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Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics represent a promising laser gain medium for ultra-short lasers due to their characteristics: low phonon energy, relatively high thermal conductivity, negative thermo-optical coefficient, and low refractive index. Compared to single crystals, Yb:CaF2 ceramics offer superior mechanical properties, lower cost, and it is easier to obtain large-sized samples with proper shape and uniform Yb3+ doping at high concentrations. The combination of air pre-sintering and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) emerges as a viable strategy for achieving high optical quality and fine-grained structure of ceramics at lower sintering temperatures. The properties of the powders used in ceramic fabrication critically influence both optical quality and laser performance of Yb:CaF2 ceramics. In this study, the 5 atomic percentage (at.%) Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics were fabricated by air pre-sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) using nano-powders synthesized through the co-precipitation method. The co-precipitated powders were optimized by studying air calcination temperature (from 350 to 550 °C). The influence of calcination temperature on the microstructure and laser performance of Yb:CaF2 ceramics was studied in detail. The 5 at.% Yb:CaF2 transparent ceramics air pre-sintered at 625 °C from powders air calcined at 400 °C and HIP post-treated at 600 °C exhibited the highest in-line transmittance of 91.5% at 1200 nm (3.0 mm thickness) and the best laser performance. Specifically, a maximum output power of 0.47 W with a maximum slope efficiency of 9.2% at 1029 nm under quasi-CW (QCW) pumping was measured.

Abstract Human development relies on the correct replication, maintenance and segregation of our genetic blueprints. How these processes are monitored across embryonic lineages, and why genomic mosaicism varies during development remain unknown. Using pluripotent stem cells, we identify that several patterning signals—including WNT, BMP, and FGF—converge into the modulation of DNA replication stress and damage during S-phase, which in turn controls chromosome segregation fidelity in mitosis. We show that the WNT and BMP signals protect from excessive origin firing, DNA damage and chromosome missegregation derived from stalled forks in pluripotency. Cell signalling control of chromosome segregation declines during lineage specification into the three germ layers, but re-emerges in neural progenitors. In particular, we find that the neurogenic factor FGF2 induces DNA replication stress-mediated chromosome missegregation during the onset of neurogenesis, which could provide a rationale for the elevated chromosomal mosaicism of the developing brain. Our results highlight roles for morphogens and cellular identity in genome maintenance that contribute to somatic mosaicism during mammalian development.

Objective In 2019, the EULAR/American College of Rheumatology developed classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A positive correlation between summary score at diagnosis and SLE disease activity at five years has been noted in adult patients with lupus, but little is known among the pediatric population. We evaluated the prognostic value of higher summary scores and number of extrarenal domains at diagnosis (low/moderate number [1–5] vs high number [6–9]) to renal outcomes after one year of treatment in pediatric patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Methods This retrospective, single‐center cohort study included 74 pediatric patients with LN. Published pediatric renal response definitions were used for our outcome measure (no, partial, and complete response). Descriptive statistics were reported, and an ordinal logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for renal response including 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Patients with high extrarenal domains had OR 1.47 (95% CI 0.55–2.91) of having a complete renal response compared to patients with low/moderate domains. Patients with a summary score

Abstract Post-polio syndrome (PPS) brings new challenges for polio survivors, including muscle decline, pain, depression, and diminished quality of life. This study explored the potential of REAC neuromodulatory treatments to ease pain, improve mood, and enhance quality of life in PPS patients. 17 individuals with PPS (average age 54.8) received three REAC treatments: Neuro Postural Optimization, Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization-Cervico Brachial. Pain, depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life were assessed before and after using established scales. REAC treatments significantly reduced pain across various dimensions, along with depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Additionally, patients reported improved physical and psychological quality of life. This study suggests REAC neuromodulatory treatments as a promising non-invasive option to improve pain, emotional well-being, and quality of life in individuals with PPS.

10TH SEMINAR ON EMPIRICAL RESEARCH IN EDUCATION: «THE CONTRIBUTION OF AI TO THE QUALIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL PROCESSES» Abstract The 10th scientific Seminar, held in Rome on May 25th, was organized by the «Journal of Educational, Curltural and Psychological Studies» in collaboration with UniCamillus – International University of Health Sciences and investigated the contribution of AI to the educational-cultural qualification of education processes. After a few years of stopping seminar activities due to the pandemic emergency, it was decided to return to talking together about education, training, school and the chosen theme, namely the use of Artificial Intelligence, is currently at the center of interest scientific and beyond.

Abstract In this paper we report on a computationally cost-effective method designed to estimate the thermal conductivity of optical materials based on cubic oxide including mixed ones, i.e. solid solutions of different oxides. The proposed methodology take advantage from Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to extract essential structural parameters and elastic constants which represent the inputs for revised versions of Slack and Klemens equations relating thermal conductivity to elastic constants. Slack equation is modified by the introduction of a corrective factor that incorporates the Grüneisen parameter γ, while in the revised Klemens equation a distortion parameter $$d$$ d accounting for the impact of point defects on lattice symmetry is added, which is a critical factor in determining thermal conductivity in optical materials with mixed compositions. The theoretical results were found in good agreement with experimental data, showing the reliability of our proposed methodology.

Ewing Sarcomas (EWS, OMIM#612219) presents a major challenge in pediatric oncology due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis, particularly in metastatic cases. Genetic fusions involving the EWSR1 gene and ETS family transcription factors are common in EWS, though other rarer fusions have also been identified. Current standard techniques like immunohistochemistry have failed to fully characterize the immune tumor microenvironment of EWS, hindering insights into tumor development and treatment strategies. Recent efforts apply gene expression datasets to quantify tumor-infiltrating immune cells in EWS. Similar deconvolution techniques can be also applied to DNA methylation (DNAm) arrays, which are much more stable compared to RNA-based methods. This study aims to characterize immune cell infiltration in EWS using DNAm array data. We collected 32 EWS samples from 32 consecutive patients referred to Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. DNAm analysis was performed by EPIC arrays; data loading, normalization, deconvolution and survival analysis were then performed in R programming environment. We observed a higher content of dendritic cells and longer overall survival in samples with EWSR1::FLI1 translocation compared to samples with rarer fusions. Moreover, T-memory lymphocytes and monocytes emerged as a significant predictor of overall survival. This study underscores the potential of DNAm arrays in providing robust insights into EWS immune profiles, offering a promising avenue for future research. Further investigations with larger cohorts are warranted to validate these findings and explore additional immune cell types influencing EWS outcomes.

Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a splice site mutation in the gene ELP1, which disproportionally affects neurons. While classically characterized by deficits in sensory and autonomic neurons, neuronal defects in the central nervous system have also been described. Although ELP1 expression remains high in the normal developing and adult cerebellum, its role in cerebellar development is unknown. To explore the role of Elp1 in the cerebellum, we knocked out Elp1 in cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs) and examined the outcome on animal behavior and cellular composition. We found that GCP-specific conditional knockout of Elp1 (Elp1cKO) resulted in ataxia by 8 weeks of age. Cellular characterization showed that the animals had smaller cerebella with fewer granule cells. This defect was already apparent as early as 7 days after birth, when Elp1cKO animals also had fewer mitotic GCPs and shorter Purkinje dendrites. Through molecular characterization, we found that loss of Elp1 was associated with an increase in apoptotic cell death and cell stress pathways in GCPs. Our study demonstrates the importance of ELP1 in the developing cerebellum, and suggests that loss of Elp1 in the GC lineage may also play a role in the progressive ataxia phenotypes of FD patients.

Photovoltaic (PV) energy production is supposed to hugely increase during current and next decades. PV plants of any extension, technology and power are supposed to be developed and monitored, with the awareness that monitoring phase lasts around 25 years. One of the major challenges of PV plant industry is to choose suitable sites for plant installation and optimal configuration to maximize energy production. In fact, not all places are suitable for solar energy generation, due to several factors, like environmental factors (e.g., solar radiation, wind, shading), technical factors (e.g., distance from the distribution line), economic factors (e.g., development of local economies), and social/political factors (e.g., public acceptance, protected areas). We propose to address the problem of solar PV site selection using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach together with geographic information system (GIS) software to determine the most suitable area or alternative, both in case of rural environments and smart city installations. The resulting framework, highly-integrated with several EU sources and initiatives, can be used for crucial steps in PV plants lifecycle, from initial design to monitoring and maintenance.

Abstract The European Choroid plexus Scientific Forum (ECSF), held in Heidelberg, Germany between the 7th and 9th of November 2023, involved 21 speakers from eight countries. ECSF focused on discussing cutting-edge fundamental and medical research related to the development and functions of the choroid plexus and its implications for health, aging, and disease, including choroid plexus tumors. In addition to new findings in this expanding field, innovative approaches, animal models and 3D in vitro models were showcased to encourage further investigation into choroid plexus and cerebrospinal fluid roles.

Abstract In vitro models of pediatric brain tumors (pBT) are instrumental for better understanding the mechanisms contributing to oncogenesis and testing new therapies; thus, ideally, they should recapitulate the original tumor. We applied DNA methylation (DNAm) and copy number variation (CNV) profiling to characterize 241 pBT samples, including 155 tumors and 86 pBT-derived cell cultures, considering serum vs serum-free conditions, late vs early passages, and dimensionality (2D vs 3D cultures). We performed a t-SNE classification and identified differentially methylated regions in tumors compared to cell models. Early cell cultures recapitulate the original tumor, but serum media and 2D culturing were demonstrated to significantly contribute to the divergence of DNAm profiles from the parental ones. All divergent cells clustered together acquiring a common deregulated epigenetic signature suggesting a shared selective pressure. We identified a set of hypomethylated genes shared among unfaithful cells converging on response to growth factors and migration pathways, such as signaling cascade activation, tissue organization, and cellular migration. In conclusion, DNAm and CNV are informative tools that should be used to assess the recapitulation of pBT-cells from parental tumors.

The present study describes the Italian adaptation of the Academic Stressors Scale (E-CEA) of the Academic Stress Questionnaire, evaluating the relationships with general and domain-specific well-being and verifying the significant predictors and the amount of variance explained by the “non-intellective” academic competencies on the scores of student stress dimensions. The participants are 1305 students from all the different degree courses. The Italian version of the E-CEA, composed of 38 items, showed good psychometric properties both in terms of reliability and factorial structure with good fit indices. The 6 sub-dimensions, for the most part overlapping with those of the original version of the instrument, show good construct and concurrent validity as negative relationships were found with general and domain-specific well-being indices. With regard to the regressions performed, several dimensions of “non-intellective” academic competencies turned out to be significant predictors (with negative effect) with respect to the stress levels perceived in the academic environment by university students: in particular, time organization, emotional control, the ability to relate to professors and intrinsic motivation could decrease stress levels, while dedication to study and the tendency to involve one’s parents in one’s university career seemed to increase stress levels. Regarding the practical implications of the results, suggestions are provided in supporting the career paths of students to reduce risk factors for stress development and to promote academic well-being.

Digital health, encompassing the use of digital technologies in healthcare, and telemedicine, facilitating healthcare delivery across long distances, have witnessed widespread applications across various healthcare domains. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions in healthcare, overcoming barriers to access and fostering transitions to new care models. However, healthcare professionals often lack digital health competencies, necessitating targeted training initiatives. This study presents a project initiated by the Order of Physicians and Dentists of Rome, promoting a comprehensive training program in digital health for healthcare professionals. This investigation aims to describe the project, report demographic characteristics of participants, and analyze survey results on participants’ perceptions of the training program. The Erasmus+ project, titled ‘Training of Physician Trainers in Telemedicine, eHealth, and Digital Medicine,’ facilitated the digital transition of the healthcare sector through international training. The project involved structured courses, job-shadowing, and support activities in Malta and Madrid. A survey, developed using the Delphi methodology, assessed participants’ views on telemedicine. Thirty participants, selected based on merit, engaged in the project. Survey responses highlighted a strong impact on participants’ understanding of digital health concepts and increased confidence in utilizing digital tools. Notably, 85% acknowledged significant skill acquisition in healthcare digitalization. The project addressed a critical training gap among healthcare professionals, emphasizing the need for ongoing education in digital health. Despite existing recommendations, formal digital health education remains limited. The study underscores the importance of educational efforts to foster a digitalized healthcare model.