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A quarter of humanity is estimated to have been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with a 5-10% risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) disease. Variability in responses to Mtb infection could be due to host or pathogen heterogeneity. Here, we focused on host genetic variation in a Peruvian population and its associations with gene regulation in monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). We recruited former household contacts of TB patients who previously progressed to TB (cases, n = 63) or did not progress to TB (controls, n = 63). Transcriptomic profiling of monocyte-derived DCs and macrophages measured the impact of genetic variants on gene expression by identifying expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). We identified 330 and 257 eQTL genes in DCs and macrophages (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05), respectively. Four genes in DCs showed interaction between eQTL variants and TB progression status. The top eQTL interaction for a protein-coding gene was with FAH, the gene encoding fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, which mediates the last step in mammalian tyrosine catabolism. FAH expression was associated with genetic regulatory variation in cases but not controls. Using public transcriptomic and epigenomic data of Mtb-infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells, we found that Mtb infection results in FAH downregulation and DNA methylation changes in the locus. Overall, this study demonstrates effects of genetic variation on gene expression levels that are dependent on history of infectious disease and highlights a candidate pathogenic mechanism through pathogen-response genes. Furthermore, our results point to tyrosine metabolism and related candidate TB progression pathways for further investigation.

Kamafugites are rare volcanic igneous rocks, characterized by the presence of kalsilite and variable amounts of leucite, nepheline, melilite, clinopyroxene, olivine and phlogopite, which may not necessarily be present all together. Kamafugites are silica-poor (moderately ultrabasic to basic), CaO- and alkali-rich (mostly ultrapotassic) lithologies, generated from strongly metasomatized and heterogeneous mantle sources, with abundant phlogopite and little or no orthopyroxene. Melting of phlogopite- and carbonate-bearing veins is often invoked as being responsible for the ultrapotassic and ultracalcic signatures observed in many kamafugites. Nevertheless, many questions still persist about their mantle sources, such as the paragenesis of the metasomatic veins within the lithospheric mantle and the degree of interaction between the initial melts and the peridotite matrix. We experimentally investigated four natural kamafugite samples to determine the mantle assemblages that were in equilibrium with these melts at the onset of partial melting and their genesis. The kamafugites were collected from the three known areas where they occur: Uganda, Italy and Brazil. Near-liquidus experiments were carried out at 1 to 2 GPa and temperatures from 1250 to 1380 °C. These experiments provide information on the mineralogy of the potential mantle sources in each of the volcanic provinces, also allowing a comparison among them. The experiments confirm the common presence of clinopyroxene and phlogopite as the main near-liquidus phases, with olivine joining the near-liquidus phase assemblage in one Italian sample (San Venanzo) and in the Brazilian kamafugite. Other minor phases (apatite and Fe–Ti oxides) also crystallized in near-liquidus conditions, highlighting their importance for at least the Ugandan and Brazilian kamafugites. Our results demonstrate that various amounts of clinopyroxene (∼40 % in Italy and 50 %–60 % in Uganda and Brazil), phlogopite (∼20 %–30 % in Brazil, ∼40 % in Uganda and ∼60 % in Italy) and accessory phases (up to 4 % titanite in Uganda, up to 3 % apatite in Uganda and up to 5 % oxides in Uganda and Brazil) are required for the formation of kamafugite melts. The contribution of olivine differs among the four samples, being negligible for the Ugandan kamafugites and in one of the Italian kamafugites but up to 5 % in the second Italian kamafugite and 10 % in Brazil.

IntroductionThis study examined the efficacy of a therapy based on a combination of Platelet Rich Plasma and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in a severe clinical case involving a young Rottweiler with a complex spiral fracture of the tibia.MethodFollowing a worsening of the lesion after traditional surgical intervention, the subject was treated with the combined therapy. X-rays were taken at the following stages: immediately post-surgery, four weeks post-surgery, and 10 days post-treatment. Fracture gap and callus density measurements were obtained using ImageJ analysis, allowing for a detailed quantitative assessment of bone regeneration over time.ResultsPost-operative radiographs indicated a clinical worsening of the fracture, revealing an increased fracture gap due to bone loss. However, significant improvements were observed ten days following the treatment, with a marked reduction in fracture gaps and increased callus density. These results demonstrated a notable acceleration in bone healing and callus formation compared to typical recovery times for similar lesions.ConclusionThe method showed potential for enhancing osteogenic regeneration, facilitating faster healing of serious orthopedic injuries compared to traditional methods.

The study explored the treatment of different wastewater by producing microelectronic components. It proposed using aerobic biological treatment for the first effluent containing tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide and chemical-physical processes for the other two streams having fluorides, phosphates, nitrates and acetic acid. The novel integrated process significantly reduced environmental impacts by an average of 50 % compared to current disposal methods. The economic analysis indicates a 30 % reduction in treatment costs for the first effluent and lesser reductions for the other two effluents. The study revealed that treating all three effluents in an integrated manner is cost-effective, reducing investment and operating costs.

A quarter of humanity is estimated to have been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with a 5-10% risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) disease. Variability in responses to Mtb infection could be due to host or pathogen heterogeneity. Here, we focused on host genetic variation in a Peruvian population and its associations with gene regulation in monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). We recruited former household contacts of TB patients who previously progressed to TB (cases, n = 63) or did not progress to TB (controls, n = 63). Transcriptomic profiling of monocyte-derived DCs and macrophages measured the impact of genetic variants on gene expression by identifying expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). We identified 330 and 257 eQTL genes in DCs and macrophages (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05), respectively. Four genes in DCs showed interaction between eQTL variants and TB progression status. The top eQTL interaction for a protein-coding gene was with FAH, the gene encoding fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, which mediates the last step in mammalian tyrosine catabolism. FAH expression was associated with genetic regulatory variation in cases but not controls. Using public transcriptomic and epigenomic data of Mtb-infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells, we found that Mtb infection results in FAH downregulation and DNA methylation changes in the locus. Overall, this study demonstrates effects of genetic variation on gene expression levels that are dependent on history of infectious disease and highlights a candidate pathogenic mechanism through pathogen-response genes. Furthermore, our results point to tyrosine metabolism and related candidate TB progression pathways for further investigation.

PurposeThis study aimed to identify possible prognostic factors determining early tremor relapse after Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS) thalamotomy in patients with essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodsNine patients (six ET and three PD) who underwent Vim MRgFUS thalamotomy in a single institution and developed early re-emergent tremor were analyzed. A control group of patients matched pairwise for sex, pathology, age, disease duration, and skull density ratio (SDR) was selected to compare the technical-procedural data and MR imaging evidence. MR imaging findings compared between groups included lesion shape and volume in multiparametric sequences, as well as Fractiona Anisotropy (FA) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values derived from Diffusion Tensor Imaging Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DTI) and Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) sequences.ResultsWe did not find statistically significant differences in gender and age between the two groups. Technical and procedural parameters were also similar in both treatment groups. In MRI analysis, we found lesions of similar size but with greater caudal extension in the control group with stable outcomes compared to patients with tremor relapse.ConclusionIn our analysis of early recurrences after thalamotomy with focused ultrasound, there were neither technical and procedural differences nor prognostic factors related to lesion size or ablation temperatures. Greater caudal extension of the lesion in patients without recurrence might suggest the importance of spatial consolidation during treatment.

Melasma is a challenging skin condition which involves both structural and functional skin alterations. Despite the availability of various treatment options, the management remains complex. This is the first study to investigate topical application of Rosa damascena stem cell exosomes when used concomitantly with microneedling in women and men with facial melasma. We recruited 20 subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III, exhibiting melasma of varying severity. The modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) were utilized to evaluate treatment response. The treatment protocol involved microneedling followed by exosome application over four or five sessions, at 4-week intervals. Ninety percent of subjects demonstrated a significant improvement in mMASI scores, while only 10% showed no change. GAIS assessment further supports overall improvement, with just 10% categorized as “not changed”. Tolerability was favorable, with mild, transient side effects. Our findings suggest promising outcomes with this combined therapy, underscoring its potential as a safe and effective approach for treating melasma, particularly in severe and moderate cases. However, further research with larger sample sizes and control arms is warranted to validate these findings and explore long-term efficacy.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressively growing pathology to afford by a spinal surgeon due to the aging of the population, associated with better treatment management and the best diagnosis and treatment solutions are greatly discussed. Nowadays that scientific literature is progressively increasing to identify the gold standard in diagnosis and treatment can be very challenging. This is particularly evident in spinal surgery with many different indications not only in different countries but also in the same local reality. In this scenario, many neurosurgical societies works to identify some guideline or recommendations to help spinal surgeons in daily practice. Furthermore, in an era in which legal issues are increasingly present in clinical practice to have some indications globally accepted can be very useful. World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) few years ago starts this process creating a list of recommendations originating from a worldwide steering committee to respect all the local reality. The spinal section of Italian Neurosurgical Society decides to adopt the WFNS recommendations with some revision basing on Italian scenario. The steering committee of the Spinal Section of Italian Neurosurgical Society identify 7 groups to review the literature of the last 10 years about different topics on CSM and to analyses the WFNS recommendations to adapt it to the Italian daily practice. The statements were discussed and voted in 2 sessions to obtain the final version. A list of recommendations on natural course and clinical presentation; diagnostic tests; conservative and surgical treatment; anterior, posterior and combined surgical treatment; role of neurophysiological monitoring and follow-up and outcome was created with only few new or revised statements respect the ones of WFNS. The Spine Section of Italian Neurosurgical Society create a list of recommendations that represent the more contemporary treatment concepts for CSM as presented in the highest quality clinical literature and best clinical practices available on this subject.

Introduction: Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IOM) is widely used in neurosurgery but specific guidelines are lacking. Therefore, we can assume differences in IOM application between Neurosurgical centers. Research question: The section of Functional Neurosurgery of the Italian Society of Neurosurgery realized a survey aiming to obtain general data on the current practice of IOM in Italy. Materials and methods: A 22-item questionnaire was designed focusing on: volume procedures, indications, awake surgery, experience, organization and equipe. The questionnaire has been sent to Italian Neurosurgery centers. Results: A total of 54 centers completed the survey. The annual volume of surgeries range from 300 to 2000, and IOM is used in 10–20% of the procedures. In 46% of the cases is a neurologist or a neurophysiologist who performs IOM. For supra-tentorial pathology, almost all perform MEPs (94%) SSEPs (89%), direct cortical stimulation (85%). All centers perform IOM in spinal surgery and 95% in posterior fossa surgery. Among the 50% that perform peripheral nerve surgery, all use IOM. Awake surgery is performed by 70% of centers. The neurosurgeon is the only responsible for IOM in 35% of centers. In 83% of cases IOM implementation is adequate to the request. Discussion and conclusions: The Italian Neurosurgical centers perform IOM with high level of specialization, but differences exist in organization, techniques, and expertise. Our survey provides a snapshot of the state of the art in Italy and it could be a starting point to implement a consensus on the practice of IOM.

Sol-gel chemistry and the process that peculiarly defines the derived materials, represent an essential tool for the chemical synthesis of materials. Since the intensive research activity that began in the late 1980s, whole new families of advanced ceramic materials obtained via chemical synthesis combined with low-temperature heat treatment have been developed. These materials include, among others, aerogels, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, and mesoporous materials. The success of the process has thus opened up new possibilities for obtaining nanomaterials through a highly refined design of the structure and, thus, of the properties. Despite the intervening time, the sol-gel process is still the focus of intense research, and more and more new applications are successfully entering the market. This article is devoted to a brief review of the future prospects of the process and materials obtained through sol-gel chemistry.

IntroductionCentral nervous system (CNS) tumors are severe health conditions with increasing incidence in the last years. Different biological, environmental and clinical factors are thought to have an important role in their epidemiology, which however remains unclear.ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study was to identify CNS tumor patients’ subtypes based on this information and to test associations with tumor malignancy.Methods90 patients with suspected diagnosis of CNS tumor were recruited by the Neurosurgery Unit of IRCCS Neuromed. Patients underwent anamnestic and clinical assessment, to ascertain known or suspected risk factors including lifestyle, socioeconomic, clinical and psychometric characteristics. We applied a hierarchical clustering analysis to these exposures to identify potential groups of patients with a similar risk pattern and tested whether these clusters associated with brain tumor malignancy.ResultsOut of 67 patients with a confirmed CNS tumor diagnosis, we identified 28 non-malignant and 39 malignant tumor cases. These subtypes showed significant differences in terms of gender (with men more frequently presenting a diagnosis of cancer; p = 6.0 ×10−3) and yearly household income (with non-malignant tumor patients more frequently earning ≥25k Euros/year; p = 3.4×10−3). Cluster analysis revealed the presence of two clusters of patients: one (N=41) with more professionally active, educated, wealthier and healthier patients, and the other one with mostly retired and less healthy men, with a higher frequency of smokers, personal history of cardiovascular disease and cancer familiarity, a mostly sedentary lifestyle and generally lower income, education and cognitive performance. The former cluster showed a protective association with the malignancy of the disease, with a 74 (14-93) % reduction in the prevalent risk of CNS malignant tumors, compared to the other cluster (p=0.026).DiscussionThese preliminary data suggest that patients’ profiling through unsupervised machine learning approaches may somehow help predicting the risk of being affected by a malignant form. If confirmed by further analyses in larger independent cohorts, these findings may be useful to create potential intelligent ranking systems for treatment priority, overcoming the lack of histopathological information and molecular diagnosis of the tumor, which are typically not available until the time of surgery.

Abstract Designing the architecture of l-lysine-based polymeric structures is a highly challenging task that requires careful control of the amino acid reactive groups. Conventional processes to obtain branched polylysine need several steps and the addition of specific catalysts. In the present work, to gain a better understanding and control of the formation of l-lysine-based polymers, we have investigated the correlation between the protonation state of l-lysine and the corresponding hydrothermally grown structures. The samples have been characterized by combining optical spectroscopies, such as UV–Vis, fluorescence, and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism with structural analysis by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. We have observed that aqueous precursor solutions with alkaline pHs promote the formation of branched structures. In contrast, high pHs favour the reactivity of the ε-amino groups leading to linear structures, as shown by circular dichroism analyses. On the other hand, acidic conditions trigger the branching of the amino acid. Interestingly, the polymeric forms of l-lysine emit in the blue because the increasing number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds promote the intermolecular charge transfer responsible for the emission. Understanding the correlation between the l-lysine charged states and the polymeric structures that could form controlling the protonation–deprotonation states of the amino acid opens the route to a refined design of polypeptide systems based on l-lysine.

This paper modeled the behavior of a double-layer adsorption column to process a current with a Syngas-like composition. The modeling was performed on Aspen Adsorption software to evaluate its performance by comparison with experimental data found in the literature. The simulation aims is to evaluate the modeled system for potential use in PSA systems for hydrogen purification from a Syngas stream, with successive simulations on different plant scales.

As industrialization and globalization have advanced in recent years, an expanding volume of textile dye effluent and pharmaceutical wastewater has been discharged into the environment. Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and its combination with other advanced processes such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), were studied in this work for the removal of textile dye effluent from aqueous media. The effect of different molar ratio of H2O2 dose was examined. The experimental tests were carried out at pH_ value= 2 and input pressure p_in=4.5 bar, with a mix of three types of textile wastewater sampled at different treatment times. The concentration of H2O2 was varied from 0.1 M to 0.9 M. The evaluation of the efficiency of the combined process, in the removal of color and COD from textile wastewater, was investigated. The results showed that the degradation of textile wastewater using HC and HC in combination with other advanced oxidation process (AOP’s) followed a pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic. Under the following operative conditions of pH_ value= 2 and input pressure p_in=4.5 bar, the HC + H2O2 process demonstrated a greater efficiency of 88%, 37%, and 65% the chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction in 60 minutes for (0.3, 0.7 and 0.9 mol/L,) of H2O2, respectively. combined process could be a useful technology for treating textile wastewater.

Subchondral bone cysts in horses represent one of the main causes of lameness that can occur in different anatomical locations. The study describes the treatment in regenerative therapy of the intracystic implantation of adipose tissue mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs) included in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The ability of AMSCs to differentiate in osteogenic cells was tested in vitro and in vivo. Given the aim to investigate the application of AMSCs in bone defects and orthopedic pathologies in horses, a four-year-old male thoroughbred racing horse that had never raced before was treated for lameness of the left hind leg caused by a cyst of the medial femoral condyle. The horse underwent a new surgery performed with an arthroscopic approach in which the cystic cavity was filled with AMSCs contained in the PRP. Radiographs were taken 3, 5, and 10 months after the surgery to assess the development of newly regenerated bone tissue in the gap left by the cyst. Twelve months after the operation and after six months of regular daily training, the horse did not show any symptoms of lameness and started a racing career. According to the study, the use of AMSCs and PRP suggests promising benefits for treating subchondral bone cysts.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants requires close monitoring to prevent the reoccurrence of a new pandemic in the near future. The Omicron variant, in particular, is one of the fastest-spreading viruses, showing a high ability to infect people and evade neutralization by antibodies elicited upon infection or vaccination. Therefore, the search for broad-spectrum antivirals that can inhibit the infectious capacity of SARS-CoV-2 is still the focus of intense research. In the present work, hyperbranched poly-L-lysine nanopolymers, which have shown an excellent ability to block the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 infection, were modified with L-arginine. A thermal reaction at 240 °C catalyzed by boric acid yielded Lys-Arg hyperbranched nanopolymers. The ability of these nanopolymers to inhibit viral replication were assessed for the original, Delta, and Omicron strains of SARS-CoV-2 together with their cytotoxicity. A reliable indication of the safety profile and effectiveness of the various polymeric compositions in inhibiting or suppressing viral infection was obtained by the evaluation of the therapeutic index in an in vitro prevention model. The hyperbranched L-arginine-modified nanopolymers exhibited a twelve-fold greater therapeutic index when tested with the original strain. The nanopolymers could also effectively limit the replication of the Omicron strain in a cell culture.

In 2002 we published an article describing a population of vessel-associated progenitors that we termed mesoangioblasts (MABs). During the past decade evidence had accumulated that during muscle development and regeneration things may be more complex than a simple sequence of binary choices (e.g., dorsal vs. ventral somite). LacZ expressing fibroblasts could fuse with unlabelled myoblasts but not among themselves or with other cell types. Bone marrow derived, circulating progenitors were able to participate in muscle regeneration, though in very small percentage. Searching for the embryonic origin of these progenitors, we identified them as originating at least in part from the embryonic aorta and, at later stages, from the microvasculature of skeletal muscle. While continuing to investigate origin and fate of MABs, the fact that they could be expanded in vitro (also from human muscle) and cross the vessel wall, suggested a protocol for the cell therapy of muscular dystrophies. We tested this protocol in mice and dogs before proceeding to the first clinical trial on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients that showed safety but minimal efficacy. In the last years, we have worked to overcome the problem of low engraftment and tried to understand their role as auxiliary myogenic progenitors during development and regeneration.

In this paper, a reliable treatment process for olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) is proposed. In order to develop a more sustainable process with polyphenols recovery and water reuse, two treatment schemes have been simulated by using a process simulator (SuperPro Designer®), depending on wastewater characteristics; the first applied for ‘biological’ effluents by using membrane technology (microfiltration MF, ultrafiltration UF, nanofiltration NF and reverse osmosis RO), the second for wastewaters containing pesticides, in which RO is replaced with an advanced oxidation process for pesticide degradation. The results of the process analysis showed that the final permeate is a treated water suitable for both disposal in aquatic receptors and for civil or agriculture reuse. Moreover, the results of a techno-economic analysis of the proposed processes is presented, carried out by means of a life cycle cost analysis, considering the mass and energy balances obtained from process analysis. The analysis showed that the first scenario is more economically feasible. In detail, the treatment cost (€/m3 of OMWW) was 253 and 292 €/m3 for the first and second case study, respectively. However, the second process scheme result is inappropriate if the wastewater to be treated does not come from biological olive processing. HIGHLIGHTS Process analysis was performed for the olive mill wastewater treatment with closed water cycle approach.; Several scenarios were presented which take into account the type of olive mill wastewaters.; Final permeate is a treated water suitable for disposal in aquatic receptors or for re-use in different purposes.; Reverse osmosis could improve the quality of the permeate and the fresh water could be re-used for other purposes.;

Cartilage injury defects in animals and humans result in the development of osteoarthritis and the progression of joint deterioration. Cell isolation from equine hyaline cartilage and evaluation of their ability to repair equine joint cartilage injuries establish a new experimental protocol for an alternative approach to osteochondral lesions treatment. Chondrocytes (CCs), isolated from the autologous cartilage of the trachea, grown in the laboratory, and subsequently arthroscopically implanted into the lesion site, were used to regenerate a chondral lesion of the carpal joint of a horse. Biopsies of the treated cartilage taken after 8 and 13 months of implantation for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the tissue demonstrate that the tissue was still immature 8 months after implantation, while at 13 months it was organized almost similarly to the original hyaline cartilage. Finally, a tissue perfectly comparable to native articular cartilage was detected 24 months after implantation. Histological investigations demonstrate the progressive maturation of the hyaline cartilage at the site of the lesion. The hyaline type of tracheal cartilage, used as a source of CCs, allows for the repair of joint cartilage injuries through the neosynthesis of hyaline cartilage that presents characteristics identical to the articular cartilage of the original tissue.

The design of functional coatings for touchscreens and haptic interfaces is of paramount importance for smartphones, tablets, and computers. Among the functional properties, the ability to suppress or eliminate fingerprints from specific surfaces is one of the most critical. We produced photoactivated anti-fingerprint coatings by embedding 2D-SnSe2 nanoflakes in ordered mesoporous titania thin films. The SnSe2 nanostructures were produced by solvent-assisted sonication employing 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. The combination of SnSe2 and nanocrystalline anatase titania enables the formation of photoactivated heterostructures with an enhanced ability to remove fingerprints from their surface. These results were achieved through careful design of the heterostructure and controlled processing of the films by liquid phase deposition. The self-assembly process is unaffected by the addition of SnSe2, and the titania mesoporous films keep their three-dimensional pore organization. The coating layers show high optical transparency and a homogeneous distribution of SnSe2 within the matrix. An evaluation of photocatalytic activity was performed by observing the degradation of stearic acid and Rhodamine B layers deposited on the photoactive films as a function of radiation exposure time. FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopies were used for the photodegradation tests. Additionally, infrared imaging was employed to assess the anti-fingerprinting property. The photodegradation process, following pseudo-first-order kinetics, shows a tremendous improvement over bare mesoporous titania films. Furthermore, exposure of the films to sunlight and UV light completely removes the fingerprints, opening the route to several self-cleaning applications.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We sought to examine the association of dietary polyphenols with the risk of severe lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a condition possibly characterized by a high inflammatory component. A case-control study included 156 patients with LSS and indication to surgery and 312 controls, matched (1:2) for sex, age (±6 months), and physical activity. The polyphenol intake was calculated by matching food consumption data from a 188-item food frequency questionnaire with the Phenol-Explorer database regarding the polyphenol content of each reported food. In a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis including lifestyles, sociodemographic factors, and the Mediterranean Diet Score, a 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in dietary polyphenols intake was associated with lower odds of LSS (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47–0.89). Analyses of different polyphenol classes showed that a per 1-SD in the consumption of flavonoids and stilbenes was related to lower LSS risk (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.42–0.78; OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.27–0.61, respectively). Further adjustment for the total dietary antioxidant capacity did not modify the strength of these associations. A diet rich in polyphenols is independently associated with a lower risk of severe LSS, possibly through mechanisms that include the anti-inflammatory potential of these bioactive compounds.

Previous literature studies explored the association between brain neurometabolic changes detected by MR spectroscopy and symptoms in patients with tremor, as well as the outcome after deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the possible changes in cerebello-thalamo-cortical neurometabolic findings using MR spectroscopy in patients submitted to MRgFUS thalamotomy. For this pilot study, we enrolled 10 ET patients eligible for MRgFUS thalamotomy. All patients were preoperatively submitted to 3T MR spectroscopy. Single-voxel MRS measurements were performed at the level of the thalamus contralateral to the treated side and the ipsilateral cerebellar dentate nucleus. Multivoxel acquisition was used for MRS at the level of the contralateral motor cortex. At the 6-month follow-up after treatment, we found a statistically significant increase in the Cho/Cr ratio at the level of the thalamus, a significant increase of the NAA/Cr ratio at the level of the dentate nucleus and a significant decrease of the NAA/Cho ratio at the level of the motor cortex. We found a significant positive correlation between cortical NAA/Cr and clinical improvement (i.e., tremor reduction) after treatment. A significant negative correlation was found between clinical improvement and thalamic and cerebellar NAA/Cr. Confirming some previous literature observations, our preliminary results revealed neurometabolic changes and suggest a possible prognostic role of the MRS assessment in patients with ET treated by MRgFUS.

To compare vacuum-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (VAmini-PCNL) with retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS) for the treatment of renal stones measuring 2–3 cm in diameter. This retrospective study included children receiving treatment for pyelocalyceal stones of 2–3 cm in diameter from November 2018 to September 2022. Consecutive patients undergoing VAmini-PCNL after 2020 were compared with a historically matched group undergoing RIRS. VAmini-PCNL was performed using a 12-Ch nephroscope through a 16-Ch vacuum ClearPetra access sheet. RIRS was performed using a flexible ureteroscope through a ureteral sheath. The endpoints included the need for pre-stenting, duration of surgery, complications, stone-free rate (SFR), and need for secondary procedures. The patients were grouped into two with 15 patients for each group. VAmini-PCNL group was not different from the RIRS one for age at surgery [median (range) 6.6 (1–12)years vs. 7.7 (1.5–14)years], and stone diameter [median (range) 2.4 (2.0–2.9)cm vs. 2.3 (2.1–2.8)cm] and density [median (range) 577.5 (421–1068) vs. 541.5 (462–927) Hunsfield Units]. Pre-stenting was necessary in five RIRS patients (33 %). The median duration of surgery was 85.3 (76–112)min for VAmini-PCNL vs. 150.6 (132–167)min for RIRS, p = 0.00001. No major complications were observed. The SFR was 100 % after VAmini-PCNL and 60 % after RIRS, p = 0.02. All residual fragments were removed with a second RIRS. VAmini-PCNL was feasible and safe in children aged >1 year. It allowed for a significantly higher SFR despite a significantly shorter operative time than RIRS, which also requires pre-stenting in one-third of patients and a second RIRS in 40 % of cases. III. • Both mini-PCNL and RIRS are effective methods for treating renal stones measuring 2–3 cm. • Performing mini-PCNL using a vacuum system, such as Clear Petra, allows for significantly better results than RIRS. • The Clear Petra system allows for continuous flushing of the collection system, improving visibility in the operating field while avoiding increases in intrarenal pressures, which can cause morbidity. • The Clear Perta system allows better and easier clearance of stone dust and fragments from the collection system, possibly contributing to a higher SFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) results in changes that promote de-differentiation, migration, and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While it is recognized that EMT promotes altered energy utilization, identification of metabolic pathways that link EMT with cancer progression is needed. Work presented here indicates that mesenchymal NSCLC upregulates glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 2 (GFPT2). GFPT2 is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc). UDP-GlcNAc is the obligate activator of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT). Methods Analysis of our transcriptomic data indicates that GFPT2 is one of the most significantly upregulated metabolic genes in mesenchymal NSCLC. Ectopic GFPT2 expression, as well as gene silencing strategies were used to determine the importance of this metabolic enzyme in regulating EMT-driven processes of cell motility and invasion. Results Our work demonstrates that GFPT2 is transcriptionally upregulated by NF-κB and repressed by the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT6. Depletion of GFPT2 expression in NSCLC highlights its importance in regulating cell migration and invasion during EMT. Conclusions Consistent with GFPT2 promoting cancer progression, we find that elevated GFPT2 expression correlates with poor clinical outcome in NSCLC. Modulation of GFPT2 activity offers a potentially important therapeutic target to combat NSCLC disease progression.

The origin of fluorescence in carbon dots (C-dots) is still a puzzling phenomenon. The emission is, in most of the cases, due to molecular fluorophores formed in situ during the synthesis. The carbonization during C-dots processing does not allow, however, a fine control of the properties and makes finding the source of the fluorescence a challenging task. In this work, we present a strategy to embed a pre-formed fluorescent molecule, safranin O dye, into an amorphous carbonaceous dot obtained by citric acid carbonization. The dye is introduced in the melted solution of citric acid and after pyrolysis remains incorporated in a carbonaceous matrix to form red-emitting C-dots that are strongly resistant to photobleaching. Embedding dyes in amorphous C-dots represents an alternative method to optimize the emission in the whole visible spectrum.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising option to obtain renewable energy in the form of biogas and reduce the anthropogenic impact on the environment. In recent years there has been increasing interest in using pressurized digesters to improve the quality of biogas. However, maintaining high overpressure increases the requirements for the explosion safety of digesters. Consequently, there are natural limitations in the available technologies and facilities suitable for full-scale operation. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the possibility of using overpressure in the digester to improve the efficiency of codigestion of common municipal organic waste–sewage sludge and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Three levels of moderate excess pressure (100, 150 and 200 kPa) were used to meet requirements of existing block-modular anaerobic bioreactors based on railway tanks, which are widely utilized for AD in the Russian Federation. There was no significant change in methane content in biogas (65% ± 3%) at different values of overpressure, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic loading rate (OLR). The maximum methane and energy production rates (2.365 L/(L·day) and 94.27 kJ/(L·day), respectively) were obtained at an overpressure of 200 kPa, HRT of 5 days and OLR of 14 kg VS/(m3·day). However, the maximum methane yield (202.44 mL/g VS), energy yield (8.07 kJ/g VS) and volatile solids (VS) removal (63.21%) were recorded at an overpressure of 150 kPa, HRT of 7 days and OLR of 10.4 kg VS/(m3·day). The pressured conditions showed better performance in terms of AD stability at high OLRs.

This paper presents the results and interpretations of static and dynamic tests that were executed on a newly built cable-stayed steel-concrete composite bridge during the final proof testing. A brief description of the structure, the testing methodology, and the used instrumentation are presented. Then, the test results are widely discussed and interpreted in order to evaluate the bridge performance during the proof test and also to understand the usefulness of each performed test in a proof test framework. All the collected experimental data are also compared to the numerical ones that were obtained through a refined finite element model, in order to check the behavior of the structure. The outcomes of the present work can offer references for the proof testing and monitoring of cable-stayed bridges.

Bioimaging supported by nanoparticles requires low cost, highly emissive and photostable systems with low cytotoxicity. Carbon dots (C-dots) offer a possible solution, even if controlling their properties is not always straightforward, not to mention their potentially simple synthesis and the fact that they do not exhibit long-term photostability in general. In the present work, we synthesized two C-dots starting from citric acid and tris (hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (tris) or arginine methyl ester dihydrochloride. Cellular uptake and bioimaging were tested in vitro using murine neuroblastoma and ovine fibroblast cells. The C-dots are highly biocompatible, and after 24 h of incubation with the cells, 100% viability was still observed. Furthermore, the C-dots synthesized using tris have an average dimension of 2 nm, a quantum yield of 37%, high photostability and a zeta potential (ζ) around −12 mV. These properties favor cellular uptake without damaging cells and allow for very effective bioimaging.