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Simple Summary: This study addresses the ongoing scientific debate regarding the existence, causes, characteristics and reversibility of cognitive sequelae associated with COVID-19 infection. The aim of the study is to describe the neuropsychological profile of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, distinguishing between younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) adults and evaluating them at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after infection. Significant differences in cognitive performance between younger and older adults are observed, consistent with their different physiological conditions. However, distinct memory recall patterns not attributable to physiological differences are also observed. The results contribute to the understanding of COVID-19 cognitive sequelae, suggesting that cognitive deficits in COVID-19 survivors may primarily reflect difficulties in attention and concentration impacting retrieval processes, aligning with the concept of "brain fog" associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome. The literature on COVID-19 continues to increase daily. Cognitive sequelae associated with COVID-19 infection still draw the attention of the scientific community given the lack of consensus about their existence, etiology, characterization and reversibility. The aim of this study is to provide a neuropsychological identikit for younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 infection, at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. In total, 226 individuals took part in a retrospective observational study and their cognitive performance was compared across groups (younger adults vs. older adults) and time (T0, T1, T2). The results highlighted differences between younger and older adults in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) global score, as expected in consideration of the different physiological conditions of the two populations. However, memory performance highlighted the two groups as characterized by a difference in patterns of recall that may move beyond a physiological explanation and provide information about COVID-19 cognitive sequelae. This study suggests that cognitive deficits observed in COVID-19 survivors may reflect a difficulty in attention and concentration that interferes mainly with retrieval processes. This result fits well with the concept of "brain fog" typical of post-COVID-19 syndrome and may also reflect the stress experienced while facing the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern Gabès aquifer in southeastern Tunisia faces significant stress due to unsustainable groundwater extraction. This study employs a SEAWAT model to evaluate groundwater losses, salinization mechanisms, and the interaction between the confined aquifer and the Mediterranean Sea. The model, incorporating well pumping rates, regional freshwater inflows from the Matmata Mountain Range, and the Mediterranean Sea boundary, demonstrated high accuracy in simulating hydraulic heads. Findings reveal that regional inflow is only half of the current pumping rate, indicating unsustainable groundwater use. The study also assessed salinity dynamics by modeling the Mediterranean Sea as a constant head and salinity boundary. Results suggest limited exchange between the aquifer and the sea, challenging previous assumptions. While the immediate risks of salinization are low, continued over-extraction could compromise the aquifer's long-term sustainability. This research highlights the need for stricter local groundwater management, offers insights into regional coastal aquifer interactions, and contributes to global discussions on managing stressed aquifer systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for polymer composites with improved mechanical and electrical properties is crucial for advanced aerospace, electronics, and energy storage applications. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are key fillers that enhance these properties, yet challenges like orientation, uniform dispersion, and agglomeration must be addressed to realize their full potential. This study focuses on developing SWCNTs/Fe3O4 epoxy composites by keeping the SWCNT concentration constant at 0.03 Vol.% and varying with Fe3O4 concentrations at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 Vol.% for two different configurations: randomly orientated (R-) and magnetic field-assisted horizontally aligned (A-) SWCNTs/Fe3O4 epoxy composites, and investigates the effects of filler concentration, dispersion, and magnetic alignment on the mechanical and electrical properties. The research reveals that both composite configurations achieve an optimal mechanical performance at 0.5 Vol.% Fe3O4, while A- SWCNTs/Fe3O4 epoxy composites outperformed at all concentrations. However, at 1 Vol.% Fe3O4, mechanical properties decline due to nanoparticle agglomeration, which disrupts stress distribution. In contrast, electrical conductivity peaks at 1 Vol.% Fe3O4, indicating that the higher density of Fe3O4 nanoparticles enhances the conductive network despite the mechanical losses. This study highlights the need for precise control over filler content and alignment to optimize mechanical strength and electrical conductivity in SWCNTs/Fe3O4 epoxy nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PRKAG2 cardiomyopathy is a rare genetic disorder that manifests early in life with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. It harbors left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), ventricular pre-excitation and progressively worsening conduction system defects. Its estimated prevalence among patients with LVH ranges from 0.23 to about 1%, but it is likely an underdiagnosed condition. We report the association of the PRKAG2 missense variant c.1006G>A p. (Val336Ile) with LVH, conduction abnormalities (short PR interval and incomplete right bundle branch bock) and early-onset arterial hypertension (AH) in a 44-year-old Caucasian patient. While cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed a mild hypertrophic phenotype with maximal wall thickness of 17 mm in absence of tissue alterations, the electric phenotype was relevant including brady–tachy syndrome and recurrent syncope. The same variant has been detected in the patient's sister and daughter, with LVH + early-onset AH and electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations + lipothymic episodes, respectively. Paying close attention to the coexistence of LVH and ECG alterations in the proband has been helpful in directing genetic tests to exclude primary cardiomyopathy. Hence, identifying the genetic basis in the patient allowed for familial screening as well as a proper follow-up and therapeutic management of the affected members. A review of the PRKAG2 cardiomyopathy literature is provided alongside the case report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder affecting 2–3% of the global population, and is associated with several comorbidities, including psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to identify factors influencing anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with psoriasis. Methods: This observational study included 112 patients diagnosed with psoriasis. Dermatological and psychiatric assessments were conducted using Psodisk, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multivariate regression models were employed. Results: The sample was predominantly middle-aged males (mean age 48.91 years). Females (p < 0.001), patients with arthritis (p < 0.05), and those with a sedentary lifestyle (p < 0.05) showed higher anxiety and depression scores. Psodisk subscales significantly correlated with psychiatric symptoms and QoL measures (p < 0.001). Pain (B: 0.63, p < 0.05; B: −2.03, p < 0.01) and sleep disturbances (B: 0.68, p < 0.01; B: 0.60, p < 0.01; B: −1.46, p < 0.01; B: −1.57, p < 0.05; B: 3.91, p < 0.05) emerged as major predictors of poor mental health and reduced QoL. Conclusions. The study underscores the complex relationship between psoriasis, psychiatric comorbidities, and QoL. Key factors exacerbating anxiety and depression include female gender, arthritis, and sedentary lifestyle. Comprehensive management of psoriasis should address both dermatological and psychological aspects, with a focus on pain relief and improving sleep quality to enhance overall patient well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An energy harvester scavenging the kinetic energy of fluctuating waves for supplying small sea monitoring buoys is studied and tested. The harvester exploits a magnetic cylinder that rolls on a track due to the pitching motion of the buoy. The electromagnetic coupling between the rolling magnet and pairs of coils placed along the track generates an electromotive force used to supply a DC load through a bridge rectifier. The considered harvester is characterized by low-cost, simplicity, lightness and efficiency. An analytical model of the harvester is presented to investigate its operating conditions and to predict its nonlinear dynamic behavior. The operating mode of the energy harvester named bang-bang is studied in depth as it allows maximizing the extracted power, and analytical equations that characterize the behavior of the harvester in this operating mode are deduced. A prototype of the energy harvester was built and tested in order to identify the model parameters and to validate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) materials are usually based on ceramic semiconductors, and electrons are involved in their transport mechanism. A new type of NTC material, adequate for alternating current (AC) applications, is represented by zeolites. Indeed, zeolites are single charge carrier ionic conductors with a temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. In particular, electrical transport in zeolites is due to the monovalent charge-balancing cations, like K+, capable of hopping between negatively charged sites in the aluminosilicate framework. Owing to the highly non-linear electrical behavior of the traditional electronic NTC materials, the possibility to have alternative types of materials, showing linearity in their electrical behavior, is very desirable. Among different zeolites, natural clinoptilolite has been selected for investigating NTC behavior since it is characterized by high zeolite content, a convenient Si/Al atomic ratio, good mechanical strength due to its compact microstructure, and low toxicity. Clinoptilolite has shown a rapid and quite reversible impedance change under heating, characterized by a linear dependence on temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been used to identify the natural zeolite, to establish all types of crystalline phases present in the mineral, and to investigate the thermal stability of these phases up to 150 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis was used for the chemical characterization of this natural clinoptilolite sample, providing important information on the cationic content and framework composition. In addition, since electrical transport takes place in the zeolite free-volume, a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis of the mineral has also been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patellar fractures represent approximately 1% of all fractures and the pattern is influenced by the quality of the bone and the energy of the trauma. Transverse fractures are associated with extensor mechanism failure and interruption of joint congruence. Patellar fractures are generally fixed using tension band principles, through K-wires and metal cerclage. The tension band was conceived to transform the considerable tensile force applied to the patella into a compressive one to obtain a stable fixation. The use of metal implants might be associated with a significant discomfort, mostly related to the irritating action of K-wires and cerclage on the surrounding soft tissues, often leading to the need for implant removal. Therefore, we introduced an original technique for fix patellar fractures by using only a non-adsorbable braided polyblend suture. Postoperative care included progressive range of motion recovery using an articulated knee brace and a specific protocol. The suture-only tension band technique seems to be a useful technique in terms of complications and reoperation rate while allowing secure and early mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most commonly performed weight loss (WL) bariatric procedures. The main goal of WL is reducing total body weight (TBW) and fat mass (FM). However, TBW loss is systematically accompanied by a decline in fat-free mass (FFM), predominantly in the first post-surgical month, despite protein supplementation. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and vitamin D seem to attenuate loss of FFM and, thus, reduce the decline in muscle strength (MS). However, data on the role of an integrated supplementation with whey protein plus BCAAs plus vitamin D (P+BCAAs+Vit.D) vs. protein alone on total weight loss (TWL), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and (MS) in the first month after SG are lacking. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the impact of P+BCAAs+Vit.D vs. protein alone supplementation on TWL, FM, FFM, and MS in the first month after SG. Materials and Methods: Before SG and at 1 month afterward, we prospectively measured and compared TBW, FM, FFM, and MS in 57 patients who received either a supplementation with P+BCAAs+Vit.D (n = 31) or protein alone (n = 26). The impact of P+BCAAs+Vit.D and protein alone supplementation on clinical status was also evaluated. Results: Despite non-significant variation in TBW, FM decreased more significantly (18.5% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.023) with the P+BCAA+Vit.D supplementation compared to protein alone. Furthermore, the P+BCAA+Vit.D group showed a significantly lower decrease in FFM (4.1% vs. 11.4%, p < 0.001) and MS (3.8% vs. 18.5%, p < 0.001) compared to the protein alone group. No significant alterations in clinical status were seen in either group. Conclusion: P+BCAA+Vit.D supplementation is more effective than protein alone in determining FM loss and is associated with a lower decrease in FFM and MS, without interfering with clinical status in patients 1 month after SG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly affected the pediatric population. Long-term sequelae (Long COVID-19) may particularly involve the central nervous system, with possible effects on psychological well-being and quality of life (QoL), aspects that were already influenced by the restrictive measures and general social impact of the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey that aims at investigating the neuropsychological effects and the QoL impairment of SARS-CoV-2 on a cohort of children and adolescents in the Abruzzo region (Italy). A questionnaire was submitted to caregivers with the help of the PEDIATOTEM platform. A control group of healthy subjects was also included to distinguish between the effects of infection from the general influence of the pandemic. Results: A total of 569 subjects responded: 396 COVID-19 patients (99 of whom had Long COVID-19) and 111 controls. After the pandemic, when compared with the COVID-19 group, the controls reported significantly increased appetite, sleeping habits, and time spent remotely with friends and a reduction in physical activity and time spent in person with friends. A significant higher rate of controls asked for psychological/medical support for emotional problems. On the other hand, the Long COVID-19 group showed more fatigue and emotional instability with respect to non-Long-COVID-19 subjects. No differences in QoL results (EuroQOL) were found between the COVID-19 patients and controls, while the Long-COVID-19 subgroup showed significantly higher rates of pain/discomfort and mood instability, as confirmed by the analysis of variation of responses from the pre-COVID-19 to the post-COVID-19 period. Conclusions: Among COVID-19 patients, neuropsychological and QoL impairment was more evident in the Long COVID-19 subgroup, although emotional and relational issues were also reported by uninfected patients, with a growing request for specialist support as a possible consequence of social restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean marine caves have been categorized as both biodiversity reservoirs and vulnerable habitats. However, only a few studies have focused on Porifera assemblages within marine caves along the Adriatic Apulian coast (southern Italy). In this study, the sponge fauna of the Rondinella cave, a semi-submerged marine cave along the coast of Bari (Southern Adriatic Sea), was investigated for the first time. The use of advanced image analysis in combination with targeted sampling has made it possible to determine the spatial distribution and diversity of Porifera along a transect from the entrance to the end of the cave. Data analysis clustered the stations into two groups, separated according to the distance from the entrance and corresponding to the cave entrance and the semi-dark zone. Sponges were found at all stations covering a considerable part of the substrate, with the highest cover values occurring in the semi-dark zone. A total of 54 sponge taxa were identified: 49 Demospongiae, 3 Homoscleromorpha, and 2 Calcarea. Six species are new records for the Apulian marine caves, one species represents a new record for marine caves, and two species are new findings for the southern Adriatic Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology has always represented the key to human progress. It is believed that the use of supportive technological mediators can facilitate teaching/learning processes and enable everyone to learn how to critically manage technology without being its slave or passive user while contributing to the collective well-being. Educational robotics is a new frontier for learning that can offer numerous benefits to students. The use of robots can offer the possibility of creating inclusive educational settings in which all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can participate meaningfully. The article proposes an analysis of the evidence obtained from a systematic literature review with reference to general educational robotics and social robotics for emotion recognition. Finally, as a practical implementation of an educational robotic intervention on emotion recognition, the "Emorobot Project" as part of the EU-funded "Ecosystem of Innovation—Technopole of Rome" Project in NextGenerationEU will be presented. The project's aim is to foster the development of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorders through the creation of an open-source social robot that can recognize emotions. The project is intended to provide teachers with a supportive tool that allows them to design individual activities and later extend the activity to classmates. An educational robot can be used as a social mediator, a playmate during the learning phase that can help students develop social skills, build peer connection, reduce social isolation—one of the main difficulties of this disorder—and foster motivation and the acquisition of interpersonal skills through interaction and imitation. This can help ensure that all students have access to quality education and that no one is left behind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemic stroke may trigger neuroplastic changes via proliferation, migration towards the lesion, and differentiation of neuroprogenitor cells into mature neurons. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) may promote brain plasticity. This study aimed to assess rTMS's effect on post-stroke endogenous neuroplasticity by dosing plasma miRs 17~92, Netrin-1, Sema3A, and BDNF. Methods: In this case-controlled study, we randomized 19 ischemic stroke patients within five days from symptoms onset (T0) to neuronavigated-rTMS or sham stimulation. Stimulation was applied on the stroke hemisphere daily between the 7th and 14th day from stroke onset. Blood samples were collected at T0, before the first rTMS section (T7), and at the end of the last rTMS session (T14). Five healthy controls were also enrolled in this study. Results: Of 19 patients, 10 received rTMS and 9 sham stimulation. Compared with the sham group, in the rTMS group, plasma levels of miRs17~92 and Ntn-1 significantly increased whereas Sema3A levels tended to decrease. In multivariate linear regression analyses, rTMS was independently related to Ntn-1 and miR-25 levels at T14. Conclusions: We found an association between rTMS and neurogenesis/axonogenesis biomarker enhancement. Our preliminary data suggest that rTMS may positively interfere with natural endogenous plasticity phenomena of the post-ischemic human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying predictive factors of long COVID syndrome (LCS) is essential to preventing and managing this condition. We investigated the prevalence, symptoms, and risk factors of LCS in a cohort of Italian children and adolescents. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional survey on demographic characteristics and clinical data related to COVID-19 phase and LCS in a cohort of children and adolescents, sending a questionnaire by using the PEDIATOTEM platform. Results: The prevalence of LCS was 25% (99/396). The most frequent symptoms of LCS included nasal congestion, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue. We found no association between demographic data (gender, age, and ethnicity) and LCS. Additionally, we showed that patients with concurrent allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, and rheumatologic disease had a higher risk of LCS than patients without those comorbidities. Patients experiencing fatigue, muscle, and abdominal pain in COVID-19 showed a higher risk of LCS than patients complaining of other symptoms. We found no association between vaccination and LCS. Conclusions: Specific comorbidities or symptoms during acute illness were identified as being risk factors for LCS. Understanding which are the risk factors for LCS could yield a clearer picture of its pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sponges have historically been targeted for different purposes, mainly as bath sponges or more recently as a source of bioactive metabolites. However, their use as ornamental species for aquariology is less thoroughly studied. In light of the rise in the importance of sustainable production systems and to valorize the biomass obtained from them, this work assessed the market potential of sustainably reared marine sponges in Italian aquariology. Information was obtained by means of an anonymous questionnaire distributed using social media and printed QR codes targeting Italian aquariophily groups. A total of 101 people from almost all Italian regions participated in the study. Among the people with marine aquariums, almost two-thirds had marine sponges (obtained mainly from fishing discards and trusted shops), and those without them stated that there was no availability in the specialized shops. However, when people were asked about a hypothetical change in purchase intention or frequency of these invertebrates, 68.3% of the respondents showed a positive attitude toward the idea of acquisition. This study constitutes the first preliminary assessment of the valorization potential for sustainably cultivated sponges as ornamental species, which shows a promising prospective in the Italian aquariology sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The ABO gene is the major blood classification system, which, in humans, is present in three main forms: A; B; and O. Under the umbrella of these main forms, other variants modulate the activity of the gene for functions that go beyond the determination of the blood type. However, in other animals, this gene is still poorly studied. The pig is a species of economic relevance, an animal model, and one of the most promising species for the development of xenotransplants. For all these reasons, it is important to investigate the ABO gene in pigs. In this study, we explored the main alleles present in different pig species (A and O) and other variants besides these two major forms to investigate the evolution of ABO and its possible association with several production and blood-related traits. We reported that the ABO gene has multiple variants that helped to define the evolution of the gene across the Suinae species. In an explorative analysis, we also reported that ABO gene polymorphisms were suggestively associated with the level of magnesium in plasma. Further studies are needed to dissect the effect of ABO gene polymorphisms in different pig breeds and populations. Polymorphisms in the human ABO gene determine the major blood classification system based on the three well-known forms: A; B; and O. In pigs that carry only two main alleles in this gene (A and O), we still need to obtain a more comprehensive distribution of variants, which could also impact its function. In this study, we mined more than 500 whole-genome sequencing datasets to obtain information on the ABO gene in different Suidae species, pig breeds, and populations and provide (i) a comprehensive distribution of the A and O alleles, (ii) evolutionary relationships of ABO gene sequences across Suidae species, and (iii) an exploratory evaluation of the effect of the different ABO gene variants on production traits and blood-related parameters in Italian Large White pigs. We confirmed that allele O is likely under balancing selection, present in all Sus species investigated, without being fixed in any of them. We reported a novel structural variant in perfect linkage disequilibrium with allele O that made it possible to estimate the evolutionary time window of occurrence of this functional allele. We also identified two single nucleotide polymorphisms that were suggestively associated with plasma magnesium levels in pigs. Other studies can also be constructed over our results to further evaluate the effect of this gene on economically relevant traits and basic biological functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the problem of assessing the non-equilibrium behavior of a system from the study of time series. In particular, we analyze experimental data from a piezoelectric energy harvester driven by broadband random vibrations where the extracted power and the relative tip displacement can be simultaneously measured. We compute autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions of these quantities in order to investigate the system properties under time reversal. We support our findings with numerical simulations of a linear underdamped Langevin equation, which very well describes the dynamics and fluctuations of the energy harvester. Our study shows that, due to the linearity of the system, from the analysis of a single variable, it is not possible to evidence the non-equilibrium nature of the dynamics. On the other hand, when cross-correlations are considered, the irreversible nature of the dynamics can be revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphic clinoptilolite, a mechanically and thermally stable mineral substance, has very useful electrical properties due to the presence of extra-framework cations in the crystal structure. Indeed, owing to the electrical transport that alkaline earth metal cations may give, this ceramic material behaves like an electrical insulator at room temperature, while it changes to an electrical conductor with increasing of temperature. Such unusual electrical property of clinoptilolite can be advantageously exploited for a number of functional applications in industrial fields. For example, clinoptilolite-based devices can be used as thermal sensors, electrical/thermal switches, NTC thermistors, etc. Here, the capability of a simple natural clinoptilolite monolith to switch from an electrical insulator to a conductor under fast temperature changes has been investigated via time-resolved a.c. electrical transport measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodeterioration of stone surfaces can be a threat to the conservation of built heritage. Much effort has been put into finding treatments and processes to mitigate biocolonization and its effects, both in terrestrial and underwater environments. Recently, the use of surfactant ionic liquids has been shown to have biocidal and antifouling effects on stone. However, little information is currently available on the morphological and physical properties of such coatings. In this paper, we report on the physical characterization of coatings based on an ionic liquid (IL) consisting of N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-1-do-decanaminium cation and a combination of bromide and dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) anions in a molar ratio of 3:1, respectively. Nanosilica and tetraethyl orthosilicate were used as binders to promote the adhesion of the ionic liquid to the stone surface. The coatings were applied on Carrara marble samples and analyzed using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), static contact angles, colorimetric measurements and capillary water absorption. The resistance to UV radiation and seawater was also investigated. The results show that the IL behaves differently depending on the binder. The latter influences the arrangement of the IL and its wettability, which decreases in the case of NanoEstel, whereas this parameter increases in the case of Estel. In addition, the coatings show good resistance to the degradation agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic wound is characterized by slow healing time, persistence, and abnormal healing progress. Therefore, serious complications can lead at worst to the tissue removal. In this scenario, there is an urgent need for an ideal dressing capable of high absorbency, moisture retention and antimicrobial properties. Herein we investigate the technical properties of a novel advanced non-woven triple layer gauze imbibed with a cream containing Rigenase, an aqueous extract of Triticum vulgare used for the treatment of skin injuries. To assess the applicability of this system we analyzed the dressing properties by wettability, dehydration, absorbency, Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR), lateral diffusion and microbiological tests. The dressing showed an exudate absorption up to 50%. It created a most environment allowing a proper gaseous exchange as attested by the WVTR and a controlled dehydration rate. The results candidate the new dressing as an ideal medical device for the treatment of the chronic wound repairing process. It acts as a mechanical barrier providing a good management of the bacterial load and proper absorption of abundant wound exudate. Finally, its vertical transmission minimizes horizontal diffusion and side effects on perilesional skin as maceration and bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In asset management for energy portfolios, quantitative methodologies are typically employed. In Brazil, the NEWAVE computational model is universally used to generate scenarios of hydraulic production and future prices, which result in revenue distributions. These distributions are then used to estimate the portfolio's revenue and assess its risk. Although this is a well-established analysis, it has some shortcomings that are not always considered. The validity of the revenue series constructed by NEWAVE, especially in long-term analysis, is a real problem for agents concerning the acquisition of assets such as power plants. Another issue is the disregard for other objectives that are important for the operationality of the management task and are often ignored, such as operational risk. To address these limitations, this work combines the areas of multicriteria decision making under uncertainty and risk management and presents a methodology for evaluating the acquisition of long-term energy assets, as well as a practical application of the proposed method. Investment alternatives are evaluated in multiple developed scenarios, so it is possible to measure how robust a given option is. By analyzing several scenarios simultaneously, a larger region of uncertainties can be covered, and therefore, decision making becomes more secure. The proposed methodology includes six objectives, designed to address a wider range of stakeholder needs. This approach is applied to an illustrative portfolio, producing results that allow for a more comprehensive understanding of decision attributes. Therefore, this work not only addresses the current limitations in the field but also adds an original contribution by considering simultaneously several scenarios and integrating multiple objectives in a robust and secure decision-making framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research focuses on the reconstruction of turbidity paleocurrents of the Cilento Group in the Cilento area (southern Apennines, Italy). These deposits were formed in the wedge-top basin above the oceanic Ligurian Accretionary Complex, the early orogenic wedge of the southern Apennines. The Cilento Group succession, whose age ranges between the uppermost Burdigalian and lowermost Tortonian, consists of a thick pile of sandstones, conglomerates, marls and pelites grouped in two formations (Pollica and San Mauro Fms). We retrieved information on the turbidity current directions through sedimentary features such as flute and groove casts, flame structures and ripple marks. The aim of this study is to shed light on the early tectonic evolution of the southern Apennines by reconstructing the geometry of this basin, the source areas that fed it and the paleogeography of the central Mediterranean area in the Miocene. We analyzed 74 sites in both formations and collected 338 measurements of paleocurrent indicators. Because the succession was affected by severe thrusting and folding, every paleocurrent measurement was restored, reinstating the bedding in the horizontal attitude. Results indicate a complex pattern of turbidity current flow directions consistent with a basin model fed by a spectrum of sources, including recycled clasts from the Ligurian Accretionary Complex, Calabria–Peloritani Terrane and the Apennine Platform units and volcaniclastics from the synorogenic volcanoes located in the Sardinia block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the performance achievable with a fractional-order PID regulator controlling the Depth of Hypnosis (measured via the Bispectral Index Scale) through the administration of propofol during the maintenance phase of total intravenous anesthesia. In particular, two different methodologies were applied to tune the controller: in the first case, genetic algorithms (GAs) were used to minimize the integrated absolute error, while in the second case, the isodamping approach—a method that targets phase margin invariance with respect to the process dc gain—was employed. In both cases, the performance was extensively analyzed and compared with that of a standard PID controller by simulating multiple patients through a Monte Carlo method. The results demonstrate that a fractional-order PID controller can be effectively used to control the Depth of Hypnosis, but the improvement with respect to a standard PID controller is marginal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhalation of natural nanoparticles (NPs) emitted from volcanic activity may be a risk to human health. However, the literature rarely reports the fate and response of NPs once in contact with lung fluids. In this work, we studied the particle size distribution of ashfall from Popocatépetl volcano, Mexico. The collected ashes (n = 5) were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to obtain the elemental composition and morphology, and to determine the size of the ash particles using ParticleMetric software (PMS). The PMS reported most of the ash to have submicrometric size (<1 μm) and an average equivalent circle of 2.72 μm. Moreover, to our knowledge, this study investigated for the first time the behavior of ash NPs at different times (0 to 24 h) while in contact with in vitro lung fluid, Gamble Solution (GS) and Artificial Lysosomal Fluid (ALF) using dynamic light scattering (DLS). We found a large variability in the hydrodynamic diameter, with values less than 1 nm and greater than 5 μm. Furthermore, aggregation and disaggregation processes were recognized in GS and ALF, respectively. The results of this study increase the knowledge of the interaction between NPs and lung fluids, particularly within the alveolar macrophage region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatiles released by the volcanic structures of the world contribute to natural environmental pollution both during the passive and active degassing stages. The Island of Vulcano is characterized by solfataric degassing mainly localized in the summit part (Fossa crater) and in the peripheral part in the Levante Bay. The normal solfataric degassing (high-temperature fumarolic area of the summit and boiling fluids emitted in the Levante Bay area), established after the last explosive eruption of 1888–90, is periodically interrupted by geochemical crises characterized by anomalous degassing that are attributable to increased volcanic inputs, which determine a sharp increase in the degassing rate. In this work, we have used the data acquired from the INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) geochemical monitoring networks to identify, evaluate, and monitor the geochemical variations of the extensive parameters, such as the SO2 flux from the volcanic plume (solfataric cloud) and the CO2 flux from the soil in the summit area outside the fumaroles areas. The increase in the flux of volatiles started in June–July 2021 and reached its maximum in November of the same year. In particular, the mean monthly flux of SO2 plume of 22 tons day−1 (t d−1) and of CO2 from the soil of 1570 grams per square meter per day (g m2 d−1) increased during this event up to 89 t d−1 and 11,596 g m2 d−1, respectively, in November 2021. The average annual baseline value of SO2 output was estimated at 7700 t d−1 during normal solfataric activity. Instead, this outgassing increased to 18,000 and 24,000 t d−1 in 2021 and 2022, respectively, indicating that the system is still in an anomalous phase of outgassing and shows no signs of returning to the pre-crisis baseline values. In fact, in the first quarter of 2023, the SO2 output shows average values comparable to those emitted in 2022. Finally, the dispersion maps of SO2 on the island of Vulcano have been produced and have indicated that the areas close to the fumarolic source are characterized by concentrations of SO2 in the atmosphere higher than those permitted by European legislation (40 μg m−3 for 24 h of exposition) on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-supplied circuit that is able to significantly increase the power delivered to a bridge rectifier by a Resonant Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester (RPVEH) is presented and discussed. The proposed circuit, called the Energy Harvester Power Optimizer (EHPO), is implemented by means of a switch-mode converter that emulates a negative capacitance. Unlike switch-mode impedance emulators, based on sophisticated tracking algorithms requiring lossy microcontrollers, EHPO exploits a very light control circuit based on a hysteresis comparator. The EHPO is self-supplied since it does not need an external supply, but it draws the energy for its operation directly from the RPVEH. Moreover, it is developed without the assumption of purely sinusoidal vibrations. Experimental results show that the EHPO can significantly increase the power delivered to a rectifier, both in the case of sinusoidal vibrations (percent gain of the net extracted power up to about 190%) and non-sinusoidal vibrations (percent gain of the net extracted power up to about 245%), regardless of the shape of the forcing acceleration and regardless of the RPVEH resonance frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that leads to several non-communicable illnesses, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diet and lifestyle modifications have shown a limited impact in the treatment of obesity. Because the group of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients examined in this study had limited access to kidney transplantation (KT), patients with obesity were thought to be at an increased risk of intraoperative and postoperative KT complications. Although bariatric surgery (BS) is now recognized as the gold standard treatment for morbid obesity, its role in ESRD or kidney transplant patients remains unknown. It is critical to know the correlation between weight loss and complications before and after KT, the impact of the overall graft, and patients' survival. Hence, this narrative review aims to present updated reports addressing when to perform surgery (before or after a KT), which surgical procedure to perform, and again, if strategies to avoid weight regain must be specific for these patients. It also analyzes the metabolic alterations produced by BS and studies its cost-effectiveness pre- and post-transplantation. Due to the better outcomes found in KT recipients, the authors consider it more convenient to perform BS before KT. However, more multicenter trials are required to provide a solid foundation for these recommendations in ERSD patients with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Lifestyle/dietetic habits play an important role in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. Here, we examine the basic pathomechanisms underlying intestinal and brain barrier modifications in MS and consider diets and dietary supplementations proposed over time to complement pharmacological therapies for improving disease outcome both in adults and in children. Methods. Scoping literature search about evidence-based findings in MS-related gut-brain axis (GBA) pathophysiology and nutritional issues at all ages. Findings. Data show that (1) no universal best diet exists, (2) healthy/balanced diets are, however, necessary to safeguard the adequate intake of all essential nutrients, (3) diets with high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat appear beneficial for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to shape a gut microbiota that respects the gut and brain barriers, (4) obesity may trigger MS onset and/or its less favorable course, especially in pediatric-onset MS. Vitamin D and polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most studied supplements for reducing MS-associated inflammation. Conclusions. Pending results from other and/or newer approaches targeting the GBA (e.g., pre- and probiotics, engineered probiotics, fecal-microbiota transplantation), accurate counseling in choosing adequate diet and maintaining physical activity remains recommended for MS prevention and management both in adults and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Autochthonous pig breeds are important genetic resources, well adapted to local climatic conditions, environments, and traditional production systems, where they are associated with local and niche markets. The Greek Black Pig breed is the only local pig breed recognized in Greece. In this study, we started a population genetic characterization of this breed by analyzing a few gene markers associated with morphological and production traits and that usually differentiate wild boars from domestic breeds. The obtained results showed that, in the past, this breed experienced genetic admixture from two sources, wild boars and cosmopolitan breeds. On the one hand, this situation might raise some concerns for the genetic integrity of this animal genetic resource. On the other hand, this might contribute to within-population genetic variability reducing the problem of inbreeding of the small breed population. In this breed, we also identified a novel allele in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, resulting in a new hypothesis on the function of the encoded protein in regulating the cascade signals and leading to the production of different pigmentation. This result showed that local untapped breeds can be the reservoir of interesting genetic variants useful to better understanding underlying basic biological functions in mammals. The Greek Black Pig (or Greek Pig) is the only recognized autochthonous pig breed raised in Greece, usually in extensive or semi-extensive production systems. According to its name, the characteristic breed coat color is solid black. In this study, with the aim to start a systematic genetic characterization of the Greek Black Pig breed, we investigated polymorphisms in major genes well known to affect exterior and production traits (MC1R, KIT, NR6A1, VRTN and IGF2) and compared these data with population genetic information available in other Mediterranean and Western Balkan pig breeds and wild boars. None of the investigated gene markers were fixed for one allele, suggesting that, in the past, this breed experienced introgression from wild boars and admixture from cosmopolitan pig breeds, enriching the breed genetic pool that should be further investigated to design appropriate conservation genetic strategies. We identified a new MC1R allele, containing two missense mutations already reported in two other independent alleles, but here present in the same haplotype. This allele might be useful to disclose biological information that can lead to better understanding the cascade transmission of signals to produce melanin pigments. This study demonstrated that autochthonous genetic resources can be an interesting reservoir of unexpected genetic variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy are two clinical entities that are genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous and sometimes co-occurring. Using exome sequencing and targeted segregation analysis, we investigated the genetic etiology of peripheral neuropathy and hearing loss in a large Ashkenazi Jewish family. Moreover, we assessed the production of the candidate protein via western blotting of lysates from fibroblasts from an affected individual and an unaffected control. Pathogenic variants in known disease genes associated with hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy were excluded. A homozygous frameshift variant in the BICD1 gene, c.1683dup (p.(Arg562Thrfs*18)), was identified in the proband and segregated with hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy in the family. The BIDC1 RNA analysis from patient fibroblasts showed a modest reduction in gene transcripts compared to the controls. In contrast, protein could not be detected in fibroblasts from a homozygous c.1683dup individual, whereas BICD1 was detected in an unaffected individual. Our findings indicate that bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in BICD1 are associated with hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy. Definitive evidence that bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in BICD1 cause peripheral neuropathy and hearing loss will require the identification of other families and individuals with similar variants with the same phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognostic value of conventional histopathological parameters in the sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) has been debated and novel variables should be investigated. Increasing evidence demonstrated that the evolution of cancer is strongly dependent upon the complex interactions within tumor microenvironment. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the features of immune microenvironment in terms of CD3+ and CD8+ cells in a series of ITAC and explore their prognostic role, as well as their relations with clinicopathological variables. A computer-assisted image analysis of CD3+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) density was conducted on surgical specimens of 51 patients with ITAC that underwent a curative treatment including surgery. ITAC displays variable TIL density, which is associated with OS. In a univariate model, the density of CD3+ TIL was significantly related to OS (p = 0.012), whereas the association with CD8+ TIL density resulted in being non-significant (p = 0.056). Patients with intermediate CD3+ TIL density were associated with the best outcome, whereas 5-year OS was the lowest for intermediate CD8+ TIL density. CD3+ TIL density maintained a significant association with OS in the multivariable analysis. TIL density was not significantly related to demographic and clinicopathological variables. CD3+ TIL density was independently associated with OS in a non-linear fashion and patients with intermediate CD3+ TIL density had the best outcome. Though based on a preliminary analysis on a relatively small series of patients, this finding makes TIL density a potential independent prognostic factor of ITAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective method for achieving long-term weight loss and reducing the risk of comorbidities and mortality in individuals with severe obesity. The pre-operative diet is an important factor in determining patients' suitability for surgery, as well as their post-operative outcomes and success in achieving weight loss. Therefore, the nutritional management of bariatric patients requires specialized expertise. Very low-calorie diets and intragastric balloon placement have already been studied and shown to be effective in promoting pre-operative weight loss. In addition, the very low-calorie ketogenic diet has a well-established role in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its potential role as a pre-operative dietary treatment prior to bariatric surgery has received less attention. Thus, this article will provide a brief overview of the current evidence on the very low-calorie ketogenic diet as a pre-operative dietary treatment in patients with obesity who are candidates for bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role and durability of the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine against severe acute respiratory virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in cancer patients one year after receiving the third dose have to be elucidated. We have prospectively evaluated the long-term immunogenicity of the third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in 55 patients undergoing active treatment. Neutralizing antibody (NT Ab) titers against Omicron variants and total anti-trimeric S IgG levels were measured one year after the third dose. Heparinized whole-blood samples were used for the assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 interferon-γ release assay (IGRA). Thirty-seven patients (67.3%) showed positive total anti-trimeric S IgG one year after the third dose. Looking at the T-cell response against the spike protein, the frequency of responder patients did not decrease significantly between six and twelve months after the third dose. Finally, less than 20% of cancer patients showed an undetectable NT Ab titer against BA.1 and BA.5 variants of concern (VOCs). Underlying therapies seem to not affect the magnitude or frequency of the immune response. Our work underlines the persistence of humoral and cellular immune responses against BNT162b2 in a cohort of cancer patients one year after receiving the third dose, regardless of the type of underlying therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) is a species of relevance for the Mediterranean aquaculture industry. Despite the advancement of genetic tools for the species, breeding programs still do not often include genomics. In this study, we designed a genomic strategy to identify signatures of selection and genomic regions of high differentiation among populations of farmed fish stocks. A comparative DNA pooling sequencing approach was applied to identify signatures of selection in gilthead seabream from the same hatchery and from different nuclei that had not been subjected to genetic selection. Identified genomic regions were further investigated to detect SNPs with predicted high impact. The analyses underlined major genomic differences in the proportion of fixed alleles among the investigated nuclei. Some of these differences highlighted genomic regions, including genes involved in general metabolism and development already detected in QTL for growth, size, skeletal deformity, and adaptation to variation of oxygen levels in other teleosts. The obtained results pointed out the need to control the genetic effect of breeding programs in this species to avoid the reduction of genetic variability within populations and the increase in inbreeding level that, in turn, might lead to an increased frequency of alleles with deleterious effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ketogenic diet-induced weight loss before bariatric surgery (BS) has beneficial effects on the reduction in the liver volume, metabolic profile, and intra- and post-operative complications. However, these beneficial effects can be limited by poor dietary adherence. A potential solution in patients showing a poor adherence in following the prescribed diet could be represented by enteral nutrition strategies. To date, no studies describe the protocol to use for the efficacy and the safety of pre-operative enteral ketogenic nutrition-based dietary protocols in terms of weight reduction, metabolic efficacy, and safety in patients with obesity scheduled for BS. Aims and scope: To assess the clinical impact, efficacy, and safety of ketogenic nutrition enteral protein (NEP) vs. nutritional enteral hypocaloric (NEI) protocols on patients with obesity candidate to BS. Patients and methods: 31 NEP were compared to 29 NEI patients through a 1:1 randomization. The body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and neck circumference (NC) were assessed at the baseline and at the 4-week follow-up. Furthermore, clinical parameters were assessed by blood tests, and patients were asked daily to report any side effects, using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Compared to the baseline, the BW, BMI, WC, HC, and NC were significantly reduced in both groups studied (p < 0.001). However, we did not find any significative difference between the NEP and NEI groups in terms of weight loss (p = 0.559), BMI (p= 0.383), WC (p = 0.779), and HC (p = 0.559), while a statistically significant difference was found in terms of the NC (NEP, −7.1% vs. NEI, −4%, p = 0.011). Furthermore, we found a significant amelioration of the general clinical status in both groups. However, a statistically significant difference was found in terms of glycemia (NEP, −16% vs. NEI, −8.5%, p < 0.001), insulin (NEP, −49.6% vs. NEI, −17.8%, p < 0.0028), HOMA index (NEP, −57.7% vs. NEI, −24.9%, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (NEP, −24.3% vs. NEI, −2.8%, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (NEP, −30.9% vs. NEI, 1.96%, p < 0.001), apolipoprotein A1 (NEP, −24.2% vs. NEI, −7%, p < 0.001), and apolipoprotein B (NEP, −23.1% vs. NEI, −2.3%, p < 0.001), whereas we did not find any significative difference between the NEP and NEI groups in terms of aortomesenteric fat thickness (p = 0.332), triglyceride levels (p = 0.534), degree of steatosis (p = 0.616), and left hepatic lobe volume (p = 0.264). Furthermore, the NEP and NEI treatments were well tolerated, and no major side effects were registered. Conclusions: Enteral feeding is an effective and safe treatment before BS, with NEP leading to better clinical results than NEI on the glycemic and lipid profiles. Further and larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: We present an HPLC method development and validation for the quantitation of boswellic acids in Boswellia resin samples and construction of a multivariate model for the clustering of different sample species. The resin of Boswellia plant species has been used since ancient times for its several bio-active curative effects. In modern times, extracts of this resin are still widely commercialized on the food supplements and nutraceuticals market. Nowadays the legislation on botanical extracts and the increasing demand for their safety and traceability are setting new standards for their chemical characterization. In this work we present an easy, feasible and rugged HPLC-UV-based approach for the quantitation of boswellic acids in food-supplement-grade resin extracts of Boswellia plant species. This method can be used for quality control purposes as well as for studying their differences in regional origin, years of harvesting and species-related differences. The method employs a C18 (3 × 150 mm, 3 µm) analytical HPLC column, and the separation is carried out through a gradient of acetonitrile/water with 0.1% formic acid. The method was validated following the ICH guidelines and used to quantitate different samples of commercial resin of Boswellia carteri and serrata together with other samples from unknown species. The six known boswellic acids were identified and quantified in all the analyzed samples. The results were used to build a multivariate model to graphically appreciate their difference through their clustering. The model was then augmented by adding further quantitation data for boswellic acids belonging to different species of Boswellia obtained by another scientific publications to increase the number of studied samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bariatric surgery has shown to be effective in producing sustained weight loss and the resolution of obesity related medical problems. Recent research focused on the role of obesity and adipose tissue in tumorigenesis, finding a strong crosslink through different mechanisms and highlighting an increase in cancer incidence in individuals with obesity. The aim of this meta-analysis is to find if bariatric surgery reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer in patients with obesity. We performed a meta-analysis including 18 studies (PROSPERO ID: CRD4202235931). Bariatric surgery was found to be significantly protective toward colorectal cancer incidence in individuals with obesity (HR: 0.81, p = 0.0142). The protective effect persisted when considering women (RR: 0.54, p = 0.0014) and men (RR: 0.74, p = 0.2798) separately, although this was not significant for the latter. No difference was found when comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatric surgery reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals with obesity independently from gender and surgical procedure. Prospective large cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several millions of deaths and forced the world population to a new normality. This study aims to analyze the air quality variation of several gaseous pollutants (CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM10, and PM2.5) during the pre-lockdown, lockdown, and unlock period in the city of Monterrey using ground-based measurements. In this research, we proposed to use a control period of previous years to identify parameter variation due to local climate. The results showed a drastic decrease in measured contaminants during the lockdown period as follows: SO2 (−41.9%) > PM10 (−30.5%) > PM2.5 (−25.6%) > NO2 (−14.9%) > CO (−9.8%) compared to the control period (2017–2019). The O3 was the only air pollutant that showed an opposite trend, increasing during lockdown (+15%) and unlock (+2.2%), whereas CO (−16.6%) and NO2 (−30.6%) were further decreased. Moreover, using OMI/AURA satellite data, we detected a NO2 tropospheric column reduction by −1.9% during lockdown concerning the same period in the control interval. Moreover, we found a significant improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) due to the lockdown. Our findings indicate an association between air pollutants and economic activity and can be used in future strategies to improve urban air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a new methodology for revamping design and optimization of a process piping system. Starting from ASME B31.3 Process Piping prescriptions for stress analysis, a nonlinear model is built to express the relationship between stress distribution generated by expansion and sustained loads (pressure, weight) and the geometry and routing of the pipeline, focusing on geometric parameters of expansion loops. The number of design variables affecting stress distribution over the pipe, together with the constraints to be respected, would make it hard to formulate an optimization procedure based on deterministic methods. This problem is overcome by applying a Feed Forward Neural Network, backpropagation trained, which makes it possible to interpolate a non-linear and multidimensional relation over a domain enclosed within the boundaries of a training set. Prediction of code stresses is obtained through the fitting of an artificial neural network for each examined loadcases. Network parameters are tuned offline, starting from a set of data obtained by finite element numerical simulation. As a result, an optimal geometry for expansion loops is found, allowing to revamp pipe routing by halving loops number and keeping code stress within the allowable limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of creative processes, within which human nature pines and finds itself, reflects a state of relational emergency. The weak structure of our multicultural system gives us a series of behavioral flaws, denouncing our inability to welcome diversity and treasure it. In the search for the way out, using the metaphor of polyphony is increasingly frequent. However, since the term Polyphony is borrowed from musical language, it would be necessary to experience it concretely, and this usually does not happen. Those musicians who aspire to be artists in helping relationships should constantly train themselves in this sense and force themselves to make their ability understood externally, helping those who for reasons of life find themselves experiencing the limit. The field of palliative care is probably the most suitable socio-cultural setting for getting in touch with the personal (mis)interpretations, idiosyncrasies, and pain of those who feel close to the end. To their aid, the aesthetic criterion advances. Making sacred the unifying experience of loss and finiteness turns into an educational process moreover therapeutic, in the co-construction of an elegant "finale" able to reach the heart and intelligence of those who remain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is currently one of the most performed bariatric procedures and it is associated with rapid weight loss. However, weight loss failure and weight regain after RYGB occurs in approximately 30% and 3–5% of patients, respectively, and represent a serious issue. RYGB pouch resizing is a surgical option that may be offered to selected patients with RYGB failure. The aim of this study is to assess long-term results of pouch resizing for RYGB failure. Materials and Methods: From February 2009 to November 2011, 20 consecutive patients underwent gastric pouch resizing for RYGB failure in our tertiary bariatric center. The primary outcome was the rate of failure (%EWL < 50% with at least one metabolic comorbidity) after at least 10 years from pouch resizing. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) was also assessed. Results: Twenty patients (18 women (90%)) were included and seventeen (85%) joined the study. The failure rate of pouch resizing was 47%. Mean %EWL and mean BMI were 47%, and 35.1 kg/m2, respectively. Some of the persistent co-morbidities further improved or resolved after pouch resizing. Seven patients (41%) presented GERD requiring daily PPI with a significantly lower GERD-HQRL questionnaire score after pouch resizing (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pouch resizing after RYGB results in a failure rate of 47% at the 10-year follow-up while the resolution of comorbidities is maintained over time despite a significant weight regain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their condition, patients with morbid obesity develop several histopathological changes in the liver, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Hence, a liver transplant (LT) becomes an opportune solution for them. Due to many challenges during the perioperative and postoperative periods, these patients are recommended to lose weight before the surgery. There are many proposals to achieve this goal, such as intragastric balloons and many different bariatric surgery (BS) procedures in combination with a preparation diet (very-low-calorie diet, ketogenic diet, etc.). All the interventions focus on losing weight and keeping the continuity and functionality of the digestive tract to avoid postoperative complications. Thus, this review analyzes recent publications regarding the metabolic and pathophysiological impacts of BS in LT patients suffering from NAFLD-related cirrhosis, the effect of weight loss on postoperative complications, and exposes the cost-effectiveness of performing BS before, after, and at liver transplantation. Finally, the authors recommend BS before the LT since there are many positive effects and better outcomes for patients who lose weight before the procedure. Nevertheless, further multicentric studies are needed to determine the generalizability of these recommendations due to their impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most effective strategy for managing cancer pain remotely should be better defined. There is a need to identify those patients who require increased attention and calibrated follow-up programs. Methods: Machine learning (ML) models were developed using the data prospectively obtained from a single-center program of telemedicine-based cancer pain management. These models included random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM), artificial neural network (ANN), and the LASSO–RIDGE algorithm. Thirteen demographic, social, clinical, and therapeutic variables were adopted to define the conditions that can affect the number of teleconsultations. After ML validation, the risk analysis for more than one remote consultation was assessed in target individuals. Results: The data from 158 patients were collected. In the training set, the accuracy was about 95% and 98% for ANN and RF, respectively. Nevertheless, the best accuracy on the test set was obtained with RF (70%). The ML-based simulations showed that young age (<55 years), lung cancer, and occurrence of breakthrough cancer pain help to predict the number of remote consultations. Elderly patients (>75 years) with bone metastases may require more telemedicine-based clinical evaluations. Conclusion: ML-based analyses may enable clinicians to identify the best model for predicting the need for more remote consultations. It could be useful for calibrating care interventions and resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex wounds in dogs are a recurrent problem in veterinary clinical application and can compromise skin healing; in this sense, tissue bioengineering focused on regenerative medicine can be a great ally. Decellularized and recellularized skin scaffolds are produced to be applied in different and complex canine dermal wounds in the present investigation. Dog skin fragments are immersed in a 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution at room temperature and overnight at 4 °C for 12 days. Decellularized samples are evaluated by histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gDNA quantification. Some fragments are also recellularized using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Eight adult dogs are divided into three groups for the application of the decellularized (Group I, n = 3) and recellularized scaffolds (Group II, n = 3) on injured areas, and a control group (Group III, n = 2). Wounds are evaluated and measured during healing, and comparisons among the three groups are described. In 30- and 60-day post-grafting, the histopathological analysis of patients from Groups I and II shows similar patterns, tissue architecture preservation, epithelial hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, edema, and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. Perfect integration between scaffolds and wounds, without rejection or contamination, are observed in both treated groups. According to these results, decellularized skin grafts may constitute a potential innovative and functional tool to be adopted as a promising dog cutaneous wound treatment. This is the first study that applies decellularized and recellularized biological skin grafts to improve the healing process in several complex wounds in dogs, demonstrating great potential for regenerative veterinary medicine progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the power extracted by an electromagnetic energy harvester driven by broadband vibrations. We describe the system with a linear model, featuring an underdamped stochastic differential equation for an effective mass in a harmonic potential, coupled electromechanically with the current in the circuit. We compare the characteristic curve (power vs. load resistance) obtained in experiments for several values of the vibration amplitude with the analytical results computed from the model. Then, we focus on a more refined analysis, taking into account the temporal correlations of the current signal and the fluctuations of the extracted power over finite times. We find a very good agreement between the analytical predictions and the experimental data, showing that the linear model with effective parameters can describe the real system, even at the fine level of fluctuations. Our results could be useful in the framework of stochastic thermodynamics applied to energy harvesting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]