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Lions (Panthera leo) play a crucial ecological role in shaping and maintaining fragile ecosystems within Africa. Conservation efforts should focus on genetic variability within wild populations when considering reintroduction attempts. We studied two groups of lions from two conservation sites located in Zambia and Zimbabwe to determine their genetic make-up, information that is usually unknown to the sites. In this study, we analysed 17 specimens for cytb and seven microsatellite markers to ascertain family relationships and genetic diversity previously obtained by observational studies. We then produced a standardised haplogroup phylogeny using all available entire mitogenomes, as well as calculating a revised molecular clock. The modern lion lineage diverged ~151 kya and was divided into two subspecies, both containing three distinct haplogroups. We confirm that Panthera leo persica is not a subspecies, but rather a haplogroup of the northern P.l. leo that exited Africa at least ~31 kya. The progenitor to all lions existed ~1.2 Mya, possibly in SE Africa, and later exited Africa and split into the two cave lion lineages ~175 kya. Species demography is correlated to major climactic events. We now have a detailed phylogeny of lion evolution and an idea of their conservation status given the threat of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the teaching of writing at postgraduate level values written feedback (WF) in this process. In order to understand this practice, we conducted a state of the art study to identify conceptualisations, categorisations, perceptions and textual and scriptural changes based on WF in communications in the field of Social and Human Sciences. Among the results, WF is conceived as an interactive practice, developed in diverse pedagogical-didactic contexts and conditioned by different factors. In addition, classifications of WF are identified, oriented towards different aspects involved in research writing. In terms of perceptions, the participants emphasise the formative nature of the practice. Finally, we found little research aimed at documenting the textual and scriptural changes resulting from WF. We conclude that research into this practice can contribute to the design of devices aimed at improving the teaching of writing at postgraduate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterning offers an efficient way to quantitatively enhance and enlarge material properties and functionalities, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation in various scientific domains. By precisely controlling the spatial arrangement of materials at the micro‐ and nanoscale, patterning enables the exploitation of inherent material properties in novel ways. In addition, it generates new properties, leading to the development of advanced devices and applications. This article highlights the significant contributions of spatially controlled patterning in chemistry, particularly in generating new functional properties and devices, discussing some representative articles. Examples include the use of unconventional patterning techniques for surface functionalization, as well as the application of spatial confinement in improving material properties and controlling crystallization processes. Furthermore, the discussion extends to creating new devices, such as optical storage media and sensors, through spatial organization of materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In primates, high-acuity vision is mediated by the fovea, a small specialized central region of the retina. The fovea, unique to the anthropoid lineage among mammals, undergoes notable neuronal morphological changes during postnatal maturation. However, the extent of cellular similarity across anthropoid foveas and the molecular underpinnings of foveal maturation remain unclear. Here, we used high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing to profile retinal cells of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), an early divergent in anthropoid evolution from humans, apes, and macaques. We generated atlases of the marmoset fovea and peripheral retina for both neonates and adults. Our comparative analysis revealed that marmosets share almost all their foveal types with both humans and macaques, highlighting a conserved cellular structure among primate foveas. Furthermore, by tracing the developmental trajectory of cell types in the foveal and peripheral retina, we found distinct maturation paths for each. In-depth analysis of gene expression differences demonstrated that cone photoreceptors and Müller glia (MG), among others, show the greatest molecular divergence between these two regions. Utilizing single-cell ATAC-seq and gene-regulatory network inference, we uncovered distinct transcriptional regulations differentiating foveal cones from their peripheral counterparts. Further analysis of predicted ligand-receptor interactions suggested a potential role for MG in supporting the maturation of foveal cones. Together, these results provide valuable insights into foveal development, structure, and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lightweight, metal‐free, sustainable, and reusable adsorbent materials are of paramount significance in addressing the challenges of wastewater treatment. Accordingly, semi‐crystalline nanocellulose (NC) is extracted from tissue paper waste and used to modify polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to produce electrospun nanowebs with strand diameters from ≈180–300 nm. The incorporation of NC into PAN is confirmed by infrared and Raman spectroscopy and X‐Ray diffraction. When tested for crystal violet (CV) adsorption, NC‐modified PAN (20% NC@PAN) exhibits the highest CV removal capacity, achieving 91–94% removal over three cycles each, demonstrating exceptional recyclability. In contrast, unmodified PAN significantly decreases in CV adsorption capacity (from 59% to 48% in the third cycle), possibly due to an increased (≈36%) nanofiber diameter. The adsorption kinetics, exhibiting pseudo‐second order, interparticle (in between nanofibers) diffusion, and Elovich kinetic models emphasize the role of multilayer CV adsorption through reversible chemical interactions. Confocal micro‐Raman spectroscopy unveils a multifaceted CV adsorption mechanism, suggesting both surface and multilayer diffusion, with NC‐enhancing interactions. These findings demonstrate the potential of NC‐modified PAN nanowebs as effective and environmentally sustainable adsorbents for removing CV from aqueous solutions, suggesting promising practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a multivariate approach was utilized for gaining some insights into the processing–structure–properties relationships in polyethylene-based blends. In particular, two high-density polyethylenes (HDPEs) with different molecular weights were melt-compounded using a twin-screw extruder, and the effects of the screw speed, processing temperature and composition on the microstructure of the blends were evaluated based on a Design of Experiment–multilinear regression (DoE-MLR) approach. The results of the thermal characterization, interpreted trough the MLR (multilinear regression) response surfaces, demonstrated that the composition of the blends and the screw rotation speed are the two most important parameters in determining the crystallinity of the materials. Furthermore, the rheological data were examined using a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) multivariate approach, highlighting also in this case the most prominent effect of the weight ratio of the two base polymers and the screw rotation speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral homeotic MADS-box transcription factors ensure the correct morphogenesis of floral organs, which are organized in different cell layers deriving from distinct meristematic layers. How cells from these distinct layers acquire their respective identities and coordinate their growth to ensure normal floral organ morphogenesis is unresolved. Here, we studied petunia (Petunia × hybrida) petals that form a limb and tube through congenital fusion. We identified petunia mutants (periclinal chimeras) expressing the B-class MADS-box gene DEFICIENS in the petal epidermis or in the petal mesophyll, called wico and star, respectively. Strikingly, wico flowers form a strongly reduced tube while their limbs are almost normal, while star flowers form a normal tube but greatly reduced and unpigmented limbs, showing that petunia petal morphogenesis is highly modular. These mutants highlight the layer-specific roles of PhDEF during petal development. We explored the link between PhDEF and petal pigmentation, a well-characterized limb epidermal trait. The anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway was strongly downregulated in star petals, including its major regulator ANTHOCYANIN2 (AN2). We established that PhDEF directly binds to the AN2 terminator in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PhDEF might regulate AN2 expression and therefore petal epidermis pigmentation. Altogether, we show that cell layer–specific homeotic activity in petunia petals differently impacts tube and limb development, revealing the relative importance of the different cell layers in the modular architecture of petunia petals. The expression of B-class homeotic MADS-box transcription factor PhDEF in different cell layers drives petunia petal tube or limb development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioinspired nanoparticles have recently been gaining attention as promising multifunctional nanoplatforms for therapeutic applications in cancer, including breast cancer. Here, the efficiency of the chemo-photothermal and photoacoustic properties of hybrid albumin-modified nanoparticles (HSA-NPs) loaded with doxorubicin was evaluated in a three-dimensional breast cancer cell model. The HSA-NPs showed a higher uptake and deeper penetration into breast cancer spheroids than healthy breast cell 3D cultures. Confocal microscopy revealed that, in tumour spheroids incubated with doxorubicin-loaded NPs for 16 h, doxorubicin was mainly localised in the cytoplasm, while a strong signal was detectable at the nuclear level after 24 h, suggesting a time-dependent uptake. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin-loaded NPs, tumour spheroids were treated for up to 96 h with increasing concentrations of NPs, showing marked toxicity only at the highest concentration of doxorubicin. When doxorubicin administration was combined with laser photothermal irradiation, enhanced cytotoxicity was observed at lower concentrations and incubation times. Finally, the photoacoustic properties of doxorubicin-loaded NPs were evaluated in tumour spheroids, showing a detectable signal increasing with NP concentration. Overall, our data show that the combined effect of chemo-photothermal therapy results in a shorter exposure time to doxorubicin and a lower drug dose. Furthermore, owing to the photoacoustic properties of the NPs, this nanoplatform may represent a good candidate for theranostic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive Gamma Emission Tomography (PGET) has been developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency to directly image the spatial distribution of individual fuel pins in a spent nuclear fuel assembly and determine potential diversion. The analysis and interpretation of PGET measurements rely on the availability of comprehensive datasets. Experimental data are expensive and limited, so Monte Carlo simulations are used to augment them. However, Monte Carlo simulations have a high computational cost to simulate the 360 angular views of the tomography. Similar challenges pervade numerical science. With the aim to create a large dataset of PGET simulated scenarios, we addressed the computational cost of Monte Carlo simulations by developing a physics-aware reduced order modeling approach. This approach combines a small subset of the 360 angular views (limited views approach) with a computationally inexpensive proxy solution (real-time forward model) that brings the essence of the physics to obtain a real-time high-fidelity solution at all angular views but at a fraction of the computational cost. The method's ability to reconstruct 360 views with accuracy from a limited set of angular views is demonstrated by testing its performance for different types of reactor fuel assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The 2023 ESH Guidelines give RAD a class of recommendation II with a Level of Evidence B. • RAD has two main areas of application: untreated and resistant hypertension. • The reduction in 24-H systolic BP after RAD exceeds that after SHAM by about 5 mmHg in treated patients. • Reduction in 24-H systolic BP (RAD–SHAM) is about 4 mmHg in treated patients. • Results from trials showed no important safety signals related to the procedure. Catheter-based renal artery denervation (RAD) is entering a new era. After the disappointing results of SYMPLICITY-HTN 3 trial in year 2014, several technical and methodological advancements led to execution of important SHAM-controlled randomized trials with promising results. Now, the 2023 ESH Guidelines give RAD a class of recommendation II with a Level of Evidence B. Currently, catheter-based RAD has two main areas of application: (a) Hypertensive patients who are still untreated, in whom RAD is a sort of a first-line treatment; (b) Difficult-to-control or true resistant hypertensive patients. Notably, randomized SHAM-controlled trials met their primary end-point in both these conditions. So far, we do not dispose of established predictors of the antihypertensive response to RAD. Some data suggest that younger patients with systo-diastolic hypertension, absence of diffuse atherosclerosis and evidence of sympathetic nervous system overactivity experience a better BP response to the procedure. We reviewed the available data on catheter-based RAD and included an updated meta-analysis of the results of the available SHAM-controlled trials. Overall, the reduction in 24-h systolic blood pressure (BP) after RAD exceeded that after SHAM by 4.58 mmHg (95% CI 3.07–6.10) in untreated patients, and by 3.82 mmHg (95% CI 2.46–5.18) in treated patients, without significant heterogeneity across trials, patient phenotype (untreated versus treated patients) and technique (radiofrequency versus ultrasound). There were no important safety signals related to the procedure. Notably, some data suggest that RAD could be an effective additional approach in patients with atrial fibrillation and other conditions characterized by sympathetic nervous system overactivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive Gamma Emission Tomography (PGET) has been developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency to directly image the spatial distribution of individual fuel pins in a spent nuclear fuel assembly and determine potential diversion. The analysis and interpretation of PGET measurements rely on the availability of comprehensive datasets. Experimental data are expensive and limited, so Monte Carlo simulations are used to augment them. However, Monte Carlo simulations have a high computational cost to simulate the 360 angular views of the tomography. Similar challenges pervade numerical science. With the aim to create a large dataset of PGET simulated scenarios, we addressed the computational cost of Monte Carlo simulations by developing a physics-aware reduced order modeling approach. This approach combines a small subset of the 360 angular views (limited views approach) with a computationally inexpensive proxy solution (real-time forward model) that brings the essence of the physics to obtain a real-time high-fidelity solution at all angular views but at a fraction of the computational cost. The method's ability to reconstruct 360 views with accuracy from a limited set of angular views is demonstrated by testing its performance for different types of reactor fuel assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immiscible liquid–liquid displacement is a fundamental problem in fluid mechanics and has many applications like, for instance, enhanced oil recovery. One of the most valuable methods to increase oil recovery is injecting a fluid into the reservoir to displace the oil, and the primary motivation of this work is to evaluate the liquid–liquid displacement in homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media. We carried out a direct numerical simulation of liquid–liquid displacement in three different porous media: medium I, II, and III. The medium I is homogeneous. Medium II is heterogeneous, in which the diameter of the spheres reduces from the bottom to the top boundary. Finally, in medium III, the diameter of the spheres is randomly distributed all over the domain. The three media were composed of spheres and had the same mean porosity. We tracked the liquid interface front over time until the breakthrough to compute the mass entrapped as a function of viscosity ratio and capillary number. The sweep efficiency increases when the displacing liquid viscosity also increases. The role played by the capillary number is more complex. In medias I and II, the entrapped mass rises with the capillary number. For a specific condition in medium III, when the displacing liquid is more viscous than the displaced one, the opposite can occur, i.e., the entrapped mass decreases with the capillary number. Beyond the capillary number and viscosity ratio, the sweep efficiency strongly depends on the kind of medium. Mainly, the entrapped liquid is smaller in the homogeneous medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large hydropower projects continue to be built in developing nations, despite their known negative impacts. Large-scale energy projects strain local infrastructure and reduce access to infrastructure for households that live near them. Here we investigate the link between large-scale hydropower projects and stress. Our results suggest that these projects create stress through two mechanisms: strains on community resources and through the process of displacement. We also ask how compensation and resettlement programs condition these relationships. Using data from the Madeira river basin in the Brazilian Amazon, we find that hydropower projects increase stress by reducing access to energy, water, sanitation and land. Compensation provided was not sufficient to moderate this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the reign of Maria Theresia and her son Emperor Joseph II, Trieste was completely rebuilt and became an att ractive free tax port of the Habsburg Empire. From the beginning of the eighteenth century to the first decade of the twentieth century, the population of Trieste increased from 5,000 to 230,000 inhabitants with an incredible number of migrants coming from Central Europe and the Mediterranean coastal areas. The multiethnic middle class obtained a series of privileges never granted before to the nobility, and its status is recognisable through the passion for chamber music and symphonies of Wiener Klassik, played both in private and public concerts. With the help of Czech intellectuals and musicians, during the 1860s the native Slovenes established a group of societies in which Romantic music and national anthems or Lieder were played. This trend culminated in the foundation of the Narodni dom (National House) and the Glasbena matica ([Slovene] Music Society). At the same time, the Italian nationalists maintained partial control of the Opera house, and the German minority reacted with the Schillerverein, in which Julius Heller spent his energies in spreading the music of Romantic and late-Romantic authors. Despite the political clash, the three groups gave significant impulse to instrumental music, which has marked the culture of Trieste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

QGIS is the leading free and open source desktop GIS. It is also a complete ecosystem, that allows to build complete workflows, from field data collection to publication on the web. Central to it are QGIS projects, that define data sources, projections, styling and integration, and are reused from mobile to the web without a need to reconfigure them. We describe the main solutions available for data collection and seamless publication over the web: MerginMaps, Qfield, Lizmap, with an example form a water resources project in Gambia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), is a major pest of wheat grown on the Northern Great Plains and Canadian Prairies of North America, causing economic losses of as much as $350 million annually. Two species that parasitize wheat stem sawfly larvae in wheat stems are Bracon cephi (Gahan) and B. lissogaster Muesebeck (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Carbohydrate‐rich diets increase adult parasitoid longevity and reproductive parameters, enhancing their success as natural enemies. In previous studies, these species had increased longevity, egg load, and volume when fed sucrose solutions, encouraging further research on their nutritional needs. Therefore, we conducted experiments with artificial diets using adult females fed sucrose, glucose, and fructose solutions. Females were also fed these sugars in combination with a mixture of amino acids. We assessed individuals daily for longevity. Both species benefited from diets containing carbohydrates, with an increase in longevity from an average of 9 to 51 days for B. cephi, and from 6 to 34 days for B. lissogaster. Additional experiments assessed egg load and volume after 2, 5, and 10 days of cumulative feeding in B. cephi. These females produced 1.4‐fold more eggs when fed amino acids, 2.5‐fold more with sugar, and 2.7‐fold more when fed sugar with amino acids. They had a 1.3‐fold increase in egg volume when fed amino acids, 1.9‐fold with sugar, and 2.1‐fold when fed sugar with amino acids. Our study reveals the nutritional requirements of these braconid parasitoids and the benefits of nutritional sources when implementing conservation biological control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuna represents one of the most consumed foods in many parts of the world. It is estimated that about 70 % of the tuna's weight is discarded in the production of canned fillets. This work is focused on the optimization of production of an oil rich in omega-3 from the tuna viscera, provided by a canned tuna production company, using the Alcalase enzyme. Combined use of Design of experiments (DoE), life cycle analysis (LCA), and principal component analysis (PCA) on the collected analytical data made it possible to define the best combination of the values of pH, enzyme/substrate OUS) ratio, and reaction time, respectively (pH = 8.5), E/S (1 56), and time (120 min), and to better understand the environmental bottleneck of the process. The outcomes of the study demonstrated that the duration of the hydrolysis and the associated electricity consumption is the factor that affects the most the environmental sustainability of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SPIDER is the 100 keV full-size Negative Ion Source prototype of the ITER Neutral Beam Injector, operating at Consorzio RFX in Padova, Italy. The largest Negative Ion Source in the world, SPIDER generates an RF driven plasma from which Deuterium or Hydrogen negative ions are produced and extracted. At the end of 2021, a scheduled long-term shutdown started to introduce major modifications and improvements aiming to solve issues and drawbacks identified during the first three years of SPIDER operations. The first action of the shutdown period was the disassembly and characterization of the SPIDER beam source after removal from the vacuum vessel and its placement inside the clean room. Each component was carefully assessed and catalogued, following a documented procedure. Some source components, i.e., the Plasma Grid, Extraction Grid and Bias Plate, revealed the presence of different and non-uniform red, white and green coatings that might be correlated to back-streaming positive ions impinging on grid surfaces, electrical discharges and caesium evaporation. Thus, several analyses have been carried out to understand the nature of such coatings, with the study still ongoing. The evidence of caesium evaporation and deposition on molybdenum-coated SPIDER components, such as the formation of oxides and hydroxides, is demonstrated through surface characterization analyses with the use of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein address the problem of polymorph selection by introducing a general and straightforward concept based on their ordering. We demonstrated the concept by the ordered patterning of four compounds capable of forming different polymorphs when deposited on technologically relevant surfaces. Our approach exploits the fact that, when the growth of a crystalline material is confined within sufficiently small cavities, only one of the possible polymorphs is generated. We verify our method by utilizing several model compounds to fabricate micrometric "logic patterns" in which each of the printed pixels is easily identifiable as comprising only one polymorph and can be individually accessed for further operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: From early dynamic lines in smiling and squinting young people, crow's feet lines in the lateral canthal region evolve through prolonged tissue remodeling into mature, stable rhytids after the mid‐to‐late thirties, and requests for rejuvenating treatment. Because of the heterogeneous fanning behavior of crow's feet lines, individualizing neuromodulation with botulinum toxin injections might be a sound strategy to maximize aesthetic outcomes. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of variable crow's feet line patterns at maximum contracture and while smiling and comment on the relative distribution of such patterns and the influence of aging. These considerations will be the basis and rationale for future studies that will individualize the total 24‐unit dose according to the distribution of crow's feet lines. Methods: Identifying CFL orientation at maximum frown and while smiling; assessment tool: the four‐class 2015‐version of Kane's classification further modified by converting the former "central fan pattern" into a new, more precisely defined "extended full‐fan pattern" class. Results: The 323 cohort subjects had a mean age of 51.5 ± 9.28 years. Although with some differences, outcomes in a central‐southern real‐world European Caucasian population appear similar to the distribution first studied in 2003 in a highly selected population in New England involved in double‐blind clinical trials. The full‐fan pattern predominated both at maximum contraction and when smiling, followed in prevalence by the upper‐fan pattern at maximum contraction and the extended full‐fan pattern while smiling. Age significantly influenced the crow's feet line pattern—lower‐fan patterns were more frequent than other patterns in the real‐world younger middle‐age group (40–49 years old); full‐fan and extended full‐fan patterns progressively more prevalent with aging. Conclusions: The study confirms but somewhat modifies the previous evidence about the non‐homogeneous distribution of crow's feet line fanning patterns in different age groups and reinforces the case to individualize the topography of botulinum toxin injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the degradation of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers after the injection of hyaluronidase, an enzyme used to reverse the effects of HA fillers. The study compares the degradation of different HA fillers, including VYC-25L, using a rat model. The results show that all HA fillers tested were susceptible to degradation by hyaluronidase, with no significant differences in degradation rates among the fillers. The study suggests that the properties of HA fillers do not significantly impact their sensitivity to enzymatic degradation. However, the study acknowledges that further research is needed to understand the factors that affect the sensitivity of HA fillers to hyaluronidase in a clinical setting. [Extracted from the article]

The writing of the postgraduate dissertation implies for the candidates a process of gradual incorporation as valid interlocutors within their disciplinary academic field. In this context, the writing of the thesis project constitutes a relevant experience for novice researchers. This article analyses, from an autoethnographic perspective, our experiences as doctoral students in Social and Human Sciences based on the writing of each other's thesis projects. To achieve this goal, we created two autobiographical narrative records that were analyzed based on the ideas of academic literacy, intellectual affiliation and agency. The research findings indicate that the formal and institutional logics, the interaction with experts and the preparation of successive drafts have significantly conditioned the writing of our thesis projects and the construction of our identity as beginning researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which editor discusses various articles within the issue on topics including myth of the Mermaids and the drifts of the imaginary; issues related to anachronism and periodization and sources used by contemporary historians.

It is commonly perceived that the main difference between adversarial and non-adversarial systems of civil procedure is the party charged with the duty to gather facts and evidence. Generally speaking, in adversarial systems, it is the lawyers who gather facts and collect evidence while in non-adversarial systems, like continental Europe, it is the judges who bear that responsibility. Although this dichotomy exists, it is fundamentally flawed to conclude that the non-adversarial systems, such as the Continental ones, differ from the American system because of the inquisitorial method both in fact-gathering and evidence-gathering. The real differences, as we will demonstrate, are mainly the parties' roles in the preliminary phase of the lawsuit, the methods of discovery, the judge's involvement in the case, and the techniques for examining non-documentary evidence. Both systems present advantages and drawbacks regarding efficiency (cost-saving) and efficacy (truth-finding) iii the administration of justice. Suppose the procedural divergence is not entirely irreconcilable. Can they complement each other? In this respect, we specifically ask if an adversary system can help the most troubling aspects of non-adversary practices. If so, is it possible to reconcile the non-adversarial model with a preliminary phase typical in adjudication in the adversarial system? The recent Italian reform on civil procedure allows us to shed light on these questions. This more adversarial proceeding emerging from new Continental trends might seem particularly exciting for two reasons. Firstly, it introduces a stimulating new framework to reshape the debates about civil justice reform in an adversary system. Secondly, it suggests a new way of thinking about traditional domestic and country-specific rules and outlines a unified model of a semi-adversarial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dairy cows are often exposed to stressors during the lactation cycle. Nutritional stressors could be caused by rich-grain diet, leading to ruminal pH reduction and subsequent systemic inflammation. This metabolic pathology impacts animal health and productivity. Feed additives could provide beneficial effects on innate immune function in dairy cows, especially during stressing periods. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of OmniGen-AF on measures of immunity, inflammation, and liver function in lactating dairy cows fed a high-starch, low-fiber diet. Changes in rumination, pH, and volatile fatty acids were recorded. Treated cows resulted in better rumen volatile fatty acids profile and also showed shifts in hematological parameters compatible with a prompter regeneration of red blood cells, greater proportion of neutrophils, lower levels on GGT, PON, and BHB. These results show evidence of the nutritional stress induced by feeding a high-starch, low-fiber diet, and suggest that the fed additive tested modulates some of the metabolic and immunological responses to sub-acute ruminal acidosis. Dairy cows are often exposed to multiple stressors in a lactation-cycle, with sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) a frequent example of nutritional stress. SARA affects ruminal and intestinal equilibrium resulting in dysbiosis with localized and systemic inflammation impacting animal health and productivity. OmniGen-AF (OMN, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Teaneck, NJ, USA) is a feed product recognized for modulating innate immune function, especially during periods of stress. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of OMN in lactating dairy cows fed a high-starch, low-fiber diet. Twenty-four blocked cows were assigned to control or treatment (55 g/d). After the additive adaptation (49 d) cows were fed the challenge diet (28 d). Milk, rumination and pH were continuously recorded; components, rumen fluid, and blood were taken in multiple time-point and analyzed. Results showed that the challenge decreased the rumination, shifted ruminal fluid composition, decreased milk production and the components, and slightly increased the time below pH 5.5, with no differences between groups. The treatment produced greater rumen butyrate and lower lactate, prompter regeneration of red blood cells, increase of neutrophils, lower paraoxonase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, and β-hydroxybutyrate, with no differences on other tested inflammatory markers. Results show that OMN helps modulating some of the metabolic and immunological responses to SARA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in T-ALL due to genetic alterations of their components and in response to external microenvironmental cues. To functionally characterize elements of the signaling network in T-ALL, here we analyzed ten signaling proteins that are frequently altered in T-ALL -namely Akt, Erk1/2, JNK, Lck, NF-κB p65, p38, STAT3, STAT5, ZAP70, Rb- in Jurkat, CEM and MOLT4 cell lines, using phospho-specific flow cytometry. Phosphorylation statuses of signaling proteins were measured in the basal condition or under modulation with H2O2, PMA, CXCL12 or IL7. Signaling profiles are characterized by a high variability across the analyzed T-ALL cell lines. Hierarchical clustering analysis documents that higher intrinsic phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Lck, ZAP70, and Akt, together with ZAP70 phosphorylation induced by H2O2, identifies Jurkat cells. In contrast, CEM are characterized by higher intrinsic phosphorylation of JNK and Rb and higher responsiveness of Akt to external stimuli. MOLT4 cells are characterized by higher basal STAT3 phosphorylation. These data document that phospho-specific flow cytometry reveals a high variability in intrinsic as well as modulated signaling networks across different T-ALL cell lines. Characterizing signaling network profiles across individual leukemia could provide the basis to identify molecular targets for personalized T-ALL therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have developed a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment by using nanocellulose extracted from tissue paper waste to modify polyacrylonitrile. The resulting electrospun nanowebs, with diameters ranging from ~180 to 300 nm, were found to be highly efficient in removing crystal violet from water over multiple cycles. This study highlights the potential of waste-valorized nanowebs in addressing the issue of wastewater treatment and offers a promising avenue for sustainable solutions in this field. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND: Complications are becoming ever more common with the increased use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in aesthetic medicine. Complications due to needle contamination with fastidious microorganisms are no exception. OBJECTIVE: To perform, in a top Italian aesthetic medicine facility, what the authors think is the first monitoring program of microbial needle contamination of cross-linked HA gel fillers after the prefilled syringes with gel residues were stored for retouches after the first aesthetic procedure. METHODS: Needle contamination monitoring study, performed between January and November 2019, on 35 needles (caliber, 30 and 27 G) stored at 4°C in their resealed filler packages for possible retouch after a first aesthetic treatment involving the middle and lower facial thirds. Women's age: 35 to 70 years old. RESULTS: The search for contaminating agents of the 3 monitored bacterial contaminants (Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus pyogenes , and anaerobes) as well as yeasts and molds always tested negative. In the days and months after treatment, no patients in post-treatment controls showed evidence of infection in the treated areas. CONCLUSION: The observational retrospective study confirms that good storage conditions, including monitored refrigeration, avoid the risk of contamination of partially used HA gel fillers by fastidious microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the problem of distinguishing b-jets stemming from the decay of a colour singlet, such as the Higgs boson, from those originating from the abundant QCD background. In particular, as a case study, we focus on associate production of a vector boson and a Higgs boson decaying into a pair of b-jets, which has been recently observed at the LHC. We consider the combination of several theory-driven observables proposed in the literature, together with Lund jet plane images, in order to design an original Hbb tagger. The observables are combined by means of standard machine learning algorithms, which are trained on events obtained with fast detector simulation techniques. We find that the combination of high-level single-variable observables with the Lund jet plane provides an excellent discrimination performance. We also study the dependence of the tagger on the invariant mass of the decaying particles, in order to assess the extension to a generic Xbb tagger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aesthetic medicine is witnessing an increasing exploitation of all the procedures. The demand has never been higher than it is today. The number of practitioners is also increasing year by year. Consequently complications and other kinds of related troubles and procedures are also rising. Never like today is fundamental, in case of troubles, how to properly manage with the most frequent issues. In aesthetic medicine field, botulinum toxin procedures are the safest. Lot of patients are worried about botulinum toxin despite the available scientific literature. Rare short-term complications are observed. In the most of cases, nothing severe occurs if the international recommendations and the most recent guidelines are closely followed, the majority of them are injection related. This study is a review of rare or common problems that can occur and how to manage or solve the situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss emerging views on the complexity of signals controlling the onset of biological shapes and functions, from the nanoarchitectonics arising from supramolecular interactions, to the cellular/multicellular tissue level, and up to the unfolding of complex anatomy. We highlight the fundamental role of physical forces in cellular decisions, stressing the intriguing similarities in early morphogenesis, tissue regeneration, and oncogenic drift. Compelling evidence is presented, showing that biological patterns are strongly embedded in the vibrational nature of the physical energies that permeate the entire universe. We describe biological dynamics as informational processes at which physics and chemistry converge, with nanomechanical motions, and electromagnetic waves, including light, forming an ensemble of vibrations, acting as a sort of control software for molecular patterning. Biomolecular recognition is approached within the establishment of coherent synchronizations among signaling players, whose physical nature can be equated to oscillators tending to the coherent synchronization of their vibrational modes. Cytoskeletal elements are now emerging as senders and receivers of physical signals, "shaping" biological identity from the cellular to the tissue/organ levels. We finally discuss the perspective of exploiting the diffusive features of physical energies to afford in situ stem/somatic cell reprogramming, and tissue regeneration, without stem cell transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to assess whether the role of neurologists in the emergency department changed during the coronavirus (COVID)-19 pandemic. Methods: Data from an Italian national survey investigating the role of neurologists in the emergency room conducted in December 2020 were compared with those of the same survey of the previous year. These surveys involved a questionnaire being completed filled in for patients who received a neurological consultation following a visit to the emergency room. Information gathered included demographic characteristics, triage level according to both the emergency physician and neurologist, reason for the consultation, neurological evaluation, and discharge mode. Results: In both years, approximately half of the patients were women, and the median age was 61 years. More patients in 2020 arrived by ambulance and had a greater need for assistance based on triage level than in 2019. During 2020, the proportion of consultancy requests judged by the neurologist was higher than that in 2019 (77% vs. 73%). Moreover, in 2020, fewer patients required consultation for headache, muscle pain, fever, and neurological signs, whereas coma was more prevalent. The diagnosis of ischemic stroke was the most prevalent in both years, followed by transient ischemic attack. In 2020, the status epilepticus increased and discopathy decreased. Conclusion: This study showed the significant role played by neurologists in emergency activities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlighted the differences in patients admitted between the year of the epidemic and the year previous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This integrative review aims to identify the contributions of work and income generation activities, as a therapeutic intervention, for individuals with mental disorders, favoring the understanding of the importance of these therapeutic activities for psychosocial rehabilitation. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. The literature showed that the work and income generation activities, in the mental health area, contribute to the: acquisition of some financial gain; rescue of feelings of belonging and acceptance; development of skills; valorization of abilities; maximization of the strengthening of family and community bonds. The generation of work and income provides the opportunity for social inclusion and the overcoming of limitations arising from the disease process. In addition, it contributes to numerous spheres in the lives of people with mental disorders, positively impacting on their therapeutic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural defects, such as heteroatoms or atomic vacancies, are always present in materials and significantly affect their physical properties, in both positive or unwanted ways. Interestingly, defects generate an impressive range of functionalities in many materials, such as catalysis, electrical and thermal conductivity tuning, thermoelectricity, enhanced ion storage, magnetism, and others. These properties enable the use of defective materials in a great variety of technological applications. Here we review the principal properties generated by atomic vacancies in 2D compounds and thin films of transition metal dichalcogenides and the most consolidated methods for their formation and engineering. Eventually, we critically analysed the most important advantages, the limits and the current open challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the initial general distress levels and unique recovery trajectories of clients who report eating and body image concerns. Data from 3,129 participants were evaluated using one-way analysis of covariance to evaluate differences in initial distress as measured by the Outcome Questionnaire–45, and hierarchical linear modeling to explore recovery trajectories. Clients with eating and body image concerns reported higher general distress at intake (Cohen's d between 0.48 and 0.95) and were found to recover less quickly. They were also significantly less likely to reach clinically significant criteria for recovery (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69), less likely to achieve reliable positive change (OR = 0.77), and more likely to experience no change or deterioration (OR = 1.33 and OR = 1.29). A thorough initial eating disorder assessment is recommended to aid with treatment planning and addressing eating-disorder-specific symptoms directly and early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wasting of soft tissues leads to flattening and deflation of the aging midface skin. Polynucleotides Highly Purified Technology (PN‐HPT®) demonstrated dermal hydration and elasticity as well as fibroblasts vitality and activity. Aims: To probe the value of PN‐HPT® in middle third rejuvenation in an open‐design, exploratory prospective cohort study in 40 real‐life ambulatorily treated women. Methods: Three treatment sessions—at baseline (2‐ml prefilled syringe containing 10 mg/ml PN‐HPT®, 10 mg/ml hyaluronic acid, 200 mM mannitol) as intradermic gel, and after 3 weeks (2‐ml prefilled syringe containing 20 mg/ml PN‐HPT® intradermic gel) and 6 weeks (same treatment as baseline). The protocol allowed supplemental treatment with specifically formulated PN‐HPT® (7.5 mg/ml) when needed in periocular and eyelid areas. Assessments: sequential photographs of the facial middle third at baseline, third treatment session and 6–8 weeks after the third treatment session; scoring of overall skin quality and texture, skin quality determinants (wrinkles and skin roughness, skin elasticity, skin brightness), scar appearance, and subjective satisfaction with impromptu 10‐cm Visual Analogue Scales. Results: Significant improvement of overall skin quality and texture (from 7.0 ± 1.06 at baseline session to 7.8 ± 0.99 at follow‐up), associated with highly significant improvements of wrinkles and skin roughness, elasticity, and brightness (–17.1%, +39.6%, and +51.1%, respectively). The severity scores of post‐acne scars decreased from 7.6 ± 1.32 to 4.2 ± 2.13. Individual satisfaction score at the end of treatment: 0.8 ± 0.28. Conclusions: PN‐HPT® candidate as a valuable option for facial middle third rejuvenation. Further trials will hopefully confirm these early results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unbalance is the most common fault of rotating machines and efforts devoted to developing balancing techniques are the goal of several researchers around the world. The most common balancing approach is the well-known influence coefficient method, which requires the use of trial weights to determine the relationship between unbalance forces and vibration responses of the rotor; consequently, it is time-consuming regarding industrial applications. The present contribution investigates the augmented Kalman filter (AKF) technique to balance a flexible rotor without using trial weights. There are few studies in this area and the majority of the previous research works are dedicated to theoretical studies using simple or reduced rotor models. This paper considers a finite element (FE) model of a realistic rotor system and investigates the effectiveness of the AKF as a balancing technique by considering several unbalance conditions. Therefore, the novelty of the present contribution is characterized by a complete numerical and experimental AKF based balancing procedure that is performed by using a realistic rotor system. As mentioned above, limited experimental contributions are found in the literature involving real-world applications. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis on the force covariance matrix is proposed to investigate the most favorable conditions to apply the AKF technique in the context of rotor balancing. The methodology proved to be effective to deal with a variety of rotor balancing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In Brazil, excess weight has reached epidemic proportions, and other chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) emerge. In this scenario, the importance and need for effective weight loss treatments arises, however, the incidence of abandoning these treatments is quite significant. In this context, the importance of understanding these reasons emerges. Objectives: To identify the reasons that lead to the abandonment of nutritional treatment for weight loss, according to the perception of overweight individuals. Materials and Methods: The present study was a qualitative research, where interviews were conducted to investigate the reasons that may lead to treatment abandonment for weight loss. The sample consisted of 12 overweight individuals, who have already undergone weight loss treatment with a nutritionist and abandoned it. Results: It can be inferred that the difficulties to continue the treatment and factors related to the professional's attitude were indicated by the participants as being the triggers of abandonment. Discussion: The lack of results is explained by the anxiety of individuals to perceive weight loss. The daily routine and access to recommended foods become obstacles to the continuity of treatments. The prescribed diet plan that is often shown to be somewhat restrictive and in this context the empathy of the nutritionist is necessary to assist in coping with excess weight. Conclusion: In fact, satisfaction with the treatment, which includes its satisfactory evolution, the achievement of the necessary changes and the professional's empathy, are situations that positively interfere with its persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy cows are exposed to multiple stressors during the productive cycle, such as metabolic challenges, overcrowding, grouping change, environmental stress and dietary errors. Thus, it is essential to study reliable markers able to detect stress conditions in dairy farms. This study evaluates dairy cows' immunologic and metabolic markers after the sudden and combined exposition to a high‐grain diet (75% concentrates) and the abrupt change of the housing system (from free stall to tie stall). A group of twenty‐four Holstein cows were enrolled in a challenge study of 28 days duration. Several immunological and metabolic blood markers were evaluated over the trial. Blood samples were taken at day 0 (normal value) and day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 (challenge). Data were submitted to a mixed model for repeated measures, including time as fixed and cows as random effects. The nutritional and environmental challenge had heavy effects on animal welfare and cows responded with a dramatic rumination drop. Our results suggest that the most responsive markers after abiotic stressors in cows were as follows: Serum Amyloid A and ROM in the acute response; Ceruloplasmin and GGT in the mid acute and Albumin, Paroxonase and FRAP in the chronic phase. Serum Amyloid A, Ceruloplasmin, Paraoxonase, GGT and ROM resulted as positive phase proteins, while, Albumin and FRAP resulted as negative phase proteins. Preliminary obtained results could concur to develop strategies able to mitigate stressor effects; moreover, the proposed design can be used as a model to test stress nutritional modulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most innovative research and clinical practice are highlighting the needs of young people in the initial stages of psychosis schizophrenic, which, in the absence of timely identification and intervention, can slide towards an aggravation of the pathology, compromising the possibility of carrying out a satisfactory existential project. Study support interventions in young people at psychotic risk lead to positive outcomes such as high school diploma, university degree and the development of interpersonal skills and employment, while school dropout at this stage can lead to stunting of the development of crucial interpersonal skills in a variety of life roles. Despite the evidence, few previous studies have attempted to systematize an effective study support intervention for this population. This work aims to analyze the results of a targeted intervention based on the implementation of some study skills (Goal Setting, Self-monitoring, and Study Skills components) on a sample of students defined at risk or in the phase of psychotic onset. Strategies have been identified in the literature as important components of self-management of behavior that minimize the risk of school failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key MessageClinicians should consider virtual darkness therapy with blue blocking glasses in the treatment of mania in elderly patients, where pharmacological treatments can be challenging due to side effects; this novel treatment is well-tolerated and, in augmentation to low dosage of pharmacotherapy, can contribute to improving mania-related symptoms. DISCUSSION Virtual darkness therapy is as novel treatment for mania, which was developed considering good results of dark therapy and difficulties in its application. [Extracted from the article]

Background: In the last years, there has been an intense technological development of robotic devices for gait rehabilitation in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate energy cost and psychological impact during a rehabilitation program with two different types of robotic rehabilitation systems (stationary system on a treadmill, Lokomat, and overground walking system, Ekso GT). Methods: Fifteen SCI patients with different injury levels underwent robot-assisted gait training sessions, divided into 2 phases: in the first phase, all subjects completed 3 sessions both Lokomat and Ekso GT. Afterwards, participants were randomly assigned to Lokomat or the Ekso for 17 sessions. A questionnaire, investigating the subjective psychological impact (SPI) during gait training, was administered. The functional outcome measures were oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), metabolic equivalent of task (MET), walking economy, and heart rate (HR). Results: The metabolic responses (7.73 ± 1.02 mL/kg/min) and MET values (3.20 ± 1.01) during robotic overground walking resulted to be higher than those during robotic treadmill walking (3.91 ± 0.93 mL/kg/min and 1.58 ± 0.44; p < 0.01). Both devices showed high scores in emotion and satisfaction. Overground walking resulted in higher scores of fatigue, mental effort, and discomfort while walking with Lokomat showed a higher score in muscle relaxation. All patients showed improvements in walking economy due to a decrease in energy cost with increased speed and workload. Conclusions: Overground robotic-assisted gait training in rehabilitation program needs higher cognitive and cardiovascular efforts than robot-assisted gait training on a treadmill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating disorder literature often overlooks those exhibiting eating and body image concerns without an eating disorder diagnosis. Supportive spouses may ameliorate negative body image and eating behavior, but spouses who exhibit both supportive and non-supportive behaviors concurrently (ambivalent) may send mixed messages. Eating disorder behaviors and spousal interactions were assessed in 61 women who demonstrated eating disordered behavior and body dissatisfaction but were not clinically diagnosed with an eating disorder. Spouses mostly provided messages of reassurance. However, some women were unable to overcome their internalized negative body image. Feelings of social comparison were seen with ambivalent spouses. Supportive relationships may be protective, but actual interventions may be needed to change negative body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the efficacy and number of side effects for the Gow-Gates mandibular block (GGMB) and Vazirani-Akinosi mandibular block (VAMB) compared to inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients requiring lower third molar (L3M) extraction. Materials and methods: A systematic search was performed in three electronic databases and complemented with a manual search. The inclusion criteria were randomised clinical trials in healthy patients who underwent at least one L3M extraction. Screening and article selection were carried out by two independent reviewers. After data extraction, a meta-analysis was performed for the success rate, number of positive aspirations, and onset time outcomes. Results: Six randomised clinical trials were included out of the 367 potentially eligible papers. No significant differences were found in terms of success rate using GGMB (risk ratio [RR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92 to 1.18; P = 0.48) nor VAMB (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06; P = 0.41). The VAMB group exhibited a lower number of positive aspirations than the IANB group (RR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.55; P = 0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference between the GGMB and IANB groups (RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.13 to 8.78; P = 0.96). The delayed onset was even longer in GGMB (mean difference [MD] 3.32 min; 95% CI 1.98 to 4.66; P < 0.001) and VAMB (MD 0.90 min; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.43; P = 0.0001) than IANB. Conclusions: GGMB and VAMB seem to be effective and safe anaesthetic techniques for the removal of L3M, but these blocks exhibited a more delayed onset time than IANB. Clinical relevance: GGMB and VAMB are safe and effective anaesthetic techniques for the removal of L3M. However, IANB can still be considered the first option since GGMB and VAMB exhibited more delayed onset times and variable buccal nerve anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by a classic triad of optic nerve/chiasm hypoplasia, agenesis of septum pellucidum and corpus callosum, and hypoplasia of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Herein, we report the clinical case of 2-year-old boy presenting with psychomotor delay, nystagmus, congenital hypothyroidism, and a clinically relevant growth delay. The neuroradiological examination showed partial segmental agenesis of the corpus callosum, agenesis of the septum pellucidum, optic nerve hypoplasia, and a small pituitary gland with a small median pituitary stalk. A whole-exome sequencing analysis detected a novel heterozygous de novo variant c.1069_1070delAG in SON , predicted as likely pathogenic. To date, SON pathogenic variants have been described as responsible for Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK) syndrome, a multisystemic neurodevelopmental disorder mainly characterized by intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, visual abnormalities, brain malformations, feeding difficulties, and growth delay. The herein described case is the first recognized clinic-radiological occurrence of SOD syndrome with hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in a patient carrying a SON gene variant, considered responsible of ZTTK syndrome, suggesting a possible relationship between SOD and SON gene alterations, never described so far, making the search for SON gene mutations advisable in patients with SOD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injective procedures using polynucleotides‐based products to promote dermal rejuvenation and revitalization are steadily evolving, yet no structured protocols are available that discuss and provide guidance in aesthetic treatments with highly purified polynucleotides. The goal of this document was to provide consensus‐based recommendations for the safe and effective use of Polynucleotides Highly Purified Technology™ (PN‐HPT™) devices for skin rejuvenation. Patients/Methods: A team of eight experts with extensive experience in treatments for skin rejuvenation and revitalization integrated the best available evidence and clinical judgment and devised a series of practical guidance to support dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic physician in the use of PN‐HPT™ products, alone and in combination, in aesthetic medicine. Results: For most items, the expert group achieved a majority consensus. "Recommendations" (consensus >80%) were reached for the face, periocular area, décolleté and neck, hands, scalp, and stretch marks. Recommendations include details of techniques, information on dosage, volumes to be injected, and the ideal number of required treatment sessions, as well as time intervals between them for different areas of face and body. A lower agreement level of 60% was reached on but one item related to the initial treatment cycle for the face, leading to a "Consensus statement" for that area instead of a full "Recommendation." Conclusion: The expert consensus illustrates the value of natural‐origin, highly purified polynucleotides (PN‐HPT™) as biostimulatory booster strategy for skin priming and revitalization of face and body and provides a detailed guide for the use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Recently, clinical trial results have established inhibitors of B‐cell receptor (BCR)‐associated kinase (BAKi), with or without CD20 moniclonal antibodies (mAbs), as the preferred first‐line treatment for most chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients. Using phosphospecific flow cytometry, we showed that in leukaemic cells from CLL patients the CD20 therapeutic antibodies — rituximab, ofatumumab, and obinutuzumab — inhibited BCR signalling pathways targeting preferentially pBTKY551 — but not BTKY223 — and pAKT. On the contrary, ibrutinib and idelalisib reduced pBTKY223 to a higher extent than pBTKY551. The strong reduction of pAKT induced by idelalisib was enhanced by its combination with rituximab or ofatumumab. Moreover, CD20 mAbs and BAKi induced the death of leukaemia cells that was significantly potentiated by their combination. Analysis of the enhancement of cell death in these combinations revealed an approximately additive enhancement induced by rituximab or obinutuzumab combined with ibrutinib or idelalisib. Taken together, our data identified negative regulatory effects of CD20 mAbs and their combinations with BAKi on BCR signalling and cell survival in CLL. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of mechanisms of action of CD20 mAbs as single agents or in combination with BAKi and could inform on the potential of combined therapies in ongoing and future clinical trials in patients with CLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses issues on federal rule of civil procedure 19(B), particularly on the compulsory joinder of indispensable parties. Also cited are the 1854 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case Shields v. Barrow on said parties, Rule 19 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and a comparative analysis of the rule to that of the Italian and German legal systems.

To relate the sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, food intake and quality of life of school cooks in Carapicuíba, state of São Paulo. Cross-sectional study, measuring weight, height and waist circumference and questionnaires on sociodemographic aspects, quality of life and food intake. The average age was 53.97 years, most with a partner and belonging to socioeconomic class C. The average Body Mass Index was 30.85 kg/m2, with 82.4% overweight and 45.5% obesity. The average waist circumference was 94.5cm, indicating a substantially increased risk for metabolic disease. Food intake and other lifestyle habits were classified as "attention", 50.0% had good and very good overall quality of life, and 45.6% regular. School cooks have overweight, food intake and other lifestyle habits that require attention and overall quality of life ranging from regular, good and very good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficult calving may adversely affect dairy cow health and performance. Maternal:fetal disproportion is a major cause of dystocia. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the effects of dam:calf body weight ratio (D:C) on calving difficulty, rumination time, lying time, and inflammatory profile in 25 Holstein dairy cows. Using automatic monitoring systems, we monitored behavior and production in 9 primiparous and 16 pluriparous cows between dry-off and 30 d in milk. During the same period, we collected blood samples to monitor metabolism and inflammatory profile of these cows. Calvings were video recorded to assess calving difficulty and observe the duration of the expulsive stage. After parturition, the cows were separated into 3 classes according to their D:C: easy (E; D:C >17), medium (M; 14 < D:C <17), and difficult (D; D:C <14). The cows in class D showed relatively longer labor durations (108 min vs. 54 and 51 min for classes D, M, and E, respectively) and higher calving assistance rates (50% vs. 0 and 11% of calvings for classes D, M, and E, respectively) than those in the other 2 classes. Compared with the cows in classes M and E, those in class D exhibited shorter rumination times on the day of calving (176 min/d vs. 288 and 354 min/d for classes D, M, and E, respectively) and during the first week of lactation (312 min/d vs. 339 and 434 min/d for classes D, M, and E, respectively) and maintained lower rumination values until 30 DIM (399 min/d vs. 451 and 499 min/d for classes D, M, and E, respectively). Primiparous class D cows had shorter resting times during the first week after calving compared with those in class M (8 vs. 11 h/d for classes D and M, respectively). Interclass differences were found in terms of the levels of inflammation markers such as acute-phase proteins (ceruloplasmin, albumin, retinol, and paraoxonase). Moreover, cows in class D had lower plasma levels of fructosamine and creatinine after calving. Low D:C reduced postcalving rumination time and increased inflammation grade, suggesting a lower welfare of these animals at the onset of lactation. The D:C might serve as a useful index for the identification of cows at relatively higher risk of metabolic and inflammatory disease, thus helping farmers and veterinarians improve the welfare and health of these cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]