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The article explores the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic reading motivation, reading amount and the comprehension of narrative and expository texts in lower secondary school students. In addition, we intended to verify the effect on these variables of an educational programme, the writing and reading workshop (WRW), aimed at promoting students' love of reading and useful reading strategies. The sample included 149 children attending the first year of lower secondary school. A longitudinal design with two steps of data collection was used. In five classes, teachers applied the WRW; the same number of classes were enrolled as a control group and the teachers applied the Italian traditional teaching programme. The experimental group achieved better results in narrative text comprehension and in reading amount after 1 year. Reading amount was found to mediate the relationship between the instructional method and reading comprehension. No effects of the teaching method were found on either intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School inclusion is a reality in many countries around the world and most schools face the challenges of implementing inclusive education. A full inclusion model has been in place in Italy for five decades, but its actual application presents substantial differences between geographical areas, school levels, and individual schools. Thus, the availability of a comprehensive, psychometrically sound, and easy-to-complete measure of school inclusion that can be used for evaluation, screening, and research purposes is crucial. In this study, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Italian adaptation of the Quality Scale of Inclusive School Development-Short Form (QU!S-S) in a sample of 362 teachers from pre-school to 13th grade. The results supported the adequacy of the five-correlated-factor model of the original German version and the discriminant validity of the scales with respect to measures of professional self-efficacy and attitudes towards inclusive education. We also found different patterns of association of the scales with personal and job characteristics of the teachers. Overall, the results support the adequacy of the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the QU!S-S, which can be considered a valid and reliable tool for assessing the core dimensions of school inclusion in an Italian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammographic screening can reduce breast cancer (BC) mortality in women. In Italy, although attendance rates increased recently, they are still far from the recommended levels internationally. Inadequate health literacy (HL) may be a reason for poor awareness and/or knowledge about the importance of completing cancer screening. This study examined the relationship between HL, other sociodemographic determinants, and their influence on participation in both opportunistic and organized BC screenings among women aged 50–69 in Tuscany. The study analyzed 2017–2019 data from the Tuscan population subsample in the Italian Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System PASSI (Progressi delle Aziende Sanitarie per la Salute in Italia). HL was assessed using the Italian version of the six-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q6). Among the 2250 interviewees, 75.3% underwent the organized BC screening and 9.4% on voluntary basis. Although to a different extent, HL was significantly associated to compliance rates with both opportunistic and organized screenings. Among sociodemographic factors, only occupational status was associated with opportunistic screening attendance rates. As expected, being invited by letter resulted to be strongly associated with participation to organized screening programs and the medical advice predicts for participating to both opportunistic and organized screening. This study highlights the relevant role that HL plays in BC, opportunistic and organized, screening adherence in a universal healthcare system. To increase BC screening participation rates, healthcare systems would benefit by implementing interventions for improved HL at population level or within healthcare organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot study aimed to explore the attitudes of children attending Italian primary schools towards the inclusion of peers with special needs to identify different inclusiveness profiles based on the characteristics of different types of special needs/disorders. Moreover, the study analysed the relationships among students' attitudes, different dimensions of school well-being and academic results. Three profiles indicating different levels of inclusiveness among children were identified. The moderately inclusive group showed the worst attitude towards peers with behavioural problems and the best academic results. The most inclusive group showed the highest level of school well-being, particularly for the relationships with classmates and self-efficacy dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seasonal influenza viruses undergo unpredictable changes, which may lead to antigenic mismatch between circulating and vaccine strains and to a reduced vaccine effectiveness. A continuously updated knowledge of influenza strain circulation and seasonality is essential to optimize the effectiveness of influenza vaccination campaigns. We described the global epidemiology of influenza between the 2009 A(H1N1)p and the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: Influenza virological surveillance data were obtained from the WHO‐FluNet database. We determined the median proportion of influenza cases caused by the different influenza virus types, subtypes, and lineages; the typical timing of the epidemic peak; and the median duration of influenza epidemics (applying the annual average percentage method with a 75% threshold). Results: We included over 4.6 million influenza cases from 149 countries. The median proportion of influenza cases caused by type A viruses was 75.5%, highest in the Southern hemisphere (81.6%) and lowest in the intertropical belt (73.0%), and ranged across seasons between 60.9% in 2017 and 88.7% in 2018. Epidemic peaks typically occurred during winter months in Northern and Southern hemisphere countries, while much more variability emerged in tropical countries. Influenza epidemics lasted a median of 25 weeks (range 8–42) in countries lying between 30°N and 26°S, and a median of 9 weeks (range 5–25) in countries outside this latitude range. Conclusions: This work will establish an important baseline to better understand factors that influence seasonal influenza dynamics and how COVID‐19 may have affected seasonal activity and influenza virus types, subtypes, and lineages circulation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-operative mitral valve repair failure is a common condition in patients with complex myxomatous disease requiring aortic re-clamping and application of a fast and easy surgical technique to correct the residual imperfection. Herein we describe a reproducible method of artificial chord reconstruction which preserves the previous accomplished acts and allows for accurate chordal length measurement basing on the annuloplasty as the reference level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While allostery is of paramount importance for protein regulation, the underlying dynamical process of ligand (un)binding at one site, resulting time evolution of the protein structure, and change of the binding affinity at a remote site are not well understood. Here the ligand-induced conformational transition in a widely studied model system of allostery, the PDZ2 domain, is investigated by transient infrared spectroscopy accompanied by molecular dynamics simulations. To this end, an azobenzene derived photoswitch is linked to a peptide ligand in a way that its binding affinity to the PDZ2 domain changes upon switching, thus initiating an allosteric transition in the PDZ2 domain protein. The subsequent response of the protein, covering four decades of time, ranging from ∼1 ns to ∼10 µs, can be rationalized by a remodeling of its rugged free-energy landscape, with very subtle shifts in the populations of a small number of structurally well-defined states. It is proposed that structurally and dynamically driven allostery, often discussed as limiting scenarios of allosteric communication, actually go hand-in-hand, allowing the protein to adapt its free-energy landscape to incoming signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a swimming program on interpersonal skills, autistic mannerisms, and aquatic abilities in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Research on aquatic therapy showed improvements in motor skills, whereas there is little evidence of effectiveness of this approach on social impairments of ASD. Participants included 25 children, 13 in the experimental group and 12 in the control group, matched for gender, age and autism score. The results showed an advantage in the relational skills for the experimental group at the post-test. The tendency to ameliorate other symptomatology, e.g., autonomy and negative behaviors, persisted at follow-up. Likewise, positive changes in aquatic skills were maintained 6 months after the end of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal aim of the present study is to examine the level of parental satisfaction with inclusive education for their children with disability attending Italian schools of any grade level. The survey involved 285 parents of pupils randomly selected from the population of students with disability certificates. On average, parents expressed a high level of satisfaction. Four principal components of parental satisfaction were extracted from the item scores of the questionnaire: inclusive educational practices; environment and special equipment; classmates’ and families’ acceptance; integration between education and rehabilitation activities. Various correlations were found between these aspects and both child-related and context-related variables. In particular, children’s emotional regulation abilities evaluated by teachers are involved in various dimensions of the parents’ satisfaction. On the other hand, satisfaction with the integration between the educational and rehabilitation activities showed a significant negative correlation with the fathers’ and mothers’ educational level. Lastly, parental satisfaction towards classmates’ and families’ acceptance appears to be the most critical aspect and tends to decrease in relation to school level, while it is positively linked with the number of hours the support teacher spends in class. Taken together, these results stimulate useful considerations to promote better practices in inclusive education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a multifactorial-progressive pathological process. In the past decades, many studies have focus their attention on circulating biomarkers able to identify AVS and/or to predict its progression. One of the many biomarkers studied is the fetuin A. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the correlation between fetuin A levels and end-stage AVS. Methods and results A systematic search was performed in three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus), looking for studies that compared control subjects with AVS patients and that have measured fetuin A circulating levels in both groups. The main outcome was to evaluate the difference in circulating fetuin A concentration in the two groups. Seven studies, enrolling 2283 AVS patients and 1549 controls, were included. Differences between control subjects and AVS patients were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with pertinent 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) and standard deviation (SD), analysing the data using a random effect model. We found significantly lower circulating levels of fetuin A in AVS patients compared to healthy subjects (SMD: − 0.96 μg/mL, 95% CI: − 1.62, − 0.30; p = 0.004). In addition, meta-regression analyses showed that several cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with circulating levels of fetuin A between patients affected by AVS and healthy controls. Conclusion In conclusion, our meta-analysis shows that AVS patients have significant lower circulating levels of fetuin A compared to control subjects. However, dedicated studies with large and matched cohorts are needed to validate these findings, evaluating if there is a real link or just a mere association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Valve-in-Valve (VIV) Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is now the treatment of choice in high-surgical-risk patients with failing aortic bioprosthesis. Although less performed, VIV-Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) is a valid treatment option for selected high-risk patients with degenerated mitral bioprostheses. Several cases of elective ViV- TAVR and -TMVR have been reported but only few were performed in critical hemodynamic conditions.Case presentation: We report the case of a patient underwent balloon-expandable transapical mitral valve-in-valve implantation in an emergency setting due to a severe stenosis of a bioprosthesis in mitral position. The procedure was successfully performed, with no residual mitral regurgitation or paravalvular leaks, and uneventful.Conclusion: Transcatheter transapical mitral valve-in-valve implantation could represent a feasible and effective strategy even in critical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echocardiographic reduction of RV function, measured using TAPSE, is a well described phenomenon after cardiac surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between the modality of pericardial opening (lateral versus anterior) and the postoperative right ventricular systolic function by comparing echocardiographic parameters in patients undergoing minimally invasive or traditional mitral valve repair. 34 patients with severe mitral regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse underwent traditional (sternotomy) operation (Group A) or minimally invasive surgery with right anterolateral thoracotomy (Group B). A postoperative TAPSE fall was found in both groups. Group A experienced a significant postoperative TAPSE fall versus Group B with p<0.0001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted with the aim of analyzing two of the main metrological characteristics of any measurement system: Repeatability and Reproducibility. Both of these features play an important role in the analysis of the measurements and they can give us a lot of information about who and what influences any measuring system. The analysis of Repeatability and Reproducibility is generally carried out through the use of the study Gage R&R . This study permits to understand which are the decisive factors in a measurement system, and, definitively, if the process is stable, that is under statistical control or out of statistical control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A comprehensive and agreed-upon definition of vaccine literacy (VL) could support the understanding of vaccination and help policy-makers and individuals make informed decisions about vaccines. Methods: To shed some light on this debate and provide clarity, a scoping review was conducted to collect, summarize, and analyse available definitions of VL. Based on the findings of the scoping review, a new and comprehensive definition was proposed by a panel of experts. Results: Fifty-three articles were included, and two of them appeared to be the milestones around which the other definitions were grouped. The new definition proposed by the panel of experts included not only the personal perspective, but also the community, population, and organizational perspectives. Moreover, due to the increasing complexity of the social context with respect to the ability to navigate, understand, and use information and services, the definition of organizational vaccine literacy and the attributes of a vaccine literate healthcare organization have been proposed. Conclusion: The new definition can contribute to the overall paradigm of health literacy and its distinct component of vaccine literacy, possibly improving the implementation of public health strategies to allow vaccination to be understood as a social practice by the entire community. This study describes the conceptual foundations, the competencies, and the civic orientation to be considered when developing measurement tools devoted to assessing VL at the different levels and in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A comprehensive and agreed-upon definition of vaccine literacy (VL) could support the understanding of vaccination and help policy-makers and individuals make informed decisions about vaccines. Methods: To shed some light on this debate and provide clarity, a scoping review was conducted to collect, summarize, and analyse available definitions of VL. Based on the findings of the scoping review, a new and comprehensive definition was proposed by a panel of experts. Results: Fifty-three articles were included, and two of them appeared to be the milestones around which the other definitions were grouped. The new definition proposed by the panel of experts included not only the personal perspective, but also the community, population, and organizational perspectives. Moreover, due to the increasing complexity of the social context with respect to the ability to navigate, understand, and use information and services, the definition of organizational vaccine literacy and the attributes of a vaccine literate healthcare organization have been proposed. Conclusion: The new definition can contribute to the overall paradigm of health literacy and its distinct component of vaccine literacy, possibly improving the implementation of public health strategies to allow vaccination to be understood as a social practice by the entire community. This study describes the conceptual foundations, the competencies, and the civic orientation to be considered when developing measurement tools devoted to assessing VL at the different levels and in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A comprehensive and agreed-upon definition of vaccine literacy (VL) could support the understanding of vaccination and help policy-makers and individuals make informed decisions about vaccines. Methods: To shed some light on this debate and provide clarity, a scoping review was conducted to collect, summarize, and analyse available definitions of VL. Based on the findings of the scoping review, a new and comprehensive definition was proposed by a panel of experts. Results: Fifty-three articles were included, and two of them appeared to be the milestones around which the other definitions were grouped. The new definition proposed by the panel of experts included not only the personal perspective, but also the community, population, and organizational perspectives. Moreover, due to the increasing complexity of the social context with respect to the ability to navigate, understand, and use information and services, the definition of organizational vaccine literacy and the attributes of a vaccine literate healthcare organization have been proposed. Conclusion: The new definition can contribute to the overall paradigm of health literacy and its distinct component of vaccine literacy, possibly improving the implementation of public health strategies to allow vaccination to be understood as a social practice by the entire community. This study describes the conceptual foundations, the competencies, and the civic orientation to be considered when developing measurement tools devoted to assessing VL at the different levels and in different contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In particular, Impella 5.0 can sometimes result in AoV damage4 whose entity may be underestimated prior to LVAD implantation, contributing to the big extent of significant aortic regurgitation diagnosis made in the operating room requiring an unplanned procedure with subsequent increased risk of adverse outcome. We read with interest the paper by Veenis I et al i .1 concerning the effect on outcome of an aortic valve (AoV) procedure during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in patients enrolled in the ISHLT Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (IMACS) Registry. Letter regarding the article 'Survival following a concomitant aortic valve procedure during left ventricular assist device surgery: an ISHLT Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (IMACS) Registry analysis'. [Extracted from the article]

The quality of school inclusion of children with disabilities is a complex construct that emerges from the interaction between individual needs and different systems and processes; therefore, it needs to be investigated through a multi-method approach, using tools capable of grasping its complexity. The general goal of the study is to describe and test the modified version of two instruments: ICP and SELFIE. The ICP (the Inclusive Classroom Profile; Soukakou, 2016) is an observational tool aimed at measuring and quantifying school inclusion quality through the observation of the teachersʼ daily practices and the analysis of the schoolʼs policy. For the present research, the ICP was adapted to the Italian school context. Moreover, other minor changes were applied to adapt the tool to the primary and secondary levels of education. The SELFIE (Self-reflection on Effective Learning by Fostering Innovation through Educational Technology; European Commission, 2018) analyses the use of digital technologies in the school context. Originally developed as a selfevaluation questionnaire, for the present study it has been transformed into a guided interview, allowing the research team to collect more comprehensive quantitative data. The tools were tested in a pilot study involving a kindergarten and a 3rdgrade class in the municipality of Genoa. Results outline the strengths and weaknesses of the modified versions of the instruments and further changes are proposed. Furthermore, the SELFIE interviews content analysis highlights valuable insights regarding kindergarten and primary school teachersʼ use of digital technologies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The principal aims of this study were to detect phonetic measures (consonant inventory, intelligibility, frequency, and types of phonological errors) associated with lexical and morphosyntactic ability and to analyze the types of phonological processes in children with different language skills. Method: The sample was composed of 30 children between the ages of 36 and 42 months. Two tests were administered, one investigating phonological ability and one investigating general linguistic ability. Results: A strong relationship between phonetic measures and language performance was found. The proportion of unintelligible productions and simplified words correlated with all the linguistic measures considered. A comparison of the phonological processes used by children with low, average, and high linguistic performance showed that phonotactic structure errors discriminated better than did system errors between the three groups. In particular, the less competent talkers were more likely to delete weak syllables, omit consonants and vowels, reduce diphthongs, and make consonant harmony errors. Conclusions: The results emphasize the importance of phonetic measures in explaining differences in language performance and suggest the possibility of identifying children with low linguistic competence on the basis of phonetic measures, such as the level of intelligibility and the type of errors committed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The principal aims of this study were to detect phonetic measures (consonant inventory, intelligibility, frequency, and types of phonological errors) associated with lexical and morphosyntactic ability and to analyze the types of phonological processes in children with different language skills. Method: The sample was composed of 30 children between the ages of 36 and 42 months. Two tests were administered, one investigating phonological ability and one investigating general linguistic ability. Results: A strong relationship between phonetic measures and language performance was found. The proportion of unintelligible productions and simplified words correlated with all the linguistic measures considered. A comparison of the phonological processes used by children with low, average, and high linguistic performance showed that phonotactic structure errors discriminated better than did system errors between the three groups. In particular, the less competent talkers were more likely to delete weak syllables, omit consonants and vowels, reduce diphthongs, and make consonant harmony errors. Conclusions: The results emphasize the importance of phonetic measures in explaining differences in language performance and suggest the possibility of identifying children with low linguistic competence on the basis of phonetic measures, such as the level of intelligibility and the type of errors committed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the most important factors influencing the aluminum electrolyte capacitor showing, in particular, the effect of temperature on the lifetime of this device. The automation of the measurement system, with the oven interfaced with a PC, was also completed to control all the involved parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All transport of diagnostic information apparatus, necessary for safe and correct railway service, commits its running to the available medium: telephone cables. We have to manage with a multitude of protocols, each employed in its equipment. In this context, we have made some measures to verify that the line in the telephone cable from Florence Station to Rifredi Station, in Italy, was good. Then, we have tried to develop a plant and a telecommunication protocol, able to transfer data from a master and a certain number of slaves, with elements of versatility to adapt to different equipment. Obviously, this flexibility is limited by the characteristics of the considered channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The confidence region and the related confidence level are the bases for the uncertainty expression in a measurement process. In this work, a multivariate model is considered, and different situations with respect to the parameters constituting the model are examined. Computational results are reported and analyzed to assess the validity of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (CPS) for circulatory assistance during electrophysiological endocavitary procedures for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in high-risk patients. From January to June 1999, eight patients with VT not haemodynamically tolerated, underwent an electrophysiological mapping and ablation while supported with percutaneous CPS in the cardiac surgery service of the University of Milan. The CPS system allowed for the maintenance of an arterial pressure of 60-70 mmHg during the tachycardia episodes. CPS was used for 10-20 min periods to restore haemodynamic stability. With the haemodynamic support of CPS, it was possible to target and induce 21 VTs, with a mean cycle of 325 ms. The mean support time was 140 min (120-160min). Stabilization of the arterial pressure at a mean value of 65 mmHg (55-85mHg) was achieved over a mean period of 26 seconds. Oxygen saturation remained over 90% throughout the support for all patients, with no blood gas or electrolyte abnormalities. No CPB-related complications were observed. In conclusion, percutaneous CPS guarantees effective haemodynamic support during mapping and ablation of VTs not haemodynamically tolerated, with no complications related to the extracorporeal circulation or the cannulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A longitudinal study was carried out to investigate changes in specific aspects of self-concept, motivation and school achievement, and to explore the influence of specific aspects of self-concept on other facets of the self-system after the transition from the fifth grade of primary school to the first year of lower middle school. Ninety-two pupils participated to the study. Each child was required to complete questionnaires to assess domain-specific self-concepts and motivational orientation. Results show areas of both stability and change in the transition from primary to lower middle school. A dynamic model explains relationships among domainspecific self-concepts, motivation and school grades: after the transition the role of competence self-concept increases in importance on influencing the other components of self-system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the characteristics of different hospital settings in four urban centers in Europe and the United States and the psychophysical reactions of women delivering in these industrialized countries. Childbirth between biology and culture; Existence of different patterns of childbirth care in the U.S., German, French and Italian hospitals.

This article presents a study related to distance scale calibration of optical time-domain reflectometers (OTDR) with the recirculating delay line method. An optical pulse typically 10-10,000 ns long is launched into a test fiber via a directional coupler. The backscatter radiation from the fiber is detected and processed and the backscatter signature displayed. The Recirculating Delay Line is an artefact consisting of a fiber connected from the OTDR to one of the input ports of a 50:50 fiber coupler. One of the ports is connected to a high reflector, simply made by a cleaved fiber end, and the other one is looped back to the other input port.

Background: The reduction of RV function after cardiac surgery is a well-known phenomenon. It could persist up-to one year after the operation and often leads to an incomplete recovery at follow-up echocardiographic control. The aim of the present study is to analyze the impact of different modalities of pericardial incision (lateral versus anterior) and of myocardial protection protocols (Buckberg versus Custodiol) onto postoperative RV dynamic by relating two- and three-dimensional echocardiographic parameters in patients undergoing mitral valve repair through minimally invasive or traditional surgery approach.Methods: We have analyzed 44 consecutive patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral reparation with different surgical approach and cardioplegia type: Group 1 (17 pts): sternotomy with Buckberg cardioplegia protocol; Group 2 (10 pts): sternotomy with Custodiol cardioplegia; Group 3 (17 pts): mini-invasive surgery with Custodiol cardioplegia. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed pre- and 6 months post-surgery to evaluate RV function by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).Results: All patients underwent successful and uneventful. A postoperative TAPSE reduction was found in all groups. However, mini-invasive patients experienced a significant reduced variation versus traditional surgery.Conclusions: Mini-invasive mitral repair, with lateral incision of pericardium, reduces postoperative TAPSE fall, while cardioplegia protocol fails to have an impact onto longitudinal RV function. In our study, the RV seems to experience a clinically irrelevant geometrical modification too, whose entity appears to be less evident in case of lateral pericardial approach. These results could strengthen the use of minimally invasive approach also to preserve RV function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of right ventricle vascularization that is dependent on left coronary network collateral development is essential during left ventricular assist device implantation to avoid postoperative right heart failure. Our technique was performed on a patient who underwent implantation as a bridge to transplantation; the technique is characterized by providing a moderate lateral and inferior displacement of the inflow cannula position, which achieves both the objectives of respecting the apical course of a left anterior descending coronary artery supplying an occluded right coronary and of maintaining a sufficient orientation degree toward the plane of the mitral valve for correct left ventricular unloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case presents a traumatic ventricular perforation of a girl, accidentally felt on a sharp instrument. The uniqueness of the case presented is due to the very high infrequency of injuries with this type of sharp object. The 7-year-old girl was transported to the hospital after accidentally falling on a sharp instrument. The child had no signs of heart failure. On opening the chest, it was found that the metal object was lodged in the right ventricle. Quickly proceeded to remove the object and suture the entry hole. After a short hospitalization, the child was discharged completely cured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the semen characteristics of pheasants during the first reproductive season. Age of the birds; Quality of the spermatozoa; Sperm morphology; Total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate.

A retrospective multicentre study conducted in Italy analyzed hospitalization trends for bronchiolitis in infants between October 2019 and March 2023. The study found that bronchiolitis cases, particularly those caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), experienced a significant reduction during the 2020-2021 winter due to preventive measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, subsequent winters saw a notable and sustained increase in bronchiolitis hospitalizations, with the 2022-2023 winter period experiencing a 47% higher rate compared to the pre-pandemic winter of 2019-2020. The changing seasonality of bronchiolitis, including altered patterns of RSV circulation, poses challenges for disease control strategies and immunoprophylaxis measures. Further research is needed to monitor the epidemiology of bronchiolitis and inform public health interventions. [Extracted from the article]

B Correction: BMC Public Health 23, 1501 (2023) b B https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16437-6 b The family and given names of the authors in the original publication were swapped. Reference 1 Chiara L. Vaccination as a social practice: towards a definition of personal, community, population, and organizational vaccine literacy. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate the results of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without revascularization of the occluded right coronary artery (RCA). Methods Patients undergoing isolated CABG were included in a prospective European multicenter registry. Outcomes were adjusted for imbalance in preoperative variables with propensity score matching analysis. Late outcomes were evaluated with Kaplan–Meier's method and competing risk analysis. Results Out of 2,948 included in this registry, 724 patients had a total occlusion of the RCA and were the subjects of this analysis. Occluded RCA was not revascularized in 251 (34.7%) patients with significant variability between centers. Among 245 propensity score-matched pairs, patients with and without revascularization of occluded RCA had similar early outcomes. The nonrevascularized RCA group had increased rates of 5-year all-cause mortality (17.7 vs. 11.7%, p = 0.039) compared with patients who had their RCA revascularized. The rates of myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization were only numerically increased but contributed to a significantly higher rate of MACCE (24.7 vs. 15.7%, p = 0.020) at 5 year among patients with nonrevascularized RCA. Conclusion In this multicenter study, one-third of totally occluded RCAs was not revascularized during isolated CABG for multivessel coronary artery disease. Failure to revascularize an occluded RCA in these patients increased the risk of all-cause mortality and MACCEs at 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of surgeon experience and centre volume on early operative outcomes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. Of 7,352 patients in the European Multicenter Study on Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (E-CABG) registry, 1,549 underwent OPCAB and were included in the present analysis. Using adjusted regression analysis, we compared major early adverse events after procedures performed by experienced OPCAB surgeons (i.e., ≥20 cases per year; n=1,201) to those performed by non-OPCAB surgeons (n=348). Furthermore, the same end points were compared between procedures performed by OPCAB surgeons in high OPCAB volume centres (off-pump technique used in >50% of cases; n=894) and low OPCAB volume centres (n=307). In the experienced OPCAB surgeon group, we observed shorter procedure times (β –43.858, 95% confidence interval [CI] –53.322 to –34.393; p<0.001), a lower rate of conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass (odds ratio [OR] 0.284, 95% CI 0.147–0.551; p<0.001), a lower rate of prolonged inotrope or vasoconstrictor use (OR 0.492, 95% CI 0.371–0.653; p<0.001), a lower rate of early postprocedural percutaneous coronary interventions (OR 0.335, 95% CI 0.169–0.663; p=0.002), and lower 30-day mortality (OR 0.423, 95% CI 0.194–0.924; p=0.031). In high OPCAB volume centres, we found a lower rate of prolonged inotrope use (OR 0.584, 95% CI 0.419–0.814; p=0.002), a lower rate of postprocedural acute kidney injury (OR 0.382, 95% CI 0.198–0.738; p=0.004), shorter duration of intensive care unit (β –1.752, 95% CI –2.240 to –1.264; p<0.001) and hospital (β –1.967; 95% CI –2.717 to –1.216; p<0.001) stays, and lower 30-day mortality (OR 0.316, 95% CI 0.114–0.881; p=0.028). Surgeon experience and centre volume may play an important role on the early outcomes after OPCAB surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing integration of chatbots across various sectors marks a significant shift in digital communication, and their role in healthcare makes no exception. This scoping review aims to systematically examine the role of chatbots in the perspective of organizational vaccine literacy, particularly in enhancing vaccine literacy and facilitating the dissemination of vaccine-related information, evaluating the potential of chatbots to transform vaccination communication strategies and improve health education outcomes. This scoping review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and PsycInfo was conducted from January 2020 to October 30, 2024, using keywords related to "chatbots" and "vaccination." Study selection involved a two-stage screening process, focusing on studies reporting the use of chatbots to improve vaccine literacy and uptake. Data were thematically analyzed and presented in a narrative format. Twenty-two studies were included in the review: these studies demonstrate the effectiveness of chatbots in enhancing vaccine literacy and acceptance, mainly focusing on COVID-19 but also addressing HPV and childhood vaccinations. They highlight chatbots' role in improving the vaccine-literate environment through countering misinformation and improving communication with healthcare professionals, showcasing their potential to significantly influence public health outcomes and their adaptability to diverse populations and geographic regions. These digital assistants could provide personalized and up-to-date information, improving not only knowledge but also attitudes and intentions towards vaccinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redo surgeries are becoming more common because of an increased rate of bioprosthesis implantation. We performed a retrospective study on patients who underwent redo replacement of an aortic and/or mitral bioprosthesis between 2005 and 2018 to evaluate intra-hospital mortality and morbidity. Univariate analysis was performed on the propensity score variables to determine predictors of mortality. A total of 180 patients were enrolled in the study: Group A (replacement of aortic bioprosthesis) with 136 patients (75.56%) and group B (replacement of mitral bioprosthesis ± aortic bioprosthesis) with 44 patients (24.44%). NYHA class ≥ 3 and female sex were significantly more common in group B. Cardiopulmonary-bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time in group A and group B were, respectively, 154.95 ± 74.35 and 190.25 ± 77.44 (p = 0.0005) and 115.99 ± 53.54 and 144.91 ± 52.53 (p = 0.0004). Overall mortality was 8.89%. After propensity score adjustment, Group B was confirmed to have an increased risk of death (OR 3.32 CI 95% 1.02–10.88 p < 0.0001), gastrointestinal complications (OR 7.784 CI 95% 1.005–60.282 p < 0.0002) and pulmonary complications (OR 2.381 CI 95% 1.038–5.46 p < 0.0001). At the univariate analysis, endocarditis, cardiopulmonary-bypass and aortic cross clamping time, NYHA class ≥ 3 and urgency setting were significantly associated to death. Intra-hospital outcomes were acceptable regarding mortality and complications. Patients who need redo surgery on mitral bioprosthesis have an increased risk of post-operative pulmonary and gastrointestinal complications and mortality. Therefore the choice of mitral bioprosthesis at time of first surgery should be carefully evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: During calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) progression, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction mark the initial pathogenic steps with a parallel dysregulation of the antioxidant systems. Here, we tested whether oxidation-induced protein S-glutathionylation (P-SSG) accounts for a phenotypic switch in human aortic valvular tissue, eventually leading to calcium deposition. Next, we tested whether countering this reactive oxygen species (ROS) surge would prevent these perturbations. Results: We employed state-of-the-art technologies, such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, imaging flow-cytometry, and live-cell imaging on human excised aortic valves and primary valve endothelial cells (VECs). We observed that a net rise in EPR-detected ROS emission marked the transition from fibrotic to calcific in human CAVS specimens, coupled to a progressive increment in P-SSG deposition. In human VECs (hVECs), treatment with 2-acetylamino-3-[4-(2-acetylamino-2-carboxyethylsulfanylthiocarbonylamino)phenylthiocarbamoylsulfanyl]propionic acid triggered highly oxidizing conditions prompting P-SSG accumulation, damaging mitochondria, and inducing endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling. All the events conjured up in morphing these cells from their native endothelial phenotype into a damaged calcification-inducing one. As proof of principle, the use of the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevented these alterations. Innovation: Borne as a compensatory system to face excessive oxidative burden, with time, P-SSG contributes to the morphing of hVECs from their innate phenotype into a damaged one, paving the way to calcium deposition. Conclusion: Our data suggest that, in the human aortic valve, unremitted ROS emission along with a P-SSG build-up occurs and accounts, at least in part, for the morphological/functional changes leading to CAVS. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1051–1071. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans-isomerases are a highly conserved family of immunophilins. The three peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans-isomerase subfamilies are cyclophilins, FK-506-binding proteins, and parvulins. Peptidyl-prolyl cis-transisomerases are expressed in multiple human tissues and regulate different cellular functions, e.g. calcium handling, protein folding, and gene expression. Moreover, these subfamilies have been shown to be consistently involved in several cardiac and vascular diseases including heart failure, arrhythmias, vascular stenosis, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. This review provides a concise description of the peptidyl-prolyl cis-transisomerases and presents an incisive selection of studies focused on their relationship with cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risk of late mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 2948 patients undergoing isolated CABGs were included in a prospective multicenter registry. Outcomes were adjusted for multiple covariates in logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards analysis and competing risk analysis. Results: In all, 2619 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this analysis. Of them, 2199 (79.1%) had no history of PCI and 420 (20.9%) had a prior PCI. An adjusted analysis showed that a single prior PCI and multiple prior PCIs did not increase the risk of 30-day and 5-year mortality. Patients with multiple prior PCIs had a significantly higher risk of 5-year myocardial infarction (SHR 2.566, 95%CI 1.379–4.312) and repeat revascularization (SHR 1.774, 95%CI 1.140–2.763). Similarly, 30-day and 5-year mortality were not significantly increased in patients with prior PCI treatment of single or multiple vessels. Patients with multiple vessels treated with PCI had a significantly higher risk of 5-year myocardial infarction (SHR 2.640, 95%CI 1.497–4.658), repeat revascularization (SHR 1.648, 95%CI 1.029–2.638) and stroke (SHR 2.215, 95%CI 1.056–4.646) at 5-year. The risk for repeat revascularization was also increased with a prior single vessel PCI, but not for other outcomes. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing CABGs, multiple prior PCIs seem to increase the risk of late myocardial infarction and the need for repeat revascularization, but not the risk of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reaction of the pincer hydride complex (tBuPCP)Ni(H) [tBuPCP = 2,6-C6H3(CH2PtBu2)2] with BH3·thf in THF at 190 K generates the corresponding borohydride complex (tBuPCP)Ni(BH4). The kinetically stable (but thermodynamically unstable) species undergoes reversible borane loss. The related fluoride complex (tBuPCP)Ni(F) shows the same reactivity towards BF3·Et2O, producing (tBuPCP)Ni(BF4) as the main final product. The processes were followed through multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations, at the M06//6-31+G(d,p) level of theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparison of the very similar compounds (Ph3P)2Pt(μ-S)2Pt(PPh3)2 (1) and (Ph2PyP)2Pt(μ-S)2Pt(PPh2Py)2 (2) raises intriguing questions about the reliability of the reported Pt2S2 core in 1, where the Pt-S bonds are the shortest ever reported. Also, the trans-annular S…S separation of 2.69 Å is surprisingly shorter in 1 than in 2 (3.01 Å), but no incipient coupling between two S2- bridges seems reasonable in this case. Various considerations lead to reformulate 1 as [(Ph3P)2Pt(μ-OH)2Pt(PPh3)2)(BF4)2, 3. The sets of cell parameters for 1 and 3 are not equal but two axes match, and the volume of 1 is exactly double. Simple matrices may be constructed to interconvert the direct and reciprocal crystalline cells, thus corroborating their identity of the compounds. It is concluded that, in the structure solution of 1, some atoms were either neglected (BF4- counterions) or ill identified (sulfido in place of hydroxo bridges), while the structure of 3 was solved by collecting only one-half of the possible reflections (hence, also the different space groups). A new preparation, crystallization and X-ray structure of 3 confirms the above points and dismisses any other theoretical conjecture about two electronically different Pt2S2 cores in 1 and 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]