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Introduction: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) often experience elevated health anxiety. The SMART-3RP is an eight-week, mind-body group resiliency intervention with evidence to reduce health anxiety in other medical populations. The aims of this waitlist-controlled, randomized pilot feasibility trial were to explore (1) feasibility and acceptability of videoconference-delivered SMART-3RP, (2) feasibility and acceptability of remote blood pressure monitoring, and (3) changes in health anxiety, mindfulness, and resiliency. Methods: Participants (N ​= ​12 adults with CHD; Mean age ​= ​41.2 years, SD ​= ​13.8, 100% white, and 75% female) were 1:1 randomized into a pilot from July 2020 to September 2020. Participants completed surveys at baseline, three-month, and six-month follow-up; recorded their blood pressure via a digital health platform four times per week for eight weeks post-randomization (n ​= ​32 total recordings); and completed individual exit interviews. Results: 91% (29/32) of patients screened were eligible; of those, 41% (12/29) enrolled. 83% were retained at three-month follow-up (10/12) and 90% of those (9/10) were retained at six months. Average adherence to blood pressure monitoring was 70% (22/32 recordings completed; SD ​= ​31.9). Effect sizes from baseline to three months suggested greater improvement in the immediate group compared to the waitlist group for health anxiety (Cohen's r ​= ​−.59), mindfulness (r ​= ​−0.44), and resiliency (r ​= ​−0.49). Exit interviews revealed positive experiences with the intervention, benefits of mindfulness skills for coping with anxiety, and suggestions for improvement including further targeting ACHD-specific needs. Conclusions: These findings support the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled efficacy trial of SMART-3RP for ACHD, and the acceptability and potential utility of SMART-3RP for emotional health in ACHD.

BackgroundThe role of worsening renal function during acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization is still debated. Very few studies have extensively evaluated the renal function (RF) trend during hospitalization by repetitive measurements.ObjectivesTo investigate the prognostic relevance of different RF trajectories together with the congestion status in hospitalized patients.MethodsThis is a post hoc analysis of a multi-center study including 467 patients admitted with AHF who were screened for the Diur-AHF Trial. We recognized five main RF trajectories based on serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) behavior. According to the RF trajectories our sample was divided into 1-stable (S), 2-transient improvement (TI), 3-permanent improvement (PI), 4-transient worsening (TW), and 5-persistent worsening (PW). The primary outcome was the combined endpoint of 180 days including all causes of mortality and re-hospitalization.ResultsWe recruited 467 subjects with a mean congestion score of 3.5±1.08 and a median creatinine value of 1.28 (1.00–1.70) mg/dl, eGFR 50 (37–65) ml/min/m2 and NTpro B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) 7,000 (4,200–11,700) pg/ml. A univariate analysis of the RF pattern demonstrated that TI and PW patterns were significantly related to poor prognosis [HR: 2.71 (1.81–4.05); p < 0.001; HR: 1.68 (1.15–2.45); p = 0.007, respectively]. Conversely, the TW pattern showed a significantly protective effect on outcome [HR:0.34 (0.19–0.60); p < 0.001]. Persistence of congestion and BNP reduction ≥ 30% were significantly related to clinical outcome at univariate analysis [HR: 2.41 (1.81–3.21); p < 0.001 and HR:0.47 (0.35–0.67); p < 0.001]. A multivariable analysis confirmed the independently prognostic role of TI, PW patterns, persistence of congestion, and reduced BNP decrease at discharge.ConclusionsVarious RF patterns during AHF hospitalization are associated with different risk(s). PW and TI appear to be the two trajectories related to worse outcome. Current findings confirm the importance of RF evaluation during and after hospitalization.

Introduction: This article presents the methods used to design a prospective cohort study with older adults from a rural area in the far south of Brazil (EpiRural Cohort Study), as well as to describe the cohort profile. Methods: The cohort study began in 2017 and evaluated older adults (≥60 years) living in rural area. The first follow-up of the cohort was carried out between September 2018 and March 2019. Data collection at baseline and first follow-up was performed through an electronic questionnaire containing demographic, socioeconomic and health-related questions, such as alcohol and cigarette consumption, morbidities and self-perceived health status. Results: At baseline, 1130 older adults were sampled, 1029 of whom were interviewed (91.1%). The age of almost 17% was 80 years or more, and 55.2% were male. At first follow-up, 862 individuals were followed (83.8%) and the characteristics of the older adults interviewed compared to those not interviewed at follow-up were similar. Between baseline and follow-up, the proportion of individuals aged 70-79 years increased, as well as the proportion of those who had consumed alcoholic beverages in the previous week and who had hypertension. The male-to-female ratio, those who were living alone, working, smokers, diabetics, who had stroke and who reported their health as being very good/good were comparable between the baseline and follow-up. Conclusion: With a reasonable follow-up rate, it was possible to transform a cross-sectional study into a prospective cohort study. However, new strategies will be needed to help locate participants more successfully and ensure a good response rate in future follow-ups.

Before the introduction of modern imaging techniques and the recent developments in molecular diagnosis, tumor markers (TMs) were among the few available diagnostic tools for the management of cancer patients. Easily obtained from serum or plasma samples, TMs are minimally invasive and convenient, and the associated costs are low. Single TMs were traditionally used but these have come under scrutiny due to their low sensitivity and specificity when used, for example, in a screening setting. However, recent research has shown superior performance using a combination of multiple TMs as a panel for assessment, or as part of validated algorithms that also incorporate other clinical factors. In addition, newer TMs have been discovered that have an increased sensitivity and specificity profile for defined malignancies. The aim of this review is to provide a concise overview of the appropriate uses of both traditional and newer TMs and their roles in diagnosis, prognosis, and the monitoring of patients in current clinical practice. We also look at the future direction of TMs and their integration with other diagnostic modalities and other emerging serum based biomarkers, such as circulating nucleic acids, to ultimately advance diagnostic performance and improve patient management.

Abstract Consisting of organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) physically doped with Ag nanoparticles, the SilverSil new class of antibacterial materials of broad scope reported herein shows remarkably high and stable activity against representative Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The low cost, ease of application and excellent health and environmental profile of SilverSil hybrid glassy coatings open the route to their widespread utilization across domestic, hospital, school, industrial and commercial environments and in consumer products.

Abstract The global adoption of biodegradable and compostable plastics obtained from biomass‐derived monomers, we argue in this account, is now close to the inflection point. The first industrially significant impact will affect the packaging segment of the global chemical industry. In this process, China and India will play a pivotal role. Selected guidelines aiming to foster development of bioplastics industry in both developed and developing nations are provided.

Is the production of the “AnchoisFert” organic fertilizer via the circular economy process based on omega-3 lipid extraction of milled anchovy fillet leftovers with citrus limonene followed by mild drying economically and technically viable? This study answers this question and identifies the main obstacles, chiefly of economic and organizational nature, to be overcome prior to commercialization of this new organic fertilizer. Along with non-variable and proven efficacy, successful competition with conventional organic and inorganic fertilizers requires affordable cost and regular supply. This, inter alia, requires to establish new and mutually beneficial relationship between bioeconomy firms and fish processing companies.

A growing body of work has highlighted the importance of political beliefs and attitudes in predicting endorsement and engagement in prosocial behavior. Individuals with right-wing political orientation are less likely to behave prosocially than their left-wing counterparts due to high levels of Right-wing authoritarianism (RWA). Here, we aimed to extend prior work by testing how political values relate to COVID-19 discretionary behavioral intentions (i.e., prosocial and non-mandatory behaviors aimed at controlling the spread of the pandemic). Furthermore, we tested whether identification with the national group would influence the relationship between RWA and prosocial behavior. A cross-sectional study conducted on 350 Italian participants showed that right-wing political orientation had a negative effect on COVID-19 discretionary behavioral intentions via RWA. Furthermore, a moderated mediation model revealed that this effect was only significant for participants who are lowly identified with the national group. The results suggest that highlighting group belongingness might effectively motivate more conservative individuals to engage in prosocial behavior.

Category: Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; Arthroscopy; Bunion; Hindfoot; Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot; Sports; Trauma; Other Introduction/Purpose: With the increasing complexity of physician reimbursement models, understanding reimbursement trends is crucial to the financial sustainability of orthopaedic practices nationwide. Inflation-adjusted Medicare physician reimbursement for total joint arthroplasty has decreased by approximately 33% from 2000 to 2019. Recent trends in orthopaedic foot and ankle reimbursement are unknown. Thus, our study sought to analyze trends in Medicare reimbursement rates from 2000 to 2020 for common orthopaedic foot and ankle surgical procedures. Methods: The financial database of a single academic tertiary care center was queried to identify the CPT codes most frequently utilized in orthopaedic foot and ankle care. Next, the Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was queried for the top 30 CPT codes utilized, and physician reimbursement data extracted. Monetary data was subsequently adjusted for inflation utilizing the consumer price index and reported in 2020 US dollars (USD). Average annual and the total percent change in reimbursement were calculated for included procedures. Results: After adjusting for inflation, the average physician reimbursement decreased by 31.6% for all included foot and ankle procedures from 2000 to 2020, with 23/30 codes decreasing by more than 30%. The greatest decrease in reimbursement observed from 2000 to 2020 was for open treatment of calcaneal fracture at 48.3% ($2,254.17 to $1,164.97), followed by flexor tendon repair at 48.2% ($741.02 to $357.39), and open treatment of pilon fracture at 43.9% ($2,451.37 to $1,076.36). Conclusion: Over the past two decades, physician reimbursement for foot and ankle procedures has dramatically decreased by up to 48.3%. Continued downward trends in orthopaedic foot and ankle physician reimbursement may lead to decreased access to quality foot and ankle care.

We study the prospects for the detection of continuous gravitational signals from normal Galactic neutron stars, i.e., nonrecycled stars. We use a synthetic population generated by evolving stellar remnants in time, according to several models. We consider the most recent constraints set by all-sky searches for continuous gravitational waves and use them for our detectability criteria. We discuss the detection prospects for the current and the next generation of gravitational-wave detectors. We find that neutron stars whose ellipticity is solely caused by magnetic deformations cannot produce any detectable signal, not even by third-generation detectors. The currently detectable sources all have B ≲ 10 ^12 G and deformations that are not solely due to the magnetic field. For these, we find in fact that the larger the magnetic field, the higher the ellipticity required for the signal to be detectable, and this ellipticity is well above the value induced by the magnetic field. Third-generation detectors such as the Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer will be able to detect up to ≈250 more sources than current detectors. We briefly treat the case of recycled neutron stars with a simplified model. We find that continuous gravitational waves from these objects will likely remain elusive to detection by current detectors, but should be detectable with the next generation of detectors.

Background: Understanding trends in pneumonia-associated hospitalizations can help to quantify the burden of disease and identify risk conditions and at-risk populations. This study evaluated characteristics of hospitalizations due to pneumonia that occurred in Italy in a 10-year period from 2010 to 2019. Methods: All hospitalizations with a principal or secondary diagnosis of pneumonia over the 10-year period were included, which were identified by hospital discharges for all-cause pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia in the anonymized hospital discharge database of the Italian Health Ministry. Results: A total of 2,481,213 patients were hospitalized for pneumonia between 2010 and 2019; patients aged 75–86 years accounted for 30.1% of hospitalizations. Most hospitalizations (88.1%) had an unspecified pneumonia discharge code. In-hospital death was recorded in 13.0% of cases. The cumulative cost for pneumonia hospitalizations of the 10-year period were EUR 11,303,461,591. Over the observation period, the incidence rate for hospitalized all-cause pneumonia in any ages increased from 100 per 100,000 in 2010 to over 160 cases per 100,000 per year in 2019 (p < 0.001). Overall, there was a significant increase in annual percent changes in hospitalization rates (+3.47 per year), in-hospital death (+4.6% per year), and costs (+3.95% per year) over the 10-year period. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that hospitalizations for pneumonia are increasing over time in almost all age groups, especially in the elderly. Given the substantial burden of pneumonia in terms of mortality, healthcare resources, and economic costs, greater public health efforts should thus be made to promote vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcus, particularly in high-risk groups.

Regardless of multiple efforts carried out across many countries to disseminate the ideas and the practice of open science, most scholars in the early 2020s do not self-archive their research articles and do not publish research papers in preprint form. Having received no education and training on open science, researchers are often puzzled on what to do, in practice, to start reaping the benefits of open science. This study offers a succinct vademecum on how to benefit from the open science approach to scholarly communication, no matter whether in natural or in humanistic and social sciences.

The use of problem-solving strategies by 59 deaf and hard of hearing children, grades K-3, was investigated. The children were asked to solve 9 arithmetic story problems presented to them in American Sign Language. The researchers found that while the children used the same general types of strategies that are used by hearing children (i.e., modeling, counting, and fact-based strategies), they showed an overwhelming use of counting strategies for all types of problems and at all ages. This difference may have its roots in language or instruction (or in both), and calls attention to the need for conceptual rather than procedural mathematics instruction for deaf and hard of hearing students.

PurposeRenal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation (sRCC) is an aggressive malignancy associated with a poor prognosis. Although existing literature focuses on patients presenting with metastatic disease, characteristics and outcomes for patients with localized disease are not well described. We aimed to evaluate postnephrectomy characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of survival in patients with sRCC who presented with clinically localized disease.Patients and methodsAn institutional review board-approved review from 1986 to 2011 identified 77 patients who presented with clinically localized disease, underwent nephrectomy, and had sRCC in their primary kidney tumor. Clinical and pathologic variables were captured for each patient. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated for all patients and those who had no evidence of disease (NED) following nephrectomy, respectively. Comparisons were made with categorical groupings in proportional hazards regression models for univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsOS for the entire cohort (n = 77) at 2 years was 50%. A total of 56 (77%) patients of the 73 who has NED following nephrectomy experienced a recurrence, with a median time to recurrence of 26.2 months. On multivariable analysis, tumor stage, pathologically positive lymph nodes, and year of nephrectomy were significant predictors of both OS and recurrence-free survival. Limitations include the retrospective nature of this study and relatively small sample size.ConclusionsLong-term survival for patients with sRCC, even in clinically localized disease, is poor. Aggressive surveillance of those who have NED following nephrectomy is essential, and further prospective studies evaluating the benefit of adjuvant systemic therapies in this cohort are warranted.

Summary: Vitamin E acetate (VEA) has been strongly linked to outbreak of electronic cigarette (EC) or vaping product use-associated lung injury. How VEA leads to such an unexpected morbidity and mortality is currently unknown. To understand whether VEA impacts the disposition profile of inhaled particles, we created a biologically inspired robotic system that quantitatively analyzes submicron and microparticles generated from ECs in real-time while mimicking clinically relevant breathing and vaping topography exactly as happens in humans. We observed addition of even small quantities of VEA was sufficient to alter size distribution and significantly enhance total particles inhaled from ECs. Moreover, we demonstrated utility of our biomimetic robot for studying influence of nicotine and breathing profiles from obstructive and restrictive lung disorders. We anticipate our system will serve as a novel preclinical scientific research, decision-support tool when insight into toxicological impact of modifications in electronic nicotine delivery systems is desired.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo. METHODS This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9–11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7–28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%. CONCLUSION The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BackgroundThe vagus nerve (VN), also called the pneumogastric nerve, connects the brainstem to organs contained in the chest and abdomen. Physiologically, VN stimulation can rapidly affect cardiac activity and heart rate (HR). VN neuropathy can increase the risk of arrhythmias and sudden death. Therefore, a selective test of VN function may be very useful. Since peripheral neurodynamic tests (NDT) are reliable for the assessment of neuropathies in somatic nerves, we aimed to validate a novel NDT to assess VN activity, namely, the VN-NTD.MethodsIn this cross-sectional double-blind, sex-balanced study, 30 participants (15 females) completed a checklist of autonomic dysfunction symptoms. During the VN-NDT administration, HR and symptoms (i.e., mechanical allodynia) were monitored in parallel to a real-time ultrasonography imaging (USI) and motion capture analysis of the neck. The VN-NDT impact on HR and its accuracy for autonomic symptoms reported in the last 7 days were tested.ResultsThe VN-NDT induced a significant HR reduction of about 12 and 8 bpm in males and females [t(1, 119) = 2.425; p < 0.017; ηp2 = 0.047, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93–9.18], respectively. No adverse events were observed during VN-NDT. A substantial interexaminer agreement between the evaluators in symptoms induction by VN-NDT was detected [F(1, 119) = 0.540; p = 0.464; ηp2 = 0.005, low effect]. Notably, mechanical allodynia accuracy for gastrointestinal dysfunctions was excellent (p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.52–0.73; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.81–0.96).ConclusionsThe novel VN-NDT is a valid and accurate test capable of detecting VN activation with high sensitivity. Data provided are suitable for both sexes as a hallmark of HR variation due to VN normal response. The proposed VN-NDT may be reliable as daily routine neurological examination tests for the evaluation of neuropathic signs related to neuroinflammation of the VN.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04192877.

The coupling with external mechanical systems such as oscillating masses working as tuned mass dampers, dynamic mass absorbers, elasto-plastic dampers, and rigid walls is an effective method to reduce the displacements and drifts of structures under external loads. An alternative method is provided by the coupling of the structure with an independent, auxiliary elasto-plastic system. This paper investigates the dynamic and seismic behaviour of a structure rigidly coupled with an auxiliary yielding mechanical system under harmonic and seismic ground excitation. A two-degree-of-freedom model is used to describe the dynamic and seismic behaviour of the main structure rigidly coupled to the yielding system, which is described by a one-degree-of-freedom model. The auxiliary system has an elasto-plastic constitutive behaviour that is modelled by a Bouc-Wen model. The equations of motion of the coupled system are obtained by a direct approach. The coupling with the yielding system is considered beneficial if the displacements of the coupled system reduce with respect to those of the stand-alone frame structure. An extensive parametric analysis is performed to point out the role of the mechanical parameters that describe the elasto-plastic constitutive behaviour of the auxiliary system. Results reveal that in large ranges of the parameters’ values, the coupling with the elasto-plastic system improves the performance of the frame structure.

Lung cancer is one of the leading forms of cancer in developed countries. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, exerts relevant effects in cancer growth and progression, including angiogenesis and metastasis in lung cancer. Mesoporous silica particles, functionalized with newly extracted fish oil (Omeg@Silica), are more effective than the fish oil alone in anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. The mechanisms that explain this efficacy are not yet understood. The aim of the present study is therefore to decipher the anti-cancer effects of a formulation of Omeg@Silica in aqueous ethanol (FOS) in adenocarcinoma (A549) and muco-epidermoid (NCI-H292) lung cancer cells, evaluating cell migration, as well as IL-8, NF-κB, and miRNA-21 expression. Results show that in both cell lines, FOS was more efficient than oil alone, in decreasing cell migration and IL-8 gene expression. FOS reduced IL-8 protein release in both cell lines, but this effect was only stronger than the oil alone in A549. In A549, FOS was able to reduce miRNA-21 and transcription factor NF-κB nuclear expression. Taken together, these data support the potential use of the Omeg@Silica as an add-on therapy for NSCLC. Dedicated studies which prove clinical efficacy are needed.

Citrus flavonoids are well-known for their beneficial effects at the cardiovascular and cardio-metabolic level, but often the encouraging in vitro results are not confirmed by in vivo approaches; in addition, the clinical trials are also inconsistent. Their limited bioavailability can be, at least in part, the reason for these discrepancies. Therefore, many efforts have been made towards the improvement of their bioavailability. Hydrodynamic cavitation methods were successfully applied to the extraction of byproducts of the Citrus fruits industry, showing high process yields and affording stable phytocomplexes, known as IntegroPectin, endowed with great amounts of bioactive compounds and high water solubility. The cardioprotective effects of grapefruit IntegroPectin were evaluated by an ex vivo ischemia/reperfusion protocol. Further pharmacological characterization was carried out to assess the involvement of mitochondrial potassium channels. Grapefruit IntegroPectin, where naringin represented 98% of the flavonoids, showed anti-ischemic cardioprotective activity, which was better than pure naringenin (the bioactive aglycone of naringin). On cardiac-isolated mitochondria, this extract confirmed that naringenin/naringin were involved in the activation of mitochondrial potassium channels. The hydrodynamic cavitation-based extraction confirmed a valuable opportunity for the exploitation of Citrus fruits waste, with the end product presenting high levels of Citrus flavonoids and improved bioaccessibility that enhances its nutraceutical and economic value.

Experimental characterization of high-strength fine wires often arises challenges greater than expected due to the difficulties encountered gripping the wire to the fixtures. To avoid premature breakage within the fixtures, capstan grips are widely utilized, but slippage might occur unless the wire is folded many times around the capstan. Further, estimating the actual elongation of the gauge section might be an issue since wires do not deform in the gauge section only but also within the folded length. This work proposes a simple clamping approach relying on sacrificial tabs made of soft and ductile material allowing to utilize classic wedge-shaped steel jaws to characterize high-strength fine wires without encountering any slippage or break within the gripping region. The suggested tabbing strategy further allows referring to the crosshead motion to evaluate the overall strain in the wire as its deformation concentrates only over the gauge length, hence excluding the use of an extensometer. This is particularly needed in the case of testing in a climatic chamber. On top of the experimental evidence, the proposed tabbing methodology is studied through analytical solutions and finite element analyses, which result in a generalized design tool that can be utilized to choose the best material and dimensions of the sacrificial tabs to correctly test wires other than the ones considered in this work.

As the title provocatively suggests, in this article we explore empirically and question on the basis of research outcomes the implications of one of the most distinctive features of Bitcoin as a digital currency: the positively advertised de-centralization of its network and the often derived claim of egalitarianism alleged to the peer-to-peer system. In order to assess degrees and trends of network de-centralization we follow two tracks. First, we analyze a snapshot of BTC transactions taken in October 2020, basing our explorations on a subset of the “crypto_bitcoin” dataset publicly available on Google Cloud Platform and applying some of the more relevant network analysis tools, like degrees and prestige. Then we extend the analysis to the overall Bitcoin system, tracing the structural transformations it has witnessed over time with regard to the hash-rate distribution. Through a longitudinal comparison, we come to show that the number of competitors in the network have decreased over time, reducing the initial outright pluralism of the actors in the system, and gradually melting down into “special nodes”, whose power has grown over time. Such centralization trends, together with the China-centered geographical distribution of the major mining pools, might have had important implications for Bitcoin success as well as they might for its future.

O artigo analisa a cidadania da União Europeia a partir de suas fontes documentais primárias e das contribuições teóricas que auxiliam a compreensão desse instituto jurídico do direito eurocomunitário. A pesquisa fornece contribuições para o estudo de seu objeto do ponto de vista do direito e da teoria política, considerando que a cidadania europeia é uma realidade híbrida, isto é, jurídica e política. A análise da cidadania europeia é feita de forma comparada com a concepção tradicional de cidadania ligada exclusivamente ao Estado-nação. O texto se divide em duas partes. A primeira situa a construção do instituto no contexto histórico-político de integração e coordenação regional europeia pós-guerra. A segunda analisa os contornos normativos do instituto e também seus significados no âmbito da teoria política. As contribuições teóricas de Patricia Mindus sobre o tema são o principal referencial teórico da pesquisa. Em geral, o artigo mostra como se deu a evolução conceitual da cidadania europeia, mostrando principalmente duas coisas: como a Europa de trabalhadores se transforma na Europa de cidadãos e como a cidadania europeia realiza, inicialmente, uma liberdade negativa e, posteriormente, uma liberdade positiva, aprimorando a experiência política da democracia participativa na comunidade europeia.

Prof. Losano was born on July the 25th 1934, and he graduated in Medicine and Surgery on November 18th 1959. He started his university career in the early 60ties as “Assistente Volontario alla Cattedra di Fisiologia”. He was several times a Visiting Professor at the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine of the University of Liberia in Monrovia (Liberia), where he also served as Dean of the Medicine Faculty. In 1973 he was named full professor and he continued to work at Torino University until 2019 as Professor Emeritus.

In the late 1990s chemists were among the early adopters of open access (OA) publishing. As also happened with preprints, the early successful adoption of OA publishing by chemists subsequently slowed down. In 2016 chemistry was found to be the discipline with the lowest proportion of OA articles in articles published between 2009 and 2015. To benefit from open science in terms of enhanced citations, collaboration, job and funding opportunities, chemistry scholars need updated information (and education) of practical relevance about open science. Suggesting avenues for quick uptake of OA publishing from chemists in both developed and developing countries, this article offers a critical perspective on academic publishing in the chemical sciences that will be useful to inform that education.

Abstract Pectin extracted via hydrodynamic cavitation in water only from waste lemon peel and further isolated via freeze drying displays significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram positive pathogen which easily contaminates food. The antibacterial effect of the new IntegroPectin is largely superior to that of commercial citrus pectin, opening the way to advanced applications of a new bioproduct now obtainable in large amounts and at low cost from citrus juice industry's waste.

Abstract Approaching the end of the second decade of the 21st century, almost the whole demand of vanillin is met by the synthetic product obtained either via a petrochemical process starting from phenol and glyoxylic acid or from energy intensive alkaline oxidative depolymerization of lignin. Only a minor fraction is comprised of natural vanillin obtained from ferulic acid fermentation, and even less of highly valued Vanilla planifolia extracts. Are there alternative green production methods? And, if yes, are they suitable to find practical application?

Background: The sense of taste is involved in food behavior and may drive food choices, likely contributing to obesity. Differences in taste preferences have been reported in normal-weight as compared to obese subjects. Changes in taste perception with an increased sweet-induced sensitivity have been reported in surgically treated obese patients, but data regarding the perception of basic tastes yielded conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate basic taste identification, induced perception, and pleasantness in normal-weight controls and obese subjects before and after bariatric surgery. Methods: Severe obese and matched normal weight subjects underwent a standardized spit test to evaluate sweet, bitter, salty, umami, and sour taste identification, induced perception, and pleasantness. A subset of obese subjects were also studied before and 12 months after sleeve gastrectomy. Results: No significant differences in basic taste-induced perceptions were observed, although a higher number of controls correctly identified umami than did obese subjects. Sleeve-gastrectomy-induced weight loss did not affect the overall ability to correctly identify basic tastes but was associated with a significant increase in taste intensities, with higher scores for sour and bitter, and a significantly reduced bitter-induced pleasantness. Conclusions: The perception of basic tastes is similar in normal-weight and severely obese subjects. Sleeve-gastrectomy-induced weight loss significantly increases basic taste-induced intensity, and selectively reduces bitter-related pleasantness without affecting the ability to identify the tastes. Our findings reveal that taste perception is influenced by body mass index changes, likely supporting the hypothesis that centrally mediated mechanisms modulate taste perception in severe obesity.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) negatively affects patient outcomes. Surgical tricuspid valve repair/replacement carries a high operative risk and is not a viable option for many high-risk patients. Percutaneous approaches provide an attractive alternative solution for such patients since they represent a valid alternative to open heart surgery without the significant risks carried by surgery. A number of percutaneous devices are currently under clinical development. This review will discuss about the latest development in the field of percutaneous tricuspid valve repair with possible future developments.

DRIFT, HPLC-MS, and SPME-GC/MS analyses were used to unveil the structure and the main functional compounds of red (blood) orange (Citrus sinensis) and bitter orange (Citrus aurantium). The IntegroPectin samples show evidence that these new citrus pectins are comprised of pectin rich in RG-I hairy regions functionalized with citrus biophenols, chiefly flavonoids and volatile molecules, mostly terpenes. Remarkably, IntegroPectin from the peel of fresh bitter oranges is the first high methoxyl citrus pectin extracted via hydrodynamic cavitation, whereas the red orange IntegroPectin is a low methoxyl pectin. C. aurantium IntegroPectin has a uniquely high concentration of adsorbed flavonoids, especially the flavanone glycosides hesperidin, naringin, and eriocitrin.

The Amazon Basin is at the center of an intensifying discourse about deforestation, land-use, and global change. To date, climate research in the Basin has overwhelmingly focused on the cycling and storage of carbon (C) and its implications for global climate. Missing, however, is a more comprehensive consideration of other significant biophysical climate feedbacks [i.e., CH4, N2O, black carbon, biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), aerosols, evapotranspiration, and albedo] and their dynamic responses to both localized (fire, land-use change, infrastructure development, and storms) and global (warming, drying, and some related to El Niño or to warming in the tropical Atlantic) changes. Here, we synthesize the current understanding of (1) sources and fluxes of all major forcing agents, (2) the demonstrated or expected impact of global and local changes on each agent, and (3) the nature, extent, and drivers of anthropogenic change in the Basin. We highlight the large uncertainty in flux magnitude and responses, and their corresponding direct and indirect effects on the regional and global climate system. Despite uncertainty in their responses to change, we conclude that current warming from non-CO2 agents (especially CH4 and N2O) in the Amazon Basin largely offsets—and most likely exceeds—the climate service provided by atmospheric CO2 uptake. We also find that the majority of anthropogenic impacts act to increase the radiative forcing potential of the Basin. Given the large contribution of less-recognized agents (e.g., Amazonian trees alone emit ~3.5% of all global CH4), a continuing focus on a single metric (i.e., C uptake and storage) is incompatible with genuine efforts to understand and manage the biogeochemistry of climate in a rapidly changing Amazon Basin.

Organizational identification (OI) has increasingly attracted scholarly attention as a key factor in understanding organizational processes and in fostering efficient human resource (HR) management. Available evidence shows that organizational ethical climate crucially predicts OI, a key determinant of both employees’ attitudes and behaviors. In the present paper, we examined the relationship between two specific ethical climates (self-interest vs. friendship), distributed leadership (DL), and employees’ attitudes and behaviors, incorporating OI as a core underlying mechanism driving these relationships. Three hundred and forty-two employees filled out questionnaires to examine ethical climate, DL, OI, and a series of measures concerning attitudes and behaviors toward the organization. Structural equation modeling confirmed that a perception of an ethical climate of friendship (but not self-interest) fostered OI, which elicited higher commitment, perceived trust and recommendation, and lower turnover intention. Perception of DL further contributed to increasing OI. Our findings suggest that HR practices should carefully consider employee perceptions of a collectivistic (vs. individualistic) ethical climate, together with perceptions of DL, as key determinants of positive organizational outcomes. We discuss results in light of the social identity approach and present practical implications for HR management.

During the first phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, Italy experienced problems of public order and maladjusted behavior. This study assessed the role of negative affectivity, right-wing authoritarianism, and anxiety of COVID-19 infection in explaining a variety of the maladjusted behaviors (i.e., “China-phobic” discrimination, panic buying) observed with an Italian sample. Specifically, we examined the effect of Negative Affectivity and Right-Wing Authoritarianism on maladjusted behaviors, and the moderating role of anxiety of infection. Seven hundred and fifty-seven Italian participants completed an online survey between March 3rd to the 7th 2020, which was immediately before the lockdown. A moderated-mediation model was tested using a structural equation modeling approach. Results indicated that both Negative Affectivity and Right-Wing Authoritarianism were positively associated with COVID-19-related maladjusted behavior, and that Right-Wing Authoritarianism mediated the relationship between Negative Affectivity and maladjusted behavior. Furthermore, the effect of Right-Wing Authoritarianism on maladjusted behavior was greater for those with high anxiety of infection, and the indirect effect of Negative Affectivity on maladjusted behavior through Right-Wing Authoritarianism was moderated by infection anxiety. Findings highlight potential psychological paths that may inform communication strategies and public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthy behavior during an outbreak.