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Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant public health concern due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Cefiderocol (FDC), a novel siderophore cephalosporin, has shown promise as a last-line treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the emergence of in vivo -acquired FDC-resistant A. baumannii strains highlights the need for advanced tools to identify resistance-associated genomic mutations and address the challenges of FDC susceptibility testing. This study aims to characterize a novel mutation responsible for FDC resistance in A. baumannii and to develop a workflow that integrates genomic and functional analyses for improved antimicrobial resistance monitoring. We examined two carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates from bacteremia cases in two patients (A. baumannii _5406 from patient A and A. baumannii _5577 from patient B). Initial whole-genome sequence BLAST typing identified both as the same strain. However, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis showed that A. baumannii _5406 was resistant to FDC, while _5577 was not. Further variant calling analysis revealed a novel chromosomal mutation in a gene encoding a TonB-dependent receptor homolog, which is involved in ferric-siderophore and heme uptake. This mutation causes a premature stop codon, likely impairing the receptor's function. Mass spectrometry confirmed that the FDC-resistant strain exhibited reduced antibiotic uptake and intracellular accumulation. This study demonstrates the utility of combining genomic and functional analyses to detect emerging mutations associated with antibiotic resistance. The variant calling approach, together with LC–MS/MS technology, offers a valuable complement to traditional susceptibility testing in clinical settings, potentially improving the identification and monitoring of FDC resistance in A. baumannii. Additionally, this workflow could aid in the epidemiological tracking of resistant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First‐line therapy for patients with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) is not well established, except for eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori in early gastric MZL. Various regimens, for example, locoregional treatment and systemic chemo‐immunotherapy, can be used depending on the site and stage of disease. Single‐agent rituximab is a useful approach in the setting of localized, low‐intermediate risk EMZL. The aim our research was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of single‐agent rituximab (375 mg/m2 once weekly for 4 weeks) in naïve EMZL in a real‐life setting. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR), secondary endpoints were progression‐free (PFS), overall (OS) and disease‐free survivals (DFS), and drug tolerability. Fifty‐nine patients were analyzed. Median time between diagnosis and rituximab was 3.6 months. The ORR was 89.9%, with 67.8% complete response (CR). Median DFS and PFS were reached at 6.3 and 5.3 years, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 5 years, median OS was not reached. The most common adverse event was infusion reaction, reported in 28 cases, mainly during the first infusion and easily manageable. Single‐agent rituximab may represent a valid therapeutic option in the first‐line treatment of EMZL, at least for localized disease, with a favorable toxicity profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To deepen the knowledge about the perinatal pathology of the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) and, at the same time, to evaluate its potential role in the interspecific transmission of diseases to other wild and domestic animals, including humans, we present the necropsy findings and subsequent analytic results obtained from four young ibex found dead in Valle d'Aosta, a region of northwestern Italy. The animals, with various co-infection patterns, were affected—showing typical gross and microscopical lesions in target organs and tissues—by contagious ecthyma virus (ORFV) (agent of a highly diffusive pustular dermatitis transmissible to small ruminants and humans), Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (major etiological agent of infantile diarrhoea, especially in developing countries), Mycoplasma conjunctivae (MC) (cause of an ocular infection common to goats and sheep), various ectoparasites (ECP) (ticks and keds), and endoparasites (ENPs) (lung and intestinal nematodes, and coccidia). The research aimed to investigate the perinatal pathology of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) through the study of four young subjects (at the age of 3 to 4 months) found dead in Valle d'Aosta, a region of northwestern Italy. The carcasses were submitted to necropsy followed by an examination of ecto- and endoparasites (ECP and ENP); samples from the gross lesions (in summary, cutaneous papilloma and crusts, ocular discharge, lobular haemorrhagic areas in the lungs, catarrhal–haemorrhagic enterocolitis) were analysed by bacteriological, histopathological, and biomolecular methods to define the etiological agent. The subjects, with various co-infection patterns, were affected by contagious ecthyma virus (ORFV) (agent of a highly diffusive pustular dermatitis transmissible to small ruminants and humans), Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (major etiological agent of infantile diarrhoea especially in developing countries), Mycoplasma conjunctivae (MC) (cause of an ocular infection common to goats and sheep), various ECP (ticks and keds) and ENP (lung and intestinal nematodes, and coccidia). This study emphasises the potential role of the Alpine ibex in the transmission of infectious diseases to other animals such as to humans and, secondly, the need to apply diversified analytical approaches, with the commitment of various specialistic skills, in order to define, in detail, the various and frequently overlapping causes that led a free-ranging animal to the death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The 5-year survival rate of Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) exceeds 90%; however, adolescents between 15 and 18 years old show a higher disease-related mortality, and their overall prognosis is worse than that of both children and adults. We investigated the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) therapeutic targets and specific T-regulatory and cytotoxic T-cell subsets in the subgroup of adolescent cHL patients, and we challenged their prognostic power. We showed that microenvironment of cHL in adolescent patients is enriched of ICPI targets that may be considered for therapeutic applications. Remarkably, LAG-3 is more consistently expressed than in pediatric and adult cHL, strengthening the state of immune anergy and reinforcing the rationale behind therapeutic approaches based on the use of new anti-LAG-3 antibodies. Furthermore, the presence of PD-1+ T-cells strongly relates to advanced stage disease, and a low density of CD8+ T lymphocytes is associated with recurrence and progression of disease. Background. Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) in adolescents between 15 and 18 years old shows a higher disease-related mortality, and the overall prognosis is worse than in both children and adults. Objectives. We investigated the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) therapeutic targets and specific T-regulatory and cytotoxic T-cell subsets in the subgroup of adolescent cHL patients, and we challenged their prognostic power. Methods. We retrieved formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue of adolescent patients diagnosed with cHL and tested by immunohistochemistry the immune checkpoint molecules CTLA-4, LAG-3, PD-1, and PDL1 as well as the biological markers FOXP3 and CD8. Results. All the cases of our cohort expressed the immune checkpoint molecules CTLA-4, LAG-3, and PD-1 in microenvironment (ME), and the number of PD1+ cells was strongly associated with advanced disease, being higher in stage III/IV, indicating a possible role in the progression of cHL. A higher risk of recurrence and progression occurred in patients with lower amount of CD8+ microenvironmental T-cells at diagnosis (67.14 ± 27.23 vs. 42.86 ± 17.33 p = 0.032 and 65.59 ± 26.68 vs. 37 ± 17.45 p = 0.046, respectively). Conclusions. We showed that microenvironment of cHL in adolescent patients is enriched with potential therapeutic targets of ICPI that may be considered for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the presence of PD-1 expressing T-cells strongly relates to advanced stage disease and a low density of CD8+ T lymphocytes is associated with recurrence and progression of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the main objectives of Phenylketonuria (PKU) management is represented by optimising the growth trend under restricted protein diet regimen. The data on long-term growth in PKU children are limited and mostly based on earlier studies. Methods: The data for this twelve-year longitudinal study were collected from 34 PKU children and 37 healthy peers, whose auxological parameters were taken at 7 time-points over the follow-up. The weight-for-length ratio (WLR) z-score and body mass index (BMI) z-score were considered according to age. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was evaluated at last assessment. Results: The median BMI z-score of PKU children was normal and not statistically different from that of controls on all the seven time-point assessments. Their distributions tended to be wider than those of peers, with the upper limit exceeding the normal range since 12 months old, with a peak specifically at 3 years of age. In controls, there was a tendency to approach the BMI z-score values of overweight in later childhood. The prevalence of overweight was comparable (29% vs. 25%, p: 0.78) between the two groups at last assessment, and obese subjects (3/37) were only detected in the control group. Conclusions: In this study, we report data from a long-term follow-up on growth, highlighting that the median BMI z-score of PKU children was normal and not statistically different from that of controls. Also, the prevalence of obesity at 12 years of age was overlapping. However, the high prevalence of overweight children in the general population may explain the lack of difference and does not reassure about patients' nutritional risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we exploit the electronic features of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) as a backbone in synthesizing chiral derivatives. The aim is to make use of TTF's well‐known and unique redox and semiconducting properties in the fields of enantio‐selective recognition and chiral charge transfer (CT) complex preparation, with the ultimate objective of obtaining devices with various potential applications, ranging from plasmonics to quantum computing. In particular, both cyclohexane‐bis (TTF‐amide)–based enantiomers 1‐(S,S) and 1‐(R,R), stable under an oxidation regime, have been selected, and under these conditions, the electrochemical enantiospecific response of the four possible systems, coming from the combination with L‐ and D‐tartaric acid, respectively, was tested. The 1:tartaric acid adducts show lower oxidation potentials than the pristine 1, together with clear enantio‐discrimination demonstrated by sizeable potential differences in the range of 29–46 mV between the diastereomeric adducts. Because the oxidation potential of 1 suggests the possibility of the formation of CT complexes, impedance and FT‐IR spectra were recorded to confirm this hypothesis in the case of the CT complex 1:I2. The experimental results obtained through the FT‐IR analysis were also compared with the theoretical results deriving from the DFT‐based calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TESEO is a new simulation toolbox to support the study of photoexcited triplet states conducted by most common Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) methods, in particular time-resolved and echo-detected experiments. TESEO allows the simulation of the spectra of triplet states having spin-polarized triplet sublevels; different polarization mechanisms are considered. Not only does TESEO allow to study the static properties of the system, but it also considers the time evolution of the signal. It deals with spin dynamics due to librational motion and anisotropic T1 and T2 relaxation times, which are typical of triplet states considering the kinetic evolution of the population of the levels. Moreover, it also implements magnetophotoselection effects in the presence of one or two transition dipole moments. A graphical interface makes the program user-friendly and allows for easy access and control of all simulation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) remains a therapeutic challenge despite advances in early diagnosis and the availability of enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs). While early initiation of therapy can mitigate disease progression, resistance mechanisms—such as the development of anti-drug antibodies—limit the efficacy of current treatments, particularly in patients with severe genetic variants. Chaperone therapy provides a targeted option for a subset of patients, yet significant gaps remain in treating those with complete enzyme deficiency. This perspective article explores the existing therapeutic landscape and reflects on emerging treatments, such as mRNA and gene therapies, which hold promise for overcoming the resistance mechanisms. By addressing the limitations of current pharmacological options and considering future innovations, this article aims to outline the path forward for more effective and personalized treatment strategies in Anderson–Fabry disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contrast between languages such as Italian that allow subjects of tensed sentences to be null (i.e., pro-drop languages) and those like French that do not (i.e., non-pro-drop languages) is a classic issue for comparative syntactic research. Nevertheless, while several studies have been dedicated to pro-drop languages, distinguishing across different types, subject omission in non-pro-drop languages is generally misjudged as a marginal or substandard phenomenon. However, a more careful examination reveals that the occurrence of Null Subjects (NSs) in non-pro-drop languages is associated with distinct semantic and discourse imports. Based on a systematic corpus analysis, this work will confirm that NSs do occur in Colloquial French, especially in the case of expletive subjects. Furthermore, evidence will be provided for a crucial connection between subject omission, expletive types, and the morpho-syntactic categories of person/number for argument pronouns. This pilot work can thus open new perspectives for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) affects up to about 30% of the general adult population and is closely related to obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Cortisol, a stress-related hormone contributing to hepatic fat accumulation and insulin resistance, also promotes progression of the disease. The study aims to investigate the impact of lifestyle modifications on cortisol levels and hepatic steatosis in patients with MASLD. Methods: In a 16-week three-arm randomized trial, 42 patients were randomly assigned to three groups who received dietary advice (CG), dietary advice combined with aerobic exercise (AE + DA), or dietary advice with high-intensity interval training (HIIT + DA). Before the start, after 2 months of intervention, and at the end of the project, medical evaluations, routine biochemical assessments, and psychological questionnaires were analyzed. At baseline and at the end of 4 months, hepatic steatosis was evaluated by Fibroscan®. Results: In the study population, severe hepatic steatosis (74%) and obesity (98%) were prevalent at the beginning of the study. A statistically significant (p-value = 0.001) reduction in circulating cortisol levels was observed over time in the two groups doing exercise, especially in HIIT + DA (p-value = 0.006). Hepatic steatosis, assessed by Fibroscan®, disappeared in 10 participants (CAP value < 248, p-value = 0.003). CAP values and waist circumference decreased in all groups, statistically significantly in the AE + DA group (p-value = 0.005; p-value = 0.04, respectively). Conclusions: The study emphasizes the benefits of combining diet and exercise in managing MASLD. HIIT + DA significantly decreased cortisol levels, while AE + DA was the most potent intervention for reducing hepatic steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 30 distinct Mycoplasma species have been isolated from cattle, but only a few are pathogenic and can cause serious respiratory diseases. Consequently, this study aimed to identify Mycoplasma spp. infections in cattle with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), considering factors such as animal demographics, concurrent infections with other pathogens, post-mortem clinical findings and histological examinations, and seasonality. A total of 326 samples were collected from 322 cattle that had died from BRD in Northwestern Italy. A total of 54 animals (16.8%) tested positive for Mycoplasma spp., and Mycoplasma bovis (n = 22, 40.7%) and Mycoplasma dispar (n = 13, 24.1%) were the most frequently detected species among the examined cattle. Among positive cattle, those aged five months or younger were approximately five times more likely to be infected by Mycoplasma dispar than by Mycoplasma bovis compared to those older than five months (proportional incidence ratio: 5.1, 95% CI 1.2–21.2). The main bacterial pathogens identified in cattle exhibiting co-infection was Pasteurella multocida, whereas the main viral pathogens were BRSV and BoHV-1. Histopathological investigations predominantly revealed catarrhal bronchopneumonia or purulent catarrhal bronchopneumonia among the examined cattle. Finally, Mycoplasma hyopharyngis, a species isolated from the pharyngeal and nasal cavities of pigs so far, was detected for the first time in the pneumonic lung of a bovine infected with BRD. Further investigations are necessary to thoroughly characterize its host range and pathogenic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is impossible to eliminate the potential for transmission of donor‐derived infections (DDI) when using medical products of human origin (MPHO). However, a thoughtful and systematic approach to donor evaluation can mitigate the risk. Prevention is a key issue, and physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion and remain vigilant in evaluating MPHO donors or recipients, as well as stay current on emerging infections. Biovigilance is the systematic monitoring of serious adverse reactions and events (SARE) that ensures the quality and safety of MPHO in transplantation. The Notify Library with its 2808 references is an available didactic tool that could support physicians in donor or recipient evaluation, inform biovigilance activity, and benefit the international scientific community. It provides free access to a large collection of many different types of SARE, identified mainly through the review of published articles and case reports from national or regional surveillance programs. The Notify Library includes many well‐documented records of SARE in the field of DDI, representing a useful tool for assessing SARE associated with transplantation. It is continuously updated with new records, especially when a new type of incident is first reported. All types of described incidents may have educational value while guiding detection, investigation, or risk management. Sharing the lessons learned from these incidents represents an important educational opportunity that can help improve organ donation processes and achieve higher standards of quality and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The rising incidence of breast cancer has led to more mastectomies and increased demand for reconstruction. While retropectoral reconstruction with expanders is common, it has complications like postoperative pain and animation deformity. Prepectoral reconstruction, aided by advancements in biological and synthetic meshes, offers a promising alternative. Methods: This study prospectively evaluated the "Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction Assessment Score" on 20 patients undergoing mastectomy at Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, from July 2022 to February 2024. Patients with scores between 5 and 8 were included. The procedure involved the use of ADM (Acellular Dermal Matrix) or titanium-coated polypropylene mesh, followed by postoperative expansions and final implant placement after six months. Results: The mean age of patients was 51.85 years, with a mean BMI of 24.145 kg/m2. ADM was used in 15 cases and synthetic mesh in 5. Complications were one exposure of the expander, one superficial skin necrosis and one seroma. Statistical analysis showed a trend toward fewer complications with higher scores, though this was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.139). Conclusions: Prepectoral reconstruction with expanders is a viable option, offering benefits such as reduced operating time, better volume control, and a more natural breast contour compared to the retropectoral approach. Although the trend suggests fewer complications with higher assessment scores, further studies with larger samples are needed for confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tailored exercise prescription is a crucial intervention for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This longitudinal study investigates the impact on long-term effectiveness of exercise prescriptions over one year follow-up, implementing telehealth tools for exercise administration and adherencemonitoring. Materials and methods: KTRs were evaluated with clinical assessments including body composition, blood and urinary parameters, physical performance and quality of life at baseline (T0), after six (T6) and twelve (T12) months. The adherence to prescribed exercise training was monitored via video call interviews until T6 when the sample was divided into a group monitored via wearables (WG) and a group continuing video calls (VG) until T12. Results: Twenty-six KTRs completed the study. No changes in body composition and kidney function were reported. KTRs showed an improvement in lipid profile, systolic blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life. WG showed no clinical differences compared to VG except for reported higher quality of life. Discussion: A good adherence to the exercise prescription was obtained with both monitoring methods (232 vs 253 min/week). This study reinforces the inclusion exercise training for KTRs to enhance physical fitness and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. These results emphasize the role of telehealth monitoring methods as motivators for adherence to long-term exercise prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic inflammation significantly increases the risk of short- and long-term mortality in geriatric hospitalized patients. To predict mortality in older patients with various age-related diseases and infections, including COVID-19, inflammatory biomarkers such as the C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR), and related scores and indexes, i.e. Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), modified GPS (mGPS), and high sensitivity (hs)-mGPS, have been increasingly utilized. Despite their easy affordability and widespread availability, these biomarkers are predominantly assessed for clinical purposes rather than predictive applications, leading to their underutilization in hospitalized older patients. In this study, we investigated the association of CAR, GPS, mGPS, and hs-mGPS with short-term mortality in 3,206 geriatric hospitalized patients admitted for acute conditions, irrespective of admission diagnosis. We observed that unit increases of CAR, and the highest classes of GPS, mGPS, and hs-mGPS were significantly associated with a two- to threefold increased risk of death, even adjusting the risk for different confounding variables. Interestingly, a hs-mGPS of 2 showed the highest effect size. Furthermore, gender analysis indicated a stronger association between all CRP-albumin based parameters and mortality in men, underscoring the gender-specific relevance of inflammation-based circulating parameters in mortality prediction. In conclusion, scores based on serum CRP and albumin levels offer additional guidance for the stratification of in-hospital mortality risk in older patients by providing additional information on the degree of systemic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a cardiac storage disease caused by the progressive extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins in the myocardium. Despite the increasing interest in this pathology, it remains an underdiagnosed condition. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques play a central role in the suspicion and detection of CA, also thanks to the continuous scientific and technological advances in these tools. The 12-lead electrocardiography is an inexpensive and reproducible test with a diagnostic accuracy that, in some cases, exceeds that of imaging techniques, as recent studies have shown. Echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality, although none of its parameters are pathognomonic. According to the 2023 ESC Guidelines, a left ventricular wall thickness ≥ 12 mm is mandatory for the suspicion of CA, making this technique crucial. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides high-resolution images associated with tissue characterization. The use of contrast and non-contrast sequences enhances the diagnostic power of this imaging modality. Nuclear imaging techniques, including bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography, allow the detection of amyloid deposition in the heart, and their role is also central in assessing the prognosis and response to therapy. The role of computed tomography was recently evaluated by several studies, above in population affected by aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement, with promising results. Finally, machine learning and artificial intelligence-derived algorithms are gaining ground in this scenario and provide the basis for future research. Understanding the new insights into non-invasive diagnostic techniques is critical to better diagnose and manage patients with CA and improve their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Plant macroevolutionary studies leverage the phylogenetic position of non-flowering model systems like the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha to investigate the origin and evolution of key plant processes. To date, most molecular genetic studies in Marchantia rely on hygromycin and/or chlorsulfuron herbicide resistance markers for the selection of stable transformants. Here, we used a sulfonamide-resistant dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene to enable sulfadiazine-based transformation selection in M. polymorpha. We demonstrate the reliability of sulfadiazine selection on its own and in combination with existing hygromycin and chlorsulfuron selection schemes through transgene stacking experiments. The utility of this system is further demonstrated through confocal microscopy of a triple transgenic line carrying fluorescent proteins labelling the plasma membrane, cortical microtubules, and the nucleus. Collectively, our findings and resources broaden the capacity to genetically manipulate the increasingly popular model liverwort M. polymorpha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tailored exercise prescription is a crucial intervention for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This longitudinal study investigates the impact on long-term effectiveness of exercise prescriptions over one year follow-up, implementing telehealth tools for exercise administration and adherencemonitoring. Materials and methods: KTRs were evaluated with clinical assessments including body composition, blood and urinary parameters, physical performance and quality of life at baseline (T0), after six (T6) and twelve (T12) months. The adherence to prescribed exercise training was monitored via video call interviews until T6 when the sample was divided into a group monitored via wearables (WG) and a group continuing video calls (VG) until T12. Results: Twenty-six KTRs completed the study. No changes in body composition and kidney function were reported. KTRs showed an improvement in lipid profile, systolic blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life. WG showed no clinical differences compared to VG except for reported higher quality of life. Discussion: A good adherence to the exercise prescription was obtained with both monitoring methods (232 vs 253 min/week). This study reinforces the inclusion exercise training for KTRs to enhance physical fitness and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. These results emphasize the role of telehealth monitoring methods as motivators for adherence to long-term exercise prescriptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solitary primary extraosseous plasmacytoma is a rare disease in the gastrointestinal tract, recently classified as an "exceptional" tumor of the colon site. The real incidence (one case/population/year) is unknown but reasonably less than 1/10,000,000 cases/year with very few descriptions in the literature. The rare cases described in the literature are often diagnosed after surgery for perforation and with predominant localization of the left colon. The main endoscopic presentation mimics colon carcinoma with ulcerated mass and obstructing lumen. In this paper, we report a rare case of isolated mass mimicking a submucosal lesion of the ascending colon diagnosed in an older female patient by colonoscopy. The patient was almost asymptomatic; she reported only a history of hematochezia without anemia. This mass was successfully treated by surgery and followed by hematological investigations, including bone marrow biopsy, specific laboratory tests, and CT/PET scan, which confirmed primary isolated plasmacytoma of the colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an efficient and sustainable precision irrigation strategy is crucial in contemporary agriculture. This study aimed to combine proximal and remote sensing techniques to show the benefits of using both monitoring methods, simultaneously assessing the water status and response of 'Calatina' olive under two distinct irrigation levels: full irrigation (FI), and drought stress (DS, -3 to -4 MPa). Stem water potential (Ψstem) and stomatal conductance (gs) were monitored weekly as reference indicators of plant water status. Crop water stress index (CWSI) and stomatal conductance index (Ig) were calculated through ground-based infrared thermography. Fruit gauges were used to monitor continuously fruit growth and data were converted in fruit daily weight fluctuations (ΔW) and relative growth rate (RGR). Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference RedEdge index (NDRE), green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), chlorophyll vegetation index (CVI), modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), water index (WI), normalized difference greenness index (NDGI) and green index (GI) were calculated from data collected by UAV-mounted multispectral camera. Data obtained from proximal sensing were correlated with both Ψstem and gs, while remote sensing data were correlated only with Ψstem. Regression analysis showed that both CWSI and Ig proved to be reliable indicators of Ψstem and gs. Of the two fruit growth parameters, ΔW exhibited a stronger relationship, primarily with Ψstem. Finally, NDVI, GNDVI, WI and NDRE emerged as the vegetation indices that correlated most strongly with Ψstem, achieving high R² values. Combining proximal and remote sensing indices suggested two valid approaches: a more simplified one involving the use of CWSI and either NDVI or WI, and a more comprehensive one involving CWSI and ΔW as proximal indices, along with WI as a multispectral index. Further studies on combining proximal and remote sensing data will be necessary in order to find strategic combinations of sensors and establish intervention thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay between accessibility and population change is a relatively new subject in Italian academic research. Along with social and economic factors such as regional economic prosperity, the ease of movement inside and outside an area can play a pivotal role in shaping population dynamics. This study seeks to explore the spatial distribution and spatial relationships of three indicators, including one related to real accessibility (RAI) and two others related, respectively, to the shares of the older population (SOP) and of the foreign population (SFP). An exploratory spatial data analysis is, therefore, conducted at the local level using Italian municipalities as the statistical units for the empirical analysis. Local univariate spatial autocorrelation analysis is used together with a regression analysis based on ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models. The results provide valuable insights into the local heterogeneity that characterizes the distribution of each indicator and the local relationship between them, highlighting the importance of thinking locally in quantitative social sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metal–organic-framework (MOF) NU-1000 was synthetized and investigated for the concomitant detection and degradation of organophosphorous pesticides such as paraoxon-methyl. After confirming the stability of the synthesized NU-1000 in a buffered suspension of N-ethylmorpholine (NEM) at pH 10, the degradation properties of paraoxon-methyl were studied for different NU-1000 concentrations and pesticide/NU-1000 ratios. UV-Vis absorption was used to monitor the concentration of p-nitrophenol, the degradation product of paraoxon-methyl, and to determine the reaction half-life. NU-1000 luminescence was found to be quenched by the presence of p-nitrophenol in the buffered suspension and an alteration of the emission spectra was observed. As an example of potential practical applications, NU-1000 was used to detect paraoxon-methyl on fresh fruit. Concentrations as low as 1 ppm were successfully detected and revealed to the naked eye under UV light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated growth, yield and olive oil quality of mature pedestrian olive orchards. Trees of three Sicilian cultivars Calatina, Nocellara del Belice and Abunara were planted at four combinations of planting densities and training forms. Trees at 2 × 5 m were trained to central leader (CLx2), those at 3 × 5 m to free palmette (FPx3), those at 4 x 5 to globe vase (GVx4), and those at 5 x 5 to poly-conic vase (PVx5). 'Calatina' had the smallest trees in terms of trunk size in all growing systems, while canopy size of trees at higher densities was similar for all three cultivars. 'Calatina' was also the most growth efficient (m3 of canopy per cm2 of TCSA) and produced the least amount of pruning wood in the hedgerow systems (CLx2 and FPx3). Fruit yield per tree tended to be higher in more vigorous cultivars (Abunara and Nocellara) grown to 3D systems (GVx4 and PVx5), while 'Calatina' was the most yield efficient (kg of fruit per cm2 of TCSA) especially in the hedgerow growing systems. Fruit and oil yield per ha and average production value tended to be highest in CLx2 trees and lowest in GVx4 trees, with 'Calatina' showing the sharpest changes and 'Nocellara' the smallest changes among growing systems. According to the Jaen index, CLx2 tended to induce earlier fruit maturation, followed by PVx5, GVx4, and FPx3. The growing system did not affect oil fatty acid composition, while 'Calatina' had the highest amount of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and the lowest amount of saturated fatty acids. 'Abunara' oils exhibited the highest amount of total phenols in CLx2, while 'Calatina' and 'Nocellara' oils exhibited the highest amount in FPx3 and PVx5. Both, trans-2-hexenal ("cut grass" sensory note) and hexenyl acetate ("floral" sensory note) tended to be lowest in oils from trees grown at CLx2 and highest in those from trees grown at GVx4, showing a somewhat inverse relationship with fruit ripening degree. The outcome of the present study on mature pedestrian orchards shows that proper combinations of cultivars, planting densities, and training forms (canopy shape) may result in efficient intensive systems for growing olive in areas where super-high density systems cannot be profitable due to agronomic and environmental limitations (water shortage, steep sloping sites, small farm size, etc.). Pedestrian growing systems can also be used to exploit olive biodiversity by allowing the use of available local genotypes. For this reason, they may represent an effective and sustainable solution against unexpected climate changes and associated emerging diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss-, gain-of-function and mixed variants in SCN1A (Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel) have been associated with a spectrum of neurologic disorders with different severity and drug-responsiveness. Most SCN1A variants are heterozygous changes occurring de novo or dominantly inherited; recessive inheritance has been reported in a few cases. Here, we report a family in which the biallelic inheritance of two novel SCN1A variants, N935Y and H1393Q, occurs in two siblings presenting with drug-responsive developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and born to heterozygous asymptomatic parents. To assess the genotype–phenotype correlation and support the treatment choice, HEK 293 cells were transfected with different combinations of the SCN1A WT and mutant cDNAs, and the resulting sodium currents were recorded through whole-cell patch-clamp. Functional studies showed that the N935Y and H1393Q channels and their combinations with the WT (WT + N935Y and WT + H1393Q) had current densities and biophysical properties comparable with those of their respective control conditions. This explains the asymptomatic condition of the probands' parents. The co-expression of the N935Y + H1393Q channels, mimicking the recessive inheritance of the two variants in siblings, showed ~20% reduced current amplitude compared with WT and with parental channels. This mild loss of Nav1.1 function may contribute in part to the disease pathogenesis, although other mechanisms may be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do electoral institutions matter for subnational legislators' career choices in a multi‐level polity? The paper considers this question by analyzing candidacies of sitting German State MPs for the Federal parliament ("level‐hopping attempts"), leveraging cross‐ and within‐legislature variation in electoral rules (due to the widespread adoption of mixed‐member systems in Germany's subnational parliaments). State MPs elected via list PR can be expected to be more likely to attempt level‐hopping than those elected in the single‐member districts (SMD) tier, as the former face lower re‐election rates and the latter are more directly accountable to their constituency's voters. Empirical evidence from a novel dataset of over 8000 State legislators spanning 10 Federal elections (1987–2021) confirms this hypothesis. It is also shown that the difference in behavior across tiers is more marked when State MPs run for insecure Federal candidacies than when they are offered secure candidacies. The findings suggest that subnational electoral institutions play a role in enabling or constraining legislators' progressive ambition. Moreover, they highlight a previously overlooked dimension of the "mandate divide" between MPs belonging to different electoral tiers of mixed‐member systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the frontline high-dose phase 3 FIL-MCL0208 trial (NCT02354313), 8% of enrolled mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients could not be randomised to receive lenalidomide (LEN) maintenance vs observation after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) due to inadequate hematological recovery and 52% of those who started LEN, needed a dose reduction due to toxicity. We therefore focused on the role played by CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (PBSC) harvesting and reinfusion on toxicity and outcome. Overall, 90% (n = 245) of enrolled patients who underwent the first leukapheresis collected ≥ 4 × 106 PBSC/kg, 2.6% (n = 7) mobilized < 4 × 106 PBSC/kg and 7.7% (n = 21) failed the collection. Similar results were obtained for the planned second leukapheresis, with only one patient failing both attempts. Median count of reinfused PBSC was 5 × 106/kg and median time to recovery from neutropenia G4 was 10 days from ASCT. No impact of mobilizing subtype or number of reinfused PBSC on hematological recovery and LEN dose reduction was noted. At a median follow-up of 75 months from ASCT, PFS and OS of transplanted patients were 50% and 73%, respectively. A long lasting G4 neutropenia after ASCT (> 10 days) was associated with a worse outcome, both in terms of PFS and OS. In conclusion, although the harvesting procedures proved feasible for younger MCL patients, long-lasting cytopenia following ASCT remains a significant issue: this can hinder the administration of effective maintenance therapies, potentially increasing the relapse rate and negatively affecting survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge transfer (CT) crystals exhibit unique electronic and magnetic properties with interesting applications. We present a rational and easy guide which allows to foresee the effective charge transfer co‐crystal production and that is based on the comparison of the frontier molecular orbital (MO) energies of a donor and acceptor couple. For the sake of comparison, theoretical calculations have been carried out by using the cheap and fast PM6 semiempirical Hamiltonian and pure HF/cc‐pVTZ level of the theory. The results are then compared with experimental results obtained both by chemical (bromine and iodine were used as the acceptor) and electrochemical doping (exploiting an original experimental set‐up by this laboratory: the electrochemical transistor). Infra‐red vibrational experimental results and theoretically calculated spectra are compared to assess both the effective donor‐acceptor (D/A) charge‐transfer and transport mechanism (giant IRAV polaron signature). XPS spectra have been collected (carbon (1 s) and iodine (3d5/2)) signals, yielding further evidence of the effective formation of the CT anthracene:iodine complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, cardiovascular prevention has been predominantly focused on stress-induced ischemia, but recent trials have challenged this paradigm, highlighting the emerging role of vulnerable, non-flow-limiting coronary plaques, leading to a shift towards integrating plaque morphology with functional data into risk prediction models. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) represents a high-resolution, low-risk, and largely available non-invasive modality for the precise delineation of plaque composition, morphology, and inflammatory activity, further enhancing our ability to stratify high-risk plaque and predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, derived from CCTA, has emerged as a promising tool for predicting future cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals, demonstrating incremental prognostic value beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors in terms of myocardial infarction, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Additionally, CCTA-derived information on adverse plaque characteristics, geometric characteristics, and hemodynamic forces provides valuable insights into plaque vulnerability and seems promising in guiding revascularization strategies. Additionally, non-invasive assessments of epicardial and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) further refine risk stratification, adding prognostic significance to coronary artery disease (CAD), correlating with plaque development, vulnerability, and rupture. Moreover, CT imaging not only aids in risk stratification but is now emerging as a screening tool able to monitor CAD progression and treatment efficacy over time. Thus, the integration of CAC scoring and PCAT evaluation into risk stratification algorithms, as well as the identification of high-risk plaque morphology and adverse geometric and hemodynamic characteristics, holds promising results for guiding personalized preventive interventions, helping physicians in identifying high-risk individuals earlier, tailoring lifestyle and pharmacological interventions, and improving clinical outcomes in their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the distinctive intra- and interregional geographical heterogeneity of Italy, emphasizing demographic and socio-economic variations and the role of foreign employment, considering the labour market as a fundamental driver for migration and local inclusion. The article identifies a gap in understanding the employed foreign population as a multiscale process in Lombardy and Campania, representative regions as case studies from the North and South divide using a MGWR approach. The results reveal contrasting effects of the Italian labour force's unemployment rate (URI). In Lombardy, a positive effect suggests working competition between labour force components while, in Campania, the relation is less clear. The analysis underscores significant local heterogeneity, emphasizing the importance and urgency of employing local scale analysis for accurate statistics. The study emphasizes the multiscale nature of the analysed process, demonstrating variable effects across different regional contexts. While the study is limited to two regions and cross-sectional data, it marks the first attempt in Italy to address the foreign presence as a multiscale process, highlighting the need for localized and multiscale approaches in understanding spatial processes related to demography and population issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with COVID-19 often exhibit coagulopathy, which can significantly impact prognosis. Therefore, investigating coagulation in this context is clinically relevant. The thrombin generation assay (TGA) provides comprehensive data on individual clotting patterns. In our study, we utilized a calibrated automated thrombogram to globally assess coagulation in COVID-19 patients. The study included 67 COVID-19 patients (40 hospitalized in the medical ward and 27 in intensive care units) and 45 blood donors for comparison. Our analysis revealed significant differences in TGA parameters (lag time, time-to-peak, thrombin peak, and endogenous thrombin potential) between patients and blood donors, suggesting a hypocoagulable state in the former. Specifically, COVID-19 patients exhibited prolonged lag time and time-to-peak values, as well as lower thrombin peak and endogenous thrombin potential compared to blood donors (Mann-Whitney test: p<0.05); notably, no significant differences in thrombin generation were observed based on the clinical setting. These findings suggest a reduced capacity for thrombin generation, indicating a consumptive coagulopathy in COVID-19 patients and that in this context, thrombosis is primarily attributable to localized effects in the lungs, platelet activation, and/or prothrombotic endothelial dysfunction. The thrombin generation assay is instrumental in defining coagulation patterns in COVID-19 and may also be applicable to other infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CEST-MRI is an emerging imaging technique suitable for various in vivo applications, including the quantification of tumor acidosis. Traditionally, CEST contrast is calculated by asymmetry analysis, but the presence of fat signals leads to wrong contrast quantification and hence to inaccurate pH measurements. In this study, we investigated four post-processing approaches to overcome fat signal influences and enable correct CEST contrast calculations and tumor pH measurements using iopamidol. The proposed methods involve replacing the Z-spectrum region affected by fat peaks by (i) using a linear interpolation of the fat frequencies, (ii) applying water pool Lorentzian fitting, (iii) considering only the positive part of the Z-spectrum, or (iv) calculating a correction factor for the ratiometric value. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the possibility of using these approaches to calculate CEST contrast and then to measure tumor pH, even in the presence of moderate to high fat fraction values. However, only the method based on the water pool Lorentzian fitting produced highly accurate results in terms of pH measurement in tumor-bearing mice with low and high fat contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) unit represents one of the building blocks more widely employed in the field of organic electronics; in most of the reported DPP-based small molecules, this unit represents the electron acceptor core symmetrically coupled to donor moieties, and the solubility is guaranteed by functionalizing lactamic nitrogens with long and branched alkyl tails. In this paper, we explored the possibility of modulating the solubility by realizing asymmetric DPP derivatives, where the molecular structure is extended in just one direction. Four novel derivatives have been prepared, characterized by a common dithyenil-DPP fragment and functionalized on one side by a thiophene unit linked to different auxiliary electron acceptor groups. As compared to previously reported symmetric analogs, the novel dyes showed an increased solubility in chloroform and proved to be soluble in THF as well. The novel dyes underwent a thorough optical and electrochemical characterization. Electronic properties were studied at the DFT levels. All the dyes were used as active layers in organic field effect transistors, showing balanced charge transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arrhythmic risk stratification in patients with Lamin A/C gene (LMNA)-related cardiomyopathy influences clinical decisions. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) should be considered in patients with an estimated 5-year risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA) of ≥10%. The risk prediction score for MVA includes non-missense LMNA mutations, despite their role as an established risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been questioned in several studies. The purpose of this study is to investigate cardiac features and find gene–phenotype correlations that would contribute to the evidence on the prognostic implications of non-missense vs. missense mutations in a cohort of LMNA mutant patients. An observational, prospective study was conducted in which 54 patients positive for a Lamin A/C mutation were enrolled, and 20 probands (37%) were included. The median age at first clinical manifestation was 41 (IQR 19) years. The median follow-up was 8 years (IQR 8). The type of LMNA gene mutation was distributed as follows: missense in 26 patients (48%), non-frameshift insertions in 16 (30%), frameshift deletions in 5 (9%), and nonsense in 7 (13%). Among the missense mutation carriers, two (8%) died and four (15%) were admitted onto the heart transplant list or underwent transplantation, with a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rate of 35%. No statistically significant differences in MACE prevalence were identified according to the missense and non-missense mutation groups (p value = 0.847). Our data shift the spotlight on this considerable topic and could suggest that some missense mutations may deserve attention regarding SCD risk stratification in real-world clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: TOMM40 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2075650 consists of allelic variation c.275-31A > G and it has been linked to Alzheimer disease, apolipoprotein and cholesterol levels and other risk factors. However, data on its role in cardiovascular disorders are lacking. The first aim of the study is to evaluate mortality according to TOMM40 genotype in a cohort of selected patients affected by advanced atherosclerosis. Second aim was to investigate the relationship between Xg and AA alleles and the presence of conduction disorders and implantation of defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker (PM) in our cohort. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 276 patients (mean age 70.16 ± 7.96 years) affected by hemodynamic significant carotid stenosis and/or ischemia of the lower limbs of II or III stadium Fontaine. We divided the population into two groups according to the genotype (Xg and AA carriers). We evaluated several electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters, including heart rate, rhythm, presence of right and left bundle branch block (LBBB and RBBB), PR interval, QRS duration and morphology, QTc interval, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We clinically followed these patients for 82.53 ± 30.02 months and we evaluated the incidence of cardiovascular events, number of deaths and PM/ICD implantations. Results: We did not find a difference in total mortality between Xg and AA carriers (16.3 % vs. 19.4%; p = 0.62). However, we found a higher mortality for fatal cardiovascular events in Xg carriers (8.2% vs. 4.4%; HR = 4.53, 95% CI 1.179–17.367; p = 0.04) with respect to AA carriers. We noted a higher percentage of LBBB in Xg carriers (10.2% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.027), which was statistically significant. Presence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) was also higher in Xg (10.2% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.10), but without reaching statistically significant difference compared to AA patients. We did not observe significant differences in heart rate, presence of sinus rhythm, number of device implantations, PR and QTc intervals, QRS duration and LVEF between the two groups. At the time of enrolment, we observed a tendency for device implant in Xg carriers at a younger age compared to AA carriers (58.50 ± 0.71 y vs. 72.14 ± 11.11 y, p = 0.10). During the follow-up, we noted no statistical difference for new device implantations in Xg respect to AA carriers (8.2% vs. 3.5%; HR = 2.384, 95% CI 0.718–7.922; p = 0.156). The tendency to implant Xg at a younger age compared to AA patients was confirmed during follow-up, but without reaching a significant difference(69.50 ± 2.89 y vs. 75.63 ± 8.35 y, p = 0.074). Finally, we pointed out that Xg carriers underwent device implantation 7.27 ± 4.43 years before AA (65.83 ± 6.11 years vs. 73.10 ± 10.39 years) and that difference reached a statistically significant difference (p = 0.049) when we considered all patients, from enrollment to follow-up. Conclusions: In our study we observed that TOMM40 Xg patients affected by advanced atherosclerosis have a higher incidence of developing fatal cardiovascular events, higher incidence of LBBB and an earlier age of PM or ICD implantations, as compared to AA carriers. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the genomic contribution of TOMM40 SNPs to cardiovascular deaths and cardiac conduction diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 15 years, DNTT-based compounds have emerged as a new generation of hole-transporting (p-type) organic semiconductors with superior charge transport properties. Even today, indeed, this class of derivatives is under intense scrutiny for the achievement of high-performance field-effect transistors to be applied in the development of advanced organic circuitry. Here, we analyze the growth of evaporated C8-DNTT films on HMDS-treated SiO2 surfaces, highlighting the dependence of the related morphological and electrical properties on the substrate temperature (Tsub) held during film condensation. In this way, we identified a Tsub range able to guarantee high mobility values (larger than 2.5 cm2 V−1 s−1) and morphological features being more compatible for the growth of additional layers on their top surfaces. This finding was the basic point to investigate the deposition of n-type PDIF-CN2 films on bottom C8-DNTT layers for the fabrication of heterojunction field-effect transistors. The electrical characterization of these devices, providing a shift of the threshold voltages and a minor sensitivity to the bias stress effect in comparison with the single-layer C8-DNTT counterparts, suggests the formation of a charge accumulation region at the organic/organic interface. This scenario was confirmed by additional electrical analyses performed on complementary double-layer structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity, making the efficient management of water resources essential for sustainable crop production. The assessment of plant water status is crucial for understanding plant physiological responses to water stress and optimizing water management practices in agriculture. Proximal and remote sensing techniques have emerged as powerful tools for the non-destructive, efficient, and spatially extensive monitoring of plant water status. This review aims to examine the recent advancements in proximal and remote sensing methodologies utilized for assessing the water status, consumption, and irrigation needs of fruit tree crops. Several proximal sensing tools have proved useful in the continuous estimation of tree water status but have strong limitations in terms of spatial variability. On the contrary, remote sensing technologies, although less precise in terms of water status estimates, can easily cover from medium to large areas with drone or satellite images. The integration of proximal and remote sensing would definitely improve plant water status assessment, resulting in higher accuracy by integrating temporal and spatial scales. This paper consists of three parts: the first part covers current plant-based proximal sensing tools, the second part covers remote sensing techniques, and the third part includes an update on the on the combined use of the two methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most common complications of tricuspid valve replacement is atrioventricular block (AVB), often requiring permanent pacing. The endocardial pacemaker lead, placed in the right ventricle, may sometimes interfere with the implanted prosthesis, causing its early dysfunction and the need for alternative sites of pacing. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a successful combined percutaneous procedure consisting of the implantation of two leads in the coronary sinus for univentricular bifocal pacing and a transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation in a young patient with severe dysfunction of the tricuspid bioprosthesis, requiring permanent pacing for a postsurgical complete atrioventricular block. Tricuspid valve replacement with surgery can often lead to cardiac rhythm disorders requiring a permanent pacemaker. This device may occasionally damage the tricuspid prosthesis. We present the first case of a combined procedure of tricuspid valve replacement and device implantation distant from the prosthesis without the need for a surgical approach in a young patient with severe tricuspid prosthesis malfunctioning and permanent pacing. Article highlights Right-sided infective endocarditis in young patients may be caused by intravenous drug use, leading to tricuspid valve injury and the need for valve replacement with a prosthesis. Complete atrioventricular block represents an important postoperative complication of valve surgery requiring, frequently, the implantation of a permanent pacemaker. The endocardial pacemaker lead in the right ventricle may sometimes interfere with the implanted bioprosthesis, causing its early degeneration with the need for prosthesis replacement and research of other sites of pacing. Surgical replacement of a malfunctioning tricuspid prosthesis is among the highest-risk procedures. A combined percutaneous implantation of two pacing leads in the coronary sinus for univentricular bifocal pacing and a transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery in patients requiring a permanent pacing site. In the case of pacemaker dependency, the use of actively fixating leads should be preferable to passive ones in order to minimize the risk of lead dislocation. Other strategies such as pacing with epicardial leads, the use of his-bundle pacing, or leadless pacemakers were taken into account but not deemed suitable. The Heart Team plays a critical role in decision-making in these particular conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiomyopathies (CMPs) are a group of myocardial disorders that are characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of the heart muscle. These abnormalities occur in the absence of coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, valvular disease, and congenital heart disease. CMPs are an increasingly important topic in the field of cardiovascular diseases due to the complexity of their diagnosis and management. In 2023, the ESC guidelines on cardiomyopathies were first published, marking significant progress in the field. The growth of techniques such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and genetics has been fueled by the development of multimodal imaging approaches. For the diagnosis of CMPs, a multimodal imaging approach, including CMR, is recommended. CMR has become the standard for non-invasive analysis of cardiac morphology and myocardial function. This document provides an overview of the role of CMR in CMPs, with a focus on tissue mapping. CMR enables the characterization of myocardial tissues and the assessment of cardiac functions. CMR sequences and techniques, such as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and parametric mapping, provide detailed information on tissue composition, fibrosis, edema, and myocardial perfusion. These techniques offer valuable insights for early diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and therapeutic guidance of CMPs. The use of quantitative CMR markers enables personalized treatment plans, improving overall patient outcomes. This review aims to serve as a guide for the use of these new tools in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telemedicine and remote monitoring devices, including implantable loop recorders (ILR), are increasingly adopted in the cardiologic setting. These are valuable tools in the arrhythmic stratification of patients at risk of sudden cardiac death, providing a tailored therapeutic management to prevent lethal arrhythmias. We report a case of an asymptomatic 18-year-old boy with a family history of syncope and cardiac arrest, who had a diagnosis of Brugada syndrome with an inducible type 1 pattern and carrier of a missense mutation of the SCN5A gene. In light of the risk factors, although not recommended by current guidelines, we decided to proceed with the implantation of an ILR with remote monitoring service. A few months later, an episode of asymptomatic sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was promptly observed by the remote monitoring, leading to a timely implantation of a subcutaneous cardiac implantable defibrillator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interventricular septum (IVS) is a core myocardial structure involved in biventricular coupling and performance. Physiologically, during systole, it moves symmetrically toward the center of the left ventricle (LV) and opposite during diastole. Several pathological conditions produce a reversal or paradoxical septal motion, such as after uncomplicated cardiac surgery (CS). The postoperative paradoxical septum (POPS) was observed in a high rate of cases, representing a unicum in the panorama of paradoxical septa as it does not induce significant ventricular morpho-functional alterations nor negative clinical impact. Although it was previously considered a postoperative event, evidence suggests that it might also appear during surgery and gradually resolve over time. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is still debated. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive review of the various theories generated over the past fifty years to explain its pathological basis. Finally, we will attempt to give a heuristic interpretation of the biventricular postoperative motion pattern based on the switch of the ventricular anchor points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is globally one of the major causes of hospitalization and mortality. Severe CAP (sCAP) presents great challenges and need a comprehensive understanding of its long-term outcomes. Cardiovascular events and neurological impairment, due to persistent inflammation and hypoxemia, contribute to long-term outcomes in CAP, including mortality. Very few data are available in the specific population of sCAP. Multiple studies have reported variable 1-year mortality rates for patients with CAP up to 40.7%, with a clear influence by age, comorbidities, and disease severity. In terms of treatment, the potential protective role of macrolides in reducing mortality emphasizes the importance of appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy. This narrative review explores the growing interest in the literature focusing on the long-term implications of sCAP. Improved understanding of long-term outcomes in sCAP can facilitate targeted interventions and enhance posthospitalization care protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O'Donnell-Luria-Rodan (ODLURO) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the KMT2E gene. The clinical phonotype of the affected individuals is typically characterized by global developmental delay, autism, epilepsy, hypotonia, macrocephaly, and very mild dysmorphic facial features. In this report, we describe the case of a 6-year-old boy with ODLURO syndrome who is a carrier of the synonymous mutation c.186G>A (p.Ala62=) in the KMT2E gene, predicted to alter splicing by in silico tools. Given the lack of functional studies on the c.186G>A variant, in order to assess its potential functional effect, we sequenced the patient's cDNA demonstrating its impact on the mechanism of splicing. To the best of our knowledge, our patient is the second to date reported carrying this synonymous mutation, but he is the first whose functional investigation has confirmed the deleterious consequence of the variant, resulting in exon 4 skipping. Additionally, we suggest a potential etiological mechanism that could be responsible for the aberrant splicing mechanism in KMT2E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the components, variety, metabolism, and products of microbiomes, particularly of the gut microbiome (GM), have been revealed to be closely associated with the onset and progression of numerous human illnesses, including hematological neoplasms. Among the latter pathologies, there is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most widespread malignant neoplasm in pediatric subjects. Accordingly, ALL cases present a typical dysfunctional GM during all its clinical stages and resulting inflammation, which contributes to its progression, altered response to therapy, and possible relapses. Children with ALL have GM with characteristic variations in composition, variety, and functions, and such alterations may influence and predict the complications and prognosis of ALL after chemotherapy treatment or stem cell hematopoietic transplants. In addition, growing evidence also reports the ability of GM to influence the formation, growth, and roles of the newborn's hematopoietic system through the process of developmental programming during fetal life as well as its susceptibility to the onset of onco-hematological pathologies, namely ALL. Here, we suggest some therapeutic strategies that can be applied at two levels of intervention to recover the microbiome and consequently prevent/delay ALL or arrest its progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]