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Abstract Recent research shows that emotional facial expressions impact behavioral responses only when their valence is relevant to the task. Under such conditions, threatening faces delay attentional disengagement, resulting in slower reaction times and increased omission errors compared to happy faces. To investigate the neural underpinnings of this phenomenon, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to record the brain activity of 23 healthy participants while they completed two versions of the go/no-go task. In the emotion task (ET), participants responded to emotional expressions (fearful or happy faces) and refrained from responding to neutral faces. In the gender task (GT), the same images were displayed, but participants had to respond based on the posers’ gender. Our results confirmed previous behavioral findings and revealed a network of brain regions (including the angular gyrus, the ventral precuneus, the left posterior cingulate cortex, the right anterior superior frontal gyrus, and two face-responsive regions) displaying distinct activation patterns for the same facial emotional expressions in the ET compared to the GT. We propose that this network integrates internal representations of task rules with sensory characteristics of facial expressions to evaluate emotional stimuli and exert top-down control, guiding goal-directed actions according to the context.

Fault slip is a complex natural phenomenon involving multiple spatiotemporal scales from seconds to days to weeks. To understand the physical and chemical processes responsible for the full fault slip spectrum, a multidisciplinary approach is highly recommended. The Near Fault Observatories (NFOs) aim at providing high-precision and spatiotemporally dense multidisciplinary near-fault data, enabling the generation of new original observations and innovative scientific products. The Alto Tiberina Near Fault Observatory is a permanent monitoring infrastructure established around the Alto Tiberina fault (ATF), a 60 km long low-angle normal fault (mean dip 20°), located along a sector of the Northern Apennines (central Italy) undergoing an extension at a rate of about 3 mm yr−1. The presence of repeating earthquakes on the ATF and a steep gradient in crustal velocities measured across the ATF by GNSS stations suggest large and deep (5–12 km) portions of the ATF undergoing aseismic creep. Both laboratory and theoretical studies indicate that any given patch of a fault can creep, nucleate slow earthquakes, and host large earthquakes, as also documented in nature for certain ruptures (e.g., Iquique in 2014, Tōhoku in 2011, and Parkfield in 2004). Nonetheless, how a fault patch switches from one mode of slip to another, as well as the interaction between creep, slow slip, and regular earthquakes, is still poorly documented by near-field observation. With the strainmeter array along the Alto Tiberina fault system (STAR) project, we build a series of six geophysical observatory sites consisting of 80–160 m deep vertical boreholes instrumented with strainmeters and seismometers as well as meteorological and GNSS antennas and additional seismometers at the surface. By covering the portions of the ATF that exhibits repeated earthquakes at shallow depth (above 4 km) with these new observatory sites, we aim to collect unique open-access data to answer fundamental questions about the relationship between creep, slow slip, dynamic earthquake rupture, and tectonic faulting.

Summary: Our case report aims to highlight the multidisciplinary approach adopted for the avoidance of ICU-acquired weakness and the assessment of nutritional therapy in 16 weeks young pregnant with diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum complicated with central pontine myelinolysis, after the development of acute respiratory failure due to pneumonia.Thiamine and electrolytes were properly supplemented to minimize the high risk of developing refeeding syndrome. Due to severe nausea and vomiting, antiemetic therapy was started and a parenteral route was chosen during the first two days of non-invasive ventilation. On day three, the patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated due to severe respiratory failure, semi-elemental formula was started by enteral route while parenteral nutrition was supplemented and early rehabilitation was started. Antiemetic therapy was continued until day 28th when the pregnant woman was shifted to oral nutrition only. On day 87th the postpartum mother was transferred to the rehabilitation center for an intensive rehabilitative program based on the motor recovery of lower limb and swallowing recovery.

Research on strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) was carried out in greenhouse in 2022-2023, arranging a 4 x 2 factorial experiment, consisting of four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solutions (1.2, 1.7, 2.2, and 2.7 dS m-1) and application of gypsum (without application – control and application). The plants were grown in coconut fibre substrate from late October to early June. The 2.2 dS m-1 ECsol resulted in the highest yield, whereas the highest values of dry matter and soluble solids were recorded under 2.7 dS m-1 ECsol. Gypsum application resulted in the increase of dry matter, soluble solids, firmness and colour components. The 2.2 and 2.7 dS m-1 ECsol led to the highest levels of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities as well as polyphenols and vitamin C. From the research carried out on strawberry grown in coconut fibre, it arose that the 2.2 dS m-1 EC of the nutrient solution showed the best effect on yield, but it did not generally differ from 2.7 dS m-1 regarding the quality of the 'fruits'. Gypsum treatment represents an effective strategy to improve some important qualitative characteristics of strawberry 'fruits', under the perspective of sustainable management of crop systems.

Abstract The purpose of this work is to provide the methodological and instrumental framework for the establishment of a new absolute gravity and height reference network in Sicily. The aim of the network is to contribute to the new reference systems in the Italian area, useful for the scientific and technological activities related to the gravity field and to the proper definition of a modern height system in this region. The network is composed of 5 stations, evenly distributed to form a large mesh, which roughly covers the entire Sicily. Since four of the five selected stations were measured also in the 1990s, it was also possible to evaluate whether long-term gravity changes occurred at these sites (basic requirement for a reference network) and check the long-term ground deformation patterns, using data from the closest GPS/GNSS stations. The observed gravity changes over a time interval of about 30 years at the absolute stations and in the surrounding areas, confirm the long-term stability of the selected areas/sites.

Copy number variation (CNV) at 7q11.23 causes Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) and 7q microduplication syndrome (7Dup), neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) featuring intellectual disability accompanied by symmetrically opposite neurocognitive features. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying 7q11.23- related pathophysiology, the propagation of CNV dosage across gene expression layers and their interplay remains elusive. Here we uncovered 7q11.23 dosage-dependent symmetrically opposite dynamics in neuronal differentiation and intrinsic excitability. By integrating transcriptomics, translatomics, and proteomics of patient-derived and isogenic induced neurons, we found that genes related to neuronal transmission follow 7q11.23 dosage and are transcriptionally controlled, while translational factors and ribosomal genes are posttranscriptionally buffered. Consistently, we found phosphorylated RPS6 (p-RPS6) downregulated in WBS and upregulated in 7Dup. Surprisingly, p-4EBP was changed in the opposite direction, reflecting dosage- specific changes in total 4EBP levels. This highlights different dosage-sensitive dyregulations of the mTOR pathway as well as distinct roles of p-RPS6 and p-4EBP during neurogenesis. Our work demonstrates the importance of multiscale disease modeling across molecular and functional layers, uncovers the pathophysiological relevance of ribosomal biogenesis in a paradigmatic pair of NDDs, and uncouples the roles of p-RPS6 and p-4EBP as mechanistically actionable relays in NDDs., Introduction With over a thousand associated genes and an increasing number of polygenic risk variants, neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), in particular autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), continue to [...]

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are essential for understanding the effects of MS and its treatments on patients’ lives; they play an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS) research and practice. We present the protocol for an observational study to prospectively assess the effect of cladribine tablets on PROs and their correlation to disability and physical activity in adults with highly active relapsing MS switching from a first disease modifying drug (DMD) to cladribine tablets in routine clinical practice at study sites in Italy. The primary objective will be to evaluate changes from baseline in the impact of highly active MS on self-assessed physical functioning 52 weeks after the switch to cladribine tablets using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29). Secondary objectives will include self-assessed psychological impact of highly active MS in daily life and general health after the switch to cladribine tablets as well as changes in cognitive function, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Additional PRO measures will include the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Multiple Sclerosis (WPAI:MS), and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Wearable devices will acquire activity data (step counts, walking speed, time asleep, and energy expenditure). Additional clinical, radiological, and laboratory data will be collected when available during routine management. The findings will complement data from controlled trials by providing insight from daily clinical practice into the effect of cladribine tablets on the patient’s experience and self-assessed impact of treatment on daily life.

Clean oxide surfaces are generally hydrophilic. Water molecules anchor at undercoordinated surface metal atoms that act as Lewis acid sites, and they are stabilized by H bonds to undercoordinated surface oxygens. The large unit cell of In2O3(111) provides surface atoms in various configurations, which leads to chemical heterogeneity and a local deviation from this general rule. Experiments (TPD, XPS, nc-AFM) agree quantitatively with DFT calculations and show a series of distinct phases. The first three water molecules dissociate at one specific area of the unit cell and desorb above room temperature. The next three adsorb as molecules in the adjacent region. Three more water molecules rearrange this structure and an additional nine pile up above the OH groups. Despite offering undercoordinated In and O sites, the rest of the unit cell is unfavorable for adsorption and remains water-free. The first water layer thus shows ordering into nanoscopic 3D water clusters separated by hydrophobic pockets.

IntroductionOutcome research in eating disorders (EDs) is commonly focused on psychopathological dysfunction. However, Ryff’s model of psychological well-being (PWB) has shown promising—yet preliminary—results with ED patients. Additionally, despite substantial evidence highlighting the association between the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcome, findings in ED samples remain unclear. The present study aimed at exploring the direct effect of PWB dimensions and the early therapeutic alliance on ED patients’ individual treatment responses, as well as the mediating role played by the early therapeutic alliance in the relationship between PWB dimensions and overall pre-post symptom change.MethodsA sample of N = 165 ED patients assigned female at birth, who were receiving treatment in a residential program, completed the Psychological Well-Being Scale at treatment intake and the Working Alliance Inventory after the first four psychotherapy sessions. Patients also completed the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 at the same time point and during the week prior to discharge.ResultsThe PWB dimensions of autonomy, positive relations, and self-acceptance were associated with clinically significant change, while the dimensions of personal growth and self-acceptance were associated with reliable change. The early therapeutic alliance showed both direct and indirect effects on therapy outcome, predicting clinically significant and reliable symptom reduction. It also emerged as a significant mediator in the relationship between all PWB dimensions and overall symptomatic change.ConclusionThe identification of individual, adaptive characteristics in ED patients that might influence their development of an early therapeutic alliance may help therapists to predict relationship ruptures and tailor their interventions to enhance treatment effectiveness.

IntroductionThe widespread use of surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges in interpreting facial emotions. As the mouth is known to play a crucial role in decoding emotional expressions, its covering is likely to affect this process. Recent evidence suggests that facial expressions impact behavioral responses only when their emotional content is relevant to subjects’ goals. Thus, this study investigates whether and how masked emotional faces alter such a phenomenon.MethodsForty participants completed two reaching versions of the Go/No-go task in a counterbalanced fashion. In the Emotional Discrimination Task (EDT), participants were required to respond to angry, fearful, or happy expressions by performing a reaching movement and withholding it when a neutral face was presented. In the Gender Discrimination Task (GDT), the same images were shown, but participants had to respond according to the poser’s gender. The face stimuli were presented in two conditions: covered by a surgical mask (masked) or without any covering (unmasked).ResultsConsistent with previous studies, valence influenced behavioral control in the EDT but not in the GDT. Nevertheless, responses to facial emotions in the EDT exhibited significant differences between unmasked and masked conditions. In the former, angry expressions led to a slowdown in participants’ responses. Conversely, in the masked condition, behavioral reactions were impacted by fearful and, to a greater extent, by happy expressions. Responses to fearful faces were slower, and those to happy faces exhibited increased variability in the masked condition compared to the unmasked condition. Furthermore, response accuracy to masked happy faces dramatically declined compared to the unmasked condition and other masked emotions.DiscussionIn sum, our findings indicate that surgical masks disrupt reactions to emotional expressions, leading people to react less accurately and with heightened variability to happy expressions, provided that the emotional dimension is relevant to people’s goals.

Abstract Postoperative elevation of serum aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase levels after liver and heart surgeries has been widely reported. The prevalence and clinical significance of hypertransaminasemia/liver dysfunction after thoracic surgery remains largely unknown. Significant differences in surgical procedures between thoracic and extra-thoracic surgeries may suggest different risks of liver dysfunction. We retrospectively analyzed data from 224 consecutive patients who underwent thoracic surgery. Liver function tests were recorded the day before surgery, 12 h, 1 day, 5, and 10 days after the surgical procedure. Patients were studied to identify the frequency of hypertransaminasemia and/or hyperbilirubinemia and/or increase of INR levels. 37,5% of patients showed an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level after thoracic surgery, whereas an increase in gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) serum levels of any grade was observed in 53,6% of patients. Approximately 83% of patients who experienced an increase in the serum GGT or ALT levels showed a grade 1 or 2 change. Operative time was associated with hypertransaminasemia in the univariate and multivariate analyses, whereas the use of metformin was associated with a lower risk of ALT increase.

Abstract Recent research indicates that emotional faces affect motor control only when task-relevant. However, these studies utilized a single-face presentation, which does not accurately mirror real-life situations wherein we frequently engage with multiple individuals simultaneously. To overcome this limitation, we gave 40 participants two versions of a novel Flanker-Go/No-go task, where we presented three-face stimuli with a central target and two task-irrelevant flankers that could be congruent or incongruent with the target for valence and gender. In the Emotional Discrimination Task (EDT), participants had to respond to fearful or happy targets and refrain from moving with neutral ones. In the Gender Discrimination Task (GDT), the same images were shown, but participants had to respond according to the target's gender. In line with previous studies, we found an effect of valence only in EDT, where fearful targets increased reaction times and omission error rates compared to happy faces. Notably, the flanker effect, i.e., slower and less accurate responses in incongruent than congruent conditions, was not found. This likely stems from the higher perceptual complexity of faces than that of stimuli traditionally used in the Eriksen Flanker task (letters or signs), leading to a capacity limit in face feature processing.