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Abstract Understanding the adaptive potential of populations and species is pivotal for minimizing the loss of biodiversity in this era of rapid climate change. Adaptive potential has been estimated in various ways, including based on levels of standing genetic variation, presence of potentially beneficial alleles, and/or the severity of environmental change. Kokanee salmon, the non‐migratory ecotype of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), is culturally and economically important and has already been impacted by the effects of climate change. To assess its climate vulnerability moving forward, we integrated analyses of standing genetic variation, genotype‐environment associations, and climate modeling based on sequence and structural genomic variation from 224 whole genomes sampled from 22 lakes in British Columbia and Yukon (Canada). We found that variables for extreme temperatures, particularly warmer temperatures, had the most pervasive signature of selection in the genome and were the strongest predictors of levels of standing variation and of putatively adaptive genomic variation, both sequence and structural. Genomic offset estimates, a measure of climate vulnerability, were significantly correlated with higher increases in extreme warm temperatures, further highlighting the risk of summer heat waves that are predicted to increase in frequency in the future. Levels of standing genetic variation, an important metric for population viability and resilience, were not correlated with genomic offset. Nonetheless, our combined approach highlights the importance of integrating different sources of information and genomic data to formulate more comprehensive and accurate predictions on the vulnerability of populations and species to future climate change.

In Supplementary Table 1 of this Article, 23 samples (B10K-DU-029-32, B10K-DU-029-33, B10K-DU-029-36 to B10K-DU-029-44, B10K-DU- 029-46, B10K-DU-029-47, B10K-DU-029-49 to B10K-DU-029-53, B10K-DU- 029-75 to B10K-DU-029-77, B10K-DU-029-80, and B10K-DU-030-03; styled in boldface in the revised table) were assigned to the incorrect institution. Supplementary Table 1 has been amended to reflect the correct source institution for these samples, and associated data (tissue, museum ID/source specimen ID, site, state/province, latitude, longitude, date collected and sex) have been updated accordingly. The original table is provided as Supplementary Information to this Amendment, and the original Article has been corrected online.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a non-fermentative, ubiquitous, gram-negative aerobic bacterium, is associated with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised or debilitated patients. The prevalence rate of ICU-acquired pneumonia episodes caused by this microorganism has been found to be 2%. S. maltophilia has been identified as one of the top 10 microorganisms responsible for such infections in EU/EEA countries. This study describes an outbreak of S. maltophilia in an intensive care unit of a hospital in northern Italy. This includes an epidemiological investigation of the cases, the environmental microbiological controls carried out, a comparison of the strains by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and the measures taken to prevent and control the outbreak. Among the seven clinical isolates of S. maltophilia analyzed herein, six demonstrated susceptibilities to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Conversely, one isolate of S. maltophilia exhibited resistance to first-line antibiotics. ST was found to be identical for six patients (ST 4), as well as in the environmental feedback on the trolley of Box 2. The analysis of the temporal and spatial progression of the outbreak has suggested that the transmission of S. maltophilia may have occurred through cross-transmission during care practices.

Whole-genome sequencing projects are increasingly populating the tree of life and characterizing biodiversity1-4. Sparse taxon sampling has previously been proposed to confound phylogenetic inference5, and captures only a fraction of the genomic diversity. Here we report a substantial step towards the dense representation of avian phylogenetic and molecular diversity, by analysing 363 genomes from 92.4% of bird families-including 267 newly sequenced genomes produced for phase II of the Bird 10,000 Genomes (B10K) Project. We use this comparative genome dataset in combination with a pipeline that leverages a reference-free whole-genome alignment to identify orthologous regions in greater numbers than has previously been possible and to recognize genomic novelties in particular bird lineages. The densely sampled alignment provides a single-base-pair map of selection, has more than doubled the fraction of bases that are confidently predicted to be under conservation and reveals extensive patterns of weak selection in predominantly non-coding DNA. Our results demonstrate that increasing the diversity of genomes used in comparative studies can reveal more shared and lineage-specific variation, and improve the investigation of genomic characteristics. We anticipate that this genomic resource will offer new perspectives on evolutionary processes in cross-species comparative analyses and assist in efforts to conserve species.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) are emerging as powerful and versatile regulators of transcriptional programs and distinctive biomarkers of progression of T-cell lymphoma. Their role in the aggressive anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative (ALK–) subtype of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has been elucidated only in part. Starting from our previously identified ALCL-associated lncRNA signature and performing digital gene expression profiling of a retrospective cohort of ALCL, we defined an 11 lncRNA signature able to discriminate among ALCL subtypes. We selected a not previously characterized lncRNA, MTAAT, with preferential expression in ALK– ALCL, for molecular and functional studies. We demonstrated that lncRNA MTAAT contributes to an aberrant mitochondrial turnover restraining mitophagy and promoting cellular proliferation. Functionally, lncRNA MTAAT acts as a repressor of a set of genes related to mitochondrial quality control via chromatin reorganization. Collectively, our work demonstrates the transcriptional role of lncRNA MTAAT in orchestrating a complex transcriptional program sustaining the progression of ALK– ALCL.

Background: Tracheal intubation in patients with coronavirus disease-19 is a high-risk procedure that should be performed with personal protective equipment (PPE). The influence of PPE on operator’s performance during tracheal intubation remains unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of simulation studies to evaluate the influence of wearing PPE as compared to standard uniform regarding time-to-intubation (TTI) and success rate. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to device used and operator’s experience. Results: The TTI was prolonged when wearing PPE (eight studies): Standard Mean Difference (SMD) -0.54, 95% Confidence Interval [-0.75, -0.34], p

Marco Cavaleri,1 Stefano Tigano,1,2 Roberta Nicoletti,1,2 Valeria La Rosa,1,2 Alberto Terminella,3 Giacomo Cusumano,3 Filippo Sanfilippo,1 Marinella Astuto1,2 1Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, Section of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital “G. Rodolico”, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy; 2School of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital “G. Rodolico”, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy; 3Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University Hospital “G. Rodolico” - San Marco Hospital, Catania, 95121, ItalyCorrespondence: Marco CavaleriDepartment of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, Section of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital “G. Rodolico”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, 95123, ItalyTel +393339369927Email markuscava@gmail.comIntroduction: The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a recently implemented analgesic technique initially reported for thoracic analgesia and subsequently adopted for both intra- and postoperative pain management. Thoracic surgery is among the most painful surgical procedures, even when conducted with minimally invasive approach. Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) challenges the traditional analgesic regimens as one of its aims is to decrease the patient’s length of stay (LOS) whilst achieving optimal postoperative pain management. Furthermore, there is lots of growing evidence on the impact of poorly controlled postoperative pain (PP) on the development of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP). In these case series, we aim to describe our preliminary experience of postoperative pain management with continuous ESPB in the field of RATS.Case Series Presentation: In eight consecutive patients undergoing elective RATS procedure, we performed the ESPB after surgery with an initial bolus of local anesthetic followed by catheter insertion for continuous infusion. The infusion of local anesthetic lasted for the first two postoperative days. The effectiveness of the ESPB was evaluated through serial pain assessment with numeric rate scale (NRS) score, both at rest and during movement every 6 hours. Any analgesic rescue drug prescription was reported. We noted that the ESPB strongly reduced the prescription of opioids and of rescue analgesic. In our series, only one patient needed opioids during the first two postoperative days, and no rescue analgesic administration was noted in the remaining cases.Conclusion: We report a small but promising experience regarding postoperative pain management with continuous ESPB performed after RATS. We implemented the ESPB before surgery. Larger studies on postoperative pain management with continuous regional blocks in thoracic surgery are warranted.Keywords: pain management, regional block, thoracic surgery, postoperative care

Mitochondrial DNA double-strand breaks (mtDSBs) are toxic lesions that compromise the integrity of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and alter mitochondrial function.sup.1. Communication between mitochondria and the nucleus is essential to maintain cellular homeostasis; however, the nuclear response to mtDSBs remains unknown.sup.2. Here, using mitochondrial-targeted transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs).sup.1,3,4, we show that mtDSBs activate a type-I interferon response that involves the phosphorylation of STAT1 and activation of interferon-stimulated genes. After the formation of breaks in the mtDNA, herniation.sup.5 mediated by BAX and BAK releases mitochondrial RNA into the cytoplasm and triggers a RIG-I-MAVS-dependent immune response. We further investigated the effect of mtDSBs on interferon signalling after treatment with ionizing radiation and found a reduction in the activation of interferon-stimulated genes when cells that lack mtDNA are exposed to gamma irradiation. We also show that mtDNA breaks synergize with nuclear DNA damage to mount a robust cellular immune response. Taken together, we conclude that cytoplasmic accumulation of mitochondrial RNA is an intrinsic immune surveillance mechanism for cells to cope with mtDSBs, including breaks produced by genotoxic agents. Breaks in mitochondrial DNA cause leakage of mitochondrial RNA into the cytoplasm, enhancing immune surveillance and synergizing with nuclear DNA damage to mount a robust type-I interferon immune response., Author(s): Marco Tigano [sup.1] [sup.2] , Danielle C. Vargas [sup.1] , Samuel Tremblay-Belzile [sup.1] [sup.2] , Yi Fu [sup.1] [sup.2] , Agnel Sfeir [sup.1] [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) Skirball Institute [...]

Gene regulatory divergence is thought to play an important role in adaptation, yet its extent and underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive for local adaptation with gene flow. Local adaptation is widespread in marine species despite generally high connectivity and is often associated with tightly linked genomic architectures, such as chromosomal inversions. To investigate gene regulatory evolution under gene flow and the role of inversions associated with local adaptation to a steep thermal gradient, we generated RNA-seq data from Atlantic silversides (Menidia menidia) from two locally adapted populations and their F1 hybrids, reared under two temperatures. We found substantial divergence in gene expression and thermal plasticity between populations, with up to 31% of genes being differentially expressed. Reduced thermal plasticity, temperature-dependent gene misexpression, and the disruption of coexpression networks in hybrids point toward a role of regulatory incompatibilities in local adaptation, particularly under colder temperatures. Chromosomal inversions show an accumulation of regulatory incompatibilities but are not consistently enriched for differentially expressed genes. Together, these results suggest that gene regulation can diverge substantially among populations despite gene flow, partly due to the accumulation of temperature-dependent regulatory incompatibilities within inversions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Inappropriate authors’ self-citation (A-SC) is a growing mal-practice possibly boosted by the raising importance given to author’s metrics. Similarly, also excessive journals’ self-citation (J-SC) practice may factitiously influence journal’s metrics (impact factor, IF). Evaluating the appropriateness of each self-citation remains challenging. Main body We evaluated the presence of policies discouraging A-SC in Critical Care Medicine (CCM) journals with IF. We also calculated the J-SC rate of these journals. In order to evaluate if J-SC rates are influenced by the focus of interest of CCM journals, we separated them in three sub-categories (“multidisciplinary”, “broad” or “topic-specific” CCM journals). We analyzed 35 CCM journals and only 5 (14.3%) discouraged excessive and inappropriate A-SC. The median IF was higher in CCM journals with A-SC policies [4.1 (3–12)] as compared to those without [2.5 (2–3.5); p = 0.02]. The J-SC rate was highly variable (0–35.4%), and not influenced by the presence of A-SC policies (p = 0.32). However, J-SC rate was different according to the focus of interest (p = 0.01): in particular, it was higher in “topic-specific” CCM journals [15.3 (8.8–23.3%)], followed by “broad” CCM [11.8 (4.8–17.9%)] and “multidisciplinary” journals [6.1 (3.6–9.1%)]. Conclusions A limited number of CCM journals have policies for limiting A-SC, and these have higher IF. The J-SC rate among CCM journals is highly variable and higher in “topic-specific” interest CCM journals. Excluding self-referencing practice from scientific metrics calculation could be valuable to tackle this scientific malpractice.

This article explores the relationship between radiation therapy and the immune system in the tumor microenvironment. It discusses the complex effects of radiation on the immune system, including both stimulating and suppressing effects. The article emphasizes the need for a better understanding of this interaction to design interventions that promote a stimulating immune environment. It also discusses the potential of combining radiation therapy with other treatments, such as immunotherapy and DNA damage response inhibitors, to enhance the immune response against tumors. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind radiation-induced immune modulation and to determine the best combinations of treatments for optimal clinical outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background Kounis syndrome (KS) has been described as the coincidental occurrence of acute coronary syndromes during an allergic reaction with cardiac anaphylaxis. It is caused by inflammatory mediators released after exposure to drugs, food, environmental and other triggers. Oxidative stress occurring in various inflammatory disorders causes molecular damage with the production of advanced oxidation products (AOPPs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Case presentation Markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in a patient who had experienced KS after antibiotic administration in order to investigate the possible role of these molecules in KS. No data, up to now, are available on biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with drug-induced KS. Conclusions AOPPs, but not AGEs, were significantly increased in the KS affected patient compared to controls as already reported in mastocytosis affected patients.

Il lavoro si propone di indagare l’insieme delle strutture e delle istituzioni meglio note con il termine “Inquisizione”. A tal fine, si tenterà di ricostruire l’evoluzione storica dell’Inquisizione in Italia, esaminandone la struttura organizzativa e mettendola a raffronto con quella spagnola e portoghese. La ricerca così impostata può essere l’occasione per fornire un contributo al più preciso inquadramento, sotto il profilo giuridico, delle strutture processuali etichettate col termine “Inquisizione”. A tal fine, l’indagine sarà dedicata, in particolare, all’esame degli istituti istruttori e investigativi presenti nel diritto canonico, allo scopo di metterne in luce i tratti fisionomici peculiari e la stretta correlazione con istituti presenti nel moderno processo penale. Oltre a ciò, l’indagine mira ad evidenziare la doppia finalità delle strutture processuali inquisitorie dell’epoca: da un lato, il riconoscimento, da parte dell’accusato, dell’errore addebitatogli; dall’altro lato, la conseguente svalutazione, sul piano ideologico, dell’opinione professata, al fine di dimostrare come il sistema di rapporti tra accusa, accusato e giudice era finalizzato non tanto ad infliggere una pena al soggetto ritenuto colpevole, quanto ad assicurare la vittoria del bene sul male. The paper is aimed at investigating the set of structures and institutions well known with the term “Inquisition”. To this end, the historical evolution of the Inquisition in Italy will be analyzed, examining its organizational structure and comparing it with the Spanish and Portuguese one. Such a research can be an opportunity to provide a contribution to the most precise framing of the trial structures labeled with the term “Inquisition”. For this purpose, the investigation will be specifically devoted to the examination of the inquest and investigative institutions present in canon law in order to highlight the peculiar physiognomic aspects and the close connection with institutions present in the modern criminal trial. Besides, the research is aimed at highlighting the double purpose of the inquisitive structures of that age. On the one hand , the acknowledgement, by the defendant, of the error of charging him; on the other hand the consequent devaluation, on the ideological level, of the professed opinion, in order to show how the system of relations between the prosecutor, the defendant and the judge was aimed not so much at imposing a penalty on the guilty, but to ensure the victory of the good on the wrong.

Understanding the adaptive potential of populations and species is pivotal for minimizing the loss of biodiversity in this era of rapid climate change. Adaptive potential has been estimated in various ways, including based on levels of standing genetic variation, presence of potentially beneficial alleles, and/or the severity of environmental change. Kokanee salmon, the non‐migratory ecotype of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), is culturally and economically important and has already been impacted by the effects of climate change. To assess its climate vulnerability moving forward, we integrated analyses of standing genetic variation, genotype‐environment associations, and climate modeling based on sequence and structural genomic variation from 224 whole genomes sampled from 22 lakes in British Columbia and Yukon (Canada). We found that variables for extreme temperatures, particularly warmer temperatures, had the most pervasive signature of selection in the genome and were the strongest predictors of levels of standing variation and of putatively adaptive genomic variation, both sequence and structural. Genomic offset estimates, a measure of climate vulnerability, were significantly correlated with higher increases in extreme warm temperatures, further highlighting the risk of summer heat waves that are predicted to increase in frequency in the future. Levels of standing genetic variation, an important metric for population viability and resilience, were not correlated with genomic offset. Nonetheless, our combined approach highlights the importance of integrating different sources of information and genomic data to formulate more comprehensive and accurate predictions on the vulnerability of populations and species to future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In several settings, the COVID-19 pandemic determined a negative impact on the occurrence of healthcare-associated infection, particularly for on central lines associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). In our setting, we observed a significant increase in CLABSI in our intensive care unit (ICU) during 2020 and 2021 vs. 2018 to 2019. A refresher training activity on central venous catheter (CVC) management bundles was carried out in September–October 2021 for the ICU health staff. We assessed the impact of bundle implementation by means of standardized indicators, such as the Device Utilization Ratio (DUR), in this case, the Central Line Utilization Ratio, the Standardized Utilization Ratio (SUR), and the device Standardized Infection Ratio (dSIR). Standardized ratios for device use and infection ratio were computed using data from 2018 and 2019 as expectation data. After bundle implementation, we observed a significant reduction of dSIR (p < 0.001), which dropped from 3.23 and 2.99 in the 2020–2021 biennium to 1.11 in 2022 (CLABSI in the first quarter only); no more CLABSI were observed afterwards. Standardized ratios proved helpful in identify increasing trends of CLABSI in the ICU and monitoring the impact of a simple effective tool, i.e., training on and implementation of a bundle for CVC management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]