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To date, the public health system has been impacted by the increasing costs of many diagnostic and therapeutic pathways due to limited resources. At the same time, we are constantly seeking to improve these paths through approaches aimed at personalized medicine. To achieve the required levels of diagnostic and therapeutic precision, it is necessary to integrate data from different sources and simulation platforms. Today, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and predictive computer models are more efficient at guiding decisions regarding better therapies and medical procedures. The evolution of these multiparametric and multimodal systems has led to the creation of digital twins (DTs). The goal of our review is to summarize AI applications in discovering new immunotherapies and developing predictive models for more precise immunotherapeutic decision-making. The findings from this literature review highlight that DTs, particularly predictive mathematical models, will be pivotal in advancing healthcare outcomes. Over time, DTs will indeed bring the benefits of diagnostic precision and personalized treatment to a broader spectrum of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a multifactorial etiology in which genetic and environmental factors interplay. An exclusively cutaneous condition has been described and defined as cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). In Italy, a nationwide blood donor survey found an overall HEV prevalence of 8.7%, with an interregional variation from 2.2% to 22.8%. In this study, we aimed to estimate HEV seroprevalence in a cohort of patients affected by SLE and CLE attending the Lupus Clinic, Sapienza University of Rome. Serum samples were tested for anti-HEV immunoglobulin Ig G and M antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Statistical analysis was performed. In total, 138 patients were enrolled, 92 (67%) affected by SLE and 46 by CLE. The prevalence of HEV infection was 23.9% in the CLE group and 7.6% in the SLE group. The anti-HEV+ prevalence was significantly more frequent in CLE. Some mechanisms may be linked to increased susceptibility to HEV such as a molecular mimicry associated with the CLE condition or with the skin compartment/skin self-antigens, as well as the involvement of the genetic background. Regarding the possible risk factors, no association was found, although, of note, the odds of HEV+ relative to contact with animals and to eating raw seafood were strongly higher than the unit in the CLE group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the integration and validation of a filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) facemask module for monitoring breathing activity in industrial environments. The key objective is to ensure accurate, real-time respiratory rate (RR) monitoring while maintaining workers' comfort. RR monitoring is conducted through temperature variations detected using temperature sensors tested in two configurations: sensor t1, integrated inside the exhalation valve and necessitating structural mask modifications, and sensor t2, mounted externally in a 3D-printed structure, thus preserving its certification as a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ten healthy volunteers participated in static and dynamic tests, simulating typical daily life and industrial occupational activities while wearing the breathing activity monitoring module and a chest strap as a reference instrument. These tests were carried out in both indoor and outdoor settings. The results demonstrate comparable mean absolute error (MAE) for t1 and t2 in both indoor (i.e., 0.31 bpm and 0.34 bpm) and outdoor conditions (i.e., 0.43 bpm and 0.83 bpm). During simulated working activities, both sensors showed consistency with MAE values in static tests and were not influenced by motion artifacts, with more than 97% of RR estimated errors within ±2 bpm. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating a smart module into protective masks, enhancing occupational health monitoring by providing continuous and precise RR data without requiring additional wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant originating from South America. From this plant, mate a drink is produced. Brazil is the first mate producer in the world. The diffusion of mate is mainly limited to the native regions of South America, as it is consumed with cuia and bombilla. Trying to expand mate culture and export it towards Europe makes it necessary to offer this drink in a new guise that sets it apart from traditional preparation patterns. In this instance, the introduction of green tea mate may represent a solution. This innovative product comes from I. paraguariensis sprouts, which are further processed and consumed as green tea from Camellia sinensis. The present study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical and nutraceutical characteristics and consumer perceptions towards the visual aspect of the innovative green tea mate (L1, L2, and L3) compared to commercial traditional Brazilian mate (CI and CB) and roasted mate (L). Moreover, a preliminary sensory evaluation with untrained panellists was carried out. Significant results were detected, highlighting the higher content of bioactive compounds in the innovative product. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) almost doubled in green tea mate (L1 117.14 mg GAE/g d.p., L2 128.10 mg GAE/g d.p., L3 126.21 mg GAE/g d.p.) compared to the other samples (CI 71.91 mg GAE/g d.p., CB 54.23 mg GAE/g d.p., L 34.16 mg GAE/g d.p.) (p < 0.05). Considering caffeine, batches L1 and L3 had a content of 3.68 mg/g d.p. and 3.58 mg/g d.p., respectively, significantly higher when compared to the amount retrieved in the CB sample, 1.57 mg/g d.p. (p < 0.05). The consumer survey demonstrated the interest of consumers towards the new product, as it was perceived similar to more commonly consumed teas, while from a sensory point of view, a vegetal and hay flavour were more defining for the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric hydrogels are soft materials with a three-dimensional (3D) hydrophilic network capable of retaining and absorbing large amounts of water or biological fluids. Due to their customizable properties, these materials are extensively studied for developing matrices for 3D cell culture scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. However, conventional hydrogels still exhibit many drawbacks; thus, significant efforts have been directed towards developing dynamic hydrogels that draw inspiration from organisms' natural self-repair abilities after injury. The self-healing properties of these hydrogels are closely associated with their ability to form, break, and heal dynamic bonds in response to various stimuli. The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of dynamic hydrogels by examining the types of chemical bonds associated with them and the biopolymers utilized, and to elucidate the chemical nature of dynamic bonds that enable the modulation of hydrogels' properties. While dynamic bonds ensure the self-healing behavior of hydrogels, they do not inherently confer adhesive properties. Therefore, we also highlight emerging approaches that enable dynamic hydrogels to acquire adhesive properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is facing several challenges related to its sustainability. In this regard, the need to reduce its environmental impact related to the use of synthetic inputs and its potential role in mitigating global warming and climate change call for a review of crop management. In this context, and in the framework of achieving sustainable development goals, the use of organic fertilizers and bio-waste represents a valuable contribution to the agricultural transition towards a bioeconomy model by reducing the negative impacts of waste disposal. Farmyard manure, composts, digestate from agrifood processes, and biochar are, among organic fertilizers, commonly used to manage soils and support crop growth. These fertilizers can provide essential nutrients, improve structure, and enhance microbial activity, thus increasing soil fertility and agriculture sustainability. While organic fertilizers offer the benefits of soil fertility and plant nutrition, their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is complex and varies depending on factors such as fertilizer type, soil conditions, and management practices. Although organic fertilizers may initially increase GHG emissions, they often lead to carbon sequestration in soils highlighting a negative C balance. Additionally, organic fertilizers promote a reduction in fossil fuel consumption used for synthetic fertilizer production, further contributing to GHG emissions' reduction. Therefore, while organic fertilizers pose challenges in managing GHG emissions, their various benefits warrant careful consideration and strategic implementation in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we studied the selective pressure and evolutionary analysis on the SARS-CoV-2 BF.7 and BQ.1.1 lineages circulating in Italy from July to December 2022. Two different datasets were constructed: the first comprised 694 SARS-CoV-2 BF.7 lineage sequences and the second comprised 734 BQ.1.1 sequences, available in the Italian COVID-19 Genomic (I-Co-Gen) platform and GISAID (last access date 15 December 2022). Alignments were performed with MAFFT v.7 under the Galaxy platform. The HYPHY software was used to study the selective pressure. Four positively selected sites (two in nsp3 and two in the spike) were identified in the BF.7 dataset, and two (one in ORF8 and one in the spike gene) were identified in the BQ.1.1 dataset. Mutation analysis revealed that R408S and N440K are very common in the spike of the BF.7 genomes, as well as L452R among BQ.1.1. N1329D and Q180H in nsp3 were found, respectively, at low and rare frequencies in BF.7, while I121L and I121T were found to be rare in ORF8 for BQ.1.1. The positively selected sites may have been driven by the selection for increased viral fitness, under circumstances of defined selective pressure, as well by host genetic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of organic fertilizers to replace chemically synthesized fertilizers has assumed an important role in managing plant nutrition and soil fertility. The various organic matrices currently available as organic byproducts and digestates are relatively abundant and have shown promising effects in terms of plant-available nutrients. However, like mineral fertilizers, organic fertilizers must be carefully managed to avoid negative effects on the environment, especially when they are repeatedly applied over time. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of the single (DIG) and repeated application (DIGP) of solid anaerobic digestates compared to an unamended control (CTR) on the denitrifying enzymatic activity (DEA), which is responsible for nitrous oxide emissions into the atmosphere, and some related soil properties, such as total soluble nitrogen (TSN), nitrate (NO3−-N), extractable carbon (Cextr), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and basal respiration (Rbas), for a period of ~3 months after application. The application of solid anaerobic digestates progressively boosts N and C concentrations in the soil, with the degree of enhancement directly correlated with the frequency of application over the sampling period. Depending on the textural properties of soils, there was a notable rise in denitrification enzyme activity (DEA), particularly during the DIGP treatment, suggesting that clay soils are highly susceptible to denitrification under suitable conditions. The results of this study recommend the careful management of soils subjected to repeated digestate amendment to prevent the occurrence of conditions conducive to denitrification and the promotion of N2O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safeguarding of plant health is vital for optimizing crop growth practices, especially in the face of the biggest challenges of our generation, namely the environmental crisis and the dramatic changes in the climate. Among the many innovative tools developed to address these issues, wearable sensors have recently been proposed for monitoring plant growth and microclimates in a sustainable manner. These systems are composed of flexible matrices with embedded sensing elements, showing promise in revolutionizing plant monitoring without being intrusive. Despite their potential benefits, concerns arise regarding the effects of the long-term coexistence of these devices with the plant surface. Surprisingly, a systematic analysis of their influence on plant physiology is lacking. This study aims to investigate the effect of the color and geometric features of flexible matrices on two key plant physiological functions: photosynthesis and transpiration. Our findings indicate that the negative effects associated with colored substrates, as identified in recent research, can be minimized by holing the matrix surface with a percentage of voids of 15.7%. This approach mitigates interference with light absorption and reduces water loss to a negligible extent, making our work one of the first pioneering efforts in understanding the intricate relationship between plant wearables' features and plant health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium niobate is a lead-free material which has attracted considerable attention due to its excellent optical, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties. This research is devoted to the synthesis through an innovative sol–gel/spin-coating approach of polycrystalline LiNbO3 films on Si substrates. A novel single-source hetero-bimetallic precursor containing lithium and niobium was synthesized and applied to the sol–gel synthesis. The structural, compositional, and thermal characteristics of the precursor have been tested through attenuated total reflection, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The LiNbO3 films have been characterized from a structural point of view with combined X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been used to study the morphological and compositional properties of the deposited films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis and paratuberculosis are endemic in many areas worldwide. This work aims to study cytokines production and gene expression profiles of bovine macrophages infected with Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis subsp. avium (MAP) strains to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers. Bovine bone marrow stem cells were differentiated into macrophages and subsequently infected in vitro with different spoligotypes of M. bovis and MAP field strains (as single infections and coinfections), using different multiplicity of infection. Supernatant and cell pellets were collected 24 h, 48 h, and one week post-infection. Preliminarily, gene expression on cell pellets of IL-1β, IL-2, INFγ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNFα was assessed by qRT-PCR one week p.i. Subsequently, IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR to investigated their production retrospectively 24 h and 48 h p.i. A variability in macrophages response related to the concentration of mycobacteria, the coinfection with MAP, and M. bovis spoligotypes was identified. An early and constant IL-6 increase was observed in the M. bovis infection. A lower increase in IL-1β was also detected at the highest concentration of the two M. bovis spoligotypes one week post-infection. IL-6 and IL-1 β production was reduced and differently expressed in the MAP infection. IL-6 appeared to be the earliest cytokines produced by bovine macrophages infected with M. bovis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is widely known among grain legumes for its high nutritional quality, playing an important role in enhancing Mediterranean farming systems as a sustainable crop. Field experiments comparing 121 lentil accessions (microsperma and macrosperma types from different countries) were conducted in a semi-arid environment of south Italy over two growing seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018). Their agronomic performance was determined, focusing on phenological, morphological, productive, and qualitative variability. Changes in rainfall and temperatures affected the agronomic traits, especially yield components. In both years, the average grain yield (GY) (2.31 and 2.22 t ha−1, respectively) was above the threshold of 2 t ha−1. Consistent yield exceeding the field average in both growing seasons revealed the superiority of accessions from Egypt, Cyprus, Algeria, Nepal, and Tunisia. Moreover, microsperma yielded more (+0.31 and +0.41 t ha−1 in the first and second year, respectively) than macrosperma accessions. Flowering (DASF—days after sowing to flowering) and thousand seed weight (TSW) appeared to be the most important traits related to grain yield. Flowering earliness seems to act as a mechanism for overcoming abiotic stresses. The analysis of yield components revealed a different productive determinism within the two subspecies. As also highlighted by the Principal Component Analysis, microsperma accessions presented on average a significantly higher number of pods per plant (PP) and seeds per pod (SP), despite the considerable variability among countries of origin. The results showed phenological and morphological variability among genotypes, which should be taken into account in view of future selection programs focused on obtaining lentil ideotypes suitable for the Mediterranean environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately mapping the temperature during ablation is crucial for improving clinical outcomes. While various sensor configurations have been suggested in the literature, depending on the sensors' type, number, and size, a comprehensive understanding of optimizing these parameters for precise temperature reconstruction is still lacking. This study addresses this gap by introducing a tool based on a theoretical model to optimize the placement of fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBG) within the organ undergoing ablation. The theoretical model serves as a general framework, allowing for adaptation to various situations. In practical application, the model provides a foundational structure, with the flexibility to tailor specific optimal solutions by adjusting problem-specific data. We propose a nonlinear and nonconvex (and, thus, only solvable in an approximated manner) optimization formulation to determine the optimal distribution and three-dimensional placement of FBG arrays. The optimization aims to find a trade-off among two objectives: maximizing the variance of the expected temperatures measured by the sensors, which can be obtained from a predictive simulation that considers both the type of applicator used and the specific organ involved, and maximizing the squared sum of the distances between the sensor pairs. The proposed approach provides a trade-off between collecting diverse temperatures and not having all the sensors concentrated in a single area. We address the optimization problem through the utilization of approximation schemes in programming. We then substantiate the efficacy of this approach through simulations. This study tackles optimizing the FBGs' sensor placement for precise temperature monitoring during tumor ablation. Optimizing the FBG placement enhances temperature mapping, aiding in tumor cell eradication while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease, and in many cases, surgery is necessary. Whether the type of prosthesis implanted for aortic valve replacement (AVR) for IE impacts patient survival is a matter of debate. The aim of the present study is to quantify differences in long-term survival and recurrence of endocarditis AVR for IE according to prosthesis type among patients aged 40 to 65 years. Methods: This was an analysis of the INFECT-REGISTRY. Trends in proportion to the use of mechanical prostheses versus biological ones over time were tested by applying the sieve bootstrapped t-test. Confounders were adjusted using the optimal full-matching propensity score. The difference in overall survival was compared using the Cox model, whereas the differences in recurrence of endocarditis were evaluated using the Gray test. Results: Overall, 4365 patients were diagnosed and operated on for IE from 2000 to 2021. Of these, 549, aged between 40 and 65 years, underwent AVR. A total of 268 (48.8%) received mechanical prostheses, and 281 (51.2%) received biological ones. A significant trend in the reduction of implantation of mechanical vs. biological prostheses was observed during the study period (p < 0.0001). Long-term survival was significantly higher among patients receiving a mechanical prosthesis than those receiving a biological prosthesis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.546, 95% CI: 0.322–0.926, p = 0.025). Mechanical prostheses were associated with significantly less recurrent endocarditis after AVR than biological prostheses (HR 0.268, 95%CI: 0.077–0.933, p = 0.039). Conclusions: The present analysis of the INFECT-REGISTRY shows increased survival and reduced recurrence of endocarditis after a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis implant for IE in middle-aged patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is an ever-growing interest in assessing the collective intelligence (CI) of a team in a wide range of scenarios, thanks to its potential in enhancing teamwork and group performance. Recently, special attention has been devoted on the clinical setting, where breakdowns in teamwork, leadership, and communication can lead to adverse events, compromising patient safety. So far, researchers have mostly relied on surveys to study human behavior and group dynamics; however, this method is ineffective. In contrast, a promising solution to monitor behavioral and individual features that are reflective of CI is represented by wearable technologies. To date, the field of CI assessment still appears unstructured; therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a detailed overview of the main group and individual parameters that can be monitored to evaluate CI in clinical settings, together with the wearables either already used to assess them or that have the potential to be applied in this scenario. The working principles, advantages, and disadvantages of each device are introduced in order to try to bring order in this field and provide a guide for future CI investigations in medical contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving and managing historical cultural heritage necessitates innovative approaches that harmonize technology with historical documentation. This paper presents a case study showcasing an adaptable online database tailored for the incorporation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) models and associated historical records. Notably, this approach offers distinctive integration with historical data, enabling users to contextualize heritage assets historically. The study delves into the database's capabilities, focusing on its role in cultural heritage structure management. It explores interactive exploration, semantic querying, and attachment features, highlighting BIM's potential in digital conservation, documentation, and archival efforts for historical structures. Additionally, the paper underscores the database's significance as a valuable tool for education, research, and collaboration among heritage professionals and the public. While addressing specific modeling challenges, it emphasizes the importance of enhancing software solutions to elevate historical asset management. Historical BIM emerges as a powerful resource bridging the gap between historical structures' conservation and modern technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is one of the most widely cultivated cereal species in the Mediterranean basin, supporting pasta, bread and other typical food productions. Considering its importance for the nutrition of a large population and production of high economic value, its supply is of strategic significance. Therefore, an early and accurate crop yield estimation may be fundamental to planning the purchase, storage, and sale of this commodity on a large scale. Multispectral (MS) remote sensing (RS) of crops using unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a powerful tool to assess crop status and productivity with a high spatial–temporal resolution and accuracy level. The object of this study was to monitor the behaviour of thirty different durum wheat varieties commonly cultivated in Italy, taking into account their spectral response to different vegetation indices (VIs) and assessing the reliability of this information to estimate their yields by Pearson's correlation and different machine learning (ML) approaches. VIs allowed us to separate the tested wheat varieties into different groups, especially when surveyed in April. Pearson's correlations between VIs and grain yield were good (R2 > 0.7) for a third of the varieties tested; the VIs that best correlated with grain yield were CVI, GNDVI, MTVI, MTVI2, NDRE, and SR RE. Implementing ML approaches with VIs data highlighted higher performance than Pearson's correlations, with the best results observed by random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant of concern (VOC) was often associated with serious clinical course of the COVID-19 disease. Herein, we investigated the selective pressure, gene flow and evaluation on the frequencies of mutations causing amino acid substitutions in the Delta variant in three Italian regions. A total of 1500 SARS-CoV-2 Delta genomes, collected in Italy from April to October 2021 were investigated, including a subset of 596 from three Italian regions. The selective pressure and the frequency of amino acid substitutions and the prediction of their possible impact on the stability of the proteins were investigated. Delta variant dataset, in this study, identified 68 sites under positive selection: 16 in the spike (23.5%), 11 in nsp2 (16.2%) and 10 in nsp12 (14.7%) genes. Three of the positive sites in the spike were located in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In Delta genomes from the three regions, 6 changes were identified as very common (>83.7%), 4 as common (>64.0%), 21 at low frequency (2.1%–25.0%) and 29 rare (≤2.0%). The detection of positive selection on key mutations may represent a model to identify recurrent signature mutations of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The road pavement industry, worldwide, has often shown reluctance in quickly implementing innovative practices; however, in the case of raw material consumption, a cultural change is necessary and, in this sense, sustainability assessment could play a major role. Along these lines, this research study aims to provide evidence to all the involved stakeholders (material producers, pavement contractors, and road authorities) of how life cycle-based techniques can be crucial in evaluating whether the adoption of asphalt mixtures with high contents of reclaimed asphalt (RA) for wearing courses is actually a sustainable practice for major European roads. An evaluation framework composed of a life cycle assessment, to calculate the carbon footprint of both pavement materials and pavement activities, and a life cycle cost assessment, performed to determine the overall economic burden of the related road pavement surface courses and maintenance strategies over a sixty-year analysis period, is presented and applied to selected case studies. These were developed together with three major European national road authorities and include scenarios involving the construction of road surfaces with asphalt mixtures containing up to 90% RA. Results have shown that whenever high-content RA mixes do not under-perform against conventional mixtures, up to 50% CO2eq savings can be registered and up to 60% economic cost reductions can be reported. The durability of road pavement layers remains a key parameter for any road pavement sustainability assessment exercises; therefore, in order to adapt the obtained results to other contexts, researchers should always consider conducting a sensitivity analysis of the reference service life and/or road authorities should somehow request road pavement durability as a pre-requisite within procurement practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The introduction of targeted therapy has completely changed the treatment options for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-invasive methods to assess mutational status, as well as novel prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer, are thus warranted to improve the management of advanced NSCLC, including adenocarcinoma, and move toward personalized therapy. Radiomics aims to extract high-dimensional features from clinical images in order to find any association with specific clinical endpoints. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of CT radiomics for non-invasive prediction of prognosis and identification of actionable genomic alterations in advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients. Findings from this study support a possible role of CT radiomics in the clinical management of patients with advanced lung cancer; moreover, its findings can contribute to design robust validation studies. Non-invasive methods to assess mutational status, as well as novel prognostic biomarkers, are warranted to foster therapy personalization of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study investigated the association of contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) radiomic features of lung adenocarcinoma lesions, alone or integrated with clinical parameters, with tumor mutational status (EGFR, KRAS, ALK alterations) and Overall Survival (OS). In total, 261 retrospective and 48 prospective patients were enrolled. A Radiomic Score (RS) was created with LASSO-Logistic regression models to predict mutational status. Radiomic, clinical and clinical-radiomic models were trained on retrospective data and tested (Area Under the Curve, AUC) on prospective data. OS prediction models were trained and tested on retrospective data with internal cross-validation (C-index). RS significantly predicted each alteration at training (radiomic and clinical-radiomic AUC 0.95–0.98); validation performance was good for EGFR (AUC 0.86), moderate for KRAS and ALK (AUC 0.61–0.65). RS was also associated with OS at univariate and multivariable analysis, in the latter with stage and type of treatment. The validation C-index was 0.63, 0.79, and 0.80 for clinical, radiomic, and clinical-radiomic models. The study supports the potential role of CT radiomics for non-invasive identification of gene alterations and prognosis prediction in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, to be confirmed with independent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monoclinic structures of vanadium dioxide are widely studied as appealing systems due to a plethora of functional properties in several technological fields. In particular, the possibility to obtain the VO2 material in the form of thin film with a high control of structure and morphology represents a key issue for their use in THz devices and sensors. Herein, a fine control of the crystal habit has been addressed through an in-depth study of the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) synthetic approach. The focus is devoted to the key operative parameters such as deposition temperature inside the reactor in order to stabilize the P21/c or the C2/m monoclinic VO2 structures. Furthermore, the compositional purity, the morphology and the thickness of the VO2 films have been assessed through energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. THz time domain spectroscopy is used to validate at very high frequency the functional properties of the as-prepared VO2 films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare-earth (RE)-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are quickly gaining popularity as flexible functional materials in a variety of technological fields. These MOFs are useful for more than just conventional uses like gas sensors and catalyst materials; in fact, they also show significant promise in emerging technologies including photovoltaics, optical, and biomedical applications. Using yttrium and europium as ionic host centres and dopants, respectively, and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H3-BTC) as an organic linker, we describe a simple and green approach for the fabrication of RE-MOFs. Specifically, Y-BTCs and Eu-doped Y-BTCs MOFs have been synthesised in a single step using an eco-friendly method that makes use of ultrasound technology. To establish a correlation between the morphological and structural properties and reaction conditions, a range of distinct reaction periods has been employed for the synthetic processes. Detailed analyses of the synthesised samples through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) have confirmed the phase formation. Furthermore, thermal analyses such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have been employed to evaluate the thermal stability and structural modifications of the Y-BTC and Eu-doped Y-BTC samples. Finally, the luminescent properties of the synthesised samples doped with Eu3+ have been assessed, providing an evaluation of their characteristics. As a proof of concept, an Eu-doped Y-BTC sample has been applied for the sensing of nitrobenzene as a molecule test of nitro derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of solid agricultural digestate as a substitute for chemical fertilizers in Mediterranean cropping systems can be a valuable approach to improving soil fertility. However, it is important to accurately assess its mineralisation dynamics in order to avoid uncontrolled nutrient releases in agroecosystems. With this aim, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of solid digestate application on total soil nitrogen (TSN), extractable organic N (EON) and mineral N forms (NH4+-N and NO3−-N) in two Mediterranean soil profiles (clay and sandy-loam) over one year. The solid digestate increased TSN and EON concentrations in the upper soil layer (0–20 cm) of both soils, more in the clay soil, with a decreasing effect in the lower soil layers (20–40 and 40–60 cm). The amendment increased NH4+-N concentrations, with a greater and longer-lasting effect in the clay soil, especially in the first two soil layers (0–20 and 20–40 cm), while in the lowest, it was limited at the first sampling epoch. The NO3−-N copied the NH4+-N trends in both soils, with a greater effect on the 0–20 cm soil layer at all sampling epochs. The present study suggests that solid digestate, applied at a dose of 30 Mg ha−1, can be a useful alternative to mineral N fertilisers for clay and sandy-loam soils in Mediterranean orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though alternative paving materials, like rubberized asphalt, are sometimes present in specifications, these are still not widely adopted from road agencies mainly due to a lack of experience, reticence in changing work habits and, often, a lack of evidence of real gains in the change. Authors believe that performance-based laboratory characterization is a solution to highlight differences with conventional asphalt mixtures. Hence, this research wants to highlight the differences between designing asphalt mixtures modified with engineered crumb rubber (ECR) on the basis of conventional indirect tensile testing (ITS), as prescribed by Italian specifications, and by means of performance-related characterization. ECR allows to asphalt mixtures to be modified through a dry process without inconveniences such as uncontrolled swelling and the generation of fumes; on the other hand, performance-related characterization focuses on highlighting rutting behavior by using a basic approach, still based on ITS, and a more advanced viscoplastic methodology using the asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT). As a result, performance-related characterization is necessary to highlight clear gains in the rutting behavior of the asphalt mixtures modified with ECR. Advanced methodology by means of AMPT provides a fine-tuned characterization; however, the basic approach by means of ITS already highlights the differences in performance. ECR could be widely used to improve the properties of dense mixtures for roads with low traffic; in fact, it solves many of the practical issues of adding crumb rubber through a dry process and greatly improves paving material properties compared to conventional asphalt mixtures, with an increase in cost of only 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A challenge in mimicking tyrosinase activity using model compounds is to reproduce its enantioselectivity. Good enantioselection requires rigidity and a chiral center close to the active site. In this study, the synthesis of a new chiral copper complex, [Cu2(mXPhI)]4+/2+, based on an m-xylyl-bis(imidazole)-bis(benzimidazole) ligand containing a stereocenter with a benzyl residue directly bound on the copper chelating ring, is reported. Binding experiments show that the cooperation between the two metal centers is weak, probably due to steric hindrance given by the benzyl group. The dicopper(II) complex [Cu2(mXPhI)]4+ has catalytic activity in the oxidations of enantiomeric couples of chiral catechols, with an excellent discrimination capability for Dopa-OMe enantiomers and a different substrate dependence, hyperbolic or with substrate inhibition, for the L- or D- enantiomers, respectively. [Cu2(mXPhI)]4+ is active in a tyrosinase-like sulfoxidation of organic sulfides. The monooxygenase reaction requires a reducing co-substrate (NH2OH) and yields sulfoxide with significant enantiomeric excess (e.e.). Experiments with 18O2 and thioanisole yielded sulfoxide with 77% incorporation of 18O, indicating a reaction occurring mostly through direct oxygen transfer from the copper active intermediate to the sulfide. This mechanism and the presence of the chiral center of the ligand in the immediate copper coordination sphere are responsible for the good enantioselectivity observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is a condition of loss of normal mobility or function of the scapula. SD is frequently observed in patients with other shoulder disorders, such as rotator cuff (RC) tears. This study evaluates the different presentations in clinical outcomes and range of motions (ROMs) in patients suffering from RC tears with and without SD. A total of 52 patients were enrolled, of which 32 patients with RC tears and SD (group A) and 20 patients with RC tears without SD (group B). Statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of clinical outcomes were identified. There were statistically significant differences in terms of flexion (p = 0.019), extension (p = 0.015), abduction (p = 0.005), and external rotation at 90° (p = 0.003) and at 0° (p = 0.025). In conclusion, this prospective study demonstrated that SD influences the clinical presentation of patients with RC tears in terms of clinical outcomes and ROMs, apart from internal rotation. Further studies will need to show whether these differences occur regardless of SD type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The current study describes a clinical case of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in ferrets with a particular focus on viral typing. The diagnostic methods that are described herein allow a rapid and sensitive approach to the diagnosis of CDV infection in a susceptible species. Considering the high morbidity and mortality rates of CDV infection in ferrets and the limited therapeutic possibilities, widespread vaccination remains crucial for preventing the disease and counteracting cross-species infection. Canine distemper is a contagious and severe systemic viral disease that affects domestic and wild carnivores worldwide. In this study, two adult female ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were evaluated for cutaneous lesions. Scab, fur, and swab samples from the external auditory canal, cutaneous lesions, and scrapings were analyzed. Canine distemper virus (CDV)-positive samples underwent RT-PCR/RFLP with the restriction enzyme PsiI, and the hemagglutinin gene sequence was obtained. According to the restriction enzyme and sequence analyses, the viral strains were typed as CDV field strains that are included within the Europe lineage and distinct from those including vaccinal CDV strains. The sequence analysis showed the highest nucleotide identity rates in older Europe lineage CDV strains collected from dogs and a fox in Europe. This study is the first to report on CDV infection in ferrets in southern Italy and contributes to the current knowledge about natural CDV infection in this species. In conclusion, vaccination remains crucial for preventing the disease and counteracting cross-species infection. Molecular biology techniques can enable the monitoring of susceptible wild animals by ensuring the active surveillance of CDV spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines two sustainability practices in complex and uncertain processes such as the case of the promotion of the underground built heritage (UBH). Convinced that the sustainability of a UBH valorisation project is only guaranteed by its survival over time, the authors argue that the decision-making process must be bottom-up, i.e., promoted and developed by the actors of the territory—communities and stakeholders—who share a strategic objective. They assume that they have already defined the value of the asset to be enhanced through heritage interpretation. At this point, two practices are proposed. The first is aimed at enhancing the UBH for the territory itself and involves the application of design thinking; the second, in the interest of the economic agents, is aimed at promoting the territory externally—promoting sustainable tourism—through the application of audience development. The work is a theoretical proposal and has not yet been tested in the field. The authors reserve the right to test it in a subsequent case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine is one of the most disabling disorders in the world, associated with poor quality of life. Migraine prevention strategies have increasingly evolved since monoclonal antibodies against the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), or its receptor, were identified. CGRP is the ideal target of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In particular, erenumab is the mAb that has shown good therapeutic efficacy in reducing pain intensity and having high tolerability. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of erenumab on both cognitive performance and psychological well-being. This was a pilot study with a retrospective design that included 14 subjects (2 males and 12 females), with a mean age of 52.29 ± 9.62, who attended the Headache and Migraine outpatient clinic of the IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo of Messina. The evaluation consisted of measuring cognitive and psychological functioning. Comparing clinical and psychometric test scores between baseline and follow-up, we found a significant improvement in both cognitive performance and quality of life. We also observed a decrease in migraine disability. Our findings have shown improvements in global cognitive performance and quality of life in migraine patients taking erenumab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present energetic scenario, the development of materials with high potentiality in the technological fields of energy conversion processes, production and storage of hydrogen, are of great interest in the scientific community. In particular, we report for the first time the fabrication of crystalline and homogeneous barium-cerate-based materials in the form of thin films on various substrates. Starting from the β-diketonate precursor sources Ce(hfa)3diglyme, Ba(hfa)2tetraglyme and Y(hfa)3diglyme (Hhfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone; diglyme = bis(2-methoxyethyl)ether; tetraglyme = 2,5,8,11,14-pentaoxapentadecane), a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) approach has been successfully applied to the fabrication of BaCeO3 and doped BaCe0.8Y0.2O3 systems in the form of thin films. Structural, morphological and compositional analyses allowed for an accurate determination of the properties of deposited layers. The present approach represents a simple, easily scalable, and industrially appealing process for the production of compact and homogeneous barium cerate thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food allergies are immuno-mediated adverse reactions to ingestion or contact with foods, representing a widespread health problem. The immune response can be IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, or with a mixed mechanism. The role of innate immunity and alarmins in the pathogenesis of diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis is well known. Some authors have investigated the correlation between alarmins and food allergies, often obtaining interesting results. We analyzed articles published in English from the last 22 years present on PubMed concerning the role of alarmins in the pathogenesis of food allergies and their potential use as disease biomarkers, response biomarkers to therapy, or potential therapeutic targets. Nuclear alarmins (TSLP, IL-33, IL-25) appear to have a critical role in IgE-mediated allergies but are also implicated in entities such as eosinophilic esophagitis. Calprotectin and defensins may play a role as disease biomarkers and could help predict response to therapy, although results in the literature are often conflicting. Despite the promising results, more studies on humans still need to be conducted. Deepening our knowledge regarding alarmins and their involvement in food allergies could lead to the development of new biological therapies, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have linked bad prognoses of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to the ability of leukemic cells to reprogram their metabolism and, in particular, their lipid metabolism. In this context, we performed "in-depth" characterization of fatty acids (FAs) and lipid species in leukemic cell lines and in plasma from AML patients. We firstly showed that leukemic cell lines harbored significant differences in their lipid profiles at steady state, and that under nutrient stress, they developed common mechanisms of protection that led to variation in the same lipid species; this highlights that the remodeling of lipid species is a major and shared mechanism of adaptation to stress in leukemic cells. We also showed that sensitivity to etomoxir, which blocks fatty acid oxidation (FAO), was dependent on the initial lipid profile of cell lines, suggesting that only a particular "lipidic phenotype" is sensitive to the drug targeting of FAO. We then showed that the lipid profiles of plasma samples from AML patients were significantly correlated with the prognosis of patients. In particular, we highlighted the impact of phosphocholine and phosphatidyl-choline metabolism on patients' survival. In conclusion, our data show that balance between lipid species is a phenotypic marker of the diversity of leukemic cells that significantly influences their proliferation and resistance to stress, and thereby, the prognosis of AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this single center study, we retrospectively evaluated the calculated hemorheological profile in patients with a new diagnosis of multiple myeloma, with the aim to evaluate possible relationships with some prognostic predictors, such as ISS, albumin levels, beta2-microglobulin, red cell distribution width, and bone marrow plasma cell infiltration. Methods: In a cohort of 190 patients, we examined the calculated blood viscosity using the de Simone formula, and the albumin/fibrinogen ratio as a surrogate of erythrocyte aggregation, and then we related these parameters to prognostic factors, using the Kruskal–Wallis and the Mann–Whitney tests, respectively. Results: From our analysis, it emerged that the evaluated hemorheological pattern differed in the three isotypes of multiple myeloma, and the whole blood viscosity was higher in IgA and IgG isotypes with respect to the light chain multiple myeloma (p < 0.001). Moreover, we observed that, as the ISS stage progressed, the albumin/fibrinogen ratio was reduced, and the same hemorheological trend was traced in subgroups with lower albumin levels, higher beta2-microglobulin and red cell distribution width RDW values, and in the presence of a greater bone marrow plasma cell infiltrate. Conclusions: Through the changes in blood viscosity in relation to different prognostic factors, this analysis might underline the role of the hemorheological pattern in multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable devices are widely spreading in various scenarios for monitoring different parameters related to human and recently plant health. In the context of precision agriculture, wearables have proven to be a valuable alternative to traditional measurement methods for quantitatively monitoring plant development. This study proposed a multi-sensor wearable platform for monitoring the growth of plant organs (i.e., stem and fruit) and microclimate (i.e., environmental temperature—T and relative humidity—RH). The platform consists of a custom flexible strain sensor for monitoring growth when mounted on a plant and a commercial sensing unit for monitoring T and RH values of the plant surrounding. A different shape was conferred to the strain sensor according to the plant organs to be engineered. A dumbbell shape was chosen for the stem while a ring shape for the fruit. A metrological characterization was carried out to investigate the strain sensitivity of the proposed flexible sensors and then preliminary tests were performed in both indoor and outdoor scenarios to assess the platform performance. The promising results suggest that the proposed system can be considered one of the first attempts to design wearable and portable systems tailored to the specific plant organ with the potential to be used for future applications in the coming era of digital farms and precision agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global climate change and exponential population growth pose a challenge to agricultural outputs. In this scenario, novel techniques have been proposed to improve plant growth and increase crop yields. Wearable sensors are emerging as promising tools for the non-invasive monitoring of plant physiological and microclimate parameters. Features of plant wearables, such as easy anchorage to different organs, compliance with natural surfaces, high flexibility, and biocompatibility, allow for the detection of growth without impacting the plant functions. This work proposed two wearable sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) within silicone matrices. The use of FBGs is motivated by their high sensitivity, multiplexing capacities, and chemical inertia. Firstly, we focused on the design and the fabrication of two plant wearables with different matrix shapes tailored to specific plant organs (i.e., tobacco stem and melon fruit). Then, we described the sensors' metrological properties to investigate the sensitivity to strain and the influence of environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, on the sensors' performance. Finally, we performed experimental tests to preliminary assess the capability of the proposed sensors to monitor dimensional changes of plants in both laboratory and open field settings. The promising results will foster key actions to improve the use of this innovative technology in smart agriculture applications for increasing crop products quality, agricultural efficiency, and profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion of no-tillage (NT) is to be encouraged because of the benefits it can provide in terms of improving soil fertility and counteracting global warming and climate change as part of climate-smart agriculture practices. However, the introduction of this management can be difficult, especially in the first years of application, and can lead to unpredictable yield results depending on the soil type. Therefore, the aim of this experiment was to evaluate the early effect of NT use, compared to the conventional mouldboard ploughing (CT), on two different soils, a clay-loam (GAL) and a sandy-clay-loam soil (SMA), by monitoring a set of 43 different soil and plant variables that were expected to vary with tillage and/or soil type. At both experimental sites, NT showed lower wheat total biomass (−29%) and grain yields (−17%) than CT with a more pronounced decrease in GAL than in SMA. Yield differences were accompanied by modifications in nutrient, microbial community and soil enzyme activity dynamics which highlighted higher stress in GAL, than in SMA soil, attributable to lower crop residues decomposition and substrate availability. Therefore, our findings suggest that the negative consequences due to the transition to NT depend on specific soil characteristics, like texture and organic matter concentration, with different repercussions on soil quality as well as on wheat growth and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper oxide thin films have been successfully synthesized through a metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) approach starting from the copper bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate), Cu(tmhd)2, complex. Operative conditions of fabrication strongly affect both the composition and morphologies of the copper oxide thin films. The deposition temperature has been accurately monitored in order to stabilize and to produce, selectively and reproducibly, the two phases of cuprite Cu2O and/or tenorite CuO. The present approach has the advantages of being industrially appealing, reliable, and fast for the production of thin films over large areas with fine control of both composition and surface uniformity. Moreover, the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) active layer has been successfully deposited on the ITO/Cu2O substrate by the Low Vacuum Proximity Space Effusion (LV-PSE) technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses have been used to characterize the deposited films. The optical band gap (Eg), ranging from 1.99 to 2.41 eV, has been determined through UV-vis analysis, while the electrical measurements allowed to establish the p-type conductivity behavior of the deposited Cu2O thin films with resistivities from 31 to 83 Ω cm and carrier concentration in the order of 1.5–2.8 × 1016 cm−3. These results pave the way for potential applications of the present system as a hole transporting layer combined with a perovskite active layer in emergent solar cell technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: statins have been considered an attractive class of drugs in the pharmacological setting of COVID-19 due to their pleiotropic properties and their use correlates with decreased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, it is well known that statins, which block the mevalonate pathway, affect γδ T lymphocyte activation. As γδ T cells participate in the inflammatory process of COVID-19, we have investigated the therapeutical potential of statins as a tool to inhibit γδ T cell pro-inflammatory activities; (2) Methods: we harvested peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from COVID-19 patients with mild clinical manifestations, COVID-19 recovered patients, and healthy controls. We performed ex vivo flow cytometry analysis to study γδ T cell frequency, phenotype, and exhaustion status. PBMCs were treated with Atorvastatin followed by non-specific and specific stimulation, to evaluate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines; (3) Results: COVID-19 patients had a lower frequency of circulating Vδ2+ T lymphocytes but showed a pronounced pro-inflammatory profile, which was inhibited by in vitro treatment with statins; (4) Conclusions: the in vitro capacity of statins to inhibit Vδ2+ T lymphocytes in COVID-19 patients highlights a new potential biological function of these drugs and supports their therapeutical use in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]