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Frequency conversion in nonlinear materials is an extremely useful solution to the generation of new optical frequencies. Often, it is the only viable solution to realize light sources highly relevant for applications in science and industry. In particular, supercontinuum generation in waveguides, defined as the extreme spectral broadening of an input pulsed laser light, is a powerful technique to bridge distant spectral regions based on single-pass geometry, without requiring additional seed lasers or temporal synchronization. Owing to the influence of dispersion on the nonlinear broadening physics, supercontinuum generation had its breakthrough with the advent of photonic crystal fibers, which permitted an advanced control of light confinement, thereby greatly improving our understanding of the underlying phenomena responsible for supercontinuum generation. More recently, maturing in fabrication of photonic integrated waveguides has resulted in access to supercontinuum generation platforms benefiting from precise lithographic control of dispersion, high yield, compact footprint, and improved power consumption. This Review aims to present a comprehensive overview of supercontinuum generation in chip-based platforms, from underlying physics mechanisms up to the most recent and significant demonstrations. The diversity of integrated material platforms, as well as specific features of waveguides, is opening new opportunities, as will be discussed here.

We study the lateral leakage of a silicon nitride loaded lithium niobate on sapphire waveguide in the mid-infrared regime. We then combine lateral leakage and dispersion engineering to numerically demonstrate mid-infrared supercontinuum generation extending from 2400nm to 5000nm

This work demonstrates SiN strip-loaded lithium niobate waveguides with nonlinear optical properties, focusing on their performance when pumped at telecom wavelength. Experimental results show second and third harmonic generation in periodically poled SiN/LiNbO3. Furthermore, simulations reveal that these waveguides can be dispersion engineered to generate supercontinuum. The findings highlight the potential of SiN strip-loaded lithium niobate platform in sustaining broadband nonlinear light sources.

We study the antimony trisulfide’s (Sb2S3) linear optical properties for potential applications in reconfigurable chip-based supercontinuum mid-IR sources. We experimentally demonstrate that Sb2S3 cladding on SiGe-on-Si waveguides induces relatively low extra propagation loss below 1 dB/cm between 3.3 and 3.9 μm wavelength.

OBJECTIVE:  This study aimed to assess factors that influence patients decisions in accepting prenatal diagnostic testing following genetic counseling for increased risk of fetal aneuploidy. METHODS:  This is a retrospective cohort study of women at increased risk of fetal aneuploidy and genetic disorders who had genetic counseling from January 2012 to December 2016 at a single academic center. Demographics, indications for genetic counseling, and rates of diagnostic testing were collected and compared between those who accepted diagnostic testing and those who chose cell free DNA. The variables were analyzed using Chi-square, Fishers exact test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULT:  Of the 2,373 pregnant women who underwent genetic counseling for increased risk of fetal aneuploidy and genetic disorders during the study period, 321 women had diagnostic testing (13.5%). Women at 35 years and older accepted diagnostic testing more than women younger than 35 years (20.7 vs. 11.5%, p

Domenico Chirchiglia,1 Attilio Della Torre,1 Domenico Murrone,2 Pasquale Chirchiglia,3 Rosa Marotta4 1Department of Neurosurgery, Neurophysiopathology Unit, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, 2Neurosurgery Department, Di Venere Hospital, Bari, 3School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, 4Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy Abstract: Cerebral cavernous angioma or cavernoma is a benign vascular malformation, usually asymptomatic. It is infrequent and often its discovery is incidental, a so-called incidentaloma. However, these lesions can be symptomatic, causing headaches, epilepsy, cerebral hemorrhage and other neurological signs depending on the brain area involved. Frontal localization is responsible for psychiatric disorders, particularly the prefrontal region, leading to prefrontal syndrome, a condition common in all frontal lobe tumors. Psychopathological syndrome can be depression-type, pseudodepression syndrome or maniac-type, pseudomaniac syndrome. Surgical treatment of lesions like this may not always be possible due to their location in eloquent areas. In this study, we describe an unusual association of migraine-like headache, epilepsy and frontal lobe pseudodepression late-onset syndrome in the same patient. We have considered this case interesting mainly for the rarity of both a headache with migraine features and for the late onset of pseudodepression syndrome. Pathophysiology underlying migraine-like headache and that concerning the late-onset pseudodepression frontal lobe syndrome seems to be unclear. This case leads to further hypotheses about the mechanisms responsible for headache syndromes and psychopathological disorders, in the specific case when caused by a cerebral frontal lobe lesion. Keywords: cerebral cavernoma, cavernous angioma, headache, frontal syndrome, pseudodepression syndrome

Abstract Background Disease-vector mosquito monitoring is an essential prerequisite to optimize control interventions and evidence-based risk predictions. However, conventional entomological monitoring methods are labor- and time-consuming and do not allow high temporal/spatial resolution. In 2022, a novel system coupling an optical sensor with machine learning technologies (VECTRACK) proved effective in counting and identifying Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens adult females and males. Here, we carried out the first extensive field evaluation of the VECTRACK system to assess: (i) whether the catching capacity of a commercial BG-Mosquitaire trap (BGM) for adult mosquito equipped with VECTRACK (BGM + VECT) was affected by the sensor; (ii) the accuracy of the VECTRACK algorithm in correctly classifying the target mosquito species genus and sex; (iii) Ae. albopictus capture rate of BGM with or without VECTRACK. Methods The same experimental design was implemented in four areas in northern (Bergamo and Padua districts), central (Rome) and southern (Procida Island, Naples) Italy. In each area, three types of traps—one BGM, one BGM + VECT and the combination of four sticky traps (STs)—were rotated each 48 h in three different sites. Each sampling scheme was replicated three times/area. Collected mosquitoes were counted and identified by both the VECTRACK algorithm and operator-mediated morphological examination. The performance of the VECTRACK system was assessed by generalized linear mixed and linear regression models. Aedes albopictus capture rates of BGMs were calculated based on the known capture rate of ST. Results A total of 3829 mosquitoes (90.2% Ae. albopictus) were captured in 18 collection-days/trap/site. BGM and BGM + VECT showed a similar performance in collecting target mosquitoes. Results show high correlation between visual and automatic identification methods (Spearman Ae. albopictus: females = 0.97; males = 0.89; P

Abstract The two main Afrotropical malaria vectors - Anopheles coluzzii and An. gambiae – are genetically distinct and reproductively isolated across West Africa. However, populations at the western extreme of their range are assigned as “intermediate” between the two species by whole genome sequence (WGS) data, and as hybrid forms by conventional molecular diagnostics. By exploiting WGS data from 1190 specimens collected across west Africa via the Anopheles gambiae 1000 Genomes network, we identified a putative taxon in the far-west (provisionally named Bissau molecular form), which did not arise by admixture but rather may have originated at the same time as the split between An. coluzzii and An. gambiae. Intriguingly, this taxon lacks insecticide resistance mechanisms commonly observed in the two main species. These findings lead to a change of perspective on malaria vector species in the far-west region with potential for epidemiological implications, and a new challenge for genetic-based mosquito control approaches.

This work aims to investigate the possibility to apply open-cell foams as catalytic substrates in SCR systems for Diesel engines, as a replacement of traditional honeycombs. In the literature, many studies compare the performance of foams and honeycombs as catalytic substrates, showing, in general, a better mass transfer behavior in foams, compensated on the other hand by a higher pressure drop. In this work, we consider the low-pressure injection of Ad-Blue and we evaluate the performance of the open-cell foam in enhancing the mixing and the evaporation of the spray. A Eulerian-Lagrangian CFD model has been adopted to simulate the spray evolution and its interaction with the microstructure of the open-cell foam. The model has been applied to evaluate the spray evaporation and the uniformity of the ammonia distribution in different sections of the substrate. Different operating conditions were tested comparing substrates with different geometrical properties. The results of this preliminary analysis can be regarded as promising, showing the capability of the foam to enhance the mixing of the spray and to achieve a uniform distribution of the ammonia over all the catalyst substrate.

Domenico Chirchiglia,1 Attilio Della Torre,2 Francesco Signorelli,2 Giorgio Volpentesta,2 Giusy Guzzi,2 Carmelino Angelo Stroscio,2 Federica Deodato,2 Donatella Gabriele,2 Angelo Lavano,2 1Department of Neurosurgery, Neurophysiopathology Unit, 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, Catanzaro, Italy Abstract: Nummular headache has been recently described as a primary disorder characterized by head pain exclusively felt in a small rounded area typically 2–6 cm in diameter, not attributed to another disorder. Both size and shape of the painful area remain constant since the onset of symptoms. A 57-year-old woman presented with a history of focal episodic pain in a circumscribed area on the right parietal region. The administration of standard oral doses of palmitoylethanolamide and topiramate in combination showed an improvement in pain symptoms and on pain measuring scales. Keywords: algometry, migraine, nummular headache, palmitoylethanolamide, topiramate

Abstract The lack of studies on LGBTQIA+ people in leadership positions constitutes an investigative gap, which seems contradictory given that 7–15% of the population identifies with part of this community. The present study aimed to describe and explore the narratives of sexual minorities in leadership positions in Brazil and Portugal by comparing the two contexts and analyzing the psychological implications and well-being of this notably underrepresented population. To achieve that, a qualitative study was developed through an electronic interview, from which we obtained 45 participants, from which it was possible to identify 11 regular themes (LGBTQIA+ negativity, Health Impacts, LGBTQIA+ Identity, Impact of LGBTQIA+ identity on leadership, Intersectionality, Organizational Climate, Professional development, Personal characteristics, Social support, Coping strategies and Inspirational leadership). LGBTQIA+ negativity emerged as the most frequently mentioned theme. The results show that people still use avoidance mechanisms or counterfeit their LGBTQIA+ identity at work, while there are people who choose to have their LGBTQIA+ identity visible and use this as a tool to break heterosexist patterns, promoting equality and respect in the organizational environment through a queer leadership. It was possible to analyze the practices of leaders through the lens of queer theory, and we were able to observe that sexual minorities in Portugal and Brazil are united not only by language but also by similar experiences marked by discrimination and challenges, generating a major psychological impact. Despite these difficulties, these leaders tend to use their personal principles, showing characteristics of authentic leadership.

Abstract Background Pyrethroid resistance is one of the major threats for effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) in malaria vector control. Genotyping of mutations in the voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene is widely used to easily assess the evolution and spread of pyrethroid target-site resistance among malaria vectors. L1014F and L1014S substitutions are the most common and best characterized VGSC mutations in major African malaria vector species of the Anopheles gambiae complex. Recently, an additional substitution involved in pyrethroid resistance, i.e. V402L, has been detected in Anopheles coluzzii from West Africa lacking any other resistance alleles at locus 1014. The evolution of target-site resistance mutations L1014F/S and V402L was monitored in An. coluzzii and Anopheles arabiensis specimens from a Burkina Faso village over a 10-year range after the massive ITN scale-up started in 2010. Methods Anopheles coluzzii (N = 300) and An. arabiensis (N = 362) specimens collected both indoors and outdoors by different methods (pyrethrum spray catch, sticky resting box and human landing collections) in 2011, 2015 and 2020 at Goden village were genotyped by TaqMan assays and sequencing for the three target site resistance mutations; allele frequencies were statistically investigated over the years. Results A divergent trend in resistant allele frequencies was observed in the two species: 1014F decreased in An. coluzzii (from 0.76 to 0.52) but increased in An. arabiensis (from 0.18 to 0.70); 1014S occurred only in An. arabiensis and slightly decreased over time (from 0.33 to 0.23); 402L increased in An. coluzzii (from 0.15 to 0.48) and was found for the first time in one An. arabiensis specimen. In 2020 the co-occurrence of different resistance alleles reached 43% in An. coluzzii (alleles 410L and 1014F) and 32% in An. arabiensis (alleles 1014F and 1014S). Conclusions Overall, an increasing level of target-site resistance was observed among the populations with only 1% of the two malaria vector species being wild type at both loci, 1014 and 402, in 2020. This, together with the co-occurrence of different mutations in the same specimens, calls for future investigations on the possible synergism between resistance alleles and their phenotype to implement local tailored intervention strategies.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) shows a rewired metabolism featuring increased fatty acid uptake and synthesis via de novo lipogenesis, both sharply related to mitochondrial physiology. The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that exerts its antitumoral properties via different mechanisms, but its specific action on mitochondria in PCa is not clear. Therefore, we investigated whether the DHA modulates mitochondrial function in PCa cell lines. Methods Here, we evaluated mitochondrial function of non-malignant PNT1A and the castration-resistant (CRPC) prostate 22Rv1 and PC3 cell lines in response to DHA incubation. For this purpose, we used Seahorse extracellular flux assay to assess mitochondria function, [14C]-glucose to evaluate its oxidation as well as its contribution to fatty acid synthesis, 1H-NMR for metabolite profile determination, MitoSOX for superoxide anion production, JC-1 for mitochondrial membrane polarization, mass spectrometry for determination of phosphatidylglycerol levels and composition, staining with MitoTracker dye to assess mitochondrial morphology under super-resolution in addition to Transmission Electron Microscopy, In-Cell ELISA for COX-I and SDH-A protein expression and flow cytometry (Annexin V and 7-AAD) for cell death estimation. Results In all cell lines DHA decreased basal respiratory activity, ATP production, and the spare capacity in mitochondria. Also, the omega-3 induced mitochondrial hyperpolarization, ROS overproduction and changes in membrane phosphatidylglycerol composition. In PNT1A, DHA led to mitochondrial fragmentation and it increased glycolysis while in cancer cells it stimulated glucose oxidation, but decreased de novo lipogenesis specifically in 22Rv1, indicating a metabolic shift. In all cell lines, DHA modulated several metabolites related to energy metabolism and it was incorporated in phosphatidylglycerol, a precursor of cardiolipin, increasing the unsaturation index in the mitochondrial membrane. Accordingly, DHA triggered cell death mainly in PNT1A and 22Rv1. Conclusion In conclusion, mitochondrial metabolism is significantly affected by the PUFA supplementation to the point that cells are not able to proliferate or survive under DHA-enriched condition. Moreover, combination of DHA supplementation with inhibition of metabolism-related pathways, such as de novo lipogenesis, may be synergistic in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Abstract Modelling approaches play a crucial role in supporting local public health agencies by estimating and forecasting vector abundance and seasonality. However, the reliability of these models is contingent on the availability of standardized, high-quality data. Addressing this need, our study focuses on collecting and harmonizing egg count observations of the mosquito Aedes albopictus, obtained through ovitraps in monitoring and surveillance efforts across Albania, France, Italy, and Switzerland from 2010 to 2022. We processed the raw observations to obtain a continuous time series of ovitraps observations allowing for an extensive geographical and temporal coverage of Ae. albopictus population dynamics. The resulting post-processed observations are stored in the open-access database VectAbundance.This initiative addresses the critical need for accessible, high-quality data, enhancing the reliability of modelling efforts and bolstering public health preparedness.

Background & Aims: The loss of ovarian functions defining menopause leads to profound metabolic changes and heightens the risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although estrogens primarily act on the female liver through estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), the specific contribution of impaired ERα signaling in triggering MASLD after menopause remains unclear. Methods: To address this gap in knowledge, we compared the liver transcriptomes of sham-operated (SHAM) and ovariectomized (OVX) control and liver ERα knockout (LERKO) female mice by performing RNA-Seq analysis. Results: OVX led to 1426 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver of control mice compared to 245 DEGs in LERKO mice. Gene ontology analysis revealed a distinct ovariectomy-induced modulation of the liver transcriptome in LERKO compared with controls, indicating that hepatic ERα is functional and necessary for the complete reprogramming of liver metabolism in response to estrogen depletion. Additionally, we observed an ovariectomy-dependent induction of male-biased genes, especially in the liver of control females, pointing to hepatic ERα involvement in the masculinization of the liver after estrogen loss. To investigate the translational relevance of such findings, we assessed liver samples from a cohort of 60 severely obese individuals (51 women; 9 men). Notably, a shift of the liver transcriptome toward a male-like profile was also observed only in obese women with MASLD (n = 43), especially in women ≥51 years old (15/15), suggesting that masculinization of the female liver contributes to MASLD development in obese women. Conclusions: These results highlight the role of hepatic ERα in driving masculinization of the liver transcriptome following menopause, pointing to this receptor as a potential pharmacological target for preventing MASLD in post-menopausal women. Impact and implications:: Despite the increased risk of developing MASLD after menopause, the specific contribution of impaired hepatic estrogen signaling in driving MASLD in females has not been a major research focus, and, thus, has limited the development of tailored strategies that address the specific mechanisms underlying MASLD in post-menopausal women. This study reveals the functional role of hepatic ERα in mediating liver metabolic changes in response to estrogens loss, leading to a shift in the liver transcriptome towards a male-like profile. In women with obesity, this shift is associated with the development of MASLD. These findings underscore the potential of targeting hepatic ERα as a promising approach for developing effective, sex-specific treatments to preserve liver health and prevent or limit the development and progression of MASLD in post-menopausal women.

It has been claimed that the HR "profession" suffers from a chronic shortage of social legitimacy. In this article, we advance the idea that HR is also to some extent subject to public stigmatization for being immoral. In other words, we maintain that certain aspects of contemporary HR work can be conceptualized as morally dirty work. We provide empirical support for this contention by analyzing a set of 28 films portraying HR practitioners at work. The research results comprise both task‐related and method‐related filmic representations of HR work as immoral, thus furnishing a comprehensive and nuanced picture of the moral issues that can affect the HR profession. Furthermore, the results show that some of the HR characters analyzed—typically those who hold a role as (co‐)protagonists in the story—realize the immorality affecting their work and decide to distance themselves from it by either exiting the role, trying to reform it, or openly raising resistance against their employer. These research results suggest the need to integrate dirty work scholarship into study of the HR profession, while they provide important indications in terms of future HR research, practice and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) may aid the design of barn ventilation systems by simulating indoor cattle thermal welfare. In the literature, CFD models of mechanically and naturally ventilated barns are proposed separately. Hybrid ventilation relies on cross effects between air change mechanisms that cannot be studied using existing models. The objective of this study was to develop a CFD methodology for modelling animal thermal comfort in hybrid ventilated barns. To check the capability of CFD as a design evaluation tool, a real case study (with exhaust blowers) and an alternative roof layout (with ridge gaps) were simulated in summer and winter weather. Typical phenomena of natural and mechanical ventilation were considered: buoyancy, solar radiation, and wind together with high-speed fans and exhaust blowers. Cattle thermal load was determined from a daily animal energy balance, and the assessment of thermal welfare was performed using thermohygrometric indexes. Results highlight that the current ventilation layout ensures adequate thermal welfare on average, despite large nonuniformity between stalls. The predicted intensity of heat stress was successfully compared with experimental measurements of heavy breathing duration. Results show strong interactions between natural and mechanical ventilation, underlining the need for an integrated simulation methodology.

Abstract Chronic pain, a complex and debilitating condition, poses a significant challenge to both patients and healthcare providers worldwide. Conventional pharmacological interventions often prove inadequate in delivering satisfactory relief while carrying the risks of addiction and adverse reactions. In recent years, electric neuromodulation emerged as a promising alternative in chronic pain management. This method entails the precise administration of electrical stimulation to specific nerves or regions within the central nervous system to regulate pain signals. Through mechanisms that include the alteration of neural activity and the release of endogenous pain-relieving substances, electric neuromodulation can effectively alleviate pain and improve patients' quality of life. Several modalities of electric neuromodulation, with a different grade of invasiveness, provide tailored strategies to tackle various forms and origins of chronic pain. Through an exploration of the anatomical and physiological pathways of chronic pain, encompassing neurotransmitter involvement, this narrative review offers insights into electrical therapies’ mechanisms of action, clinical utility, and future perspectives in chronic pain management.

Introduction: Multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) with cutaneous involvement has rarely been discussed in dermatologic literature, with few reports. Cutaneous lesions in MCD may induce deep scars, causing a significant impact in the daily life of the patients. The treatment of Castleman’s disease (CD) is usually a challenge, especially in case of cutaneous involvement. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 35-year-old Caucasian man with a 3-year-old history of MCD with cutaneous involvement that we treated with a combined therapy characterized by siltuximab and 1,927 nm fractional laser. The patient showed a therapeutic response, characterized by a reduction of systemic symptoms and cutaneous manifestations. Conclusion: We believe that the combination of siltuximab and 1,927 nm fractional laser might have a synergistic beneficial role in patients with cutaneous iMCD and maximize esthetic outcomes. Anyway, additional evidence is needed to validate our findings.

The activity of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1, a member of the NAD+-dependent deacetylases family) decreases during aging as NAD+ levels naturally decline, thus increasing the risk of several age-associated diseases. Several sirtuin-activating compounds (STACs) have been developed to counteract the age-associated reduction in SIRT1 activity, and some of them are currently under development in clinical trials. STACs induce SIRT1 activation, either through allosteric activation of the enzyme in the presence of NAD+, or by increasing NAD+ levels by inhibiting its degradation or by supplying a key precursor in biosynthesis. In this study, we have identified (E)-2’-des-methyl sulindac analogues as a novel class of STACs that act also in the absence of NAD+, a peculiar behavior demonstrated through enzymatic and mass spectrometry experiments, both in vitro and in cell lines. The activation of the SIRT1 pathway was confirmed in vivo through gene expression and metabolomics analysis. Our data suggest that these compounds could serve as candidate leads for a novel therapeutic strategy aimed at addressing a key metabolic deficiency that may contribute to metabolic and age-associated diseases.

Background: Administrative burdens have been identified as a major issue impacting patient care, professional practice, and the overall efficiency of healthcare systems. The aim of this study is to assess the administrative burden faced by Italian hematologists. Methods: A cross-sectional survey that included both closed-ended quantitative questions and open-ended free text answer options was administered to 1,570 hematologists working with malignancies and members of Italian GIMEMA Foundation – Franco Mandelli ONLUS and the Italian Linfomi Foundation (FIL). The survey was conducted online from May 24 to June 30, 2023. Descriptive statistics were computed for the quantitative data to clearly summarize the responses and descriptive analysis of free text responses was carried out. Results: Surveyed hematologists spend an average of 47.07% of their time on administrative tasks, with 63.22% (n = 110) of respondents reporting spending at least half of their time on these activities. More than half (57.47%, n = 100) reported that “Patient care” is the medical task most affected by a lack of time. Additionally, 55.17% (n = 96) reported experiencing burnout in the past 6 months, with filling out “Forms” being identified as the top contributing administrative task by 27.59% (n = 48) of respondents, followed by “Scheduling” (24.71%, n = 43) and “Managing IT system failures” (21.84%, n = 38). Nearly half of the surveyed hematologists (45.40%, n = = 79) identified patient care as the top priority requiring more time. Conclusions: The study confirms that the administrative workload of hematologists has a significant impact on patient care, communication, and burnout risk, reducing the time available for patient care, leading to exhaustion and concern about clinical errors.

Sewage sludge (biosolids) management represents a worldwide issue. Due to its valuable properties, approximately one half of the EU production is recovered in agriculture. Nevertheless, growing attention is given to potential negative effects deriving from the presence of harmful pollutants. It is recognized that a (even very detailed) chemical characterization is not able to predict ecotoxicity of a mixture. However, this can be directly measured by bioassays. Actually, the choice of the most suitable tests is still under debate. This paper presents a multilevel characterization protocol of sewage sludge and other organic residues, based on bioassays and chemical-physical-microbiological analyses. The detailed description of the experimental procedure includes all the involved steps: the criteria for selecting the organic matrices to be tested and compared; the sample pre-treatment required before the analyses execution; the chemical, physical and microbiological characterisation; the bioassays, grouped in three classes (baseline toxicity; specific mode of action; reactive mode of action); data processing. The novelty of this paper lies in the integrated use of advanced tools, and is based on three pillars: • the direct ecosafety assessment of the matrices to be reused. • the adoption of innovative bioassays and analytical procedures. • the original criteria for data normalization and processing.