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Summary: Trogocytosis is a cellular process whereby a cell acquires a membrane fragment from a donor cell in a contact-dependent manner allowing for the transfer of surface proteins with functional integrity. It is involved in various biological processes, including cell-cell communication, immune regulation, and response to pathogens and cancer cells, with poorly defined molecular mechanisms. With the exception of eosinophils, trogocytosis has been reported in most immune cells and plays diverse roles in the modulation of anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we report that eosinophils acquire membrane fragments from tumor cells early after contact through the CD11b/CD18 integrin complex. We discuss the impact of trogocytosis in innate immune cells on cancer progression in the context of the evidence that eosinophils can engage in trogocytosis with tumor cells. We also discuss shared and cell-specific mechanisms underlying this process based on in silico modeling and provide a hypothetical molecular model for the stabilization of the immunological synapse operating in granulocytes and possibly other innate immune cells that enables trogocytosis.

The monoclinic structures of vanadium dioxide are widely studied as appealing systems due to a plethora of functional properties in several technological fields. In particular, the possibility to obtain the VO2 material in the form of thin film with a high control of structure and morphology represents a key issue for their use in THz devices and sensors. Herein, a fine control of the crystal habit has been addressed through an in-depth study of the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) synthetic approach. The focus is devoted to the key operative parameters such as deposition temperature inside the reactor in order to stabilize the P21/c or the C2/m monoclinic VO2 structures. Furthermore, the compositional purity, the morphology and the thickness of the VO2 films have been assessed through energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), respectively. THz time domain spectroscopy is used to validate at very high frequency the functional properties of the as-prepared VO2 films.

We present the design, fabrication, and experimental test of a THz all-dielectric phase shifter plate. The design consists of two wave plate zones coupled in a perpendicular orientation with respect to each other. A large surface area device is realized by an additive manufacturing technique using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Its characteristics are analytically evaluated and experimentally measured in the THz band using time domain spectroscopy and imaging routines. The proposed design enables the creation of quasi-ideal phase retardation in between the two planes with good uniformity on a large surface area. We also achieve the flexibility to select the plane of symmetry around the chosen central axes of choice with a sensitive control over the electromagnetic field polarization direction without inducing any temporal shifts in between the wave front components of the traversed beam. Due to its inherent simplicity and robustness, the phase shifter can be easily scaled at higher frequencies and potentially used in several advanced applications, including free-electron laser (FEL) systems where an accurate polarization control of high intensity beams is required.

Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot with a long history of trading in its wildlife, especially its hyper-diverse amphibian taxa. Due to globally raised concerns over the conservation of harvested species, CITES was introduced as a global mechanism with which to monitor and regulate the trade. Utilising data collated from the CITES Trade database, this study sought to investigate the trade and CITES’ effectiveness in managing the trade with respect to Madagascar. Over a 28-year period, 20 known amphibian species were exported from Madagascar, constituting a total of nearly 271,000 individuals. Formal descriptions of Malagasy amphibian species have increased and continue to increase greatly over time. However, there was no longitudinal relationship regarding the numbers of individuals traded as new species were described. Overall, the number of individuals traded has declined over time, but where assessments were provided by the IUCN Redlist, population declines were reported in all but one species of Malagasy amphibian. Mantella (97.5%) continues to be the predominantly traded genus, with certain, high-conservation-concern, species continuing to be traded. Despite initial concerns over the effectiveness of CITES’s actions, after concerted efforts, it appears that CITES’ actions were having positive impacts on regulating the trade. However, going forward, concerns remain over the appropriateness of the quotas set and the robustness of their underpinning NDFs. Furthermore, with the increase in the number of recognised species, the potential for incorrect species labelling on the CITES permits increases and requires greater attention.

We analyzed the body length, age structure, and age at sexual maturity of the invasive Asian common toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus from different sites in Toamasina, east Madagascar. We used skeletochronology as a proxy for age estimation, while gonads were histologically analyzed to determine the age of sexual maturity. The analysis of pooled age data from three sites investigated in 2016 showed that both sexes were larger, although not older, than those of native populations. For the individuals from Madagascar, the males were significantly smaller and younger (mean ± SD, SVL: 71.4 ± 1.6 mm; age: 1.8 ± 0.7 years) than the females (SVL: 78.42 ± 1.9 mm; age: 2.7 ± 1.3 years), when the data were pooled, but when the data were analyzed separately for each of the three sites, similar results were obtained only for one site. The oldest recorded male and female were 3 and 6 years old, respectively. Gonadal histology showed that the males and females reach sexual maturity after the first and second years of age, respectively. Further studies are needed to understand if the larger size and faster growth rates observed in the invasive population of D. melanostictus in Madagascar are a consequence of more favorable environmental conditions with respect to the native range (e.g., the availability of larger trophic niches, a lack of competitors, and lower predatory pressure), and we suggest to extend the monitoring of these life history traits to understand how they might influence the invasion.

MFSD2A is a sodium-dependent lysophosphatidylcholine symporter that is responsible for the uptake of docosahexaenoic acid into the brain.sup.1,2, which is crucial for the development and performance of the brain.sup.3. Mutations that affect MFSD2A cause microcephaly syndromes.sup.4,5. The ability of MFSD2A to transport lipid is also a key mechanism that underlies its function as an inhibitor of transcytosis to regulate the blood-brain barrier.sup.6,7. Thus, MFSD2A represents an attractive target for modulating the permeability of the blood-brain barrier for drug delivery. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of mouse MFSD2A. Our structure defines the architecture of this important transporter, reveals its unique extracellular domain and uncovers its substrate-binding cavity. The structure--together with our functional studies and molecular dynamics simulations--identifies a conserved sodium-binding site, reveals a potential lipid entry pathway and helps to rationalize MFSD2A mutations that underlie microcephaly syndromes. These results shed light on the critical lipid transport function of MFSD2A and provide a framework to aid in the design of specific modulators for therapeutic purposes. The cryo-electron microscopy structure of mouse MFSD2A sheds light on the mechanism that underlies its lipid transport functions, which have a pivotal role in regulating the blood-brain barrier., Author(s): Chase A. P. Wood [sup.1] , Jinru Zhang [sup.1] , Deniz Aydin [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] [sup.4] , Yan Xu [sup.1] , Benjamin J. Andreone [sup.5] , Urs H. Langen [...]

The properties of graphene/polymer composites are usually limited by the use of discontinuous graphene flakes. Here, the authors report a fabrication method to realise continuous cm-scale graphene/polymer nanolaminates with enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, conductivity and mechanical properties.

Madagascar has historically suffered from high fragmentation of forested habitats, often leading to biodiversity loss. Neverthless, forest fragments still retain high levels of biological diversity. The Haute Matsiatra Region (south-eastern Madagascar) hosts the renowned Andringitra National Park and several surrounding isolated forest fragments embedded in a matrix of human-dominated landscape. During a herpetological survey conducted in the Region, we visited a total of 25 sites. We applied a molecular taxonomic approach to identify the collected material and generate new reference sequences to improve the molecular identification of Malagasy herpetofauna. We identified a total of 28 amphibian and 38 squamate taxa and provided a systematic account for each one of them. Nine of the identified taxa are candidate species, amongst which one was newly identified. We extended the known distributional range of 21 taxa (nine amphibians and 12 squamates). Although the largest forest fragments hold a higher number of species, we also detected a relatively high herpetological diversity in small patches. Our results highlight the importance of investigating small forest fragments to contribute to a better understanding of the patterns of diversity and distribution of the amphibians and reptiles of Madagascar.

Abstract L1syndrome is an X‐linked disorder manifesting with congenital hydrocephalus, adducted thumbs and spasticity. There are rare cases of L1 syndrome and coincident Hirschsprung disease, with mutations in the L1CAM gene thought to underlie both. We present a novel pathogenic L1CAM variant in someone with L1 syndrome and Hirschsprung disease.

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are relatively common causes of liver disease. Both viruses are mainly transmitted through the faecal–oral route and, consequently, most outbreaks occur in countries with poor sanitation. An important role of the immune response as the driver of liver injury is also shared by the two pathogens. For both the hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E (HEV) viruses, the clinical manifestations of infection mainly consist of an acute disease with mild liver injury, which results in clinical and laboratory alterations that are self-limiting in most cases. However, severe acute disease or chronic, long-lasting manifestations may occur in vulnerable patients, such as pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals or those with pre-existing liver disease. Specifically, HAV infection rarely results in fulminant hepatitis, prolonged cholestasis, relapsing hepatitis and possibly autoimmune hepatitis triggered by the viral infection. Less common manifestations of HEV include extrahepatic disease, acute liver failure and chronic HEV infection with persistent viraemia. In this paper, we conduct a non-systematic review of the available literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the state of the art. Treatment mainly consists of supportive measures, while the available evidence for aetiological treatment and additional agents in severe disease is limited in quantity and quality. However, several therapeutic approaches have been attempted: for HAV infection, corticosteroid therapy has shown outcome improvement, and molecules, such as AZD 1480, zinc chloride and heme oxygenase-1, have demonstrated a reduction in viral replication in vitro. As for HEV infection, therapeutic options mainly rely on the use of ribavirin, and some studies utilising pegylated interferon-alpha have shown conflicting results. While a vaccine for HAV is already available and has led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of the disease, several vaccines for HEV are currently being developed, with some already available in China, showing promising results.

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome predominantly studied in the elderly, characterized by reduced resistance to stressors due to diminished physiological reserve and resilience. Advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive drugs have improved long-term survival rates in solid organ transplant recipients, yet the 10-year survival is satisfying. However, liver transplant recipients have a noteworthy risk of developing frailty status. After liver transplant, frailty can be favored by socioeconomic, cultural, and health-related factors, leading to increased risks of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Various tools for frailty assessment exist, but none are universally validated for post-transplant patients. The integration of socioeconomic and psychological factors into frailty evaluation could improve quality of life and long-term outcomes for transplant recipients. Multidisciplinary approaches, including psychosocial support, are essential for managing frailty and enhancing the overall care of transplanted patients. This narrative review aims to comprehensively address the principal frailty risk factors associated with liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coatings play a crucial role in the functionality of vacuum chambers in particle accelerators, serving a dual goal by efficiently facilitating pumping and mitigating electron cloud effects. However, their impact on the surface impedance of the chamber walls raises concerns, potentially affecting the machine performance and imposing limitations on achievable energies and currents. Therefore, an electromagnetic characterization is essential for a comprehensive study of accelerator structures, particularly in the context of the next-generation machines where the demand for extremely short particle bunches accentuates the importance of evaluating material responses in the very-high-frequency region. We present a technique for probing the sub-THz response of coating materials by measuring pulsed signals passing through a specifically designed waveguide, in which is placed a slab with the deposited material under test. The proposed methodology allows for a comprehensive exploration of the electromagnetic properties of the most used technical surfaces (substrate plus coatings) in accelerators under realistic conditions, providing valuable insights into their behavior in the sub-THz frequency range. The experimental data of three different Non-Evaporable Getter coating samples, prepared on a copper substrate at the CERN deposition facilities under different sputtering conditions, are discussed. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between coatings and accelerator structures, with the aim of optimizing performance and efficiency in the evolving landscape of particle acceleration technologies. The limitations and advantages of the technique are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In 2021 ofatumumab, a recombinant human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) already authorized for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, received the marketing approval for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Differently from ocrelizumab, that is administered intravenously, ofatumumab if the first anti-CD20 mAb to be administered subcutaneously without a premedication. Methods and objectives: In this study we aimed to describe and compare the main characteristics of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) describing the occurrence of Injective Related Reactions (IRRs) following the treatment with ocrelizumab and ofatumumab reported in the Eudravigilance (EV) database during years 2021–2023. Results: A total of 860 ICSRs with either ofatumumab and ocrelizumab as suspected drug were retrieved from Eudravigilance, of which 51% associated with ofatumumab and 49% with ocrelizumab. The majority of patients who experienced IRRs following ocrelizumab belonged to the age group of 18– 64  years (73%), while the age-group was mostly not specified (55%) in ICSRs reporting ofatumumab as suspected. The distribution of gender was almost similar in the two groups, with the majority of ICSRs related to female patients. “Pyrexia” was the Preferred Term (PT) most reported for ofatumumab, while “Infusion related reaction” were more frequently reported with ocrelizumab. Premedication drugs were reported in 148 ICSRs. Out of 89 ICSRs for which the Time to Event (TTE) was calculated, 74 reported IRRs that occurred the same day of the drug administration. Discussion: Based on the results of this study, although a risk of of atumumab-induced IRRs cannot be excluded, it should be considered as manageable considering that the drug seems to be mostly associated with the occurrence of fever. Thus, it is important to continue to closely monitor the use of these in clinical practice to improve the knowledge on their long-term safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) can be associated to the occurrence of hematological disorders. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of these events occurring in reallife conditions, by describing case reports and series published in the literature. Methods: A literature search of all publications up to January 5th 2024 on the Medline and Embase databases was carried out. The results were presented both in the text and in tables. Results: Sixty-seven case reports/series were included in this review, of which more than half related to alemtuzumab, natalizumab and ocrelizumab. The publication date of included studies ranged from 2006 to 2024. The majority of case reports and series described the occurrence of late-onset hematological disorders (events that occurred more than 30 days after the first DMT administration), mainly represented by case of neutropenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia. All cases reported a favorable outcome, apart one case report that described a fatal case. Among included cases, 4 articles, all related to natalizumab, described the occurrence of myeloid disorders in 13 newborns from mother receiving the DMT. Discussion: Considering the limitations identified in the majority of included studies, further ad hoc studies are strongly needed to better evaluate the hematological disorders of DMTs. Meantime, the strict monitoring of treated patients for the occurrence of these toxicities should be highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop yerba mate extracts (YME, Ilex paraguariensis) as active ingredients for a UVC‐light‐preserved (892 mJ/cm2; 50°C) sports drink (SD) and the sports gel derived from it (SG). Aqueous ultrasound‐assisted extractions (US; 20 KHz, 750 W) of yerba mate leaves were performed at varying temperatures (T: 20, 40, and 50 °C) and acoustic energy densities (AED: 0,.11, and.23 W/mL). Total polyphenol (TPC) extraction kinetics were characterized using the Spiro and Jago, Linares, and Peleg models. The Spiro and Jago model accurately described the extraction kinetic curves. An empirical correlation was found between its rate constant and the variables T and AED, reaching its maximum value at 50°C–.23 W/mL, with no further TPC extraction beyond 4 minutes (4.20 g GAE/L). For comparison purposes, the conditions 20°C/.23 W/mL/7 min (3.33 g GAE/L) and 100°C/0 W/mL/5 min (control) were also structurally and physiochemically compared. During the extraction, intraparticle diffusion was one of the major mechanisms limiting the extraction rate. With AED and T, the intraparticle coefficient increased significantly. The US‐assisted process generated extracts with greater wettability, hygroscopicity, more natural color, and similar content of relevant xanthin alkaloids and polyphenols, compared to the control. SEM micrographs revealed that the US‐assisted extract's porosity increased with AED and T. The UV‐C processing of SD was successfully validated through microbial challenge assays. YME (20°C/.23 W/mL/7 min) addition turned SD and SG greener and raised their flavonoid content (SD: 5.2‐fold and SG: 19.6‐fold) and TPC (SD: 5.5‐fold and SG: 5.3‐fold). The DPPH and ABTS total antioxidant activity for SD and SG increased by 3.1–3.4‐fold and 16.8–57.9‐fold, respectively. SD‐YM and SG‐YM were well‐accepted and described in a consumer field test. The developed YMEs can be a natural source of xanthine alkaloids and polyphenols, thereby replacing the synthetic additives typically employed in sports nutrition products. Practical applications: The growing consumer belief in natural extracts' ability to promote health and wellness is driving the global market for botanical extracts. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St Hill) is a healthier alternative to coffee and tea, with higher antioxidant capacity and proven health benefits. The proposed extraction method eliminates the need for high temperature and prolonged treatments, preserving the nutritional value of yerba mate leaves. Furthermore, it eliminates waste generation, perfectly aligning with sustainable practices. The optimized US‐assisted extraction resulted in high‐quality physicochemical extracts with significant functional activity. Amateur athletes are increasingly looking for products to enhance their performance that are both natural and effective. In this context, the developed extracts can serve as natural additives for sports nutrition products, which typically include synthetic caffeine and other compounds aimed at enhancing alertness, arousal, and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risk of hepatocarcinoma in HCV cirrhotic patient responders after treatment with DAAs decrease, but HCC still occurs. A correlation between specific miRNAs and the development of hepatocarcinoma have been highlighted. Aim: To investigate miRNA expression in HCV-infected cirrhotic patients treated with DAAs, regarding whether or not they developed HCC at follow-up. Methods: A total of 73 outpatients with HCV-related cirrhosis treated with DAAs were enrolled, 28 of which had HCC. Samples were collected at the start and at the end of treatment. In the screening phase, 172 miRNAs were analyzed at baseline. Differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in the entire cohort. Results: In the validation phase, at baseline and in patients treated for 12 weeks, miR-28-5p was confirmed to be more highly expressed in the HCC group compared to the non-HCC group. In all of the patients treated for 12 weeks, at end of the treatment we found a significant downregulation in miR-132-3p, miR-133b-3p, miR-221-3p and miR-324-3p. In the HCC group, miR-28-5p was significantly downregulated after DAA therapy as well as in HCC patients treated for 24 weeks. Conclusion: In the HCC group, miR28-5p was differently expressed both at baseline and at the end of therapy with DAAs. This difference in expression should suggest its involvement in HCC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The focus on mild cognitive dysfunction in adults is of great interest, given the risk of worsening and conversion to dementia. Cognitive dysfunctions are characterized by a decrease in the weight and volume of the brain, due to cortical atrophy, with a widening of the grooves and flattening of the convolutions. Brain atrophy that mainly involves the hippocampus is related to the progression of cognitive impairment and the conversion from mild cognitive dysfunction to dementia. Currently, there is no treatment for MCI. Results from a trial on Alzheimer's disease (ASCOMALVA trial) suggest that a sustained cholinergic challenge can slow the progression of brain atrophy typical of Alzheimer's disease associated with vascular damage. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy of choline alphoscerate in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and associated vascular damage, in stabilizing and/or slowing brain atrophy typical of adult-onset cognitive dysfunction, and in improving and/or slowing the progression of cognitive and behavioral symptoms associated with MCI. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial will recruit 60 patients that will be evaluated and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive choline alphoscerate (1200 mg/day) or placebo, for 12 months. Analyses will be carried out using SPSS vesion No 26 the Statistician in charge of this study, with the statistical significance level chosen as 0.05. Discussion: This trial may provide evidence about the efficacy of treatment with the cholinergic precursor choline alphoscerate in patients with mild cognitive dysfunction. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Registration: EudraCT number: 2020-000576-38 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is a complication of diabetes in which the presence of infections, ulceration and/or destruction of deep tissue associated with neuropathy, peripheral atherosclerosis and comorbidity affect the prognosis, the need for limb amputation and quality of life. Purpose of the present study is to report the features of patients with acute DFS admitted to our Diabetic Foot Unit tertiary Center in 2019. Methods: In all patients admitted, the approach was performed through a multidisciplinary team (Diabetic Foot Care Team) and described in a specific diagnostic-therapeutic-assistance program. Criteria of inclusion were presence of sepsis and/or suspected osteomyelitis and/or critical limb ischemia. Clinical features and interventions performed were registered. Primary endpoints were mortality and amputation (major, minor). Secondary endpoints were length of hospitalization, type of revascularization and duration of antibiotic therapy. Results: Among 75 consecutive patients (mean age 70.9 years) enrolled, prevalence of acute DFS was higher among men (M/F 3:1). Poor glycemic control [mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 67.9 ± 22.3 mmol/mol], long duration of diabetes (mean 19 ± 16.3 years), high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (mean 89.5 ± 45.1 mg/ dL) and obesity (mean Body Mass Index 30.2 ± 7.6 kg/m2) were common. Diabetes-related complications as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (76%), ischemic heart disease (48%), retinopathy (40.5%), hepatic steatosis (50%), heart failure (17.8%) were present. During hospitalization, 21 subjects (28.4%) underwent lower limb amputations (overall rate of major amputation 4%), and 41.3% underwent percutaneous angioplasty. Long period of hospitalization (18.4 ± 7.9 days) and prolonged antibiotic therapy (23.9 ± 15.9 days) were observed. Major amputation was associated with C-reactive protein > 6.5 mg/dL (P = 0.03), osteomyelitis (P = 0.001), prior insulin therapy (P = 0.015). Conclusions: Male sex, co-morbidity, PAD, systemic inflammation and poor glycemic control are major features of acute hospitalized DFS. An approach through a multidisciplinary team is recommended in order to treat vascular and extra-vascular complications aimed at reducing mortality and at improving quality of life.

Introduction and objectives: De novo malignancies represent an important cause of death for liver transplant recipients. Our aim was to analyze predictors of extra-hepatic non-skin cancer (ESNSC) and the impact of ESNSC on the long-term outcome. Patients: We examined data from patients transplanted between 2000 and 2005 and followed-up in five Italian transplant clinics with a retrospective observational cohort study. Cox Regression was performed to identify predictors of ESNSC. A 1:2 cohort sub-study was developed to analyze the impact of ESNSC on 10-year survival. Results: We analyzed data from 367 subjects (median follow-up: 15 years). Patients with ESNSC (n = 47) more often developed post-LT diabetes mellitus (DM) (57.4% versus 35,9%, p = 0.004). At multivariate analysis, post-LT DM independently predicted ESNSC (HR 1.929, CI 1.029-3.616, p = 0.040). Recipients with ESNSC showed a lower 10-year survival than matched controls (46,8% versus 68,1%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: Post-LT DM seems to be a relevant risk factor for post-LT ESNSC. ESNSC could have a noteworthy impact on the long-term survival of LT recipients.

Natural history museums are irreplaceable tools to study and preserve the biological diversity around the globe and among the primary actors in the recognition of species and the logical repositories for their type specimens. In this paper we surveyed the consistency of the preserved specimens of amphibians and reptiles housed in the major Italian scientific collections, and verified the presence of threatened species according to the IUCN Red List, including the Extinct (EX), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), and Vulnerable (VU) categories. Altogether, we analyzed 39 Italian zoological collections. We confirmed the presence of one extinct reptile (Chioninia coctei) and five extinct or extinct in the wild amphibian species (Atelopus longirostris, Nectophrynoides asperginis, Pseudophilautus leucorhinus, P. nasutus, and P. variabilis). Seven CR amphibians, fourteen CR reptile species and the extinct skink C. coctei are shared by more than one institution. Museums which host the highest number of threatened and extinct amphibian species are respectively Turin (17 CR and 1 EX), Florence (13 CR and 1 EX), and Trento (15 CR and 1 EW), while for reptiles the richest museums are those from Genoa (15 CR and 1 EX), Florence (11 CR and 1 EX), and Pisa (7 CR). Finally, we discussed the utility of natural history museums and the strategies to follow for the implementation of their functionality.

Free-Electron Lasers are a rapidly growing field for advanced science and applications, and worldwide facilities for intense field generation, characterization and usage are becoming increasingly popular due to their peculiarities, including extremely bright, coherent, wide band tunable ultra-short pulses which are not achievable with other techniques up to now. In this review we give a thorough survey of the latest advances in the Free-Electron Laser-based field generation and detection methodologies and then present the main characteristics of a future THz/IR source, named TerRa@BriXSinO, based on a superconducting linear accelerator. The foreseen source is strongly monochromatic, with a bandwidth of 1% or smaller, highly coherent both transversally and longitudinally, with extreme versatility and high frequency tunability. After introducing the most recent and novel FEL-assisted scientific investigations, including fundamental explorations into complex systems and time-dependent interactions and material dynamics, we present our vision on the potential use of the TerRa facility and analyze some possible applications, ranging from non-linear physics under extreme conditions to polarization sensitive imaging and metamaterial-based sensing.

The genus Gephyromantis belongs to the species-rich family Mantellidae and is currently divided in six subgenera. Among these is the subgenus Phylacomantis, which currently includes four described species: Gephyromantis pseudoasper, G. corvus, G. azzurrae, and G. atsingy. The latter three species are distributed in western Madagascar, and two of them (G. azzurrae and G. corvus) occur in the Isalo Massif. Based on the analysis of molecular data (a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene), morphological inspection of museum specimens, and photographic comparisons, G. azzurrae is synonymised with G. corvus and the second Phylacomantis lineage of Isalo is described as G. kintana sp. nov. This medium-sized frog species (adult snout-vent length 35–44 mm) is assigned to this subgenus according to genetic and morphological similarities to the other known species of Phylacomantis. Gephyromantis kintana sp. nov. is known only from the Isalo Massif, while new records for G. corvus extend its range to ca. 200 km off its currently known distribution. These two taxa seem to occur in syntopy in at least one locality in Isalo, and the easiest way to distinguish them is the inspection of the ventral colouration, dark in G. corvus and dirty white in G. kintana.

A new species of the miniaturised microhylid frog genus Stumpffia, from north-western Madagascar, is described. Stumpffia froschaueri sp. nov. differs from all other described Stumpffia species in colouration and morphology and is genetically divergent (≥ 7% uncorrected p-distance to all other nominal species of the genus) in a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and in a segment of the nuclear Rag-1 gene. The new species is reliably known only from a few specimens collected in the Sahamalaza (and surroundings) region. Its known distribution is limited to three forest patches severely threatened by fire, drought and high levels of forest clearance, thus suggesting a classification of “Critically Endangered” according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Urticaria is a poorly understood and underestimated clinical condition characterised by the sudden onset of itchy wheals and/or angioedema, which usually resolve within 24 and 72 hours, respectively. It is generally classified as being acute (lasting

Informe sobre interacció agonística en granotes de Malàisia del gènere Gephyromantis (Anura, Mantellidae) Hi ha informacions sobre el comportament territorial de diverses famílies d’amfibis, però n’hi ha molt poques de referents a granotes de Madagascar, malgrat la diversitat extremadament alta d’espècies existent al país. Aquí es descriu l’enfrontament agonístic de dos mascles del gènere Gephyromantis, endèmic de Madagascar. El combat físic va anar precedit d’un canvi en la crida d’advertiment, que va passar a un to més agressiu, per part del mascle resident davant l’aproximació de l’intrús. Tot i que fins ara no s’havia informat d’interacció física, el canvi en el tipus de crida es similar a l’observat en altres Gephyromantis. El combat va durar aproximadament un minut i durant aquest temps cadascun dels mascles va tractar de sotmetre l’altre, fins que l’intrús es va retirar.