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Ferrous xylenol orange (FXO) radiochromic gelatin gel dosimeter has the potential to provide tridimensional dosimetry for the assessment of new technologies of treatment in radiotherapy. However, one problem with the present formulations of these gels is the low melting point of the gelatin matrix. To solve this problem, formaldehyde was added to this gel dosimeter to promote crosslinking in the gelatin matrix, thus increasing the melting point. Five different formulations of FXO gel were tested, the best melting point temperature found was 62 °C or higher, and the 0.210 mm2/hr of diffusion rate was obtained on the 8% gelatin with 3% formaldehyde, 75% lower than original formulation. To provide clinical uses of these dosimeters, this work deals with the dosimetric characterization of modified FXO. No energy dependence was found when irradiated with 6 MV and 15 MV beams; also, no dose rate dependence was found varying low to high dose rate, 100 to 1400 cGy/min. These characteristics allow this dosimeter to useful for clinical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie 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.)

We report the long-term results of a randomized trial (GITMO, AML-R2), comparing 1:1 the combination of busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BuCy2, n = 125) and the combination of busulfan and fludarabine (BuFlu, n = 127) as conditioning regimen in acute myeloid leukemia patients (median age 51 years, range 40–65) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. With a median follow-up of 6 years, significantly better non-relapse mortality (NRM) was confirmed in BuFlu recipients, which is sustained up to 4 years after transplant (10% vs. 20%, p = 0.0388). This difference was higher in patients older than 51 years (11% in BuFlu vs. 27% in BuCy2, p = 0.0262). The cumulative incidence of relapse, which was the first cause of death in the entire study population, did not differ between the two randomized arms. Similarly, the leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were not different in the two cohorts, even when stratifying patients per median age. Graft-and relapse-free survival (GRFS) in BuFlu arm vs. the BuCy2 arm was 25% vs. 20% at 4 years and 20% vs. 17% at 10 years. Hence, the benefit gained by NRM reduction is not offsets by an increased relapse. Leukemia relapse remains a major concern, urging the development of new therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter in the Blood Cancer Journal discusses a study that explored a new approach to preserving lymphoid functionality in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). The study found that BET cell treatment, which involves expanding T-cells in the laboratory, was safe and feasible for CLL and iNHL patients. The treatment led to a significant increase in T-cell count one month after infusion, indicating early T-cell recovery. The study also observed the preservation of T-cell subpopulations and CMV-specific CD8+ cells during the expansion process. The findings suggest that BET cell therapy may promote immune reconstitution and could be used to obtain leukemia-free T-cells for CAR-T cell production. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, the metabolic adjustments performed by maize (Zea mays L.) seminal roots exposed to 25 µM Cd2+ or 25 µM Cu2+ at pre-emergence are compared, focusing on the proteomic changes after metal exposure. Root width was increased, and root length was decreased after 72 h of metal treatment. Both metals induced H2O2 accumulation and lipid peroxidation in the root tip. These changes were accompanied by increases in lipoxygenase activity and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal content. NMR spectroscopy revealed that the abundance of 38 water-soluble metabolites was significantly modified by Cd and Cu exposure; this set of metabolites comprised carboxylic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, and unidentified phenolic compounds. Linoleic acid content significantly decreased in Cu-treated samples. The total amount of proteins detected in maize root apexes was 2,171. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of the differentially accumulated proteins was performed to detect pathways probably affected by metal additions. Both metals altered redox homeostasis, up-regulated oxylipins biosynthetic process, and shifted metabolism towards the oxidative pentose-phosphate in the root apexes. However, the methionine salvage pathway appears as a key metabolic module only under Cd stress. The integrative analysis carried out in this study suggests that most molecular features behind the reprogramming of maize root tips to cope with cadmium and copper toxicity are common, but some are not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As the result of historical mining at Idrija (Slovenia), mercury (Hg) contamination in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) is still an issue of environmental concern. The element has been conveyed into the coastal area by the Isonzo/Soča River inputs of freshwater and suspended particles for centuries. This research aims to investigate the occurrence of Hg bound to the settling sediment particles (SSP) in the coastal water and to assess the sedimentary Hg fluxes. Methods: Settling sediment particles were collected at four sites located in the innermost sector of the Gulf, a shallow and sheltered embayment where the accumulation of fine sediments is promoted. Six sampling campaigns were performed under different environmental conditions in terms of discharge from the Isonzo River and 12 sediment traps were installed in the upper and bottom water column for SSP collection. Settling sediment particles (SSP) were collected approximately every 2 weeks and analysed for grain size and total Hg. Results: Settling sediment particles (SSP) consisted predominantly of silt (77.7 ± 10.1%), showing a concentration of Hg ranging overall between 0.61 and 6.87 µg g−1. Regarding the daily SSP fluxes, the minimum (7.05 ± 3.26 g m−2 day−1) and the maximum (92.4 ± 69.0 g m−2 day−1) values were observed under conditions of low and high river discharge, respectively. The daily Hg fluxes displayed a notable variability, up to an order of magnitude, both in the surface water layer (3.07–94.6 µg m−2 day−1) and at the bottom (11.3–245 µg m−2 day−1), reaching the maximum values following periods of high river flow. Conclusions: The Isonzo River inputs of suspended particulate matter continue to convey Hg into the Gulf of Trieste, especially following river flood events, which represent one of the most relevant natural factors affecting the variations of the Hg flux in the investigated area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decommissioned fahlore Cu-Sb(-Ag) mine at Mt. Avanza (Carnic Alps, Italy) is a rare example of exploited ore deposits, as the tetrahedrite (Cu6[Cu4(Fe,Zn)2]Sb4S13) is the main ore mineral found. This multi-compartmental geochemical characterisation approach provides one of the first case studies regarding the geochemical behaviour and fate of Hg, Sb, As, Cu, and other elements in solid and water matrices and of Hg in the atmosphere in an environment affected by the mining activity of a fahlore ore deposit. Elevated concentrations of the elements (Cu, Sb, As, Pb, Zn, Hg) associated with both (Zn-Hg)-tetrahedrite and to other minor ore minerals in mine wastes, soils, and stream sediments were observed. Concentrations in waters and stream sediments greatly decreased with increasing distance from the mining area and the Igeo index values testify the highest levels of sediment contamination inside the mine area. Thallium and Ge were associated with the "lithogenic component" and not to sulfosalt/sulphide minerals. Although mine drainage water often slightly exceeded the national regulatory limits for Sb and As, with Sb being more mobile than As, the relatively low dissolved concentrations indicate a moderate stability of the tetrahedrite. The fate of Hg at the investigated fahlore mining district appeared similar to cinnabar mining sites around the world. Weak solubility but the potential evasion of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) into the atmosphere also appear to be characteristics of Hg in fahlore ores. Although GEM concentrations are such that they do not present a pressing concern, real-time field surveys allowed for the easy identification of Hg sources, proving to be an effective, suitable high-resolution indirect approach for optimising soil sampling surveys and detecting mine wastes and mine adits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) is the coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea most highly contaminated by mercury (Hg) due to fluvial inputs from the Isonzo/Soča River system, draining over 500 years' worth of cinnabar extraction activity from the Idrija mining district (Western Slovenia). The aim of this research is to investigate the concentration of Hg in hair samples taken from the general population of the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region coastal area, as a marker of chronic exposure to Hg. Three hundred and one individuals — 119 males and 182 females — were recruited by convenience sampling in Trieste in September 2021. An amount of approximately 100 mg of hair was collected from the occipital scalp of each participant to measure the respective Hg concentrations (expressed as mg/kg). Moreover, participants completed a self-report questionnaire collecting extensive socio-demographic and life-style information. A multiple linear regression analysis was employed to investigate factors associated with increased levels of Hg concentration in hair. A mean Hg concentration in hair of 1.63 mg/kg was found, slightly above the 1.0 mg/kg threshold recommended by the WHO for pregnant women and children, although still well below the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) of 10 mg/kg. Among respondents, 55.6% showed a Hg concentration in hair > 1 mg/kg, 22.9% > 2 mg/kg, and 2 participants exhibited Hg levels > 10 mg/kg. The adjusted mean hair Hg level increased in those subjects who reported a preference for shellfish/crayfish/mollusks (RC = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.16; 0.55), whereas it decreased in those who reported a preference for frozen fish (RC = -0.23; 95%CI: − 0.39; − 0.06). Though a risk alert for Hg exposure for coastal residents from FVG is deemed unnecessary at this time, it is recommended that pregnant women limit their ingestion of locally caught fish to < 4 servings/month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie 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.)

Contrary to spontaneous yawning, yawn contagion occurs when yawning in a subject (responder) is elicited by the yawns of others (triggers). Yawn contagion has been associated with inter-individual synchronisation, activity coordination and possibly emotional contagion, based on the perception–action mechanism. We collected data on yawn contagion and grooming and verified—for the first time—yawn contagion presence and modulating factors in a wild strepsirhine. Specifically, we considered the diurnal lemur Indri indri (inhabiting Maromizaha rainforest, eastern Madagascar), which lives in socially cohesive family units. We recorded 613 yawning events involving 28 individuals and found that yawn contagion was present in the indris (with the best predictor for an individual to yawn at a given time of day was observing another group member yawning) and that it was positively influenced by grooming levels (but not by the spatial distance) between trigger and responder. Age and sex had no significant relationship with yawn contagion likelihood. Because yawn contagion has been found in different mammalian species regardless of their phylogenetic closeness, this study, reporting the phenomenon in a lemur species with highly cohesive behavioural pattern and able to emit coordinated vocal displays, adds a valuable piece to the investigation of the pressures that may have favoured yawning as a (possibly emotional) communicative cue during evolution. Significance statement: Yawn contagion is associated with inter-individual synchronisation and activity coordination. While this behaviour is often investigated in apes, its presence in lemurs is debated. Here, we explored presence and modulating factors of yawn contagion in Indri indri, a critically endangered primate living in small family units where individuals show coordinated circadian rhythms and a highly cohesive behavioural pattern. We first demonstrated the presence of yawn contagion in wild indris where, in line with the high degree of behavioural synchrony showed by the individuals within a group, it may possibly indicate a transmission of physiological states. We also demonstrated the association of contagion with grooming rates, but not with the spatial proximity between triggers and responders, nor with their sex and age, pointing at social closeness as the most likely modulating factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dietary supplement potentially employed for the treatment and/or prevention of hyperlipidemia was developed. The proposed product is composed of a combination of natural macromolecules as chitosan (CH), α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), and lupin proteins (LP). First, the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the α-CD and LP binary mixture was assessed and compared to that of the extensively utilized anti-hyperlipidemic CH, using a hyperlipidemic rat model. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of their combination was also demonstrated. Additionally, ligand–target and protein–protein docking studies were performed. The in vivo results displayed that on intergroup comparison, blending CH, α-CD, and LP promised a superior therapeutic effect over α-CD and LP mixture, CH, and the marketed atorvastatin, potentiating a considerable reduction of serum lipid profile and the calculated atherogenic risk predictor indices. Molecular docking study revealed a weak hydrophobic cholesterol–CH and cholesterol–α-CD interactions, while protein–protein docking study showed a good lipase–LP interaction, involving eight hydrogen bonds. Then, on the base of the in vivo and docking study results, a tablet formulation was produced aimed to overcome the negative technological effects of the anti-hyperlipidemic macromolecules: long disintegration time and tablets mechanical resistance. The optimized tablet formulation has a disintegration time shorter than 15 min and a weight loss from friability test lower than 1%, which are in line with the regulatory specifications for uncoated tablets. Overall, this anti-hyperlipidemic formulation is attractive for the dietary and nutraceutical market, despite further clinical studies are required to assess the efficacy, possible side effects, and product compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dense single-node 3D seismic survey has been carried out around the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua (Italy), in order to give new insights about the archaeological setting of the area. The survey made use of nearly 1500 vertical nodes deployed over two rectangular grids. 38 shot positions were fired all around the two receiver patches. The fundamental mode Rayleigh wave signal is here analysed: traveltimes are directly inferred from the signal phases, and phase velocity maps are obtained using Eikonal tomography. Also surface wave amplitudes are used, to produce autospectrum gradient maps. The joint analysis of phase velocity and autospectrum gradient allowed the identification of several buried features, among which possible remains of radial walls of the adjacent Roman amphitheater, structures belonging to a medieval convent, and the root area of an eradicated tree. Finally, depth inversion of 1D dispersion curves allowed the reconstruction of a quasi-3D shear-wave velocity model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To observe the prevalence of contamination by hepatitis A virus (HAV) and norovirus (NoV) in different food types, 9242 samples were analyzed over a 6-year period (January 2014–December 2019). Samples were from routine official activities by Competent Authorities (CAs) and Food Business Operators, according to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plans. Analyses were performed in accordance with European and Italian regulations. Food types were obtained from different production areas of Italy, and ranged from mollusks, ready-to-eat (RTE) and packaged vegetables, frozen berries, tap water, fruit and RTE fruit salads, and processed and preserved foods. No risk management plans were set by the authors' laboratory, because they were still adopted by conferring customers. Analyses were conducted according to ISO/TS 15216-2:2013 (ISO in Part 2: Method for Qualitative Detection. International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, 2013). The data showed that 2.25% (95% CI: 2.0–2.6) of samples were contaminated by at least one virus type, and that the most detected pathogen was NoV GII (89.50% of all positives). Mollusks (filter-feeding animals) were the most contaminated category (92.31% of all positives) not only by NoV or HAV individually, but also by multiple HAV/NoV contaminations consisting of 22.59% of all positives. For NoV, there was a significant correlation between shellfish positivity and season, with the autumn–winter period being the most associated with risk. Conversely, berries, drinking water and RTE vegetables, previously linked to several outbreaks, showed a low rate of contamination. These results from data collection have implications for the improvement of sampling plans for HAV and NoV by Italian CAs, and by food-producing and distribution operators. Moreover, these findings obtained by a standardized qualitative method contribute the collection of data aimed at establishing new microbiological criteria not yet foreseen (but advocated) by current European rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal coagulation parameters are often observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the severity of derangement has been associated with a poor prognosis. The COVID-19 associated coagulopathy (CAC) displays unique features that include a high risk of developing thromboembolic complications. Viscoelastic tests (VETs), such as thromboelastometry (ROTEM), thromboelastography (TEG) and Quantra Hemostasis Analyzer (Quantra), provide "dynamic" data on clot formation and dissolution; they are used in different critical care settings, both in hemorrhagic and in thrombotic conditions. In patients with severe COVID-19 infection VETs can supply to clinicians more information about the CAC, identifying the presence of hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolysis states. In the last year, many studies have proposed to explain the underlying characteristics of CAC; however, there remain many unanswered questions. We tried to address some of the important queries about CAC through VETs analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiodermatitis is visually evaluated by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scoring scheme, using characteristics such as erythema, desquamation, moist and bleeding. However, subjectivity and differences in skin types and melanin content may bias interpretation. This paper describes the use of RGB cameras for radiodermatitis estimation using image processing. We imaged radiodermatitis evolution throughout the treatment of 23 breast cancer radiotherapy patients of all Fitzpatrick skin phototypes. To prevent confounding information from skin fluids and skin reflection, we used cross-polarized imaging. RGB intensity was corrected using white medical tape as a reference. The RGB color as a function of RTOG grade depended strongly on skin phototype. Yet, when patients are grouped into white, brown, and black skin, the normalized RGB colors reveal stable characteristic signatures that uniquely predict RTOG grade for each group. We conclude cross-polarized RGB imaging as proposed is viable to document and estimate radiodermatitis on all skin phototypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of contaminants and their potential mobility represent two of the main environmental issues facing coastal environments. Sediments often act as "reservoirs" of contaminants, including potentially toxic trace elements, but they can also be considered a secondary source of contamination due to remobilisation processes at the sediment-water interface which may affect the quality of the coastal water and aquatic biota. This research aims to provide a geochemical characterisation of the estuarine system of the Timavo/Reka River, focusing on the occurrence of trace elements in different environmental matrices with the purpose of highlighting potential critical conditions in terms of environmental quality. The surface sediments were found to be enriched in several trace elements especially in the innermost sector of the area. There, sulphate-reductive conditions in the bottom saltwater testify to potential anoxia at the sediment-water interface, driving trace element accumulation in the residual fraction of the sediments. However, Fe and Mn redox behaviour appears to play a crucial role in the recycling of dissolved trace elements in the water column. With the lone exception of the saltwater in the innermost sector, trace elements were found to be mainly associated with suspended particles due to oxidation and precipitation processes, whereas a common lithogenic origin was identified for Cr, Ni, and Co, which are significantly correlated both in the surface sediments and in the suspended particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction and detection of radiation-related caries (RRC) are crucial to manage the side effects of the head and the neck cancer (HNC) radiotherapy (RT). Despite the demands for the prediction of RRC, no study proposes and evaluates a prediction method. This study introduces a method based on artificial intelligence neural network to predict and detect either regular caries or RRC in HNC patients under RT using features extracted from panoramic radiograph. We selected fifteen HNC patients (13 men and 2 women) to analyze, retrospectively, their panoramic dental images, including 420 teeth. Two dentists manually labeled the teeth to separate healthy and teeth with either type caries. They also labeled the teeth by resistant and vulnerable, as predictive labels telling about RT aftermath caries. We extracted 105 statistical/morphological image features of the teeth using PyRadiomics. Then, we used an artificial neural network classifier (ANN), firstly, to select the best features (using maximum weights) and then label the teeth: in caries and non-caries while detecting RRC, and resistant and vulnerable while predicting RRC. To evaluate the method, we calculated the confusion matrix, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and area under curve (AUC), as well as a comparison with recent methods. The proposed method showed a sensibility to detect RRC of 98.8% (AUC = 0.9869) and to predict RRC achieved 99.2% (AUC = 0.9886). The proposed method to predict and detect RRC using neural network and PyRadiomics features showed a reliable accuracy able to perform before starting RT to decrease the side effects on susceptible teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is associated with coagulation dysfunction that predisposes patients to an increased risk for both arterial (ATE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and consequent poor prognosis; in particular, the incidence of ATE and VTE in critically ill COVID-19 patients can reach 5% and 31%, respectively. The mechanism of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients is complex and still not completely clear. Recent literature suggests a link between the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients. However, it remains uncertain whether aPLs are an epiphenomenon or are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As x-ray acoustic imaging (XAI) moves towards the external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) environment, introducing new practical XAI dosimetry systems with clinical ultrasound scanner becomes a significant contribution, especially using noise reduction methods that can increase the typical low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of XA images. In addition, experimental validation of multidomain XAI simulation is of great importance for accurate dose estimation. Therefore, in the present study, a XAI system combining a clinical linear particle accelerator (LINAC) and a linear array transducer connected to a clinical ultrasound scanner was developed. The capability of acquiring XA signal and generating images was investigated with simulations and experiments. PENELOPE and k-wave environments were combined to simulate the XAI system, which was used to generate XA images of different metals and bone in a water tank. A Daubechies's wavelet denoise method was proposed to improve XAI's SNR, where a threefold improvement in SNR of XA image of the bone sample was achieved. The denoised XA experimental images agreed well with simulations in terms of spatial profiles and signal amplitude dose–response slope values, therefore validating the multidomain simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal and aggressive brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently used to diagnose and monitoring it. Radiomic features extracted from MRI are being used for correlations with the disease prognosis. A methodology to extract MRI radiomics features in a radiotherapy planning workflow, to assess features related to GBM poor prognosis patients, is presented. One hundred five radiomics features were extracted from T1 post-contrast MRIs of 43 GBM patients. The progression-free survival (PFS) time of all patients was also achieved. These patients were separated into two groups: PFS within 3 months (class value = 1) and PFS higher than 3 months (class value = 0). A machine learning model was built to predict the poor prognosis of patients using a random forest algorithm optimized for class = 1 classification, i. e. optimized for the recall score. Kurtosis was ranked as the most important feature for this classification. The final model presents a recall score of 1.00 ± 0.0 and an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.81 ± 0.04. The model used a kurtosis threshold value at 2.69 ± 0.03 for classification. The kurtosis values achieved for the PFS within 3 months indicate that these tumors are composed of almost the same amount of necrose, neoangiogenesis, edema, and/or tumor cells. In conclusion, a relation between the radiomics analysis of kurtosis in MRI with GBM's poor prognosis was found, and the developed model may help guide the patient's clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carlina acaulis root essential oil (EO) is one of the most potent mosquito larvicides (LC50 < 2 ppm). This EO is mainly composed of carlina oxide (> 90%). Poor water solubility and rapid degradation from UV light and oxygen in the environment limit the real-world use of this EO. Herein, we developed nanocarrier-based formulations, namely micro- and nanoemulsions (ME and NE, respectively) containing C. acaulis EO or carlina oxide (both at 0.5%) as active ingredients (a.i.). The larvicidal activity of ME and NE was evaluated against Culex quinquefasciatus. The highest larvicidal activity was achieved by the ME containing 0.5% of the EO (M1); its LC50(90) was 579.1 (791.3) µL L−1. Sublethal effects of this ME and its a.i. were assessed testing both at the LC16, LC30, LC50 and LC90 on mosquito larvae exposed to each product for 1–7 h, and then monitoring mortality for 18 days. At variance with the EO, ME application, even at LC16, led to 100% mortality at 18 days. The EO and its encapsulated form were scarcely toxic to human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human fibroblast (NHF A12) cell lines. The acute toxicity of C. acaulis EO and its ME (M1) was also evaluated in Wistar rats through oral administration; EO LD50 was 1098 mg kg−1 bw, whereas its ME, even at 5000 mg kg−1 bw (considered the upper testing limit to establish safety to mammals), was not toxic. This study highlights the outstanding efficacy of C. acaulis EO ME for developing long-lasting and safe larvicides against Cx. quinquefasciatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sediments in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) are contaminated by mercury (Hg) due to historic mining which took place in Idrija (Slovenia). Despite many studies having been done regarding Hg, no information is available on the potential impact of dredging required along the main channel approaching the Port of Monfalcone. Sixteen surface sediment samples were collected along the channel to determine both total Hg concentration and chemical species using the thermo-desorption (TD) technique. Six samples were also chosen to apply a selective sequential extraction (SSE). The TD technique showed the maximum Hg release approximately at 260 and 335°C, corresponding to metacinnabar (β-HgS) and cinnabar (α-HgS), respectively. The SSE demonstrated that Hg was mainly associated with poorly soluble or insoluble compounds (98.7%). A resuspension event over a limited period of time can be considered of negligible impact to the water column due to the scarce Hg mobility from sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) is an established tool for bedside hemodynamic evaluation, including pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH may complicate bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) course. Aims of this retrospective study were to assess the feasibility of NPE follow-up of infants with BPD and to describe the course of PH of infants with moderate/severe BPD. Preterm infants <32 gestational weeks or birthweight ≤1500 g with moderate/severe BPD underwent NPE follow-up, from 36 weeks postmenstrual age up to 8 months postnatal age. Twenty-three preemies were included (birth weight 840 (213) g, gestational age 26.8 (2.3) weeks); 12/23 developed mild PH, 2/12 after discharge. PH resolved at 8.9 (3.9) months. Clinical and echocardiographic variables did not differ between infants with and without PH, except pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) and PAAT/right ventricle ejection time (RVET) ratio (PAAT: 36 weeks, 68.9 (11.9) vs 52.0 (19.1), p = 0.0443; 6 months: 83.9 (38.9) vs 74.8 (16.9), p = 0.0372). No deaths or admissions for PH were reported. Neonatologist's Image Quality Assessment score attributed by the cardiologist assumed as gold standard was adequate or optimal (9.5/14 total score); inter-rater agreement was excellent (ICC 0.974). Conclusions: NPE follow-up seems to be feasible and safe in both intensive care and outpatient clinic. Mild PH is frequently detected in moderate/severe BPD, with good prognosis. What is Known: • Preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may develop pulmonary hypertension (PH) and have a late diagnosis. • Neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) is an established tool for bedside hemodynamic evaluation of the neonate. What is New: • To our knowledge this is the first study of NPE follow-up of moderate/severe BPD, describing the course of mild PH from diagnosis to its resolution. • NPE follow-up of BPD seems to be safe and practicable, in both intensive care and outpatient clinic, as long as neonatologists maintain a sound collaboration with pediatric cardiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E, an emerging public health infection which has an increasing incidence across Europe. Because of the apparent lack of species barriers, HEV was characterized as a zoonotic agent. Swine are recognized as the main reservoir, but HEV is also found in wild animals such as ungulates, lagomorphs, and bats. Our work aimed at detecting the HEV presence in wild fauna in two hunting areas of Northern Italy (Parma and Sondrio areas) with different environmental and anthropic characteristics to investigate its possible role as reservoir. Liver samples were collected from wild boars, red deer, roe deer and chamois, and viral identification was carried out by One-Step RT Real-time PCR. Positive samples were genotyped, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The virus was found only in the wild boar population, with different prevalence and subtypes in the two areas (14% HEV3a and 1.2% close to HEV3f in Parma and Sondrio, respectively). Wild ruminants seem otherwise to pose a marginal risk. Given the high pig farm density in the Parma area, and expansion of the wild boar population, continuous monitoring of the strains circulating in wildlife is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early days of the low-cost camera development, the collection of visual data has become a common practice in the underwater monitoring field. Nevertheless, video and image sequences are a trustworthy source of knowledge that remains partially untapped. Human-based image analysis is a time-consuming task that creates a bottleneck between data collection and extrapolation. Nowadays, the annotation of biologically meaningful information from imagery can be efficiently automated or accelerated by convolutional neural networks (CNN). Presenting our case studies, we offer an overview of the potentialities and difficulties of accurate automatic recognition and segmentation of benthic species. This paper focuses on the application of deep learning techniques to multi-view stereo reconstruction by-products (registered images, point clouds, ortho-projections), considering the proliferation of these techniques among the marine science community. Of particular importance is the need to semantically segment imagery in order to generate demographic data vital to understand and explore the changes happening within marine communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable chitosan films were produced using lactic and acetic acid solutions and glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent by casting technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different acids and the crosslinking on the characteristics and biodegradability of chitosan films. The films were analyzed through thickness, swelling degree, mechanical and thermal properties, chemical structure and biodegradability. The glutaraldehyde release was also evaluated. All films' properties are deeply affected by the acid type and glutaraldehyde crosslinking. Crosslinking reduced the swelling degree of films, also increasing their fragility. The glutaraldehyde release from the films to the simulant solutions was not observed after the incubation period. Through biodegradation tests, it was observed that the crosslinking does not prevent films' degradability but longer time is required. The qualitative analysis of ecotoxicity of the films suggests the possibility of composting the developed films. The films presented potential for application as membranes and in packaging, and different formulations can be used according to the desired final characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated strategy combining pediatric-based chemotherapy with risk-oriented allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was evaluated in Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph− ALL) and compared with a published control series. Following induction–consolidation chemotherapy, responsive patients were assigned to receive maintenance chemotherapy or undergo early HCT according to the risk stratification criteria and minimal residual disease (MRD) status. Of the 203 study patients (median age 41 years, range 17–67), 140/161 with Ph− ALL achieved complete remission (86.9%; 91.6% ≤55 years, P = 0.0002), with complete MRD clearing in 68/109; 55 patients were assigned to maintenance chemotherapy, and 85 to HCT due to very high-risk characteristics (hyperleukocytosis, adverse genetics, early/mature T-precursor ALL, and MRD persistence). The 5-year relapse incidence was 36%, and the treatment-related mortality rate was 18%. Median overall and relapse-free survival were 7.4 and 6.2 years, with rates of 54 and 53% at 5 years, respectively, which were significantly better than those obtained with the historical protocol (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively), without significant differences between maintenance and HCT cohorts. In prognostic analysis, MRD negativity and age ≤55 years were the most favorable independent prognostic factors. A reduction in treatment toxicity and further improvements in the risk definitions and risk-oriented design are the focuses of this ongoing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is a gastrointestinal disorder that leads to symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation without visible esophageal mucosal injury, and it is treated with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). CHETOGERD® gel or orosoluble (oro) formulations—an association of natural active ingredient: hyaluronic acid, altea, malva, apple active TM, Aloe vera, l-triptophan, calcium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, Musa paradisiaca)—may be an alternative or a coadjutant treatment in patients with NERD. The aim of the study was to evaluate, prospectively, the efficacy of CHETOGERD® gel and oro in inducing symptom's reduction or remission, in consecutive patients with NERD. Patients were divided in two groups and treated with CHETOGERD® gel or CHETOGERD® oro, 3 sachets/day for 3 months, decreased to 1 sachet/day for other 3 months. Symptoms were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months using the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ). Symptoms' remission was defined as reduction of retrosternal pain or burning, epigastric pain or burning, regurgitation and acid sensation in mouth. Frequency, distribution analyses and non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analysis. Results were considered statistically significant for p values < 0.05. Four hundred and twenty-three patients (M/F 240/183; mean age 50 years) were diagnosed with NERD and were consecutively enrolled. 146 patients underwent therapy with CHETOGERD® gel, while 277 were treated with CHETOGERD® oro. 108 patients from the first group and 172 patients from the second group completed follow up at 3 months, while 100 patients from each group completed follow-up at 6 months. Both formulations were able to significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms analysed with RDQ. No adverse events were reported. CHETOGERD® gel and oro are two valid alternatives to control symptoms in patients with nonerosive reflux disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Marano and Grado Lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) is contaminated mainly by mercury (Hg) of mining and industrial origin. This work aims to investigate the sedimentary records of Hg of a tidal flat–saltmarsh (TF–S) system and to understand the role played by tidal fluxes in terms of the transport, accumulation and release of Hg due to the periodic flow of the tide. The complex history of the sources of Hg in the area of the TF–S system has resulted in several fluctuations of Hg in sediments over time; due to its higher sedimentation rate (1.3 cm year−1) than the subtidal areas of the Grado lagoon, the outer area of the TF–S system is more active in terms of accumulation (from 56 to 81 mg m−2 year−1) than the inner area. Fluxes were estimated at the mouth of a principal tidal creek by combining discrete hourly tidal flow measurements with weighed measurements of dissolved (DHg) and particulate (PHg) mercury obtained via water sample collection. Mercury, mainly in particulate form, is drained by the tidal creek from the marsh during a tidal semi-cycle. The highest flux of PHg was recorded during ebb tide in July (1071 mg). The calculation of the quantitative flows of PHg and DHg highlighted a tendency for Hg to be exported from the TF–S to the lagoon channel during a tidal semi-cycle. However, the results obtained here for the Hg fluxes do not allow for the depiction of a constant positive or negative budget as that found in the literature for macro-scale budget calculations at lagoon tidal inlets. A possible explanation for there being no constant trend in the PHg and DHg budget is that our TF–S system is located in a lagoon area where previous findings reported accretion or a balance situation between erosion and sedimentation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia suffered both high thrombotic and bleeding risk. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on coagulation and fibrinolysis is not well known. We conducted a retrospective study of critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) a cause of severe COVID-19 pneumonia and we evaluated coagulation function using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) on day of admission (T0) and 5 (T5) and 10 (T10) days after admission to ICU. Coagulation standard parameters were also evaluated. Forty patients were enrolled into the study. The ICU and the hospital mortality were 10% and 12.5%, respectively. On ICU admission, prothrombin time was slightly reduced and it increased significantly at T10 (T0 = 65.1 ± 9.8 vs T10 = 85.7 ± 1.5, p = 0.002), while activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen values were higher at T0 than T10 (32.2 ± 2.9 vs 27.2 ± 2.1, p = 0.017 and 895.1 ± 110 vs 332.5 ± 50, p = 0.002, respectively); moreover, whole blood thromboelastometry profiles were consistent with hypercoagulability characterized by an acceleration of the propagation phase of blood clot formation [i.e., CFT below the lower limit in INTEM 16/40 patients (40%) and EXTEM 20/40 patients (50%)] and significant higher clot strength [MCF above the upper limit in INTEM 20/40 patients (50%), in EXTEM 28/40 patients (70%) and in FIBTEM 29/40 patients (72.5%)]; however, this hypercoagulable state persists in the first five days, but it decreases ten day after, without returning to normal values. No sign of secondary hyperfibrinolysis or sepsis induced coagulopathy (SIC) were found during the study period. In six patients (15%) a deep vein thrombosis and in 2 patients (5%) a thromboembolic event, were found; 12 patients (30%) had a catheter-related thrombosis. ROTEM analysis confirms that patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia had a hypercoagulation state that persisted over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are characterized by increased protein aggregation in the brain, progressive neuronal loss, increased inflammation, and neurogenesis impairment. We analyzed the effects of a new purine derivative drug, PDD005, in attenuating mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, using both in vivo and in vitro models. We show that PDD005 is distributed to the brain and can rescue cognitive deficits associated with aging in mice. Treatment with PDD005 prevents impairment of neurogenesis by increasing sex-determining region Y-box 2, nestin, and also enhances synaptic function through upregulation of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density protein 95. PDD005 treatment also reduced neuro-inflammation by decreasing interleukin-1β expression, activation of astrocytes, and microglia. We identified prohibitin as a potential target in mediating the therapeutic effects of PDD005 for the treatment of cognitive deficit in aging mice. Additionally, in the current study, glycogen synthase kinase appears to attenuate tau pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isofuranodiene is a bioactive furanosesquiterpene occurring as the major volatile compound in the essential oil from Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae). It has a notable potentiality to be used as a botanical insecticide. However, its low solubility together with susceptibility to oxidation and thermal degradation limits its application on a wide scale. To face these challenges, isofuranodiene was encapsulated in stable microemulsions (MEs) at two concentrations (ME 750: 0.75%, ME 375: 0.375%). We assessed the larvicidal activity in the short term and after several days of exposure of pure isofuranodiene and its MEs against the filariasis vector Culex quinquefasciatus. The impact of ME-based larvicide at sublethal concentrations on adult emergence was evaluated. Finally, to shed light on potential ecotoxicology risks for nontarget invertebrates, MEs were tested on the aquatic microcrustacean Daphnia magna and on the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Pure isofuranodiene and S. olusatrum leaf essential oil, used as controls, showed their potential as mosquito larvicidal agents (LC50 of 29.2 and 18.6 μL L−1, respectively). Isofuranodiene formulated in ME 750 was effective against C. quinquefasciatus larvae, leading to significant larval mortality over time and a marked decrease in adult emergence. Both isofuranodiene MEs showed little impact on the nontarget aquatic microcrustacean Daphnia magna (ME 750 and ME 375: mortality < 19% after 48 h of exposure at 32 mL L−1 and 20 mL L−1, respectively) as well as on earthworms (ME 750 and ME 375: no mortality and mortality < 7% after 14 days of exposure to 1000 mg kg−1, respectively), outlining their potential employ in vector control operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berries have repeatedly been associated with outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. The fruits are usually minimally processed in the food industry due to their delicate nature. While washing treatments partially remove enteric viruses, the commonly used chemical additives produce toxic by-products. A valid alternative to preserve the food safety of these products could be the use of essential oils (EOs). EOs exert antimicrobial activity and do not interfere with the nutritional characteristics of food products. We investigated the efficacy of four essential oils, lemon (Citrus limon), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), and rosemary cineole (Rosmarinus officinalis chemotype 1.8 cineole) in reducing viral loads of HAV in soft fruits. Mixed fruit berries were inoculated with 106.74 TCID50/ml of HAV, and treated with four different EOs (0.5% lemon, 0.1% sweet orange and grapefruit, and 0.05% rosemary) for 1 h at room temperature. Virus infectivity was then assessed by titration assays for its ability to grow on cell cultures. A statistically significant reduction in HAV titer on the fruit surface was observed after treating the berries with EOs of lemon (2.84 log TCID50/ml), grapefruit (2.89 log TCID50/ml), and rosemary cineole (2.94 log TCID50/ml). Rosemary cineole was the most effective EO in reducing viral titer on berries, followed by grapefruit EO. These results improve our knowledge about the antiviral activity of these EOs and highlight their potential use in fresh produce sanitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A yearlong sampling campaign (2012-2013) was conducted in six major cities of the Veneto region to investigate the spatial-temporal trends and the factors affecting the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) variations and identify the local sources. Sixty samples per city were collected for analyses in every alternate month (April, June, August, October, December, and February): 10 samples per sampling site in 10 consecutive days of the months selected. Samples were ultrasonically extracted with acetonitrile and processed through high-performance liquid chromatography. Total Σ-PAH concentrations ranged from 0.19 to 70.4 ng m−3 with a mean concentration of 11.5 ng m−3. The mean benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) concentration reached 2.0 ng m−3, which is two-times higher than the limit set by the European Union. BaP contributed for 17.4% to the total concentration of PAHs, which showed the same pattern across the region with maxima during cold months and minima in the warm period. In this study, PAHs showed an inverse relationship with temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and ozone. According to this study, biomass burning for household heating and cooking, followed by gaseous PAHs absorption on particles due to low atmospheric temperature, were the main reasons for increasing PAHs concentration in winter. Health risk, evaluated as lifetime lung cancer risk (LCR), showed a potential carcinogenic risk from the airborne BaPTEQ six-fold higher in the cold season than in the warm one. Diagnostic ratios and conditional probability functions were used to locate the sources, and results confirmed that local emission, overall domestic heating, and road transport exhausts were responsible for higher concentration rates of PAHs as well as of PM2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main environmental issues affecting coastal marine environments is the accumulation of contaminants in sediments and their potential mobility. In situ benthic chamber experiments were conducted at two tourist ports (marinas) located in the Gulf of Trieste, one in Slovenia and one in Italy. The aim was to understand if and where recycling at the sediment-water interface (SWI) may affect metal(loid)s. Short sediment cores were also collected near the chamber to investigate the solid (sediments) and dissolved phases (porewaters). Both diffusive and benthic fluxes were estimated to elucidate the release of metal(loid)s at the SWI. Total element concentrations and their labile fractions were determined in sediments to quantify their potential mobility. The total element contents were found to be two orders of magnitude higher in the Italian marina than in the Slovenian one, especially for Hg (up to 1000 mg kg−1), whereas the labile fraction was scarce or null. The opposite occurred in the Slovenian marina. Metal(loid)s in porewaters showed a clear diagenetic sequence and a close dependence upon the suboxic/anoxic conditions of sediments. The results suggest that although the sediments of the Italian marina exhibit the highest total metal(loid) concentration, these elements are scarcely remobilisable. Conversely, in the Slovenian marina, sediments seem to be comparatively more prone to release metal(loid)s at the SWI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch and chitosan are biodegradable polymers from renewable sources that can be used to overcome the serious environmental problem caused by improper disposal of synthetic plastic materials, non-biodegradable, derived from petroleum sources. The starch-chitosan based films manufactured allow improving the better characteristics of each one, adding their good characteristics and compensating for some limitations. In this work, it was studied: two sources of starch (corn and cassava), two different modes of chitosan addition (chitosan blended in the starch filmogenic solution and chitosan as coating), and the effect of glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. All films were prepared by casting using glycerol as a plasticizer and were characterized by their physicochemical (water vapor permeability, water contact angle, and FTIR), mechanical, and antimicrobial properties. The properties analyzed were influenced by all variables tested. Moreover, the principal component analysis was also conducted in order to relate and describe the variables analyzed. The antimicrobial activity of the corn starch-based films containing chitosan was confirmed, and these films have potential for development of active packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Po Valley is one of the most important hot spots in Europe for air pollution. Morphological features and anthropogenic pressures lead to frequent breaching of air quality standards and to high-pollution episodes in an ~46 × 103-km2-wide alluvial lowland. Therefore, it is increasingly important to study the air quality in a wide geographical scale to better implement possible and successful mitigation measures. The Veneto region lies in the eastern part of the Po Valley and the elemental composition of PM has been mainly studied in the Venice area, whereas scarce data are available for the remaining territory of the region. In this study, the elemental composition of PM2.5 was investigated over 1 year (2012–2013) at six major cities of the Veneto region. Samples were analyzed for 16 elements (Ca, Al, Fe, S, K, Mg, Ti, Mn, Zn, Ba, As, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Cu), and results were processed to investigate spatial and seasonal variations, the influence of meteorological factors, and the most probable sources by using a procedure based on (i) elemental ratios (Cu/Sb, Cu/Zn, Cu/Pb, Mn/V, V/Ni, and Zn/Pb), (ii) cluster analysis on wind data, and (iii) conditional probability function (CPF). The percentage of elements in PM2.5 ranged between 11 and 20%, and Ca and S were the most abundant elements in the region. Typical seasonal variations and similar trends were exhibited by each element, especially in the lowland. Some elements such as Zn, K, Mn, Pb, and Sb were found at high concentrations during the cold period. However, no similar dispersion processes were observed throughout the region, and their concentrations were mostly depending on individual local sources. In the alpine and foothill parts of the region, lower concentrations were recorded with respect to the Po Valley cities, which resulted enriched of most of the elements considered in this study. The cluster analysis on wind data and the CPF of the ratio-related sources demonstrated that a widespread pollution condition exists in the region, apart from the coastal area. However, specific directions (e.g., a link with high-traffic roads, industrial areas, and airports) resulted the most probable explanation for each ratio-related source. In addition, the Veneto region hosts one of the most important Mediterranean ports for the cruise sector (Venice harbor), and its impact was previously demonstrated in the historical city center. In this study, the impact of Venice shipping emissions was estimated to be 3.5% of PM2.5 in some particular days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: Concentration of mercury in human hair and associated factors in residents of the Gulf of Trieste (North-Eastern Italy) The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23384-z B Correction to: Environmental Science and Pollution Research b https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23384-z The correct Table 2 is shown in this paper. [Extracted from the article]

A total of 85 PM samples were collected at a site located in a large industrial zone (Porto Marghera, Venice, Italy) during a 1-year-long sampling campaign. Samples were analyzed to determine water-soluble inorganic ions, elemental and organic carbon, and levoglucosan, and results were processed to investigate the seasonal patterns, the relationship between the analyzed species, and the most probable sources by using a set of tools, including (i) conditional probability function (CPF), (ii) conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF), (iii) concentration weighted trajectory (CWT), and (iv) potential source contribution function (PSCF) analyses. Furthermore, the importance of biomass combustions to PM was also estimated. Average PM concentrations ranged between 54 and 16 μg m in the cold and warm period, respectively. The mean value of total ions was 11 μg m (range 1-46 μg m): The most abundant ion was nitrate with a share of 44 % followed by sulfate (29 %), ammonium (14 %), potassium (4 %), and chloride (4 %). Levoglucosan accounted for 1.2 % of the PM mass, and its concentration ranged from few ng m in warm periods to 2.66 μg m during winter. Average concentrations of levoglucosan during the cold period were higher than those found in other European urban sites. This result may indicate a great influence of biomass combustions on particulate matter pollution. Elemental and organic carbon (EC, OC) showed similar behavior, with the highest contributions during cold periods and lower during summer. The ratios between biomass burning indicators (K, Cl, NO , SO , levoglucosan, EC, and OC) were used as proxy for the biomass burning estimation, and the contribution to the OC and PM was also calculated by using the levoglucosan (LG)/OC and LG/PM ratios and was estimated to be 29 and 18 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper, we use the recursive saddle point method developed by Marcet and Marimon (1999, 2011) to a simple concave dynamic optimization problem. While the recursive saddle point problem is well defined and delivers the correct value of our optimization problem, it does not generate only optimal policies. Indeed some of the solutions that it produces are either suboptimal or do not even satisfy feasibility. We identify the reasons underlying this failure and discuss its implications for some existing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]