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Abstract Anomalies in Radon (222Rn) concentrations prior to earthquakes have been widely documented in seismogenic areas worldwide, but questions about their predictability remain largely unanswered. Even if it is not universally accepted, the analysis of the high-resolution time series of Rn (222Rn) concentrations in groundwater, air and soil has been proposed as a suitable method to identify seismic precursors. This study, which is aimed at identifying potential gas-geochemical precursors to nearby earthquakes, analyses groundwater Rn concentrations, which were continuously measured between April 2017 and December 2019. We conducted a detailed time series analysis of dissolved Rn in two springs emerging along two active fault zones in the inner sector of the central-southern Apennines (i.e. the Matese and Morrone fault zones) in Italy. We used a simple statistical method to identify seismic precursor anomalies in Rn concentrations. Anomalies are commonly assumed as values exceeding ± 2σ. Furthermore, we calculated the strain radius (for which a gas-geochemical precursor was expected) and the epicentral distance (from both our monitoring stations) of each seismic event of M w ≥ 3.5 that occurred in the monitoring area. Results from our ongoing research are promising and show significant correlations between seismic signals and Rn concentrations. However, longer time series data that include more energetic earthquakes are needed to shed light on the behaviour of this gas in relation to crustal deformation processes.

Background: In patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) the role of the extent of tumor thrombus into the inferior vena cava (IVC) has never been addressed from a surgical and oncologic standpoint. This study aims to evaluate differences between level III-IV versus level I-II patients concerning peri- and postoperative morbidity, additional treatments and long-term oncological outcomes., Patients and Methods: Overall, 40 patients with RCC underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) with IVC thrombectomy at a single European institution between 2010 and 2023. Complications were reported according to the European Union (EAU) guidelines recommendations. Spider chart served as graphical depiction of surgical and oncologic outcomes., Results: Overall, 22 (55%) and 18 (45%) patients harbored level III-IV and I-II IVC thrombus. Level III-IV patients experienced significantly higher rates of intraoperative transfusions (68 vs 39%), but not significantly higher rates of intraoperative complications (32% vs 28%). Level III-IV patients had significantly higher rates of postoperative transfusions (82% vs 33%) and Clavien Dindo ≥3 complications (41% vs 15%). In level III-IV versus level I-II patients, median follow up was 482 and 1070 days, the rate of distant recurrence was 59% and 50%, the rate of systemic progression was 27% and 13%, and the rate of additional treatment/s was 64% and 61%, respectively (all p values > 0.05). Overall survival was 36% in level III-IV patients and 67% in level I-II (p = 0.001)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with level III-IV RCC who are candidates for IVC thrombectomy should be counselled about the higher likelihood of postoperative severe adverse events and worse overall survival relative to level I-II counterparts., (© 2024. Society of Surgical Oncology.)

Toxoplasmosis is a disease of primary concern for Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi), due to its apparently acute lethality and especially heavy impacts on breeding female seals. The disease-causing parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, depends on cats to complete its life cycle; thus, in order to understand how this pathogen infects marine mammals, it is essential to understand aspects of the terrestrial ecosystem and land-to-sea transport. In this study, we constructed a three-tiered model to assess risk of Hawaiian monk seal exposure to T. gondii oocysts: (1) oocyst contamination as a function of cat population characteristics; (2) land-to-sea transport of oocysts as a function of island hydrology, and (3) seal exposure as a function of habitat and space use. We were able to generate risk maps highlighting watersheds contributing the most to oocyst contamination of Hawaiian monk seal habitat. Further, the model showed that free-roaming cats most associated with humans (pets or strays often supplementally fed by people) were able to achieve high densities leading to high levels of oocyst contamination and elevated risk of T. gondii exposure., (© 2024. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

Purpose: [Formula: see text] mapping is a powerful tool for studying osteoarthritis (OA) changes and bilateral imaging may be useful in investigating the role of between-knee asymmetry in OA onset and progression. The quantitative double-echo in steady-state (qDESS) can provide fast simultaneous bilateral knee [Formula: see text] and high-resolution morphometry for cartilage and meniscus. The qDESS uses an analytical signal model to compute [Formula: see text] relaxometry maps, which require knowledge of the flip angle (FA). In the presence of [Formula: see text] inhomogeneities, inconsistencies between the nominal and actual FA can affect the accuracy of [Formula: see text] measurements. We propose a pixel-wise [Formula: see text] correction method for qDESS [Formula: see text] mapping exploiting an auxiliary [Formula: see text] map to compute the actual FA used in the model., Methods: The technique was validated in a phantom and in vivo with simultaneous bilateral knee imaging. [Formula: see text] measurements of femoral cartilage (FC) of both knees of six healthy participants were repeated longitudinally to investigate the association between [Formula: see text] variation and [Formula: see text]., Results: The results showed that applying the [Formula: see text] correction mitigated [Formula: see text] variations that were driven by [Formula: see text] inhomogeneities. Specifically, [Formula: see text] left-right symmetry increased following the [Formula: see text] correction ([Formula: see text] = 0.74 > [Formula: see text] = 0.69). Without the [Formula: see text] correction, [Formula: see text] values showed a linear dependence with [Formula: see text]. The linear coefficient decreased using the [Formula: see text] correction (from 24.3 ± 1.6 ms to 4.1 ± 1.8) and the correlation was not statistically significant after the application of the Bonferroni correction (p value > 0.01)., Conclusion: The study showed that [Formula: see text] correction could mitigate variations driven by the sensitivity of the qDESS [Formula: see text] mapping method to [Formula: see text], therefore, increasing the sensitivity to detect real biological changes. The proposed method may improve the robustness of bilateral qDESS [Formula: see text] mapping, allowing for an accurate and more efficient evaluation of OA pathways and pathophysiology through longitudinal and cross-sectional studies., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB).)

Temporal lobe epilepsy often manifests months or even years after an initial epileptogenic insult (e.g., stroke, trauma, status epilepticus) and, therefore, may be preventable. However, no such preventive treatment is currently available. Aim of this study was to test an antioxidant agent, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), that is well tolerated and effective in preclinical models of many neurological disorders, as an anti-epileptogenic drug. However, 7,8-DHF also acts as a TrkB receptor agonist and, based on the literature, this effect may imply an anti- or a pro-epileptogenic effect. We found that low- (5 mg/kg), but not high-dose 7,8-DHF (10 mg/kg) can exert strong anti-epileptogenic effects in the lithium-pilocarpine model (i.e., highly significant reduction in the frequency of spontaneous seizures and in the time to first seizure after status epilepticus). The mechanism of these different dose-related effects remains to be elucidated. Nonetheless, considering its excellent safety profile and antioxidant properties, as well as its putative effects on TrkB receptors, 7,8-DHF represents an interesting template for the development of effective and well-tolerated anti-epileptogenic drugs., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The effectiveness of computer-based cognitive training (CCT) remains controversial, especially in older adults with neurodegenerative diseases., Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of CCT in patients with Parkinson's disease and mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI)., Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 53 patients were randomized to receive CCT delivered by means of CoRe software, traditional paper-and-pencil cognitive training (PCT), or an unstructured activity intervention (CG). In each group, the intervention lasted 3 consecutive weeks (4 individual face-to-face sessions/week). Neuropsychological assessment was administered at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1). Outcome measures at T0 and T1 were compared within and between groups. The Montreal Overall Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was taken as the primary outcome measure., Results: Unlike the PCT group and the CG, the patients receiving CCT showed significant medium/large effect size improvements in MoCA performance, global cognition, executive functions, and attention/processing speed. No baseline individual/demographic variables were associated with greater gains from the intervention, although a negative correlation with baseline MoCA performance was found., Conclusion: CCT proved effective in PD-MCI patients when compared with traditional PCT. Further follow-up assessments are being conducted to verify the retention of the gains and the potential ability of the tool to delay conversion to PD-dementia. Trial registration number (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT04111640 (30th September 2019).

Purpose: Non-resective pharyngoplasty techniques have been shown to be effective to treat oropharyngeal collapse in patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). The aim of our study is to evaluate outcome predictors in a cohort of patients affected by OSAHS and treated with non-resective pharyngoplasty, including variation of pharyngeal measures at the end of the surgical procedure., Methods: A cohort of patients affected by OSAHS, with palatal or lateral pharyngeal wall collapse, who underwent non-resective pharyngoplasty, were enrolled between 2014 and 2017. Surgical procedures encompassed non-resective pharyngoplasty by expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) or barbed antero-lateral pharyngoplasty with barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) or barbed suspension pharyngoplasty (BSP) techniques, eventually associated with nasal surgery. Pharyngeal measures were recorded intraoperatively and their variation at the end of the procedure was considered. Surgical success was evaluated at least 6 months after surgery with respiratory polygraphy and ESS questionnaire. Outcome predictors were examined by multivariable logistic regression and ROC curve analysis., Results: Seventy patients met the study inclusion criteria. ESP, BRP, and BSP in a uni-/multilevel setting led to significant improvement of all respiratory polygraphic parameters and daily sleepiness (p < 0.0001). Outcome analysis showed that greater variation of antero-posterior pharyngeal measure was associated with success (p = 0.01), with an optimal cutoff value of 8.5 mm; low AHI pre , high ESS pre , and antero-lateral pharyngoplasty with barbed sutures were associated with a higher rate of cure (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Non-resective pharyngoplasty is effective in treating OSAHS patients affected by palatal or lateral pharyngeal wall collapse, and intraoperative variation of antero-posterior width may be a useful tool to predict surgical success.

One Health is a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort that seeks optimal health for people, animals, plants, and the environment. Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an intracellular protozoan infection distributed worldwide, with a heteroxenous life cycle that practically affects all homeotherms and in which felines act as definitive reservoirs. Herein, we review the natural history of T. gondii, its transmission and impacts in humans, domestic animals, wildlife both terrestrial and aquatic, and ecosystems. The epidemiology, prevention, and control strategies are reviewed, with the objective of facilitating awareness of this disease and promoting transdisciplinary collaborations, integrative research, and capacity building among universities, government agencies, NGOs, policy makers, practicing physicians, veterinarians, and the general public.

Many areas in the Southern African Development Community are data-poor and poorly accessible. Water quality assessment in these areas therefore has to rely on the limited available data, coupled with restricted field sampling. This paper documents the first evaluation of the main geochemical processes and impact of anthropogenic and natural sources of contamination on the groundwater quality of the aquifer system used for domestic and agricultural purposes in Limpopo National Park, Gaza Province, Southern Mozambique. Twenty-five groundwater and surface water samples were collected during two field campaigns, one in October 2016 (the end of the arid period) and the other in March 2017 (the end of the wet period). In the field, the researchers analysed chemical-physical parameters such as temperature, pH and EC. In the laboratory, the major ions (boron, Na + , Ca 2+ , K + , Mg 2+ ) and anions (Cl - , SO 4 2- , NO 3 - , HCO 3 - , CO 3 2- ) were determined, and almost all groundwater samples fall into the brackish water category. The B/Cl ratio and δ 11 B concentrations were then measured to better understand the origin of these brackish waters. The direct relationship between boron and chlorine and δ 11 B concentrations above 40‰ suggests the presence of fossil water in the aquifer. The groundwater in this area was found to be above the limits stated as desirable by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the World Health Organisation for domestic and irrigation purposes. The suitability of the groundwater for drinking purposes was also evaluated, with the results indicating that it is not suitable. The values of the sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage and electrical conductivity show that most of the groundwater samples are also not suitable for agricultural purposes. However, the surface waters have higher quality for both domestic and irrigation purposes. The water of Massingir Lake turns out to be the most suitable resource for a possible rural development plan for the area.

Extracellular nucleotides modulate a wide number of biological processes such as neurotransmission, platelet aggregation, muscle contraction, and epithelial secretion acting by the purinergic pathway. Nucleotidases as NTPDases and ecto-5'-nucleotidase are membrane-anchored proteins that regulate extracellular nucleotide concentrations. In a previous work, we have partially characterized an NTPDase-like activity expressed by rat submandibular gland microsomes, giving rise to the hypothesis that membrane NTPDases could be released into salivary ducts to regulate luminal nucleotide concentrations as was previously proposed for ovarian, prostatic, and pancreatic secretions. Present results show that rat submandibular glands incubated in vitro release membrane-associated NTPDase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase activities. Electron microscopy images show that released membranes presenting nucleotidase activity correspond to exosome-like vesicles which are also present at microsomal fraction. Both exosome release and nucleotidase activities are raised by adrenergic stimulation. Nucleotidase activities present the same kinetic characteristics than microsomal nucleotidase activity, corresponding mainly to the action of NTPDase2 and NTPDase3 isoforms as well as 5'-nucleotidase. This is consistent with Western blot analysis revealing the presence of these enzymes in the microsomal fraction.

Artificial recharge improves several water quality parameters, but has only minor effects on recalcitrant pollutants. To improve the removal of these pollutants, we added a reactive barrier at the bottom of an infiltration basin. This barrier contained aquifer sand, vegetable compost, and clay and was covered with iron oxide dust. The goal of the compost was to sorb neutral compounds and release dissolved organic carbon. The release of dissolved organic carbon should generate a broad range of redox conditions to promote the transformation of emerging trace organic contaminants (EOCs). Iron oxides and clay increase the range of sorption site types. In the present study, we examined the effectiveness of this barrier by analyzing the fate of nine EOCs. Water quality was monitored before and after constructing the reactive barrier. Installation of the reactive barrier led to nitrate-, iron-, and manganese-reducing conditions in the unsaturated zone below the basin and within the first few meters of the saturated zone. Thus, the behavior of most EOCs changed after installing the reactive barrier. The reactive barrier enhanced the removal of some EOCs, either markedly (sulfamethoxazole, caffeine, benzoylecgonine) or slightly (trimethoprim) and decreased the removal rates of compounds that are easily degradable under aerobic conditions (ibuprofen, paracetamol). The barrier had no remarkable effect on 1H-benzotriazole and tolyltriazole.

A large array of gene involved in human longevity seems to be in relationship with insulin/IGF1 pathway. However, if such genes interact each other, or with other genes, to reduce the age-related metabolic derangement and determine the long-lived phenotype has been poorly investigated. Thus, we tested the role of interchromosomal interactions among IGF1R, IRS2, and UCP2 genes on the probability to reach extreme old age in 722 unrelated Italian subjects (401 women and 321 men; mean age, 62.83 ± 25.30 years) enrolled between 1998 and 1999. In particular, the G/A-IGF1R, Gly/Asp-IRS2, and Ala/Val-UCP2 allele combination was tested for association with longevity, metabolic profile and energy expenditure parameters. The effect on all-cause and cause-specific mortality rate was also assessed after a mean follow-up of 6 years. The analysis revealed that AAV allele combination is associated with a decreased all-cause mortality risk (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63-0.91; p = 0.03) and with a higher probability to reach the extreme of old age (OR, 3.185; 95% CI, 1.63-6.19; p = 0.0006). The analysis also revealed lower HOMA-IR (Diff, -0.532, 95% CI, 0.886-0.17; p = 0.003), higher respiratory quotient (Diff, 0.0363, 95% CI, 0.014-0.05; p = 0.001), and resting metabolic rate (Diff, 101.80693, 95% CI, -5.26-204.278; p = 0.038) for AAV allele combination. In conclusion, A-IGF1R/Asp-IRS2/Val-UCP2 allele combination is associated with a decreased all-cause mortality risk and with an increased chance of longevity. Such an effect is probably due to the combined effect of IGF1R, IRS2, and UCP2 genes on energy metabolism and on the age-related metabolic remodeling capacity.

A consensus map of barley was constructed based on three reference doubled haploid (DH) populations and three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. Several sets of microsatellites were used as bridge markers in the integration of those populations previously genotyped with RFLP or with AFLP markers. Another set of 61 genic microsatellites was mapped for the first time using a newly developed fluorescent labelling strategy, referred to as A/T labelling. The final map contains 3,258 markers spanning 1,081 centiMorgans (cM) with an average distance between two adjacent loci of 0.33 cM. This is the highest density of markers reported for a barley genetic map to date. The consensus map was divided into 210 BINs of about 5 cM each in which were placed 19 quantitative trait loci (QTL) contributing to the partial resistance to barley leaf rust (Puccinia hordei Otth) in five of the integrated populations. Each parental barley combination segregated for different sets of QTLs, with only few QTLs shared by any pair of cultivars. Defence gene homologues (DGH) were identified by tBlastx homology to known genes involved in the defence of plants against microbial pathogens. Sixty-three DGHs were located into the 210 BINs in order to identify candidate genes responsible for the QTL effects. Eight BINs were co-occupied by a QTL and DGH(s). The positional candidates identified are receptor-like kinase, WIR1 homologues and several defence response genes like peroxidases, superoxide dismutase and thaumatin.