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The success of Kohn-Sham density functional theory in predicting electronic properties from first-principles is key to its ubiquitous presence in condensed matter research. Central to this theory is the exchange-correlation functional, which can only be written in an approximate form using a handful of exact constraints. A recent criticism of these approximations is that they are designed to give an accurate description of the energy at the expense of a poor representation of the density, which is contrary to the spirit of density functional theory. These conclusions are drawn from studies of atoms or small molecules, where exact results are available. To shed light on this issue, we use the almost exact densities and energies of three prototypical solids (a semiconductor, silicon, an insulator, sodium chloride, and a metal, copper) to compare the performance of exchange-correlation functionals from all rungs of Jacob's ladder. By examining their errors in reproducing both energy and density, we show that several hybrids and semilocal functionals perform consistently well. Furthermore, functionals built to reproduce exact constraints tend to be among the top performers for all tested material classes, strengthening the argument for using these constraints in functional construction. On average, functionals published up to the early 2000s simultaneously improve the prediction of both densities and energies. This is often not the case for more recent functionals, although errors in energy and density continue to evolve in a correlated manner.

Background and Objective: The benefits of the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and safety of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy (TP-Tbx) versus transrectal (TR) approaches are still a matter of debate. This review aims to compare the efficacy and safety of TP-Tbx and MRI-targeted TR biopsy (TR-Tbx)., Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify records of prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TP-Tbx and TR-Tbx published until May 2024. The primary outcomes included detection rates of csPCa (International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] ≥2) and rates of complications., Key Findings and Limitations: Three RCTs (PREVENT, ProBE-PC, and PERFECT) met the inclusion criteria. The TR technique was commonly administered with antibiotic prophylaxis to mitigate infection risks or after a rectal swab. No difference was found between TP-Tbx and TR-Tbx in terms of either csPCa (odds ratio [OR] 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7-1.1) or ISUP 1 prostate cancer (PCa; OR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8-1.4) detection. Postprocedural infection (OR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.4-1.8), sepsis (OR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.1-4.5), and urinary retention rates (OR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.1-1.6) were similar. Pain during the TP approach was slightly higher than during the TR approach, but after 7 d of follow-up, the differences between the two approaches were minimal. Variations in biopsy numbers per patient, patient selection, use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, needle sizes, TP techniques, and pain scores (reported in only one RCT), along with the multicenter nature of RCTs, limit the study., Conclusions and Clinical Implications: TP-Tbx and TR-Tbx show similar results in detecting PCa, with comparable rates of infections, urinary retention, and effectiveness in managing biopsy-associated pain. TP-Tbx can safely omit antibiotics without increasing infection risk, unlike TR-Tbx. The tendency to exclude from practice TR-Tbx with prophylactic antibiotics due to infection concerns could be moderated; however, the directionality of some key outcomes, as infections and sepsis, favor the TP approach despite a lack of statistical significance., Patient Summary: There were no significant differences in the prostate biopsy approaches (transperineal [TP] vs transrectal [TR]) for prostate cancer detection and complications. However, the MRI-targeted TP prostate biopsy approach may be advantageous as it can be performed safely without antibiotics, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and remains the leading cause of death among Italian women. Despite increased breast cancer awareness and improved diagnostic techniques, mortality rates remain high globally. In Italy, despite the availability of screening programs by the National Health System (NHS) for all Italian women aged 50-69 every two years, the participation rate remains relatively low. The low uptake of screening may be attributed to a lack of general cancer knowledge among women, including awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention measures. This study investigates the knowledge and misinformation in a population of Italian women regarding breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention., Methods: From March 2021 to January 2022, we conducted a survey targeting the female population in Italy, with a total of 2375 participants willingly participating in the study. To investigate factors linked to variations in attitudes toward breast cancer, the participants were categorized into two groups: the general population (Group A, n = 2235) and women who have had or currently have breast cancer (Group B, n = 140). Statistically significant differences were identified between these two groups., Results: The findings revealed considerable confusion regarding both the symptoms and causes associated with cancer, as well as prevention measures. This confusion was particularly prominent among women in the general population and those with lower levels of education., Conclusions: Given these insights, it remains crucial to promote accurate health information concerning risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies related to this devastating disease, emphasizing the ongoing importance of disseminating correct health information.

Background: Disease trajectories in leukemia are often unpredictable and recurrent, and patients' experiences can impact their quality of life. Studies in the literature often do not explore gender-related illness experiences from an intersectional approach and throughout the illness trajectory. This comprehensive study aims to explore the full spectrum of experiences lived by women with leukemia throughout the disease trajectory, from diagnosis to treatments and post-stem cell transplant follow-up., Method: A grounded theory approach was meticulously developed to analyze semi-structured interviews with 13 women with leukemia in the post-transplant follow-up phase at a hospital in Northern Italy. The data analysis was an iterative process, conducted concurrently using a constant comparative method. Data collection concluded when data saturation was reached., Results: The core category identified is women's inner strength during the disease trajectory, which was identified for its recurrence and cross-cutting nature, according to the women. This core category interconnects with five main categories: 1. Facing the disease: Between resistance and surrender. 2. Living for today and moving forward. 3. Unexpected elements in relationships. 4. Changes that shape women. 5. Demystifying the body and embracing 'diminished beauty'., Conclusions: An explanatory model of the disease trajectory of women with leukemia was defined as: 'Women with leukemia, between inner strength and fighting prejudice'. An in-depth analysis of the disease experiences revealed aspects that are not easily understood through a purely biological perspective of gender differences, often overlooking the psycho-social and relational peculiarities of women.

This work introduces the first atrial-specific in-silico human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) model, based on a set of phenotype-specific I Kur ,I KCa and I K1 membrane currents. This model is built on novel in-vitro experimental data recently published by some of the co-authors to simulate the paced action potential of matured atrial-like hiPSC-CMs. The model consists of a system of stiff ordinary differential equations depending on several parameters, which have been tuned by automatic optimization techniques to closely match selected experimental biomarkers. The new model effectively simulates the electronic in-vitro hiPSC-CMs maturation process, transitioning from an unstable depolarized membrane diastolic potential to a stable hyperpolarized resting potential, and exhibits spontaneous firing activity in unpaced conditions. Moreover, our model accurately reflects the experimental rate dependence data at different cycle length and demonstrates the expected response to a specific current blocker. This atrial-specific in-silico model provides a novel computational tool for electrophysiological studies of cardiac stem cells and their applications to drug evaluation and atrial fibrillation treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There are no conflicts of interest: None Declared., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The study's central objective is to harness the power of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular based on Large Language Models, as a valuable resource for delving deeper into the insights offered by patients with breast cancer (BC) who actively participated in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. In a 6-week MBSR program, each session lasted 2 hours and encompassed a range of techniques, including sitting meditation, body scan, Hatha yoga, and walking meditation. A total of 25 participants were enrolled in the study. The majority of these participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the mindfulness course. The application of generative AI enabled a comprehensive analysis of the participants' responses, revealing distinct subgroups among them. The MBSR program was found to be beneficial for most participants, serving as a valuable tool in managing the psychological stresses associated with BC., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: Oncology nurses support cancer patients in meeting their self-care needs, often neglecting their own emotions and self-care needs. This study aims to investigate the variations in the five facets of holistic mindfulness among Italian oncology nurses based on gender, work experience in oncology, and shift work., Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2023 amongst all registered nurses who were employed in an oncology setting and working in Italy., Results: There were no significant differences in all five facets of holistic mindfulness ( p ≥ 0.05) according to gender, work experience in the oncology field, and shift work., Conclusion: Could holistic mindfulness be defined as an intrinsic individual characteristic? Surely, more insights will be necessary to better define the holistic trend in oncology nursing.

In Italy, 1400 children and 800 adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every year. About 80% of them can be cured but are at high risk of experiencing severe side effects, many of which respond to rehabilitation treatment. Due to the paucity of literature on this topic, the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology organized a Consensus Conference on the role of rehabilitation of motor impairments in children/adolescents affected by leukemia, central nervous system tumors, and bone cancer to state recommendations to improve clinical practice. This paper includes the consensus on the rehabilitation of children and adolescents with these cancers.

The management of high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) presents a significant clinical challenge, often necessitating treatment intensification due to the potential presence of micrometastases. While radical prostatectomy (RP) constitutes one of the primary treatment modalities, the integration of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies suggests a paradigm shift towards more aggressive treatment strategies, also guided by new imaging modalities like positron emission tomography using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-PET). Despite the benefits, treatment intensification raises concerns regarding increased side effects. This review synthesizes the latest evidence on perioperative treatment intensification and de-escalation for high-risk localized and locally advanced PCa patients eligible for surgery. Through a non-systematic literature review conducted via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, we explored various dimensions of perioperative treatments, including neoadjuvant systemic therapies, adjuvant therapies, and the role of novel diagnostic technologies. Emerging evidence provides more support for neoadjuvant systemic therapies. Preliminary results from studies suggest the potential for treatments traditionally reserved for metastatic PCa to show apparent benefit in a non-metastatic setting. The role of adjuvant treatments remains debated, particularly the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and adjuvant radiotherapy in patients at higher risk of biochemical recurrence. The potential role of radio-guided PSMA lymph node dissection emerges as a cutting-edge approach, offering a targeted method for eradicating disease with greater precision. Innovations such as artificial intelligence and machine learning are potential game-changers, offering new avenues for personalized treatment and improved prognostication. The intensification of surgical treatment in high-risk PCa patients is a dynamic and evolving field, underscored by the integration of traditional and novel therapeutic approaches. As evidence continues to emerge, these strategies will refine patient selection, enhance treatment efficacy, and mitigate the risk of progression, although with an attentive consideration of the associated side effects.

Breast cancer remains a significant global concern, underscoring the critical need for early detection and prevention strategies. Primary and secondary preventive measures, such as routine screenings and behaviors like breast self-examination (BSE), play a crucial role in facilitating early diagnosis. While the National Health System (NHS) in Italy offers free regular screenings for women aged 50-69, there is a lack of clarity regarding the participation of both Italian and Chinese women residing in Italy in these screening programs. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by thoroughly assessing the involvement in regular clinical check-ups and the types of screening employed, the adherence to free screenings offered by the NHS, and the practice of BSE among women aged 50-69 of these two groups. Furthermore, it investigates their knowledge and perceptions regarding breast cancer and BSE. Results reveal disparities in breast cancer control practice between Italian and Chinese women in Italy: the former demonstrates higher adherence to clinical checkups (53% vs. 3%, p < 0.001), while both groups show low participation in free NHS screenings (70% vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Additionally, Chinese women reported significantly lower frequency of mammography (96% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) and ultrasound (69% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). The frequency of BSE also differed substantially, with 47% of Chinese women never performing BSE compared to 12% of Italian women (p < 0.001). This comprehensive exploration provides valuable insights, attitudes, and knowledge into the disparities and potential areas for improvement in breast cancer prevention, thus contributing to the overall well-being of these communities. The findings highlight the necessity for educational initiatives aimed at improving awareness and participation in screenings, particularly among the Chinese population. These initiatives could have profound implications for patient education by equipping women with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in proactive health behaviors., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Silicon is indisputably the most advanced material for scalable electronics, but it is a poor choice as a light source for photonic applications, due to its indirect band gap. The recently developed hexagonal Si 1-x Ge x semiconductor features a direct bandgap at least for x > 0.65, and the realization of quantum heterostructures would unlock new opportunities for advanced optoelectronic devices based on the SiGe system. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis and characterization of direct bandgap quantum wells realized in the hexagonal Si 1-x Ge x system. Photoluminescence experiments on hex-Ge/Si 0.2 Ge 0.8 quantum wells demonstrate quantum confinement in the hex-Ge segment with type-I band alignment, showing light emission up to room temperature. Moreover, the tuning range of the quantum well emission energy can be extended using hexagonal Si 1-x Ge x /Si 1-y Ge y quantum wells with additional Si in the well. These experimental findings are supported with ab initio bandstructure calculations. A direct bandgap with type-I band alignment is pivotal for the development of novel low-dimensional light emitting devices based on hexagonal Si 1-x Ge x alloys, which have been out of reach for this material system until now., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Long COVID refers to the persistence or development of signs and symptoms well after the acute phase of COVID-19., Objective of the Study: To investigate the long-term outcomes of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of psychological, social, and relational consequences within the Italian population., Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter study using an online questionnaire distributed to a sample of the Italian population. By utilizing the Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) and the Hikikomori scale, we assessed perceived quality of life and social isolation, respectively. The questionnaire also included an open-answer question: "What will you remember about the pandemic period?". We used generative artificial intelligence to analyze and summarize the corresponding answers., Results: A total of 1097 people participated in this study. A total of 79.3% (n = 870) of participants declared that they had been hospitalized and 62.8% (n = 689) received home care. Physical symptoms included headaches (43%, n = 472) and asthma (30.4%, n = 334). Additionally, 29.2% (n = 320) developed an addiction during the pandemic and, among these, 224 claimed internet addiction while 73 declared an emotional addiction. Furthermore, 51.8% (n = 568) experienced limitations in carrying out daily life activities. According to the Hikikomori scale, participants with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection exhibited higher levels of isolation compared to the others ( p < 0.001). Participants without COVID-19 showed higher levels of emotional support ( p < 0.001). Our semiautomatic analysis of the open-ended responses, obtained by a procedure based on a free large language model, allowed us to deduce and summarize the main feelings expressed by the interviewees regarding the pandemic., Conclusions: The data collected emphasize the urgent need to investigate the consequences of long COVID in order to implement interventions to support psychological well-being.

Graphene-based composite materials are highly sought after for space applications due to their ability to encompass various properties, such as electrical conductivity, thermal resistance, and radiation shielding. This versatility allows for the creation of multifunctional components that can serve various purposes in space. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of composite materials in space offers a versatile and efficient means of manufacturing components, tools, and structures that are tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of space missions. In this work, we aim to develop 3D-printed composites made of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) matrix and exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) as filler, using fused filament fabrication (FFF). Our research focuses on the challenges associated with the FFF process for fabricating MDPE/xGnP materials, particularly by optimizing filament extrusion and assessing the resulting material properties and space environmental compatibility. Firstly, we optimize the extrusion process, and use the MDPE/xGnP filaments to fabricate 3D-printed samples after defining the FFF parameters. We employ differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess the melting properties and crystallization degree of the extruded filaments and 3D-printed samples, providing insights into the relationship between these properties and the characteristics of the initial powders. Electrical and tensile tests are carried out to evaluate the material properties after successfully mitigating challenges, such as warping and inadequate adhesion, to build plates during the printing process. Finally, we subject the 3D-printed composites to outgassing tests under exposure to the AM0 solar spectrum to evaluate their space environmental suitability. The results of this work demonstrate the capability of the FFF-based process to efficiently manufacture components made of MDPE/xGnP composites, providing optimized parameters for their potential in-space fabrication.

The Open Databases Integration for Materials Design (OPTIMADE) application programming interface (API) empowers users with holistic access to a growing federation of databases, enhancing the accessibility and discoverability of materials and chemical data. Since the first release of the OPTIMADE specification (v1.0), the API has undergone significant development, leading to the v1.2 release, and has underpinned multiple scientific studies. In this work, we highlight the latest features of the API format, accompanying software tools, and provide an update on the implementation of OPTIMADE in contributing materials databases. We end by providing several use cases that demonstrate the utility of the OPTIMADE API in materials research that continue to drive its ongoing development., Competing Interests: G. J. C. is a shareholder and Director of Intellegens Ltd. G.-M. R. is a shareholder and Chief Innovation Officer of Matgenix SRL. E. B. is a shareholder and Director of Materials Platform for Data Science OÜ., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background: Breast cancer remains a significant health concern among women globally. Despite advancements in awareness and diagnostic techniques, it persists as a leading cause of death, with profound impacts on affected individuals' quality of life. Primary and secondary prevention, including regular screenings and practices like breast self-examination (BSE), are pivotal in ensuring early diagnosis. The national health system (NHS) in Italy offers screenings for women aged 50-69 every two years, managed by the local health authority. However, the participation rates, especially among the Chinese female population residing in Italy, are not well understood., Methods: Using a snowball method, we electronically disseminated a survey to investigate how Chinese women living in Italy engage with available NHS screening programs. The survey also explores their practice of BSE and the use and impact of technological tools on prevention. Furthermore, the study aims to understand the subjects' depth of knowledge and misconceptions about breast cancer., Results: The data reveal a significant gap in breast cancer screening adherence and knowledge among Chinese women in Italy, with a notable discrepancy between the general population and those who have previously encountered cancer., Conclusions: The results highlight the urgent need for interventions that are culturally sensitive, stressing that these actions are not only desirable but essential.

The integration of artificial intelligence technologies has propelled the progress of clinical and genomic medicine in recent years. The significant increase in computing power has facilitated the ability of artificial intelligence models to analyze and extract features from extensive medical data and images, thereby contributing to the advancement of intelligent diagnostic tools. Artificial intelligence (AI) models have been utilized in the field of personalized medicine to integrate clinical data and genomic information of patients. This integration allows for the identification of customized treatment recommendations, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes. Notwithstanding the notable advancements, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of medicine is impeded by various obstacles such as the limited availability of clinical and genomic data, the diversity of datasets, ethical implications, and the inconclusive interpretation of AI models' results. In this review, a comprehensive evaluation of multiple machine learning algorithms utilized in the fields of clinical and genomic medicine is conducted. Furthermore, we present an overview of the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of clinical medicine, drug discovery, and genomic medicine. Finally, a number of constraints pertaining to the implementation of artificial intelligence within the healthcare industry are examined.