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Nanoporous metals are a class of nanostructured materials finding extensive applications in multiple fields thanks to their unique properties attributed to their high surface area and interconnected nanoscale ligaments. They can be prepared following different strategies, but the deposition of an arbitrary pure porous metal is still challenging. Recently, a dry synthesis of nanoporous films based on the plasma treatment of metal thin layers deposited by physical vapour deposition has been demonstrated, as a general route to form pure nanoporous films from a large set of metals. An interesting aspect related to this approach is the possibility to apply the same methodology to deposit the porous films as a multilayer. In this way, it is possible to explore the properties of different porous metals in close contact. As demonstrated in this paper, interesting plasmonic properties emerge in a nanoporous Au–Ag bi-layer. The versatility of the method coupled with the possibility to include many different metals, provides an opportunity to tailor their optical resonances and to exploit the chemical and mechanical properties of components, which is of great interest to applications ranging from sensing, to photochemistry and photocatalysis.

Novel optical sources require fast decay rates, making hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) an increasingly attractive option. HMMs are well‐known for their remarkable anisotropy, and leverage hyperbolic dispersion to enhance the decay rate of a fluorophore placed on top of them. This study tackles the complex task of embedding a fluorophore into an HMM, successfully overcoming challenges related to surface roughness, thickness imperfections, and layer washing effects. Specifically, CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs)‐based HMM are fabricated, by alternating silver/nanocrystals (Ag/NCs) layers. Through a systematic investigation of the photophysical response following the deposition of each bilayer, compelling evidence of the achievement of hyperbolic dispersion is provided. Specifically, the impact of "high‐k" modes is isolated, which is distinctive to the HMM architecture. Therefore, the longstanding debate regarding the number of bilayers needed to achieve hyperbolic dispersion is conclusively resolved. The research demonstrates a nearly twofold increase in the decay rate and a threefold enhancement in photoluminescence intensity. These findings are further supported by theoretical Purcell factor calculations. This study marks a pioneering advancement in the field of bulk dye‐embedded HMMs, laying the groundwork for the development of advanced optical sources such as "resonant gain HMMs". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The placenta is crucial to fetal development and performs vital functions such as nutrient exchange, waste removal and hormone regulation. Abnormal placental development can lead to conditions such as fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia and stillbirth, affecting both immediate and long-term fetal health. Placental development is a highly complex process involving interactions between maternal and fetal components, imprinted genes, signaling pathways, mitochondria, fetal sexomes and environmental factors such as diet, supplementation and exercise. Probiotics have been shown to make a significant contribution to prenatal health, placental health and fetal development, with associations with reduced risk of preterm birth and pre-eclampsia, as well as improvements in maternal health through effects on gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, vaginal infections, gestational diabetes, allergic diseases and inflammation. This review summarizes key studies on the influence of dietary supplementation on placental development, with a focus on the role of probiotics in prenatal health and fetal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy plays a pivotal role in spectroscopic investigations. The small Raman scattering cross-section of numerous analytes, however, requires enhancement of the signal through specific structuring of the electromagnetic and morphological properties of the underlying surface. This enhancement technique is known as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Despite the existence of various proposed alternatives, the approach involving Fabry–Pérot cavities, which constitutes a straightforward method to enhance the electromagnetic field around the analyte, has not been extensively utilized. This is because, for the analyte to experience the maximum electric field, it needs to be embedded within the cavity. Consequently, the top mirror of the cavity will eventually shield it from the external laser source. Recently, an open-cavity configuration has been demonstrated to exhibit properties similar to the classic Fabry–Pérot configuration, with the added advantage of maintaining direct accessibility for the laser source. This paper showcases how such a simple yet innovative configuration can be effectively utilized to achieve remarkable Raman enhancement. The simple structure, coupled with its inexpensive nature and versatility in material selection and scalability, makes it an ideal choice for various analytes and integration into diverse Raman apparatus setups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with arrhythmic phenotype combines phenotypical aspects of DCM and predisposition to ventricular arrhythmias, typical of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The definition of DCM with arrhythmic phenotype is not universally accepted, leading to uncertainty in the identification of high‐risk patients. This study aimed to assess the prognostic impact of arrhythmic phenotype in risk stratification and the correlation of arrhythmic markers with high‐risk arrhythmogenic gene variants in DCM patients. Methods and results: In this multicentre study, DCM patients with available genetic testing were analysed. The following arrhythmic markers, present at baseline or within 1 year of enrolment, were tested: unexplained syncope, rapid non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), ≥1000 premature ventricular contractions/24 h or ≥50 ventricular couplets/24 h. LMNA, FLNC, RBM20, and desmosomal pathogenic or likely pathogenic gene variants were considered high‐risk arrhythmogenic genes. The study endpoint was a composite of sudden cardiac death and major ventricular arrhythmias (SCD/MVA). We studied 742 DCM patients (45 ± 14 years, 34% female, 410 [55%] with left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <35%). During a median follow‐up of 6 years (interquartile range 1.6–12.1), unexplained syncope and NSVT were the only arrhythmic markers associated with SCD/MVA, and the combination of the two markers carried a significant additive risk of SCD/MVA, incremental to LVEF and New York Heart Association class. The probability of identifying an arrhythmogenic genotype rose from 8% to 30% if both early syncope and NSVT were present. Conclusion: In DCM patients, the combination of early detected NSVT and unexplained syncope increases the risk of life‐threatening arrhythmic outcomes and can aid the identification of carriers of malignant arrhythmogenic genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio‐inspired and biodegradable quantum optics scenarios constitute a pathway toward environmentally friendly front‐end technologies. Such an inspiring perspective necessitates the replacement of classic gain materials with a biological counterpart like photoluminescent bacteria. It is easy to imagine that, in this case, a planar and cell‐viable substitute of classic bulk solid‐states resonators can be highly beneficial. In this paper a micro‐ and nano‐photonic structuration of both a standard and a functionalized version of a typical bacterial growth medium (Luria‐Bertani Agar – LBA) is successfully realized. Three structures belonging to the categories of photonic crystals are replicated, such as quasi‐crystals and meta‐surfaces, demonstrating how the proposed media can be used as templates for high‐end photonic applications. The optical quality of the replicated structures is confirmed by far‐field diffraction measurements. The structured growth media allow for a broad control of the surface wettability by accessing a so‐called Wenzel state, in which the original hydrophilicity of a material is increased due to the photonic structuration. Finally, the suitability of the nano‐structured LBA as a plasmonic platform is evidenced. The proposed micro‐and nano‐structured photonic growth media constitute the first, fundamental step toward quantum optical frameworks from biological media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods and results Conclusion Secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with poor prognosis in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, its dynamic evolution in response to volume status and treatment has never been previously investigated. In this study, we sought to explore the in‐hospital evolution of TR in ADHF patients and to assess its prognostic implications.We retrospectively enrolled patients admitted for ADHF with ≥2 in‐hospital echocardiographic evaluations of TR. Patients were categorized, according to TR evolution, into persistent moderate‐severe TR, improved TR (from moderate‐severe to trivial‐mild) and persistent trivial‐mild TR. The primary endpoint was a composite of 5‐year all‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (HFH). A total of 1054 patients were included. Of 318 patients (30%) with moderate‐severe TR at admission, 49% improved TR severity and showed better trends of decongestion, whereas those who maintained persistent moderate‐severe TR had characteristics of more severe heart failure at admission and discharge. Atrial fibrillation, previous heart failure and higher dosage of loop diuretics before admission were associated with a lower probability of improved TR. After adjustment, improved TR was associated with lower risk of 5‐year all‐cause mortality/HFH compared with persistent moderate‐severe TR (hazard ratio [HR] 0.524, p = 0.008) and no different from persistent trivial‐mild TR (HR 0.878, p = 0.575). Results were consistent across all subgroups of in‐hospital variation of mitral regurgitation.Among ADHF patients with moderate‐severe TR at admission, 49% had an in‐hospital improvement in TR severity, which was associated with a reduction in risk of 5‐year all‐cause mortality and morbidity outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The retromolar canal (RMC) is an anatomical structure of the mandibular bone located distal to the last molar. The frequency of anatomical variation in human anatomy is approximately 30-35%. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the retromolar canal in a population subjected to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)., Methods: The radiographic images belonged to 200 patients (100 males and 100 females; older than 13 years old) were examined following a strict protocol. Four hundred hemi-mandibles of 100 male and 100 female patients were examined between 2019 and 2022., Results: The collected data showed 136 patients presented the RMC, bilateral in 72 cases (68%) and unilateral in the other 64 cases (32%). Gender variation did not yield statistically significant differences, with 76 male (56%) and 60 female (44%) patients affected (P>0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed for side predilection, with unilateral RMC more prevalent on the right side in 24 cases (37.5%) and on the left side in 40 cases (62.5%) (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Based on the results obtained and other anatomical considerations, this study proposes a new classification for RMC.

Standard ultrasound (US) finds wide use in renal diseases as a screening procedure, but it is not always able to characterize lesions, especially in differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions. In contrast, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is appropriate in differentiating between solid and cystic lesions as well as between tumors and pseudotumors. We show the case of a nephropathic patient who showed a complex, large, growing renal mass, characterized through a CEUS. This seventy-five-year-old diabetic heart patient showed a 6 cm-complex and plurisected cyst on ultrasound of left kidney. Laboratory data showed the presence of stage IIIb chronic renal failure with GFR 30 ml/min, creatinine 2.33 mg/dl, azotemia 88 mg/dl. The patient performed abdominal CT without contrast medium, showing at the level of the left upper pole, a roundish formation with the dimensions of approximately 70x53x50 mm. At the semiannual checkup, the nephrology examination showed a slight rise in creatinine and, therefore, after six months, it was decided to perform a CT scan without contrast medium again. CT showed a slight increase in the size of the mass located at the left kidney (74x56x57 mm). Given the increased size of the left mass, albeit modest, a CEUS was performed to reach a diriment diagnosis. CEUS concluded for complex cystic formation with presence of intraluminal solid-corpuscular material, with thrombotic-hemorrhagic etiology, in progressive phase of organization, classifiable as Bosniak type II cyst. CEUS in the kidneys is a cost-effective and valuable imaging technique; it is accurate in the characterization of indeterminate lesions and complex cysts., (Copyright by Società Italiana di Nefrologia SIN, Rome,Italy.)

Aging represents a complex biological progression affecting the entire body, marked by a gradual decline in tissue function, rendering organs more susceptible to stress and diseases. The human heart holds significant importance in this context, as its aging process poses life-threatening risks. It entails macroscopic morphological shifts and biochemical changes that collectively contribute to diminished cardiac function. Among the numerous pivotal factors in aging, mitochondria play a critical role, intersecting with various molecular pathways and housing several aging-related agents. In this comprehensive review, we provide an updated overview of the functional role of mitochondria in cardiac aging., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

In Crohn's disease (CD), gut dysbiosis is marked by the prevalence of pathogenic bacterial species. Although several microbes have been reported as risk factors or causative agents of CD, it is not yet clear which is the real trigger of the disease. Thirty years ago, a new pathovar of Escherichia coli strain was isolated in the ileal mucosa of CD patients. This strain, called adherent invasive E. coli (AIEC), for its ability to invade the intestinal mucosa, could represent the causative agent of the disease. Several authors studied the mechanisms by which the AIEC penetrate and replicate within macrophages, and release inflammatory cytokines sustaining inflammation. In this review we will discuss about the role of AIEC in the pathogenesis of CD, the virulence factors mediating adhesion and invasion of AIEC in mucosal tissue, the environmental conditions improving AIEC survival and replication within macrophages. Finally, we will also give an overview of the new strategies developed to limit AIEC overgrowth.