Search

Abstract Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) are promising candidates for next‐generation photovoltaic materials. However, there is a debate regarding the impact of interactions between the organic center and the surrounding inorganic cage on the solar cell's high diffusion lengths. It remains unclear whether the diffusion mechanism is consistent across various halide perovskite families and how light illumination affects carrier lifetimes. The focus is on ion kinetics of (CH3NH3)PbX3 (X = Br, Cl) perovskite halide single crystals. Muon spectroscopy (μ+SR)is employed to investigate the fluctuations and diffusion of ions via the relaxation of muon spins in local nuclear field environments. Within a temperature range of 30–340 K, ion kinetics are studied with and without white‐light illumination. The results show a temperature shift of the tetragonal‐orthorhombic phase transition on the illuminated samples, as an effect of increased organic molecule fluctuations. This relation is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations along the reduction of the nuclear field distribution width between the phase transitions. The analysis shows that, depending on the halide ion, the motional narrowing from H and N nuclear moments represents the molecular fluctuations. The results demonstrate the importance of the halide ion and the effect of illumination on the compound's structural stability and electronic properties.

Summary: The synthesis of metallic plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) faces challenges in stability and reproducibility, especially with silver. Here, we present a protocol for tunable synthesis of spherical silver NPs (AgNPs) with stable optical properties. We describe steps for preparing solutions, morphological characterization of AgNPs by transmission electron microscopy, and testing stability. AgNPs exhibit enduring stability and compatibility with various pH values. Moreover, they can be functionalized for optical biosensing applications, offering versatility in nanomaterial applications. : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Abstract β2‐microglobulin (β2‐m) is a plasma protein derived from physiological shedding of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHCI), causing human systemic amyloidosis either due to persistently high concentrations of the wild‐type (WT) protein in hemodialyzed patients, or in presence of mutations, such as D76N β2‐m, which favor protein deposition in the adulthood, despite normal plasma levels. Here we describe a new transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) strain expressing human WT β2‐m at high concentrations, mimicking the condition that underlies dialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) and we compare it to a previously established strain expressing the highly amyloidogenic D76N β2‐m at lower concentrations. Both strains exhibit behavioral defects, the severity of which correlates with β2‐m levels rather than with the presence of mutations, being more pronounced in WT β2‐m worms. β2‐m expression also has a deep impact on the nematodes' proteomic and metabolic profiles. Most significantly affected processes include protein degradation and stress response, amino acids metabolism, and bioenergetics. Molecular alterations are more pronounced in worms expressing WT β2‐m at high concentration compared to D76N β2‐m worms. Altogether, these data show that β2‐m is a proteotoxic protein in vivo also in its wild‐type form, and that concentration plays a key role in modulating pathogenicity. Our transgenic nematodes recapitulate the distinctive features subtending DRA compared to hereditary β2‐m amyloidosis (high levels of non‐mutated β2‐m vs. normal levels of variant β2‐m) and provide important clues on the molecular bases of these human diseases.

Abstract LiCrSe2 constitutes a recent valuable addition to the ensemble of two-dimensional triangular lattice antiferromagnets. In this work, we present a comprehensive study of the low temperature nuclear and magnetic structure established in this material. Being subject to a strong magnetoelastic coupling, LiCrSe2 was found to undergo a first order structural transition from a trigonal crystal system ( $$P\bar{3}m1$$ P 3 ¯ m 1 ) to a monoclinic one (C2/m) at T s = 30 K. Such restructuring of the lattice is accompanied by a magnetic transition at T N = 30 K. Refinement of the magnetic structure with neutron diffraction data and complementary muon spin rotation analysis reveal the presence of a complex incommensurate magnetic structure with a up-up-down-down arrangement of the chromium moments with ferromagnetic double chains coupled antiferromagnetically. The spin axial vector is also modulated both in direction and modulus, resulting in a spin density wave-like order with periodic suppression of the chromium moment along the chains. This behavior is believed to appear as a result of strong competition between direct exchange antiferromagnetic and superexchange ferromagnetic couplings established between both nearest neighbor and next nearest neighbor Cr3+ ions. We finally conjecture that the resulting magnetic order is stabilized via subtle vacancy/charge order within the lithium layers, potentially causing a mix of two co-existing magnetic phases within the sample.

Parasites and parasitologists have always lived together in good and bad luck in a sort of forced marriage. In recent times bad luck certainly prevailed, because of increasing man-made emergencies such as wars, chemical disasters, but also because of natural disasters, amplified by climate change, that condition more and more parasite–host equilibrium. The symposium at the National Congress of the Italian Society for Parasitology, was a first occasion for Italian parasitologists to reason about ‘disaster parasitology’ and researchers’ responsibilities. Extreme weather events and their impacts on parasites’ epidemiology are illustrated, comparing disasters that recently occurred in Italy with literature data. In particular, the Sardinian Island was hit subsequently by fires and floods exacerbating the effects on ecosystems and parasite–host-relationships. Examples of Cryptosporidium outbreaks in man and Fasciola hepatica infections in various hosts after heavy rains are reviewed and effects of droughts on pasture borne parasites, such as gastro-intestinal nematodes of ruminants are discussed. Heavy rains may also cause dissemination of toxic substances released accidentally from chemical plants as happened e.g. in Milan province (IT) after the dioxin hazard. The overlapping effects of strictly man-made disasters with climate change dependent extreme weather events is further challenging the understanding of what are the consequences of disasters on ecosystems and parasite epidemiology.

Abstract The quasi-2D platinum-based rare earth intermetallic LaPt2Si2 has attracted attention as it exhibits strong interplay between charge density wave order and superconductivity. However, most of the results reported on this material come from theoretical calculations, preliminary bulk investigations and powder samples, which makes it difficult to uniquely determine the temperature evolution of its crystal structure and, consequently, of its charge density wave transition. Therefore, the published literature around LaPt2Si2 is often controversial. Here, by means of high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction data, we clarify some of the poorly or partially understood aspects of the physics of LaPt2Si2. In particular, we resolve the complex evolution of its crystal structure and superstructures, identifying the temperature dependence of multiple density wave transitions in good quality LaPt2Si2 single crystals. According to our findings, on cooling from room temperature LaPt2Si2 undergoes a series of subtle structural transitions which can be summarised as follows: second order commensurate tetragonal (P4/n m m)-to-incommensurate structure followed by a first order incommensurate-to-commensurate orthorhombic (P m m n) transition and then a first order commensurate orthorhombic (P m m n)-to-commensurate tetragonal (P4/n m m). The structural transitions are accompanied by both incommensurate and commensurate superstructural distortions of the lattice. The observed behavior is compatible with discommensuration of the CDW in this material.

The first edition of the SUNRISE (Seashore and UNderwater documentation of aRchaeological herItage palimpSests and Environment) summer school was carried out in Marina di Ragusa in Sicily (Italy) from 3rd to 9th September 2022. It was jointly organized by Politecnico di Torino, IUAV, University of Sassari, FBK, University of Udine and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia with the support of SIFET, ISPRS Student Consortium, private companies (Images, Microgeo, Stonex, Leica and Geomax) and the municipality of Santa Croce Camerina.The five days of summer school were attended by 20 students from Europe, Asia and USA. After the first day of lectures focused on the theoretical basis of surveying, photogrammetry, LiDAR, and SLAM, the field activities took place in a submerged and terrestrial scenario. The underwater surveying involved a submerged amphora, and the terrestrial activity was focused on the Arab bath of Mezzagnone, a 6th-century AD building that has been fully preserved until today. The paper deal with this experience and underline the followed approach. Finally some results achieved by the students are reported.

This paper reports the first experimental observation of phonons and their softening on single crystalline LaPt2Si2 via inelastic neutron scattering. From the temperature dependence of the phonon frequency in close proximity to the charge density wave (CDW) q-vector, we obtain a CDW transition temperature of TCDW = 230 K and a critical exponent β = 0.28 ± 0.03. This value is suggestive of a non-conventional critical behavior for the CDW phase transition in LaPt2Si2, compatible with a scenario of CDW discommensuration (DC). The DC would be caused by the existence of two CDWs in this material, propagating separately in the non equivalent (Si1–Pt2–Si1) and (Pt1–Si2–Pt1) layers, respectively, with transition temperatures TCDW−1 = 230 K and TCDW−2 = 110 K. A strong q-dependence of the electron-phonon coupling has been identified as the driving mechanism for the CDW transition at TCDW−1 = 230 K while a CDW with 3-dimensional character, and Fermi surface quasi-nesting as a driving mechanism, is suggested for the transition at TCDW−2 = 110 K. Our results clarify some aspects of the CDW transition in LaPt2Si2 which have been so far misinterpreted by both theoretical predictions and experimental observations and give direct insight into its actual temperature dependence.

Browsing the scientific and professional literature it appears that the concept of mobile mapping underwater is not as common as in ‘terrestrial’ applications. Nevertheless, exploring and mapping the ocean’s depths is a priority challenge for humankind, today more than ever. Radio waves, such as the GNSS or UWB signal, have a very limited transmission underwater, resulting in the absence of an underwater global positioning system. Consequently, the main sounding methods (i.e., depth measuring systems) are based on the fusion of inertial and acoustic sensors, which allow for systematic mapping of vast seafloor areas. However, photogrammetric surveying methods are preferred when high resolution and reliable colour information are essential aspects in the project economy. This class of approaches include visual odometry and visual SLAM (vSLAM), which represent a valid tool for navigation and positioning in GNSS-denied environments, such as underwater. In this paper, we present a portable underwater mobile mapping system, named FROG, which implements a vSLAM based solution to guide the survey according to photogrammetric principles. FROG is built upon the Guided Photogrammetry - GuPho concept and, thanks to its modular design, can be used by a diver or installed on a micro ROV and controlled remotely from a support vessel. In the paper, FROG characteristics will be detailed, and its potentialities demonstrated in real case applications at sea and in lakes.

Introduction: Food allergy (FA) in children is a major health concern. A better definition of the pathogenesis of the disease could facilitate effective preventive and therapeutic measures. Gut microbiome alterations could modulate the occurrence of FA, although the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are poorly characterized. Gut bacteria release signaling byproducts from their cell wall, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), which can act locally and systemically, modulating the immune system function.Methods: In the current study gut microbiome-derived LPS isolated from fecal samples of FA and healthy children was chemically characterized providing insights into the carbohydrate and lipid composition as well as into the LPS macromolecular nature. In addition, by means of a chemical/MALDI-TOF MS and MS/MS approach we elucidated the gut microbiome-derived lipid A mass spectral profile directly on fecal samples. Finally, we evaluated the pro-allergic and pro-tolerogenic potential of these fecal LPS and lipid A by harnessing peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors.Results: By analyzing fecal samples, we have identified different gut microbiome-derived LPS chemical features comparing FA children and healthy controls. We also have provided evidence on a different immunoregulatory action elicited by LPS on peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from healthy donors suggesting that LPS from healthy individuals could be able to protect against the occurrence of FA, while LPS from children affected by FA could promote the allergic response.Discussion: Altogether these data highlight the relevance of gut microbiome-derived LPSs as potential biomarkers for FA and as a target of intervention to limit the disease burden.

Cancer pain requires careful comprehensive patient evaluation and an appropriate and personalized clinical approach by a trained multidisciplinary team. The proper assessment of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is part of an all-inclusive multidimensional evaluation of the patient. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the relationship between high-rate BTcP, which strongly impacts healthrelated quality of life and tumour characteristics, in the face of novel approaches that should provide guidance for future clinical practice. The presentation of short, emblematic clinical reports also promotes knowledge of BTcP, which, despite the availability of numerous therapeutic approaches, remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This article is part of the Management of breakthrough cancer pain Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/management-of-breakthrough-cancer-pain

Abstract Two-dimensional (2D) triangular lattice antiferromagnets (2D-TLA) often manifest intriguing physical and technological properties, due to the strong interplay between lattice geometry and electronic properties. The recently synthesized 2-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide LiCrTe $$_2$$ 2 , being a 2D-TLA, enriched the range of materials which can present such properties. In this work, muon spin rotation ( $$\mu ^+$$ μ + SR) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) have been utilized to reveal the true magnetic nature and ground state of LiCrTe $$_2$$ 2 . From high-resolution NPD the magnetic spin order at base-temperature is not, as previously suggested, helical, but rather collinear antiferromagnetic (AFM) with ferromagnetic (FM) spin coupling within the ab-plane and AFM coupling along the c-axis. The value if the ordered magnetic Cr moment is established as $$\mu _{\textrm{Cr}}= 2.36~\mu _{\textrm{B}}$$ μ Cr = 2.36 μ B . From detailed $$\mu ^+$$ μ + SR measurements we observe an AFM ordering temperature $$T_{\textrm{N}}\approx 125$$ T N ≈ 125 K. This value is remarkably higher than the one previously reported by magnetic bulk measurements. From $$\mu ^+$$ μ + SR we are able to extract the magnetic order parameter, whose critical exponent allows us to categorize LiCrTe $$_2$$ 2 in the 3D Heisenberg AFM universality class. Finally, by combining our magnetic studies with high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), we find a clear coupling between the nuclear and magnetic spin lattices. This suggests the possibility for a strong magnon–phonon coupling, similar to what has been previously observed in the closely related compound LiCrO $$_2$$ 2 .

The bond with computer vision and robotics is revolutionizing the traditional surveying approaches. Algorithms such as visual odometry and SLAM are embedded in surveying systems to make on-site and processing operations more efficient both in terms of time and quality of the achieved results. In this paper, we present the latest developments on GuPho, a mobile mapping concept based on photogrammetry that leverages a vSLAM solution to provide innovative and unique features supporting the image acquisition and optimising the processing steps. These include visual feedback on ground sample distance and maximum allowed speed to avoid motion blur. Two efficient image acquisition strategies, based on geometric principles, are implemented to optimise the disk storage, avoiding unnecessary redundancy. Moreover, an innovative automatic exposure control that adjusts the shutter speed or gain based on the tracked object in 3D is part of the system. The paper reports the motivations behind the design choices, details the hardware and software components, discusses several case studies to showcase the potentialities of our low-cost, lightweight, and portable modular prototype system.

In this study, we present an innovative optical biosensor designed for the precise detection of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a crucial cytokine associated with various pathological conditions. Our biosensor is based on silicon porous material meticulously modified with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), ensuring specific and sensitive recognition of IL-6 molecules. Fabrication process involves the electrochemical etching of silicon porous chips followed by the electrodeposition of MIP, tailored to selectively bind IL-6 targets. Through rigorous testing across a range of IL-6 concentrations, our sensor exhibits remarkable sensitivity, showcasing discernible optical responses proportional to the varying analyte concentrations. Furthermore, we assessed the sensor's performance using bovine serum, a complex biological matrix, to simulate real-world sample conditions. Encouragingly, the sensor maintains its selectivity and optical response in the presence of serum components, affirming its robustness and applicability in practical diagnostic settings.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of differently colored low-density polyethylene mulching films (black, silver/brown, and yellow/brown) in comparison with bare soil (BS) on soil temperatures, yield and yield components (number of fruit and average fruit weight), and fruit quality traits (color, firmness, total soluble solids content, polyphenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity) of a ‘San Marzano’ tomato crop grown in Southern Italy over two years (2014 and 2015). The warmer season (2015) shortened the cropping cycle (124 vs. 178 days, 2015 vs. 2014), thereby accelerating fruit ripening and improving firmness and redness (on average, the color parameter a/b was greater than in 2014). It determined the best yield response (53 vs. 44 Mg ha−1) by increasing the number of commercial fruits per unit land area despite the lower average fresh weight (AFW) than the first year. Regardless of the different plastic films, in both years, soil heat storage produced by mulching improved yield as compared to BS and showed a positive and significant effect on the contents of total soluble solids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids without affecting the antioxidant activity. The highest values of quality traits were reached in the second year with silver and yellow mulches. Therefore, since the colored mulching films (yellow and silver) had a contradictory effect on yield and quality in the two years, further investigation is desirable.

Pain and nociception are different phenomena. Nociception is the result of complex activity in sensory pathways. On the other hand, pain is the effect of interactions between nociceptive processes, and cognition, emotions, as well as the social context of the individual. Alterations in the nociceptive route can have different genesis and affect the entire sensorial process. Genetic problems in nociception, clinically characterized by reduced or absent pain sensitivity, compose an important chapter within pain medicine. This chapter encompasses a wide range of very rare diseases. Several genes have been identified. These genes encode the Nav channels 1.7 and 1.9 (SCN9A, and SCN11A genes, respectively), NGFβ and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase A, as well as the transcription factor PRDM12, and autophagy controllers (TECPR2). Monogenic disorders provoke hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies. Their clinical pictures are extremely variable, and a precise classification has yet to be established. Additionally, pain insensitivity is described in diverse numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities, such as Angelman syndrome, Prader Willy syndrome, Chromosome 15q duplication syndrome, and Chromosome 4 interstitial deletion. Studying these conditions could be a practical strategy to better understand the mechanisms of nociception and investigate potential therapeutic targets against pain.

Matteo Megna, Luigi Fornaro, Luca Potestio, Maria Antonietta Luciano, Mariateresa Nocerino, Mario Delfino, Maria Guarino, Gabriella Fabbrocini, Elisa Camela Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, NA, ItalyCorrespondence: Elisa Camela, Section of Dermatology - Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, Naples, NA, 80131, Italy, Tel +39 - 081 – 7462457, Fax +39 - 081 – 7462442, Email elisacamela@gmail.comPurpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) and etanercept (ETA) biosimilars in elderly and children with psoriasis.Methods: A real-life retrospective observational study was conducted on pediatric (< 18 years) and geriatric (≥ 65 years) psoriasis patients treated with anti-TNF biosimilar agents referring to the Psoriasis Unit of the University of Naples Federico II, Italy, from January 2018 to January 2022. At baseline, demographic characteristics (age and sex), data on psoriasis duration and severity (measured by Psoriasis Area Severity Index [PASI] and body surface area [BSA]), presence of psoriatic arthritis if applicable, comorbidities, and previous psoriasis treatments were recorded. Patients were monitored by regular follow-ups (week 12, 24, 48 and 72) through clinical and haematological assessments and adverse events (AEs) were registered.Results: A total of 11 children and 23 elderly psoriasis patients were enrolled. Concerning children, 6 (54.5%) were under ADA biosimilar and 5 (45.5%) under ETA biosimilar. ETA and ADA biosimilars were equally effective and safe for up to 72 weeks (mean PASI and BSA < 3). No significant AEs were reported, and none discontinued treatment. In the elderly, 15 (65.2%) were treated with ADA biosimilar and 8 (34.8%) with ETA biosimilar. ETA and ADA biosimilars were equally effective up to 72 weeks (mean PASI < 4 and mean BSA < 5%). AEs (mainly mild) were registered in 9 subjects (39.1%). Also, 4 (17.4%) patients discontinued biologicals for secondary lack of efficacy (3, 75%) or AEs (1, 25%).Conclusion: Our study found that ADA and ETA biosimilars are effective and safe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in children and the elderly. No statistically significant efficacy and safety differences were found between ADA and ETA biosimilars in both children and the elderly. Geriatric patients displayed a higher discontinuation rate and side effects than the pediatric counterpart even if without approaching statistical significance.Keywords: psoriasis, etanercept, adalimumab, biosimilar, treatment

Refraction effects, their description and modeling are important aspects of underwater and multimedia photogrammetry. For hemispherical interfaces, the usual approach to refraction is to rely on standard pinhole representations, e.g. by employing the Brown model. This is strictly only possible if entrance pupil of the lens and dome center coincide which is not trivial to achieve. However, simulations and other authors show that systematic residual errors occur with these approaches up to considerable margins if offsets of some millimeters are present. Hence, we propose a novel efficient, yet strict optimization algorithm to account for offsets between dome port centers and entrance pupil. It is about two orders of magnitude faster than standard ray tracing implementations that account for refraction while providing similar or equal results. The algorithm is employed for analysis on a simulation and two real data sets and performance of additionally estimating the dome center is investigated. Our method is capable of improving accuracy in one data set at a maximum of 30% but even so cannot provide improvements for the second data sets. An explicit calibration model is hence to be chosen carefully and most likely relies on the offset’s margins and each individual application.