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Aortic insufficiency (AI) is a valvular disease with increasing prevalence in older patients. The modern era provides numerous options for the management of AI which is explored here. Traditional interventions included aortic valve replacement with either mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic valves. While the former is known for its durability, it has grown out of favor due to the potential complications of anticoagulation. The preference for bioprosthetic valves is thus on the rise, especially with the advancements of transcatheter technology and the use of valve-in-valve therapy. Surgical options are also no longer limited to replacement but include complex techniques such as those required for aortic valve repair, Ozaki neocuspidization, Ross procedure and valve-sparring aortic root repair. Transcatheter options for the management of AI are not commercially available currently; however, preliminary data from ad-hoc trials, showed promising results and potential use of transcatheter technology in a variety of patients with pure AI.

The Water-ecosystems-food Nexus is a powerful framework developed for analyzing complex interlinkages among natural resource domains and overcoming "siloed" management practices. Multi-actor participatory approaches are increasingly recognized in Nexus research as the most effective way to identify trade-off solutions between divergent interests. Despite this acknowledged potential, the active engagement of stakeholders for the co-creation of knowledge is still limited to date, missing the opportunity for innovation processes and policy designs to be grounded in context-specific knowledge and experiences. This paper outlines the methodological framework developed to integrate stakeholder analysis and participatory tools for exploring Nexus challenges in a pilot area in Tarquinia, Italy, where a multi-stakeholder group was set up encompassing several categories at different levels, from policymakers and authorities to farmers and other end users. Systematic methodologies to target, analyze, and actively engage stakeholders were applied and multi-domain participatory tools were developed, i.e., stakeholder analysis and mapping, learning and action alliance, participatory system dynamic modelling, which broaden the agreement on potential locally-tailored solutions for sustainable farming practices and integrated management of natural resources. Mutual learning activities, tapping into actors' deep understanding of specific local dynamics, served to better frame the complexity of the Nexus and build a common understanding of local societal challenges as well as of potential innovations in farming practices, land, and water management. The methodological innovation of integrating stakeholder mapping and analysis with relevant spatial information from participatory activities, provides the fundamental baseline for spatially explicit scenario analysis in the area, ultimately increasing the relevance and transferability of the Nexus findings.

Clinical diagnostic laboratories produce one product—information—and for this to be valuable, the information must be clinically relevant, accurate, and timely. Although diagnostic information can clearly improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare costs, technological challenges and laboratory workflow practices affect the timeliness and clinical value of diagnostics. This article will examine how prioritizing laboratory practices in a patient-oriented approach can be used to optimize technology advances for improved patient care.

Background: The understanding and conceptualizing of gender and sexuality are continuously negotiated between individuals and cultures. Recently, new gender identity orientations have emerged, fighting pathologization and establishing new spaces and options for being sexually active gendered beings. Objective: To investigate variations in sexual activities across different gender identity orientations. Method: A questionnaire used in France was adapted to the Norwegian context and implemented in this study. The participants were recruited through therapists, TGD organizations, and social media. Results: A total of 538 individuals responded to the questionnaire, of which 336 provided a written description of their gender identity. Based on an analysis of the degree of male gender identity orientation, the degree of female gender identity orientation, and the degree of nonbinary gender identity orientation, three clusters appeared and were used in the analyses of sexual activities and preferences. Conclusions: Some findings could be attributed to lingering aspects of traditional gender roles, while others may be indicative of sexual expression stemming from societal acceptance of gender diversity and new identity orientations.

IntroductionLow selenium (Se) concentrations in soils and plants pose a health risk for ruminants consuming locally-grown forages. Previous studies have shown that Se concentrations in forages can be increased using soil-applied selenate amendments. However, the effects of foliar selenate amendments applied with traditional nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium-sulfur (NPKS) fertilizers on forage yields, and nutrient contents, and agronomic efficiencies are unknown.MethodsUsing a split plot design, we determined the effects of springtime sodium selenate foliar amendment rates (0, 45, and 90 g Se ha-1) and NPKS application (none, NPK for grasses/PK for alfalfa, and NPKS/PKS fertilization at amounts adapted to meet local forage and soil requirements) on forage growth and N, S, and Se concentrations, yields, and agronomic efficiencies. This 2-year study was conducted across Oregon on four representative forage fields: orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) in Terrebonne (central Oregon), grass-clover mixture in Roseburg (southwestern Oregon), and both grass mixture and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) fields in Union (eastern Oregon).ResultsGrasses grew poorly and were low in N content without NPK fertilization. Fertilization with NPK/PK promoted forage growth, increased forage N concentrations, and had to be co-applied with S when plant available S was low. Without Se amendment, forage Se concentrations were low and further decreased with NPKS/PKS fertilization. Selenate amendment linearly increased forage Se concentration without adversely affecting forage yields, N and S concentrations, or N and S agronomic efficiencies.DiscussionImportantly, S fertilization did not interfere with Se uptake in Se amended plots. In conclusion, co-application of NPKS/PKS fertilizers and foliar sodium selenate in springtime is an effective strategy to increase forage total Se concentrations, while maintaining optimal growth and quality of Oregon forages.

Adherence to vaccination recommendations is a challenge for national immunization programs. We quantified adherence to COVID-19 vaccination recommendations in people with substance use disorders (SUDs) attending an outpatient addiction center in Rome, Italy; we investigated the determinants of adherence, and also analyzed patient risk perception and compliance with preventive measures. A multivariable logistic regression model identified predictors of adherence to vaccination recommendations, with statistical validity tested by estimating adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). From December 2021 to January 2022, 200 SUD patients completed a questionnaire, 80% of whom reported being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (minimum one dose). Negative predictors of vaccine uptake included being non-Italian (aOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–0.97), having coexisting comorbidities (aOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13–0.95), and previous use of heroin (aOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08–0.71). No difference was found for cocaine use, demographic characteristics, previous COVID-19 infection, methadone therapy, or compliance with preventive measures. Major reasons for non-adherence to vaccination recommendations were fear of side effects, insufficient recognition of the importance of vaccination, bureaucratic issues, and lack of trust in the authorities. Given their vulnerability, additional efforts are needed to facilitate access to vaccination for people with SUDs, and to limit disinformation around vaccines..

Background: Percutaneous transradial placement of the Sentinel cerebral embolic protection device (CEPD) (Boston Scientific) is indicated during transcatheter aortic valve replacement to capture embolic material in patients without excessive tortuosity of the right subclavian/innominate arteries. We aimed to generate a quantitative tortuosity index (TI) from the preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) as an objective measure of tortuosity to determine suitability for CEPD placement. Methods: Eighty-one patients considered for CEPD were included in this study. A centerline of the right subclavian/innominate arteries was generated from preoperative CTA scans. Three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates of landmarks along the centerline were used to calculate curvature. Tortuosity was derived as a change in angulation along each vessel segment. Peak and average TI values were calculated. Results: Sixty-seven patients had CEPD placement attempted. Unsuccessful CEPD placement occurred in 3 of 67 (4.4%) patients. The peak tortuosity for the successful, unsuccessful, and visually tortuous (not attempted) cohorts were 49.66 ± 11.96°/cm, 113.92 ± 5.70°/cm, and 70.44 ± 17.01°/cm, respectively. The peak and average TI of the successful cohort follows a normal distribution. A proposed TI cutoff for safe CEPD was peak tortuosity of 74°/cm and average tortuosity of 30°/cm, 2 standard deviations above the peak and average TI of the successful cohort. All unsuccessful CEPD patients fell outside the boundaries. Half of the visually tortuous patients were within the boundaries but did not have CEPD attempted. Conclusions: A novel TI based on preoperative CTA can assist in selecting patients for transradial CEPD. Our proposed quantitative tool may help to appropriately include and exclude patients for CEPD placement.

The etiology of transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) degeneration is poorly understood, particularly noncalcific mechanisms. The authors sought to investigate noncalcific and calcific mechanisms of TAV degeneration and evaluate their impact on leaflet function by bench testing, imaging, and histology. TAV explants were obtained from the EXPLANT THV registry and clinical institutions. Hydrodynamic assessment was performed using a heart valve pulse duplicator system under physiological conditions. Micro-computed tomography, high-resolution photography, high speed video, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the morphological appearance, leaflet kinematics, and calcium burden of TAVs. A total of 14 explants were evaluated: 10 self-expanding CoreValve/Evolut TAVs (Medtronic), 3 balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 TAVs (Edwards Lifesciences), and 1 mechanically expandable Lotus TAV (Boston Scientific). The median patient age at explantation was 73.0 years (Q1-Q3: 64.5-80.0 years), with a time to explantation of 4 years 1 month (1 year 5 months to 4 years 11 months). Six TAV explants were found to have leaflet calcification (162.4 mm3; 58.8-603.0 mm3), and 8 had no calcification detectable by micro-computed tomography and histology. All samples had impaired leaflet kinematics. There was no significant difference in the hydrodynamic mean gradient between calcified (47.2 mm Hg; 26.6-74.1 mm Hg) and noncalcified (27.6 mm Hg; 15.2-36.7 mm Hg; P = 0.28) TAVs. Leaflet calcification had a weak but nonsignificant association with the hydrodynamic mean gradient (r = 0.42; P = 0.14). TAV function can be severely impacted by noncalcific and calcific mechanisms of tissue degeneration. Importantly, functional stenosis can occur in TAVs in the absence of obvious and significant calcification. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Orthodontic treatment is a recognized approach to support specific periodontal issues thanks to its capability to manipulate periodontal tissues. This concept is certainly not new, but the use of aligners in certain clinical conditions can be considered as being innovative when a multidisciplinary treatment is necessary. Moreover, aligners enable to plan 3D tooth movements, root placement, staging, and range of dental movements, alongside the improvement of oral hygiene. Thus, aligners can be suitable for the treatment of periodontal issues. In this article, the authors present two clinical cases with different periodontal issues: one with superficial periodontal problems and the other with a deep one. Both cases were successfully treated with aligners, highlighting how this invisible and comfortable tool can simplify the management of complex adult treatments. Conclusion. Digital workflow is the key for success in the aligner technique. The possibility to design a virtual plan of treatment and to transfer it in the real clinical world represents a way to limit errors and to reduce the time of orthodontic therapy.

Background: Relationships between reflectivity, hardness and chemical composition of the dispersed phase, included in orthodontic composites Transbond XTTM (Trans), Light-Cure Orthodontic Paste (Leone) and Bisco Ortho Bracket Paste LC (Bisco), were investigated in vitro to evaluate whether reflectivity results can be useful in internal material composition interpretation, thus obtaining information on mechanical behaviours. Methods: Light transmission through 36 resin discs was measured with a UV/Vis spectrophotometer, evaluating the spectral range from 190–1100 nm. To have a benchmark of material hardness and internal composition, Vickers measurements and Cross-Sectional Focus Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB/SEM) analysis were provided. Results: Bisco has the highest reflectivity, Leone shows an absorption pattern in the UV region similar to Bisco and Transbond has the lowest reflectivity compared to the others. This trend is confirmed by FIB/SEM imaging, showing a more similar induced roughness and internal composition for Bisco and Leone, with respect to Transbond. Higher filler presence in the composition of Bisco and Leone justifies a higher hardness of these two materials, with respect to Transbond, as confirmed by Vickers measurements. Conclusions: Bisco and Leone show similar optical responses and similarities in mechanical performance. This statement is explained by the lower and similar filler content as confirmed also by FIB/SEM analysis. The inner composition of Bisco and Leone provides a higher value of microhardness, as demonstrated by Vickers measurements. Therefore, this study confirms that the UV-Vis analysis can also offer a significant overview on the internal material composition, thus indirectly providing information on the mechanical properties of orthodontic composites.

Introducción: el intervalo QTc prolongado predispone a arritmias graves. Diversos medicamentos, entre ellos los antirretrovirales, pueden prolongarlo. Los objetivos fueron determinar las características demográficas, clínicas y la frecuencia del intervalo QTc prolongado en pacientes con VIH. Métodos: estudio observacional, prospectivo, con grupo control. Se incluyeron varones y mujeres, mayores de 18 años, portadores de infección por VIH, que acudieron al Hospital Nacional (Itauguá, Paraguay) durante 2020. Actuaron como grupo control los estudiantes de Medicina. Se excluyeron todos los sujetos que no dieron su consentimiento y los portadores de arritmias. Se midieron variables demográficas, clínicas, laboratoriales y electrocardiograma de 12 canales en reposo. El estudio contó con la aprobación del Comité de Ética de la Universidad Privada del Este (Paraguay). Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 39 pacientes con VIH y 39 controles sanos. La edad media de los casos fue 37 ± 11 años, siendo 59% del sexo masculino. La comorbilidad más frecuente en los casos fue la obesidad (7,6%). Los valores medios de urea, creatinina, K, Ca y Mg en los casos se hallaban en rango normal. Se detectó 18% de QTc prolongado en casos y 0% en los controles. Estos sujetos con alteración electrocardiográfica se hallaban todos en tratamiento antirretroviral y antibiótico múltiple de conocida asociación con QTc prolongado. Conclusión: la frecuencia de QTc prolongado en pacientes con VIH fue del 18% y en controles sanos fue del 0%. Se recomienda el control periódico del electrocardiograma en pacientes con VIH en tratamiento con fármacos que prolongan el intervalo QT.

Abstract Background The term pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) describes disorders derived from resistance to the parathyroid hormone. Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) is a disorder with several physical features that can occur alone or in association with PHP. The subtype 1B, classically associated with resistance to PTH and TSH, derives from the epigenetic dysregulation of the GNAS locus. Patients showing features of AHO were described, but no explanation for such phenotypic heterogeneity is available. An AHO-like phenotype was associated with the loss of genetic information stored in chromosome 2q37, making this genomic region an interesting object of study as it could contain modifier genes involved in the development of AHO features in patients with GNAS imprinting defects. The present study aimed to screen a series of 65 patients affected with GNAS imprinting defects, with or without signs of AHO, for the presence of 2q37 deletions in order to find genes involved in the clinical variability. Results The molecular investigations performed on our cohort of patients with GNAS imprinting defects identified two overlapping terminal deletions of the long arm of chromosome 2. The smaller deletion was of approximately 3 Mb and contained 38 genes, one or more of which is potentially involved in the clinical presentation. Patients with the deletions were both affected by a combination of the most pathognomic AHO-like features, brachydactyly, cognitive impairment and/or behavioural defects. Our results support the hypothesis that additional genetic factors besides GNAS methylation defects are involved in the development of a complex phenotype in the subgroup of patients showing signs of AHO. Conclusions For the first time, the present work describes PHP patients with hormone resistance and AHO signs simultaneously affected by GNAS imprinting defects and 2q37 deletions. Although further studies are needed to confirm the cause of these two rare molecular alterations and to identify candidate genes, this finding provides novel interesting clues for the identification of factors involved in the still unexplained clinical variability observed in PHP1B.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been established as a therapeutic option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who are of intermediate or higher surgical risk. Several periprocedural complications are reduced with newer transcatheter heart valve generations; however, conduction abnormalities and the need for permanent pacemaker implantation have remained unchanged and are the most frequent TAVR complications. The close relationship of the atrioventricular node and left bundle branch to the subaortic region explains these potential conduction abnormalities. This article highlights conduction abnormalities after TAVR with a focus on basic conduction system anatomy in relation to the aortic valve, the mechanism, incidence, predisposing factors for occurrence, impact on mortality and finally, proposed treatment algorithms for management.

Fluoride-based mouthwashes and gels are preventive measures in countering demineralization and caries but, modifying environmental acidity, can reduce the wet corrosion resistance of orthodontic alloys. To evaluate chemical stability, in vitro experiments were conducted on stainless steel and nickel–titanium wires, weighed before and after immersion in household fluorinated mouthwashes and gels, measuring weight variations and elution of metal ions from acid corrosion phenomena. Elution samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, detecting residual ion concentration, while surface changes were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy. Results showed stainless steel wires do not undergo significant erosion when exposed to most fluorinated mouthwashes but, at prolonged exposure, alloys elute gradually greater amounts of metals and Ni–Ti wires become more sensitive to some mouthwashes. Ions’ elution varies considerably, especially for Ni–Ti wires, if exposed to household fluorinated gels, for which significant negative values were obtained. Changes, affecting wires’ outer layer, negatively act on shiny appearance and luster, reducing corrosion resistance. Although examined orthodontic wires showed good chemical stability and low toxicity, surface corrosion from exposure to fluorinated agents was observed. Home use must be accompanied by clinician prescription and, for household dental gels, must follow manufacturers’ recommendations, ensuring prophylactic action without damaging alloys surfaces.

The article presents the results of the 2017 archaeological season in the sun temple of Nyuserre in Abu Ghurab. The works especially focused on three areas, namely the central obelisk, the alabaster altar, and the accumulation of limestone blocks in the south-western corner of the temple. Besides the documentation of these archaeological remains, an in-depth architectural analysis of the above-mentioned structures has been carried out, in particular as regards the obelisk area. In fact, as already noticed in other contributions, the 3D reconstruction of this part of the temple provided by Borchardt is not convincing for a number of reasons. A new reconstruction of the latter part of the temple has therefore been proposed, based on several archaeological, architectural and historical elements. This reconstruction involves not only the architecture of the obelisk but also the original aspect of the altar area, which is strictly connected to the obelisk as regards the cult practice and the overall temple symbolism. Another objective of the mission was to lay the foundations to a new phase of investigation of the area outside the temple, in particular of the area to the south-east of the sun temple of Nyuserre where the analysis of data coming from satellite remote sensing and historical cartography seems to indicate the possible existence of archaeological remains so far unexplored. Starting from this year, the mission has also become a joint ItalianCzech expedition within the framework of a wider research project (The Rise and Development of the Solar Cult and Architecture in Third Millennium BC Egypt – GAČR project no. 17-10799S), launched in January 2017 at the Czech Institute of Egyptology, Charles (https://cegu.ff.cuni.cz/en/ research/grants/the-rise-of-solar-cult/).

Based on therapeutic meetings with individuals who have experienced sexual violence and abuse, the challenge is how do we help these couples to establish sexual relationships on their own terms, without interference of defence or coping strategies they have used to protect themselves against the overwhelming experiences of violence or abuse in the past? This article will focus on therapeutic work with such couples and how to interact with them and support their efforts to establish satisfying sexual relationships, based on sexological experience as well as experience from work with traumatisation. The basis for our treatment is a modified version of William Masters and Virginia Johnson’s approach. The technique of sensate focus is central, modified by trauma theory, including the understanding of dissociation, and the need to integrate memories from different levels: somatic, emotional, and cognitive. The traumatised client needs special attention to the experiences of predictability and safety and respect due to their history of being transgressed against. The therapists must be aware of the issue of dissociation; different dissociated inner parts can play different roles in the interaction between client and therapist. While couples therapy is a necessary frame for this therapy, the therapist often needs to work with issues unique to each individual. Each partner must be able to identify their own responses and their own sexual needs and preferences. It may therefore be valuable to have a co-therapist. The central goal is for the clients to identify responses to stimulation as a here and now experience in a setting that feels safe and welcome.

We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period. To understand the mode of action by which supranutritional Se supplementation supports calf health, we examined the effect of agronomic Se-biofortification on nasal microbiome and fecal parasites. Recently weaned Angus-cross beef calves (n = 30) were randomly assigned to two groups and fed an alfalfa hay-based diet for 9 weeks in a preconditioning program. Alfalfa hay was harvested from fields fertilized with sodium selenate at a rate of 0 or 90 g Se/ha. Calculated Se intake from dietary sources was 1.09 and 27.45 mg Se/calf per day for calves consuming alfalfa hay with Se concentrations of 0.06 and 3.47 mg Se/kg dry matter, respectively. Feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay for 9 weeks was effective at increasing whole-blood Se concentrations (556 ± 11 vs 140 ± 11 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and increasing body weight (PTreatment, = 0.03) in weaned beef calves. Slaughter yield grades were higher for calves that had been fed Se-enriched alfalfa hay during the preconditioning period (PTreatment = 0.008). No significant differences were observed in fecal parasite load, which remained low. The nasal microbiome and microbiota diversity within calves and across calves expanded from weaning (week 0) to the feedlot period (week 12), which was promoted by feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay. Especially concerning was the expansion of nasal Mycoplasmataceae in the feedlot, which reached over 50% of the total microbiota in some calves. In conclusion, we identified dietary Se-biofortified alfalfa hay as a potential promoter of nasal microbiome genome and microbiota diversity, which may explain in part high-Se benefits for prevention of bovine respiratory disease complex in beef calves.

McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the association of endocrine and nonendocrine anomalies caused by somatic activating variants of GNAS. The mosaic state of variants makes the clinical presentation extremely heterogeneous depending on involved tissues. Biological samples bearing a low level of mosaicism frequently lead to false-negative results with an underestimation of causative molecular alterations, and the analysis of biopsies is often needed to obtain a molecular diagnosis. To date, no reliable analytical method for the noninvasive testing of blood is available. This study was aimed at validating a novel and highly sensitive technique, the digital PCR (dPCR), to increase the detection rate of GNAS alterations in patients with a clinical suspicion of MAS and, in particular, in blood. We screened different tissues (blood, bone, cutis, ovary, and ovarian cyst) collected from 54 MAS patients by different technical approaches. Considering blood, Sanger was unable to detect mutations, the allele-specific PCR and the co-amplification at lower denaturation temperature had a 9.1% and 18.1% detection rate, respectively, whereas the dPCR reached a 37.8% detection rate. In conclusion, the dPCR resulted in a cost-effective, reliable, and rapid method allowing the selective amplification of low-frequency variants and able to improve GNAS mutant allele detection, especially in the blood.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare endocrine disorder derived from the defective activation of the cAMP pathway by the parathyroid hormone secondary to GNAS molecular defects. PHP subtypes are defined by the presence/absence of specific clinical/biochemical features. PHP1A is characterized by resistance to multiple hormones with features of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO), while pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (PPHP) is characterized by AHO in the absence of PTH resistance. Small subsets of PHP and PPHP patients without known molecular defects have been re-diagnosed as being affected by the brachydactyly-mental retardation syndrome (BDMR), also known as the AHO-like syndrome. This study aimed to analyse 24 PHP1A and 51 PPHP patients without a molecular diagnosis for the presence of BDMR-associated 2q37 deletions to improve the differential diagnosis and to identify features that might help to avoid a misdiagnosis. Molecular investigations identified 4 deletions in 4 unrelated patients. The affected patients showed a combination of the most pathognomonic AHO features. Of note, 3 of the patients also displayed mild PTH resistance, and none of the patients developed ectopic ossifications. Our work confirmed the rarity of the misdiagnosis of BDMR in PHP patients through the identification of 4 patients bearing a 2q37 deletion in a cohort of 73 PHP patients (5.3%). Three patients with the deletion presented a PHP1A phenotype in the absence of any BDMR-specific findings. Further studies on larger case series are needed to elucidate the overlap between these clinical entities and to allow the early identification of patients.

Bacterial adhesion to the surface of orthodontic materials is an important step in the formation and proliferation of plaque bacteria, which is responsible for enamel demineralization and periodontium pathologies. With the intent of investigating if adhesive resins used for bracket bonding are prone to bacteria colonization, the surface roughness of these materials has been analyzed, combining information with a novel methodology to observe the internal structures of orthodontic composites. Scanning electron microscopy, combined with focus ion bean micromachining and stylus profilometry analyses, were performed to evaluate the compositional factors that can influence specific pivotal properties facilitating the adhesion of bacteria to the surface, such as surface roughness and robustness of three orthodontic adhesive composite resins. To confirm these findings, contact angle measurements and bacteria incubation on resin slide have been performed, evaluating similarities and differences in the final achievement. In particular, the morphological features that determine an increase in the resins surface wettability and influence the bacterial adhesion are the subject of speculation. Finally, the focused ion beam technique has been proposed as a valuable tool to combine information coming from surface roughness with specific the internal structures of the polymers.

Bioenergy represents the highest share of renewable energies consumed in the European Union and is still expected to grow. This could be possible by exploring bioenergy production on Marginal, Underutilised, and Contaminated lands (MUC) that are not used for agricultural purposes and therefore, present no competition with food/feed production. In this paper, the viability and sustainability of bioenergy value chains on these lands is investigated and measures for market uptake were developed. Using three case study areas in Italy, Ukraine, and Germany, a screening of MUC lands was conducted, then an agronomic assessment was performed to determine the most promising crops. Then, techno-economic assessments followed by sustainability assessments were performed on selected value chains. This concept was then automated and expanded through the development of a webGIS tool. The tool is an online platform that allows users to locate MUC lands in Europe, to define a value chain through the selection of bioenergy crops and pathways, and to conduct sustainability assessments measuring a set of environmental, social, and economic sustainability indicators. The findings showed positive results in terms of profitability and greenhouse gas emissions for bioethanol production from willow in Ukraine, heat and power production from miscanthus, and biogas and chemicals production from grass in Germany. The webGIS tool is considered an important decision-making tool for stakeholders, which gives first insights on the viability and sustainability of bioenergy value chains.

In his daily activities a general practitioner wonders about a patient’s probability to see his state of health altered due to external factors that could influence it. Surely some risk factors , both modifiable and not modifiable , can interact with external factors to increase the incidence of diseases or ailments that compels one person to go under medical care, to the emergency room or in serious cases to hospitalization and / or exitus . The summer period , and in particular the risk of heat wave in big cities , as reported in the literature , is an additional risk factor for the development of difficult health situations.

Objective: evaluate the correlation between skeletal changes in 2D dimensions and volume changes of the upper airways before and after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) therapy in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) by Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT) and between volume of the upper airways and clinical data.

The development of artificial intelligence systems has resulted in various AI products including ChatGPT, which is a new product classified as a chatbot. This research aims to ensure that text generation systems such as ChatGPT open AI have the best level of quality and usability and are able to provide a satisfying experience for users. To measure and evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction of the ChatGPT platform, researchers used the System Usability Scale (SUS) method. This data collection was carried out using an online questionnaire. After the collected data has been tested for validity and reliability, the researchers then analyzed the data results. From the results of the research conducted, the SUS value of the ChatGPT platform is 67.44. This score is included in the marginal high category of class D, with a reasonable or sufficient interpretation. With the results of the analysis per question item, it shows that users tend to agree that the system runs quite effectively, efficiently, well and is easy to understand. Although ChatGPT is able to perform tasks or commands well. However, it should be noted that not all information loaded by ChatGPT is presented in a complete, current and correct manner. This is because the information presented by ChatGPT is only limited to 2021. Because ChatGPT is a new technology and is still under development, further researchers are expected to test other features or ChatGPT to ensure the stability and reliability of the entire ChatGPT system using other research methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral important for immune function and overall health of cattle. The nasopharyngeal microbiota in cattle plays an important role in overall respiratory health, especially when stresses associated with weaning, transport, and adaptation to a feedlot affect the normal respiratory defenses. Recent evidence suggests that cattle diagnosed with bovine respiratory disease complex have significantly less bacterial diversity. The objective of this study was to determine whether feeding weaned beef calves Se-enriched alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay for 9 weeks in a preconditioning program prior to entering the feedlot alters nasal microbiota. Recently weaned beef calves (n = 45) were blocked by sex and body weight, randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups with 3 pens of 5 calves per treatment group, and fed an alfalfa hay based diet for 9 weeks. Alfalfa hay was harvested from fields fertilized with sodium selenate at a rate of 0, 45.0 or 89.9 g Se/ha. Blood samples were collected biweekly and analyzed for whole-blood Se concentrations. Nasal swabs were collected during week 9 from one or two calves from each pen (total n = 16). Calculated Se intake from dietary sources was 3.0, 15.6, and 32.2 mg Se/head/day for calves consuming alfalfa hay with Se concentrations of 0.34 to 2.42 and 5.17 mg Se/kg dry matter, respectively. Whole-blood Se concentrations after 8 weeks of feeding Se-fertilized alfalfa hay were dependent upon Se-application rates (0, 45.0, or 89.9 g Se/ha) and were 155, 345, and 504 ng/mL (PLinear < 0.0001). Microbial DNA was extracted from nasal swabs and amplified and sequenced. Alpha rarefaction curves comparing the species richness (observed OTUs) and overall diversity (Chao1, Observed OTU, and Shannon index) between calves fed selenium-biofortified alfalfa hay compared with control calves showed that Se-supplementation tended to be associated with an enriched nasal microbiota. ANOSIM of unweighted UniFrac distances showed that calves fed high Se-biofortified alfalfa hay clustered separately when compared with control calves in the PCoA plot (R = 0.216, P = 0.04). The bacterial orders Lactobacillales and Flavobacteriales were increased in healthy control calves compared with Clostridiales and Bacteroidales being increased in calves fed Se-biofortified alfalfa hay. Although there were strong trends, no significant differences were noted for any of the bacterial taxa. Based upon these findings, we suggest that weaned beef calves fed Se-biofortified hay tend to have an enriched nasal microbiota. Feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves prior to entering the feedlot is a strategy for increasing nasopharyngeal microbial diversity.

In this work, the vibration behavior of a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, petrol engine was simulated by leveraging on the Finite Element Method (FEM). A reduced modelling strategy based on the component mode synthesis (CMS) was adopted to reduce the size of the full FEM model of the engine. Frequency response function (FRF) analyses were used to identify the resonant frequencies and corresponding modes of the different FEM models, and the obtained results were compared with experimental data to get the model validation. Subsequently, modal-based frequency forced response analyses were performed to consider the loads acting during the real operating conditions of the engine. Finally, the impact on vibrations at the mounts, produced by an additional bracket connecting the engine block and gearbox, was also investigated. Both the full and reduced FEM model demonstrated and reproduced with high accuracy the vibration response at the engine mounts, providing a satisfactory agreement with the vibrations measured experimentally. The reduced modelling strategy required significantly shorter runtimes, which decreased from 24 h for the full FEM model to nearly 2 h for the reduced model.