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Neuromorphic systems are typically based on nanoscale electronic devices, but nature relies on ions for energy-efficient information processing. Nanofluidic memristive devices could thus potentially be used to construct electrolytic computers that mimic the brain down to its basic principles of operation. Here we report a nanofluidic device that is designed for circuit-scale in-memory processing. The device, which is fabricated using a scalable process, combines single-digit nanometric confinement and large entrance asymmetry and operates on the second timescale with a conductance ratio in the range of 9 to 60. In operando optical microscopy shows that the memory capabilities are due to the reversible formation of liquid blisters that modulate the conductance of the device. We use these mechano-ionic memristive switches to assemble logic circuits composed of two interactive devices and an ohmic resistor.

Introduction Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic twin pregnancy, defined as an estimated fetal weight (EFW) of one twin

Abstract Background Mortality, cerebral injury, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are common complications of very preterm birth. An important risk factor for these complications is hemodynamic instability. Pre-clinical studies suggest that the timing of umbilical cord clamping affects hemodynamic stability during transition. Standard care is time-based cord clamping (TBCC), with clamping irrespective of lung aeration. It is unknown whether delaying cord clamping until lung aeration and ventilation have been established (physiological-based cord clamping, PBCC) is more beneficial. This document describes the statistical analyses for the ABC3 trial, which aims to assess the efficacy and safety of PBCC, compared to TBCC. Methods The ABC3 trial is a multicenter, randomized trial investigating PBCC (intervention) versus TBCC (control) in very preterm infants. The trial is ethically approved. Preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation are randomized after parental informed consent. The primary outcome is intact survival, defined as the composite of survival without major cerebral injury and/or NEC. Secondary short-term outcomes are co-morbidities and adverse events assessed during NICU admission, parental reported outcomes, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed at a corrected age of 2 years. To test the hypothesis that PBCC increases intact survival, a logistic regression model will be estimated using generalized estimating equations (accounting for correlation between siblings and observations in the same center) with treatment and gestational age as predictors. This plan is written and submitted without knowledge of the data. Discussion The findings of this trial will provide evidence for future clinical guidelines on optimal cord clamping management at birth. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03808051. Registered on 17 January 2019.

Summary: Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) can negatively affect lung development, leading to increased respiratory morbidity and reduced lung function later in life. Studies regarding the impact of FGR on lung function in singletons are influenced by genetic, obstetric, and maternal factors. To overcome these confounding factors, we aim to investigate lung function in identical twins with selective FGR (sFGR). Methods: Lung function assessments were performed in identical twins with sFGR born in our centre between March 1, 2002, and December 31, 2017, aged between 5 and 17 years. sFGR was defined as birthweight discordance ≥20%. Outcome measures consisted of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and transfer factor for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and were compared between the smaller and larger twin. Findings: Thirty-nine twin pairs performed spirometry of sufficient quality. Median gestational age at birth was 34.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 32.1–36.0) weeks with median birthweights of 1500 (IQR 1160–1880) grams and 2178 (IQR 1675–2720) grams for the smaller and larger twin, respectively. Smaller twins had significantly lower z-scores for FEV1 (−0.94 versus −0.41, p = 0.0015), FVC (−0.56 versus −0.06, p

Introduction Twin pregnancies have a high risk of extreme preterm birth (PTB) at less than 28 weeks of gestation, which is associated with increased risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Currently there is a lack of effective treatments for women with a twin pregnancy and a short cervix or cervical dilatation. A possible effective surgical method to reduce extreme PTB in twin pregnancies with an asymptomatic short cervix or dilatation at midpregnancy is the placement of a vaginal cerclage.Methods and analysis We designed two multicentre randomised trials involving eight hospitals in the Netherlands (sites in other countries may be added at a later date). Women older than 16 years with a twin pregnancy at

Abstract Background Advances in postnatal care for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) have occurred over the past decades, but little is known regarding the frequency of postnatal treatment and the clinical outcomes of affected neonates. Most studies reporting on HDFN originate from high-income countries or relatively large centers, but important differences between centers and countries may exist due to differences in prevalence and available treatment options. We therefore aimed to evaluate the postnatal treatment landscape and clinical outcomes in neonates with Rhesus factor D (Rh(D))- and/or K-mediated HDFN and to provide recommendations for future research. Methods We conducted a rapid literature review of case reports and series, observational retrospective and prospective cohort studies, and trials describing pregnancies or children affected by Rh(D)- or K-mediated HDFN published between 2005 and 2021. Information relevant to the treatment of HDFN and clinical outcomes was extracted. Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies by two independent reviewers through title/abstract and full-text screening. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality of included studies. Results Forty-three studies reporting postnatal data were included. The median frequency of exchange transfusions was 6.0% [interquartile range (IQR): 0.0–20.0] in K-mediated HDFN and 26.5% [IQR: 18.0–42.9] in Rh(D)-mediated HDFN. The median use of simple red blood cell transfusions in K-mediated HDFN was 50.0% [IQR: 25.0–56.0] and 60.0% [IQR: 20.0–72.0] in Rh(D)-mediated HDFN. Large differences in transfusion rates were found between centers. Neonatal mortality amongst cases treated with intrauterine transfusion(s) was 1.2% [IQR: 0–4.4]. Guidelines and thresholds for exchange transfusions and simple RBC transfusions were reported in 50% of studies. Conclusion Most included studies were from middle- to high-income countries. No studies with a higher level of evidence from centers in low-income countries were available. We noted a shortage and inconsistency in the reporting of relevant data and provide recommendations for future reports. Although large variations between studies was found and information was often missing, analysis showed that the postnatal burden of HDFN, including need for neonatal interventions, remains high. Systematic review registration PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021234940. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021234940 .

The second and final version of ColdADC, called ColdADC_P2, is presented. ColdADC_P2 is a 16-channel, 12-bit, 2 MS/s digitizer application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) intended for use inside the DUNE Far Detector. ColdADC_P2 contains two 16 MS/s pipelined analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that each digitizes the output of eight sample-and-hold amplifiers (SHAs). Because the application requires immersion in liquid argon (LAr), ColdADC_P2 was developed using specialized design techniques for long-term reliability in cryogenic environments and a customized cryogenic standard cell library. ColdADC_P2, with a die area of approximately 52.4 mm2 and fabricated in 65-nm CMOS technology, achieves 130- μ V rms noise performance and 11.8-bit effective-number-of-bits (ENOB) at a temperature of 77 K, with channel-to-channel crosstalk of < 0.06% while dissipating 338 mW (21 mW per channel). Residual nonlinearity that is consistent with dielectric absorption in the capacitors internal to the ADC is corrected using a lookup table.

Abstract Background Pomegranate is known for its beneficial properties due to its high content in antioxidants and might constitute a natural option for preventing and treatment of different pathologies including cancer. Since mitochondria are involved in tumorigenesis through ROS production and modulation of oxidative metabolism, we investigated the biological effects of pomegranate on cellular redox state, proliferation and metabolism in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 (MDA). Methods MDA were treated for 24 h with graded concentration of filtered Pomegranate juice (PJ) and tested for metabolic Flux Analysis with XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer, for proliferation using the xCELLigence System Real-Time Cell Analyzer and for intracellular ROS content by Confocal Microscopy Imaging. Results Cells-treatment with freshly prepared pomegranate juice (PJ) resulted in a significant reduction of the intracellular ROS content already at the lower concentration of PJ tested. Additionally, it enhanced mitochondria respiration, and decreased glycolysis at high concentrations, inhibiting at the same time cell proliferation. As pomegranate is a seasonal fruit, assessment of optimum storage conditions preserving its bio-active properties was investigated. Our results indicated that storage conditions under controlled atmosphere for 30 days was able to enhance mitochondrial respiration at the same extent than freshly extracted PJ. Conversely, freezing procedure, though retaining the antioxidant and cell-growth inhibitory property, elicited an opposite effect on the metabolic profile as compared with fresh extract. Conclusion Overall, the results of our study, on the one hand, confirms the preventive/therapeutic potential of PJ, as well as of its post-harvested processing, for cancer management. On the other hand, it highlights the intrinsic difficulties in attaining mechanistic insights when a multiplicity of effects is elicited by a crude mixture of bio-active compounds.