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Ultraviolet (UV) light that penetrates our atmosphere initiates various photochemical and photobiological processes. However, the absence of extremely short UV pulses has so far hindered our ability to fully capture the mechanisms at the very early stages of such processes. This is important because the concerted motion of electrons and nuclei in the first few femtoseconds often determines molecular reactivity. Here we investigate the dissociative dynamics of iodomethane following UV photoexcitation, utilizing mass spectrometry with a 5 fs time resolution. The short duration of the UV pump pulse (4.2 fs) allows the ultrafast dynamics to be investigated in the absence of any external field, from well before any significant vibrational displacement occurs until dissociation has taken place. The experimental results combined with semi-classical trajectory calculations provide the identification of the main dissociation channels and indirectly reveal the signature of a conical intersection in the time-dependent yield of the iodine ion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the UV-induced breakage of the C-I bond can be prevented when the molecule is ionized by the probe pulse within 5 fs after the UV excitation, showcasing an ultrafast stabilization scheme against dissociation. The authors investigate the ultrafast dissociative dynamics of iodomethane induced by sudden ultraviolet photoexcitation. They showcase how subsequent ionization within a 5-femtosecond window can stabilize the molecule and prevent fragmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral molecules, used in applications such as enantioselective photocatalysis1, circularly polarized light detection2 and emission3 and molecular switches4,5, exist in two geometrical configurations that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. These so-called (R) and (S) enantiomers exhibit different physical and chemical properties when interacting with other chiral entities. Attosecond technology might enable influence over such interactions, given that it can probe and even direct electron motion within molecules on the intrinsic electronic timescale6 and thereby control reactivity7–9. Electron currents in photoexcited chiral molecules have indeed been predicted to enable enantiosensitive molecular orientation10, but electron-driven chiral dynamics in neutral molecules have not yet been demonstrated owing to the lack of ultrashort, non-ionizing and perturbative light pulses. Here we use time-resolved photoelectron circular dichroism (TR-PECD)11–15 with an unprecedented temporal resolution of 2.9 fs to map the coherent electronic motion initiated by ultraviolet (UV) excitation of neutral chiral molecules. We find that electronic beatings between Rydberg states lead to periodic modulations of the chiroptical response on the few-femtosecond timescale, showing a sign inversion in less than 10 fs. Calculations validate this and also confirm that the combination of the photoinduced chiral current with a circularly polarized probe pulse realizes an enantioselective filter of molecular orientations following photoionization. We anticipate that our approach will enable further investigations of ultrafast electron dynamics in chiral systems and reveal a route towards enantiosensitive charge-directed reactivity.Time-resolved photoelectron circular dichroism with a temporal resolution of 2.9 fs is used to track the ultrafast electron dynamics following ultraviolet excitation of neutral chiral molecules, which generate chiral currents that exhibit periodic rotation direction reversal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been an increase in telemedicine applied to child neuropsychiatry, such as the use of online platforms to collect remotely case histories and demographic and behavioral information. In the present proof-of-concept study, we aimed to understand to what extent information parents and teachers provide through online questionnaires overlaps with clinicians' diagnostic conclusions on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, we intended to explore a possible role that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) symptoms played in this process. We examined parent- and teacher-rated questionnaires collected remotely and an on-site evaluation of intelligence quotients from 342 subjects (18% females), aged 3–16 years, and referred for suspected ADHD. An easily interpretable machine learning model—decision tree (DT)—was built to simulate the clinical process of classifying ADHD/non-ADHD based on collected data. Then, we tested the DT model's predictive accuracy through a cross-validation approach. The DT classifier's performance was compared with those that other machine learning models achieved, such as random forest and support vector machines. Differences in ASD symptoms in the DT-identified classes were tested to address their role in performing a diagnostic error using the DT model. The DT identified the decision rules clinicians adopt to classify an ADHD diagnosis with an 82% accuracy rate. Regarding the cross-validation experiment, our DT model reached a predictive accuracy of 74% that was similar to those of other classification algorithms. The caregiver-reported ADHD core symptom severity proved the most discriminative information for clinicians during the diagnostic decision process. However, ASD symptoms were a confounding factor when ADHD severity had to be established. Telehealth procedures proved effective in obtaining an automated output regarding a diagnostic risk, reducing the time delay between symptom detection and diagnosis. However, this should not be considered an alternative to on-site procedures but rather as automated support for clinical practice, enabling clinicians to allocate further resources to the most complex cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the pharmacological therapy of ADHD has been widely studied, little has been done to compare the different therapeutic approaches (e.g., drug therapy vs. psychological treatments) and even less has been done to compare the outcome of the therapy between centers. This multicenter observational study aims to assess between-center variation in functional outcome of ADHD patients one year after the diagnosis, according to the treatment received. We used the Regional ADHD Registry data on 1429 patients enrolled in 16 ADHD centers in the 2011–2022 period. To evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy we used a generalized linear mixed model with the center as the random effect, including patient condition at diagnosis and center characteristics, weighting by the inverse of the propensity score of the treatment received by the patient. Between-center variation was expressed as the relative difference in odds-ratios between the observed and the expected number of patients whose condition improved, using the Clinical Global Impressions—Improvement Scale (CGI-I), and the relative 95% CI. Patients who received combined treatment were significantly more likely to improve compared to other treatment groups (65.5% vs 54.4% for methylphenidate alone, 53.4% for psychological treatment alone, or 40.5% for no therapy). Adjusted for patients and center characteristics, the log-odds ratio ranged from 0.85 (0.29–1.55 95% CI) to − 0.64 (− 1.17–− 0.18 95% CI). The mean expected probability of improvement after one year of therapy for an average patient with ADHD for each center was 47.7% in a center at the 25th percentile and 61.2% in a center at the 75th percentile of the outcome distribution after adjustments. The wide between-center variation in patient functional improvement one year after the diagnosis of ADHD could be largely explained by center-specific therapeutic approaches or attitudes. More careful and stringent work is needed to reduce differences in responses between centers, as could formal and periodic audit programs within and between centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of photon energy into other energetic forms in molecules is accompanied by charge moving on ultrafast timescales. We directly observe the charge motion at a specific site in an electronically excited molecule using time-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (TR-XPS). We extend the concept of static chemical shift from conventional XPS by the excited-state chemical shift (ESCS), which is connected to the charge in the framework of a potential model. This allows us to invert TR-XPS spectra to the dynamic charge at a specific atom. We demonstrate the power of TR-XPS by using sulphur 2p-core-electron-emission probing to study the UV-excited dynamics of 2-thiouracil. The method allows us to discover that a major part of the population relaxes to the molecular ground state within 220–250 fs. In addition, a 250-fs oscillation, visible in the kinetic energy of the TR-XPS, reveals a coherent exchange of population among electronic states. Imaging the charge flow in photoexcited molecules would provide key information on photophysical and photochemical processes. Here the authors demonstrate tracking in real time after photoexcitation the change in charge density at a specific site of 2-thiouracil using time-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Whereas in most cases COVID-19 is asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic, extremely severe clinical forms are observed. In this case, complex immune dysregulations and an excessive inflammatory response are reported and are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. Natural killer cells are key players in the control of viral infection, and their activity is regulated by a tight balance between activating and inhibitory receptors; an alteration of NK activity was suggested to be associated with the development of severe forms of COVID-19. In this study, we analyzed peripheral NK cell subpopulations and the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors in 30 patients suffering from neurological conditions who recovered from mild, moderate, or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparing the results to those of 10 SARS-CoV-2-uninfected patients. Results showed that an expansion of NK subset with lower cytolytic activity and an augmented expression of the 2DL1 inhibitory receptor, particularly when in association with the C2 ligand (KIR2DL1-C2), characterized the immunological scenario of severe COVID-19 infection. An increase of NK expressing the ILT2 inhibitory receptor was instead seen in patients recovering from mild or moderate infection compared to controls. Results herein suggest that the KIR2DL1-C2 NK inhibitory complex is a risk factor toward the development of severe form of COVID-19. Our results confirm that a complex alteration of NK activity is present in COVID-19 infection and offer a molecular explanation for this observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar UV-C photons do not reach Earth's surface, but are known to be endowed with germicidal properties that are also effective on viruses. The effect of softer UV-B and UV-A photons, which copiously reach the Earth's surface, on viruses are instead little studied, particularly on single-stranded RNA viruses. Here we combine our measurements of the action spectrum of Covid-19 in response to UV light, Solar irradiation measurements on Earth during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics, worldwide recorded Covid-19 mortality data and our "Solar-Pump" diffusive model of epidemics to show that (a) UV-B/A photons have a powerful virucidal effect on the single-stranded RNA virus Covid-19 and that (b) the Solar radiation that reaches temperate regions of the Earth at noon during summers, is sufficient to inactivate 63% of virions in open-space concentrations (1.5 × 103 TCID50/mL, higher than typical aerosol) in less than 2 min. We conclude that the characteristic seasonality imprint displayed world-wide by the SARS-Cov-2 mortality time-series throughout the diffusion of the outbreak (with temperate regions showing clear seasonal trends and equatorial regions suffering, on average, a systematically lower mortality), might have been efficiently set by the different intensity of UV-B/A Solar radiation hitting different Earth's locations at different times of the year. Our results suggest that Solar UV-B/A play an important role in planning strategies of confinement of the epidemics, which should be worked out and set up during spring/summer months and fully implemented during low-solar-irradiation periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has been declared a pandemic. Despite its aggressive extension and significant morbidity and mortality, risk factors are poorly characterized outside China. We designed a registry, HOPE COVID-19 (NCT04334291), assessing data of 1021 patients discharged (dead or alive) after COVID-19, from 23 hospitals in 4 countries, between 8 February and 1 April. The primary end-point was all-cause mortality aiming to produce a mortality risk score calculator. The median age was 68 years (IQR 52-79), and 59.5% were male. Most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (46.8%) and dyslipidemia (35.8%). A relevant heart or lung disease were depicted in 20%. And renal, neurological, or oncological disease, respectively, were detected in nearly 10%. Most common symptoms were fever, cough, and dyspnea at admission. 311 patients died and 710 were discharged alive. In the death-multivariate analysis, raised as most relevant: age, hypertension, obesity, renal insufficiency, any immunosuppressive disease, 02 saturation < 92% and an elevated C reactive protein (AUC = 0.87; Hosmer-Lemeshow test, p > 0.999; bootstrap-optimist: 0.0018). We provide a simple clinical score to estimate probability of death, dividing patients in four grades (I-IV) of increasing probability. Hydroxychloroquine (79.2%) and antivirals (67.6%) were the specific drugs most commonly used. After a propensity score adjustment, the results suggested a slight improvement in mortality rates (adjusted-ORhydroxychloroquine 0.88; 95% CI 0.81-0.91, p = 0.005; adjusted-ORantiviral 0.94; 95% CI 0.87-1.01; p = 0.115). COVID-19 produces important mortality, mostly in patients with comorbidities with respiratory symptoms. Hydroxychloroquine could be associated with survival benefit, but this data need to be confirmed with further trials. Trial Registration: NCT04334291/EUPAS34399. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden ionisation of a relatively large molecule can initiate a correlation-driven process dubbed charge migration, where the electron density distribution is expected to rapidly move along the molecular backbone. Capturing this few-femtosecond or attosecond charge redistribution would represent the real-time observation of electron correlation in a molecule with the enticing prospect of following the energy flow from a single excited electron to the other coupled electrons in the system. Here, we report a time-resolved study of the correlation-driven charge migration process occurring in the nucleic-acid base adenine after ionisation with a 15–35 eV attosecond pulse. We find that the production of intact doubly charged adenine – via a shortly-delayed laser-induced second ionisation event – represents the signature of a charge inflation mechanism resulting from many-body excitation. This conclusion is supported by first-principles time-dependent simulations. These findings may contribute to the control of molecular reactivity at the electronic, few-femtosecond time scale. Sudden ionisation of larger molecules can initiate a correlation-driven process called charge migration, but due to its short time scale this process is challenging to observe. Here, the authors ionise adenine with extreme ultraviolet light and observe electron correlation in the molecule at the attosecond scale in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential virucidal effects of UV-C irradiation on SARS-CoV-2 were experimentally evaluated for different illumination doses and virus concentrations (1000, 5, 0.05 MOI). At a virus density comparable to that observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection, an UV-C dose of just 3.7 mJ/cm2 was sufficient to achieve a more than 3-log inactivation without any sign of viral replication. Moreover, a complete inactivation at all viral concentrations was observed with 16.9 mJ/cm2. These results could explain the epidemiological trends of COVID-19 and are important for the development of novel sterilizing methods to contain SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The interaction of strong laser fields with matter intrinsically provides a powerful tool for imaging transient dynamics with an extremely high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we study strong-field ionisation of laser-aligned molecules, and show a full real-time picture of the photoelectron dynamics in the combined action of the laser field and the molecular interaction. We demonstrate that the molecule has a dramatic impact on the overall strong-field dynamics: it sets the clock for the emission of electrons with a given rescattering kinetic energy. This result represents a benchmark for the seminal statements of molecular-frame strong-field physics and has strong impact on the interpretation of self-diffraction experiments. Furthermore, the resulting encoding of the time-energy relation in molecular-frame photoelectron momentum distributions shows the way of probing the molecular potential in real-time, and accessing a deeper understanding of electron transport during strong-field interactions. Interaction of strong laser fields with matter provides powerful tools to image transient dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution. The authors investigate strong-field ionisation of laser-aligned molecules showing the effect of molecular alignment on the photoelectron dynamics and the resulting influence of the molecular frame in imaging experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnant women display a higher risk of progression to disease and higher viral loads during infections due to their more permissive, tolerogenic immune system. However, only few studies have focused on SARS-CoV-2 intrapartum vertical transmission via vaginal secretions or faeces. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the virus in vaginal, rectal and blood specimens from pregnant women characterized by different COVID-19 disease severity. We enrolled 56 SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women, of which 46 (82%) were in the third trimester of pregnancy, 6 (10%) in the second and 4 (7%) in the first. QPCR was performed to detect the virus in vaginal and rectal swabs and in plasma samples. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 27% of rectal swabs of pregnant women in the third trimester, while no virus particles were detected in vaginal swabs of the same patients. Furthermore, only 4% plasma samples tested positive to SARS-CoV-2. No virus was detected in newborn's nasopharyngeal swabs. Despite the low number of subjects enrolled, our data suggest that, while theoretically possible, intrapartum vaginal or orofecal SARS-CoV-2 transmission seems to be unlikely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) dietary supplementation on behavior and cognition in school-aged, drug-naïve children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 50 participants with ADHD aged 7 to 14 were enrolled in a 6-month randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial and received either DHA or placebo. The primary outcome measure was the change in the ADHD rating scale IV Parent Version–Investigator (ADHD-RS-IV) after 4 and 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included Conners Parent Rating Scale-revised, other behavioral rating scales including quality of life and global functioning, and computerized cognitive tasks. Baseline assessment also addressed the blood fatty acids profile. No superiority of DHA supplement to placebo was observed on ADHD-RS-IV, the a priori primary outcome. DHA supplementation showed a significant, nonetheless quite small, effect on children's psychosocial functioning, emotional problems, and focused attention. Neither major nor minor adverse events were reported throughout the trial. This study shows that 6-month DHA supplementation has no beneficial effect on the symptoms of ADHD in school-aged, drug-naïve children with an established diagnosis of ADHD. Nevertheless, the 6 months treatment with supplemental DHA appears to have small positive effects on other behavioral and cognitive difficulties, which, in light of the absence of side-effects, could be reasonably followed up in future intervention studies. (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01796262: The Effects of DHA on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (DADA)). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key challenge in attosecond science is the temporal characterization of attosecond pulses that are essential for understanding the evolution of electronic wavefunctions in atoms, molecules and solids1-7. Current characterization methods, based on nonlinear light-matter interactions, are limited in terms of stability and waveform complexity. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a conceptually new linear and all-optical pulse characterization method, inspired by double-blind holography. Holography is realized by measuring the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) spectra of two unknown attosecond signals and their interference. Assuming a finite pulse duration constraint, we reconstruct the missing spectral phases and characterize the unknown signals in both isolated pulse and double pulse scenarios. This method can be implemented in a wide range of experimental realizations, enabling the study of complex electron dynamics via a single-shot and linear measurement. Double-blind holography allows reconstruction of the missing spectral phases and characterization of the unknown signals in both isolated-pulse and double-pulse scenarios, facilitating the study of complex electron dynamics via a single-shot and linear measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the Kilogrid, an open-source virtualization environment and data logging manager for the Kilobot robot, Kilobot for short. The Kilogrid has been designed to extend the sensory-motor abilities of the Kilobot, to simplify the task of collecting data during experiments, and to provide researchers with a tool to fine-control the experimental setup and its parameters. Based on the design of the Kilobot and compatible with existing hardware, the Kilogrid is a modular system composed of a grid of computing nodes, or modules that provides a bidirectional communication channel between the Kilobots and a remote workstation. In this paper, we describe the hardware and software architecture of the Kilogrid system as well as its functioning to accompany its release as a new open hardware tool for the swarm robotics community. We demonstrate the capabilities of the Kilogrid using a 200-module Kilogrid, swarms of up to 100 Kilobots, and four different case studies: exploration and obstacle avoidance, site selection based on multiple gradients, plant watering, and pheromone-based foraging. Through this set of case studies, we show how the Kilogrid allows the experimenter to virtualize sensors and actuators not available to the Kilobot and to automatize the collection of data essential for the analysis of the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Understanding the role of the electron dynamics in the photochemistry of bio-chemically relevant molecules is key to getting access to the fundamental physical processes leading to damage, mutation and, more generally, to the alteration of the final biological functions. Sudden ionization of a large molecule has been proven to activate a sub-femtosecond charge flow throughout the molecular backbone, purely guided by electronic coherences, which could ultimately affect the photochemical response of the molecule at later times. We can follow this ultrafast charge flow in real time by exploiting the extreme time resolution provided by attosecond light sources. In this work recent advances in attosecond molecular physics are presented with particular focus on the investigation of bio-relevant molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherent diffractive imaging of individual free nanoparticles has opened routes for the in situ analysis of their transient structural, optical, and electronic properties. So far, single-shot single-particle diffraction was assumed to be feasible only at extreme ultraviolet and X-ray free-electron lasers, restricting this research field to large-scale facilities. Here we demonstrate single-shot imaging of isolated helium nanodroplets using extreme ultraviolet pulses from a femtosecond-laser-driven high harmonic source. We obtain bright wide-angle scattering patterns, that allow us to uniquely identify hitherto unresolved prolate shapes of superfluid helium droplets. Our results mark the advent of single-shot gas-phase nanoscopy with lab-based short-wavelength pulses and pave the way to ultrafast coherent diffractive imaging with phase-controlled multicolor fields and attosecond pulses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectopic kidney and inherent vascular abnormalities may result in renovascular hypertension. The case we report is peculiar as a left ectopic iliac kidney supplied by a superior and an inferior polar renal arteries was detected in a treatment-resistant hypertensive man. In conclusion, percutaneous renal artery denervation was successfully performed in the right renal artery and in both left accessory renal arteries, obtaining excellent blood pressure decrease at follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bleeding and vascular access site complications are an important cause of morbidity after percutaneous femoral procedures. New haemostatic dressings have been developed to control heavy bleeding. To evaluate the efficacy of a new kaolin-based haemostatic bandage for femoral artery closure after diagnostic or interventional procedures compared with manual compression.Methods: The first pilot European trial using this haemostatic bandage was performed at the in Milan, Italy. Two-hundred patients (71% male, mean age 66 ± 11 years) undergoing angiography or PCI via a femoral approach were randomised to the haemostatic bandage (n = 100) or manual compression (n = 100) following sheath removal. The mean active clotting time (ACT) at haemostasis was 146 ± 24 s (range 98-198 s). Haemostasis was achieved in 5.4 ± 1.5 min with the bandage vs 25 ± 15 min after manual compression, p < 0.001. No haemostasis failure occurred in either group. No differences in oozing, minor and major haematomas and pseudoaneurysms were observed. All patients ambulated at 4 h. Major bleeding, re-bleeding or haematoma did not occur after early (4 h after the procedure) ambulation following use of the bandage.Conclusions: The haemostatic bandage obtained prompt and significantly shorter haemostasis than controls. This novel haemostatic device allowed for early ambulation without clinical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The accuracy of computed tomography (CT) for assessment of coronary stents is as yet unproven and radiation exposure has been a concern. The aim of our study is to compare radiation dose and diagnostic performance of CT with prospective ECG-triggering versus retrospective ECG-triggering for the detection of in-stent restenosis (ISR).Methods: We enrolled 168 consecutive patients with suspected ISR, 83 studied using CT with prospective ECG-triggering (group 1) and 85 using retrospective ECG-triggering (group 2).Results: Prevalence of ISR according to catheter angiography was 24% in both groups. The overall evaluability was similar (93% in group 1 vs 95% in group 2). Artefact sub-analysis showed a significantly lower number of blooming and higher number of slice misalignment in group 1 vs group 2. In the stent-based analysis using only evaluable stents, specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy were significantly higher in group 1 (100%, 100% and 99%, respectively) than in group 2 (97%, 91% and 95%, respectively, p < 0.05). Group 1 was exposed to a lower radiation dose compared with group 2 (4.3 ± 1.4 mSv vs 18.5 ± 5.5 mSv, p < 00.1).Conclusions: CT with prospective ECG-triggering can improve diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive imaging of coronary stents with a significant reduction in radiation exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfavorable complex anatomy or congenital anomalies of supra-aortic vessel take-off may increase carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedural difficulties and complications through the femoral route. We assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of CAS through the right brachial approach in patients in whom left internal carotid artery stenosis and bovine aortic arch configuration were identified with computed tomography (CT) angiography. Bovine configuration of the aortic arch and left carotid artery stenosis were easily identified by CT angiography and successfully treated through the right brachial approach technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognosis for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is poor. Long-term follow-up of population-based randomized trials has demonstrated that ultrasound (US) screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) measuring 3 cm or greater decreases AAA-related mortality rates and is cost-effective. We though to prospectively perform during a 26-month period a limited US examination of the infrarenal aorta in volunteers of both gender aged 60-85 years without history of AAA living in the area of Como, Italy. From September 2010 to November 2013 ComoCuore, a no-profit nongovernmental association, enrolled 1555 people (aged 68.8 ± 6.8 years; 48.6 % males). Clinical data and a US imaging of the aorta were collected for each participant. AAA was found in 22 volunteers (1.4 %) mainly males (2.5 % in males vs. 0.4 % in females p = 0.005). Overall, the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was higher in patients with vs. without AAA (mean 2.9 ± 3.0 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0 respectively, p < 0.0001). Independent predictors of AAA on multivariate analysis were age (OR 1.14, 1.06-1.22; p < 0.0001), male gender (OR 8.23, 1.79-37.91; p = 0.007), and both current (OR 4.98, 1.57-15.79; p = 0.007) and previous smoking (OR 2.76, 1.12-8.94; p = 0.03). Our study confirms the feasibility of one time US screening for AAA in a large cohort of asymptomatic people. Independent predictors of AAA were male sex, older age and a history of smoking. Accordingly to recent data the prevalence of AAA seems to be declining, maybe due to a reduction of smoking in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel intra-cycle motion correction algorithm (MCA) on overall evaluability and diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography coronary angiography (CCT).Methods: From a cohort of 900 consecutive patients referred for CCT for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), we enrolled 160 (18 %) patients (mean age 65.3 ± 11.7 years, 101 male) with at least one coronary segment classified as non-evaluable for motion artefacts. The CCT data sets were evaluated using a standard reconstruction algorithm (SRA) and MCA and compared in terms of subjective image quality, evaluability and diagnostic accuracy.Results: The mean heart rate during the examination was 68.3 ± 9.4 bpm. The MCA showed a higher Likert score (3.1 ± 0.9 vs. 2.5 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and evaluability (94%vs.79 %, p < 0.001) than the SRA. In a 45-patient subgroup studied by clinically indicated invasive coronary angiography, specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy were higher in MCA vs. SRA in segment-based and vessel-based models, respectively (87%vs.73 %, 50%vs.34 %, 85%vs.73 %, p < 0.001 and 62%vs.28 %, 66%vs.51 % and 75%vs.57 %, p < 0.001). In a patient-based model, MCA showed higher accuracy vs. SCA (93%vs.76 %, p < 0.05).Conclusions: MCA can significantly improve subjective image quality, overall evaluability and diagnostic accuracy of CCT.Key Points: Cardiac computed tomographic coronary angiography (CCT) allows non-invasive evaluation of coronary arteries. Intra-cycle motion correction algorithm (MCA) allows for compensation of coronary motion. An MCA improves image quality, CCT evaluability and diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The immunogenicity of anti-TNF-α drugs may affect their safety and efficacy. Infliximab (IFX), a chimeric monoclonal antibody, induces antibody formation in up to 60 % of cases. Some studies have suggested the involvement of a Th1 response to TNFα blockers following immunization, but the triggering of Th17 responses has never been reported. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the immunogenicity of IFX affects the Th1, Th17 and Treg compartments in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients failing IFX therapy, and verify whether this may be responsible for treatment failure. Methods: The study involved 55 patients with RA (15 treatment-naïve patients; 20 IFX responders; 20 IFX non-responders) and 10 healthy controls. PBMCs were cultured in the presence/absence of IFX, and the variations in the percentage of Th1, Th17 and Treg lymphocytes following IFX treatment were analysed. Results: IFX-specific Th1 and Th17 responses and an increase in IL-21 production were observed in patients failing IFX ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01 respectively). In contrast, IFX incubation reduced significantly Th1 and Th17 responses and IL-21 production ( p < 0.05) in successfully-treated subjects, but did not affect these responses in healthy controls or treatment-naïve patients. Conclusions: RA patients may have impaired peripheral tolerance, which could favour the development of an aberrant immunological response to biological drugs. The loss of therapeutic effectiveness of IFX and the onset of adverse events may be due to a paradoxical activation of Th17 or Th1 lymphocytes following sensitisation, thus worsening the patients' inflammatory status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The authors present a protocol for the in vivo evaluation, using different imaging techniques, of lymph node (LN) homing of tumor-specific dendritic cells (DCs) in a murine breast cancer model.Procedures: Bone marrow DCs were labeled with paramagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) or (111)In-oxine. Antigen loading was performed using tumor lysate. Mature DCs were injected into the footpads of transgenic tumor-bearing mice (MMTV-Ras) and DC migration was tracked by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Ex vivo analyses were performed to validate the imaging data.Results: DC labeling, both with MNPs and with (111)In-oxine, did not affect DC phenotype or functionality. MRI and SPECT allowed the detection of iron and (111)In in both axillary and popliteal LNs. Immunohistochemistry and γ-counting revealed the presence of DCs in LNs.Conclusions: MRI and SPECT imaging, by allowing in vivo dynamic monitoring of DC migration, could further the development and optimization of efficient anti-cancer vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The authors present a protocol for the in vivo evaluation, using different imaging techniques, of lymph node (LN) homing of tumor-specific dendritic cells (DCs) in a murine breast cancer model. Procedures: Bone marrow DCs were labeled with paramagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) or In-oxine. Antigen loading was performed using tumor lysate. Mature DCs were injected into the footpads of transgenic tumor-bearing mice (MMTV- Ras) and DC migration was tracked by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Ex vivo analyses were performed to validate the imaging data. Results: DC labeling, both with MNPs and with In-oxine, did not affect DC phenotype or functionality. MRI and SPECT allowed the detection of iron and In in both axillary and popliteal LNs. Immunohistochemistry and γ-counting revealed the presence of DCs in LNs. Conclusions: MRI and SPECT imaging , by allowing in vivo dynamic monitoring of DC migration, could further the development and optimization of efficient anti-cancer vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction hodographs contain all the information related to the intensity and symmetry of the friction phenomenon. We show how an atomic force microscope can be used to collect friction hodographs at the nanoscale and how to carry out data interpretation to unravel the friction-surface structure relationship. As a model system, we analyzed the basal plane of orthorhombic β-alanine single crystals, and interpreted the data in terms of a constitutive model of orthotropic friction with slip direction-dependent friction coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumour establishment, progression and regression can be studied in vivo using an array of imaging techniques ranging from MRI to nuclear-based and optical techniques that highlight the intrinsic behaviour of different cell populations in the physiological context. Clinical in vivo imaging techniques and preclinical specific approaches have been used to study, both at the macroscopic and microscopic level, tumour cells, their proliferation, metastasisation, death and interaction with the environment and with the immune system. Fluorescent, radioactive or paramagnetic markers were used in direct protocols to label the specific cell population and reporter genes were used for genetic, indirect labelling protocols to track the fate of a given cell subpopulation in vivo. Different protocols have been proposed to in vivo study the interaction between immune cells and tumours by different imaging techniques (intravital and whole-body imaging). In particular in this review we report several examples dealing with dendritic cells, T lymphocytes and macrophages specifically labelled for different imaging procedures both for the study of their physiological function and in the context of anti-neoplastic immunotherapies in the attempt to exploit imaging-derived information to improve and optimise anti-neoplastic immune-based treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system includes genes involved in graft-vs-host rejection and in immune response. The discovery that HLAs are associated with several diseases led to appealing developments both in basic biomedical research and in clinical medicine, and offered the opportunity to improve the understanding of pathogenesis and classification of diseases, as well as to provide diagnostic and prognostic indicators. The aim of this article is to review the association between HLA alleles and autoimmune digestive disease and its current relationship with modern HLA nomenclature and clinical practice. METHODS: Articles dealing with the association between HLAs and autoimmune digestive disease (including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune hepatitis, sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis) were searched for using Pubmed and SCOPUS databases from earliest records to January 2008. RESULTS: The review has provided two sections. In the first, we explain the basic principles of HLA structure, function, and nomenclature, as an introduction to the second section, which describes current associations between HLA alleles and digestive diseases. The clinical implications of each HLA association are critically discussed. Actually, a clinical role for HLA typing is suggested for only a few conditions, e.g., celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of current HLA nomenclature and of its association with some digestive diseases such as celiac disease can be useful in clinical practice for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. This can avoid improper HLA typing as well as stressing the need for further studies on other possible clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An immune response mediated by type 2 cytokines is thought to contribute to the development and unfavorable outcome of aspergillosis. Adjuvant therapy with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was added to antifungal treatment in three nonneutropenic patients (one HIV-positive and two HIV-negative patients) with culture proven aspergillosis refractory to classical antifungal therapy. Clinical improvement was observed concomitantly with an increase in peripheral blood leukocyte proliferation and type 1 cytokines production. Our findings suggest an association between the improvement in type 1 cytokine production observed during IFN-gamma and GM-CSF administration and a better control of Aspergillus infection in patients with progressive disease despite adequate antifungal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An immune response mediated by type 2 cytokines is thought to contribute to the development and unfavorable outcome of aspergillosis. Adjuvant therapy with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was added to antifungal treatment in three nonneutropenic patients (one HIV-positive and two HIV-negative patients) with culture proven aspergillosis refractory to classical antifungal therapy. Clinical improvement was observed concomitantly with an increase in peripheral blood leukocyte proliferation and type 1 cytokines production. Our findings suggest an association between the improvement in type 1 cytokine production observed during IFN-γ and GM-CSF administration and a better control of Aspergillus infection in patients with progressive disease despite adequate antifungal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large aneurysm of the left renal artery was found incidentally during abdominal ultrasound in a 39-year-old woman with no medical or family history of cardiovascular disease. Vascular pathology with a dysplastic appearance was confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography and the patient was offered transcatheter embolization. Since the position and size of the neck of the aneurysm could not be determined at angiography, detachable platinum coils were used for occlusion. The procedure was performed without complications. During a 4-year follow-up no alterations of renal function, recanalization of the aneurysm, or perfusion defects in the rest of the left renal circulation were noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Peptydil prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PIN-1), which specifically regulates the conformational changes following phosphorylation of several proteins, targets the inactive hyper-phosphorylated tau on the Thr231-Pro motif and directly restores its biological function. Interestingly, PIN-1 is oxidatively inhibited not only in Alzheimer's disease brain but also in the hippocampi of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects. The PIN-1 gene is characterized by two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region which are associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the genotype and allele distributions of these PIN-1 SNPs in MCI subjects diagnosed respectively as amnestic MCI (a-MCI) and multiple impaired cognitive domains (mcd-MCI) on the basis of cognitive features. METHODS: -667 T/C and -842 C/G SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing in 43 MCI subjects, with the intention of comparing -667 and -842 SNP frequencies with those previously described in 111 Alzheimer's disease patients (AD) and 73 healthy controls (HC). RESULTS: The allele frequencies of the -842 C/G SNP in a-MCI subjects are similar to those of AD subjects, while those of mcd-MCI are comparable to HC (G allele 83% in both a-MCI and AD; 95% and 94% in mcd-MCI and HC, respectively). A similar trend is also observed in -842 C/G genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Since a-MCI is thought to be the preclinical form of AD, the similar genotype distribution of -842 SNP in AD and a-MCI, but not in mcd-MCI, suggests that it is potentially involved in the conversion of a-MCI to AD. In conclusion, these findings support the theory that polymorphisms of the PIN-1 gene can affect neurodegeneration and its clinical progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced interleukin-10 (IL-10) production is associated with type 2 diabetes in elderly individuals. Antiviral therapy (ARV)-induced immune modulation results in diminished IL-10 production, and diabetes can be observed in ARV-treated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. We analyzed, in a cross-sectional pilot study, HIV-antigen-stimulated IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) production, and intracellular concentration (ICC), as well as B7-H1 expression, a marker preferentially presented by IL-10-producing cells, in 20 ARV-treated individuals in whom diabetes did ( n=10; diabetes mellitus, DM) or did not ( n=10; controls) develop. Pre-ARV glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels, duration of HIV infection and of therapy, exposure to protease inhibitors (PI), HIV plasma viremia, CD4 counts, and nadir were similar in DM and control patients. Results showed that: (1) IL-10 production was lower; (2) IL-10 ICC was reduced; (3) B7-H1-expressing CD19+ cells were diminished; and (4) TNFα production and ICC by CD4+ T cells was augmented in DM patients. Development of diabetes in HIV infected, ARV-treated individuals could be a response to therapy. Similar to what is observed in elderly individuals, low IL-10 production is associated with diabetes in antiviral-treated HIV infection. Further studies will be necessary to clarify whether low IL-10 is a risk factor for, or a consequence of, diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prion diseases are inherited in 5–15 % of cases. They are classified according to changes in the prion protein gene (PRNP) or conventionally according to phenotype as Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS), fatal familial insomnia (FFI), or familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (fCJD). Point mutations and insertions within PRNP form the genetic background. We report the results of a systematic analysis of over 500 case reports of patients with PRNP abnormalities. We compare clinical, neuropathological and molecular data in five groups, namely GSS, FFI, fCJD, base pair insertion (BPI), and all cases collectively. Clinical presentation overlaps between mutations, but some have characteristic features (e. g. P105L, D178N–129M, T183A). Some mutations, especially in the lack of sufficient family history, in earlier phases tend to resemble other neurodegenerative disorders like multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration or familial diseases such as late-onset spinocerebellar ataxia, spastic paraparesis, frontotemporal dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. The codon 129 polymorphism has a phenotypic influence in inherited prion diseases, as in non-genetic forms, but additional factors might be considered as background for phenotypic variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Italian Journal of Neurological Sciences is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during gestation remains unclear. Here, we analyse the viral genome on maternal and newborns nasopharyngeal swabs, vaginal swabs, maternal and umbilical cord plasma, placenta and umbilical cord biopsies, amniotic fluids and milk from 31 mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we also test specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and expression of genes involved in inflammatory responses in placentas, and in maternal and umbilical cord plasma. We detect SARS-CoV-2 genome in one umbilical cord blood and in two at-term placentas, in one vaginal mucosa and in one milk specimen. Furthermore, we report the presence of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies in one umbilical cord blood and in one milk specimen. Finally, in the three documented cases of vertical transmission, SARS-CoV-2 infection was accompanied by a strong inflammatory response. Together, these data support the hypothesis that in utero SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission, while low, is possible. These results might help defining proper obstetric management of COVID-19 pregnant women, or putative indications for mode and timing of delivery. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy remains underexplored. Here, the authors provide a comprehensive characterization of virus and immunological parameters in 31 SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women, finding evidence of vertical transmission in two of the mother-child pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recording molecular movies on ultrafast timescales has been a longstanding goal for unravelling detailed information about molecular dynamics. Here we present the direct experimental recording of very-high-resolution and -fidelity molecular movies over more than one-and-a-half periods of the laser-induced rotational dynamics of carbonylsulfide (OCS) molecules. Utilising the combination of single quantum-state selection and an optimised two-pulse sequence to create a tailored rotational wavepacket, an unprecedented degree of field-free alignment, 〈cos2θ2D〉 = 0.96 (〈cos2θ〉 = 0.94) is achieved, exceeding the theoretical limit for single-pulse alignment. The very rich experimentally observed quantum dynamics is fully recovered by the angular probability distribution obtained from solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation with parameters refined against the experiment. The populations and phases of rotational states in the retrieved time-dependent three-dimensional wavepacket rationalises the observed very high degree of alignment. Molecular movies provide crucial information of fundamental processes like energy and charge transfer, bond breaking etc. Here the authors show the time evolution of the rotational wave packet called the molecular movie of OCS molecules by Coulomb explosion imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]