEG features related to spectral content and resting state networks which returned up to 85% of performance accuracy in outcome prediction and 76% in DoC state recognition (UWS vs MCS). We provided preliminary evidence for the exploitation of a routine EEG to improve the clinical management of non-communicative patients to be confirmed in a larger DoC population.

The reflection and transmission of plane waves due to a truncated anisotropic chiral slab are studied and followed by a uniform asymptotic solution of the diffraction contribution within the physical optics approximation. The material is characterized by a chirality parameter and possesses an optical axis normal to the planar surfaces. The structure is surrounded by free space, and the incidence direction is oblique with respect to the edge. A bounce diagram approach is applied to evaluate reflection and transmission matrices related to the ordinary plane of incidence. The uniform asymptotic physical optics (UAPO) approach is then exploited to obtain the diffraction matrix to be used in accordance with the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD). The proposed solution is validated via comparisons with a full-wave electromagnetic solver.

A new three-axis loading frame has been developed to enable real-time visualization of in-situ soil and rock structure interactions via X-ray tomography during small-scale model testing. The constructed frame is capable of performing a wide range of small-scale 1gtests and can accommodate monotonic and cyclic actuation under both load and displacement control. The compact size of the system enables remote multi-axis operation from within an X-ray cone-beam scanning bay, a capability which is owed to a comprehensive design process. Design and fabrication involved a blend of physical and numerical experiments to assess suitable construction materials and performance. In this scope, the new equipment is discussed and its capability is showcased.

A mass was removed surgically from the right orbit of a 1-d-old Holstein calf. Grossly, the mass filled the rostral part of an enlarged orbit and compressed the globe toward the caudal pole of the orbit. The brown, 6-cm tumor had central yellow and brown areas, and a smooth, glistening cut surface. Microscopically, the neoplasm was highly cellular and composed of spindle cells arranged in irregular, broad, interlacing streams and bundles, forming a herringbone pattern and supported by a sparse collagenous matrix. Neoplastic cells infiltrated surrounding soft tissues and compressed the globe. The neoplastic cells had positive immunolabeling for α–smooth muscle actin, desmin, and vimentin, and negative immunolabeling for factor VIII, myoglobin, cytokeratin, and skeletal muscle actin. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry results confirmed a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. To our knowledge, congenital periocular leiomyosarcoma has not been reported in cattle previously. This rare tumor could be included as a differential diagnosis in newborn calves with periocular masses.

This paper introduces a novel fault diagnosis approach for two-level Voltage Source Inverters in Motor Drives, using Shallow Neural Networks. A key feature of this study is the implementation of three different Classifiers: two are designed to both detect and diagnose faults, while the third is specialized in fault detection and localization. The strategic adoption of Shallow Neural Networks plays a pivotal role in substantially reducing computational demands while enabling the direct utilization of raw, normalized data obtained from both simulation and experimental activities. The research includes a comparative analysis of three distinct shallow neural network architectures against other machine learning methods to underscore their effectiveness. Specifically, the use of shallow Long Short Term Memories networks is a pioneering effort in the field of power converter fault detection, especially for their reduced memory requirement (one hidden layer with 64 units). The final results show that the average time per observation for the localization classifier(7 Class-Classifier) across the entire test set is equal to 39 $\mu$s. This efficiency is coupled with promising metrics, including a precision, recall and F1-score of 94.50%, 94.24%, and 94.35%, respectively.

This study introduces an innovative approach to enhancing aerodynamic efficiency in automotive applications by exploiting shape memory alloy technology. To this end, a thorough investigation of the thermomechanical behaviour of these alloys was conducted in the paper. Using a UMAT subroutine, the pseudoelastic effect and the shape memory effect of these smart materials were analysed numerically simultaneously, allowing accurate predictions of their behaviour under different loads, and facilitating the design and optimization of devices and systems based on SMAs. Therefore, the article proposes an innovative solution to optimize aerodynamic efficiency by using a Grille Shutter with variable openings. The Active Grille Shutter uses a bistable SMA actuator, allowing two optimal opening positions for specific load conditions. These actuators hold two stable states without energy consumption, ensuring efficient and reliable operation and allowing rapid transitions between the two states, making them ideal for applications that require timely responses. By using this specially designed and numerically analysed system, it has been confirmed that suitably dimensioned shape memory springs can guarantee a movement of the blades of the 90°, allowing an improvement in vehicle efficiency of about 4% at a speed of 140 km/h.

In this paper, the effect of a non-linear dielectric gate stack on the short-circuit performance of a 1.2 kV SiC MOSFET was analyzed through TCAD simulations. Starting from the TCAD model of a commercial 1.2 kV, its standard gate oxide was replaced with a stack formed by oxide and a non‑linear dielectric, characterized by a temperature dependent permittivity. This variation on temperature can be exploited to reduce the current conducted during short-circuit events, lowering the temperature reached through the device by about 30%, without affecting its static and dynamic performance.

This paper provides an experimental investigation through infrared thermography of the steady-state temperature imbalance arising in parallel SiC MOSFETs. A switched-mode boost power converter based on two arrays of 4 parallel 1.2 kV MOSFETs is selected as a case-study. The analysis aims at proving that a proper device arrangement can minimize the thermal imbalance in the absence of circuit layout optimization.

SiC MOSFETs still suffers from some open issues, such as the high density of defects existing at the SiC/ SiO2 interface. In order to characterize such interface, a non-destructive investigation technique should be employed. In this work, we investigate the measurement of Gate capacitance with biased Drain. More in detail, the effect of frequency on such curves is considered. The analysis is performed using both in experimental setup and numerical framework. Experimental and numerical results both exhibit a sharp capacitance peak in the inversion region which reduces its height as frequency increases.

In this work a groundbreaking SiC power MOSFET based on innovative vertical Gate All Around (GAA) concept is presented. Extensive TCAD simulations are performed to analyze the performance in forward as well as in reverse conditions for this new device concept. The proposed design has a target rating voltage of 1200V, suitable for e-mobility applications.

This article explores the role of liaison officers (LNOs) in military operations, focusing on the importance of effective communication and integration with allies and partners. It provides guidance for commanders on selecting LNOs, emphasizing the need for trust, familiarity, and knowledge of priorities. Factors such as rank and institutional culture are also highlighted as important considerations. The article concludes by emphasizing the valuable insights and contextual understanding that well-placed LNOs can bring to military operations. [Extracted from the article]

Athletes are among a unique group such that they may possess a serious underlying pathologic condition that may often go unnoticed given their high caliber of physical fitness. However, several considerations should be investigated, especially in the perioperative period, in order to minimize morbidity and mortality. Namely, cardiac pathologic condition can result in sudden death, and pulmonary pathologic condition may affect airway and respiratory management. Moreover, patients undergoing orthopedic surgery are at the highest risk for venous thromboembolism. Regardless of the condition, it is crucial to be vigilant and explore the unique medical considerations for the athlete undergoing anesthesia.

Cycling infrastructures contribute to advancing zero-impact transport systems, aligning with the European Commission’s proactive climate change mitigation policies. This paper explores the potential of innovative and sustainable pavements for cycling paths with mixtures composed of road-milling materials. This investigation involves low-environmental-impact bituminous-based mixtures differing from recipe, mixing method, and laying. Up to 100% secondary aggregates are used as alternative materials to design the Grande Raccordo Anulare delle Biciclette (GRAB), a 44-km cycling ring in Rome. According to the European standard EN 15804, their “from cradle to gate” life cycle analysis allows a comprehensive assessment and comparison of the environmental impact. Core and additional environmental impact categories and resource use indicators were quantified using primary data from asphalt producers and secondary data from the Ecoinvent database in the SimaPro software. Within the H2020 InfraROB project (grant agreement no. 955337), which aims at enhancing road infrastructure integrity, performance, and safety through autonomous robotic solutions and modularization, experimental sections have been constructed using a cold-mixed asphalt composed entirely of recycled asphalt and a rejuvenating additive. The results underscore the potential of the examined low-impact approach in conserving Earth’s resources, ensuring long-lasting infrastructure for vulnerable urban populations and fostering sustainable environmental management.

The reconstruction of images from their corresponding noisy Radon transform is a typical example of an ill-posed linear inverse problem as arising in the application of computerized tomography (CT). As the (naïve) solution does not depend on the measured data continuously, regularizationis needed to reestablish a continuous dependence. In this work, we investigate simple, but yet still provably convergent approaches to learninglinear regularization methods from data. More specifically, we analyze two approaches: one generic linear regularization that learns how to manipulate the singular values of the linear operator in an extension of our previous work, and one tailored approach in the Fourier domain that is specific to CT-reconstruction. We prove that such approaches become convergent regularization methods as well as the fact that the reconstructions they provide are typically much smoother than the training data they were trained on. Finally, we compare the spectral as well as the Fourier-based approaches for CT-reconstruction numerically, discuss their advantages and disadvantages and investigate the effect of discretization errors at different resolutions.

IMPORTANCE: The function-based eat, sleep, console (ESC) care approach substantially reduces the proportion of infants who receive pharmacologic treatment for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). This reduction has led to concerns for increased postnatal opioid exposure in infants who receive pharmacologic treatment. However, the effect of the ESC care approach on hospital outcomes for infants pharmacologically treated for NOWS is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in opioid exposure and total length of hospital stay (LOS) for pharmacologically treated infants managed with the ESC care approach vs usual care with the Finnegan tool. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This post hoc subgroup analysis involved infants pharmacologically treated in ESC-NOW, a stepped-wedge cluster randomized clinical trial conducted at 26 US hospitals. Hospitals maintained pretrial practices for pharmacologic treatment, including opioid type, scheduled opioid dosing, and use of adjuvant medications. Infants were born at 36 weeks’ gestation or later, had evidence of antenatal opioid exposure, and received opioid treatment for NOWS between September 2020 and March 2022. Data were analyzed from November 2022 to January 2024. EXPOSURE: Opioid treatment for NOWS and the ESC care approach. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: For each outcome (total opioid exposure, peak opioid dose, time from birth to initiation of first opioid dose, length of opioid treatment, and LOS), we used generalized linear mixed models to adjust for the stepped-wedge design and maternal and infant characteristics. RESULTS: In the ESC-NOW trial, 463 of 1305 infants were pharmacologically treated (143/603 [23.7%] in the ESC care approach group and 320/702 [45.6%] in the usual care group). Mean total opioid exposure was lower in the ESC care approach group with an absolute difference of 4.1 morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram (MME/kg) (95% CI, 1.3-7.0) when compared with usual care (4.8 MME/kg vs 8.9 MME/kg, respectively; P = .001). Mean time from birth to initiation of pharmacologic treatment was 22.4 hours (95% CI, 7.1-37.7) longer with the ESC care approach vs usual care (75.4 vs 53.0 hours, respectively; P = .002). No significant difference in mean peak opioid dose was observed between groups (ESC care approach, 0.147 MME/kg, vs usual care, 0.126 MME/kg). The mean length of treatment was 6.3 days shorter (95% CI, 3.0-9.6) in the ESC care approach group vs usual care group (11.8 vs 18.1 days, respectively; P < .001), and mean LOS was 6.2 days shorter (95% CI, 3.0-9.4) with the ESC care approach than with usual care (16.7 vs 22.9 days, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: When compared with usual care, the ESC care approach was associated with less opioid exposure and shorter LOS for infants pharmacologically treated for NOWS. The ESC care approach was not associated with a higher peak opioid dose, although pharmacologic treatment was typically initiated later. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04057820

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role and responsibilities of liaison officers (LNOs) in the military. LNOs act as representatives of commanders and facilitate communication between different commands. They play a crucial role in monitoring operations, coordinating between organizations, and providing assistance as needed. The article emphasizes the importance of qualities such as access, relationships, presence, credibility, dependability, and personality for LNOs to be effective in their roles. It offers practical advice and lessons learned for LNOs to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their positions. [Extracted from the article]

AbstractAmong treatment options for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) showed to be effective in preventing disease progression, but real-world data during the Omicron variant surge are still lacking. Multicentre retrospective study evaluating the effectiveness of sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab in fragile patients with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection between November 2021 and March 2022. Unfavourable outcome was defined as increased need for oxygen supplementation and/or death. Of 268 study-participants, 12 (4.48%) previously needed supplemental oxygen, while 6 (2.24%) had active solid neoplasia (2.24%); 186 (69%) have previously received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Overall, 22 (8%) had unfavourable outcomes (42% versus 6% of patients with and without previous oxygen need and 50% versus 7% of patients with and without active solid neoplasia). Both supplemental oxygen therapy before SARS-CoV-2 infection and solid malignant tumour have shown to be risk factors for treatment failure. Log-rank test did not identify differences between sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab treatment. Despite diffusion of Omicron variant, the rate of unfavourable outcome was higher than expected. The presence of underlying risk factors, including solid cancer and previous oxygen therapy are independently associated with risk of COVID-19 progression, suggesting the need for antiviral treatments not limited to mAbs and implementation of vaccine campaign.

This article discusses the variety of herbs that can be grown in different regions around the world. While many people associate culinary herbs with Mediterranean plants like basil and rosemary, there are a wide range of herbs from other regions that can be grown in different climates. The article highlights herbs from South America, Africa, and Asia, such as lemon verbena, stevia, roselle, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass. It provides information on how to grow and use these herbs, and encourages readers to explore different cuisines and expand their herbal horizons. [Extracted from the article]

The issue of suboptimal drug regimen adherence in secondary cardiovascular prevention presents a significant barrier to improving patient outcomes. To address this, the utilization of drug combinations, specifically single pill combinations (SPCs) and polypills, was proposed as a strategy to simplify treatment regimens. This approach aims to enhance treatment accessibility, affordability, and adherence, thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving patient health. The document is an Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri (ANMCO) scientific statement on simplifying drug regimens for secondary cardiovascular prevention. It discusses the underuse of treatments despite available, effective, and accessible options, highlighting a significant gap in secondary prevention across different socio-economic statuses and countries. The statement explores barriers to implementing evidence-based treatments, including patient, healthcare provider, and system-related challenges. The paper also reviews international guidelines, the role of SPCs and polypills in clinical practice, and their economic impact, advocating for their use in secondary prevention to improve patient outcomes and adherence.

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) is not only an essential component of cancer rehabilitation but also a pillar of preventive cardio-oncology. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation is a comprehensive model based on a multitargeted approach and its efficacy has been widely documented; when compared with an ‘exercise only’ programme, comprehensive CORE demonstrates a better outcome. It involves nutritional counselling, psychological support, and cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment, and it is directed to a very demanding population with a heavy burden of CV diseases driven by physical inactivity, cancer therapy-induced metabolic derangements, and cancer therapy-related CV toxicities. Despite its usefulness, CORE is still underused in cancer patients and we are still at the dawning of remote models of rehabilitation (tele-rehabilitation). Not all CORE is created equally: a careful screening procedure to identify patients who will benefit the most from CORE and a multidisciplinary customized approach are mandatory to achieve a better outcome for cancer survivors throughout their cancer journey. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated review of CORE not only for cardiologists dealing with this peculiar population of patients but also for oncologists, primary care providers, patients, and caregivers. This multidisciplinary team should help cancer patients to maintain a healthy and active life before, during, and after cancer treatment, in order to improve quality of life and to fight health inequities.

It has been well assessed that women have been widely under-represented in cardiovascular clinical trials. Moreover, a significant discrepancy in pharmacological and interventional strategies has been reported. Therefore, poor outcomes and more significant mortality have been shown in many diseases. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences in drug metabolism have also been described so that effectiveness could be different according to sex. However, awareness about the gender gap remains too scarce. Consequently, gender-specific guidelines are lacking, and the need for a sex-specific approach has become more evident in the last few years. This paper aims to evaluate different therapeutic approaches to managing the most common women’s diseases.

Obesity is a chronic and relapsing disease characterized by the interaction between individual predispositions and an obesogenic environment. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of energetic homoeostasis paved the way to more effective therapeutic approaches compared with traditional treatments. Since obesity is a complex disease, it necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach whose implementation remains challenging. Nonetheless, emerging pharmacological interventions appear promising. Currently, therapeutic success is discreet in the short term but often fails to maintain long-term weight loss due to a high likelihood of weight regain. Cardiologists play a key role in managing patients with obesity, yet often lack familiarity with its comprehensive management. The aim of this document is to summarize knowledge to consolidate essential knowledge for clinicians to effectively treat patients living with obesity. The paper emphasizes the pivotal role of a strong patient–clinician relationship in navigating successful treatment. We analyse the criteria commonly used to diagnose obesity and point out the strengths and limitations of different criteria. Furthermore, we discuss the role of obesiologists and the contributions of cardiologists. In addition, we detail key components of effective therapeutic strategies, including educational aspects and pharmacological options.

"Galestro" is a collection of poems by Bruce Hunter, with Italian translations supervised by Andrea Sirotti. The poems explore themes of nature, love, personal and ancestral memory, and the experience of a working-class youth navigating deafness. The title of the book, "Galestro," refers to the unique soil in the Chianti region of Italy that flavors the region's wine. The poems celebrate diversity and uniqueness, and highlight the importance of storytelling and family history. The collection also includes poems that reflect on aging and the impermanence of human existence. The translations in the book are mostly literal, but some stand out for their poetic imagination. Overall, "Galestro" is a rich and meaningful collection that spans various aspects of life and offers a glimpse into the author's personal experiences and reflections. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked genetic disorder of glycosphingolipid catabolism caused by mutations in the GLAgene. Its heterogeneous presentation, the paucity of specific early markers, and the absence of a genotype–phenotype correlation are associated with a delayed or missed diagnosis. The true prevalence of FD remains so far unknown. Methods: A systematic search of FD screening studies in dialysis patients published from January 1995 until January 2019 was performed to reanalyze the prevalence of GLAmutations in this population after assigning their correct phenotype. Results: Twenty five screening studies involving 39,621 dialysis patients were included. Of them, 116 [91 males (0.23%) and 25 females (0.06%)] were positive to the GLAsequencing analysis. 56 (48.2%) had benign variant, 52 (44.8%) a pathogenic GLAmutation (39 classic and 13 late onset mutations) and 8 (6.9%) a mutation of uncertain significance. The overall prevalence of GLAvariants was 0.24% [CI 95%, 0.17–0.32] while the overall prevalence recalculated on basis of only pathogenetic mutations was 0.14% [CI 95%, 0.08–0.20]. This difference was significant (P?=?0.048). Conclusions: Although the real prevalence of classic FD is low, the screening in the high-risk renal population remains of primary interest as an early diagnosis is fundamental for a timely specific therapy; moreover, the identification of index cases could allow patients’ relatives to be investigated and promptly treated.

This article presents a new topology for EV powertrain, called Reconfigurable Cascaded Multilevel Converter, able to simultaneously implement power conversion and active battery system management. The latter feature is performed through the Reconfigurable Battery Module structure, where the serial connection of cells is controlled through a pattern of switches. This work contributes to the improvement of EV powertrain multilevel topologies by adding the advantages of reconfigurable systems. Compared to other multilevel topologies, an optimized control algorithm allows maintaining the converter efficiency comparable to more standard solutions and, concurrently, performing sorting algorithms to keep balanced State of Charge dynamics between the cells. Moreover, the new topology can be completely customized, according to different application requirements. To validate its feasibility in terms of efficiency, the converter is compared to other three alternative topologies. Efficiency measurements are carried out to validate the comparison. Finally, experimental results show how the active management of the battery stack can avoid voltage imbalances and be resilient to sudden voltage or load changes.

Introduction: Hyperkalemia, one of the most important electrolyte abnormalities of chronic kidney disease (CKD), often limits the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors and can increase in the postprandial period. In this study we report a real-world experience with the new non-adsorbed potassium binder patiromer in stage 3b-4 CKD patients. Moreover, we performed a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate, for the first time, the efficacy of patiromer in the control of postprandial potassium concentrations. Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 40 patients at the time of patiromer initiation (T0), and after 2 (T2), 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) months of treatment. For cross sectional analysis, a blood sample was collected 2 h after the main meal for the evaluation of postprandial potassium concentrations. Results: Eighty-two point five percent of patients (33/40) reached normal potassium concentrations at T2. Serum potassium significantly decreased at T2 compared to T0 (5.13 ± 0.48 vs 5.77 ± 0.41 mmol/L, respectively; p< 0.001) and the reduction remained significant during the follow-up (5.06 ± 0.36 at T6 and 5.77 ± 0.41 at T12; p< 0.001 vsT0). Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors were continued by 93% of patients (27/29). Adverse events were reported in 27.5% of patients and were all mild-to-moderate. Postprandial potassium concentrations did not significantly change compared to fasting state potassium measured at T12 (4.53 ± 0.33 vs 5.06 ± 0.36 mmol/L; p= 0.15). Conclusions: In a real-world setting of advanced CKD patients, patiromer is a useful treatment for hyperkalemia, since it significantly reduces serum potassium levels over the long term and is able to maintain potassium concentrations in the normal range even in the post-prandial period. Graphical abstract:

To coordinate cellular physiology, eukaryotic cells rely on the rapid exchange of molecules at specialized organelle–organelle contact sites1,2. Endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondrial contact sites (ERMCSs) are particularly vital communication hubs, playing key roles in the exchange of signalling molecules, lipids and metabolites3,4. ERMCSs are maintained by interactions between complementary tethering molecules on the surface of each organelle5,6. However, due to the extreme sensitivity of these membrane interfaces to experimental perturbation7,8, a clear understanding of their nanoscale organization and regulation is still lacking. Here we combine three-dimensional electron microscopy with high-speed molecular tracking of a model organelle tether, Vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)-associated protein B (VAPB), to map the structure and diffusion landscape of ERMCSs. We uncovered dynamic subdomains within VAPB contact sites that correlate with ER membrane curvature and undergo rapid remodelling. We show that VAPB molecules enter and leave ERMCSs within seconds, despite the contact site itself remaining stable over much longer time scales. This metastability allows ERMCSs to remodel with changes in the physiological environment to accommodate metabolic needs of the cell. An amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated mutation in VAPB perturbs these subdomains, likely impairing their remodelling capacity and resulting in impaired interorganelle communication. These results establish high-speed single-molecule imaging as a new tool for mapping the structure of contact site interfaces and reveal that the diffusion landscape of VAPB at contact sites is a crucial component of ERMCS homeostasis.

In this study, Giaccari et al. describe how PADI6, an oocyte-specific protein and component of the subcortical maternal complex, controls DNA methylation required for genomic imprinting. A maternal missense mutation in PADI6, associated with multilocus imprinting disturbances, causes mislocalization of the DNA methyltransferase DNMT1 and its accessory factor, UHRF1, disrupting zygotic genome activation and epigenetic reprograming, which leads to a developmental failure during early embryogenesis.

Gene expression is subject to epigenetic regulation and is dependent upon cellular context. Spatial omics tools can provide insight into cellular context; however, development has centered on spatial transcriptomics and proteomics. Deterministic barcoding in tissue for spatial omics sequencing was the first spatial epigenomics platform at the cellular level. In this study, we present a comparison of spatial epigenomic profiling on both 50-channel and 96-channel platforms. The new 96-channel microfluidics chip design greatly improved precision in cell typing and identification of regulatory elements by spatial-ATAC-seq. Spatial mapping reveals complexity of glial cell and neuronal localization within brain structures as well as cis-regulatory elements controlling cellular function. This technology streamlines spatial analysis of the epigenome and contributes a new layer of spatial omics to uncover the context-dependent regulatory mechanisms underpinning development, disease, and normal cellular function.

The aims of the study were to identify perceived strategies for and barriers to faculty retention and examine differences regarding age, gender, and race. Cross‐sectional data was captured from the eight author‐affiliated dental schools. A Qualtrics survey was emailed to all faculty members at these institutions (1467 possible participants) between November 2021 and February 2022. The survey was formulated from best practices listed in the American Dental Education Association Faculty Diversity Toolkit. It consisted of 18 questions, including demographic information and faculty perceptions of their respective workplaces. These responses were then evaluated with descriptive statistics, Chi‐squared analysis, Pearson Correlation, and Fleiss’ kappa. The survey's response rate was 19.2%. There was no significant difference in perceived retention strategies across race, age, gender, practice tenure, practice type, or clinical versus tenure track. The top four barriers identified were inadequate financial compensation, workload, poor work environment, and burnout. There was a significant difference between racial groups and their perceived barrier of support for promotion (p= 0.048). This was more prevalent among clinical faculty (47.7%) than tenure track faculty (16.2%). The work environment was listed as a leading factor for both promoting retention and encouraging the exodus of faculty members. Strategies aimed at improving financial compensation, career recognition, and transparency of the promotion process, along with those aimed at improving the work environment were shown to be vital to retaining faculty. Though the low response rate is a study limitation, these findings provide valuable information and a framework for future studies regarding dental faculty recruitment and retention.

The most severe type of male infertility is non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), where there is no sperm in the ejaculate due to failure of spermatogenesis, affecting 10%–20% of infertile men with azoospermia. Genetic studies have identified dozens of NOA genes. The main aim of the present study is to identify a novel monogenic mutation that may cause NOA.

How does Italy position inside the European structure of trade relationships? How labour bilateral flows have changed over time? Which type of employment activity has been outsourced? Which insourced? Focusing on a three-country perspective, what are the employment bilateral relationships between Italy-Germany-Poland (descending periphery-core-ascending periphery)? To address these questions we develop a novel set of bilateral labour dependence indicators inside I-O production networks. Overall, we provide evidence of the reconfiguration of Italy as falling into the trap of GVC downgrading, with an increasing number of trade relationships in employment requirements, particularly in the most strategic productions, as insourced from abroad. The offshoring strategy conducted so far has resulted in a weakening of its internal production capacity and employment absorption, even more harshly when compared to other European countries.

The uniform asymptotic physical optics approach is implemented to investigate the plane wave diffraction due to a perfect electrically conducting half-plane located at the interface between two lossless isorefractive media. The incidence direction is assumed to be oblique with respect to the edge. The proposed approach takes advantage of the equivalence principle to solve the original diffraction problem as a superposition of the diffraction problems related to the isorefractive half-spaces. The corresponding electric and magnetic equivalent surface currents are determined under the physical optics approximation and assumed as sources to evaluate the diffraction contributions. These last are obtained at the end of an analytical procedure and expressed in the context of the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction. A full-wave electromagnetic solver is used to validate the resulting solutions.

The impact of technological innovation on the healthcare sector is becoming increasingly significant, and the number of studies exploring this topic is rising rapidly. However, studies on the digital transition of healthcare services are still a challenge, both from a theoretical and managerial perspective. In this context, knowledge management discipline can guide the evolving environment to cover this research gap. Indeed, the digital transition is transforming how healthcare professionals access data, handle information, and manage knowledge by adopting 4.0 enabling technologies. Thus, drawing on the SECI model, this study aims to investigate the healthcare sector's technological innovation through a knowledge management perspective, and evaluate the impact of 4.0 technologies on knowledge creation processes (i.e., socialization, externalization, combination, internalization) in the healthcare domain. Finally, the article investigates the critical areas of the digital transition, and the future research directions that remain to be addressed.

A team of researchers at the University of Michigan is studying how adolescents and young adults with neurodevelopmental and chronic health conditions learn to self-manage their health and medical needs. [...]

Nowadays, health data are fragmented and scattered across various systems and technologies. Complex support infrastructures, data system silos, and administrative bureaucracy have led to inefficiencies and inefficacies. This article aims to propose a blockchain platform to share big health data in real time between the authorized actors while ensuring a high level of health information protection. The proposed platform can offer a highly innovative approach to administering benefits and keeping all parties in sync. Implementing a blockchain for managing health data is a valuable support for diagnosing and monitoring the progress of the therapies of individual patients under treatment. In addition, it helps to reduce the time required for the exchange of information and keep the healthcare operations under control. Healthcare organizations and ecosystems will benefit from having a complete picture of a patient's health condition and reaching a global audience through the blockchain platform.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive aortic dilatation, causing ∼80% mortality upon rupture. Currently, there is no approved drug therapy for AAA. Surgical repairs are invasive and risky and thus not recommended to patients with small AAAs which, however, account for ∼90% of the newly diagnosed cases. It is therefore a compelling unmet clinical need to discover effective non-invasive strategies to prevent or slow down AAA progression. We contend that the first AAA drug therapy will only arise through discoveries of both effective drug targets and innovative delivery methods. There is substantial evidence that degenerative smooth muscle cells (SMCs) orchestrate AAA pathogenesis and progression. In this study, we made an exciting finding that PERK, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress Protein Kinase R-like ER Kinase, is a potent driver of SMC degeneration and hence a potential therapeutic target. Indeed, local knockdown of PERK in elastase-challenged aorta significantly attenuated AAA lesions in vivo. In parallel, we also conceived a biomimetic nanocluster (NC) design uniquely tailored to AAA-targeting drug delivery. This NC demonstrated excellent AAA homing via a platelet-derived biomembrane coating; and when loaded with a selective PERK inhibitor (PERKi, GSK2656157), the NC therapy conferred remarkable benefits in both preventing aneurysm development and halting the progression of pre-existing aneurysmal lesions in two distinct rodent models of AAA. In summary, our current study not only establishes a new intervention target for mitigating SMC degeneration and aneurysmal pathogenesis, but also provides a powerful tool to facilitate the development of effective drug therapy of AAA.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the main causes of maternal mortality, mainly in the poorest regions of the world, drawing attention to the need for strategies for preventing it. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic administration of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in decreasing blood loss in pregnant women in delivery, preventing PPH.

In this paper, SiC MOSFETs capacitance is monitored when a DC bias is applied between Drain and Source. The arising capacitance exhibits a sharp peak in the inversion region which is related to the SiC/SiO2 interface traps properties. Temperature effects on such peak are investigated using both experimental and numerical results. The peak shifts toward lower Gate voltage as temperature increases, in agreement with the threshold voltage reduction at higher temperature.