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Abstract Parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, describes a mode of reproduction where an egg develops into an offspring without fertilization, and is observed across various vertebrate taxa, excluding mammals. Obligate parthenogenesis, found in around 100 vertebrate species and 1000 invertebrate species, is relatively rare. Conversely, facultative parthenogenesis, where females can reproduce both sexually and parthenogenetically, is observed in some vertebrates, including elasmobranchs. Notably, this phenomenon in elasmobranchs is mainly documented in captivity, allowing for detailed long-term observation. Specifically, this study reports the first case of facultative parthenogenesis in the common smooth-hound shark Mustelus mustelus, a species classified by IUCN as endangered. Here we show that the juvenile M. mustelus were born through parthenogenesis, exhibiting homozygosity at each genetic marker, consistent with terminal fusion automixis. Remarkably, this finding reveals that parthenogenesis can occur annually in these sharks, alternating between two females, and conclusively excludes long-term sperm storage as a cause. Consequently, this enhances our understanding of parthenogenesis in elasmobranchs and highlights the reproductive flexibility of M. mustelus. Overall, these results contribute to our broader understanding of reproductive strategies in elasmobranchs, which could inform conservation efforts for endangered species.

Pouchitis is an idiopathic inflammatory disease that may occur in ileal pouches, and it can lead to ileal pouch failure. This was a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial that assessed the effect of Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) DG®, a probiotic strain, on the ileal pouch mucosa to determine the crosstalk between microbiota and mucosal immune system. Fifty-two patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy were recruited and randomly assigned to receive a daily oral supplementation of L. casei DG® (n = 26) or placebo (n = 26) for 8 weeks from the ileostomy closure (T0) to a pouch endoscopy after 8 weeks (T1) and 1 year (T2). Ileal pouch mucosa samples were collected at T0, T1, and T2. At T1, the L. casei DG®-supplemented group showed a significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines levels compared to T0 baseline levels in the pouch mucosa, whereas in the placebo group cytokines levels resulted stable. In conclusion, probiotic manipulation of mucosal microbiota by L. casei DG®-supplementation after stoma closure in patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy has a beneficial impact on the ileal pouch microenvironment. Registration number: NCT03136419 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

ABSTRACT Iron-sulfur [Fe-S] clusters are essential protein cofactors allowing bacteria to perceive environmental redox modification and to adapt to iron limitation. Escherichia coli, which served as a bacterial model, contains two [Fe-S] cluster biogenesis systems, ISC and SUF, which ensure [Fe-S] cluster synthesis under balanced and stress conditions, respectively. However, our recent phylogenomic analyses revealed that most bacteria possess only one [Fe-S] cluster biogenesis system, most often SUF. The opportunist human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is atypical as it harbors only ISC. Here, we confirmed the essentiality of ISC in P. aeruginosa under both normal and stress conditions. Moreover, P. aeruginosa ISC restored viability, under balanced growth conditions, to an E. coli strain lacking both ISC and SUF. Reciprocally, the E. coli SUF system sustained growth and [Fe-S] cluster-dependent enzyme activities of ISC-deficient P. aeruginosa. Surprisingly, an ISC-deficient P. aeruginosa strain expressing E. coli SUF showed defects in resistance to H2O2 stress and paraquat, a superoxide generator. Similarly, the P. aeruginosa ISC system did not confer stress resistance to a SUF-deficient E. coli mutant. A survey of 120 Pseudomonadales genomes confirmed that all but five species have selected ISC over SUF. While highlighting the great versatility of bacterial [Fe-S] cluster biogenesis systems, this study emphasizes that their contribution to cellular homeostasis must be assessed in the context of each species and its own repertoire of stress adaptation functions. As a matter of fact, despite having only one ISC system, P. aeruginosa shows higher fitness in the face of ROS and iron limitation than E. coli.IMPORTANCEISC and SUF molecular systems build and transfer Fe-S cluster to cellular apo protein clients. The model Escherichia coli has both ISC and SUF and study of the interplay between the two systems established that the ISC system is the house-keeping one and SUF the stress-responding one. Unexpectedly, our recent phylogenomic analysis revealed that in contrast to E. coli (and related enterobacteria such as Salmonella), most bacteria have only one system, and, in most cases, it is SUF. Pseudomonas aeruginosa fits the general rule of having only one system but stands against the rule by having ISC. This study aims at engineering P. aeruginosa harboring E. coli systems and vice versa. Comparison of the recombinants allowed to assess the functional versatility of each system while appreciating their contribution to cellular homeostasis in different species context.

This study investigates the biomass production and growth strategies of the relict seagrass Zostera marina, a species sensitive to high temperatures, within the Venice Lagoon (Italy). Monthly data collected from January to December 2019 and November 2020 to October 2021 in a single station in proximity of one lagoon port-entrance, along with seasonal data from 2018 and 2021 for the whole lagoon, were analyzed in conjunction with environmental parameters and macroalgal presence. The objective was to understand the impact of climate changes, particularly rising water temperatures, on the cover, standing crop and net primary production of Z. marina and the effect of the MoSE gate closures designed to protect Venice from high-water events. Despite expectations of a decline due to temperature increase and reduced water exchange, our findings reveal a notable adaptability of Z. marina, with increases in both cover and biomass. This resilience suggests that Z. marina can counteract environmental challenges, making this study relevant for broader ecological and conservation contexts beyond the Venice Lagoon.

Alterations in the ATM gene are among the most common somatic and hereditary cancer mutations, and ATM-deficient tumors are hypersensitive to DNA-damaging agents. A synthetic lethal combination of DNA-damaging agents and DNA repair inhibitors could have widespread utility in ATM-deficient cancers. However, overlapping normal tissue toxicities from these drug classes have precluded their clinical translation. We investigated PLX038, a releasable polyethylene glycol-conjugate of the topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38, in ATM wild-type and null isogenic xenografts and in a BRCA1-deficient xenograft. PLX038 monotherapy and combination with PARP inhibition potently inhibited the growth of both BRCA1- and ATM-deficient tumors. A patient with an ATM-mutated breast cancer treated with PLX038 and the PARP inhibitor rucaparib achieved rapid, symptomatic, and radiographic complete response lasting 12 months. Single-agent PLX038 or PLX038 in combination with DNA damage response inhibitors are novel therapeutic paradigms for patients with ATM-loss cancers.

The magnetic spring placed on vibration generator consists of top and bottom fixed magnets with a third magnet levitated between them. Nonlinear dynamic analysis appears in the magnetic flux density of the magnetic spring activated by the vibration generator. This paper is focused on fast data-driven and accurate model for the prediction of magnetic flux density using a deep neural network (DNN) in the form of a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). As the input and training data for LSTM are used: supply voltage of the vibration generator, its frequency and measured magnetic flux density. The magnetic flux density measurements of the magnetic spring have been recorded by three Hall effect sensors. The prediction of magnetic flux density in magnetic spring has given accurate results and good applicability for better characterization of the device in energy harvesting system.

The coralligenous build-ups located on the Mediterranean shelf in front of Marzamemi (SE Sicily, Italy) represent useful natural examples to use in studying the relationship between skeletal organisms and non-skeletal components in marine bioconstructions. Coralligenous build-ups are formed in open marine systems, and their comparison with coeval bioconstructions (biostalactites) of confined environments, like submarine caves, allows depicting the complex interactions between metazoans and microbial communities in the formations of recent bioconstructions in different Mediterranean settings. In this study, two coralligenous build-ups were characterized in terms of organisms and sediments involved in their formation. The framework mainly consists of coralline algae and subordinate bryozoans and serpulids. Sponges affect the general morphology of the bioconstructions both interacting with skeletonized organisms and through bioerosion activity. The micrite or microcrystalline calcite is present in minor amounts compared to other components that form the build-ups and consists of two types: autochthonous (in situ) and allochthonous (detrital). Fine autochthonous micrite mineralized directly inside the framework cavities and shows aphanitic or peloidal fabric, produced by organomineralization processes of soft sponge tissues and microbial metabolic activity, respectively. The detrital micrite occurring inside cavities derives from external sources or erosion processes of the bioconstructions themselves. This component has been classified as organic or inorganic based on the organic matter contents deduced by UV epifluorescence. A great quantity of sponges live in cavities of the coralligenous build-ups and compete with carbonatogenic bacteria for the same cryptic spaces, limiting the production of microbialites. The sharing of a similar relationship between sponges and microbial communities by coralligenous concretion and biotic crusts of particular submarine caves suggests that this competition is not habitat-specific. On the contrary, it may develop in a range of environmental settings, from open to cryptic systems, and could be used to clarify the role of metazoans vs. microbialites in palaeoecological reconstructions.

Lactococcus garvieae has been considered for a long time the only causal agent of lactococcosis. In recent years, different papers reported the involvement of other two bacterial species: Lactococcus petauri and Lactococcus formosensis. A different host tropism has been described for these species where L. garvieae and L. petauri are predominant species in fish and humans’ infections, while L. formosensis in bovine. L. garvieae has been reported as rare infectious agent in dog. This paper represents the first isolation of L. petauri in two domesticated dog cases from urine and skin samples, respectively. The recovered L. petauri has been identified using PCR and sequencing based on Internal Transcribe Spacer (ITS) and phylogenetic analysis showed that it belongs to the L. petauri cluster with a 100% of identity with sequences previously reported from fish isolates while there were differences with L. petauri isolated from urinary tract infection from humans. L. petauri in human infection has been considered not necessarily deriving from the ingestion of contaminated food but rather as an opportunistic pathogen colonization intestinal tract. Differences among virulotypes have been reported for humans and dogs, and a comparison was also made between the virulotyping of L. petauri and L. garvieae in dogs. The antimicrobial pattern showed susceptibility for the election treatment molecules. These data contribute to our understanding of the host trophism of this species which was misclassified for long time and provide new data on its virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) consists of genes involved in immune response and molecular discrimination between self and non-self. MHC genes are the most polymorphic in vertebrates. The origin and maintenance of polymorphism in MHC genes in populations is still unresolved. Mechanisms such as sexual selection and heterozygote advantage have been suggested as explanations for this high variability. In this study, a farmed population of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) characterized by the presence of specific MHC class IIB gene haplotypes at a frequency higher (30%) than that expected from random matings was investigated. Therefore, it was hypothesized that disassortative matings occur with an adaptive advantage for females, resulting in improved reproductive performance when mated with individuals with similar MHC haplotypes. Genetic analyses of the breeders were performed to define the MHC haplotypes and to perform specific matings. The effect of mating was evaluated by analyzing the survival rate of the offspring at various stages of incubation until swim-up. The reproductive performance of the offspring derived from specimens with similar haplotypes showed a better survival trend during the first life stages and reduced malformations. The results obtained are in contrast with the heterozygous advantage theory, therefore it was hypothesized, as for other salmonid species, the presence of a positive selection towards locally adapted MHC genes that promotes reproduction between genetically similar individuals.

Quality assessment of ultrasound medical systems is a demanding task due to the high number of parameters to quantify their performance: in the present study, a Kiviat diagram-based integrated approach was proposed to effectively combine the contribution of some experimental parameters and quantify the overall performance of pulsed wave Doppler (PWD) systems for clinical applications. Four test parameters were defined and assessed through custom-written measurement methods based on image analysis, implemented in the MATLAB environment, and applied to spectral images of a flow phantom, i.e., average maximum velocity sensitivity (AMVS), velocity measurements accuracy (VeMeA), lowest detectable signal (LDS), and the velocity profile discrepancy index (VPDI). The parameters above were scaled in a standard range to represent the four vertices of a Kiviat plot, whose area was considered the overall quality index of the ultrasound system in PWD mode. Five brand-new ultrasound diagnostic systems, equipped with linear array probes, were tested in two different working conditions using a commercial flow phantom as a reference. The promising results confirm the robustness of AMVS, VeMeA, and LDS parameters while suggesting further investigations on the VPDI.

PurposeHolmium-166 has emerged as a promising option for selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) for hepatic malignancies, but data on routine clinical use are lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe the safety and effectiveness of Holmium-166 SIRT in real-world practice through retrospective analysis of a multicenter registry.MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted on Holmium-166 SIRT procedures performed between July 15, 2019, and July 15, 2021, across seven European centers. Treatment planning, treatment realization and post-treatment follow-up were conducted according to routine local practice. Safety and effectiveness data were extracted from the patients’ health records. Primary endpoint analysis was assessed for the entire study population with separate analysis for subgroups with hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.ResultsA total of 167 SIRT procedures in 146 patients (mean age 66 ± 11 years, 68% male) were retrospectively evaluated. Most common tumor entities were hepatocellular carcinoma (n=55), metastatic colorectal cancer (n=35), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n=19) and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (n=10). Nine adverse events grade ≥ 3 according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were recorded, including one fatal case of radioembolization-induced liver disease. Response rates and median overall survival for the above mentioned subgroups were comparable to results from previous Holmium-166 trials as well as to results from Yttrium-90 registries.ConclusionThis study confirms that the safety and effectiveness of Holmium-166 SIRT derived from prospective trials also applies in routine clinical practice, reinforcing its potential as a viable treatment option for primary and secondary liver cancer.

Conservation genetic research is essential for the management and recovery of endangered taxa. However, the invasive collection of biological material for DNA analysis is controversial. From an ethical perspective, non-destructive sampling methods leave the aquatic specimen alive and less invasive procedures minimize stress on the animals. DNA can be obtained from fish using minimally invasive techniques such as buccal swabs. Here we evaluated the performance of buccal swabs for long-term storage of DNA obtained from brown trout (Salmo trutta). The buccal swabs were stored at room temperature and cut into pieces, one part of which was used for extraction of an aliquot and the others were stored as a “biobank” of biological material. The elapsed time from sampling to molecular analysis was one and half year. The amplification of three different DNA targets was tested to assess the effectiveness of the extraction: mitochondrial DNA (the D-LOOP region), nuclear DNA (the LDH gene) and microsatellite DNA at multiple loci. The results showed high quantification (mean value: 281.84±72.4 ng/µL), indicating that DNA could be effectively extracted from the buccal swabs. Our study results suggest that buccal swabs for long-term storage of DNA at room temperature are promising for use in field conservation studies.

A low level of Neurotrophins (NTs), their Tyrosine Kinase Receptors (Trks), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) and their receptors, mainly VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, characterizes AD brains. The use of NTs and VEGFs as drugs presents different issues due to their low permeability of the blood−brain barrier, the poor pharmacokinetic profile, and the relevant side effects. To overcome these issues, different functional and structural NT mimics have been employed. Being aware that the N-terminus domain as the key domain of NTs for the binding selectivity and activation of Trks and the need to avoid or delay proteolysis, we herein report on the mimicking ability of two cyclic peptide encompassing the N-terminus of Brain Derived Growth Factor (BDNF), (c-[HSDPARRGELSV-]), cBDNF(1-12) and of Neurotrophin3 (NT3), (c-[YAEHKSHRGEYSV-]), cNT3(1-13). The two cyclic peptide features were characterized by a combined thermodynamic and spectroscopic approach (potentiometry, NMR, UV-vis and CD) that was extended to their copper(II) ion complexes. SH-SY5Y cell assays show that the Cu2+ present at the sub-micromolar level in the complete culture media affects the treatments with the two peptides. cBDNF(1-12) and cNT3(1-13) act as ionophores, induce neuronal differentiation and promote Trks and CREB phosphorylation in a copper dependent manner. Consistently, both peptide and Cu2+ stimulate BDNF and VEGF expression as well as VEGF release; cBDNF(1-12) and cNT3(1-13) induce the expression of Trks and VEGFRs.

In this article, a novel electromagnetic diaphragm pump design controlled by an Arduino NANO microcontroller is proposed to pump liquid inside the pumping chamber completely separated from mechanical and transmission parts. The prototype is primarily based on alternating the polarity of two electromagnets that attract or repel a permanent magnet located on a flexible diaphragm. The system hardware layout is completed by electronic components:. an Arduino NANO microcontroller created by Atmel, Headquarters San Jose, California. and display within the cabinet to control the polarization of the electromagnets and exhibit the temperature inside the pump. The electromagnetic pump and control system consist of innovative approaches as a solution for the treatment of unclean water and integration with solar panel systems. In addition, the measurement tests of the electromagnetic pump, including the temperatures of electromagnets and the quantity of the pumped liquid within the chamber, indicate a dependence on the selected speed of the electromagnet’s polarization. The electromagnetic pump achieves high efficiency as a combination of the temperature and the amount of liquid that can be regulated and controlled by the switching speed of the electromagnet’s polarization.

Abstract Background High dose unilobar radioembolization (also termed ‘radiation lobectomy’)—the transarterial unilobar infusion of radioactive microspheres as a means of controlling tumour growth while concomitantly inducing future liver remnant hypertrophy—has recently gained interest as induction strategy for surgical resection. Prospective studies on the safety and efficacy of the unilobar radioembolization-surgery treatment algorithm are lacking. The RALLY study aims to assess the safety and toxicity profile of holmium-166 unilobar radioembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ineligible for surgery due to insufficiency of the future liver remnant. Methods The RALLY study is a multicenter, interventional, non-randomized, open-label, non-comparative safety study. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are considered ineligible for surgery due to insufficiency of the future liver remnant (

Background Palliative care is a comprehensive treatment approach that guarantees comfort for pediatric patients and their families from diagnosis to death. The techniques used for neurological patients in the field of palliative care can enhance the quality of care provided to patients with neurological disorders and support their families. Purpose This study aimed to analyze the palliative care protocols in use in our department, describe the palliative course in the clinical setting, and propose the implementation of hospital palliative care for long-term prognosis of patients with neurological diseases. Methods This retrospective observational study examined the application of palliative care from birth to early infancy in neurological patients. We studied 34 newborns with diseases affecting the nervous system impairing prognosis. The study was conducted from 2016 to 2020 at the Neonatology Intensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Unit of the San Marco University Hospital in Catania, Sicily, Italy. Results Despite current legislation in Italy, no palliative care network has been activated to meet the needs of the population. In our center, given the vast number of patients with neurological conditions requiring palliative care, we should activate a straightforward departmental unit for neurologic pediatric palliative care. Conclusion The establishment of specialized reference centers that manage significant neurological illnesses is due to neuroscience research progress in recent decades. Integration with specialized palliative care is sparse but now seems essential.

We investigate defects in 4H-SiC p-n junction diodes introduced trough nanoindentation procedure. A nanoindentation load range between 3 mN and 15 mN was explored. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis are adopted for the morphological and crystallographic investigation of defects; electrical characterisations of junction diodes are performed to investigate the conduction mechanism, both at RT and versus measurement temperature. Electrical parameters such ideality factor, leakage current and series resistance, are extracted for the processed diodes and compared to virgin one. Activation energy of about 1.7 eV and 0.2 eV are extracted for defects in virgin and in mechanically processed devices, respectively. Electro-optical characterisation is performed adopting Emission Microscopy measurements evidencing a diffuse photons emission in the visible range from the full area in virgin device and an emission in the visible and in the near infrared ranges from nanoindentation sites in processed devices. Performed analysis evidenced both extended and point defects are mechanically introduced. Thanks to the performed experiment, a promising way is paved for the defects engineering, in a microscale spatially defined position, in end of processing devices.

Purpose:. This study examined the leadership development themes that global orthopaedic surgeons in differently resourced countries perceive as essential components and evaluated barriers to attending leadership development programs. Methods:. This multinational, 45-question survey engaged orthopaedic surgeons (one expert per country). The questionnaire collected participants' demographics, perception of effective leadership traits, and valuation of various leadership themes based on importance and interest. Results:. The survey was completed by 110 orthopaedic surgeons worldwide. Respondents most commonly reported holding a leadership position (87%) in hospital settings (62%), clinical settings (47%), and national orthopaedic societies (46%). The greatest proportion of participants reported having never attended a leadership course (42%). Participants regarded “high performing team-building,” “professional ethics,” and “organizational structure and ability to lead” as the most important leadership themes. No significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were identified among perceived importance or interest in leadership themes between income levels; however, statistically significant differences were identified in the questionnaire; respondents in low- and middle-income countries (LICs/LMICs) demonstrated a stronger interest in attending a leadership course than those in high-income countries (HICs) (98% vs. 79%, P = 0.013), and fewer surgeons in LICs/LMICs had taken personality assessment tests than those in HICs (22% vs. 49%, P = 0.019). The most common barriers to attending leadership courses were lack of opportunities and invitations (57%), difficulty missing work (22%), and cost of course attendance (22%). Conclusions:. These findings can better inform the development of effective curricula and provide a framework for a successful model for the future. Level of Evidence:. V.

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a diffused neurodegenerative disorder affecting people in advanced age causing loss of memory and dementia. Nowadays, diagnosis and treatment of AD are still challenging due to the lack of diagnostic systems that allow for an early and reliable diagnosis and therapy monitoring. Moreover, conventional strategies for AD diagnosis are based on brain imaging techniques that are invasive and expensive for early and massive screening. Phage display approach, using engineered phage probe for direct amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐autoantibodies detection, overcome these limitations leading to the possibility of safe and low‐cost screening. Moreover, the combination with silicon technology further improves the easiness of diagnosis due to the portability of devices and the integration of sensitive transduction signals. In this work, an innovative silicon‐based sensing technology is reported detecting Aβ‐autoantibodies, specifically Immunoglobulin G (IgG), in human sera by engineered M13‐phage probes (ADPP). The strategy hinges on a bio‐surface that is integrated on top of a silicon biosensor. Thanks to phages probes exposing Aβ‐mimic peptides, this chip can capture and reveal Aβ‐autoantibodies, discriminating between healthy and AD conditions. The surface chemistry is morphologically and chemically characterized and the phage‐based biosensor ability to recognise Aβ‐autoantibodies is proved by transduction with enzyme‐linked anti‐M13 antibodies.

The changes in macrophyte biodiversity and cover from the soft bottoms of 87 stations spread in the entire Venice Lagoon in 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2021 have been analyzed. Results showed a strong macrophyte resilience with an increase in the spread of sensitive macroalgae and aquatic angiosperms, especially Z. noltei and R. cirrhosa, which were not affected by the increase of non-indigenous species (NIS) introduction.The simultaneous analysis of macrophyte variables and the main water and sediment parameters carried out in 2021 highlighted the key role of water transparency and salinity to regulate the vegetation, especially the presence/absence of aquatic angiosperms and sensitive macroalgae. Vice versa, high chlorophyll-a, total suspended solids, nitrogen and silicate concentrations in the water column, and high moisture, low grain-size and phosphorus concentrations in surface sediments favored the presence of opportunistic species, especially Ulva rigida, Gracilariopsis longissima, Agardhiella subulata and Solieria filiformis. The distribution of the aquatic angiosperms and the 41 most widespread macroalgae in association with the main environmental parameters allowed us to highlight their different ecological value, their possible presence/absence and abundance; indeed, their spatial and temporal changes can be excellent tools to determine and predict the ecological status of transitional water systems (TWS).These results carried out in a polyhedric basin such as the Venice Lagoon, composed by a complex of very different microhabitats, can be considered representative of most environmental conditions present in the main TWS of the Italian coastline, and spatial and temporal macrophyte changes can be excellent tools to determine and predict their ecological status evolution.

The primary ocean color product is the spectrum of remote sensing reflectance RRS that allows the quantification of in-water optically significant constituents and all ocean color applications. The determination of its uncertainties is thus key to the creation of comprehensive uncertainty budgets for all derived ocean color products. The assessment of satellite RRS uncertainties has largely relied on corresponding field measurements but this process is solid only if these field measurements are in turn fully characterized. Uncertainty budgets have therefore been defined and reported for the radiometric measurements collected in the framework of the Ocean Color component of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-OC). The contemporaneous deployment of two autonomous systems for 5.5 years on the Acqua Alta Oceanographic Tower (AAOT) located in the northern Adriatic Sea led to the collection of 4,449 pairs of coincident observations (collected with a time difference lower than 10 min) distributed over 659 days of data acquisitions that can be used to verify reported uncertainty values. The comparison of matched pairs showed a good agreement for RRS (with differences of typically 2%–3% between 412 and 560 nm), as well as for the aerosol optical thickness τa (3%–6%). Differences between data from the two systems appear generally consistent with their stated uncertainties, indicating that they are metrologically compatible and that uncertainties reported for AERONET-OC data are usually trustworthy (with possible exceptions depending on the level of error correlation between measurements from the two systems). Using uncertainty cone diagrams, this result holds across the range of uncertainty values with few exceptions. Independent uncertainty estimates associated with non-systematic error contributions were obtained using a collocation framework allowing for error correlation between measurements from the two systems. The resulting uncertainties appeared comparable with the reported values for τa and RRS. The related mathematical development also showed that the centered root-mean-square difference between data collected by two systems is a conservative estimate of the uncertainty associated with these data (excluding systematic contributions) if these data show a good agreement (expressed by a slope of method II regression close to 1) and if their uncertainties can be assumed similar with errors moderately correlated (typically lower than 0.5).

With reconfigurable fabrics delivering increasing performance over the years, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are becoming an appealing solution for next-generation High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems. However, in order to gain traction among traditional Von Neumann architectures, the optimization process of FPGA designs should be further abstracted to a higher level. In fact, while High-Level Synthesis (HLS) already provides a handy way to write FPGA code with procedural languages, substantial effort and expertise are still required to optimize the resulting FPGA design for the underlying hardware. To overcome this problem, we propose a semi-automated performance optimization methodology based on a Hierarchical Roofline model for FPGAs. System-wide and applications-specific optimizations such as off-chip memory transfer and data locality optimizations are guided by the FPGA Roofline model whereas FPGA-specific optimizations are automatically searched by a Design Space Exploration (DSE) engine. We demonstrate how this methodology allows to easily analyze and optimize a wide set of applications ranging from particle methods, wavefront algorithms, and sparse arithmetic computations. In addition, we illustrate how the integrated DSE engine achieves a 14.36x maximum speedup if compared to previous automated solutions in the literature.

Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake’s tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake’s death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.

Drug-induced liver disease (DILI) represents one of the main problems in the therapeutic field. There are several non-modifiable risk factors, such as age and sex, and all drugs can cause hepatotoxicity of varying degrees, including those for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The aim of this review is to illustrate the adverse effects on the liver of the various drugs used in the treatment of IBD, highlighting which drugs are safest to use based on current knowledge. The mechanism by which drugs cause hepatotoxicity is not fully understood. A possible cause is represented by the formation of toxic metabolites, which in some patients may be increased due to alterations in the enzymatic apparatus involved in drug metabolism. Various studies have shown that the drugs that can most frequently cause hepatotoxicity are immunosuppressants, while mesalazine and biological drugs are, for the most part, less associated with such complications. Therefore, it is possible to assume that in the future, biological therapies could become the first line for the treatment of IBD.

In this work, an organ pipe instrument with a mechatronic control system including the Passive Haptic Feedback technology is implemented. The test bed consists of a motorized positioning stage mounted to a brace that is attached to a bridge on a platform. A simple pneumatic mechanism is designed and realized to achieve the same dynamics pressure for each measurement attempt on the keyboard. This system contain pipes, an air compressor, valves, and a piston connected to applied force pressure on the keyboard of the organ pipe. The pneumatic components, like valves and pressure regulators, mounted on the profile plate are connected to the main air supply line via flexible tubing or hoses to the air compressor and mechanical trucker. The pneumatic system has many types of valves that regulate the air speed, air flow, and power. The combination of valves and air compressor control the air flow and the mechanism of piston and pressure on the keyboard. The mechanical actuator presses the key to be tested, and a load cell detects the applied key force. A laser triangulation measurement system based on a Laser Displacement Sensor measures the displacement of the key during the key depression. The velocity of the key motion is controlled by the pneumatic actuator. A miniature-sized strain gauge load cell, which is mounted on a musical keyboard key, measures the contact force between the probe and the key. In addition, the quality of the audio signal generated by the organ instrument is estimated using the Hilbert transform.

The article aims to show how a transdisciplinary approach can contribute to a better understanding of the composite biography of a precious object. The study focuses on the Cintola del Duomo (Museum of the Opera del Duomo, Pisa), one of the most famous objects in the history of goldsmithing, both for its exceptional manufacturing quality and for its devotional value. For a long time, the Cintola was considered a fragment of a long garland – decorated with precious stones, enamel, and silver plates – that was displayed on the façade of the Cathedral on certain days of the liturgical calendar. Detailed historical studies suggested that the garland was lost in the early 1300s, while the object now in the museum is more likely to be a reconstruction, decorated with ancient and modern gems. In situ diagnostic campaigns were carried out on the garland using portable Raman spectroscopy (i-Raman, B&W Tek) and portable X-Ray fluorescnece (XRF) (Elio, Bruker) to reveal the identity of the gems and enamels preliminarily studied by gemmological analysis. The combination of analytical techniques made it possible to better outline the complex history of the artefacts. The analysis provided information on the identity of the gems, proposing an interesting question about their possible relationship with the crown of Henry VII of Luxembourg (in the same museum). The study includes aspects related to the materiality of the objects, revealing the socio-cultural context in which the object was produced and supporting its recontextualisation in the museum as a symbolic representation of the past.

Seagrasses play a vital role in marine ecosystems worldwide. However, until recently these ecosystems were experiencing declines due to various global and local threats. In response to this issue, initiatives have been launched to combat seagrass loss by addressing local and regional major stressors and actively engaging in restoration efforts by transplantation. Although seagrass restoration has progressed significantly with the development of numerous transplant techniques, these are not always crowned with success. This is often due to the fact that the environmental parameters of water, sediment and biota of the recipient sites are not carefully considered in their suitability for transplantation. In this study, the multi-year experiences and data from numerous environmental surveys in transitional water systems have been condensed to define limit values for the ideal growth conditions and the extreme values in which the survival of four aquatic angiosperm species is possible: Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina, Zostera noltei and Ruppia cirrhosa. Approaches to transplants, seasonality and critical issues have been explored. The identified limits and parameters of water, sediment and biota will help to define the suitability of a recipient site for the rooting of seagrasses, increasing the chances of success for transplant operations.

This article is an introductory contribution to our Special Issue Reconsidering the Chaîne Opératoire: Towards a Multifaceted Approach to the Archaeology of Techniques. The chaîne opératoire is a central and fundamental concept for archaeological studies that has been fully appropriated and repurposed by several generations of researchers. In this paper, we would like to present some of the points discussed and illustrated by the various articles in this special issue. The aim is to highlight theoretical and practical considerations in various fields, with a diachronic focus. From the biographical approach to the study of artefacts to the challenges of interdisciplinarity through cognitive and sensory approaches, the theoretical discussion is rich and innovative, acknowledging that the chaîne opératoire can be used as a tool for deciphering the complex network of artefacts, environments, and societies of the past and present.

Lactococcosis, mainly sustained by the warm-water bacterium Lactococcus garvieae, is a disease associated with evident mortalities and economic lossed. Main disease signs are commonly bilateral exophthalmia, hyperpigmentation in the body, haemorrhages around the eye area, opercula, and mouth region, swollen abdomen, and anal prolapse. An effective monitoring system of fish diseases relies on rapid techniques for the timely management of infection outbreaks. We evaluated the potential of the SCiO sensor, a portable near infrared spectroscope, to assess in field the health status of rainbow trout. The study sample was composed of 20 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic rainbow trout obtained from an aquaculture farm and submitted to molecular detection of L. garvieae and SCiO examination. In order to detect presence or absence of septicaemia condition, blood smears were prepared from peripheral blood. Part of the symptomatic individuals (9/20) showed septicaemia, whereas no bacteria were found in the asymptomatic individuals. PCR assay of bacterial DNA was positive in spleen and kidney of 19/20 symptomatic and in 1/20 asymptomatic individuals. Bacteriological analysis revealed L. garvieae in 18/20 symptomatic samples and in 2/20 asymptomatic samples. The SCiO sensor was found to be able to discriminate between healthy and sick fish [sensibility 0.95 (0.75–1.00 I.C. 95%), specificity 0.80 (0.56–0.94 I.C. 95%)]. By virtue of rapid acquisition, low cost and use on site, the SCiO was considered as a useful diagnostic tool for monitoring L. garvieae infection in rainbow trout.

Food supplements are a category of products perceived safe and therefore commonly used by different categories of consumers without any particular attention or precaution. However, health risks associated with the consumption of supplements containing undeclared substances cannot be excluded. A variety of analytical methods are used to control supplement quality composition, but usually, these procedures are complex and time-consuming. Here, we report the results of a simple and fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method, to detect and quantify simultaneously different categories of active molecules, such as biogenic ammines and natural alkaloids that at high doses can produce negative health effect in consumers. Three categories of products intended for body weight loss, energy boosting, and erectile dysfunction treatment, purchased through e-commerce sites and from local supermarkets, were analyzed (n = 91). The caffeine, synephrine, agmatine sulfate, yohimbine, phenethylamine, and icariin were correctly separated and identified with good precision (RSD

Electrical brain potentials in response to violation of expectations in language processing have revealed that people usesentence context to facilitate word recognition and integration. Less is known about the interaction between the qualityof visual information in reading and the use of contextual information. In the current study we manipulated the visualfield (foveal vs. parafoveal) in which a sentence-final expected word, orthographic neighbor of an expected word, orunexpected word is presented and recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the role of visual clarity. We findevidence that earlier stages of semantic retrieval indexed by the N400 are resilient to visual information presented at greatereccentricity, but that later, integration-related processes indexed by a posterior late positive complex (LPC) may depend onunambiguous, foveally presented visual information. These findings have implications for parafoveal processing duringnatural reading.

Readers use predictions about upcoming words to facilitate word recognition, particularly when the visual input is degraded(e.g., viewed in parafoveal vision; Staub & Goddard, 2019) or when the reader has poor lexical quality (Hersch & Andrews,2012). To test how these factors interact participants, who were assessed for spelling ability, made a two-alternative forced-choice regarding one letter, which differentiated the target from an orthographic neighbor (e.g., worm was followed byW or D?). The target was presented either in foveal or parafoveal vision and was preceded by a sentence contextthat made (1) the target predictable, (2) the neighbor predictable, or (3) neither predictable. We found that worse spellersrelied on sentence context in both foveal and parafoveal vision whereas better spellers only relied on context in parafovealvision, suggesting that both visual quality and lexical quality affect reliance on sentence context to identify words.

Abstract The recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for novel point‐of‐care devices to be promptly used for a rapid and reliable large screening analysis of several biomarkers like genetic sequences and antibodies. Currently, one of the main limitations of rapid tests is the high percentage of false negatives in the presence of variants and, in particular for the Omicron one. We demonstrate in this work the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the Omicron variant with a cost‐effective silicon nanosensor enabling high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response. We have shown that a silicon (Si) nanowires (NW) platform detects both Sars‐CoV‐2 and its Omicron variant with a limit of detection (LoD) of four effective copies (cps), without any amplification of the genome, and with high selectivity. This ultrasensitive detection of 4 cps allows to obtain an extremely early diagnosis paving the way for efficient and widespread tracking. The sensor is made with industrially compatible techniques, which in perspective may allow easy and cost‐effective industrialization.