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The densely inhabited area of Naples (Italy), between the Campi Flegrei and Vesuvio volcanoes, is one of the most hazardous regions in the world. After two decades of sustained subsidence, Campi Flegrei has been experiencing an accelerating uplift since 2005. The uplift is currently associated with unusual seismicity and increased degassing. To try to identify the cause of the shift from subsidence to uplift and explore any connection between Campi Flegrei and Vesuvio, we analysed the ground displacement time series of the two volcanoes from 1993 to 2010, obtained from ERS/ENVISAT Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery. To distinguish between the various sources of deformation, we used simple scatter plots and a blind source separation technique called variational Bayesian independent component analysis (vbICA). We obtained consistent results using both approaches. Specifically, with vbICA, we identified two significant independent components (ICs). IC1 describes the subsidence that occurred at Campi Flegrei prior to 2000, including the mini-uplifts of 2000 and 2005, and part of the post-2005 uplift. The expansion and contraction of two volumes beneath Campi Flegrei satisfy IC1: a sill-shaped volume at a depth of approximately 3 km and a small volume at a depth of 1–2 km, respectively. The two sources of deformation reproduce the large-scale deformation in the Campi Flegrei area and the local deformation in the Solfatara area, respectively. In the Campi Flegrei area, IC2 exhibits primarily uplift, which is concentrated in the eastern part of the caldera. The deformation pattern is complex and difficult to interpret. If we model it using simple spheroidal deformation sources, the pattern suggests that two volumes at depths of approximately 9 and 8 km are experiencing opposite activity, namely contraction (beneath the southwestern part of the caldera) and expansion (beneath the central part of the caldera). In the Vesuvio area, IC2 is consistent with the deformation induced by the contraction of a volume at a depth of around 9 km. The contraction beneath Vesuvio is smaller in magnitude than the expansion/contraction beneath Campi Flegrei. The correlation observed after 2002 between uplift at Campi Flegrei and subsidence at Vesuvio suggests the transfer of magma and/or magmatic fluids between the two plumbing systems at 8–9 km depth. This implies that part of the ongoing unrest at Campi Flegrei may have been promoted by mass transfer from below Vesuvio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is associated both solid (nasopharyngeal carcinoma, non-nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma) and hematolymphoid malignancies, some of the latter, however, spanning over a spectrum ranging from reactive and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening conditions. This review will focus on the disorder most commonly involving the skin, namely: EBVpositive mucocutaneous ulcer; lymphomatoid granulomatosis; EBV-positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma; plasmablastic lymphoma; post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder; extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type; angoimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma; severe mosquito bite allergy; hydroa vacciniformelike lymphoproliferative disorder. Given the uncommon occurrence of all these infiltrates in the skin, multidisciplinary approach, as well as referral to tertiary care centers are always advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present Spatial-KWD, a free open-source tool for efficient computation of the Kantorovich-Wasserstein Distance (KWD), also known as Earth Mover Distance, between pairs of binned spatial distributions (histograms) of a non-negative variable. KWD can be used in spatial statistics as a measure of (dis)similarity between spatial distributions of physical or social quantities. KWD represents the minimum total cost of moving the "mass" from one distribution to the other when the "cost" of moving a unit of mass is proportional to the euclidean distance between the source and destination bins. As such, KWD captures the degree of "horizontal displacement" between the two input distributions. Despite its mathematical properties and intuitive physical interpretation, KWD has found little application in spatial statistics until now, mainly due to the high computational complexity of previous implementations that did not allow its application to large problem instances of practical interest. Building upon recent advances in Optimal Transport theory, the Spatial-KWD library allows to compute KWD values for very large instances with hundreds of thousands or even millions of bins. Furthermore, the tool offers a rich set of options and features to enable the flexible use of KWD in diverse practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to investigate owners' reactions to the occurrence of blindness in their dogs, how they supported their pets, and how their dogs adapted to the new situation. We conducted a questionnaire survey of people whose dogs had become blind in adulthood. To reach the audience, we contacted international associations (roughly 41,000 members) whose primary scope was to inform and support the owners of dogs with impaired vision. Participation was anonymous and resulted in 398 returned questionnaires. The research showed that owners' first reactions included mainly negative emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, and unacceptance. However, 44% of the respondents accepted the diagnosis and actively explored tools, supplies, and techniques suitable to help their dog cope with the new situation. Only four dogs were euthanized; most owners (99.9%) refused to put their dogs to sleep, even those who stated they were initially unable to accept their dog's blindness. Canine responses to blindness were depression, increased dependency on their owner, changing postural behavior, and relying on different senses (mainly smell and hearing). Blind dogs maintained their usual daily behaviors (such as walking leash-free) except for engaging in sports, with 49.5% unable to deal with previous activity anymore. Owners found new ways to help their dogs stimulate or maintain their cognitive skills: they started guiding them through voice, little bells, and olfactory toys, exercising for mental stimulation, and finally restructuring their home space to make it easier for the dogs to orientate themselves. The improvements were valuable in reducing symptoms of depression in the dogs, helping them function with greater autonomy and independence. Finally, 89% of the respondents thought their dog was happy despite its blindness. The overall results of our research show that dog owners and their dogs adapt well to dog blindness in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article describes the interviews the authors conducted in late 2021 with 19 researchers at the Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies at the University of Bologna. The main purpose was to shed light on the definition of the word "data" in the humanities domain, as far as FAIR data management practices are concerned, and on what researchers think of the term. Design/methodology/approach: The authors invited one researcher for each of the official disciplinary areas represented within the department and all 19 accepted to participate in the study. Participants were then divided into five main research areas: philology and literary criticism, language and linguistics, history of art, computer science and archival studies. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Findings: A list of 13 research data types has been compiled thanks to the information collected from participants. The term "data" does not emerge as especially problematic, although a good deal of confusion remains. Looking at current research management practices, methodologies and teamwork appear more central than previously reported. Originality/value: Our findings confirm that "data" within the FAIR framework should include all types of inputs and outputs humanities research work with, including publications. Also, the participants of this study appear ready for a discussion around making their research data FAIR: they do not find the terminology particularly problematic, while they rely on precise and recognised methodologies, as well as on sharing and collaboration with colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a dual photoredox‐ and titanocene‐catalyzed methodology for the regioselective access to α‐vinyl‐β‐hydroxy esters towards aldehyde allylation with 4‐bromobut‐2‐enoate is reported. The protocol is based on the Barbier‐type properties of the inexpensive and available Cp2TiCl2 in catalytic amount (5 mol%). The developed mild reaction conditions gave access to a library of differently functionalized α‐vinyl‐β‐hydroxy esters in moderate diastereoselectivity, employing the commercially available ethyl 4‐bromobut‐2‐enoate and both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. The reaction was realized under visible light irradiation, in the presence of an organophotocatalyst (3DPAFIPN, 2 mol%) combined with Hantzsch's ester as the sacrificial reductant. In contrast to other Barbier‐type reactions employing ethyl 4‐bromobut‐2‐enoate, the photoredox system ensures a better regioselectivity. Moreover, the use of preformed organometallic nucleophilic species (e. g. dienolborinates), and the need of metal reductants or stoichiometric amount of transition metals in low oxidation state for Barbier‐type reactions, is avoided. To support the experimental evidence, a detailed photophysical study shed light on the mechanism of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two analytical methods previously developed by our groups were employed to estimate the antioxidant capacity of commercial fruit juices. The electrochemical method, which measures the scavenging activity of antioxidants towards OH radicals generated by both hydrogen peroxide photolysis and Fenton's reaction, is based on the recovery of the cyclic voltametric response of the redox probe Ru(NH3)63+ at a Glassy Carbon electrode modified with a thin film of an insulating polyphenol, in the presence of compounds with antioxidant properties. The values of the antioxidant capacity of the fruit juices are expressed as vitamin C equivalents/L. The chromatographic method is based on the generation of OH radicals via Fenton's reaction in order to test the inhibition of their formation in the presence of antioxidant compounds by monitoring salicylate aromatic hydroxylation derivatives as markers of •OH production, by means of HPLC coupled to coulometric detection. The results are expressed as the percentage of inhibition of •OH production in the presence of the tested juice compared to the control sample. When OH radicals are produced by Fenton's reaction, the antioxidant capacity of the juices, estimated by both methods, displays an analogous trend, confirming that they can be considered an alternative for measuring the ability of antioxidants to block OH radical formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2013 Ruisui earthquake represents the first unequivocal evidence of the activity of the Central Range fault (CRF) in central Longitudinal Valley, Taiwan. Using a joint Bayesian finite‐fault source inversion of Global Navigation Satellite System and strain time series, we infer that coseismic rupture occurred between 4 and 19 km depth with maximum slip of 0.5 m located near the hypocenter. We then apply a variational Bayesian independent component analysis approach to displacement signals to infer a 3‐months long afterslip located in the near‐source region. This observation represents the first evidence of aseismic slip on the CRF. Combining geodetic and seismological analysis with simulations based on rate‐and‐state friction mechanics, we analyze the interplay between seismic and aseismic deformation during the earthquake sequence. We observe that afterslip is the dominant postseismic deformation mechanism, with >95% of the moment being released aseismically in the postseismic phase and also likely represents the driving force controlling aftershock productivity. Finally, we infer the presence of a shallow velocity strengthening zone (∼0–4 km depth) associated with spatially heterogeneous slip during the postseismic phase with maximum slip of 0.18 m located above the zone of maximum coseismic deformation. Plain Language Summary: Tectonic faults display a broad range of slip patterns, ranging from fast slip (earthquakes) to episodic or continuous aseismic slip. Aseismic transient slip events are now widely observed in active regions and play an important role in stress redistribution in the Earth's crust. The Central Range fault (CRF) is the second most active fault in the Longitudinal Valley, in eastern Taiwan. During the past 15 years, the fault hosted large to destructive earthquakes, but little is known about the presence and the role of aseismic events on the fault deformation. The 2013 Ruisui earthquake reveals for the first time the presence of transient slip regions on the CRF, capable of sustaining aseismic deformation over months. Besides, slow stress relaxation on the fault plane may have also influenced the behavior of seismicity following the mainshock. Monitoring and characterizing the sources of aseismic slip is fundamental to identify areas with high seismic hazard on the fault and to gain more knowledge about the interactions between seismic and aseismic processes. Key Points: We present the first evidence for the detection of postseismic deformation on the Central Range fault, in the Longitudinal Valley (Taiwan)Afterslip represents the dominant deformation mechanism during the postseismic phase and controlled aftershock productionThe velocity strengthening region may have acted like a barrier, resisting the rupture propagation toward the surface during the earthquake [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes management can be considered the first paradigm of modern personalized medicine. An overview of the most relevant advancements in glucose sensing achieved in the last 5 years is presented. In particular, devices exploiting both consolidated and innovative electrochemical sensing strategies, based on nanomaterials, have been described, taking into account their performances, advantages and limitations, when applied for the glucose analysis in blood and serum samples, urine, as well as in less conventional biological fluids. The routine measurement is still largely based on the finger-pricking method, which is usually considered unpleasant. In alternative, glucose continuous monitoring relies on electrochemical sensing in the interstitial fluid, using implanted electrodes. Due to the invasive nature of such devices, further investigations have been carried out in order to develop less invasive sensors that can operate in sweat, tears or wound exudates. Thanks to their unique features, nanomaterials have been successfully applied for the development of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic glucose sensors, which are compliant with the specific needs of the most advanced applications, such as flexible and deformable systems capable of conforming to skin or eyes, in order to produce reliable medical devices operating at the point of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the association between the consumption of ultra-processed food and the incidence of depression in Brazilian adults. This longitudinal study included 2572 participants (M = 936 and F = 1636, mean age of 36.1 years) from the Cohort of Universities of Minas Gerais – CUME Project, Brazil. Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption (in % of daily energy intake, DEI), as defined by the NOVA food classification system, was assessed at baseline using a validated semi-quantitative 144-item food frequency questionnaire. Participants were classified as incident cases of depression if they reported a medical diagnosis of depression in at least one of the follow-up questionnaires. Crude and adjusted cox regression models were used to assess the relationship between UPF consumption and the incidence of depression. After a mean of follow-up of 2,96 years, a total of 246 incident cases of depression were identified. The mean consumption of UPF was 44 g/d or 24 % of DEI. Participants in the highest quartile of UPF consumption (31 to 72 % of DEI) had a higher risk of developing depression (HR = 1.82 95 % CI = 1.15–2.88) than those in the lowest quartile (0 to 16 % of DEI) after adjusting for potential confounders. Higher UPF consumption is a risk factor of depression incidence in Brazilian adults with high education level. • In Brazil, the prevalence of this disease among its adult population is 5.8%. • The high incidence of depression observed in CUME participants is almost double that estimated for the Brazilian population. • The high incidence of depression among CUME participants may be due to their contemporary lifestyles. • The consumption of ultra-processed foods is positively associated with the manifestation of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mussels (Mytilus spp.) tolerate infections much better than other species living in the same marine coastal environment thanks to a highly efficient innate immune system, which exploits a remarkable diversification of effector molecules involved in mucosal and humoral responses. Among these, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are subjected to massive gene presence/absence variation (PAV), endowing each individual with a potentially unique repertoire of defense molecules. The unavailability of a chromosome-scale assembly has so far prevented a comprehensive evaluation of the genomic arrangement of AMP-encoding loci, preventing an accurate ascertainment of the orthology/paralogy relationships among sequence variants. Here, we characterized the CRP-I gene cluster in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis, which includes about 50 paralogous genes and pseudogenes, mostly packed in a small genomic region within chromosome 5. We further reported the occurrence of widespread PAV within this family in the Mytilus species complex and provided evidence that CRP-I peptides likely adopt a knottin fold. We functionally characterized the synthetic peptide sCRP-I H1, assessing the presence of biological activities consistent with other knottins, revealing that mussel CRP-I peptides are unlikely to act as antimicrobial agents or protease inhibitors, even though they may be used as defense molecules against infections from eukaryotic parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the growing presence of pesticides in the environment and in food, the concern of their impact on human health is increasing. Therefore, the development of fast and reliable detection methods is needed. Enzymatic inhibition-based biosensors represent a good alternative for replacing the more complicated and time-consuming traditional methods (chromatography, spectrophotometry, etc.). This paper describes the development of an electrochemical biosensor exploiting alkaline phosphatase as the biological recognition element and a chemically modified glassy carbon electrode as the transducer. The biosensor was prepared modifying the GCE surface by a mixture of Multi-Walled-Carbon-Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Electrochemically-Reduced-Graphene-Oxide (ERGO) followed by the immobilization of the enzyme by cross-linking with bovine serum albumin and glutaraldehyde. The inhibition of the biosensor response caused by pesticides was established using 2-phospho-L-ascorbic acid as the enzymatic substrate, whose dephosphorylation reaction produces ascorbic acid (AA). The MWCNTs/ERGO mixture shows a synergic effect in terms of increased sensitivity and decreased overpotential for AA oxidation. The response of the biosensor to the herbicide 2,4-dichloro-phenoxy-acetic-acid was evaluated and resulted in the concentration range 0.04–24 nM, with a limit of the detection of 16 pM. The determination of other pesticides was also achieved. The re-usability of the electrode was demonstrated by performing a washing procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the mare, infectious/inflammatory pre-breeding endometritis may be exacerbated by post-breeding endometritis (PBE), which occurs due to the reactivity of the uterus to insemination. PBE can be treated post-insemination; however, it is difficult to monitor the outcome of the treatment due to negative interference in embryonic development following the collection of uterine samplings. Indirect findings capable of providing information on the evolution of this pathology and verifying the response to treatments, therefore, would be highly recommended. This study examined ten parameters in blood and uterine fluid associated with the (anti)oxidant status, inflammation, and protease regulator potential and possible markers of endometritis in the mare. Endometritis has been evaluated with both culture and cytological techniques; the latter has been carried out by both classical and fluorescence techniques. Among the parameters examined in the blood serum, only one of them, the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay, a marker of the antioxidant power, allowed significant discrimination between the mares diagnosed as cytologically positive and negative for endometritis. This result provides an important piece of information in the development of indirect methodologies for the diagnosis of endometritis in the mare. Serological analysis may provide relevant information on endometritis diagnostics. Therefore, mares scheduled for AI with refrigerated semen, at the time of heat signs, underwent blood and uterine fluid samplings using a swab, uterine lavage for culture analysis, and treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin to induce ovulation. After 24–28 h, the mares were inseminated and, if positive at the culture test, treated with antibiotics chosen based on the susceptibility test. Uterine cells obtained by swabs were used for cytological examination with both classical and fluorescence techniques. Blood serum and uterine fluid samples were analyzed for assessing parameters related to redox balance, inflammation, and protease regulator potential. In blood serum, total antioxidant capacity, measured as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), was significantly lower in cytologically endometritis-positive than -negative mares. In the uterine fluid, total thiol levels (TTL), nitric oxide metabolites (NOx), protease activity and total protein content varied significantly between groups. Although the cytological examination was more capable of discriminating between endometritis-positive and -negative mares in relation to the parameters examined, no statistically significant differences emerged in terms of pregnancy rate in relation to cytological and culture diagnosis as well as in mares diagnosed as positive and negative for endometritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by resorting to classical methods of statistical mechanics, we build a kinetic model able to reproduce the observed statistical weight distribution of many diverse species. The kinetic description of the time variations of the weight distribution is based on elementary interactions that describe in a qualitative and quantitative way successive evolutionary updates, and determine explicit equilibrium distributions. Numerical fittings on mammalian eutherians of the order Chiroptera population illustrates the effectiveness of the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrode miniaturization has profoundly revolutionized the field of electrochemical sensing, opening up unprecedented opportunities for probing biological events with a high spatial and temporal resolution, integrating electrochemical systems with microfluidics, and designing arrays for multiplexed sensing. Several technological issues posed by the desire for downsizing have been addressed so far, leading to micrometric and nanometric sensing systems with different degrees of maturity. However, there is still an endless margin for researchers to improve current strategies and cope with demanding sensing fields, such as lab-on-a-chip devices and multi-array sensors, brain chemistry, and cell monitoring. In this review, we present current trends in the design of micro-/nano-electrochemical sensors and cutting-edge applications reported in the last 10 years. Micro- and nanosensors are divided into four categories depending on the transduction mechanism, e.g., amperometric, impedimetric, potentiometric, and transistor-based, to best guide the reader through the different detection strategies and highlight major advancements as well as still unaddressed demands in electrochemical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Endometritis is a widespread pathology in mares and cows and one of the leading causes of reproductive efficiency decline. Although localized in the innermost layer of the uterus, this inflammation involves the release of bioactive molecules and by-products related to molecular damage. Among the bioactive substances, a primary role is played by the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which, while exerting an antimicrobial effect, can amplify the inflammation, sometimes causing unwanted and self-aggravating effects. Part of these substances enters the bloodstream, with implications that range from sustaining distant effects on organs and tissues to being used as diagnostic biomarkers. The research carried out on this matter in cows and mares has maintained certain independence due to its species specificity. This review aims to collect and analyze the information available in these species to enhance diagnostics and provide new insights to prevent and treat this pathology. The etiopathogenesis of endometritis in mares and cows differs significantly; this could depend on a different sensitivity and reactivity of the uterus but also on endocrine and rearing factors and different stress sources. In both species, microorganisms and the immune system play a primary role in the generation of this pathology. Microbiological and cytological tests support clinical examination and significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. For both species, during the inflammation, immune cells invade the endometrium and release bioactive substances to contrast primary or secondary pathogen contamination. These molecules are traceable to cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins as well as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), collectively known as RONS. The RONS-mediated oxidation causes morphological and functional alterations of macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, with the consequent production of derivative compounds capable of playing harmful effects. These bioactive molecules and by-products, which have recently become increasingly popular as diagnostic biomarkers, enter the bloodstream, influencing the functionality of organs and tissues. This review has collected and compared information obtained in cows and mares related to the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers that are assessed by using different methods in samples from either blood plasma or uterine fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Transposable elements (TEs) play key roles in crucial biological pathways. Therefore, several tools enabling the quantification of their expression were recently developed. However, many of the existing tools lack the capability to distinguish between the transcription of autonomously expressed TEs and TE fragments embedded in canonical coding/non-coding non-TE transcripts. Consequently, an apparent change in the expression of a given TE may simply reflect the variation in the expression of the transcripts containing TE-derived sequences. To overcome this issue, we have developed TEspeX, a pipeline for the quantification of TE expression at the consensus level. TEspeX uses Illumina RNA-seq short reads to quantify TE expression avoiding counting reads deriving from inactive TE fragments embedded in canonical transcripts. Availability and implementation The tool is implemented in python3, distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and available on Github at https://github.com/fansalon/TEspeX (Zenodo URL: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6800331). Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive sequences comprising more than one third of the human genome with the original ability to change their location within the genome. Owing to their repetitive nature, the quantification of TEs results often challenging. RNA-seq is a useful tool for genome-wide TEs quantification, nevertheless it also presents technical issues, including low reads mappability and erroneous quantification derived from the transcription of TEs fragments embedded in canonical transcripts. Fragments derived from TEs are found within the introns of most genes, which led to the hypothesis that intron retention (IR) can affect the unbiased quantification of TEs expression. Performing meta-analysis of public RNA-seq datasets, here we observe that IR can indeed impact the quantification of TEs by increasing the number of reads mapped on intronic TE copies. Our work highlights a correlation between IR and TEs expression measurement by RNA-seq that should be taken into account to achieve reliable TEs quantification, especially in samples characterized by extensive IR, because differential IR might be confused with differential TEs expression. Transposable elements (TEs), also known as "jumping genes", are repetitive sequences with the capability of changing their location within the genome. They are key players in many different biological processes in health and disease. Therefore, a reliable quantification of their expression as transcriptional units is crucial to distinguish between their independent expression and the transcription of their sequences as part of canonical transcripts. TEs quantification faces difficulties of different types, the most important one being low reads mappability due to their repetitive nature preventing an unambiguous mapping of reads originating from their sequences. A large fraction of TEs fragments localizes within introns, which led to the hypothesis that intron retention (IR) can be an additional source of bias, potentially affecting accurate TEs quantification. IR occurs when introns, normally removed from the mature transcript by the splicing machinery, are maintained in mature transcripts. IR is a widespread mechanism affecting many different genes with cell type-specific patterns. We hypothesized that, in an RNA-seq experiment, reads derived from retained introns can introduce a bias in the detection of overlapping, independent TEs RNA expression. In this study we performed meta-analysis using public RNA-seq data from lymphoblastoid cell lines and show that IR can impact TEs quantification using established tools with default parameters. Reads mapped on intronic TEs were indeed associated to the expression of TEs and influence their correct quantification as independent transcriptional units. We confirmed these results using additional independent datasets, demonstrating that this bias does not appear in samples where IR is not present and that differential TEs expression does not impact on IR quantification. We concluded that IR causes the over-quantification of intronic TEs and differential IR might be confused with differential TEs expression. Our results should be taken into account for a correct quantification of TEs expression from RNA-seq data, especially in samples in which IR is abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of cancer is increasing globally, and a greater number of patients will receive treatments though central vascular access devices (CVADs). Only a few qualitative studies describe the experience of adult oncology patients living with CVADs, and no systematic review of literature has been published on this topic. We therefore aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence of the qualitative studies on the experience of adult oncology patients with CVADs to report the implications of living with this device, and to inform healthcare professionals (HCPs) about problematic aspects of care for this population.Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted on PUBMED, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, COCHRANE, and WEB OF SCIENCE, and was updated on May 25, 2021. Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The evidence was synthesized using the meta-aggregation approach proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute.Results: Four themes emerged: During catheter implantation oncology patients typically experience reluctance, apprehension and acceptance; The nature of the information, knowledge transmission and HCPs' competence all influence the patient's confidence; How the presence of a catheter impacts the patient's daily life, their self-perception and their social behavior; The catheter is a symbol of disease, a friend that helps prevent problems, and its removal is perceived as physical and psychological liberation.Conclusion: This systematic review evidenced some problematic aspects related to patient information, education and device management, and gaps in nursing skills on handling the device. The results of this review should be used as a framework for improvement interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the maximum stable set problem, rank inequalities impose that the cardinality of any set of vertices contained in a stable set be, at most, as large as the stability number of the subgraph induced by such a set. Rank inequalities are very general, as they subsume many classical inequalities such as clique, hole, antihole, web, and antiweb inequalities. In spite of their generality, the exact separation of rank inequalities has never been addressed without the introduction of topological restrictions on the induced subgraph and the tightness of their closure has never been investigated systematically. In this work, we propose a methodology for optimizing over the closure of all rank inequalities with a right-hand side no larger than a small constant without imposing any restrictions on the topology of the induced subgraph. Our method relies on the exact separation of a relaxation of rank inequalities, which we call relaxed k-rank inequalities, whose closure is as tight. We investigate the corresponding separation problem, a bilevel programming problem asking for a subgraph of maximum weight with a bound on its stability number, whose study could be of independent interest. We first prove that the problem is Σ 2 P -hard and provide some insights on its polyhedral structure. We then propose two exact methods for its solution: a branch-and-cut algorithm (which relies on a family of faced-defining inequalities which we introduce in this paper) and a purely combinatorial branch-and-bound algorithm. Our computational results show that the closure of rank inequalities with a right-hand side no larger than a small constant can yield a bound that is stronger, in some cases, than Lovász's Theta function, and substantially stronger than bounds obtained with standard inequalities that are valid for the stable set problem, including odd-cycle inequalities and wheel inequalities. Summary of Contribution: This paper proposes two original methods for solving a challenging cut-separation problem (of bilevel type) for a large class of inequalities valid for one of the key operations research problems, namely, the max stable set problem. An extensive set of experimental results validates the proposed methods. All the source code and data sets are available online on GitHub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seminal plasma (SP) of donkey stallions was evaluated using various oxidative stress parameters as well as protease and protease inhibitor activities. SP was obtained by nine donkey stallions. In addition, one donkey stallion with non-obstructive azoospermia was enrolled in this study. Free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total thiol level (TTL) were highly correlated with each other and with the protease inhibitor activity. However, only FRAP, TAC, and the nitrate/nitrite concentration (NOx) were significantly correlated with sperm concentration, production, and kinetics. Protease inhibitor activity was highly correlated with sperm concentration and production; however, it did not correlate with sperm kinetics. The azoospermic stallion produced a lower amount of semen than the normospermic stallions and its SP showed a lower antioxidant activity when evaluated with FRAP, TAC, and TTL as well as a higher NOx and a lower protease inhibitor activity. In conclusion, the evaluation of SP oxidative profile by FRAP, TAC, and NOx may provide reliable information on donkey sperm quality whereas protease inhibitor activity may play a role as a marker of the sperm concentration in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the debate on social security regimes applicable to platform workers in Italy. As social security regimes differ according to the type of employment or self‐employment relationship, Italian case law dealing with platform workers' employment status will be illustrated. Italian legislation, case law and collective bargaining on health and safety at work will then be presented, clarifying the coverage to which platform workers are entitled in the event of accidents at work and occupational diseases, with a focus on the COVID‐19 pandemic impact. In turn, the two main Italian minimum income schemes and the related scholarly debate will be outlined, as well as their impact on the ability of digital labour platforms to avoid their responsibilities as regards workers' rights, including access to adequate social protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient-reported data-satisfaction, preferences, outcomes and experience-are increasingly studied to provide excellent patient-centred care. In particular, healthcare professionals need to understand whether and how patient experience data can more pertinently inform the design of service delivery from a patient-centred perspective when compared with other indicators. This study aims to explore whether timely patient-reported data could capture relevant issues to improve the hospital patient journey.Methods: Between January and February 2019, a longitudinal survey was conducted in the orthopaedics department of a 250-bed Italian university hospital with patients admitted for surgery; the aim was to analyse the patient journey from the first outpatient visit to discharge. The same patients completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire, which was created to collect timely preference, experience and main outcomes data, and the hospital patient satisfaction questionnaire. The first was completed at the time of admission to the hospital and at the end of hospitalisation, and the second questionnaire was completed at the end of hospitalisation.Results: A total of 254 patients completed the three questionnaires. The results show the specific value of patient-reported data. Greater or less negative satisfaction may not reveal pathology-related needs, but patient experience data can detect important areas of improvement along the hospital journey. As clinical conditions and the context of care change rapidly within a single hospital stay for surgery, collecting data at two different moments of the patient journey enables researchers to capture areas of potential improvement in the patient journey that are linked to the context, clinical conditions and emotions experienced by the patient.Conclusion: By contributing to the literature on how patient-reported data could be collected and used in hospital quality improvement, this study opens the debate about the use of real-time focused data. Further studies should explore how to use patient-reported data effectively (including what the patient reports are working well) and how to improve hospital processes by profiling patients' needs and defining the appropriate methodologies to capture the experiences of vulnerable patients. These topics may offer new frontiers of research to achieve a patient-centred healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploitation of ever increasing Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data sets to monitor the Earth's surface deformation is an important goal of today's geodesy. In this study our observations consist of deformations along the Line‐Of‐Sight direction of the satellite. Our observations are the result of the combination of a multitude of sources (either volcano‐tectonic or nontectonic deformation). In most cases, we are facing a Blind source separation (BSS) problem. Natural approaches to tackle BSS problems are multivariate statistical techniques that attempt to decompose the data set into a limited number of statistically independent sources, under the assumption that the different physical mechanisms contributing to the observations have independent footprints in space and/or time. We show the capabilities of a variational Bayesian independent component analysis (vbICA) algorithm in dealing with synthetic InSAR time series and compare it to the commonly used FastICA algorithm. We explore the effectiveness of the spatial and temporal mode decompositions. We apply vbICA on data relative to the San Joaquin Valley and the Central San Andreas fault (CSAF), California, spanning the time range 2015/03/01–2019/07/14. The proposed approach likely isolates the contribution of shallow and deep aquifers to the surface deformation as well as the elastic and inelastic deformation. We present a 1‐dimensional compaction estimation of the elastic and inelastic storage coefficients adopting a formalism that takes into account the last century water level history. Concerning the CSAF, the algorithm helps separating tectonic loading from seasonal behavior concentrated in the Quaternary sediments of the Salinas Valley. Key Points: Variational Bayesian independent component analysis on Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar displacement time series performs better than FastICAApplication to San Joaquin Valley allows to isolate elastic and inelastic compaction and potential hydrocompaction contributionsApplication to Central San Andreas fault zone allows to separate seasonal behavior of Quaternary sediments from creep on the fault [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organometallic allylic reagents are widely used in the construction of C−C bonds by Barbier‐type reactions. In this communication, we have described a photoredox Barbier allylation of aldehydes mediated by bismuth, in absence of other metals as co‐reductants. Mild reaction conditions, tolerance of oxygen, and use of aqueous solvent make this photoredox methodology attractive for green and sustainable synthesis of homoallylic alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of homoallylic alcohols by addition of organometallic allyl compounds to carbonyls is an important strategy in organic chemistry. Allylating organometallic cobalt species can be generated employing stoichiometric quantities of Zn acting as reductant. To avoid the employment of stoichiometric amount of Zn, we have developed an allylation reaction of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes promoted by photoredox catalysis in the presence of a cobalt complex, and we present herein a full account of our research. In the presence of the abundant CoBr2 (10 mol %), 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐dipyridyl (dtbbpy, 10 mol %), allyl acetate (3 equiv.), [Ir(dtbbpy)(ppy)2]PF6 (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine, 2 mol %), and N,N‐diisopropylethylamine (4 equiv.), an allylation of aldehydes is taking place, in moderate to good yields. Substrates scope, limitations, and photophysical investigations of this new process are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High level time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) computational modeling of coumarin dyes has been exploited for guiding the design of effective photocatalysts (PCs). A library of coumarins were investigated from the theoretical point of view and photophysical/electrochemical properties (absorption and emission spectra, E00, oxidation and reduction potentials) were evaluated. Comparison with literature values reported for a few candidates has been used for assessing the level of theory. On the basis of the results obtained, new strongly reducing PCs [Eox(PC.+/PC*)=−2.1 – −2.0 V vs SCE] were discovered. Through the computational study of structure‐properties relationships, a number of coumarins derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in the pinacol coupling of aldehydes as the model reaction. The new organic photoredox catalysts show experimental photophysical and electrochemical data in accordance with the ones predicted by calculation, with excited state reduction potentials surpassing those of highly reducing transition metal‐based PCs. A careful investigation of their behavior as PC has revealed crucial issues that need to be taken into consideration in the general photoredox catalysis, shedding light on the use of these PC in the pinacol, as well as, in other photoredox reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-grade manganese ores that are composed of manganese oxides, wad, quartz, iron oxides, gibbsite, and especially of spessartine (Mn3Al2(SiO4)3) are known as gondite. Spessartine is a mineral with a high content of silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) that causes a decrease of the enrichment in manganese oxide concentrates by flotation, giving this ore more complexity for processing. Thus, by ensuring a higher selectivity between manganese oxides minerals and silicates, the use of gondite reserves becomes viable, and the correct reagent type can be useful for this objective. Moreover, there are few publications devoted to the study of spessartine in flotation. So, this study investigated the effects of Mn2+ ions on quartz and spessartine depression and showed positive results with the reduction of quartz floatability from 7.06% to 1.23% and the spessartine from 27.30% to 17.12% respectively when the Mn2+ (1000 mg/L) was added previously to the depressant. Zeta potential determinations showed that Mn2+ can act as a silicate activator, possibly by facilitating the SiO(OH)3 - adsorption. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed absorption bands at 3,450 cm-1 and 3,400 cm-1 frequency for quartz and spessartine and the adsorption of Mn(OH)2 was responsible for this result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aldehydes, photoredox, titanium catalysis, vinylogous aldol reaction, -Vinyl- -Hydroxy Esters Front Cover: A Dual Photoredox- and Cp2TiCl2-Catalyzed Approach for the Direct Access to -Vinyl- -hydroxy Esters (Eur. J. Org. Keywords: aldehydes; photoredox; titanium catalysis; vinylogous aldol reaction; -Vinyl- -Hydroxy Esters EN aldehydes photoredox titanium catalysis vinylogous aldol reaction -Vinyl- -Hydroxy Esters 1 1 1 10/12/23 20231009 NES 231009 B The Front Cover b celebrates the combination of photoredox catalysis with titanium catalysis and all the exciting and stimulating transformations that can be achieved without the use of metal reductants. [Extracted from the article]

The Front Cover celebrates the combination of photoredox catalysis with titanium catalysis and all the exciting and stimulating transformations that can be achieved without the use of metal reductants. In the present report, the combination of an organophotocatalyst with a catalytic amount of titanocene dichloride gave access to a library of differently functionalized α‐vinyl‐β‐hydroxy esters through an α‐selective vinylogous Reformatsky approach emploiyng the Hantzsch’ ester as stoichiometric organic reductant. More information can be found in the Research Article by P. G. Cozzi, F. Calogero et al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium is one of the most abundant and environmentally innocuous metals. Ti‐based organometallic compounds have long been used as versatile homogeneous catalysts in synthetic chemistry and still remain highly attractive for the development of sustainable transformations. With the emerging role of photoredox catalysis, the selectivity of the radical initiation in electron transfer‐mediated reactions has been shown to be fundamental in terms of synthesis efficiency. Recent examples have displayed the effectiveness of inorganic and organic chromophores at the excited state in triggering the redox chemistry of TiIV/III complexes. In this minireview, we will illustrate the underlying principles and practicability of these – still uncommon – metallaphotoredox catalytic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of a hybrid metal-organo-photoredox catalyst based on the conjugation of an imidazolidinone organocatalyst and Ir(ppy)2(bipy) (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, bipy = bipyridine) is described. The introduction of the desired organocatalyst into the bipyridine moiety is quite modular, allowing the preparation of different hybrid photocatalysts, and is realized though a simple click reaction. The hybrid photocatalysts obtained were employed in the benchmark photoredox alkylation of aldehydes. Remarkably, the conjugation of a first-generation MacMillan catalyst produces an active and stereoselective hybrid photoredox catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) have attracted considerable attention in the scientific community both from a scientific and an industrial point of view. Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and carbon dots (CDs) are the most popular forms and continue to be widely studied. However, the general poor solubility of many of these materials in most common solvents and their strong tendency to aggregate remains a major obstacle in practical applications. To solve these problems, organic chemistry offers formidable help, through the exploitation of tailored approaches, especially when aiming at the integration of nanostructures in biological systems. According to our experience with carbon-based nanostructures, the introduction of amino groups is one of the best trade-offs for the preparation of functionalized nanomaterials. Indeed, amino groups are well-known for enhancing the dispersion, solubilization, and processability of materials, in particular of CNMs. Amino groups are characterized by basicity, nucleophilicity, and formation of hydrogen or halogen bonding. All these features unlock new strategies for the interaction between nanomaterials and other molecules. This integration can occur either through covalent bonds (e.g., via amide coupling) or in a supramolecular fashion. In the present Feature Article, the attention will be focused through selected examples of our approach to the synthetic pathways necessary for the introduction of amino groups in CNMs and the subsequent preparation of highly engineered ad hoc nanostructures for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic diagnostics of inherited neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) is challenging due to their clinical and genetic heterogeneity. We launched an online survey within the EURO-NMD European Reference Network (ERN) to collect information about the availability/distribution of genetic testing across 61 ERN health care providers (HCPs). A 17 items questionnaire was designed to address methods used, the number of genetic tests available, the clinical pathway to access genetic testing, the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and participation to quality assessment schemes (QAs). A remarkable number of HCPs (49%) offers ≥ 500 genetic tests per year, 43,6% offers 100–500 genetic tests per year, and 7,2% ≤ 100 per year. NGS is used by 94% of centres, Sanger sequencing by 84%, MLPA by 66% and Southern blotting by 36%. The majority of centres (60%) offer NGS for all patients that fulfil criteria for NMD of genetic origin. Pipelines for NGS vary amongst centres, even within the same national system. Referral of patients to genetic laboratories by specialists was frequently reported (58%), and 65% of centres participates in genetic testing QAs. We specifically evaluated how many centres cover SMA, DMD, Pompe, LGMDs, and TTR genes/diseases genetic diagnosis, since these rare diseases benefit from personalised therapies. We used the Orphanet EUGT numbers, provided by 82% of HCPs. SMA, DMD, LGMD, TTR and GAA genes are covered by EUGTs although with different numbers and modalities. The number of genetic tests for NMDs offered across HCPs National Health systems is quite high, including routine techniques and NGS. The number and type of tests offered and the clinical practices differ among centres. We provided evidence that survey tools might be useful to learn about the state-of-the-art of ERN health-related activities and to foster harmonisation and standardisation of the complex care for the rare disease patients in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients' care needs to be reconsidered by integrating the patient's clinical pathway with the hospital patient journey and the family context in a safe and patient-centered way. So far, no systematic reports are available regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care. This work gives a first overview of patients' care needs undergoing chemotherapy treatment from a nursing perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about the slow earthquakes result from unstable frictional slip. It characterizes the system dynamics using embedding theory and extreme value theory, along with information on the analysis reveals a low-dimensional nonlinear chaotic system rather than a stochastic system.

In this work, we present a method to compute the Kantorovich-Wasserstein distance of order 1 between a pair of two-dimensional histograms. Recent works in computer vision and machine learning have shown the benefits of measuring Wasserstein distances of order 1 between histograms with n bins by solving a classical transportation problem on very large complete bipartite graphs with n nodes and n² edges. The main contribution of our work is to approximate the original transportation problem by an uncapacitated min cost flow problem on a reduced ow network of size O(n) that exploits the geometric structure of the cost function. More precisely, when the distance among the bin centers is measured with the ∞-norm or the 1-norm, our approach provides an optimal solution. When the distance among bins is measured with the 2-norm, (i) we derive a quantitative estimate on the error between optimal and approximate solution; (ii) given the error, we construct a reduced flow network of size O(n). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallosalen are privileged complexes that have found important applications in catalysis. In addition, their luminescent properties have also been studied and used for sensing and biological applications. Salen metal complexes can be efficient photosensitizers, but they can also participate to electron transfer processes. Indeed, we have found that commercially available [Al(Salen)Cl] is an efficient photoredox catalyst for the synergistic stereoselective reaction of alkyl aldehydes with different bromo ketones and malonates to give the corresponding enantioenriched α‐alkylated derivatives. The reaction was performed in the presence of a MacMillan catalyst. [Al(Salen)Cl] is able to replace ruthenium complexes, showing that also aluminum complexes can be used in promoting photoredox catalytic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been widely studied for their plethora of fascinating features and applications. The potentiostatic electrodeposition of LDHs has been extensively applied in the literature as a fast and direct method to substitute classical chemical routes. However, the electrochemical approach does not usually allow for a fine control of the MII/MIII ratio in the synthesized material. By employing a recently proposed potentiodynamic method, LDH films of controlled composition are herein prepared with good reproducibility, using different ratios of the trivalent (Fe or Al) to bivalent (Co) cations in the electrolytic solution. All the obtained materials are shown to be effective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts, and are thoroughly characterized by a multi‐technique approach, including FE‐SEM, XRD, Raman, AES and a wide range of electrochemical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To understand how different methodologies of qualitative research are able to capture patient experience of the hospital journey. Methods: A qualitative study of orthopaedic patients admitted for hip and knee replacement surgery in a 250-bed university hospital was performed. Eight patients were shadowed from the time they entered the hospital to the time of transfer to rehabilitation. Four patients and sixteen professionals, including orthopaedists, head nurses, nurses and administrative staff, were interviewed. Results: Through analysis of the data collected four main themes emerged: the information gap; the covering patient-professionals relationship; the effectiveness of family closeness; and the micro-integration of hospital services. The three different standpoints (patient shadowing, health professionals' interviews and patients' interviews) allowed different issues to be captured in the various phases of the journey. Conclusions: Hospitals can significantly improve the quality of the service provided by exploring and understanding the individual patient journey. When dealing with a key cross-functional business process, the time-space dynamics of the activities performed have to be considered. Further research in the academic field can explore practical, methodological and ethical challenges more deeply in capturing the whole patient journey experience by using multiple methods and integrated tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel missense mutation (p.A991D) identified by NGS in the X-linked ATP7A gene. • Novel phenotype with distal motor neuropathy and dysautonomia. • Refinement of ATP7A genotype-phenotype correlations. We describe a novel ATP7A gene mutation associated with distal motor neuropathy, mild connective tissue abnormalities and autonomic disturbances. Next-generation sequencing analysis of a lower-motor neuron diseases gene panel was performed in two sibs presenting with distal motor neuropathy plus an autonomic dysfunction, which main manifestations were retrograde ejaculation, diarrhea and hyperhydrosis. Probands underwent dysmorphological, neurological, electrophysiological as well as biochemical evaluations and somatic and autonomic innervation studies on skin biopsies. A novel missense mutation (p.A991D) was identified in the X-linked ATP7A gene, segregating in both brothers and inherited from their healthy mother. Biochemical studies on patients' blood samples showed reduced serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. Clinical and neurophysiological evaluation documented dysautonomic signs. Quantitative evaluation of skin innervation disclosed a small fiber neuropathy with prevalent autonomic involvement. Mutations in the ATP7A gene, encoding for a copper-transporting ATPase, have been associated with the severe infantile neurodegenerative Menkes disease and in its milder variant, the Occipital Horn Syndrome. Only two ATP7A mutations were previously reported as causing, a pure axonal distal motor neuropathy (dHMN-SMAX3). The phenotype we report represents a further example of this rare genotype-phenotype correlation and highlights the possible occurrence in SMAX3 of autonomic disturbances, as described for Menkes disease and Occipital Horn Syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we model geodetic strain accumulation along the Cascadia subduction zone between 2007.0 and 2017.632 using position time series from 352 continuous GPS stations. First, we use the secular linear motion to determine interseismic locking along the megathrust. We determine two end member models, assuming that the megathrust is either a priori locked or creeping, which differ essentially along the trench where the inversion is poorly constrained by the data. In either case, significant locking of the megathrust updip of the coastline is needed. The downdip limit of the locked portion lies ∼ 20–80 km updip from the coast assuming a locked a priori, but very close to the coast for a creeping a priori. Second, we use a variational Bayesian Independent Component Analysis (vbICA) decomposition to model geodetic strain time variations, an approach which is effective to separate the geodetic strain signal due to non-tectonic and tectonic sources. The Slow Slip Events (SSEs) kinematics is retrieved by linearly inverting for slip on the megathrust the Independent Components related to these transient phenomena. The procedure allows the detection and modelling of 64 SSEs which spatially and temporally match with the tremors activity. SEEs and tremors occur well inland from the coastline and follow closely the estimated location of the mantle wedge corner. The transition zone, between the locked portion of the megathrust and the zone of tremors, is creeping rather steadily at the long-term slip rate and probably buffers the effect of SSEs on the megathrust seismogenic portion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) rarely presents with painful symptoms, which mainly occur in association with myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene mutations. We aimed to further characterize the features of painful neuropathic phenotypes in MPZ-related CMT. We report on a 58-year-old woman with a longstanding history of intermittent migrant pain and dysesthesias. Examination showed minimal clinical signs of neuropathy along with mild changes upon electroneurographic examination, consistent with an intermediate pattern, and small-fiber loss upon skin biopsy. Genetic testing identified the heterozygous variant p.Trp101Ter in MPZ. We identified another 20 CMT patients in the literature who presented with neuropathic pain as a main feature in association with MPZ mutations, mostly in the extracellular MPZ domain; the majority of these patients showed late onset (14/20), with motor-nerve-conduction velocities predominantly in the intermediate range (12/20). It is hypothesized that some MPZ mutations could manifest with, or predispose to, neuropathic pain. However, the mechanisms linking MPZ mutations and pain-generating nerve changes are unclear, as are the possible role of modifier factors. This peculiar CMT presentation may be diagnostically misleading, as it is suggestive of an acquired pain syndrome rather than of an inherited neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A material based on cellulose coated with polyaniline/poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (Cell/PANI-PAMPSA) was synthesized in a simple way starting from cellulose fibres, aniline and using PAMPSA as dopant. The morphology, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity were investigated by means of several complementary techniques. The obtained results highlight the excellent features of the Cell/PANI-PAMPSA composite with respect to the Cell/PANI one. Based on the promising performance of this material, novel device functions and wearable applications have been tested. We focused on its possible single use as: i) humidity sensors and ii) disposable biomedical sensors to provide immediate diagnostic services as close to the patient as possible for heart rate or respiration activity monitoring. To our knowledge, this is the first time that Cell/PANI-PAMPSA system has been used for such applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the application of dual nickel/photoredox catalysis to the allylation of aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes by using commercially available reagents. The process utilizes the combination of a Ni(ii) complex, [Ru(bpy)3]2+ as a photoredox catalyst, and allylacetate under blue LED irradiation, and allows the synthesis of a large variety of homoallylic alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a kinetic approach to the formation of urban agglomerations which is based on simple rules of immigration and emigration. In most cases, the Boltzmann-type kinetic description allows to obtain, within an asymptotic procedure, a Fokker–Planck equation with variable coefficients of diffusion and drift, which describes the evolution in time of some probability density of the city size. It is shown that, in dependence of the microscopic rules of migration, the equilibrium density can follow both a power law for large values of the size variable, which contains as particular case a Zipf's law behavior, and a lognormal law for middle and low values of the size variable. In particular, connections between the value of Pareto index of the power law at equilibrium and the disposal of the population to emigration are outlined. The theoretical findings are tested with recent data of the populations of Italy and Switzerland. • We introduce a linear kinetic model for the size distribution of cities. • The elementary interactions describe the rates of immigration. • The limit of small interactions results in a Fokker–Planck equation. • The steady state can be both a tailed density and a lognormal one. • The lognormal shows a good fitting with real data from Italy and Swiss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, it has been increasing evidence that lognormal distributions are widespread in physical and biological sciences, as well as in various phenomena of economics and social sciences. In social sciences, the appearance of lognormal distribution has been noticed, among others, when looking at body weight, and at women's age at first marriage. Likewise, in economics, lognormal distribution appears when looking at consumption in a western society, at call-center service times, and others. The common feature of these situations, which describe the distribution of a certain people's hallmark, is the presence of a desired target to be reached by repeated choices. In this paper, we discuss a possible explanation of lognormal distribution forming in human activities by resorting to classical methods of statistical mechanics of multi-agent systems. The microscopic variation of the hallmark around its target value, leading to a linear Fokker–Planck-type equation with lognormal equilibrium density, is built up introducing as main criterion for decision a suitable value function in the spirit of the prospect theory of Kahneman and Twersky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of portable and wearable sensors is of high importance in several fields such as point-of-care medical applications and environmental monitoring. Here we design, synthesize and exploit a new composite material based on Ag/AgCl nanoparticles and PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate)) to fabricate a novel kind of sensor inspired by the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). We are able to integrate an Ag/AgCl gate electrode into the semiconducting polymer in the form of NPs. As a consequence, our sensor combines an intrinsically amplified response with a simple two terminal electrical connection. Electrostatic Force Microscopy and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy demonstrate the electronic coupling between the electrochemically active nanoparticles and the ionic charge gated semiconducting polymer, allowing to explain the sensor amplified transduction. The analytical signal is the current that flows in the composite polymer and its variation is directly proportional to the logarithm of Cl − concentration in the range 10 −4 to 1 M, with a limit of detection of 0.5 10 −4 M. Moreover, the device exhibits a shorter response time than the one of a conventional OECT endowed with an Ag/AgCl gate electrode. The sensor was used for in-situ detection of salinity in water and a textile device was obtained by depositing the composite material directly onto a cotton yarn for real-time sweat monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite substantial attention to the individual topics, little is known about the relationship between racial disparities and antimicrobial-resistant and/or healthcare-associated infection trends, such as for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods We analyzed Emerging Infections Program 2005–2014 surveillance data (9 US states) to determine whether reductions in invasive MRSA incidence (isolated from normally sterile body sites) affected racial disparities in rates. Case classification included hospital-onset (HO, culture >3 days after admission), healthcare-associated community onset (HACO, culture ≤3 days after admission and dialysis, hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care residence within 1 year prior), or community-associated (CA, all others). Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate the adjusted rate ratio (aRR) of MRSA in black patients (vs in white patients) controlling for age, sex, and temporal trends. Results During 2005–2014, invasive HO and HACO (but not CA) MRSA rates decreased. Despite this, blacks had higher rates for HO (aRR, 3.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35–4.35), HACO (aRR, 3.84; 95% CI, 2.94–5.01), and CA (aRR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.30–3.37) MRSA. Limiting the analysis to chronic dialysis patients reduced, but did not eliminate, the higher HACO MRSA rates among blacks (aRR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.72–1.96), even though invasive MRSA rates among dialysis patients decreased during 2005–2014. These racial differences did not change over time. Conclusions Previous reductions in healthcare-associated MRSA infections have not affected racial disparities in MRSA rates. Improved understanding of the underlying causes of these differences is needed to develop effective prevention interventions that reduce racial disparities in MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]