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Category: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: The utility of Lateral soft tissue release (LSTR) in the setting of percutaneous Hallux Valgus (PHV) surgery is still debated. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature comparing the results of PHV surgery with and without LSTR in order to define the benefits and risks related to this procedure. Our hypotheses were that LSTR would 1) reduce the risk or recurrence of the deformity without increasing the risk of complication and 2) lead to an improved clinical outcome with greater radiological correction. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA checklist and was prospectively registered in the Prospero database (CRD4202230). Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus were used to identify clinical papers reporting results after PHV surgery. Studies were pooled in two categories: PHV with LSTR (Group 1 or G1) and PHV without LSTR (Group 2 or G2). Data regarding the study design, demographics, the surgical procedure and the clinical and radiological outcome were extracted and compared. The modified Coleman Methodology score (mCMS) was used to assess the quality of studies included. Results: Sixteen studies were selected (G1:594 feet;G2:553 feet). The sample size (p=0.11), sex distribution (p=0.57), length of follow-up (p=0.79), size of the incision (p=0.13) were comparable. Studies in G2 included a younger population (54+-6.3 vs 44.4+- 6.8 years;p=0.006), however age did not correlate with the clinical and radiological outcome (all p>0.05). The pooled proportion of complication in the two groups (27%, 95%CI 17-38 and 25%, 95%CI 12-37, respectively) and the pooled proportion of recurrence at a minimum 18-month follow-up (2%, 95%CI 0-3 and 2%, 95%CI 0-5, respectively) didn't differ (p=0.79 and p=0.70). The pre- (51.7+-10.6 and 45.8+-1.7 points;p=0.23) and post-operative AOFAS scores (89.4+-4.3 and 86.9+-3.2 points;p=0.16) and the pre-(HVA:29.7+-2.9 and 44.1+-26.8 degrees,p=0.23)(IMA:12.5+-4.2 and 14.1+-2.6 degrees;p=0.94) and post-operative radiological angles (HVA:12.1+-4.3 and 12.3+-2.3;p=0.47)(IMA:9.2+-2.2 and 7.9+-1.3;p=0.2) didn't differ in the two groups. The methodological quality of studies (mCMS: 68.7+-11 points in G1, 63.4+-14.3 points in G2;p=0.2) was similar in G1 and G2 Conclusion: Lateral soft tissue release during percutaneous HV surgery does not seem to improve the clinical and radiological outcome nor reduces the risk of recurrence of the deformity at a mean 4-year follow-up.

Most life scientists would agree that understanding how cellular processes work requires structural knowledge about the macromolecules involved. For example, deciphering the double-helical nature of DNA revealed essential aspects of how genetic information is stored, copied and repaired. Yet, being reductionist in nature, structural biology requires the purification of large amounts of macromolecules, often trimmed off larger functional units. The advent of cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) greatly facilitated the study of large, functional complexes and generally of samples that are hard to express, purify and/or crystallize. Nevertheless, cryo-EM still requires purification and thus visualization outside of the natural context in which macromolecules operate and coexist. Conversely, cell biologists have been imaging cells using a number of fast-evolving techniques that keep expanding their spatial and temporal reach, but always far from the resolution at which chemistry can be understood. Thus, structural and cell biology provide complementary, yet unconnected visions of the inner workings of cells. Here we discuss how the interplay between cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography, as a connecting bridge to visualize macromolecules in situ, holds great promise to create comprehensive structural depictions of macromolecules as they interact in complex mixtures or, ultimately, inside the cell itself.

Abstract Background Protein-coding genes have been considered the functional part of the genome, although they represent only 2% of the genome. In contrast, more than 90% of the genome produces non-coding RNA (ncRNA), including antisense (AS) genes, a type of long non-coding genes (encoding transcripts > 200 nucleotides) located on the opposite strand of coding genes. Therefore, antisense RNA (asRNA) can be complementary to the counterpart sense RNA, supporting a regulatory role with potential pathogenic consequences, as their deregulation has been associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Results We performed an in-depth review of AS genes in Ensembl and evaluated the expression of AS genes in human liver by third-generation RNA sequencing methods. Currently, 1656 AS genes overlapping with 1556 sense genes have been identified in the human genome. Coding genes with antisense counterparts were significantly larger and had higher transcriptional activity than genes without antisense counterparts. RNA nanopore sequencing of 15 human livers identified 185 transcripts (55 novel) from 150 known AS genes, and 1316 transcripts from 807 sense genes, with 111 sense-antisense pairs. Sense transcripts showed higher expression than antisense transcripts. Remarkably, RNA nanopore sequencing of human livers identified 146 transcripts (67 novel) corresponding to 118 possible novel AS genes. Conclusion This study reveals the landscape of AS genes in the human genome and demonstrates the power of long-read RNA sequencing to identify novel transcripts and even novel AS genes, exploring the relationship between sense and AS gene expression as well.

The long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1, hereafter L1) retrotransposon has generated nearly one-third of the human genome and serves as an active source of genetic diversity and human disease1. L1 spreads through a mechanism termed target-primed reverse transcription, in which the encoded enzyme (ORF2p) nicks the target DNA to prime reverse transcription of its own or non-self RNAs2. Here we purified full-length L1 ORF2p and biochemically reconstituted robust target-primed reverse transcription with template RNA and target-site DNA. We report cryo-electron microscopy structures of the complete human L1 ORF2p bound to structured template RNAs and initiating cDNA synthesis. The template polyadenosine tract is recognized in a sequence-specific manner by five distinct domains. Among them, an RNA-binding domain bends the template backbone to allow engagement of an RNA hairpin stem with the L1 ORF2p C-terminal segment. Moreover, structure and biochemical reconstitutions demonstrate an unexpected target-site requirement: L1 ORF2p relies on upstream single-stranded DNA to position the adjacent duplex in the endonuclease active site for nicking of the longer DNA strand, with a single nick generating a staggered DNA break. Our research provides insights into the mechanism of ongoing transposition in the human genome and informs the engineering of retrotransposon proteins for gene therapy.

Structural studies aiming to visualize the interaction of Tau with microtubules (MTs) face several challenges, the main concerning the fact that Tau has multiple MT-interacting regions. In particular, the four (or three) pseudo-repeats of Tau bind to identical elements along the MT lattice but do it through non-identical residues. In addition, any given Tau molecule can use all its repeats or just one for its engagement with MTs. Finally, the binding of one Tau is not necessarily in register with respect to the next one. The mismatch in the MT and Tau repeats, therefore, challenges conventional modes of image analysis when visualizing these samples using cryo-electron microscopy. This commentary is dedicated to those challenges and ways to circumvent them while aiming for an atomic description of the Tau-tubulin interaction.

Abstract Introduction Self‐expanding Y‐metal stents (SEMS) are best suited lesions with involvement of the carina and proximal main bronchi; however, Y‐stents can be difficult to place. These difficulties guided us to develop a modification of the classic technique that addresses some of the challenges during positioning. We present the Y reverse technique for Y stent insertion using a combination of rigid and flexible bronchoscopy. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 15 consecutive patients, suffering from tracheal‐carina‐lower main bronchi complex, hospitalized at the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the Vanvitelli University of Naples between October 2021 and October 2023. Inclusion criteria: patients in which the length of the stenosis of the right bronchi was greater than that of the left bronchi, advanced oncological conditions, severe respiratory failure; exclusion criteria: Karnofsky scale with

Background and objective: The depth of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline after androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) treatment combined with androgen deprivation therapy for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) may affect prognosis. The primary objective in our study was the correlation between the PSA response at 3 mo and radiologic progression-free survival (rPFS) at 24 mo. Three groups were defined according to the PSA decline: complete response (PSA ≤0.02 ng/ml), partial response (PSA >0.02 and ≤0.2 ng/ml), and incomplete response (PSA >0.2 ng/ml). Secondary objectives were correlation between the PSA response at 3 mo and overall survival, and the development of a model predicting complete PSA response. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study of patients with mHSPC treated with apalutamide from May 2018 to September 2023 registered in the Real-World Evidence APA registry across 20 centers. Key findings and limitations: We included 633 patients with mHSPC. The median age at diagnosis was 68 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 63–75) and median PSA was 16 ng/ml (IQR 7.5–64). Some 63% of the short had low-volume disease, 51% had de novo disease, 48% had recurrent disease. At 3 mo, 27% had a complete response, 42% a partial response, and 31% an incomplete response, with corresponding rRFS rates at 24 mo of 92%, 86%, and 63%. According to the predictive model, a complete PSA response at 3 mo was associated with the use of next-generation imaging and PSA

Abstract Background Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS) encompasses Central Pontine Myelinolysis and Extrapontine Myelinolysis, both of which are serious neurological conditions linked to the overly rapid correction of hyponatremia. Despite growing evidence, the exact etiology of ODS remains incompletely understood. The present paper describes two case studies, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathological findings and clinical outcomes associated with ODS. Case presentation Case #1. A 74-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department following a head trauma caused by a loss of consciousness. Initial laboratory tests revealed severe hyponatremia (sodium level of 101 mmol/L) and hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mmol/L). The patient underwent corrective therapy with saline and potassium chloride. Despite the correction of electrolyte imbalances, the patient developed a hyperintense lesion in the median portion of the pons on T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI sequence 14 days post-treatment, consistent with ODS. The patient’s condition deteriorated, leading to irreversible coma and status epilepticus, culminating in death 32 days after admission. Case #2. An 81-year-old woman with a medical history of hypothyroidism, hypertension, major depression, and stage 3 chronic kidney disease presented with mild gait disturbances. Subsequent testing revealed severe hyponatremia (sodium level of 100 mmol/L). Following an initial clinical improvement due to sodium correction, the patient’s condition worsened, with symptoms progressing to confusion, lethargy, and eventually, ODS. Dermatological manifestations, including blistering lesions and facial edema, appeared as the condition advanced. The patient succumbed to irreversible coma 47 days after admission. Conclusion ODS traditionally carried a poor prognosis, with high mortality rates and diagnoses often made postmortem. However, recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology, along with improvements in diagnostic techniques such as MRI and intensive care treatments, have led to earlier identification, treatment, and recognition of milder forms of the syndrome. Despite these advancements, ODS remains a critical condition with significant risks, particularly following the rapid correction of severe hyponatremia.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tickborne disease caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV) (species Orthonairovirus haemorrhagiae, genus Orthonairovirus, family Nairoviridae, order Bunyavirales). Endemic in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and [...]

Objectives: Tilia viridis (Bayer) Simonk. (Malvaceae) is widely distributed in Argentina and employed for its tranquilizing properties. Other species of the genus (Tilia europaea L., Tilia cordata Mill., Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) have been traditionally used for the treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsy affects approximately 65 million people worldwide and is characterized by an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory processes in the brain, leading to unpredictable, unprovoked, recurrent seizures. Current pharmacological interventions often present mild to moderately severe side effects. Epilepsy has been associated with oxidative and nitrative stress as well as neuroinflammation. Herbal medicine therapies may offer new treatment options with multi-target antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects for patients whose seizures remain uncontrolled, potentially providing cost-effective solutions for individuals worldwide suffering from uncontrolled epilepsy.The aim of this study was to demonstrate the anticonvulsant activity of a standardized T. viridis aqueous extract (TE).Methods: Study of the constituents of TE, TE’s antioxidant and anticonvulsant activities and toxicity, and analysis of the possible relation between the potential activities and the compounds present in the extract. In order to demonstrate TE’s anticonvulsant activity a zebrafish model was used. The study also assessed TE’s toxicity and antioxidant activity. To standardize the extract, total polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified and specific flavonoids were identified and quantified using HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-UV.Results: TE exhibited anticonvulsant activity at low concentrations and demonstrated antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals, exhibiting superoxide dismutase and peroxidase- like activities, as well as inhibiting lipoperoxidation. These actions can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids.Conclusion: TE holds promise as a complementary herbal medicine in the treatment of epilepsy and may also offer benefits for other neuropathies associated with oxidative stress, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Abstract Despite the high global impacts of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) due to their wide distribution and zoonotic potential, the current epidemiological situation of CVBD in many tropical and subtropical regions remains unknown. This study examines the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other pathogens causing CVBDs (Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon canis) in dogs living on the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde Republic). Blood samples and infesting ticks were taken from 150 dogs across the island (stray, shelter, and pet dogs). Serum samples were tested using a rapid immunochromatographic test (Uranotest® Quattro) that detects antibodies against E. canis, L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen. Levels of serum antibodies against E. canis were measured using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). In addition, tick-borne pathogens in blood samples (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia canis) were detected by microscopy observation and/or PCR plus sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis was extremely high at 82% (123/150), as revealed by both immunochromatography and IFAT. Most dogs returning a seropositive test result (82.92%; 102/123) had antibody titres > 1:1280 but showed no clinical signs or notable laboratory abnormalities. Of the 123 animals testing seropositive for E. canis, 67 (54.47%) also presented antibodies against Anaplasma spp., and 13 (10.56%) showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the blood smear. Ehrlichia canis infection was detected in 17.1% (25/146) of dogs tested by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Co-infections were detected in seven of these dogs: four dogs tested PCR-positive for both E. canis and A. platys, two dogs tested positive for E. canis and Hepatozoon spp., and one dog tested positive for E. canis, A. platys and Hepatozoon spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the only tick species found infesting the canine study population. The high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs from Boa Vista Island highlights a need for improved control measures designed to prevent the transmission of these pathogens. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Operators in the obituary and necropsy sectors are exposed to various environmental hazards during specific tasks. Despite this exposure, occupational risks have often been underestimated, resulting in a lack of substantial evidence. The primary objectives of this study were to identify sources of chemical risk, establish procedures for monitoring and quantifying exposure during necropsy activities, and recommend adjustments to regulatory guidelines to protect the health of the operators. The study was conducted at the Legal Medicine Unit of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome, focusing on the quantitative measurement of particulate matter (PM) exposure among at-risk operators during necropsy activities. Environmental levels of total suspended particles, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1 were assessed by evaluating the average, minimum, and maximum instantaneous indoor concentrations using an airborne analyzer. Results The monitoring activities revealed that the PM concentrations were significantly lower than the recognized reference values. However, bone sawing, body removal, and cleaning were identified as high-risk maneuvers for dust suspension. Conclusions Our study highlighted specific risks associated with necropsy activities, particularly concerning timing and certain maneuvers. These results may lead to interventions for improving current prevention procedures, implementing good practices, and developing specific guidelines to enhance operator safety.

Abstract Hybridization has been recognized to play important roles in evolution, however studies of the genetic consequence are still lagging behind in vertebrates due to the lack of appropriate experimental systems. Fish of the genus Xiphophorus are proposed to have evolved with multiple ancient and ongoing hybridization events. They have served as an informative research model in evolutionary biology and in biomedical research on human disease for more than a century. Here, we provide the complete genomic resource including annotations for all described 26 Xiphophorus species and three undescribed taxa and resolve all uncertain phylogenetic relationships. We investigate the molecular evolution of genes related to cancers such as melanoma and for the genetic control of puberty timing, focusing on genes that are predicted to be involved in pre-and postzygotic isolation and thus affect hybridization. We discovered dramatic size-variation of some gene families. These persisted despite reticulate evolution, rapid speciation and short divergence time. Finally, we clarify the hybridization history in the entire genus settling disputed hybridization history of two Southern swordtails. Our comparative genomic analyses revealed hybridization ancestries that are manifested in the mosaic fused genomes and show that hybridization often preceded speciation.

Abstract Researchers have argued that wealthy nations rely on a large net appropriation of labour and resources from the rest of the world through unequal exchange in international trade and global commodity chains. Here we assess this empirically by measuring flows of embodied labour in the world economy from 1995–2021, accounting for skill levels, sectors and wages. We find that, in 2021, the economies of the global North net-appropriated 826 billion hours of embodied labour from the global South, across all skill levels and sectors. The wage value of this net-appropriated labour was equivalent to €16.9 trillion in Northern prices, accounting for skill level. This appropriation roughly doubles the labour that is available for Northern consumption but drains the South of productive capacity that could be used instead for local human needs and development. Unequal exchange is understood to be driven in part by systematic wage inequalities. We find Southern wages are 87–95% lower than Northern wages for work of equal skill. While Southern workers contribute 90% of the labour that powers the world economy, they receive only 21% of global income.

Abstract The global biodiversity crisis is generated by the combined effects of human-induced climate change and land conversion. Madagascar is one of the World’s most renewed hotspots of biodiversity. Yet, its rich variety of plant and animal species is threatened by deforestation and climate change. Predicting the future of Madagascar’s chameleons, in particular, is complicated by their ecological rarity, making it hard to tell which factor is the most menacing to their survival. By applying an extension of the ENphylo species distribution model algorithm to work with extremely rare species, we find that Madagascar chameleons will face intense species loss in the north-western sector of the island. Land conversion by humans will drive most of the loss, and will intersect in a complex, nonlinear manner with climate change. We find that some 30% of the Madagascar’s chameleons may lose in the future nearly all their habitats, critically jeopardizing their chance for survival.

Abstract Background The growing understanding of cancer biology and the establishment of new treatment modalities has not yielded the expected results in terms of survival for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Cancer (LSCC). Early diagnosis, as well as prompt identification of patients with high risk of relapse would ensure greater chance of therapeutic success. However, this goal remains a challenge due to the absence of specific biomarkers for this neoplasm. Methods Serum samples from 45 LSCC patients and 23 healthy donors were collected for miRNA expression profiling by TaqMan Array analysis. Additional 20 patients and 42 healthy volunteers were included for the validation set, reaching an equal number of clinical samples for each group. The potential diagnostic ability of the such identified three-miRNA signature was confirmed by ROC analysis. Moreover, each miRNA was analyzed for the possible correlation with HNSCC patients’ survival and TNM status by online databases Kaplan–Meier (KM) plotter and OncomiR. In silico analysis of common candidate targets and their network relevance to predict shared biological functions was finally performed by PANTHER and GeneMANIA software. Results We characterized serum miRNA profile of LSCC patients identifying a novel molecular signature, including miR-223, miR-93 and miR-532, as circulating marker endowed with high selectivity and specificity. The oncogenic effect and the prognostic significance of each miRNA was investigated by bioinformatic analysis, denoting significant correlation with OS. To analyse the molecular basis underlying the pro-tumorigenic role of the signature, we focused on the simultaneously regulated gene targets—IL6ST, GTDC1, MAP1B, CPEB3, PRKACB, NFIB, PURB, ATP2B1, ZNF148, PSD3, TBC1D15, PURA, KLF12—found by prediction tools and deepened for their functional role by pathway enrichment analysis. The results showed the involvement of 7 different biological processes, among which inflammation, proliferation, migration, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Conclusions In conclusion, we have identified a possible miRNA signature for early LSCC diagnosis and we assumed that miR-93, miR-223 and miR-532 could orchestrate the regulation of multiple cancer-related processes. These findings encourage the possibility to deepen the molecular mechanisms underlying their oncogenic role, for the desirable development of novel therapeutic opportunities based on the use of short single-stranded oligonucleotides acting as non-coding RNA antagonists in cancer.

In the present work the results of an extensive experimental campaign in which laser-shocks were used to assess the mechanical strength of graphitic materials are presented. The aim of the project was to study innovative advanced materials used in high energy particle accelerators for beam intercepting devices (BIDs), such as collimators, absorber blocks and dumps. In this framework, thin targets of graphitic materials relevant for the use as particle accelerator BIDs were submitted to high-power laser driven shocks at the PHELIX laser facility in GSI. Online diagnostics such as shadowgraphy and laser velocimetry were deployed together with post-mortem analysis on collected debris and shocked specimens.The experimental results were compared with results obtained in literature. In this work the data acquired for the performed shots are presented with a focus on graphite samples. The testing campaign provided large amount of information to cross-check and validate the models implemented for laser-matter interaction, shockwave propagation and spall strength concerning a wide range of materials, all relevant for the use in beam intercepting devices of particle accelerators.

This study aims to enhance the Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) model by incorporating the aggregation approach and addressing the research gap concerning interpersonal conflicts within this framework. Building on the theoretical background and placing interpersonal conflicts in the JD-R framework, we adopted a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured probabilistic sample of 343 elementary school employees in Croatia who responded to the COPSOQ III questionnaire distributed online. Furthermore, validating the COPSOQ III questionnaire in Croatian ensures the relevance and applicability of the findings in this cultural context. We employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed model and establish a second-level higher-order model, assessing and analyzing the relationships within the JD-R model. The results indicate that conflicts and quarrels, as proxies for interpersonal conflicts, thrive when perceived job resources are high, and job demands are low, leading to improved health outcomes. These findings suggest that interpersonal conflicts may serve as a mechanism for mobilizing resources to cope with job demands, emphasizing the importance of effectively managing conflicts for healthier and more productive work relationships and environment.

AbstractLong COVID affects approximately 10–20% of COVID-19 patients and has a devastating impact on their quality of life and mental health. This study aimed to evaluate symptoms of psychological distress in people with long COVID and explore whether high levels of self-compassion are associated with low levels of psychological distress. An online cross-sectional survey of people with Long COVID was conducted. In total, 332 respondents participated in the survey. All dimensions of self-compassion were found to be significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, independent of symptom severity. Specifically, self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness were strongly negatively associated with distress, whereas self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification were strongly and positively associated with distress. Self-compassion seems to play a role in explaining levels of psychological distress in people with long COVID symptoms. The centrality of self-compassion may lead to the development of effective interventions to help patients with long COVID reduce self-judgmental and self-critical tendencies and improve their psychological well-being.

AbstractThe increasing occurrence of disasters worldwide has motivated researchers to continuously evaluate potential technological advances to support disaster management (DM) as well as emergency response. The advent of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) offers the possibility of near real-time data collection or the possibility of massive disaster and post-disaster data collection. VGI is a type of geographic information provided by volunteers who have no formal training in geoinformatics and geographic information systems (GIS). The objective of this review aimed to examine research publications that address VGI in the context of DM, focusing on VGI data quality. From the collected metadata of publications published in the Web of Science (WoS) on crowdsourcing and VGI in the context of DM, we extracted and processed those articles related to data quality using the text mining method and a bibliometric approach. The research addresses the quality of VGI data and its fit for purpose for DM studies that rely on accurate and reliable geographic information for successful management through identified topics. The article concludes by highlighting the potential of VGI to provide valuable information for DM, while also pointing to the need for further research to identify and improve the quality of VGI data.

En el marco del Programa de Extensión Universitaria Praxis de la soberanía alimentaria (UNLPam) se llevaron a cabo diferentes talleres de concientización de cuidado del ambiente. En septiembre de 2022, en ocasión del XVI Encuentro Latinoamericano de Estudiantes en Recursos Naturales y Medio Ambiente (Santa Rosa, La Pampa) se puso en práctica el taller Controversias sobre el alambrado perimetral de la Reserva Provincial Parque Luro. Fue un encuentro que permitió, a través de una serie de técnicas de educación popular, reflexionar de manera colectiva no sólo sobre los pros y los contras del cerco que utiliza la Reserva, también sirvió para poner duda las primeras certidumbres acerca de esta técnica de manejo. Por su modalidad, el taller logró momentos y espacios de aprendizaje desde la mirada del “otro”.

This study delves into the impactful realm of lightning strikes, a meteorological phenomenon that poses substantial risks to the process industry by potentially triggering technological disruptions. This paper focuses on the territorial aspects linked to the lightning-triggered NaTech events, using the Italian geographical context as a case study. The novel insights gained from a historical analysis of NaTech events caused by lightning in the process industry allowed for quantifying frequencies and conditional probabilities governing final scenarios. These insights also shed light on associated infrastructural details, including industrial equipment and the macro-sectors involved. These data were linked with the territorial distribution of the major hazard establishments in Italy and further associated with the ground lightning density in specific territories. Focusing on different locations of hypothetical plants, the differences in their susceptibility to suffering lightning-triggered Natech disasters were compared. The findings and some conceptual ideas of this research have implications for stakeholders and technicians engaged in risk assessment. This research specifically contributes to increasing vulnerability awareness against lightning strikes, not only from a functional deterministic point of view but also from a territorial comprehensive perspective.

Containment leaks in process plants pose a substantial risk, leading to potential fires, explosions, and toxic releases. Given the complexity of spill detection, monitoring is essential to promptly identify LOCs and minimize consequences. For in-depth analysis, it is important to constantly monitor large areas over time to gain a global view and identify any changes. At the same time, immediate inspection provides detailed data in real-time, allowing you to respond quickly in critical situations and it is particularly useful for analysing specific details. The utilization of aerial platforms, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), can be adopted for instant inspections, significantly improving their effectiveness. Initially employed for monitoring civil structures, drones have found applications in the process industry due to their flexibility, versatility, and precision. Equipped with carefully chosen sensors, drones can provide detailed information by approaching dispersed gases, enabling accurate calculations of quantities. Additionally, drones equipped with cameras offer the capability to visualize released gases and detect small fires from a safe distance, allowing for detailed observation without direct exposure to potential dangers. This research represents a review of the state of the art with a specific focus on a gas, hydrogen, with significant potential to reduce environmental pollution and fossil fuel dependence. The wide flammability range and the low ignition heat of hydrogen pose risks of forming flammable mixtures with air during leaks, leading to spontaneous ignition. While existing studies have explored leak detection methodologies through mathematical models and laboratory-scale simulations, there is a gap in addressing real-scale hydrogen leak detection. The research proposes a meticulously designed monitoring system to safely identify hydrogen leaks, crucial in preventing potential jet fire phenomena when mixed with the surrounding air.

Farmed freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) comprise a significant portion of Bangladesh’s seafood exports, raising concerns about their environmental impacts. Freshwater prawn farms, which require a relatively high amount of feed supply, release 1.0 MT CO2-equivalents/year, equating to 18.8 kg CO2e/MT prawn, contributing significantly to global warming and climate change risks. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) offers an alternative farming method to conventional prawn farming systems, as it minimizes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change impacts. Systematically reviewing 112 scientific articles on IMTA, this article offers recommendations for adopting IMTA to promote sustainable freshwater prawn farming in Bangladesh. IMTA is undergoing extensive experimentation and practice in many parts of the world, offering economic benefits, social acceptability, and environmental sustainability. In addition to native prawn species, various indigenous organic extractive freshwater mollusks, and inorganic extractive plants are available which can seamlessly be used to tailor the IMTA system. Extractive organisms, including aquatic mollusks and plants within prawn farms, can capture blue carbon effectively lowering GHG emissions and helping mitigate climate change impacts. Aquatic mollusks offer feed for fish and livestock, while aquatic plants serve as a dual food source and contribute to compost manure production for crop fields. Research on IMTA in Bangladesh was primarily experimented on finfish in freshwater ponds, with the absence of studies on IMTA in prawn farms. This necessitates conducting research at the prawn farmer level to understand the production of extractive aquatic mollusk and plants alongside prawn in the prawn-producing regions of southwestern Bangladesh.

IntroductionOpioids have been shown to induce neuroinflammation and immune cell activation, that might contribute to some of the opioid side effects, such as opioid-induced tolerance and paradoxical hyperalgesia. In this context, TLR4/MD-2 complex has been proposed as an off-target site for opioid action. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of fentanyl on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4/MD-2 activation in rat primary microglia and human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM).Materials and MethodsThe effect of fentanyl was first explored by measuring the expression and release of different proinflammatory mediators in primary rat microglia and human MDM by real-time PCR and ELISA. Then, the involvement of TLR4/MD-2 signaling was investigated studying NF-κB activation in HEK293 cells stably transfected with human TLR4, MD-2, and CD14 genes (HEK-Blue hTLR4 cells) and in human MDM.ResultsFentanyl increased mRNA levels, as well as the LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory mediators in primary microglia and MDM. Two inhibitors of TLR4/MD-2 signaling, namely the oxazoline derivative of N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA-OXA) and CLI-095, blocked the production and release of proinflammatory cytokines by microglia stimulated with LPS and fentanyl, suggesting that TLR4/MD-2 could be the target of the proinflammatory activity of fentanyl. Finally, we showed that fentanyl in combination with LPS activated NF-κB signaling in human MDM and in HEK-Blue hTLR4 cells and this effect was blocked by inhibitors of TLR4/MD-2 complex.DiscussionThese results provide new insight into the mechanism of the proinflammatory activity of fentanyl, which involves the activation of TLR4/MD-2 signaling. Our findings might facilitate the development of novel inhibitors of TLR4/MD-2 signaling to combine with opioid-based analgesics for effective and safe pain management.

Abstract Background Heart diseases, particularly heart failure, significantly impact patient quality of life and mortality rates. Functional capacity assessment is vital for predicting prognosis and risk in these patients. While the cardiopulmonary exercise test is considered the gold standard, the 6-minute walk test has emerged as a more accessible alternative. However, the screening accuracy and optimal cut-off points of the 6-minute walk test for detecting severely reduced functional capacity in cardiac pathologies, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, are unclear. The study aimed to analyse the diagnostic accuracy of the 6-minute walk test for detecting reduced functional capacity, defined as VO2max

In chaos control, one usually seeks to stabilize the unstable periodic orbits (UPOs) that densely inhabit the attractors of many chaotic dynamical systems. These orbits collectively play a significant role in determining the dynamics and properties of chaotic systems and are said to form the skeleton of the associated attractors. While UPOs are insightful tools for analysis, they are naturally unstable and, as such, are difficult to find and computationally expensive to stabilize. An alternative to using UPOs is to approximate them using cupolets. Cupolets, a name derived from chaotic, unstable, periodic, orbit-lets, are a relatively new class of waveforms that represent highly accurate approximations to the UPOs of chaotic systems, but which are generated via a particular control scheme that applies tiny perturbations along Poincaré sections. Originally discovered in an application of secure chaotic communications, cupolets have since gone on to play pivotal roles in a number of theoretical and practical applications. These developments include using cupolets as wavelets for image compression, targeting in dynamical systems, a chaotic analog to quantum entanglement, an abstract reducibility classification, a basis for audio and video compression, and, most recently, their detection in a chaotic neuron model. This review will detail the historical development of cupolets, how they are generated, and their successful integration into theoretical and computational science and will also identify some unanswered questions and future directions for this work.

Abstract Background Red blood cell (RBC) storage promotes biochemical and morphological alterations, collectively referred to as storage lesions (SLs). Studies in humans have identified leukoreduction (LR) as a critical processing step that mitigates SLs. To date no study has evaluated the impact of LR on metabolic SLs in canine blood units using omics technologies. Objective Compare the lipid and metabolic profiles of canine packed RBC (pRBC) units as a function of LR in fresh and stored refrigerated (up to 42 days) units. Animals Packed RBC units were obtained from 8 donor dogs enrolled at 2 different Italian veterinary blood banks. Study Design and Methods Observational study. A volume of 450 mL of whole blood was collected using Citrate‐Phosphate‐Dextrose‐Saline‐Adenine‐Glucose‐Mannitol (CPD‐SAGM) transfusion bags with a LR filter to produce 2 pRBC units for each donor, without (nLR‐pRBC) and with (LR‐pRBC) LR. Units were stored in the blood bank at 4 ± 2°C. Sterile weekly samples were obtained from each unit for omics analyses. Results A significant effect of LR on fresh and stored RBC metabolic phenotypes was observed. The nLR‐pRBC were characterized by higher concentrations of free short and medium‐chain fatty acids, carboxylic acids (pyruvate, lactate), and amino acids (arginine, cystine). The LR‐pRBC had higher concentrations of glycolytic metabolites, high energy phosphate compounds (adenosine triphosphate [ATP]), and antioxidant metabolites (pentose phosphate, total glutathione). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Leukoreduction decreases the metabolic SLs of canine pRBC by preserving energy metabolism and preventing oxidative lesions.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of an air gas soft jet CAP for its potential use in removing oral biofilms, given that plasma-based technologies have emerged as promising methods in periodontology. Two types of biofilms were developed, one by Streptococcus mutans UA 159 bacterial strain and the other by a complex mixture of saliva microorganisms isolated from a patient with periodontitis. This latter biofilm was characterized via Next Generation Sequencing to determine the main bacterial phyla. The CAP source was applied at a distance of 6 mm for different time points. A statistically significant reduction of both CFU count and XTT was already detected after 60 s of CAP treatment. CLSM analysis supported CAP effectiveness in killing the microorganisms inside the biofilm and in reducing the thickness of the biofilm matrix. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated the possible use of CAP without important side effects towards human gingival fibroblasts cell line. The current study showed that CAP treatment was able to significantly reduce preformed biofilms developed by both S. mutans and microorganisms isolated by a saliva sample. Further studies should be conducted on biofilms developed by additional saliva donors to support the potential of this innovative strategy to counteract oral pathogens responsible for periodontal diseases.