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The field of bioorthogonal chemistry has revolutionized our ability to interrogate and manipulate biological systems at the molecular level. However, the range of chemical reactions that can operate efficiently in biological environments without interfering with the native cellular machinery, remains limited. In this context, the rapidly growing area of photocatalysis offers a promising avenue for developing new type of bioorthogonal tools. The inherent mildness, tunability, chemoselectivity, and external controllability of photocatalytic transformations make them particularly well‐suited for applications in biological and living systems. This minireview summarizes recent advances in bioorthogonal photocatalytic technologies, with a particular focus on their potential to enable the selective generation of designed products within biologically relevant or living settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To provide guidance for follow‐up and monitoring of children and adolescents identified as positive to islet autoantibodies (IA) in the general population screening for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Italy. Methods: Detection of IA helps to diagnose pre‐symptomatic T1D, prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and identify persons for new therapies to delay symptomatic diabetes. Italy recently became the first country to approve by law a general autoantibody screening program for T1D and celiac disease in all children and adolescents (age 1‐17yr). A pilot study is currently underway in four Italian regions addressing feasibility issues to be used in the scale up to nationwide screening. Meanwhile, a group of experts developed guidance recommendations for follow‐up and monitoring of identified IA positive persons. Results: Ten key components have been identified: establishment of a registry for children and adolescents at risk; close collaboration with the national network of family paediatricians; creation of T1D centers with expertise in follow‐up and monitoring; educational measures; assurance of solid IA tests; identification of appropriate metabolic tests; feed‐back feasibility and acceptability questionnaires; potential access to available therapeutic interventions; valuable outcome measures including DKA incidence; costs monitoring. Distinctive features of this program include single (in addition to multiple) IA antibody‐positive persons in follow‐up and the use of CGM to assess risk progression, rather than the cumbersome OGTT. Conclusion: It is expected that the proposed follow‐up and monitoring program will be effective, affordable and acceptable to children and families identified in general T1D screening in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an all‐fiber telecom‐range optical gyroscope employing a spontaneous parametric down conversion crystal to produce ultra‐low intensity thermal light by tracing‐out one of the heralded photons. The prototype exhibits a detection limit on photon delay measurements of 249 zs over a 72 s averaging time and 26 zs in differential delay measurements at t=104$t=10^4$ s averaging. The detection scheme proves to be the most resource‐efficient possible, saturating >99.5%$>99.5\%$ of the Cramér–Rao bound. These results are groundbreaking in the context of low‐photon regime quantum metrology, paving the way to novel experimental configurations to bridge quantum optics with special or general relativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Although there is extensive evidence about the safety of monoclonal antibodies against calcitonin gene‐related peptide (anti‐CGRP mAbs) in combination with traditional drugs, scarce data are available on the safety of their combination with other mAbs. This study aimed to evaluate the 6‐month effectiveness and tolerability of anti‐CGRP mAbs in combination with other mAbs for different diseases. Methods: Patients included in the Italian Headache Registry and treated concomitantly with an anti‐CGRP mAb and another mAb were included. Effectiveness outcomes for migraine included reduction from baseline of monthly headache days (MHDs), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score, Headache Impact Test‐6 (HIT‐6) scores, and Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Results: Thirty‐eight patients were included. In 27 patients (71.1%), the anti‐CGRP mAb was added to a previously ongoing mAb. Nine patients (23.7%) discontinued one of the two mAbs before the end of treatment (seven discontinued the anti‐CGRP mAb and two the other mAb). One patient discontinued for AEs. Anti‐CGRP mAbs were discontinued due to ineffectiveness (n = 5, 55.5%) and one each (11.1%) for clinical remission and lost to follow‐up. MHDs significantly decreased from baseline to 3 months (p < 0.0001) and 6 months (p < 0.001), as did the MIDAS and the HIT‐6 scores at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001). For anti‐CGRP mAbs, 27.4% of patients reported PGIC ≥ 5 at 3 months and 48.3% at 6 months. Mild AEs associated with introduction of a second mAb were detected in six patients (15.8%). Conclusions: In this real‐world study, anti‐CGRP mAbs showed safety and effectiveness when administered concomitantly with other mAbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ansanto Valley's Mefite, one of the Earth's largest non‐volcanic CO2 gas emissions, is distinguished by its cold natural carbon dioxide springs. These emissions originate from the intricate tectonics and geodynamics of the southern Apennines in Italy. Known for over two millennia for its lethal concentration of CO2 and other harmful gases, the Mefite has a reputation for being toxic and dangerous. Despite its historical significance and unique geological features, there is a lack of information on the microbial diversity associated with the Mefite's gas emissions. This study presents an integrated exploration of the microbial diversity in the mud soil, using high‐throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA (Prokaryotes) and ITS2 (Fungi), alongside a geochemical site characterisation. Our findings reveal that the Mefite's unique environment imposes a significant bottleneck on microbial diversity, favouring a select few microbial groups such as Actinobacteria and Firmicutes for Prokaryotes, and Basidiomycota for Fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epithelial barrier impairment is associated with many skin and mucosal inflammatory disorders. Laundry detergents have been demonstrated to affect epithelial barrier function in vitro using air–liquid interface cultures of human epithelial cells. Methods: Back skin of C57BL/6 mice was treated with two household laundry detergents at several dilutions. Barrier function was assessed by electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements after the 4 h of treatments with detergents. RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and targeted multiplex proteomics analyses in skin biopsy samples were performed. The 6‐h treatment effect of laundry detergent and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was investigated on ex vivo human skin. Results: Detergent‐treated skin showed a significant EIS reduction and TEWL increase compared to untreated skin, with a relatively higher sensitivity and dose–response in EIS. The RNA‐seq showed the reduction of the expression of several genes essential for skin barrier integrity, such as tight junctions and adherens junction proteins. In contrast, keratinization, lipid metabolic processes, and epidermal cell differentiation were upregulated. Proteomics analysis showed that the detergents treatment generally downregulated cell adhesion‐related proteins, such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule and contactin‐1, and upregulated proinflammatory proteins, such as interleukin 6 and interleukin 1 beta. Both detergent and SDS led to a significant decrease in EIS values in the ex vivo human skin model. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that laundry detergents and its main component, SDS impaired the epidermal barrier in vivo and ex vivo human skin. Daily detergent exposure may cause skin barrier disruption and may contribute to the development of atopic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic semiconductors with distinct molecular properties and large carrier mobilities are constantly developed in attempt to produce highly‐efficient electronic materials. Recently, designer molecules with unique structural modifications have been expressly developed to suppress molecular motions in the solid state that arise from low‐energy phonon modes, which uniquely limit carrier mobilities through electron–phonon coupling. However, such low‐frequency vibrational dynamics often involve complex molecular dynamics, making comprehension of the underlying electronic origins of electron–phonon coupling difficult. In this study, first a mode‐resolved picture of electron–phonon coupling in a series of materials that are specifically designed to suppress detrimental vibrational effects, is generated. From this foundation, a method is developed based on the crystalline orbital Hamiltonian population (COHP) analyses to resolve the origins—down to the single atomic‐orbital scale—of surprisingly large electron–phonon coupling constants of particular vibrations, explicitly detailing the manner in which the intermolecular wavefunction overlap is perturbed. Overall, this approach provides a comprehensive explanation into the unexpected effects of less‐commonly studied molecular vibrations, revealing new aspects of molecular design that should be considered for creating improved organic semiconducting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its known reconstructed volcanic history, the structural setting and present state of the Astroni Volcano of the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy are still poorly defined. Through structural, geophysical, and geochemical investigations, we elucidate the structure and present volcanic activity of the Astroni Volcano, which hosts tuff cones, scoriae cones, lava domes, and lakes on the crater floor. A volcano‐tectonic analysis focused on the entire volcano edifice, coupled with electrical resistivity tomography of the shallower part of the Astroni crater, revealed the main rock formations, faults, and possible fluid patterns within the first 150 m depth. Two main NE–SW and NW–SE trending fault sets were imaged using electrical resistivity modeling and measurements along the wall of the volcanic edifice; they likely delimit a maar‐like structure resulting from the highest energetic subplinian Astroni 6 eruption event and acted as magma pathways during the late eruptive activity stage. A 3D view of the reconstructed resistivity model revealed both deep root‐conduit‐like structures and shallower dome‐like shapes for volcanic edifices on the crater floor. Gas and carbon compositions in the NNE sectors of the Astroni Lago Grande are similar to those of the Solfatara fumarole fluids, suggesting common hydrothermal origin and a possible link with a deep hydrothermal reservoir. This fluid‐emission area along the border of the younger volcanic structure exhibits a +40°C maximum soil‐temperature anomaly. The proposed volcano‐tectonic architecture should improve the unrest scenarios in case of reactivation in this Campi Flegrei caldera sector and the monitoring strategies for the Astroni Volcano. Plain Language Summary: The Campi Flegrei caldera (Southern Italy) is one of the most productive explosive volcanic systems worldwide. The central‐eastern sector of the caldera has recently been the location of several major volcanic vents, including the Astroni Volcano. It is very close to the Solfatara‐Pisciarelli area, where the most significant energy release and largest variation of the volcanic and seismic activities characterize the ongoing unrest crisis of the Campi Flegrei. In this study, we aim to provide new insights regarding the structure of the Astroni Volcano and elucidate the present volcanic activity through a multidisciplinary approach that merges volcanological, structural, geophysical, and geochemical data. A volcano‐tectonic analysis, coupled with a 3D electrical resistivity tomography, allowed us to define in detail the relation between the volcano‐tectonic structures, rock bodies, and fluid circulation within the first 150 m depth of the Astroni crater. We describe for the first time the hydrothermal emission activity and thermal anomaly within the Astroni crater and suggest the possible involvement of the geothermal reservoir. These results will help better evaluate the unrest scenarios in case of reactivation in this Campi Flegrei caldera sector and implement effective monitoring strategies for the Astroni Volcano. Key Points: Structural, geophysical, and geochemical investigations elucidate the structure and present volcanic activity of the Astroni VolcanoWe indicate the locations where we first detected hydrothermal emissions and temperature anomaliesResistivity anomalies and identified structural lineaments suggest the presence of active structures within the Astroni Volcano [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of thermosetting materials needs to account for their environmental impact, both in the production and the end‐of‐life phases. In this study, the furan/maleimide Diels‐Alder (DA) chemistry is exploited to develop reprocessable and self‐healing networks. In particular, an epoxy monomer is first functionalized with furanic molecules obtaining DA precursors in which the diene moiety is either a pendant or a terminal group. These precursors are mixed at different relative ratios and then crosslinked with 4,4′‐bismaleimido‐diphenylmethane. The reversible nature of the formed network is investigated by thermal and dynamic‐mechanical analysis. Then the effect of the formulation, in terms of DA network architecture, on the mechanical properties and reprocessability of the resulting crosslinked materials is studied. In detail, the flexural behavior of the as‐prepared samples and reprocessed ones is evaluated, highlighting the influence of composition on the recycling efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma treatments are currently being assessed as a seed processing technology for agricultural purposes. There is sufficient information as a proof‐of‐concept, but a lack of standardization in the methodology prevents a convincing evaluation of plasma treatment on seeds. It would be helpful to coordinate research efforts to make the entry for newcomers into this interdisciplinary field less overwhelming and to aid in transferring this technology into the industry by establishing a common protocol. This review presents the parameters used in the seed preparation, the plasma treatment of the seed, and the seed posttreatment. This summary of the plasma and biological parameters is intended to raise awareness about questions that need to be addressed to properly record protocol details and reproduce results for the plasma treatment of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme rainfall events are increasing in both number and intensity at global scale; however, it is hard to quantify the impact of climate change at local scale given the strong temporal and spatial heterogeneity of this process. Moreover, limited data availability and its spatial variability requires significant effort to identify specific trends at the regional level. In this study, we attempt to construct a detailed description of rainfall patterns and trends over the Campania region, southern Italy. For this reason, the dataset of rainfall annual maxima in pre‐assigned durations was constructed using all available records and extended using interpolation methods such as inverse distance weighting and ordinary kriging methods. The rainfall dataset allowed actual trends over the region to be quantified using the Mann‐Kendall trend test and the record‐breaking analysis. The trend test reveals that most of the rainfall stations display no statistically significant trend, however, an increasing trend of extreme rainfall for short durations, in specific portions of the region, is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Str3 is a transmembrane protein that mediates low‐affinity heme uptake in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Under iron‐limiting conditions, Str3 remains at the cell surface in the presence of increasing hemin concentrations. Using a proximity‐dependent biotinylation approach coupled to mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation assays, we report that the peroxiredoxin Tpx1 is a binding partner of Str3. Under microaerobic conditions, cells deficient in heme biosynthesis and lacking the heme receptor Shu1 exhibit poor hemin‐dependent growth in the absence of Tpx1. Analysis of membrane protein preparations from iron‐starved hem1Δ shu1Δ str3Δ tpx1Δ cells coexpressing Str3‐GFP and TAP‐Tpx1 showed that TAP‐Tpx1 is enriched in membrane protein fractions in response to hemin. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays brought additional evidence that an interaction between Tpx1 and Str3 occurs at the plasma membrane. Results showed that Tpx1 exhibits an equilibrium constant value of 0.26 μM for hemin. The association of Tpx1 with hemin protects hemin from degradation by H2O2. The peroxidase activity of hemin is lowered when it is bound to Tpx1. Taken together, these results revealed that Tpx1 is a novel interacting partner of Str3. Our data are the first example of an interaction between a cytoplasmic heme‐binding protein and a cell‐surface heme transporter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a hydrogen bond (H‐Bond) network has been proved to impact significantly the efficiency of organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) devices by promoting molecular orientation and structural anisotropy in thin films. The design of specific compounds to control H‐Bond network formation in an amorphous material, and hence to improve OLED performances, is needed. A successful example is given by the bi‐pyridyl‐based family n‐type of organic semiconductors named BPyMPM. The experimental evidences demonstrate a surprisingly higher electron mobility in thin film composed of 4,6‐bis(3,5‐di(pyridine‐4‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐methylpyrimidine (B4PyMPM (B4)), which is almost two order of magnitude higher than mobility measured for very similar member of the family, 4,6‐bis(3,5‐di(pyridine‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐methylpyrimidine (B2PyMPM (B2)). Herein, a comprehensive computational study is presented, wherein classical and ab initio methods are combined, to investigate the 2D H‐Bond network in B4 and B2 thin films. The results indicate that B4 forms a larger number of intermolecular C‐H···N H‐Bonds that promote a higher orientational and positional order in B4 films, and superior electron transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antihuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies restrict the access to cardiac allografts. Desensitization therapy is a major challenge in patients with cardiogenic shock waiting for urgent heart transplantation (HT). We retrospectively reviewed six patients (mean age of 37.5 years [16–70]) who underwent plasmapheresis (PP) under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) before transplant between January 2017 and September 2018. The average duration of follow‐up was 25 months [20–32]. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of HLA‐specific antibodies was reported as follows: score 4 for MFI < 1000, score 6 for 1000 < MFI < 3000 and score 8 for MFI > 3000. The mean duration of ECMO support was 29 days [1–74] and 6.8 [1–29] PP sessions were performed per patient before transplant. The mean number of HLA‐specific antibodies before HT was 9.6 for score 6 [4–13] and 5.8 for score 8 [1–12]. Four patients had major complications after transplantation (2 hemorrhagic shocks, 5 infectious events). Mean MFI reduction rate was 94% [79–100] for Class I and 44.2% for Class II [0–83]. Hospital survival was 100%, and early antibody‐mediated rejection was diagnosed in one patient at 7 days after HT. Plasmapheresis under ECMO support was associated with favorable early outcomes in highly sensitized candidates for urgent heart transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of local environmental interactions on the generation of free charge carriers in doped organic layers is investigated. Via a classical micro‐electrostatic model, a dual effect of molecular quadrupole moments of host and dopant molecules on doping is demonstrated. Namely, electrostatic interactions ease ionization of the dopant by altering the energy level alignment between the host and the dopant and reduce the barrier for charge dissociation by flattening the energy landscape around the ionized dopants. These results indicate that tailoring molecular quadrupole moments of the host and/or dopant are an attractive strategy toward improved doping efficiency in organic semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The correctness of the results of automated platelet analysis is still highly debated. The aim of this multicenter study, conducted according to international guidelines, was to verify the analytical performance of nine different types of hematology analyzers (HAs) in the automated platelet analysis. Methods: Four hundred eighty‐six peripheral blood samples (PB), collected in K3EDTA tubes, were analyzed by ABX Pentra, ADVIA2120i, BC‐6800, BC‐6800 Plus, Cell‐DYN Sapphire, DxH800, XE‐2100, XE‐5000, XN‐20 with PLT‐F App. Within‐run imprecision and between‐run imprecision were carried out using PB and material control, respectively. The carryover, low limit of quantification (LoQ), and the PB stability were evaluated. Results: The carryover was absent for all HAs. The LoQ of PLT ranged between 2.0 (Cell‐Dyn Sapphire) and 25.0 × 109/L (ADVIA 2120i), while immature platelet fraction (IPF) ranged between 1.0 (XN‐20) and 12.0 × 109/L (XE‐5000). The imprecision (%CV) increases as the platelet count decreases. No HAs showed desirable CVAPS for PLT counts less than 50.0 × 109/L, with the exception of Cell‐DYN Sapphire (CV 3.0% with PLT‐O mean value of 26.7 × 109/L), XN‐20 (CV 2.4% with PLT‐F mean value of 21.5 × 109/L), and BC‐6800 Plus (CV 1.9% with PLT‐O mean value of 26.5 × 109/L). The sample stability ranged between under two hours for MPV by ADVIA2120i and 8 hours for other PLT parameters and HAs. Conclusion: The findings of this study may provide useful information regarding carryover, precision, and stability of platelet counts and parameters, especially in thrombocytopenic samples. Moreover, the stability of sample for platelet analysis is conditioned by the HA and by temperature and storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noninterest income is widely used in the literature to account for the degree of the universal business model by banks. This paper proposes a novel measure of universal banking constructed using the relative contribution of each operating segment to total assets using an entropy approach. We here propose a novel dataset containing the Universal Banking Index (UBI) at both country and bank levels. Using a sample of international banks, we evaluate the extent to which our proposed metric affects banks' profitability, stability, liquidity and capitalisation. Results suggest that a higher degree of diversification is associated with increased stability. In addition, banks that feature a more diversified business model, as proxied by the UBI, are also better capitalised, as opposed to banks with high noninterest income share. Our results suggest that regulatory‐induced restriction on universal banking may indeed reduce the benefits of risk sharing across operating segments, exposing banks to heightened risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cophylogeny is the congruence of phylogenetic relationships between two different groups of organisms due to their long‐term interaction. We investigated the use of tree shape distance measures to quantify the degree of cophylogeny. We implemented a reverse‐time simulation model of pathogen phylogenies within a fixed host tree, given cospeciation probability, host switching, and pathogen speciation rates. We used this model to evaluate 18 distance measures between host and pathogen trees including two kernel distances that we developed for labeled and unlabeled trees, which use branch lengths and accommodate different size trees. Finally, we used these measures to revisit published cophylogenetic studies, where authors described the observed associations as representing a high or low degree of cophylogeny. Our simulations demonstrated that some measures are more informative than others with respect to specific coevolution parameters especially when these did not assume extreme values. For real datasets, trees' associations projection revealed clustering of high concordance studies suggesting that investigators are describing it in a consistent way. Our results support the hypothesis that measures can be useful for quantifying cophylogeny. This motivates their usage in the field of coevolution and supports the development of simulation‐based methods, i.e., approximate Bayesian computation, to estimate the underlying coevolutionary parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campi Flegrei caldera is a large volcanic complex lying in the Campanian Plain, Southern Italy. During its history the caldera experienced episodes of bradyseism and intense swarm seismicity. The mechanism leading to unrest episodes is still debated, and great efforts are ongoing to improve the knowledge of this structure and its evolution due to the high volcanic risk in such a densely populated area. Here we present a resistivity model from a two‐dimensional inversion of audiomagnetotelluric data acquired along an approximately 5.6‐km long profile crosscutting the Solfatara‐Pisciarelli district and the Agnano plain. The resistivity model shows (1) very low resistivity values confined in the first 500 m of depth both in correspondence of the Solfatara‐Pisciarelli districts and the Agnano depression; (2) a resistive plume that extends underneath the Solfatara crater down to 2,000‐ to 3,000‐m depth, and (3) an adjoining relative conductive unit eastward. We discuss the resistivity structures in a multidisciplinary framework integrating inedited geochemical and seismological observations with existing surface geology and subsurface information. The Solfatara‐Pisciarelli district and the Agnano plain, both being expression of intense hydrothermal activity, show different characteristics. Below the Solfatara‐Pisciarelli area, the shallow conductive zone is interpreted as a faulted clay cap that overlies a highly active vapor‐dominated reservoir characterized by a convective mechanism. Conversely, below the Agnano plain, a liquid phase seems to prevail in the reservoir. The spatiotemporal variations of seismicity imply a combined action of preexisting tectonic lineaments and fluid interaction between the gas/steam reservoir and the outflow zone. Key Points: We present new audiomagnetotelluric, geochemical, and seismological observations data collected in the central‐eastern sector of Campi Flegrei calderaThe multidisciplinary analysis provides information on the structure and properties of the hydrothermal reservoir and of the fluid pathwaysSeismic events seem linked to the combined action of tectonic lineaments and fluid interactions between gas/steam reservoir and the outflow zone [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane proteins are challenging to study and restraints for structure determination are typically sparse or of low resolution because the membrane environment that surrounds them leads to a variety of experimental challenges. When membrane protein structures are determined by different techniques in different environments, a natural question is 'which structure is most biologically relevant?' Towards answering this question, we compiled a dataset of membrane proteins with known structures determined by both solution NMR and X-ray crystallography. By investigating differences between the structures, we found that RMSDs between crystal and NMR structures are below 5 Å in the membrane region, NMR ensembles have a higher convergence in the membrane region, crystal structures typically have a straighter transmembrane region, have higher stereo-chemical correctness, and are more tightly packed. After quantifying these differences, we used high-resolution refinement of the NMR structures to mitigate them, which paves the way for identifying and improving the structural quality of membrane proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of Doxorubicin (Dox), a frontline drug for many cancers, is often complicated by dose-limiting cardiotoxicity in approximately 20% of patients. The G-protein estrogen receptor GPER/GPR30 mediates estrogen action as the cardioprotection under certain stressful conditions. For instance, GPER activation by the selective agonist G-1 reduced myocardial inflammation, improved immunosuppression, triggered pro-survival signaling cascades, improved myocardial mechanical performance, and reduced infarct size after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hence, we evaluated whether ligand-activated GPER may exert cardioprotection in male rats chronically treated with Dox. 1 week of G-1 (50 μg/kg/day) intraperitoneal administration mitigated Dox (3 mg/kg/day) adverse effects, as revealed by reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, LDH, and ROS levels. Western blotting analysis of cardiac homogenates indicated that G-1 prevents the increase in p-c-jun, BAX, CTGF, iNOS, and COX2 expression induced by Dox. Moreover, the activation of GPER rescued the inhibitory action elicited by Dox on the expression of BCL2, pERK, and pAKT. TUNEL assay indicated that GPER activation may also attenuate the cardiomyocyte apoptosis upon Dox exposure. Using ex vivo Langendorff perfused heart technique, we also found an increased systolic recovery and a reduction of both infarct size and LDH levels in rats treated with G-1 in combination with Dox respect to animals treated with Dox alone. Accordingly, the beneficial effects induced by G-1 were abrogated in the presence of the GPER selective antagonist G15. These data suggest that GPER activation mitigates Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, thus proposing GPER as a novel pharmacological target to limit the detrimental cardiac effects of Dox treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1640-1649, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Recent human studies have evaluated the effect of daily apple consumption on plasma cholesterol level, which is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease ( CVD). Nevertheless, slightly significant effects have been generally registered although consuming more than two apples a day for several weeks. RESULTS This study describes the influence of daily consumption of Annurca apples on the cholesterol levels of mildly hypercholesterolaemic healthy subjects. A monocentric, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 4-month study was conducted. The subjects ( n = 250) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups (each one of 50 subjects: 28 men and 22 women). Four groups were administered one apple per day among the following: Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Golden Delicious. The fifth group was asked to consume two Annurca apples per day, since the weight of this cultivar is on average half that of the commercial ones considered in this study. Comparing results, Annurca led to the most significant outcome, allowing a reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 8.3% and 14.5%, respectively, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 15.2% (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our data would reasonably indicate Annurca apple as a useful tool to contribute to the prevention of CVD risk through normal diet. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: diet; epithelial barrier; gamma-delta T cells; immune cells; nutrient uptake EN diet epithelial barrier gamma-delta T cells immune cells nutrient uptake 1636 1637 2 05/02/22 20220501 NES 220501 Abbreviations CarbTP carbohydrate transcriptional program IL interleukin ILC3s type 3 innate lymphoid cells Jag2 jagged canonical notch ligand 2 The gastrointestinal tract is a complex ecosystem responsible for dietary nutrient absorption but also involved in defense against pathogens and toxins. It is unclear whether upstream mediators can promote T lymphocyte activation during a high-sugar diet, or if these T cells directly sense the luminal increase in carbohydrate content. Tuft cells, specialized intestinal epithelial cells, might be an upstream regulator in this circuit possibly through the production of prostaglandins.2 During a high-carbohydrate diet, T cells show an up-regulation of prostaglandin receptors. [Extracted from the article]

A theoretical investigation of the molecular organization at a sexithiophene (T6)-C60 fullerene planar heterojunction, based on atomistic molecular dynamics, is presented, in which the effect of two different sample preparation processes on the resulting interface morphology is explored. First, the landing of T6 on C60(001) substrate is considered, which leads to crystalline layers of standing and tilted molecules, in accordance with experiments. The observation and the quantitative characterization of the nucleation and growth provide detailed insights on this out-of-equilibrium process, including the establishment of an epitaxial relationship between the substrate and the interfacial T6 layer, and the spontaneous formation of defective islands, characterized by chiral edges, during the growth of the second and third layers. It is then shown that molecular orientations can be radically changed upon annealing at 600 K, at which T6 forms a smectic phase with planar alignment, whose layers are perpendicular to the interface. The interfacial T6 morphologies are then analyzed in detail at room temperature and compared to the known bulk polymorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical investigation of the molecular organization at a sexithiophene (T6)-C60 fullerene planar heterojunction, based on atomistic molecular dynamics, is presented, in which the effect of two different sample preparation processes on the resulting interface morphology is explored. First, the landing of T6 on C60(001) substrate is considered, which leads to crystalline layers of standing and tilted molecules, in accordance with experiments. The observation and the quantitative characterization of the nucleation and growth provide detailed insights on this out-of-equilibrium process, including the establishment of an epitaxial relationship between the substrate and the interfacial T6 layer, and the spontaneous formation of defective islands, characterized by chiral edges, during the growth of the second and third layers. It is then shown that molecular orientations can be radically changed upon annealing at 600 K, at which T6 forms a smectic phase with planar alignment, whose layers are perpendicular to the interface. The interfacial T6 morphologies are then analyzed in detail at room temperature and compared to the known bulk polymorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Haematological analysis of body fluids ( BF) specimens can provide clinicians with valuable diagnostic information because it can indicate one of several serious medical conditions. Although up to now the microscopic counting and the differentiation of WBC in a BF smear have been used as a reference. The introduction of semiautomated and automated methods of analysis has reduced interoperator variability and improved turnaround time and precision. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy and the correlation between the three methods and with the reference method. Methods We examined 110 body fluid samples. Total counting of each sample has been conducted with all systems: Pentra DX120, ADVIA 2120 and XE-2100 and the manual method. Results We found statistically significant correlation between the data obtained in the ascitic and pleuric liquid but not in the cerebrospinal fluid. Conclusion The introduction of automated method for BF analysis is more and more useful in the routine job of a laboratory analysis. It is therefore very important to evaluate the performance of the different automated haematology technologies, because there is a lack of literature in this field. The comparison between the Pentra DX 120, the other technologies and the manual counting showed instrumental overlapping capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common benign pathology, characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the endometrial cavity with a prevalence of 10-15% in reproductive-aged women. The pathogenesis is not completely understood, and several theories have been proposed to explain the aetiology. Our group has recently described the presence of ectopic endometrium in a consistent number of human female foetuses analysed by autopsy, reinforcing the hypothesis that endometriosis may be generated by defects during the organogenesis of the female reproductive trait. Herein, in order to identify, at molecular level, changes involved in the disease, we compared the transcriptional profiling of ectopic endometrium with the corresponding eutopic one. Statistical analyses lead us to identify some genes specifically deregulated in the ectopic endometrium, that are involved in gonad developmental process or in wound healing process. Among them, we identified BMP4 and GREM1. BMP4 was never associated before to endometriosis and is involved in the mesoderm-Müllerian duct differentiation. GREM1 is needed for the initial step of the ureter growth and perhaps could possibly be involved in Müller ducts differentiation. These molecules might be related to the endometriosis aetiology since we showed that their expression is not related to the menstrual cycle phase both at RNA and at protein levels. These data support the theory that embryological defects could be responsible of the endometriosis generation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1927-1934, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GC column selectivity can be continuously adapted to suit analytical needs using a flow-tuneable tandem system. Its application for the separation of complex mixtures requires a deep understanding of the theory in this area. Although a number of researchers have developed specific models, a general and exhaustive theory is still missing. In this paper, we have made an implementation of pre-existing models on tandem-column assemblies operated isothermally. In particular, we have investigated the effect of column length and diameter, phase thickness, and oven temperature on chromatographic parameters, such as capacity factor, selectivity, and intrinsic resolution. A new approach for the correct choice of the working temperature has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of endometriosis, a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, is still unknown. Our research group has recently demonstrated the presence of ectopic endometrium in human female fetuses at different gestational ages. In this manuscript we describe four new cases of fetal endometriosis found among a series of 52 female fetuses analyzed at autopsy. The anatomical localization of this ectopic endometrium, and its histological and immunohistochemical characteristics are depicted. We suggest that endometriosis is caused by dislocation of primitive endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity during organogenesis. The clinical and pathological implications of these findings are discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 1653-1656, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since several characteristics of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection remain to be determined, this study aimed to describe clinical features and complications of patients infected with H1N1. Subjects affected by influenza-like illnesses and a control group of asymptomatic patients were enrolled prospectively at an Emergency Department from October 2009 to April 2010. At enrollment, clinical data and nasopharyngeal swabs for virological analyses were obtained. Ill subjects were followed until recovery and swabs were collected weekly in patients infected with H1N1. Of 318 patients enrolled, 92 (28.9%) were positive to H1N1. Patients infected with H1N1 were mainly young adults and complained classic influenza-like symptoms. Fever was observed for a median time of 5 (IQR 3-7) days. Hospitalization occurred in 27.7% with 2% requiring intensive care unit admission: median length of hospitalization was 6 days (IQR 5-9). Pneumonia was diagnosed in 19.6% of patients. A similar proportion of lower airways involvement and of clinical complications was observed in subjects testing positive or negative for H1N1. However, patients infected with H1N1 were younger and hospitalized for a shorter period as compared to the control group ( P = 0.002 and P = 0.045, respectively). Older age, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension were associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. Viral shedding was observed for at least 1 week in 21.3% of patients. Asymptomatic infection was uncommon (1.1%). Respiratory syndromes caused by H1N1 and factors associated with disease severity were investigated and compared to influenza-like illnesses of other origin. Such findings might contribute to improve clinical and epidemiological management of the disease. J. Med. Virol. 83:2057-2065, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kiwifruit is an important cause of food allergy. A high amount of a protein with a molecular mass compatible with that of Bet v 1 was observed in the kiwifruit extract. Objective: To identify and characterize kirola, the 17-kDa protein of green kiwifruit (Act d 11). Methods: Act d 11 was purified from green kiwifruit. Its primary structure was obtained by direct protein sequencing. The IgE binding was investigated by skin testing, immunoblotting, inhibition tests, and detection by the ISAC microarray in an Italian cohort and in selected Bet v 1-sensitized Austrian patients. A clinical evaluation of kiwi allergy was carried out. Results: Act d 11 was identified as a member of the major latex protein/ripeningrelated protein (MLP/RRP) family. IgE binding to Act d 11 was shown by all the applied testing. Patients tested positive for Act d 11 and reporting symptoms on kiwifruit exposure were found within the Bet v 1-positive subset rather than within the population selected for highly reliable history of allergic reactions to kiwifruit. Epidemiology of Act d 11 IgE reactivity was documented in the two cohorts. IgE co-recognition of Act d 11 within the Bet v 1-like molecules is documented using the microarray IgE inhibition assay. Conclusions: Act d 11 is the first member of the MLP/RRP protein family to be described as an allergen. It displays IgE co-recognition with allergens belonging to the PR-10 family, including Bet v 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalano V, Mellone P, d'Avino A, Shridhar V, Staccioli M P, Graziano F, Giordani P, Rossi D, Baldelli A M, Alessandroni P, Santini D, Lorenzon L, Testa E, D'Emidio S, De Nictolis M, Muretto P, Fedeli S L & Baldi A (2011) Histopathology, 669-678 HtrA1 is a member of the HtrA (high-temperature requirement factor A) family of serine proteases. HtrA1 plays a protective role in various malignancies due to its tumour suppressive properties. The aim of this study was to determine HtrA1 expression as a predictor of chemoresponse in patients with advanced gastric cancer. HtrA1 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry on specimens of primary gastric cancer from 80 patients treated consecutively with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. Response to chemotherapy was assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) criteria. Our population consisted of males/females [51/29; median age 64 years (range 32-82)]. A complete or partial response was observed in 71.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 54.7-88.2], 66.7% (95% CI 47.8-85.5) and 28.6% (95 CI 11.8-45.3) of tumours showing high, medium and low HtrA1 expression, respectively. A statistically significant association between HtrA1 expression and the clinical response was observed ( P = 0.002). The median overall survival for patients with high/medium expression was 17 months compared to 9.5 months for patients with low HtrA1 expression ( P = 0.037). Identification of HtrA1 in gastric cancer prior to chemotherapy indicates that levels of HtrA1 could be used to predict response to platinum-based combination therapies. Further assessment of HtrA1 expression is highly warranted in large, prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution we investigate the impact of the forcing waveform on the productivity of a continuous bioreactor governed by an unstructured, nonlinear kinetic model. The (periodic) forcing is applied on the substrate concentration in the feed. To this end, some alternative waveforms commonly encountered in practice are evaluated and their performance is compared. An analytical/numerical approach is used. The preliminary analytical step is based on the π-criterion that gives useful information for small amplitudes. The extension to larger amplitudes, when significant improvements are expected, is then performed through a continuation-optimization procedure. It is found that the choice of the specific waveform has an impact on the performance of the process and there is no unique best forcing for any process condition, but its choice depends on the operating parameters and the forcing amplitude and frequency values. Further, the influence of the waveform functions on the wash-out conditions are extensively examined. The analysis shows that all the waveforms examined in this work may lead to significant enlargement of the nontrivial regime with respect to a steady state operation. In particular, square-wave forcing leads in practice to the extinction of the wash-out conditions for any feed substrate concentration and for a well defined choice of the forcing parameters. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim In Madagascar the family Rubiaceae includes an estimated 650 species representing 95 genera. As many as 98% of the species and 30% of the genera are endemic. Several factors make the Rubiaceae a model system for developing an understanding of the origins of the Malagasy flora. Ancestral area distributions are explicitly reconstructed for four tribes (Knoxieae, Naucleeae, Paederieae and Vanguerieae) with the aim of understanding how many times, and from where, these groups have originated in Madagascar. Location Indian Ocean Basin, with a focus on Madagascar. Methods Bayesian phylogenetic analyses are conducted on the four tribes. The results are used for reconstructing ancestral areas using dispersal–vicariance analyses. Phylogenetic uncertainties in the reconstructions are accounted for by conducting all analyses on the posterior distribution from the analyses. Results Altogether, 11 arrivals in Madagascar (one in Paederieae, five in Knoxieae, three in Vanguerieae, and two in Naucleeae) are reconstructed. The most common pattern is a dispersal event (followed by vicariance) from Eastern Tropical Africa. The Naucleeae and Paederieae in Madagascar differ and originate from Asia. Numerous out-of-Madagascar dispersals, mainly in the dioecious Vanguerieae, are reconstructed. Main conclusions The four tribes arrived several times in Madagascar via dispersal events from Eastern Tropical Africa, Southern Africa and Tropical Asia. The presence of monophyletic groups that include a number of species only found in Madagascar indicates that much endemism in the tribes results from speciation events occurring well after their arrival in Madagascar. Madagascar is the source of origin for almost all Rubiaceae found on the neighbouring islands of the Comoros, Mascarenes and Seychelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to investigate the effect of organizational characteristics and perceived caring attributes of managers on nurses' job enjoyment. Background. Job satisfaction was the outcome of several studies about organizational or professional practice environments. Study variables predicted 30-60% of the variance in job satisfaction. Job enjoyment, the affective dimension of job satisfaction and manager caring were not variables in previous studies. Methods. We recruited a convenience sample of Registered Nurses ( n = 731) employed by a large healthcare system in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. Participants were primarily staff nurses, female, white, full-time employees and 41 years of age or older. Most had a baccalaureate degree in nursing and 4·5% had an advanced practice license. Participants were surveyed in 2005 using Lake's Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, Nyberg's Caring Assessment Scale, the Job Enjoyment Subscale of the Atwood and Hinshaw Job Satisfaction Scale and a demographic data form. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the study variables. Data were analysed using multiple regression. Results. Nursing foundations for quality of care, nurse manager ability, leadership and support of nurses, staffing and resource adequacy and collegial nurse-physician relations explained 30·6% of the variance in job enjoyment. Age, area of practice and job type explained an additional 5·4%. Conclusion. Quantitative measures did not identify a majority of the variables associated with job enjoyment. Research using a qualitative and quantitative methodology with different practice samples may reveal other variables that influence job enjoyment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]