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SARS-CoV-2 infection of expecting mothers has been reported. Here the authors profile the peripheral blood from 14 pregnant women with asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection to find grossly normal immune cell composition but heterogenous induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby implicating possible therapeutic targets for virus-induced damages during pregnancy.

Binder jetting is an emerging indirect additive manufacturing technique for ceramic materials, which could be employed to produce application-oriented designed components impossible to achieve with traditional processes and featuring enhanced performances. In our study, niobium-doped lead zirconate titanate (PZT-N) powder, usually processed through the standard press-and-sinter route, was employed as the raw material. First, the powder was characterized in terms of granulometry and flowability to assess its suitability for the printing process. Then, shaping by binder jetting was studied, and the effect of three levels of binder saturation (75–90–105%) on the green bodies was assessed. Finally, the microstructure of the sintered samples was studied using SEM, to investigate the effect of thermal treatments on the grain size distribution and residual porosity (~40%). The piezoelectric properties were measured and compared to those of conventionally processed material. The piezoelectric charge and voltage constants (d33 and g33) were evaluated to determine the possible use of printed parts as porous piezoelectric components to be exploited in hydrophones in the direct mode.

The present article reflects on the evolution of clinical medicine throughout time by commenting on Picasso's painting Science and Charity (1897) through a biomedical lens. The two souls of medicine, namely the cold scientific one and the compassionate one, are examined in their dichotomy and their relationship with today's concepts of cure and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide that needs updated therapies to contrast both the serious side effects and the occurrence of drug resistance. A panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were herein employed as cancer models. Eight structurally related gold(I) and gold(III) complexes with NHC and halides or triphenylphosphane ligands were investigated as lung cancer cell growth inhibitors. As expected, gold compounds with PPh3 were found to be more cytotoxic than homoleptic [(NHC)2-Au(I)]X or heteroleptic NHC-Au(I)X or NHC-Au(III)X3 complexes. Mixed ligand gold(I) compounds exhibiting the linear NHC-AuPPh3 (compound 7) or the trigonal NHC-Au(Cl)PPh3 (compound 8) arrangements at the central metal were found to be the best lung cancer cytotoxic compounds. Analysis of the TrxR residual activity of the treated cells revealed that these compounds efficiently inhibit the most accredited molecular target for gold compounds, the TrxR, with compound 8 reaching more than 80% activity reduction in lung cells. Some of the current cancer lung therapy protocols consist of specific lung cancer cell cytotoxic agents combined with antifolate drugs; interestingly, the herein gold compounds are both TrxR and antifolate inhibitors. The human DHFR was inhibited with IC50 ranging between 10–21 µM, depending on substrate concentrations, proceeding by a likely allosteric mechanism only for compound 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is traditionally viewed as protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, emerging evidence reveals that dysfunctional HDL, characterized by impaired reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), reduced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and increased endothelial dysfunction, which can contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD). Dysfunctional HDL, resulting from oxidative modifications of Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1) and enzyme inactivation, fails to effectively remove cholesterol from peripheral tissues and may promote inflammation and atherosclerosis. Genetic mutations affecting HDL metabolism further complicate its role in cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that conventional therapies aimed at raising HDL-C levels do not necessarily reduce cardiovascular events, highlighting the need for new approaches that improve HDL functionality. Therapeutic strategies such as Apo A-1 mimetic peptides, reconstituted HDL infusions, and drugs targeting specific HDL metabolic pathways are being explored. Additionally, weight loss, statin therapy, and niacin have shown potential in enhancing HDL function. The pathophysiology of dysfunctional HDL involves complex mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and genetic mutations, which alter its structure and function, diminishing its cardioprotective effects. New functional assays, such as the cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) and HDL inflammatory index, provide more accurate predictions of cardiovascular risk by assessing HDL quality rather than quantity. As research progresses, the focus is shifting towards therapeutic strategies that enhance HDL function and address the root causes of its dysfunction, offering a more effective approach to reducing cardiovascular risk and preventing CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Various electrodiagnostic criteria have been developed in Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Their performance in a broad representation of GBS patients has not been evaluated. Motor conduction data from the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) cohort were used to compare two widely used criterion sets and relate these to diagnostic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis criteria. Methods: From the first 1500 patients in IGOS, nerve conduction studies from 1137 (75.8%) were available for the current study. These patients were classified according to nerve conduction studies criteria proposed by Hadden and Rajabally. Results: Of the 1137 studies, 68.3% (N = 777) were classified identically according to criteria by Hadden and Rajabally: 111 (9.8%) axonal, 366 (32.2%) demyelinating, 195 (17.2%) equivocal, 35 (3.1%) inexcitable and 70 (6.2%) normal. Thus, 360 studies (31.7%) were classified differently. The areas of differences were as follows: 155 studies (13.6%) classified as demyelinating by Hadden and axonal by Rajabally; 122 studies (10.7%) classified as demyelinating by Hadden and equivocal by Rajabally; and 75 studies (6.6%) classified as equivocal by Hadden and axonal by Rajabally. Due to more strictly defined cutoffs fewer patients fulfilled demyelinating criteria by Rajabally than by Hadden, making more patients eligible for axonal or equivocal classification by Rajabally. In 234 (68.6%) axonal studies by Rajabally the revised El Escorial (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) criteria were fulfilled; in axonal cases by Hadden this was 1.8%. Conclusions and discussion: This study shows that electrodiagnosis in GBS is dependent on the criterion set utilized, both of which are based on expert opinion. Reappraisal of electrodiagnostic subtyping in GBS is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are many questions regarding the optimal approach to treating non-culprit lesions in STEMI patients. Several questions still need to be answered, such as identifying the lesions to be revascularized and the optimal timing. Methods: We conducted a single-center analysis. The primary outcome was the incidence of major cardiovascular and cerebral adverse events (MACCE) at 12 months in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD) who achieved complete revascularization during the index procedure or with a staged procedure. The secondary outcomes were death from any cause, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, stroke, major bleeding events, new angina episodes, new hospitalization, and in-hospital MACCE. Results: From January 2021 to December 2022, a total of 230 patients with STEMI underwent primary PCI in our department; 87 patients had MVD. Fifty-nine patients (67.8%) underwent a non-culprit revascularization strategy during the index procedure strategy, and 28 patients (32.2%) during a staged procedure. The incidence of MACCE at 12 months was 11.9% (seven patients) in the index PCI group, compared with 32.1% (nine patients) in the staged PCI group (odds ratio, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.15 to 10.77; p = 0.022). In-hospital MACCE occurred in five patients (8.5%) of the index PCI group, compared with seven patients (25%) in the staged PCI group (odds ratio, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.03 to 12.61; p = 0.036). A trend towards better outcomes favoring the index PCI group was observed with death from any cause, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and new angina episodes. Conclusions: Better outcomes were evident with an index PCI strategy than with a staged PCI strategy for complete revascularization in patients with STEMI and MVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Malnutrition, defined as weight loss and unsatisfactory nutrient intake, is very common in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in either the early or palliative setting. Despite increased awareness, nutritional programs are not yet adequately implemented in these patients. There are several reasons for this delay: differences in composition, the expertise of the multidisciplinary teams involved in HNSCC patients' treatment, and economic and network resources conditioning faster or slower nutritional supply delivery. This situation affects the outcomes and the quality of life of HNSCC patients. Materials and methods: We investigated available literature about nutritional support in HNSCC patients and its impact on outcomes, prognosis, and quality of life, and we focused on the role of the multidisciplinary team. We considered 8,491 articles, and after excluding duplicates and manuscripts not written in English, 1,055 were analyzed and 73 were deemed eligible for the present work. Results: After the literature review, we can state that malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia are associated with systemic inflammation and closely correlated with poor outcomes. An evaluation of the nutritional status of the multidisciplinary team before, during, and after therapy could improve patient outcomes, as the goal of the therapeutic approach is widely designed. Conclusions: We suggest that the treatment workflow definition is fundamental and propose a tailored nutritional approach that could benefit HNSCC patients' outcomes and quality of life. These results could be achieved by a multidisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, many advances have been made in the treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv). Patisiran is a small-interfering RNA used to treat ATTRv with only polyneuropathy or polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of patisiran on cardiac function in ATTRv patients using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) analysis. Methods: A single-center prospective study was performed enrolling 21 patients with ATTRv (11 M—52% of the population; 10 F—48% of the population; median age 66 ± 8.4 years old). A total of 7 patients had cardiac amyloidosis and polyneuropathy, and 14 patients had only polyneuropathy without cardiac involvement. Cardiological evaluation including electrocardiograms, echocardiography with STE, and assessment of myocardial work parameters was performed in all patients before starting patisiran and after 9–18 months. Functional capacity was assessed using the 6 min walk test; quality of life was assessed using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Results: We did not find a significant difference in gender prevalence of ATTR amyloidosis in all of the population (p-value 0.79), but we found that cardiac amyloidosis significantly predominated in the male sex compared to patients with only neuropathy. In all patients, we found a slight improvement in functional capacity and quality of life. We did not find significant changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but we found a significant improvement in left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), global work waste (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE), especially in patients with cardiac amyloidosis; E/e' average and left atrial stiffness also improved significantly in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. Conclusions: Our study confirms a positive effect of patisiran on cardiac function, particularly the absence of signs of subclinical deterioration as detected by very sensitive STE parameters such as GLS, MW, and atrial stiffness during follow up in patients treated with patisiran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inkjet printing is a versatile and cheap technique for the fabrication of films, offering unique advantages in terms of scalability, precision, and customization. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in utilizing inkjet printing technology for the deposition of magnetic films with tailored properties. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) stands out due to its exceptional magnetic properties, including high coercivity, saturation magnetization, and excellent chemical stability. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the inkjet printing of cobalt ferrite magnetic films, focusing on the manufacturing process, especially on the different factors that could lead to stable multilayer depositions to achieve high thicknesses: ink solid loading, drop spacing, substrate temperature, and interlayers drying. Finally, the microstructure of the samples is investigated to identify the occurring defects after sintering between 800 and 1000 °C. The magnetic properties of the films are determined, revealing a maximum coercivity of 1.98 kOe and a magnetic saturation of 78.25 emu cm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: This review investigates the relationship between myocardial bridges (MBs), intimal thickening in coronary arteries, and Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It focuses on the role of mechanical forces, such as circumferential strain, in arterial wall remodeling and aims to clarify how MBs affect coronary artery pathology. Review Findings: MBs have been identified as influential in modulating coronary artery intimal thickness, demonstrating a protective effect against thickening within the MB segment and an increase in thickness proximal to the MB. This is attributed to changes in mechanical stress and hemodynamics. Research involving arterial hypertension models and vein graft disease has underscored the importance of circumferential strain in vascular remodeling and intimal hyperplasia. Summary: Understanding the complex dynamics between MBs, mechanical strain, and vascular remodeling is crucial for advancing our knowledge of coronary artery disease mechanisms. This could lead to improved management strategies for cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the need for further research into MB-related vascular changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) has emerged as a possible predictor of Cancer therapy‐related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) in cancer patients (CP), in addition to left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS). Thus, considering the link between left atrium and left ventricle, the aim of this study was to assess the global atrio‐ventricular strain (GAVS) in CP, to detect early cardiotoxicity. Methods: A prospective study was carried out enrolling 131 breast cancer women (mean age 51.4 ± 10.4 years) receiving anti‐cancer treatment. Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed at baseline (T0), 3 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3) after starting treatment. CTRCD was defined according to the 2022 ESC Cardio‐Oncology guidelines. Results: Forty‐four patients developed CTRCD (3 moderate and 41 mild CTRCD group A) and 87 patients did not (group B). In group A, significant changes in GLS, PALS, GAVS, LASi (left atrial stiffness index) and LVEF/GLS occurred earlier than LVEF, that reduced significantly only at T3 (p‐value <.05). Significant changes in LASi, PALS and GAVS occurred even in group B but reduction in GAVS (−21% vs. −5%) and PALS (−24% vs. −12%) was significantly greater in group A compared to group B (p‐value =.04). Conclusions: Our study confirms high sensitivity of speckle tracking echocardiography in detecting subclinical myocardial damage in CP and the usefulness of a multiparametric echocardiographic evaluation including PALS and GLS (GAVS) for having a global evaluation of the phenomenon cardiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit higher risk for celiac disease (CD) than general population. Although literature suggests CD could be associated with behavioural problems in both paediatric and adult age, such association has been poorly explored in children and adolescents DS. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate differences in emotional/behavioural difficulties, adaptive skills and sleep problems between children with DS with and without CD. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from a database including data from 381 individuals with DS (3–18 years). The final sample included 65 participants, 27 with co‐occurring CD and 38 age, IQ, sex and body mass index‐matched controls without CD. Emotional/behavioural difficulties, adaptive skills and sleep problems were assessed through parent report questionnaires. Results: No group differences emerged in emotional/behavioural difficulties, whereas participants in the CD group showed better adaptive skills in the practical domain than control group. Weak differences emerged in sleep problems. Conclusions: Youth with DS and co‐occurring CD do not exhibit more emotional and behavioural problems than youth with DS without co‐occurring CD but exhibit better adaptive skills in the practical domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Management of systemic mastocytosis is an emerging challenge which requires a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach and personalized treatment strategy. Midostaurin can rapidly reduce the disease burden, also in cladribine refractory cases.

Introduction Theory of Mind (ToM) is defined as the ability to understand mental states of other people. Recent studies explored its role in various psychopathological disorders, but evidence lacks on the relationship existing between specific psychopathological domains and ToM. Objectives We aimed to investigate the relationship between psychopathology of Anxiety Disorders (AD) and Theory of Mind. Methods We enrolled 35 patients admitted to the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi Hospital in Florence with diagnosis of AD. We administered them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RMET). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between variables. Results A significant positive correlation was detected between RMET scores and ZSAS total scores (r=0.385, p=0.022), MCQ-30 Negative Beliefs about Uncontrollability and Danger subscale (MCQ-30-Neg, r=0.407, p=0.015), and MCQ-30 Cognitive Self-Consciousness subscale (MCQ-30-CSC, r=0.349, p=0.040). Correlations between the variables in the study and Reading the mind in the eyes total scores are shown. RMET total score r p MCQ-30-Neg 0.407 0.015 MCQ-30-CSC 0.349 0.040 MCQ-30 Positive beliefs about Worry 0.073 0.667 MCQ-30 Lack of Cognitive Confidence -0.245 0.155 MCQ-30 Need to Control Thoughts 0.311 0.069 ZSAS total scores 0.385 0.022 Conclusions Such preliminary data suggest a relationship between Theory of Mind and AD psychopathology. In particular, some dimensions of AD psychopathology seem to predict higher Theory of Mind levels. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction It is proven that high levels of disgust contribute to implementing protective behaviors. Investigators also discovered that the emotion of disgust plays a central role in determining anxiety related to the contraction of COVID-19. Few data are available about the role of the contamination disgust, a specific disgust domain, in this relationship. Objectives The effect of contamination disgust on COVID-19-related anxiety was investigated. Methods 295 healthy subjects were enrolled through an online survey. They completed Disgust Scale-Revised (DS-R) and were asked to estimate their levels of Covid-19-related anxiety in 12 proposed situations. A total score was then calculated. An ANOVA model having Covid-19-related anxiety total score as dependent variable, and DS-R contamination disgust, age, and sex as predictors was estimated. Results The overall model was significant (F(3,291)=6.402, p

Introduction Theory of Mind is defined as the ability to understand mental states of other people, and is notoriously impaired in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A growing body of evidence suggests an impairment of Theory of Mind in several other psychopathological disorders. However, only few studies have assessed Theory of Mind in patients with Anxiety Disorders (AD), addressing only patients with Social Anxiety Disorder. Objectives We aimed to investigate the differences in Theory of Mind between patients with AD and Healthy Controls (HC). Methods We enrolled 35 patients admitted in the Psychiatric Unit of Careggi with diagnosis of AD and 31 HC. We administered them: Zung Anxiety Scale (ZSAS), Empathy Quotient (EQ), Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RMET), and Faux Pas test (FP). A t-test for independent samples was performed to assess between-group differences. Results Zung total scores proved to be significantly higher in patients (t(60)=4.375, p

Objective: To evaluate the association between the signal intensity ratio of clivus bone displayed on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and ages. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 268 patients underwent brain MR imaging during January 2015 to October 2019. We qualitatively and quantitatively assessed bone marrow signal intensity of clivus bone that were performed on T1-weighted sagittal images. In qualitative assessment, the signal intensities of clivus were visually graded from Grade I to III according to the proportion of low and high signal intensity areas occupying the clival marrow region. In quantitative assessment, we evaluated the association between the signal intensity ratio of clivus to pons and age categorized by decades in multivariable Gaussian regression analysis. Results: Of 268 patients, the ratio of males to females is 1:1. Grade I clivus was found about 35% of the age 1-9 years, whereas Grade 3 clivus was more frequent (more than 13%) in the ages over 30 years. There were statistically different in the mean values of clivus/CSF and clivus/pons signal intensity ratios by grades. The mean values of clivus/CSF and clivus/pons signal intensity ratios were increased by ages in both sexes, but slightly higher in males. In regression analysis after adjustment for sex, the differences in mean values of clivus/pons signal intensity ratios were larger by increasing age, using the age 1-9 as a reference group. Conclusion: The present study confirms that signal intensity ratios of clivus to pons on T1-weighted sagittal MR images is increased with ages.