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Purpose: In Italy, the training of sports workers was carried out through national sports federations (NSF), sports promotion bodies (SPB) and associated disciplines (AD) since there were no laws regarding specific professional figures on a par with other labor sectors. New and recent legislation stipulates that specific training is the responsibility of universities, with the 3-year bachelor's degree program in Exercise and Sports Science (L22) for the cultural and scientific profiling of the new professional figure of the basic kinesiologist. The study measures the perceptions and opinions that students have with respect to the training in their studies and also analyze any gaps in terms of knowledge and skills to be applied in the professional field. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 30 students consisting of 15 questions divided into three sections: Sect. 1 of sample identification, Sect. 2 assessing perceptions on knowledge acquired, and Sect. 3 assessing perceptions on skills learned. A chi-square (χ2) analysis was performed to check for significant differences. Results: The results showed a difference of opinion. Although 84.2% of the sample thought highly of the training offered, discordant data emerged on the knowledge and skills taught within the courses of study. Although this high percentage is convinced and entrusts their training to the university pathway, it is found that 19% have qualifications issued by NSF, 4.8% by other and 1.6% by SPB. In addition there is significance P =.001 demonstrating liking with respect to the training received. Conclusion: The basic kinesiologist is a key figure within sports organizations, and university training is also considered positive by those trained by NSF, SPB, and AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The implementation of the 2021 sports reform in Italy introduced new professional figures, including the sports manager, defined by Legislative Decree no. 36/2021. According to this law, a master's degree in Organization and Management of Services for Exercise and Sport Sciences (LM-47) is required to practice as a sports manager. However, some universities offer bachelor's and master's degree courses in sports management under different study classes, such as Sciences of Legal Services (L-14), Administration and Organization Sciences (L-16), Business and Management Sciences (L-18), and Business Economics (LM-77). These degree courses may qualify individuals as pseudo-sports managers, despite substantial differences in the educational content compared to the legally defined sports manager profile. This study aimed to assess the illegitimate overlap of degree courses outside the class LM-47 and the discrepancies in their study plans compared to those of LM-47, which is the only one corresponding to the sports manager profile. Methods: This documentary investigation used the two Ministerial Decrees of 2007 of the bachelor's and master's degree classes to extrapolate the degree courses involved in the overlap. Universitaly portal was used to identify the relevant subjects included in the individual degree courses in sports management other than the LM-47. The textual analysis of the objectives and content of the degree courses was done through the literature review tool Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), highlighting the relevant or consistent elements of the profile of the sports manager as established by law. Results: Degree courses in Law and Sports Management in class L-14 have a juridical professional profile, which is minimally relevant to the sports manager's role. Similarly, degree courses in Economics and Business Management Sciences in the class L-18 and Administration and Organization Sciences in the class L-16 focus on economic–financial administration and management control, lacking alignment with the sports manager profile. Even master's degree courses in the class LM-77 exhibit disparities with the sports manager profile as defined by the law. Furthermore, all these degree courses lack European credit transfer system (ECTS) credits in the exercise and sport sciences area, an essential aspect of the sports manager profession. Conclusion: There are evident contradictions in the degree courses designed for sports managers other than LM-47. According to the law, a master's degree in study class LM-47 is required to pursue this profession, but there are several degree programs from different classes of study (juridical and economic) available in the national educational offering. This situation may lead to the misapplication of Legislative Decree no. 36/2021 and result in problems with professional accreditation and limited employment opportunities for graduates of such courses. To promote the development of this professional figure, it is necessary to improve the educational offerings in the LM-47 with a more integrated approach to various economic and juridical knowledge to meet the educational needs of future sports managers who navigate the real dynamics of the sports industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activities (PA) can be characterised by a cognitive approach or an ecologicaldynamic approach. Currently, no emphasis is given in the master's degree in sports sciences to the different effects of exercise in the two different forms of delivery: prescriptive teaching and heuristic learning. The objective was to measure levels of physical performance in students and test for associations between the effects of exercise and the type of learning approach. Thirty-eight sports science students were divided into two groups according to the teaching/learning methodology used in their training: cognitive (CG) and dynamic ecological (EDG). A battery of tests was administered: squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump free arms (CMJ-FA), and stiffness test (ST). A questionnaire on daily physical activity was administered. The data collected were statistically processed. Statistically significant associations emerged between outcomes and groups (P = < .05): 37% of CGs and 26% of EDGs used motorised vehicles at least once a week; only 5% of CGs and 26% of EDGs walked daily; 100% of CGs and 79% of EDGs practised PA continuously; CGs performed better in CMJ-FA and ST. The two approaches differ in their impact on daily, structured physical activity and performance effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this manuscript is to review the effects of sodium-glucose cotransport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in patients with chronic kidney disease according to basic mechanisms, current recommendations, and future perspectives. Based on growing evidence from randomized, controlled trials, SGLT2is have proven their benefit on cardiac and renal adverse complications, and their indications expanded into the following five categories: glycemic control, reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure, diabetic kidney disease, and nondiabetic kidney disease. Although kidney disease accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis, myocardial disease, and heart failure, so far, no specific drugs were available to protect renal function. Recently, two randomized trials, the DAPA-CKD and EMPA-Kidney, demonstrated the clinical benefit of the SGLT2is dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in improving the outcome in patients with chronic kidney disease. For the consistently positive results in cardiorenal protection, the SGLT2i represents an effective treatment to reduce the progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis of COVID-19 is required to provide the best treatment to our patients, to prevent the epidemic from spreading in the community, and to reduce costs associated with the aggravation of the disease. We developed a decision tree model to evaluate the impact of using an artificial intelligence-based chest computed tomography (CT) analysis software (icolung, icometrix) to analyze CT scans for the detection and prognosis of COVID-19 cases. The model compared routine practice where patients receiving a chest CT scan were not screened for COVID-19, with a scenario where icolung was introduced to enable COVID-19 diagnosis. The primary outcome was to evaluate the impact of icolung on the transmission of COVID-19 infection, and the secondary outcome was the in-hospital length of stay. Using EUR 20000 as a willingness-to-pay threshold, icolung is cost-effective in reducing the risk of transmission, with a low prevalence of COVID-19 infections. Concerning the hospitalization cost, icolung is cost-effective at a higher value of COVID-19 prevalence and risk of hospitalization. This model provides a framework for the evaluation of AI-based tools for the early detection of COVID-19 cases. It allows for making decisions regarding their implementation in routine practice, considering both costs and effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates the feasibility of pyrite‐assisted denitrification to treat mildly acidic wastewaters and proposes a convenient solution for nitrogen removal from acidic mining waters. Pyrite is a highly available and low‐cost electron donor for autotrophic denitrification, whereas mining waters represent a source of nitrogen (N) contamination due to the use of N‐containing explosives during mining operations and cyanide (CN)‐based compounds for ore processing. In this study, the denitrification performance of a recirculated pyrite‐packed biofilter (RPPB) treating simulated N‐contaminated acidic mining waters is evaluated under decreasing pH conditions. The effect of feed organic carbon on the autotrophic process has been also investigated. N removal efficiencies (NRE) > 60% could be achieved at feed pH ≥ 4.5 and HRT ≥ 5 h. Decrease of influent pH to 3.0 reduced the NRE to 20%. The addition of 10 and 20 mg/L of ethanol to the influent did not significantly impact NRE of the RPPB. Practitioner Points: Pyrite‐assisted denitrification is proposed for treating acidic wastewaters.Nitrogen removal >60% was maintained at feed pH as low as 4.7.Decrease of feed pH to 3 strongly inhibited denitrification.The presence of organic carbon in the feed did not affect the autotrophic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The swift and successful transition towards a fossil fuel-free economy is amongst the most complex challenges ever faced by humanity, implicating intricate connections and trade-offs with the so-called water-energy-food nexus [[1]]. In such a delicate context, the energetic valorization of the most abundant source of waste biomass, i.e., lignocellulosic materials (LMs), generated by large bioeconomy sectors such as agriculture and forestry, offers a powerful and sustainable alternative to the use of primary edible biomass. In this context, Haus et al. [[10]] investigated how the economic competitiveness of sawdust-based ethanol could be influenced by the GHG emission reduction system imposed in Sweden for the road transportation sector. [Extracted from the article]

During development we transition from coregulation (where regulatory processes are shared between child and caregiver) to self‐regulation. Most early coregulatory interactions aim to manage fluctuations in the infant's arousal and alertness; but over time, coregulatory processes become progressively elaborated to encompass other functions such as sociocommunicative development, attention and executive control. The fundamental aim of coregulation is to help maintain an optimal 'critical state' between hypo‐ and hyperactivity. Here, we present a dynamic framework for understanding child–caregiver coregulatory interactions in the context of psychopathology. Early coregulatory processes involve both passive entrainment, through which a child's state entrains to the caregiver's, and active contingent responsiveness, through which the caregiver changes their behaviour in response to behaviours from the child. Similar principles, of interactive but asymmetric contingency, drive joint attention and the maintenance of epistemic states as well as arousal/alertness, emotion regulation and sociocommunicative development. We describe three ways in which active child–caregiver regulation can develop atypically, in conditions such as Autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression. The most well‐known of these is insufficient contingent responsiveness, leading to reduced synchrony, which has been shown across a range of modalities in different disorders, and which is the target of most current interventions. We also present evidence that excessive contingent responsiveness and excessive synchrony can develop in some circumstances. And we show that positive feedback interactions can develop, which are contingent but mutually amplificatory child–caregiver interactions that drive the child further from their critical state. We discuss implications of these findings for future intervention research, and directions for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2010 Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology registry showed that efficient ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction networks cover [almost equal to]50% of Italy. Italy is assigned a total of [Euro sign]20.23 billion dedicated to health care for the strengthening of territorial assistance through the creation of new structures (such as community hospitals and homes). It is hoped that the Recovery Fund (Next Generation Eu) will enable Italy to reorganize a universal health system that previously guaranteed all citizens equal health treatment regardless of income. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Standard administration of newer oral P2Y12 inhibitors, including prasugrel or ticagrelor, provides suboptimal early inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We aimed to investigate the effects of cangrelor, tirofiban, and prasugrel, administered as chewed or integral loading dose, on IPA in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.Methods: The FABOLUS-FASTER trial (Facilitation Through Aggrastat or Cangrelor Bolus and Infusion Over Prasugrel: A Multicenter Randomized Open-Label Trial in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Referred for Primary Percutaneous Intervention) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, randomized study. A total of 122 P2Y12-naive patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to cangrelor (n=40), tirofiban (n=40) (both administered as bolus and 2-hour infusion followed by 60 mg of prasugrel), or 60-mg loading dose of prasugrel (n=42). The latter group underwent an immediate 1:1 subrandomization to chewed (n=21) or integral (n=21) tablets administration. The trial was powered to test 3 hypotheses (noninferiority of cangrelor compared with tirofiban using a noninferiority margin of 9%, superiority of both tirofiban and cangrelor compared with chewed prasugrel, and superiority of chewed prasugrel as compared with integral prasugrel, each with α=0.016 for the primary end point, which was 30-minute IPA at light transmittance aggregometry in response to 20 μmol/L adenosine diphosphate.Results: At 30 minutes, cangrelor did not satisfy noninferiority compared with tirofiban, which yielded superior IPA over cangrelor (95.0±8.9 versus 34.1±22.5; P<0.001). Cangrelor or tirofiban were both superior to chewed prasugrel (IPA, 10.5±11.0; P<0.001 for both comparisons), which did not provide higher IPA over integral prasugrel (6.3±11.4; P=0.47), despite yielding higher prasugrel active metabolite concentration (ng/mL; 62.3±82.6 versus 17.1±43.5; P=0.016).Conclusions: Cangrelor provided inferior IPA compared with tirofiban; both treatments yielded greater IPA compared with chewed prasugrel, which led to higher active metabolite concentration but not greater IPA compared with integral prasugrel. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02978040; URL: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu; EudraCT 2017-001065-24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Liberalizations in the EU have increased the market share of rail freight services. • Having more than one competitor in the market positively impacts on modal shift. • Nevertheless, this impact is modest and, anyway, lower than initial expectations. • Policy measures such as road-charging schemes can better contribute to modal shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is enjoying great success in the field of scientific research. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are the cornerstone form of examination in cardiology and are the most widely used diagnostic tool because they are widely available, inexpensive, and fast. Applications of AI to ECGs, especially deep learning (DL) methods using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have been developed in many fields of cardiology in recent years. Deep learning methods provide valuable support for rapid ECG interpretation, demonstrating a diagnostic capability overlapping with specialists in the diagnosis of CVD by a classical analysis of macroscopic changes in the ECG trace. Through photoplethysmography, wearable devices can obtain single-derivative ECGs for the recognition of AI-diagnosed arrhythmias. In addition, CNNs have been developed that recognize no macroscopic electrocardiographic changes and can predict, from a 12-lead ECG, atrial fibrillation, even from sinus rhythm; left and right ventricular function; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; acute coronary syndromes; or aortic stenosis. The fields of application are many, but numerous are the limitations, mainly associated with the reliability of the acquired data, an inability to verify black box processes, and medico-legal and ethical problems. The challenge of modern medicine is to recognize the limitations of AI and overcome them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cangrelor provides lower and potentially suboptimal IPA compared with tirofiban at light transmittance aggregometry. • This analysis demonstrates that morphine attenuates the antiplatelet effects of cangrelor and oral P2Y 12 inhibitors. • An effect of morphine on P2Y 12 inhibitors other than delayed/impaired absorption should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past 50 years, European public sectors have undergone a profound process of organizational change, where managerial tools and principles from the private sector have permeated through governments and administrations of many countries. A substantial amount of academic literature has now been devoted to public management reforms. Many scholars have associated them with the diffusion of a managerialist ideology. However, the relationship between public management reforms, political ideology, and public expressions of support for these reforms by political parties has been a relatively under-explored topic within the literature and is the gap we address in this article. Using a longitudinal framework of study, our analysis shows how issues surrounding managerialist reforms have evolved across the electoral manifestos of European parties during the past 50 years. Our findings reveal that these reforms have enjoyed a growing political profile over time in many countries within Western and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, we also examine and discuss the differences and similarities of these reforms across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the available dressings and their management in patients undergoing hypospadias repair and compare postoperative outcomes with and without dressing and between the different dressing types. A comprehensive electronic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted to obtain studies, published in the period 1990 to 2021, reporting on the dressing used following hypospadias surgery. All information regarding the dressing was considered as primary endpoints, whereas surgical outcomes were assessed as secondary outcomes. Thirty-one studies containing 1,790 subjects undergoing hypospadias repair were included. Dressings were divided into three categories: nonadherent to the wound, adherent to the wound, and glue-based dressings. Most authors preferred to remove/change the dressing in the ward and the median time of removal/change was 6.56 postoperative days. The dressing removal appeared as the most frequent factor generating parental anxiety. The median rate of wound-related complications was 8.18%, of urethroplasty complications 9.08% and of reoperations 8.18%. Meta-analysis of outcomes showed higher risk of reoperations using conventional dressing, with no differences in urethroplasty and wound-related complications rates between conventional and glue-based dressings. Furthermore, the use of dressing reported increased risk of wound-related complications compared with no dressing, without significant differences regarding occurrence of urethroplasty complications and reoperations. The current evidence confirmed that there is no difference in outcomes of hypospadias repair depending on a certain dressing type. To date, surgeon's preference remains the main factor determining the choice for a specific dressing or for no dressing at all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrolysis of elemental sulfur (S 0 ) coupled to S 0 -based denitrification and denitritation was investigated in batch bioassays by microbiological and modeling approaches. In the denitrification experiments, the highest obtained NO 3 − -N removal rate was 20.9 mg/l·d. In the experiments with the biomass enriched on NO 2 − , a NO 2 − -N removal rate of 10.7 mg/l·d was achieved even at a NO 2 − -N concentration as high as 240 mg/l. The Helicobacteraceae family was only observed in the biofilm attached onto the chemically-synthesized S 0 particles with a relative abundance up to 37.1%, suggesting it was the hydrolytic biomass capable of S 0 solubilization in the novel surface-based model. S 0 -driven denitrification was modeled as a two-step process in order to explicitly account for the sequential reduction of NO 3 − to NO 2 − and then to N 2 by denitrifying bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A system using a two-phase anaerobic configuration (mesophilic/thermophilic) was tested by feeding waste activated sludge (WAS). The first acidogenic stage presented a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3 days, while the second methanogenic stage had an HRT of 10 days. Both raw and ultrasonically pretreated WAS samples were utilized for the experiment. Previous Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) observations, revealed that in the thermophilic phase, the acetoclastic methanogenesis was likely replaced by a nonacetoclastic pathway, namely, syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO). A modified version of Anaerobic Digestion Model n°1 (ADM1), accounting for the SAO pathway, was implemented and calibrated. The proposed model addressed the relationship between the hydrogen concentration and Gibbs free energy and showed the thermodynamic feasibility of the SAO pathway, while simultaneously highlighting the role played by hydrogenotrophic methanogens in maintaining a sufficiently low hydrogen partial pressure so that the SAO was energetically feasible. The estimated energy loss was estimated to be approximately 20% due to the switch of the microbial pathway from acetoclastic methanogenesis to SAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to measure the number of scientific production of Italian professors, as framed on academic disciplines of Physical training and methodology (code M-EDF/01) and Sport sciences and methodology (code M-EDF/02), afferents to academic recruitment field of Exercise and sports sciences (code 06/N2) and Didactics, special education and educational research (code 11/D2). Methods: The sample consisted of the entire population of full professors (n = 30) of M-EDF/01 and M-EDF/02, plus a proportional representation of the two academic recruitment fields with at least one associate professor per university, for a total of 78 professors. The titles of the first ten scientific products in terms of more citations from the Google Scholar database were analysed for each scientist. The title's full coherence at the scientific declaration of the two academic disciplines of M-EDF/01 and M-EDF/02 and biomedicine and pedagogy domains were assessed. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test was used to compare the two academic disciplines of the two academic recruitment fields with the three domains to highlight the separated data's greater, average and lesser significance. Results: The aggregate data showed a prevalence of the biomedicine domain over the sport and physical activity ones in M-EDF/01 and M-EDF/02 in the academic recruitment field of 06/N2. On the other hand, in the academic recruitment of 11/D2, there was a prevalence of sport and physical activity domain over the biomedicine ones. In addition, a modest pedagogy scientific production in 06/N2 and biomedical in 11/D2 were found. Conclusion: The existence of the problem of the different coherence of the scientific profiles of the researchers concerning the relevant academic recruitment field and possibly also to the two academic disciplines was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain disorders pose major challenges to medicine and treatment innovation. This is because their spectrum spans inflammatory, degenerative, traumatic/ischaemic, and neoplastic disease processes with a complex and often illunderstood aetiology. An improved genetic and genomic understanding of specific disease pathways offers new approaches to these challenges, but at present it is in its infancy. Here, we review different aspects of the challenges facing neuromedicine, give examples of where there are advances, and highlight challenges to be overcome. We see that some disorders such as Huntington's disease are the product of single gene mutations, whose discovery has been leading to the development of new targeted interventions. In the field of neurosurgery, the identification of a number of mutations allows an elaborated genetic analysis of brain tumours and opens the door to individualised therapies. Psychiatric disorders remain the area where progress is slow. Genetic analyses show that for major common disorders such as schizophrenia and depression there are no single gene alterations which offer options for targeted therapy development. However, new approaches are being developed to leverage genetic information to predict patients' responses to treatment. These recent developments hold promise for early diagnosis, follow-up with personalised treatments with adjusted therapeutic doses, predictable responses, reduced adverse drug reactions, and personal health planning. The scenario is promising but calls for increased support for curiosity- driven research into the mechanisms of normal brain functioning as well as challenging adaptations of health care and research infrastructures, encompassing legal frameworks for analysing large amounts of personal data, a flexible regulatory framework for correlating big data analyses in cooperative networks between academia and the drug development industry, and finally new strategies for brain banking in order to increase access to brain tissue samples. To make personalised medicine for brain disorders a reality, a joint effort between all relevant stakeholders - among which patients and patient organisations should play an important role - is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in western countries, and its association with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LE-PAD) represents an independent predictor of worse outcome. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are currently unknown. Methods and results: To investigate these processes, we used in vitro approaches and several mouse models: (i) unilateral limb ischaemia by left common femoral artery ligation [peripheral ischaemia (PI), n = 38]; (ii) myocardial infarction by permanent ligation of the left descending coronary artery (MI, n = 40); (iii) MI after 5 weeks of limb ischaemia (PI + MI, n = 44); (iv) sham operation (SHAM, n = 20). Compared with MI, PI + MI hearts were characterized by a significant increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, larger infarct areas, and decreased cardiac function. By using a proteomic approach, we identified a = 8 kDa circulating peptide, Dermcidin (DCD), secreted by ischaemic skeletal muscles, enhancing cardiomyocytes apoptosis under hypoxic conditions and infarct size after permanent coronary artery ligation. siRNA interference experiments to reduce DCD circulating levels significantly reduced infarct size and ameliorated cardiac function after MI. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that chronic limb ischaemia activates detrimental pathways in the ischaemic heart through humoral mechanisms of remote organ crosstalk. Thus, DCD may represent a novel important myokine modulating cardiomyocyte survival and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The request for alternative sources of energy has led to evaluating untapped routes for energy production, such as using abundant and low-cost waste materials, e.g., lignocellulosic wastes, as the substrate for biological processes aimed at biofuel production. This study focused on peanut shells (PS) valorisation via anaerobic digestion (AD). Two emerging pretreatments, i.e., organosolv and ultrasounds, were investigated to unlock the full AD potential of PS. The impact of a substrate-to-solvent ratio in organosolv pretreatment was investigated (i.e., 1:5 vs. 1:10 vs. 1:20). Different exposure times were tested for ultrasound pretreatment, corresponding to applied energy densities of 30,000, 12,000, and 6000 kJ/kg VS, respectively. Organosolv pretreatment achieved the maximal polyphenol solubilisation, i.e., 4.90 mg/g TS, when increasing the substrate-to-solvent ratio, whereas methane production did not benefit from the pretreatment, being comparable with that of raw PS at most (i.e., 55.0 mL CH4/g VS). On the other hand, ultrasounds mainly affected sugar solubilisation (up to 37.90 mg/g TS), enhancing methane production up to an extra 64%, achieved with the highest energy density. The organosolv route would benefit from further downstream steps to recover the biomolecules released in the liquid fraction, whereas ultrasounds pretreatment provided a slurry suitable for direct AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securing a sustainable protein supply at the global level is among the greatest challenges currently faced by humanity. Alternative protein sources, such as second-generation microbial protein (MP), could give rise to innovative circular bioeconomy practices, synthesizing high-value bioproducts through the recovery and upcycling of resources from overabundant biowastes and residues. Within such a multi-feedstock biorefinery scenario, the wide range of microbial pathways and networks that characterize mixed microbial cultures, offers interesting and not yet fully explored advantages over conventional monoculture-based processes. In this review, we combine a comprehensive analysis of waste recovery platforms for second-generation MP production with a critical evaluation of the research gaps and potentials offered by mixed culture-based MP fermentation processes. A critical overview of second-generation microbial protein (MP) biorefineries as a means to upcycle overabundant organic waste and residues through relevant mixed-culture fermentation platforms is provided. Naturally enriched mixed cultures and synthetically engineered co-cultures can contribute to improve the process performances of microbial fermentation as well as the final product specifications. The multiproduct application potential of MP is expanding rapidly, moving beyond nutritional applications to include new added-value bioproducts, such as slow-release fertilizers and protein-based bioplastics. The techno-economic feasibility of the conversion platforms, the stability/quality of the mixed-cultures, and the regulatory acceptance of products obtained from waste/residues call for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the beneficial effects induced on dancers by the two types of stretching protocol: static and dynamic stretching, in order to elevate the aesthetics of the figures and body positions to the highest level. The subjects were 20 young female dancers divided into two groups: Group DS (n=10), which performed dynamic stretching, and Group SS (n=10), a static stretching, both for six months. A survey, with the aim of assessing perceptions about the benefits induced by the type of stretching performed, and a Sit and Reach Test were administered to the dancers to assess both qualitative and quantitative aspects of flexibility. An independent samples t-test was performed to assess the differences in flexibility between DS and SS group before and after six months, and a Fisher's exact test to analyse their perceptions on the benefits induced by two training protocols. Result was statistically significant after six months and four associations were found (P <0.05). Dynamic stretching brought greater benefits both qualitatively and quantitatively. From the results of the study, it was possible to state that dancers in terms of induced benefits and satisfaction with the performance result achieved, preferred dynamic stretching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A farm-scale biogas plant loaded with untreated rice straw and co-digested with raw pig wastewater was operated and monitored during a complete digestion cycle. One active anaerobic digester cell (6600 m3) containing 727 tons of rice straw, 285 tons of pig wastewater and approximately 1300 tons of water was operated for a total of 422 days. Cumulative energy production of 295 MWh and an estimated specific methane yield of 181 LCH4/kgVS added was achieved. A direct correlation between daily power production and digester temperature was observed, with a maximum power production of 2.74 MWh/d. Mesophilic conditions were reached inside the digester during the summer months by recovering waste heat from the engine and recycling it through the leachate recirculation process. A slow start-up period of approximately 200 days was observed, but increased leachate recirculation rates (from 0.04 to >0.14 m3/m3straw-d) resulted in increased gas production that initiated the microbial growth phase in the digestion cycle. Although sufficient buffering capacity as well as macro- and micronutrients were supplied to the system by the pig wastewater, an overall straw (dry wt.) to wastewater ratio (wet wt.) of 1 to 1.4 is recommended to improve gas production and decrease the acclimation period. A raw economic assessment of the system shows an investment recovery time of 8.3 years. Improvements such as continuous leachate recirculation, a more efficient heat exchange system to maintain mesophilic conditions year round, and periodic addition of fresh wastewater and sludge acclimated to lignocellulosic material are recommended to achieve a more sustainable and profitable system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] An unique co-digestion strategy to improve degradation of rice straw was investigated. [•] Different ratios of piggery wastewater and paper mill sludge were used as inocula. [•] Specific methane yields above 330LCH4/kgVS were achieved in 92days. [•] Increased quantities of paper mill sludge directly increased hydrolysis of the straw. [•] The most stable digester contained equal parts of straw, wastewater and sludge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The anaerobic digestion of rice straw has been studied for the past century, but the renewable energy potential is barely utilized. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields can be substantially reduced if straw is removed. Methane yields ranging from 92 to 280 l/kg of volatile solids have been achieved. Optimal digestion conditions such as pH (6.5–8.0), temperature (35–40°C), and nutrients (C:N ratio of 25–35) are defined. Pretreatment (i.e., fungi, acid, and alkali solutions) and microbial engineering can increase biogas production, but research is lacking on the overall logistics for a full-scale system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop a microsimulation model to assess the potential health economic impact of software-assisted MRI in detecting disease activity or progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Methods: We develop a simulated decision analytical model based on a hypothetical cohort of RRMS patients to compare a baseline decision-making strategy in which only clinical evolution (relapses and disability progression) factors are used for therapy decisions in MS follow-up, with decision-making strategies involving MRI. In this context, we include comparisons with a visual radiologic assessment of lesion evolution, software-assisted lesion detection, and software-assisted brain volume loss estimation. The model simulates clinical (EDSS transitions, number of relapses) and subclinical (new lesions and brain volume loss) disease progression and activity, modulated by the efficacy profiles of different disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). The simulated decision-making process includes the possibility to escalate from a low efficacy DMT to a high efficacy DMT or to switch between high efficacy DMTs when disease activity is detected. We also consider potential error factors that may occur during decision making, such as incomplete detection of new lesions, or inexact computation of brain volume loss. Finally, differences between strategies in terms of the time spent on treatment while having undetected disease progression/activity, the impact on the patient's quality of life, and costs associated with health status from a US perspective, are reported. Results: The average time with undetected disease progression while on low efficacy treatment is shortened significantly when using MRI, from around 3 years based on clinical criteria alone, to 2 when adding visual examination of MRI, and down to only 1 year with assistive software. Hence, faster escalation to a high efficacy DMT can be performed when MRI software is added to the radiological reading, which has positive effects in terms of health outcomes. The incremental utility shows average gains of 0.23 to 0.37 QALYs over 10 and 15 years, respectively, when using software-assisted MRI compared to clinical parameters only. Due to long-term health benefits, the average annual costs associated with health status are lower by $1500–$2200 per patient when employing MRI and assistive software. Conclusions: The health economic burden of MS is high. Using assistive MRI software to detect and quantify lesions and/or brain atrophy has a significant impact on the detection of disease activity, treatment decisions, health outcomes, utilities, and costs in patients with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart city initiatives are increasingly dominating urban policy scripts worldwide, and their diffusion is centered upon different regional strategies. Adopting the Narrative Policy Framework as methodological basis, this article examines the smart city strategies developed by the Wallonia and Brussels-capital regions during the 2014–2019 period. Moving away from corporate-led deterministic models of smart city development, it shows that there is no one-size-fit-all approach to smart urbanism. Regional governments attribute different meanings to urban innovation and formulate place-based strategies of smart city development in relation to their socio-economic contexts, seeking to advance technological solutions to what they perceive as the most pressing problems of their territories and populaces. • We analyze regional governmental strategies of smart city development in Wallonia and Brussels-capital areas • Regional governments operating within different socio-economic contexts develop different place-based regional interpretations of the smart city concept • Governments can adaptively use smart city projects as policy instruments to advance technological solutions to the problems of their territories and populaces. • There is no one-size-fit all approach to smart urban policies and governments should align smart city strategies with their socio-economic contexts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) is a mitochondrial kinase, and pink1 mutations cause early onset Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans. Loss of pink1 in Drosophila leads to defects in mitochondrial function, and genetic data suggest that another PDrelated gene product, Parkin, acts with pink1 to regulate the clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria (mitophagy). Consequently, pink1 mutants show an accumulation of morphologically abnormal mitochondria, but it is unclear if other factors are involved in pink1 function in vivo and contribute to the mitochondrial morphological defects seen in specific cell types in pink1 mutants. To explore the molecular mechanisms of pink1 function, we performed a genetic modifier screen in Drosophila and identified aconitase (acon) as a dominant suppressor of pink1. Acon localizes to mitochondria and harbors a labile iron-sulfur [4Fe-4S] cluster that can scavenge superoxide to release hydrogen peroxide and iron that combine to produce hydroxyl radicals. Using Acon enzymatic mutants, and expression of mitoferritin that scavenges free iron, we show that [4Fe-4S] cluster inactivation, as a result of increased superoxide in pink1 mutants, results in oxidative stress and mitochondrial swelling. We show that [4Fe-4S] inactivation acts downstream of pink1 in a pathway that affects mitochondrial morphology, but acts independently of parkin. Thus our data indicate that superoxide-dependent [4Fe-4S] inactivation defines a potential pathogenic cascade that acts independent of mitophagy and links iron toxicity to mitochondrial failure in a PD-relevant model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two pilot-scale (1 m3) digesters filled with untreated rice straw and co-digested with raw pig wastewater were operated to obtain design parameters for a farm-scale biogas plant. Both digesters contained 50 kg of dry straw mixed with diluted pig wastewater to create dry digestion conditions (20% TS) and operated for 189 days with leachate recirculation. Digester A was designed for optimum performance (150 L of pig wastewater and mesophilic temperatures) while Digester B was designed to establish minimum inputs (60 L of pig wastewater at ambient temperatures). The pig wastewater provided sufficient buffering capacity to maintain appropriate pH values (between 7.0 and 8.1) and nutrient balances (TOC to TKN ratios of 20 in Digester A and 32 in Digester B). Total biogas production was 22,859 L in Digester A and 1420 L from Digester B, resulting in specific methane yields of 231 and 12 L CH4/kgVS added, respectively. Gas production in Digester A was directly correlated with temperature, but the overall lack of methanogenic activity was caused primarily by the reduced wastewater volume. Two theoretical farm-scale scenarios (considering both untreated and pretreated rice straw) were developed for a 100-ha rice farm. Either scenario can produce 100,000 m3CH4 per year, yielding 328 MWh. Major differences including heat input, space requirements, loading frequency, digester volume, engine size, wastewater quantities, and additives are quantitatively defined. The appropriate choice for a farm-scale operation is the simplest model using untreated rice straw without additives, although six times more heat and twice as much reactor volume is required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Horizontal velocity gradients of a flow field and the related kinematic properties (KPs) of divergence, vorticity, and strain rate can be estimated from dense drifter deployments, e.g., the spatiotemporal average divergence (and other KPs) over a triangular area defined by three drifters and over a given time interval can be computed from the initial and final areas of said triangle. Unfortunately, this computation can be subject to large errors, especially when the triangle shape is far from equilateral. Therefore, samples with small aspect ratios are generally discarded. Here we derive the thresholds on two shape metrics that optimize the balance between retention of good and removal of bad divergence estimates. The primary tool is a high-resolution regional ocean model simulation, where a baseline for the average divergence can be established, so that actual errors are available. A value of 0.2 for the scaled aspect ratio Λ and a value of 0.86π for the largest interior angle θ are found to be equally effective thresholds, especially at scales of 5 km and below. While discarding samples with low Λ or high θ values necessarily biases the distribution of divergence estimates slightly toward positive values, this bias is small compared to (and in the opposite direction of) the Lagrangian sampling bias due to drifters preferably sampling convergence regions. Errors due to position uncertainty are suppressed by the shape-based subsampling. The subsampling also improves the identification of the areas of extreme divergence or convergence. An application to an observational dataset demonstrates that these model-derived thresholds can be effectively used on actual drifter data. Significance Statement: Divergence in the ocean indicates how fast floating objects in the ocean spread apart, while convergence (negative divergence) captures how fast they accumulate. Measuring divergence in the ocean, however, remains challenging. One method is to estimate divergence from the trajectories of drifting buoys. This study provides guidance under what circumstances these estimates should be discarded because they are too likely to have large errors. The criteria proposed here are less stringent than some of the ad hoc criteria previously used. This will allow users to retain more of their estimates. We consider how position uncertainty affects the reliability of the divergence estimates. An observational dataset collected in the Mediterranean is used to illustrate an application of these reliability criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes research into the role of vitamin K2 as a mitochondrial membrane electron carrier in Drosophila. The Drosophila genetic modifier UBIADl/Heix regulates Pink1, a protein which is mutated in Parkinson's disease (PD) to disrupt mitochondrial function. Researchers found that vitamin K2 repaired mitochondrial defects in Pink1-deficient insects and allowed for improved adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism through the transfer of electrons to the mitochondria. The results suggest that vitamin K2 could be a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease or other mitochondrial diseases.

Pink1 is a mitochondrial kinase involved in Parkinson's disease, and loss of Pink1 function affects mitochondrial morphology via a pathway involving Parkin and components of the mitochondrial remodeling machinery. Pink1 loss also affects the enzymatic activity of isolated Complex I of the electron transport chain (ETC); however, the primary defect in pink1 mutants is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that ETC deficiency is upstream of other pink1-associated phenotypes. We expressed Saccaromyces cerevisiae Ndi1p, an enzyme that bypasses ETC Complex I, or sea squirt Ciona intestinalis AOX, an enzyme that bypasses ETC Complex III and IV, in pink1 mutant Drosophila and find that expression of Ndi1p, but not of AOX, rescues pink1-associated defects. Likewise, loss of function of subunits that encode for Complex I--associated proteins displays many of the pink1-associated phenotypes, and these defects are rescued by Ndi1p expression. Conversely, expression of Ndi1p fails to rescue any of the parkin mutant phenotypes. Additionally, unlike pink1 mutants, fly parkin mutants do not show reduced enzymatic activity of Complex I, indicating that Ndi1p acts downstream or parallel to Pink1, but upstream or independent of Parkin. Furthermore, while increasing mitochondrial fission or decreasing mitochondrial fusion rescues mitochondrial morphological defects in pink1 mutants, these manipulations fail to significantly rescue the reduced enzymatic activity of Complex I, indicating that functional defects observed at the level of Complex I enzymatic activity in pink1 mutant mitochondria do not arise from morphological defects. Our data indicate a central role for Complex I dysfunction in pink1-associated defects, and our genetic analyses with heterologous ETC enzymes suggest that Ndi1pdependent NADH dehydrogenase activity largely acts downstream of, or in parallel to, Pink1 but upstream of Parkin and mitochondrial remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urotensin II (UTII) and its seven trans-membrane receptor (UTR) are up-regulated in the heart under pathological conditions. Previous in vitro studies have shown that UTII trans-activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), however, the role of such novel signalling pathway stimulated by UTII is currently unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that EGFR trans-activation by UTII might exert a protective effect in the overloaded heart. To test this hypothesis, we induced cardiac hypertrophy by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in wild-type mice, and tested the effects of the UTII antagonist Urantide (UR) on cardiac function, structure, and EGFR trans-activation. After 7 days of pressure overload, UR treatment induced a rapid and significant impairment of cardiac function compared to vehicle. In UR-treated TAC mice, cardiac dysfunction was associated with reduced phosphorylation levels of the EGFR and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), increased apoptotic cell death and fibrosis. In vitro UTR stimulation induced membrane translocation of β-arrestin 1/2, EGFR phosphorylation/internalization, and ERK activation in HEK293 cells. Furthermore, UTII administration lowered apoptotic cell death induced by serum deprivation, as shown by reduced TUNEL/Annexin V staining and caspase 3 activation. Interestingly, UTII-mediated EGFR trans-activation could be prevented by UR treatment or knockdown of β-arrestin 1/2. Our data show, for the first time in vivo, a new UTR signalling pathway which is mediated by EGFR trans-activation, dependent by β-arrestin 1/2, promoting cell survival and cardioprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polymodal, nociceptive sensory neurons are key cellular elements of the way animals sense aversive and painful stimuli. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the polymodal nociceptive ASH sensory neurons detect aversive stimuli and release glutamate to generate avoidance responses. They are thus useful models for the nociceptive neurons of mammals. While several molecules affecting signal generation and transduction in ASH have been identified, less is known about transmission of the signal from ASH to downstream neurons and about the molecules involved in its modulation. Results: We discovered that the regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) protein, EGL-10, is required for appropriate avoidance responses to noxious stimuli sensed by ASH. As it does for other behaviours in which it is also involved, egl-10 interacts genetically with the Go/iα protein GOA-1, the Gqa protein EGL-30 and the RGS EAT-16. Genetic, behavioural and Ca2+ imaging analyses of ASH neurons in live animals demonstrate that, within ASH, EGL-10 and GOA-1 act downstream of stimulus-evoked signal transduction and of the main transduction channel OSM-9. EGL-30 instead appears to act upstream by regulating Ca2+ transients in response to aversive stimuli. Analysis of the delay in the avoidance response, of the frequency of spontaneous inversions and of the genetic interaction with the diacylglycerol kinase gene, dgk-1, indicate that EGL-10 and GOA-1 do not affect signal transduction and neuronal depolarization in response to aversive stimuli but act in ASH to modulate downstream transmission of the signal. Conclusions: The ASH polymodal nociceptive sensory neurons can be modulated not only in their capacity to detect stimuli but also in the efficiency with which they respond to them. The Gα and RGS molecules studied in this work are conserved in evolution and, for each of them, mammalian orthologs can be identified. The discovery of their role in the modulation of signal transduction and signal transmission of nociceptors may help us to understand how pain is generated and how its control can go astray (such as chronic pain) and may suggest new pain control therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated potential cardiotoxicity as exerted by Erbicin-derived-immunoagents (EDIAs), novel human anti-ErbB2 immunoagents engineered by fusion of a human anti-ErbB2 scFv, Erbicin, with either a human RNase or the Fc region of a human IgG1. EDIAs are strongly cytotoxic on ErbB2-positive cells in vitro and in vivo and bind to an epitope different from that of Herceptin, a humanized anti-ErbB2 mAb effective in the therapy of breast carcinoma, but cardiotoxic in a high percentage of cases. Toxicity and apoptosis were tested in vitro by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thizolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), DNA fragmentation, and immunoblotting analyses. Echocardiography was measured in mice after treatment with each immunoagent. Cardiac fibrosis and detection of apoptosis were examined by Sirius red staining of collagen and TUNEL assay, respectively. EDIAs were found in vitro to have no adverse effects on cardiac cells for which Herceptin is severely toxic. In vivo studies on a mouse model showed that the EDIAs did not alter cardiac function, whereas Herceptin and doxorubicin, used as positive controls, significantly reduced the fractional shortening parameter. Cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis were not significantly affected in mice treated with EDIAs. Thus, EDIAs could fulfill the therapeutic need of patients ineligible for Herceptin treatment due to cardiac dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ß-adrenergic receptors (ßARs) are powerful regu- lators of cardiac function in vivo, activating heterotrimeric G proteins and the effector molecule adenylyl cyclase (AC). Interestingly, cardiac-specific overexpression of different AC isoforms leads to variable changes in cardiac function. Whether AC overexpression affects intrinsic cardiac contractility in an isoform-specific fashion determining a change in exercise capacity is currently unknown. To address this issue, we performed load-independent measurements of cardiac systolic and diastolic function by pressure–volume (PV) loop analysis in intact wild-type mice (WT) and transgenic mice overexpressing the AC isoforms 5 or 8. Here we show that cardiac overexpression of either AC5 or AC8 transgenic mice determined an increase in intrinsic cardiac contractility. Interestingly, AC8 transgenic mice displayed a significantly greater increase in cardiac contractility and improved active phase of relaxation. Despite these differences detected by PV loop analysis, both AC5 and AC8 mice showed a marked increase in exercise capacity on treadmill testing. Our results demonstrate that load-independent measurements of cardiac function are needed to compare different groups of genetically-modified mouse models and to detect subtle AC isoform-specific changes in cardiac performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nematode C. elegans has become an important model for understanding how genes influence behavior. However, in this organism the available approaches for identifying the neuron(s) where the function of a gene is required for a given behavioral trait are time consuming and restricted to non essential genes for which mutants are available. We describe a simple reverse genetics approach for reducing, in chosen C. elegans neurons, the function of genes. The method is based on the expression, under cell specific promoters, of sense and antisense RNA corresponding to a gene of interest. By targeting the genes osm-10, osm-6 and the Green Fluorescent Protein gene, gfp, we show that this approach leads to efficient, heritable and cell autonomous knock-downs of gene function, even in neurons usually refractory to classic RNA interference (RNAi). By targeting the essential and ubiquitously expressed gene, gpb-1, which encodes a G protein β subunit, we identify for the first time two distinct sets of neurons in which the function of gpb-1 is required to regulate two distinct behaviors: egg-laying and avoidance of repellents. The cell specific knock-downs obtained with this approach provide information that is complementary to that provided by the cell specific rescue of loss-of-function mutations and represents a useful new tool for dissecting the role that genes play in selected neurons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bacillus subtilis contains seven extracytoplasmic-function σ factors that activate partially overlapping regulons. We here identify four additional members of the σx regulon, pbpX (penicillin-binding protein), ywnJ, the dlt operon (D-alanylation of teichoic acids), and the pss ybfM psd operon (phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis). Modification of teichoic acids by esterification with D-alanine and incorporation of phosphatidylethanolamine into the cell membrane have a common consequence: in both cases positively charged amino groups are introduced into the cell envelope. The resulting reduction in the net negative charge of the cell envelope has been previously implicated as a resistance mechanism specific for cationic antimicrobial peptides. Consistent with this notion, we find that both sigX and dltA mutants are more sensitive to nisin than wild-type cells. We conclude that activation of the σx regulon serves to alter cell surface properties to provide protection against antimicrobial peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a new mathematical steady-state model specifically aimed at the design of biological phases in single sludge predenitrification systems is proposed. The model is based on the mass balance equations of four substrates (dissolved and suspended biodegradable organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen) and two biomasses (heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms). For each specific design problem, if both the influent flow composition and the kinetic parameter values are known and the effluent nitrogen compound concentrations are fixed, the model makes possible an a priori assessment of system applicability and gives the explicit expressions of the biological phase volumes. A sensitivity analysis is also presented in order to evaluate the effect of variations in the influent and effluent characteristics on the biological phase volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines cellular and functional defects in a mouse model of heart failure. Echocardiographic parameters in conscious and anesthetized gene-targeted mice; Steady-state hemodynamics in open-chest instrumented mice; End-systolic pressure-volume relations in gene-targeted mice.

Presents a study which showed that muscle LIM protein animals have a defect in excitation-contraction coupling that contributes to their contractile dysfunction. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Results on the accuracy of SeaSonde High Frequency (HF) radar wind direction measurements in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) are here presented. The investigation was carried out for a winter period (2 February–6 March) and for one summer month (August) of the reference year 2009. HF radar measurements were compared with in situ recordings from a weather station and with model data, with the aim of resolving both small scale and large scale dynamics. The analysis of the overall performance of the HF radar system in the Gulf of Naples shows that the data are reliable when the wind speed exceeds a 5 m/s threshold. Despite such a limitation, this study confirms the potentialities of these systems as monitoring platforms in coastal areas and suggests further efforts towards their improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Continuous microbial protein production from sulfide-rich biogas was demonstrated. • The mixed culture was dominated by Methylocystis spp. and Chryseobacterium spp. • Biogas composition, H 2 S concentration, lack of sulfate and sulfide were evaluated. • Biomass yield of 0.050 mg VSS/mg CH 4 -COD and protein content of 59.2 % were achieved. • Sulfide concentration correlated positively with sulfur-amino acids content. Biogas can be converted into high-value bioproducts through fermentation processes. This study proposes a conversion platform where sulfide-rich biogas is utilized as the substrate for the growth of a mixed culture of methane- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria for the production of high-value and protein-rich microbial biomass. The role of several process variables such as biomethane vs biogas, synthetic vs real biogas, biogas composition and H 2 S concentration during the fermentation process performed in bubble column reactors was evaluated in terms of biomass growth, yield and volumetric productivity, protein content and amino acids profile as well as microbial community composition and evolution. Despite the presence of 1500 ppm of equivalent H 2 S in the synthetic biomethane or biogas (CH 4 :CO 2 ratio of 70:30), good performances in terms of biomass growth (559.9 ± 13.3–677.8 ± 46.8 mg of volatile suspended solids (VSS) per liter), biomass yield (0.042 ± 0.004–0.050 ± 0.08 mg VSS per mg of CH 4 -equivalent chemical oxygen demand (CH 4 -COD)) as well as protein content (51.9 ± 3.6% − 59.2 ± 3.6% g protein/g VSS) were achieved. The presence of increasing sulfide concentrations until 4000 ppm of equivalent H 2 S was well tolerated by the mixed culture and increased the production of valuable S-amino acids, i.e., cysteine and methionine (61.3 mg/g biomass and 58.3 mg/g biomass, respectively), which was up to 2.50 and 2.57 times higher than in the absence of sulfide, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anal fistula and perianal abscess are commonly acquired anorectal pathologies in children. Surgical treatment options commonly adopted are fistulotomy, fistulectomy, cutting seton placement, and more recently video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT). Optimal postoperative wound dressing remains debated. This study aimed to report our series of pediatric patients, who received VAAFT and postoperative wound dressing using ozonide oil. Methods: All patients who underwent VAAFT between August 2018 and May 2023 were included in the study. Demographics, clinical features, pre-operative imaging, surgical details, outcome, and mid-term outcome data were retrospectively reviewed for each patient. All VAAFT procedures were performed under general anesthesia and using a 10-Ch fistuloscope. Results: Thirty-three VAAFT procedures were performed in 30 patients over the study period. The median patient age was 5.7 years (range 1.75–14). Anal fistula was idiopathic in 26/30 (86.6%), iatrogenic in 2/30 (6.7%), and secondary to Crohn's disease in 2/30 (6.7%). The median duration of surgery was 23 min (range 18–40). All patients received ozonide oil dressing twice a day for 5 weeks postoperatively. The median hospital stay was 24 h (range 9–36). The median healing time was 28 days (range 17–39). With a median follow-up of 2 years (range 0.5–5), disease recurrence occurred in 3/30 (10%) patients with idiopathic fistula, who were re-operated using the same technique, with no further recurrence. No fecal incontinence or soiling was observed. Conclusion: Our series confirmed that VAAFT is a safe and effective technique to treat children with perianal fistula. The technique is versatile, allowing to treat fistulae of different etiologies. Postoperative course was painless and fast. Future comparative prospective studies are needed to better establish these conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Product development needs an analysis on the manufacturing processes to be used. • Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions fits to this issue. • The proposed model allows to see how to match product and technology specifications. • We applied our model to an industrial case to prove its applicability. • The proposed model allowed to select the most suitable technology for a given part. When manufacturing a product, companies must consider the specifications of its design and choose the manufacturing technology that matches them the best in terms of product quality, production time and costs. Since all these parameters can be represented by several different and conflicting indicators, the problem of technology selection can be defined as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Although several mathematical models have been developed to solve similar problems, recent literature still presents a lack of specific applications of renowned decision-making techniques to the technology matching problem in the manufacturing sector. This study attempts to fill this gap by proposing a manufacturing-oriented model of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solutions (TOPSIS), one of the most solid and robust MCDM methods. The solution we present, which is designed for general manufacturing processes, has been applied to the specific case of a producer of food and beverage plants and equipment that is interested in reengineering one of its products. Due to the complexity of the food and beverage industry, the case study is useful for supporting the definition of the general model and validating its applicability. Further, the results of the specific application prove the effectiveness of our model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Campania coastal system (CCS), located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is characterized by an interesting and complex morphology, being made by a sequence of three gulfs (Gaeta, Naples and Salerno, GG, GN, GS) of different sizes, shapes, and bathymetries. Until now, most of the oceanographic studies in the area have focused on the GN, whereas little is known about the circulation in the GG and GS. Here, for the first time, a high-resolution modelling study of the whole CCS has been carried out, which covers a whole year (2016), allowing for a detailed description of the seasonal variability throughout this year. For each season, the dynamics in the three gulfs have been characterized, assessing the relative roles of the wind forcing, the topographic constraints and the remote large-scale Tyrrhenian Sea circulation. As a first step, the surface circulation patterns in the CCS have been compared with altimeter observations and with the atmospheric forcing. A detailed analysis of the monthly mean surface and intermediate circulation within each gulf has then been performed. Besides, a more quantitative insight into the mechanisms controlling the circulation has been obtained using an integrated vorticity diagnostic, which allows one to separate different contributions to the total barotropic vorticity equation. The results show a strong seasonality of the circulation in the three gulfs, which is mainly controlled by the wind stress input during autumn and winter, whereas in spring and summer the main contribution comes from the combined effect of baroclinicity and topographic gradient (the JBAR term). The exchanges between the gulfs and the Tyrrhenian waters have also been quantified, through the analysis of the transport across specific sections. These transports are found to be highly correlated with the offshore large-scale circulation in the GG, whereas in the GS there is strong correlation with the local wind forcing. Finally, lower correlations are found for the more geometrically complex and semi-enclosed GN. • The marine circulation of the Campania Coastal System is simulated for the year 2016. • This is done with a local high-resolution model nested with a Mediterranean NEMO. • Dynamical investigation based on a vorticity and transport diagnostics is performed. • The relative role of the atmospheric and remote Tyrrhenian forcings is assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial hemp stands out as a promising candidate for clean and sustainable biomass-to-bioenergy systems due to its multipurpose, high biomass yield and resource efficiency features. In this study, different hemp biomass residues (HBRs) were evaluated as a potential feedstock for renewable biomethane production through anaerobic digestion (AD). The biochemical methane potential (BMP) of the raw and pretreated fibers, stalks, hurds, leaves and inflorescences was investigated by means of batch anaerobic tests. The highest BMP was obtained with the raw fibers (i.e., 422 ± 20 mL CH4·g VS−1), while hemp hurds (unretted), making up more than half of the whole hemp plant dry weight, showed a lower BMP value of 239 ± 10 mL CH4·g VS−1. The alkali pretreatment of unretted hurds and mechanical grinding of retted hurds effectively enhanced the BMP of both substrates by 15.9%. The mix of leaves and inflorescences and inflorescences alone showed low BMP values (i.e., 118 ± 8 and 26 ± 5 mL CH4·g VS−1, respectively) and a prolonged inhibition of methanogenesis. The latter could be overcome through NaOH pretreatment in the mix of leaves and inflorescences (+28.5% methane production). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the beneficial effects induced on dancers by the two types of stretching protocol: static and dynamic stretching, in order to elevate the aesthetics of the figures and body positions to the highest level. The subjects were 20 young female dancers divided into two groups: Group DS (n=10), which performed dynamic stretching, and Group SS (n=10), a static stretching, both for six months. A survey, with the aim of assessing perceptions about the benefits induced by the type of stretching performed, and a Sit and Reach Test were administered to the dancers to assess both qualitative and quantitative aspects of flexibility. An independent samples t-test was performed to assess the differences in flexibility between DS and SS group before and after six months, and a Fisher's exact test to analyse their perceptions on the benefits induced by two training protocols. Result was statistically significant after six months and four associations were found (P <0.05). Dynamic stretching brought greater benefits both qualitatively and quantitatively. From the results of the study, it was possible to state that dancers in terms of induced benefits and satisfaction with the performance result achieved, preferred dynamic stretching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. Contrast media (CM) volume minimization has been advocated for prevention of AKI. The DyeVert CM diversion system (Osprey Medical, Inc) is designed to reduce CM volume during coronary procedures. In this randomized, single-blind, investigator-driven clinical trial conducted in 4 Italian centers from February 4, 2020 to September 13, 2022, 550 participants with ACS were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the following: 1) the contrast volume reduction (CVR) group (n = 276), in which CM injection was handled by the CM diversion system; and 2) the control group (n = 274), in which a conventional manual or automatic injection syringe was used. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI, defined as a serum creatinine (sCr) increase ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours after CM exposure. There were 412 of 550 (74.5%) participants with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (211 of 276 [76.4%] in the CVR group and 201 of 274 [73.3%] in the control group). The CM volume was lower in the CVR group (95 ± 30 mL vs 160 ± 23 mL; P < 0.001). Seven participants (1 in the CVR group and 6 in the control group) did not have postprocedural sCr values. AKI occurred in 44 of 275 (16%) participants in the CVR group and in 65 of 268 (24.3%) participants in the control group (relative risk: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47-0.93; P = 0.018). CM volume reduction obtained using the CM diversion system is effective for prevention of AKI in patients with ACS undergoing invasive procedures. (REnal Insufficiency Following Contrast MEDIA Administration TriaL IV [REMEDIALIV]: NCT04714736) [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]