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We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate a strong and tunable optical anisotropy in epitaxially-grown VO2 thin films. Using a combination of temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements and first-principle calculations, we reveal that these VO2 thin films present an ultra-large birefringence (Δn > 0.9). Furthermore, leveraging the insulator-to-metal transition of VO2, we demonstrate a dynamic reconfiguration of optical properties from birefringent to hyperbolic, which are two distinctive regimes of anisotropy. Such a naturally birefringent and dynamically switchable platform paves the way for multi-functional devices exploiting tunable anisotropy and hyperbolic dispersion.

Abstract Background Knowledge of the distribution and abundance of disease-causing mosquito vectors is fundamental for assessing the risk of disease circulation and introduction. Aedes caspius (Pallas, 1771) and Aedes vexans (Meigen, 1830) have been implicated, to different extents, in the circulation of several arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). These two mosquitoes are vectors of Tahyna virus in Europe and are considered potential vectors of Rift Valley fever virus, a virus not present but at risk of introduction on the continent. Methods In this work, we analysed abundance data collected during West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance in northern Italy (Po Plain) via 292 CO2-baited traps to evaluate the distribution and density of these two non-target mosquitoes. We modelled the distribution and abundance of these two mosquito species in the surveyed area using two distinct spatial analysis approaches (geostatistical and machine learning), which yielded congruent results. Results Both species are more abundant close to the Po River than elsewhere, but Ae. caspius is present in the eastern and western parts of the plain, linked with the occurrence of rice fields and wetlands, while Ae. vexans is observed in the middle area of the plain. Conclusions Presence and abundance data at the municipality level were obtained and made available through this work. This work demonstrates the importance of maintaining and improving entomological surveillance programs with an adequate sampling effort. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Mosquitoes (Culicidae), as disease vectors, represent a risk for human health worldwide. Repeated introductions of alien mosquito species and the spread of invasive species have been recorded in different countries. Traditionally, identification of mosquitoes relies on morphological observation. However, morphology-based identification is associated with a number of potential disadvantages, such as the high level of specialisation of the operator and its limited applicability to damaged samples. In these cases, species identification is achieved through molecular methods based on DNA amplification. Molecular-based taxonomy has also enabled the development of techniques for the study of environmental DNA (eDNA). Previous studies indicated the 16S mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene as a promising target for this application; however, 16S rRNA sequences are available for only a limited number of mosquito species. In addition, although primers for the 16S rRNA gene were designed years ago, they are based on limited numbers of mosquito sequences. Thus, the aims of this study were to: (i) design pan-mosquito 16S rRNA gene primers; (ii) using these primers, generate a 16S rRNA gene mosquito reference library (with a focus on mosquitoes present in Italy); and (iii) compare the discriminatory power of the 16S rRNA gene with two widely used molecular markers, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Methods A total of six mosquito genera (28 mosquito species) were included in this study: Aedes (n = 16 species), Anopheles (5 species), Coquillettidia (1 species), Culex (3 species), Culiseta (2 species) and Uranotaenia (1 species). DNA was extracted from the whole mosquito body, and more than one specimen for each species was included in the analysis. Sanger sequencing was used to generate DNA sequences that were then analysed through the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). Phylogenetic analyses were also performed. Results Novel 16S rDNA gene, COI and ITS2 sequences were generated. The 16S rRNA gene was shown to possess sufficient informativeness for the identification of mosquito species, with a discriminatory power equivalent to that of COI. Conclusions This study contributes to the generation of DNA barcode libraries, focussed on Italian mosquitoes, with a significant increase in the number of 16S rRNA gene sequences. We hope that these novel sequences will provide a resource for studies on the biodiversity, monitoring and metabarcoding of mosquitoes, including eDNA-based approaches. Graphical abstract

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2024 9(1), 337-366 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. - II. Air quality and EU law. - III. The CJEU’s case law on AQD. - iii.1. Public enforcement. - iii.2. Private enforcement. - IV. The JP judgement: no right to seek damages caused by air pollution. - iv.1. Damages are no longer a necessary corollary of direct effect. - iv.2. Member Staes liability for violation of EU law. - iv.3. Arts 13 and 23 AQD: rights whose infringement has no consequences attached. - iv.4. Between general and individual interests. - V. Conclusions | (Abstract) If the JP ruling were a book, it would be a thriller: not only the reader may be surprised by its outcome and by the arguments developed by the CJEU to support it, but it also contains a genuine “plot twist”, as until the end one is led to believe that the CJEU would have decided in the opposite way. While in previous cases it has constantly sought to enhance the effet utile of the EU regime on air quality, here the CJEU decided that individuals cannot claim compensation for damages suffered due to Member States’ infringements of that regime. By holding that Directive 2008/50/EC cannot confer rights to individuals because it pursues a general objective, the ruling seems inconsistent not only with the case law in this field, but also with several profiles that characterize the EU legal order from a broader perspective, such as the relation between direct effect and Member States’ liability. In addition to undermining the argument that EU law may recognize a substantive right to clean air, the ruling reduces the deterrent effect of Directive 2008/50/EC eliminating civil damages from the expected costs of air quality standards violations. The revision of Directive 2008/50/EC is currently under discussion and the Commission’s proposal – drafted before the JP ruling – recognizes the right to damages. The hope is that this point will survive the legislature procedure, reducing the relevance of the JP ruling: however, this is a feeble expectation considered the (need for Council’s approval and the) impact on Member States.

Abstract Background Surfactant is a well-established therapy for preterm neonates affected by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The goals of different methods of surfactant administration are to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD); however, the optimal administration method remains unknown. This study compares the effectiveness of the INtubate-RECruit-SURfactant-Extubate (IN-REC-SUR-E) technique with the less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) technique, in increasing BPD-free survival of preterm infants. This is an international unblinded multicenter randomized controlled study in which preterm infants will be randomized into two groups to receive IN-REC-SUR-E or LISA surfactant administration. Methods In this study, 382 infants born at 24+0–27+6 weeks’ gestation, not intubated in the delivery room and failing nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during the first 24 h of life, will be randomized 1:1 to receive IN-REC-SUR-E or LISA surfactant administration. The primary outcome is a composite outcome of death or BPD at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age. The secondary outcomes are BPD at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age; death; pulse oximetry/fraction of inspired oxygen; severe intraventricular hemorrhage; pneumothorax; duration of respiratory support and oxygen therapy; pulmonary hemorrhage; patent ductus arteriosus undergoing treatment; percentage of infants receiving more doses of surfactant; periventricular leukomalacia, severe retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis; total in-hospital stay; systemic postnatal steroids; neurodevelopmental outcomes; and respiratory function testing at 24 months of age. Randomization will be centrally provided using both stratification and permuted blocks with random block sizes and block order. Stratification factors will include center and gestational age (24+0 to 25+6 weeks or 26+0 to 27+6 weeks). Analyses will be conducted in both intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations, utilizing a log-binomial regression model that corrects for stratification factors to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR). Discussion This trial is designed to provide robust data on the best method of surfactant administration in spontaneously breathing preterm infants born at 24+0–27+6 weeks’ gestation affected by RDS and failing nCPAP or NIPPV during the first 24 h of life, comparing IN-REC-SUR-E to LISA technique, in increasing BPD-free survival at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age of life. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05711966. Registered on February 3, 2023.

O referencial freireano vem sendo empregado em investigações de diferentes campos da educação, incluindo pesquisas na área do Ensino de Ciências. Com o objetivo de identificar as contribuições de Paulo Freire em relação aos conhecimentos científicos e tecnológicos para a educação em ciências da natureza, foram analisadas fontes primárias por meio de uma pesquisa bibliográfica. Dentre os livros mais citados do autor, dez foram selecionados para a análise, incluindo: I) Pedagogia do Oprimido; II) Pedagogia da Esperança: um reencontro com a Pedagogia do Oprimido; III) Pedagogia da Autonomia; IV) Educação como prática da liberdade; V) A importância do ato de ler; VI) Educação e mudança; VII) Extensão ou comunicação; VIII) Política e educação; IX) Conscientização; X) Pedagogia da Indignação. O tratamento analítico se deu por meio da enumeração, categorização e decodificação oriundas das técnicas de análise de conteúdo de Bardin. As unidades de análise foram selecionadas a partir dos seguintes termos e radicais: Ciência; Científic-; Tecno; e Técnic-. Os resultados identificados e analisados pelo estudo buscam ampliar o conhecimento da comunidade de pesquisadores e de professores acerca da contribuição da obra do autor para o ensino de ciências da natureza, além de propiciar debates e futuras investigações sobre a dimensão instrumental do conhecimento científico por meio de uma perspectiva dialógica, humanista e igualitária.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a considerable public health concern caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. This virus is classified into 5 genotypes; European, [...]

Abstract Background In Italy, malaria was endemic until the 1970s, when it was declared eradicated by WHO. Nowadays, with the persistence of competent mosquito populations, the effect of climate change, and increased possibility of importing malaria parasites from endemic counties due to growing migration, a malaria resurgence in Italy has become more likely. Hence, enhancing the understanding of the current distribution of the Anopheles maculipennis complex and the factors that influence the presence of this malaria vector is crucial, especially in Northern Italy, characterised by a high density of both human population and livestock. Methods To assess the presence and abundance of malaria vectors, a 4-year field survey in the plain areas of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna region in Italy was conducted. Every sampling point was characterised in space by the land use in a 500-m radius and in time considering meteorological data collected in the short and long time periods before sampling. We combined the results of a linear regression model with a random forest analysis to understand the relative importance of the investigated niche dimensions in determining Anopheles mosquito presence and abundance. Results The estimated normalised variable importance indicates that rice fields were the most important land use class explaining the presence of Anopheles, followed by transitional woodlands and shrubland. Farm buildings were the third variable in terms of importance, likely because of the presence of animal shelters, followed by urbanised land. The two most important meteorological variables influencing the abundance of Anopheles in our study area were mean temperature in the 24 h before the sampling date and the sum of degree-days with temperature between 18 °C and 30 °C in the 14 days before the sampling date. Conclusions The results obtained in this study could be helpful in predicting the risk of autochthonous malaria transmission, based on local information on land cover classes that might facilitate the presence of malaria vectors and presence of short- and medium-term meteorological conditions favourable to mosquito development and activity. The results can support the design of vector control measures through environmental management. Graphical Abstract

Abstract TBX4 gene, located on human chromosome 17q23.2, encodes for T-Box Transcription Factor 4, a transcription factor that belongs to the T-box gene family and it is involved in the regulation of some embryonic developmental processes, with a significant impact on respiratory and skeletal illnesses. Herein, we present the case of a female neonate with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH) who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the first day of life and then resulted to have a novel variant of the TBX4 gene identified by Next-Generation Sequencing. We review the available literature about the association between PH with neonatal onset or emerging during the first months of life and mutations of the TBX4 gene, and compare our case to previously reported cases. Of 24 cases described from 2010 to 2023 sixteen (66.7%) presented with PH soon after birth. Skeletal abnormalities have been described in 5 cases (20%). Eleven cases (46%) were due to de novo mutations. Three patients (12%) required ECMO. Identification of this variant in affected individuals has implications for perinatal and postnatal management and genetic counselling. We suggest including TBX4 in genetic studies of neonates with pulmonary hypertension, even in the absence of skeletal abnormalities.

The explicit use of ecosystem services (ESs) assessments has been called as a way to guide environmental decision making, yet the promise of the ES approach lies behind its potential. A way to consolidate the approach could be to introduce some aspects into the ESs assessments which might have been neglected so far. Such aspects are mainly: (1) a focus on the complex ESs relations (such as synergies and trade-offs) that can impact the supply of multiple SESs (soil ecosystem services), and (2) focus on potential drivers of SESs relations. We applied bivariate and multivariate approaches to SESs indicators derived from a solid pedological knowledge of the Emilia-Romagna study area in NE Italy. We focused on 7 SES: (1) habitat for soil organisms, (2) filtering and buffering capacity, (3) contribution to microclimate regulation, (4) carbon sequestration, (5) food provision potential, (6) water regulation, and (7) water storage capacity. These SESs were estimated through a combination of point observations, and pedotransfer functions (PTF) estimates spatialised over the area of interest with geostatistical simulation techniques. We found that SESs bivariate spatial relations could be categorised mainly in three types of patterns at regional scale, either: (1) synergistic SESs relations dominating at the region level, (2) trade-offs dominating, or (3) both kind of relations more or less equally frequent. Interestingly, in some cases the dominant regional SESs relation switched at a local level, and such switch was driven by soil properties. For the multivariate case (>2 SESs), two main results are highlighted. First, the combination of properties of some soils is so characteristic that they conform a single SESs bundle, as in the case of the rich SOM soils of alluvial origin in the NE of the region with low agricultural productivity, but high value in regulating SESs. Secondly, some SESs such as potential food provision and water regulation are more important than others to determine locations with high multi-services value at a regional level. This suggests that attention must be paid when ascribing high multi-services value locations as this is not independent of SESs relations. Overall, our results highlight the importance of soils in the potential supply of ESs and show that SESs relations are useful in the implementation of the concept in environmental assessments.

ABSTRACT Leishmania (L.) infantum is one of the main causative agents of animal and human leishmaniasis across many endemic areas in South America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Despite its clinical significance, little is known about the genetic diversity of L. infantum circulating in a given endemic area. Here, we investigate this important open question by applying a comparative genomics approach to seven L. infantum isolates from different hosts and Italian regions, including the northern part of the country (Emilia-Romagna, RER), Sicily, and Sardinia, as an initial attempt to explore the breadth of parasite genetic heterogeneity in Italy. Additionally, microsatellite analysis was carried out to compare the isolates from RER with other 70 L. infantum strains from the same region as well as 65 strains belonging to the L. donovani complex from other countries. We revealed important karyotypic instability and identified strain-specific changes in gene dosage, which affected important virulence factors such as amastins and surface antigen-like proteins. Single nucleotide polymorphism-based clustering analysis of these genomes together with over 80 publicly available L. infantum and L. donovani genomes placed the Italian isolates into three geographically distinct clusters within the Mediterranean basin and uncovered three isolates clustering with putative L. infantum/L. donovani hybrids isolated in Cyprus. As judged by microsatellite profiling, these hybrid isolates are representative of a sub-population of parasites circulating in northern Italy that preferentially infect humans but not dogs. Our results place Italy at the crossroads of L. infantum infection in the Mediterranean and call attention to the public health risk represented by the introduction of non-European Leishmania species.IMPORTANCEThis study closes important knowledge gaps with respect to Leishmania (L.) infantum genetic heterogeneity in a given endemic country, as exemplified here for Italy, and reveals genetic hybridization as a main cause for re-emerging human leishmaniasis in northern Italy. The observed high diversity of Leishmania parasites on the Italian peninsula suggests different geographical origins, with genomic adaptation to various ecologies affecting both pathogenicity and transmission potential. This is documented by the discovery of a putative L. infantum/L. donovani hybrid strain, which has been shown to preferentially infect humans but not dogs. Our results provide important information to health authorities, which need to consider the public health risk represented by the introduction of new Leishmania species into EU countries due to population displacement or travel from countries where exotic/allochthonous parasite species are endemic.

Several Arboviruses (Arthropod-borne virus) are a concrete health risk. While some arboviruses, such as the West Nile virus (WNV) and the Usutu virus (USUV) are actively surveyed, others are neglected, including the Tahyna virus (TAHV). In this work, we tested – searching for all the three viruses – 37,995 mosquitoes collected in 95 attractive traps, baited by carbon dioxide, distributed in the lowlands of Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy, between 19 July and 12 August 2022.Among the 668 pools obtained, WNV was detected in 45 pools of Culex (Cx.) pipiens and USUV was recorded in 24 pools of the same mosquito; ten of these Cx. pipiens pools tested positive for both WNV and USUV. Interestingly, we recorded a significant circulation of both WNV lineage 1 (WNV-L1) and lineage 2 (WNV-L2): WNV-L1 strains were detected in 40 pools, WNV-L2 strains in three pools and both lineages were detected in two pools.TAHV was detected in 8 different species of mosquitoes in a total of 37 pools: Aedes (Ae.) caspius (25), Ae. albopictus (5), Ae. vexans (3), Cx. pipiens (2), Ae. cinereus (1) and Anopheles maculipennis sl (1). The significant number of Ae. caspius-pools tested positive and the estimated viral load suggest that this mosquito is the principal vector in the surveyed area. The potential involvement of other mosquito species in the TAHV cycle could usefully be the subject of further experimental investigation.The results obtained demonstrate that, with adequate sampling effort, entomological surveillance is able to detect arboviruses circulating in a given area. Further efforts must be made to better characterise the TAHV cycle in the surveyed area and to define health risk linked to this virus.

The natural transmission cycle of West Nile virus (WNV) involves birds as primary hosts and mosquitoes as vectors, but this virus can spread to mammals, human beings included. Asymptomatic infected donors pose a risk to the safety of blood transfusions and organ transplants, as WNV can be transmitted through these medical procedures. Since 2009, the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy has been implementing an integrated surveillance system in order to detect WNV circulation in the environment at an early stage. Here we report the results of the two components of the surveillance system, the active testing of corvids and humans, and demonstrate that bird surveillance alone improves a surveillance system based solely on human case detection. As WNV risk reduction measures are applied on a provincial basis, we assessed the ability of this surveillance system component to detect virus circulation prior to the notification of the first human case for each province. Overall, 99 epidemic seasons were evaluated as a result of 11 years (2013–2023) of surveillance in the nine provinces of the region. In this period, 22,314 corvids were tested for WNV and 642 (2.9%) were found to be infected. WNV was generally first detected in birds in July, with sample prevalence peaks occurring between August and September. During the same period, 469 autochthonous human cases were notified, about 60% of which were reported in August. WNV was detected 79 times out of the 99 seasons considered. The virus was notified in birds 73 times (92.4%) and 60 times (75.9%) in humans. WNV was first or only notified in birds in 57 seasons (72.1%), while it was first or only notified in humans in 22 seasons (27.8%). Active surveillance in corvids generally allows the detection of WNV before the onset of human cases. Failure of virus detection occurred mainly in seasons where the number of birds tested was low. Our results show that active testing of a minimum of 3.8 corvids per 100 km2 provides a satisfactory timeliness in the virus detection, but for early detection of WNV it is crucial to test birds between mid-June and mid-August.

IntroductionA condylion–gonion–menton (Co–Go–Me) angle threshold of 125.5° has been introduced as a predictive parameter of cephalometric mandibular response in the orthopedic treatment of growing Class II patients with functional appliances, despite some contradictions in the literature. Considering the lack of studies evaluating the role of skeletal anchorage, this study aims to reassess the threshold of 125.5° in the Co–Go–Me angle as a useful predictor in growing skeletal Class II patients treated with acrylic splint Herbst appliance and two mini-screws in the lower arch (STM2).MethodsThirty-five consecutively treated patients (20 males, 15 females; mean age, 11.37 years) with mandibular retrusion were classified into two groups according to their Co–Go–Me baseline values (Group 1, 125.5°). The STM2 protocol involved the use of the MTH Herbst appliance with an acrylic splint in the lower arch and two interradicular mini-screws as anchorage reinforcement. Cephalometric analysis was performed by the same operator for each patient at baseline (T0) and at the end of the Herbst phase (T1). The effects of time and group on the variables were assessed by a repeated-measures analysis of variance. The primary research outcome was the difference between the groups in terms of mandibular responsiveness to treatment referred to as the relative difference (T1−T0) in Co_Gn.ResultsThe mean duration of the treatment was 9.5 months. No statistically significant differences between groups were detected at baseline, except from the expected SN/GoMe° (p

The synthesis of nanometer‐thick (≈3 nm) gallium oxynitride (GaOxNy) layers with a variable stoichiometry is reported. The approach primarily exploits the liquid metal chemistry (LMC) technique and promises easier integration of 2D materials onto photonic devices compared to traditional top‐down and bottom‐up methods. The fabrication follows a two‐step process, involving first liquid metal‐based printing of a nanometer‐thick layer of gallium oxide (Ga2O3), followed a plasma‐enhanced nitridation reaction. Control over nitridation parameters (plasma power, exposure time) allows adjustment of the GaOxNy layer's composition, granting access to compounds with distinct optical properties (e.g., a 20% index variation), as demonstrated by ellipsometry and density functional theory (DFT) simulations. DFT provides a microscopic understanding of the effect of the bond polarization and crystallinity on the optical properties of GaOxNy compounds. These findings expand the knowledge of ultrathin GaOxNy alloys, which are poorly studied with respect to their gallium nitride (GaN) and Ga2O3 counterparts. They also represent an essential step toward integrating such 2D materials into photonic chips and offer new opportunities to improve the performance of hybrid optoelectronic devices.

Recent pressure on scientists and industries to use renewable resources, as well as the need to produce environmentally friendly materials, has led researchers and manufacturers to use natural fibres as possible reinforcements for their composites. Although they seem to be “ideal” due to their low cost, light weight and interesting energy absorption properties, they cannot be compared to synthetic fibres. To solve this problem, hybridization techniques can be considered, since the combination of synthetic and natural fibres allows for good performances. The aim of this study was to characterize the delamination and in-plane crashworthiness behaviour of carbon, flax and hybrid composites from experimental and numerical points of view. Double Cantilever Beam and Four-Point End Notched Flexure tests were carried out to determine the interlaminar fracture modes. In-plane crashworthiness tests were then performed to investigate the delamination phenomenon and the energy absorption capacity considering two different geometries: flat and corrugated. Numerical models were created and validated on both geometries, comparing the obtained load–displacement curves with the experimental ones. Crush force efficiency and specific energy absorption were quantified to provide a proper comparison of the investigated materials. The good results achieved represent a promising starting point for the design of future and more complex structures.

4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY)-based molecules have emerged as interesting materials for optoelectronic applications due to the possibility to easily fine-tune their photophysical and optical properties, dominated by two main absorption bands in the visible range. However, no studies have been reported on the nature of these spectral features. By means of ultrafast spectroscopy, we detect intramolecular energy transfer in a spin-coated film of di-thieno-phenyl BODIPY (DTPBDP) dispersed in a polystyrene matrix after pumping the high-energy absorption band. The same effect is not present upon pumping the lowest-energy band, which instead allows the achievement of efficient amplified spontaneous emission. Density functional calculations indicate the different nature of the two main absorption bands, explaining their different photophysical behavior.

Exaggerated placental site (EPS) is a benign lesion that can occur in association with term pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death or miscarriage. The characteristics of EPS are described in several case reports and have been reported after major surgery such as hysterectomy. We describe the hysteroscopic characteristic of EPS associated with a spontaneous miscarriage. Hysteroscopic inspection of the uterine cavity revealed copious tissue with increased vascularization without signs of invasion. No cleavage was visualized between material and myometrium could be established during the resection procedure. 40 days after hysteroscopy the patient became pregnant. The pregnancy proceeded without complications and during the cesarean section no residual placenta-related abnormal site appearance was noted on inspection of the uterine wall. The hysteroscopic treatment could be considered feasible to preserve future fertility in young women in cases of suspect non-malignant trophoblastic disease.

BackgroundThe lung ultrasound (LUS) score can be a useful tool to predict the need for respiratory support and the length of hospital stay in infants with bronchiolitis.ObjectiveTo compare lung ultrasound features in neonates and infants up to three months of age with bronchiolitis to determine whether LUS scores (range 0–36) differ in infants with coinfections or not.MethodsNeonates and infants younger than three months admitted to neonatal units from October 2022 to March 2023, who underwent lung ultrasound evaluation on admission, were included in this retrospective study.ResultsWe included 60 patients who underwent LUS evaluation at admission. Forty-two infants (70.0%) had a single viral infection. Eighteen infants (30.0%) had a coinfection: fifteen infants (25.0%) had more than one virus at PCR; one infant (1.7%) had both a viral coinfection and a viral-bacteria coinfection; two infants (3.3%) had viral-bacteria coinfection. Infants with a single viral infection and those with coinfections had similar LUS scores globally and in different lung zones. An LUS score higher than 8 was identified to significantly predict the need for any respiratory support (p = 0.0035), whereas an LUS score higher than 13 was identified to significantly predict the need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.024).ConclusionIn our small cohort of neonates and infants younger than three months hospitalized with bronchiolitis, we found no statistically significant differences in the LUS score on admission between patients with a single viral infection and those with multiple infections.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic increased symptoms of stress and anxiety and induced changes in sleep quality, dream activity, and parasomnia episodes. It has been shown that stressful factors and/or bad sleep habits can affect parasomnia behaviors. However, investigations on how COVID-19 has affected sleep, dreams, and episode frequency in parasomnias are rare. The current study focuses on the impact of the pandemic on a specific parasomnia characterized by speech production (sleep talking, ST). Methods: We selected 27 participants with frequent ST episodes (STs) during the pandemic and compared them with 27 participants with frequent STs from a previous study conducted during a pre-pandemic period. All participants performed home monitoring through sleep logs and recorded their nocturnal STs for one week. Results: We observed a higher frequency of STs in the pandemic group. Moreover, STs were related to the emotional intensity of dreams, independent of the pandemic condition. The pandemic was associated with lower bizarreness of dreams in the pandemic group. There were no differences in sleep variables between the two groups. Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest a stressful effect of COVID-19 on the frequency of STs. Both the pandemic and the frequency of STs affect qualitative characteristics of dreams in this population.

This article presents a comprehensive investigation into the functionalization of methoxyphenylazobenzene using electron-directing groups located at the meta position relative to the azo group. Spectroscopic analysis of meta-functionalized azobenzenes reveals that the incorporation of electron-withdrawing units significantly influences the absorption spectra of both E and Z isomers, while electron-donating functionalities lead to more subtle changes. The thermal relaxation process from Z to E result in almost twice as prolonged for electron-withdrawing functionalized azobenzenes compared to their electron-rich counterparts. Computational analysis contributes a theoretical understanding of the electronic structure and properties of meta-substituted azobenzenes. This combined approach, integrating experimental and computational techniques, yields significant insights into the structure–property relationship of meta-substituted asymmetrical phenolazobenzenes.