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Background: Restrictions due to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has produced a large number of effects on mental health, which are expected to endure over time. In this study, we assessed depressive symptom levels before the COVID-19 pandemic, from January 2018 to December 2019, and during the pandemic in Italy in 2020.Methods: We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), which is a screening instrument devised to detect probable depression and which has been annually administered in the framework of the Italian Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System since 2008. Depressive symptoms were assessed in a sample of 41,362 18-64-year-old adults surveyed in 2018-2019 and in a sample of 14,612 adults surveyed in 2020.Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms increased from 6.1% (95% CI 5.8%-6.4%) in 2018-2019 to 7.1% (95% CI 5.6%-8.6%) in March-April 2020. It then declined in May-June to 4.4% (95% CI 3.2%-5.5%) but in July-August it once again increased to 8.2% (95% CI 6.0%-10.4%) and, finally, gradually returned above the pre-lockdown level by November-December 2020 (5.9%; 95% CI 4.7%-7.1%). Compared to before the health crisis, during the pandemic, women and individuals with financial difficulties were found to have a significantly higher risk of depressive symptoms while younger, individuals with a higher education and those living in South Italy became increasingly vulnerable.Conclusions: While the average response to the pandemic was one of resilience over time, women and younger individuals were found to be particularly prone to the risk of depressive symptoms, as a result of the pandemic. In future investigations, the risk of individuals living in the South of Italy should also be taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma formed in the immediate vicinity of a meteoroid as it descends through Earth's atmosphere enables high-gain radars such as those found at Kwajalein, Arecibo, and Jicamarca to detect ablating meteoroids. In the work presented here, we show that these head echo measurements preferentially detect more energetic meteoroids over less energetic ones and present a method of estimating the effects of this bias when measuring the velocity distributions. To do this, we apply ablation and ionization models to estimate a meteoroid's plasma production rate based on its initial kinetic energy and ionization efficiency. This analysis demonstrates that, almost regardless of the assumptions made, high-gain radars will preferentially detect faster and more massive meteoroids. Following the model used by Taylor (1995, Icarus 116, 154-158), we estimate the biases and then apply them to observed meteoroid velocity distributions. We apply this technique to observations of the North Apex meteoroid source made by the Advanced Research Project Agency Long Range Tracking and Instrumentation Radar (ALTAIR) at two frequencies (160 and 422 MHz) and compare results from the Harvard Radio Meteor Project (HRMP) at High Frequency (HF, 40.9 MHz). Both studies observe a peak in the distribution of North Apex meteoroids at approximately 56 km [s.sup.-1]. After correcting for biases using Taylor's method, the results suggest that the mass-weighted peak of the distribution lies near 20 km [s.sup.-1] for both studies. We attribute these similarities to the fact that both radar systems depend upon similar ablation and ionization processes and thus have a common mass scale. Keywords: Meteoroid velocity distribution

The worldwide used herbicide Glyphosate can interact with environmental variables, but there is limited information on the influence of environmental stressors on its toxicity. Environmental changes could modify glyphosate effects on non-target organisms, including parasites such as gordiids. The freshwater microscopic larvae of the gordiid Chordodes nobilii are sensitive to several pollutants and environmental variables, but their combined effect has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of temperature, pH and exposure time on the toxicity of Glyphosate to C. nobilii larvae. A protocol was followed to evaluate the infectivity of larvae treated with factorial combinations of concentration (0 and 0.067 mg/L), exposure time (24 and 48 h), temperature (18, 23 and 28 °C), and pH (7, 8 and 9). The reference values were 23 °C, pH 8 and 48 h. The interaction effect on the infectivity of gordiid larvae was assessed post-exposure using Aedes aegyptii larvae as host. Results were evaluated using GLMM, which does not require data transformation. The modeling results revealed three highly significant triple interactions. Glyphosate toxicity varied depending on the combination of variables, with a decrease being observed after 24 h-exposure at pH 7 and 23 °C. Glyphosate and 28 °C combination led to slightly reduced infectivity compared to temperature alone. This study is the first to report the combined effects of glyphosate, temperature, pH and time on a freshwater animal. It demonstrates that a specific combination of factors determines the effect of glyphosate on a non-target organism. The potential use of C. nobilli as a bioindicator is discussed. In the context of global warming and considering that the behavioral manipulation of terrestrial hosts by gordiids can shape community structure and the energy flow through food webs, our results raise concerns about possible negative effects of climate change on host-parasite dynamics. [Display omitted] • We evaluated the effect of Glyphosate concentration–Temperature–pH–Time interaction. • We found three significant triple interactions by multifactorial analysis. • Glyphosate effect on C. nobilii infectivity depended on the combination of factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently developed a recombinant growth factor-free bone regenerative scaffold composed of stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic particles and human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) particles (HA-DBM). Here, we performed the first pre-clinical comparative evaluation of HA-DBM relative to the industry standard and established positive control, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), using a rat posterolateral spinal fusion model (PLF). Female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent bilateral L4-L5 PLF with implantation of the HA-DBM scaffold or rhBMP-2. Fusion was evaluated using radiography and blinded manual palpation, while biomechanical testing quantified the segmental flexion-extension range-of-motion (ROM) and stiffness of the fused segments at 8-weeks postoperatively. For mechanistic studies, pro-osteogenic gene and protein expression at 2-days and 1-, 2-, and 8-weeks postoperatively was assessed with another cohort. Unilateral fusion rates did not differ between the HA-DBM (93%) and rhBMP-2 (100%) groups; however, fusion scores were higher with rhBMP-2 (p = 0.008). Both treatments resulted in significantly reduced segmental ROM (p < 0.001) and greater stiffness (p = 0.009) when compared with non-operated controls; however, the degree of stabilization was significantly higher with rhBMP-2 treatment relative to the HA-DBM scaffold. In the mechanistic studies, PLGA and HA scaffolds were used as negative controls. Both rhBMP-2 and HA-DBM treatments resulted in significant elevations of several osteogenesis-associated genes, including Runx 2, Osx, and Alp. The rhBMP-2 treatment led to significantly greater early, mid, and late osteogenic markers, which may be the mechanism in which early clinical complications are seen. The HA-DBM scaffold also induced osteogenic gene expression, but primarily at the 2-week postoperative timepoint. Overall, our findings show promise for this 3D-printed composite as a recombinant growth factor-free bone graft substitute for spinal fusion. Despite current developments in bone graft technology, there remains a significant void in adequate materials for bone regeneration in clinical applications. Two of the most efficacious bone graft options are the gold-standard iliac crest bone graft and recombinant human-derived bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), available commercially as Infuse™. Although efficacious, autologous graft is associated with donor-site morbidity, and Infuse™ has known side effects related to its substantial host inflammatory response, possibly associated with a immediate, robust osteoinductive response. Hence, there is a need for a bone graft substitute that provides adequate osteogenesis without associated adverse events. This study represents a significant step in the design of off-the-shelf growth factor-free devices for spine fusion. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy with Auditory Features (EAF) is a focal epilepsy syndrome mainly of unknown aetiology. LGI1 and RELN have been identified as the main cause of Autosomal Dominant EAF and anecdotally reported in non-familial cases. Pathogenic variants in SCN1A and DEPDC5 have also been described in a few EAF probands belonging to families with heterogeneous phenotypes and incomplete penetrance. We aimed to estimate the contribution of these genes to the disorder by evaluating the largest cohort of EAF. We included 112 unrelated EAF cases (male/female: 52/60) who underwent genetic analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. Thirty-three (29.5%) were familial cases. We identified a genetic diagnosis for 8% of our cohort, including pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (4/8 novel) in LGI1 (2.7%, CI: 0.6-7.6); RELN (1.8%; CI: 0.2-6.3); SCN1A (2.7%; CI: 0.6-7.6) and DEPDC5 (0.9%; CI 0-4.9).This study shows that the contribution of each of the known genes to the overall disorder is limited and that the genetic background of EAF is still largely unknown. Our data emphasize the genetic heterogeneity of EAF and will inform the diagnosis and management of individuals with this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Determining whether a patient has a time-critical medical condition requiring helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) transportation is a challenge with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Although HEMS is largely accepted as improving outcomes in time-sensitive conditions, overtriage of patients ineligible for acute stroke therapies places patients and providers at unnecessary risk and wastes limited health care resources.Objective: We sought to identify how accurate our triage system was at identifying high-yield EMS transfers. A better triage system would decrease the volume of low flight value HEMS transfers.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study during a 1-year period. Low flight value was defined by acute therapy eligibility and presenting medical status.Results: Of 141 AIS patients transferred by HEMS, 23 (16%) were deemed of low flight value; 14 (61%) were outside the acute treatment time window for either intravenous tissue plasminogen activator or endovascular therapy (EVT); 5 patients (22%) were ineligible for EVT (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale < 6); 2 patients (9%) were ineligible for EVT (Modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3); and 2 patients (9%) were flown despite negative angiographic studies performed at transferring institution. Thirteen (57%) of the patients were interfacility transfers as opposed to direct HEMS transport from the field.Conclusions: HEMS transport for AIS patients plays a crucial role in delivering the best evidence-based care. However, a significant percent of patients did not meet criteria for its optimal utilization, most commonly due to expired treatment windows. Furthermore, low flight value transfers were initiated in spite of physician evaluation > 50% of the time. These results represent a unique opportunity to coordinate education and build effective triage paradigms across a system of stroke care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Genetics of Sleep-related Hypermotor Epilepsy (SHE) includes mutations in several genes that cumulatively account for 30 % of families. This approximate estimate comes from different case-series, each focused on the screening of a single gene. We systematically investigated a large cohort of SHE patients to estimate the frequency of pathogenic variants in the main genes thus far implicated in this epilepsy syndrome.Methods: We selected familial and isolated cases diagnosed with clinical/confirmed SHE who underwent genetic analysis by comparable next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques (WES/ multigene epilepsy panel). The identified heterozygous variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.Results: We included 103 SHE patients (M/F:61/42) who underwent NGS. Sixteen (15.5 %) were familial cases, 16.5 % had focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). We identified three pathogenic variants in CHRNA4 (2.9 %, CI: 0.6-8.3 %), two of whom novel; one pathogenic variant in KCNT1 (1 %, CI: 0.02-5.29 %); four loss-of-function variants in DEPDC5 (3.9 %, CI: 1.1-9.7 %), one of whom never reported; finally, one missense change in NPRL2 (1 %, CI: 0.02-5.29 %), already reported as pathogenic. Three out of the four patients with DEPDC5 variants had FCD.Conclusions: The overall frequency of pathogenic variants in our SHE cohort was 8.7 %, 19 % and 7 % considering familial and sporadic cases, respectively. Pathogenic variants in the GATOR1-complex genes account for 5 % of the cases. DEPDC5 shows the highest variants frequency, especially in patients with genetic-structural etiology. From a practical perspective, analysis of this gene is recommended even in isolated cases, because of possible implications for patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate long-term prognostic factors and clinical outcomes in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) treated with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS). This single-center retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data included patients with probable iNPH treated with VPS surgery. All patients underwent complete preoperative assessment, including past medical history and neurological examination, dynamic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and preoperative CSF samplings. NPH-consistent brain MRI findings and favorable responses to CSF subtraction tests were the main factors considered for VPS surgery eligibility. All patients were subsequently followed up every six to twelve months (mean follow-up time 40 months, minimum to maximum interval 6–150 months). A total of 238 patients with a diagnosis of probable iNPH treated with VPS were enrolled. Age, comorbidities, and response to CSF samplings were not significantly associated with a better long-term outcome after VPS surgery. The results of our retrospective analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between the presence of preoperative aqueductal CSF flow acceleration on dynamic brain MRI and neurological outcomes at 12 and 18 months after VPS surgery. Long-term outcomes of iNPH patients treated with VPS surgery do not appear to be directly influenced by preoperative comorbidities, age, or responses to CSF samplings. Alterations in preoperative brain MRI CSF dynamics were found to be related to long-term outcomes following VPS surgery, highlighting the role of radiological assessment as a prognostic factor in patients deemed suitable candidates for VPS surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the use of fossil fuels is an essential measure to counteract the rise in greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, biofuels and e-fuels make an important contribution to achieving climate neutrality targets, especially if their distribution can take place within existing infrastructure, as in the case of methane. The aim of this work is to carry out a techno-economic and environmental assessment of the combined production of biological and synthetic methane in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Methane yield from biogas, usually associated only with biogas upgrading, is enhanced by recovering CO 2 to produce additional synthetic natural gas (SNG) through a methanation process. The analysis is applied to a medium-sized WWTP in Italy, whose biogas production profile is known throughout the year. In the current scenario, SNG is not competitive on the gas market. The investment costs of the technologies and the electricity price are then varied in order to better investigate the profitability of SNG production. The results show that, considering long-term cost projections and an electricity price of about 50 €/MWh, SNG can become competitive, with a production cost of 1.4 €/Sm3. Finally, the environmental competitiveness of SNG (direct and indirect CO 2 emissions) with respect to fossil natural gas is investigated: results are shown as a function of the carbon intensity of grid electricity and the share of local renewable energy. To make SNG environmentally sustainable, the renewable share must increase to 46% or, alternatively, the carbon intensity of grid electricity must decrease to 187 g CO2eq /kWh. [Display omitted] ● Investigation of the combined production of biological and synthetic methane. ● The analysis is applied to a real wastewater treatment plant in Italy. ● Cost of SNG production (4 €/Sm3) is not competitive on the current gas market. ● SNG economic attractiveness (1.4 €/Sm3) is achieved in long-term scenarios. ● Conditions that make SNG production environmentally sustainable are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides quantitative experimental data that demonstrate the impact of changing partial water saturation on the static elastic and strength (UCS) properties of gas shales from two different unconventional plays. To achieve this goal, a testing set-up and experimental methodology based on the control of total suction were specifically developed. Two core samples from different unconventional shale gas reservoirs were tested. The obtained results clearly show a significant dependence of the Young's modulus on total suction, where a non-linear decrease of stiffness higher than 50% can be observed when suction is reduced during a wetting process. On the other hand, the Poisson's ratio is not highly influenced by different saturation states; it can be considered constant for suction values greater than 10 MPa. A significant impact on the uniaxial compressive strength was also observed, where a 20% decrease of this strength parameter was measured when gas shales are conditioned to lower suction value. To include the observed behavior of gas shales in elastic constitutive model, an empirical relationship to express the dependence of Young's modulus on suction is proposed. Besides a better understanding of the behavior of gas shales during the drilling procedures and hydraulic fracturing phase, the findings of this study are also of great relevance to understand the impact that exposure of core samples to non-controlled air humidity may have on the results of laboratory tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ventral hernia repair remains a major clinical need. Herein, we formulated a type I collagen/elastin crosslinked blend (CollE) for the fabrication of biomimetic meshes for ventral hernia repair. To evaluate the effect of architecture on the performance of the implants, CollE was formulated both as flat sheets (CollE Sheets) and porous scaffolds (CollE Scaffolds). The morphology, hydrophylicity and in vitro degradation were assessed by SEM, water contact angle and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The stiffness of the meshes was determined using a constant stretch rate uniaxial tensile test, and compared to that of native tissue. CollE Sheets and Scaffolds were tested in vitro with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (h-BM-MSC), and finally implanted in a rat ventral hernia model. Neovascularization and tissue regeneration within the implants was evaluated at 6 weeks, by histology, immunofluorescence, and q-PCR. It was found that CollE Sheets and Scaffolds were not only biomechanically sturdy enough to provide immediate repair of the hernia defect, but also promoted tissue restoration in only 6 weeks. In fact, the presence of elastin enhanced the neovascularization in both sheets and scaffolds. Overall, CollE Scaffolds displayed mechanical properties more closely resembling those of native tissue, and induced higher gene expression of the entire marker genes tested, associated with de novo matrix deposition, angiogenesis, adipogenesis and skeletal muscles, compared to CollE Sheets. Altogether, this data suggests that the improved mechanical properties and bioactivity of CollE Sheets and Scaffolds make them valuable candidates for applications of ventral hernia repair. Statement of Significance Due to the elevated annual number of ventral hernia repair in the US, the lack of successful grafts, the design of innovative biomimetic meshes has become a prime focus in tissue engineering, to promote the repair of the abdominal wall, avoid recurrence. Our meshes (CollE Sheets and Scaffolds) not only showed promising mechanical performance, but also allowed for an efficient neovascularization, resulting in new adipose and muscle tissue formation within the implant, in only 6 weeks. In addition, our meshes allowed for the use of the same surgical procedure utilized in clinical practice, with the commercially available grafts. This study represents a significant step in the design of bioactive acellular off-the-shelf biomimetic meshes for ventral hernia repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E or EconomasE™ supplementation on the growth of several background/pathogenic bacteria on rabbit carcasses and hamburgers during refrigerated storage. For 51 days, 270 New Zealand rabbits received either a basal diet, or experimental diets enriched with 100 or 200 mg/kg of vitamin E or EconomasE™. The bacteria studied were Salmonella , Listeria monocytogenes , Pseudomonas , Enterobacteriaceae , Escherichia coli , coagulase-positive staphylococci, plus both mesophilic and psychrotrophic aerobes. The growth of Listeria monocytogenes on contaminated patties was evaluated through a challenge test. The potential protective or antimicrobial effect of vitamin E or EconomasE™ on Listeria monocytogenes or Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed in vitro . Diet did not influence the concentrations of bacteria found on rabbit carcasses and developing on hamburgers. Vitamin E ( in vivo and in vitro ) and EconomasE™ in vivo had a protective antioxidant role, while EconomasE™ in vitro had strong antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, but not against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]