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The appeals to intensify the habit of reading are so recurrent that it seems unnecessary to insist on its benefits for the development of the most important human faculties. Over time, however, this activity has been accomplished differently depending on its material conditions and, above all, on the functions that writing assumes. Nowadays the same value of writing is changing and reveals its last manifestation, the digital one, which creates texts that have not yet been transformed into actual works.

In this study, we investigated primary school children's perspectives on their hearing and listening in classrooms with different acoustic quality levels. The sample included 213 children. The children completed a self-report questionnaire rating how well they could hear and listen in various situations in classrooms with two different acoustic conditions: "Poor acoustic quality" (long reverberation time [Long RT]) versus "Adequate acoustic quality" (short reverberation time [Short RT]) equipped with a sound-absorbing system. The results showed that auditory perception in the two conditions depends on the child's age, with only fourth- and fifth-grade children reporting benefits from classroom acoustic correction. Our study provides preliminary results on children's perspectives regarding their hearing and listening experiences during school learning, drawing out the implications for the design and implementation of school metacognitive interventions aimed at improving children's and teachers' awareness of motivational-affective, regulative, and environmental aspects favoring listening at school.

This systematic review addressed the following question: Which are the relations between L1 and/or L2 foundational and upper-level language skills, cognitive skills, high-order cognitive and self-regulation factors and L2-English reading comprehension skills in 11-to-19 year EFL secondary school students with different L1 language profiles? Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, twenty-seven studies were included for a systematic synthesis of results in the light of the different grades of "family language distance" between L1 and L2-English (i.e., "close related" vs. "partially related" vs. "not related"). We found that several L1 and L2 language skills (e.g., vocabulary, morphological awareness), cognitive skills (e.g., working memory) and high-order factors as metacognitive knowledge were positively associated with L2-English reading comprehension, regardless of different language groups. Conversely, we found that several well-known predictors of text comprehension are neglected in the scientific literature on reading in L2. We discuss practical implications and key recommendations to support school and future research.

Summary: Background: Real-world data on gene addition therapy (GAT) with onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA), including all age groups and with or without symptoms of the disease before treatment are needed to provide families with evidence-based advice and realistic therapeutic goals. Aim of this study is therefore a population-based analysis of all patients with SMA treated with OA across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH). Methods: This observational study included individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treated with OA in 29 specialized neuromuscular centers in the D-A-CH-region. A standardized data set including WHO gross motor milestones, SMA validated motor assessments, need for nutritional and respiratory support, and adverse events was collected using the SMArtCARE registry and the Swiss-Reg-NMD. Outcome data were analyzed using a prespecified statistical analysis plan including potential predictors such as age at GAT, SMN2 copy number, past treatment, and symptom status. Findings: 343 individuals with SMA (46% male, 54% female) with a mean age at OA of 14.0 months (range 0–90, IQR 20.0 months) were included in the analysis. 79 (23%) patients were clinically presymptomatic at the time of treatment. 172 (50%) patients received SMN2 splice-modifying drugs prior to GAT (risdiplam: n = 16, nusinersen: n = 154, both: n = 2). Functional motor improvement correlated with lower age at GAT, with the best motor outcome in those younger than 6 weeks, carrying 3 SMN2 copies, and being clinically presymptomatic at time of treatment. The likelihood of requiring ventilation or nutritional support showed a significantly increase with older age at the time of GAT and remained stable thereafter. Pre-treatment had no effect on disease trajectories. Liver-related adverse events occurred significantly less frequently up to 8 months of age. All other adverse events showed an even distribution across all age and weight groups. Interpretation: Overall, motor, respiratory, and nutritional outcome were dependent on timing of GAT and initial symptom status. It was best in presymptomatic children treated within the first six weeks of life, but functional motor scores also increased significantly after treatment in all age groups up to 24 months. Additionally, OA was best tolerated when administered at a young age. Our study therefore highlights the need for SMA newborn screening and immediate treatment to achieve the best possible benefit-risk ratio. Funding: The SMArtCARE and Swiss-Reg-NMD registries are funded by different sources (see acknowledgements).

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of a feed additive consisting of vitamin B2/riboflavin produced with Eremothecium ashbyi CCTCCM 2019833 intended for use as a nutritional additive (functional group: vitamins, pro‐vitamins and chemically well‐defined substances having similar effects) for all animal species. The characterisation, safety and efficacy of the additive have been already assessed previously; however, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additive for the target species, consumers and the users due to lack of reliable toxicological data. In the present assessment, the applicant submitted new genotoxicity and repeated dose oral toxicity studies. After the assessment of the data newly submitted, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the feed additive in animal nutrition under the conditions of use proposed is of no safety concern for the target species and the consumer. The additive is not a skin/eye irritant nor a skin sensitiser, but it is considered a respiratory sensitiser.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of ponceau 4R as sensory additives (functional group: (a) colourants: (i) substances that add or restore colour in feedingstuffs). The additive is already authorised for use with cats and dogs and ornamental fish. The additive is intended to be incorporated in freshwater fishing baits up to a maximum of 15 mg/kg in complementary feed in order to colour them. The additive is intended to be incorporated into feed directly in solid form or via an aqueous solution. The additive is not intended for use in aquaculture. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that ponceau 4R is considered safe when used in fish baits for freshwater fish at the maximum proposed dose of 15 mg/kg complementary feed. The use of the feed additive ponceau 4R fish baits for freshwater fish under the conditions of use proposed is of no concern for consumer safety. Ponceau 4R is not skin irritant but should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the eye irritation potential of the additive. In absence of data no conclusion can be reached on the efficacy of ponceau 4R in freshwater fish baits.

Abstract Ammonium propionate is authorised as a liquid preparation of ≥ 19% ammonium propionate, ≤ 80% propionic acid and ≤ 30% water. The applicant requested for the renewal of the authorisation of ammonium propionate when used as a feed additive for all terrestrial animal species. The applicant has provided evidence that the additive in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) confirms that the use of ammonium propionate under the current authorised conditions of use is safe for the target species, the consumers and the environment. Concerning the user safety, the additive is corrosive to skin and eyes. Any exposure is considered a risk. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of tartrazine as sensory additive (functional group: (a) colourants: (i) substances that add or restore colour in feedingstuffs). Tartrazine is intended to be incorporated in fishing baits up to a maximum of 30 mg/kg in complementary feed in order to colour them and attract fish in freshwater (ponds, rivers), for both recreational and competitive fishing. The additive is not intended for use in aquaculture. Tartrazine is already authorised for use with cats and dogs, ornamental fish, grain‐eating ornamental birds and small rodents. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of tartrazine in the preparation of baits for freshwater fish under the proposed conditions of use is of no concern for the target animals. The use of tartrazine as a feed additive under the proposed conditions of use is considered safe for the consumer and the environment. Regarding the user safety, the additive should be considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Inhalation and dermal exposure are considered a risk. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the irritation potential of the additive. In absence of data, no conclusion can be reached on the efficacy of tartrazine in freshwater fish baits.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the application for the renewal of the authorisation of fumaric acid as a technological and sensory additive (functional groups: preservative and flavouring compounds, respectively) and for a new use of the additive as a technological additive (functional group: acidity regulator) for all animal species. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that fumaric acid remains safe under the authorised conditions of use for the terrestrial animals, consumers and the environment. However, the Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the aquatic animals under all authorised condition of use. Fumaric acid is irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser due to the presence of nickel. The Panel also considers that the new use of the additive as an acidity regulator under proposed conditions of use would not introduce risks not already considered. There is no need to assess the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation (for its use as preservative and flavouring compound). The Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of fumaric acid as an acidity regulator in feed.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a Camellia oleifera C.Abel seed extract (Cosap®) as technological feed additive for all animal species except fin fish. In the absence of adequate tolerance studies in the target species or toxicological studies with the additive under assessment, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not conclude on the safety of C. oleifera extract for the target species. The use of the additive in animal nutrition is not expected to cause concern for consumer safety. The additive is considered as irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes. No conclusions can be reached on the potential of the additive to be irritant to the skin or to be a dermal sensitiser. The use of the additive under the proposed conditions of use is considered safe for the terrestrial compartment. However, no conclusion can be reached on the safety of the additive for the environment when used in feed of aquatic animals other than fin fish. The Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious as an emulsifier when used according to proposed conditions of use.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of lutein‐rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. as sensory additive (functional group: Colourants (ii) substances which, when fed to animals, add colours to food of animal origin) for turkeys for fattening. The additive is already authorised for use in feed for chickens for fattening and minor poultry for fattening and laying hens and minor poultry for laying. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta is safe for turkeys for fattening when used up to the maximum proposed use level of 80 mg total carotenoids/kg complete feed. The Panel concluded that the use of lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta in feed for turkeys for fattening under the proposed conditions of use would not be of concern for the consumer, considering also its use in other poultry for fattening and for laying hens. Regarding user safety, the lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta extract is irritant to skin and eyes and any exposure is considered a risk. The conclusions on user safety reached for the lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta would, in principle, apply to preparations made with it. The use of the additive in feed for turkeys for fattening under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to colour the skin of turkeys for fattening at the proposed conditions of use.

Abstract Propionic acid is currently authorised as a technological additive (functional group: silage additives) for all animal species. The applicants requested for the renewal of the authorisation of propionic acid when used as a feed additive for all terrestrial animal species. The applicants have provided evidence that the additive in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) confirms that the use of propionic acid under the current authorised conditions of use is safe for the target species, the consumers and the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive is corrosive to the skin and any exposure to users is considered a risk. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of diclazuril (Clinacox® 0.5%) as a coccidiostat for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying. The additive currently on the market complies with the existing conditions of authorisation. The additive remains safe for the target species and the consumer under the authorised conditions of use. The additive is irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract but is not a skin sensitiser. Exposure by inhalation cannot be excluded. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the environment of diclazuril from Clinacox® 0.5% due to lack of data. Diclazuril from Clinacox® 0.5% at a concentration of 1 mg diclazuril/kg complete feed has the potential to control coccidiosis in chickens for fattening. This conclusion is extended to chickens reared for laying. Development of resistance to diclazuril of field Eimeria spp. strains isolated from chickens should be monitored.

Abstract Sodium propionate is authorised containing at least 98.5% of sodium propionate. The applicants requested for the renewal of the authorisation of sodium propionate when used as a feed additive for all terrestrial animal species. The applicant has provided evidence that the additive in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) confirms that the use of sodium propionate under the current authorised conditions of use is safe for the target species, the consumers and the environment. Considering the user safety, the additive is corrosive to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, but is not a skin sensitiser. There is no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on red carotenoid‐rich Paracoccus carotinifaciens NITE SD 00017 for salmon and trout (category: sensory additives; functional group: colourants; substances which when fed to animals add colours to food of animal origin) for the renewal of its authorisation. The applicant provided evidence that the additive complies with the conditions of the authorisation. The Panel concludes that the use of the additive in salmon and trout remains safe for the target species, the consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. When assessing consumer exposure to canthaxanthin and adonirubin at the level of the existing maximum residue limits (MRL) for poultry and the proposed MRL for trout/salmon (5 mg/kg muscle), the exposure of consumers exceeds the acceptable daily intake (ADI) in the population classes toddlers and other children. The Panel considers that there is no need to restrict the use of the additive to fish older than 6 months or of more than 50 g. Red carotenoid‐rich Paracoccus carotinifaciens NITE SD 00017 is not irritant to the skin, but is irritant to the eyes. It is considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser and any exposure via skin or the respiratory tract is a risk.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of indigo carmine as a colourant feed additive for cats, dogs and ornamental fish. In its previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that indigo carmine is safe for cats and dogs at levels up to 250 mg/kg complete feed and for ornamental fish up to 1000 mg/kg complete feed. These conclusions were limited to indigo carmine with a purity of at least 93% colouring matter. For the current assessment, the applicant submitted additional data on the characterisation and on the toxicological profile to support the safety of the additive with the purity of at least 85% colouring matter. Based on the new data submitted, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that indigo carmine (purity of at least 85% colouring matter) is safe for cats and dogs at levels up to 250 mg/kg complete feed and for ornamental fish up to 1000 mg/kg complete feed.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Quillaja saponaria powder and Yucca schidigera powder (Magni‐Phi®) for all avian species (to slaughter age/weight, or to the point of lay) and ornamental birds, as a zootechnical additive (digestibility enhancer and other zootechnical additives). The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening at the level of 250 mg/kg complete feed with a margin of safety of 20 assuming that the additive contains 3.58% of saponins. This conclusion was extrapolated to all growing poultry species and ornamental birds. The Panel concluded that the use of the feed additive in animal nutrition at 250 mg/kg complete feed is of no concern for the safety for the consumer and the environment. The Panel also concluded that the additive is not irritant to skin, but irritant to the eyes and to the respiratory system. Due to the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for all poultry species and ornamental birds.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of calcium D‐pantothenate for the renewal of its authorisation as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. The additive calcium D‐pantothenate is already authorised for use in all animal species (3a841). The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of the authorisation and that the production process has not been modified. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive remains safe for all animal species, consumers and the environment. Calcium D‐pantothenate is not irritant to skin and eyes and is not a skin sensitiser. The present application for renewal of the authorisation does not include any modification proposal that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive, and therefore, there is no need for re‐assessing the efficacy.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide as technological feed additives for all animal species. In its previous opinion on the safety and efficacy of the additives, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide is safe, when added to sodium chloride at a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg for turkeys for fattening and laying hens and other laying/breeding birds, all porcine species and categories, all ruminant species and categories, rabbits, horses, salmonids and other minor fin fish, dogs and cats. However, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additives for chickens for fattening and other poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding other than turkeys, and for all species/categories other than the above listed. In the current assessment, the applicant is proposing a maximum content of 60 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg sodium chloride for chickens for fattening and other poultry species (except turkeys) for fattening or reared for laying/breeding and for all species/categories other than the listed above. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that sodium ferrocyanide and potassium ferrocyanide are safe at a maximum content of 80 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg sodium chloride for: turkeys for fattening and reared for breeding, laying hens and other laying/breeding birds, all porcine species, all ruminant species, rabbits, equines, salmonids and minor fin fish, dogs and cats. The Panel concluded also that a maximum content of 60 mg ferrocyanide anions (anhydrous)/kg sodium chloride is safe for chickens for fattening and minor poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding and all other animal species.

BACKGROUND: The forced vital capacity (FVC) of healthy individuals depends on their age, sex, ethnicity and height. Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is characterised by loss of FVC. We compared FVC values in the subjects with SSc-ILD in the SENSCIS trial of nintedanib versus placebo with values from hypothetical matched healthy references. METHODS: The SENSCIS trial enrolled subjects with SSc with first non-Raynaud symptom in the prior ≤ 7 years, extent of fibrotic ILD on HRCT ≥ 10%, and FVC ≥ 40% predicted. FVC at baseline and decline in FVC over 52 weeks were compared with FVC values in hypothetical healthy reference subjects matched 1:1 to the subjects in the trial for age, sex, ethnicity and height, determined using equations published by the European Respiratory Society Global Lung Function Initiative. RESULTS: At baseline, mean (SD) FVC was 2460 (737) mL in the nintedanib group (n = 287) compared with 3403 (787) mL in the hypothetical matched healthy references. Mean (SD) FVC was 2544 (817) mL in the placebo group (n = 286) compared with 3516 (887) mL in the hypothetical matched healthy references. Mean (SE) changes in FVC at week 52, i.e., age-related loss of lung function, in the hypothetical healthy references matched to the nintedanib and placebo groups, respectively, were - 26.3 (0.5) mL and - 25.8 (0.5) mL. The difference in the change in FVC at week 52 between the nintedanib group and the hypothetical healthy references was 26.6 mL (95% CI: 1.2, 52.0; p = 0.04). The difference in the change in FVC at week 52 between the placebo group and the hypothetical healthy references was 77.5 mL (95% CI: 51.4, 103.7; p

Time is an omnipresent key dimension in everyone's life, yet academic time has only recently found scholarly attention. The temporal aspects of quality assurance, in particular, are basically unchartered territory. Taking a chronopolitical perspective, this article aims to close the gap, by critically examining how temporalities are firmly embedded in many quality assurance schemes and routines. Using various examples from internal and external quality assurance, the author demonstrates and discusses how such mechanisms are not only binding time but regulating and governing it, imposing temporal norms regarding tempo, rhythm, time-spans, time-scales and time ownership on higher education institutions and the people working and learning there. Concludingly, the article advocates a more reflective approach towards the notion of time in quality assurance, as latent temporalities appear to be far more consequential for the effectiveness of quality assurance than methodological micro-differences.

This two-study research built and validated the new questionnaire "LO-COMPASS: Learning Orientation-Cognition Metacognition Participation Assessment" aimed at capturing the interplay between cognitive, metacognitive, and affective-motivational learning attributes in middle school students' learning orientations proved to be significant predictors of middle school students' achievements. In Study 1: (N = 212) an Exploratory Factorial Analysis (EFA) was carried out to investigate the factorial latent structure of the questionnaire, while in Study 2: (N = 233) this structure was checked by a Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (CFA). The goodness of fit indices resulting from the CFA were sufficiently good overall: CFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.04, SRMR = 0.06. Furthermore, in Study 2 the convergent/discriminant validity of the latent factors of the questionnaire and their association with school achievement were verified. LO-COMPASS factors including an interplay of cognitive, metacognitive, and affective-motivational attributes of learning orientations are discussed within the framework of the existing literature and the practical implications are delineated.

Effective zero-touch management and orchestration (ZSM&O) is crucial for scaling network slicing, particularly transitioning toward Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G networks. This paper empirically validates the network slicing framework developed under the European Union Horizon 2020 MonB5G project. Building on three years of academia-industry collaboration, MonB5G introduces a flexible slicing model featuring umbrella slices that orchestrate modular, specialized slices across multi-domain environments to address next-generation service demands. For the first time, we evaluate its practicality in a 5G cloud-native testbed through a virtual reality (VR) streaming use case, supported by solutions such as federated learning-based CPU forecasting, anomaly detection, and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for radio access network (RAN) optimization. The paper offers insights from technically demanding experimental tests and highlights challenges and development paths for managing next-generation mobile networks.

Abstract Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive loss of the ventricular myocardium causing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, syncope and sudden cardiac death in young and athletes. About 40% of AC cases carry one or more mutations in genes encoding for desmosomal proteins, including Desmoplakin (Dsp). We present here the first stable Dsp knock-out (KO) zebrafish line able to model cardiac alterations and cell signalling dysregulation, characteristic of the AC disease, on which environmental factors and candidate drugs can be tested. Our stable Dsp knock-out (KO) zebrafish line was characterized by cardiac alterations, oedema and bradycardia at larval stages. Histological analysis of mutated adult hearts showed reduced contractile structures and abnormal shape of the ventricle, with thinning of the myocardial layer, vessels dilation and presence of adipocytes within the myocardium. Moreover, TEM analysis revealed “pale”, disorganized and delocalized desmosomes. Intensive physical training protocol caused a global worsening of the cardiac phenotype, accelerating the progression of the disease. Of note, we detected a decrease of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, recently associated with AC pathogenesis, as well as Hippo/YAP-TAZ and TGF-β pathway dysregulation. Pharmacological treatment of mutated larvae with SB216763, a Wnt/β-catenin agonist, rescued pathway expression and cardiac abnormalities, stabilizing the heart rhythm. Overall, our Dsp KO zebrafish line recapitulates many AC features observed in human patients, pointing at zebrafish as a suitable system for in vivo analysis of environmental modulators, such as the physical exercise, and the screening of pathway-targeted drugs, especially related to the Wnt/β-catenin signalling cascade.

Background: In systemic sclerosis (SSc), cardiac involvement is frequent, heterogeneous, and related to a poor prognosis. Due to a longer life expectancy, the development of degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) is not uncommon. The aim of this article is to report the characteristics of AS in SSc, analyzing the rate of progression, the management, and the outcome. Methods: This is a case series conducted at the Department of Cardiology of Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy. Results: From January 2007 to December 2022, we analyzed 234 patients with SSc. Ten/234 patients (4.3%) showed severe AS and were included in the analysis (age 75.5 years [IQR 58–84], nine females). Nine had limited and one diffuse SSc. Two patients were in NHYA/WHO II and eight in NYHA/WHO III. All had degenerative three-leaflet AS. Two patients showed severe AS at the first evaluation, and eight developed severe AS during the follow-up, with a time progression from moderate to severe AS of 3.2 ± 1.1 years (progression rate −0.190 ± 0.012 cm2/year for aortic valve area, 8.6 ± 6.1 mmHg/year for mean aortic gradient, 16 ± 7 mmHg/year for peak aortic gradient, and 0.5 ± 0.3 m/s/year for aortic peak velocity). Seven out of 10 patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), one underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), one was left untreated, and one was on a waiting list for TAVI. No major complications after TAVI or SAVR occurred. At a mean follow-up of 5.9 ± 3.9 years, eight patients are alive and two died. Conclusion: Severe AS is a relevant cardiac complication of SSc and must be considered in the screening and during the follow-up. Its rapid progression rate may tentatively be due to autoimmunity, degenerative burden, and chronic inflammation.

The Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo, named San Carlone for its large dimensions, represents a unique opportunity to study the long-term effects of atmospheric corrosion on patina formation on historic copper sheets. The sculpture’s large dimensions, complex geometry, direct visitor interaction, and exposure conditions generate different microclimates. The purpose of this study is to understand how and to what extent these microclimates affect the formation of the copper patinas. The results show that microclimates play a key role in patina formation: in external surfaces exposed to rain, the main constituent is brochantite, whereas a wider variety of corrosion products have been found in sheltered and internal surfaces, such as antlerite, atacamite, copper oxalate, posnjakite, and anglesite.