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Background: Mpox virus (MPXV) has recently spread outside of sub-Saharan Africa. This large multicentre study was conducted in Lombardy, the most densely populated Italian region accounting for more than 40% of Italian cases. The present study aims to: i) evaluate the presence and the shedding duration of MPXV DNA in different body compartments correlating the MPXV viability with the time to onset of symptoms; ii) provide evidence of MPXV persistence in different body compartment as a source of infection and iii) characterize the MPXV evolution by whole genome sequencing (WGS) during the outbreak occurred in Italy. Material and methods: The study included 353 patients with a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of MPXV infection screened in several clinical specimens in the period May 24th - September 1st, 2022. Viral isolation was attempted from different biological matrices and complete genome sequencing was performed for 61 MPXV strains. Results: MPXV DNA detection was more frequent in the skin (94.4%) with the longest median time of viral clearance (16 days). The actively-replicating virus in cell culture was obtained for 123/377 (32.6%) samples with a significant higher viral quantity on isolation positive samples (20 vs 31, p < 0.001). The phylogenetic analysis highlighted the high genetic identity of the MPXV strains collected, both globally and within the Lombardy region. Conclusion: Skin lesion is gold standard material and the high viral load and the actively-replicating virus observed in genital sites confirms that sexual contact plays a key role in the viral transmission.

Background. Discussion on the impact of pocket money on positive behaviors is still debated.Objective. To investigate the effect of diverse money allowance schemes on risky behaviors (smoking, alcohol, binge drinking, drug use, gambling) during adolescence.Method. 989 students aged 15 from Lombardy (Italy) reported information on money availability in the 2018 wave of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. To analyze the relationship between money availability and risky behaviors we computed odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals through unconditional multiple logistic regression models.Results. Spending more than 10(sic) weekly was associated with higher likelihood to smoke, binge drink or gamble. Receiving pocket money (rather than receiving money upon request) was related to higher likelihood to engage in risky behaviors.Conclusions. Pocket money may have a negative impact on adolescents, particularly with a substantial amount of money. More research is needed to understand why providing money only if needed may serve as a protective factor against risky behaviors.

The present study explores the concurrent contribution to sleep problems of individual-related, family-related, and school-related factors in adolescence. Gathering from the Italian 2018 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) data collection, we used hierarchical logistic regression on a sample of 3397 adolescents (51% females, Mage = 13.99, SD = 1.62) to explore the contribution to sleep problems of the individual (Model 1: alcohol use, smoking, screen time, physical activity), familial (Model 2: parental communication, parental support), and school-related (Model 3: peer support, schoolmates/students support, teacher support and school pressure) variables. 28.3 percent of adolescents reported having sleep difficulties. Overall, Model 3 significantly improved over Model 2 and Model 1. Data showed that increasing smoking (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03–1.20) and screen time (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.08) were associated with sleep difficulties but not alcohol use and physical activity. Also, impaired communication with both parents and increasing parental support (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.78–0.90) were associated with decreased odds of sleep problems. Finally, both increases in school pressure (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.26–1.56) and lack of student support (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.10–1.42) were associated with a higher likelihood of sleep problems, while peer support and teacher support were not. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of an integrated approach to the study of sleep difficulties in adolescence that includes specific psychosocial contributors such as the quality of parental communication and perceived parental support and considers the quality of the day-to-day relationship with schoolmates and the school level of demands.What is Known:• Adolescents' are at-risk of more significant sleep difficulties, and recent literature highlights the importance of an integrated approach to understanding this phenomenon, including biological, psychosocial, and cont

Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect Transistors (EGOFETs) offer many opportunities for the development of low-cost and low-power electronics suitable for applications like sensors and point-of-care tests; however, EGOFETs can be affected by the drift of their operative point that causes signals distortion and loss of information during sensing applications. Here, a blend of 2,8-Difluoro-5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl)anthradithiophene (diF-TES-ADT) and polystyrene (PS) is used as the active material for the fabrication of dual-gate EGOFETs. We exploited the dual-gate architecture to improve EGOFETs stability by implementing digital feedback that uses the back-gate electrode to compensate dynamically for the transistor threshold voltage allowing us to fix its operative point for prolonged tests (>10 h) with different aqueous solutions (Milli-Q water, NaCl 0.1 M and a physiological solution). The presented real-time threshold voltage compensation does not only allow to steady EGOFETs DC output current, but it also preserves EGOFETs sensing capability for the detection of signals with frequencies as low as 1 Hz.

Lugones’s theory of oppression focuses on the need for the oppressed to cultivate a different logic of reality. The conditions that allow the emergence of a resistant consciousness rest on a pluralist ontology and on the idea of a multiple self-capable of traveling between «worlds». A key role in this theory is occupied by the space of limen. The limen constitutes a portal to liberation, but it does not guarantee its outcome. In fact, the political project of emancipation from the multiple oppressions requires the creation of coalitions. A goal that can only be achieved through complex communication, which abandons the liberal logic of transparency.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was comparing the electromyography (EMG) activity of trunk muscles and the perception of effort during plank exercise with different accessories. METHODS: Fifteen physically active women take part in this study, all of them performed five variations of the plank exercise: In the mat, middle box, high box, Isometric in a Swiss boll and moving the upper arms in the Swiss boll. The perception of effort and the EMG activity of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal/transverse oblique, longissimus, iliocostalis and multifidus muscles were evaluated. We normalize the RMS value of each muscle by maximum voluntary isometric contraction and then the situations were compared with repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The highest EMG activities of the rectus abdominis (81.3±10.6% MVIC), external oblique (92.1±7.6% MVIC), internal oblique (68.7±7.6% MVIC), multifidus (9.8±1.1% MVIC), iliocostal (9.0±1.2% MVIC) and longuissimus (7.6±3.8% MVIC) were during the plank on the swiss ball with upper limb movements. The rectus abdominis, multifidus, iliocostalis and longissimus muscles are secondly more active in the mat and isometry in the swiss ball. The lowest EMG activities to these muscles were on plank with middle and high box. To the external oblique and internal/transverse oblique muscles, no difference was found between the mat, boxes and isometry in the swiss ball. Perception of effort (F=12,008, p=<0.001; eta²=0.546) was lower in the high box situation. CONCLUSION: Variations in the plank exercises change the muscle activity of the trunk muscles by different ways. The highest activities to all muscles were observed during the plank exercise performed above a swiss ball moving the upper arms. To the rectus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique/tranverse abdominis we found the lowest muscle activities during the plank exercises performed on the middle box and the high box. The effort perception was lower in the high box variation w, OBJETIVO: Comparar a atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) de músculos do tronco e percepção de esforço durante exercício de prancha com diferentes acessórios. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 15 mulheres fisicamente ativas que realizaram cinco variações do exercício da prancha: no solo, na caixa média, na caixa alta, isometria na bola suíça e com movimentação de membros superiores na bola suíça. Foram obtidas as percepções de esforço e as atividades eletromiográficas dos músculos reto abdominal, obliquo externo, obliquo interno/transverso, longuíssimo, iliocostal e multífidos. O valor RMS dos músculos analisados foram normalizados pela contração isométrica voluntária máxima e as situações comparadas por meio da ANOVA de medidas repetidas. RESULTADOS: As maiores atividades EMG do reto abdominal (81,3±10,6%CIVM), obliquo externo (92,1±7,6%CIVM), obliquo interno (68,7±7,6%CIVM), multífidos (9,8±1,1%CIVM), iliocostal (9,0±1,2%CIVM) e longuissimo (7,6±3,8%CIVM) foram obtidas durante a prancha na bola suíça com movimentos de membro superior. Os músculos reto abdominal, multífidos, iliocostal e longuíssimo apresentam secundariamente mais atividades nas situações com prancha no solo e isometria na bola suíça. As menores atividades EMG nestes músculos foram nas pranchas com caixa média e alta. Para os músculos obliquo externo e obliquo interno/transverso não houve diferença entre as situações solo, caixas e isometria na bola suiça. A percepção de esforço (F=12,008, p=<0,001; eta²=0,546) foi menor na situação com caixa alta. CONCLUSÃO: Os músculos do tronco foram influenciados de forma diferente pela mudança do acessório durante a prancha nas suas atividades eletromiográficas. Todos os músculos apresentaram maiores atividades durante a prancha na bola suiça com movimentos de membro superior. O reto abdominal, obliquo externo e obliquo interno/transverso obtiveram as menores atividades durante os exercícios com caixa alta e média. A percepção de esforço foi significativamente menor

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was comparing the electromyography (EMG) activity of trunk muscles and the perception of effort during plank exercise with different accessories. METHODS: Fifteen physically active women take part in this study, all of them performed five variations of the plank exercise: In the mat, middle box, high box, Isometric in a Swiss boll and moving the upper arms in the Swiss boll. The perception of effort and the EMG activity of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal/transverse oblique, longissimus, iliocostalis and multifidus muscles were evaluated. We normalize the RMS value of each muscle by maximum voluntary isometric contraction and then the situations were compared with repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: The highest EMG activities of the rectus abdominis (81.3±10.6% MVIC), external oblique (92.1±7.6% MVIC), internal oblique (68.7±7.6% MVIC), multifidus (9.8±1.1% MVIC), iliocostal (9.0±1.2% MVIC) and longuissimus (7.6±3.8% MVIC) were during the plank on the swiss ball with upper limb movements. The rectus abdominis, multifidus, iliocostalis and longissimus muscles are secondly more active in the mat and isometry in the swiss ball. The lowest EMG activities to these muscles were on plank with middle and high box. To the external oblique and internal/transverse oblique muscles, no difference was found between the mat, boxes and isometry in the swiss ball. Perception of effort (F=12,008, p=<0.001; eta²=0.546) was lower in the high box situation. CONCLUSION: Variations in the plank exercises change the muscle activity of the trunk muscles by different ways. The highest activities to all muscles were observed during the plank exercise performed above a swiss ball moving the upper arms. To the rectus abdominis, external oblique and internal oblique/tranverse abdominis we found the lowest muscle activities during the plank exercises performed on the middle box and the high box. The effort perception was lower in the high box variation w, OBJETIVO: Comparar a atividade eletromiográfica (EMG) de músculos do tronco e percepção de esforço durante exercício de prancha com diferentes acessórios. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 15 mulheres fisicamente ativas que realizaram cinco variações do exercício da prancha: no solo, na caixa média, na caixa alta, isometria na bola suíça e com movimentação de membros superiores na bola suíça. Foram obtidas as percepções de esforço e as atividades eletromiográficas dos músculos reto abdominal, obliquo externo, obliquo interno/transverso, longuíssimo, iliocostal e multífidos. O valor RMS dos músculos analisados foram normalizados pela contração isométrica voluntária máxima e as situações comparadas por meio da ANOVA de medidas repetidas. RESULTADOS: As maiores atividades EMG do reto abdominal (81,3±10,6%CIVM), obliquo externo (92,1±7,6%CIVM), obliquo interno (68,7±7,6%CIVM), multífidos (9,8±1,1%CIVM), iliocostal (9,0±1,2%CIVM) e longuissimo (7,6±3,8%CIVM) foram obtidas durante a prancha na bola suíça com movimentos de membro superior. Os músculos reto abdominal, multífidos, iliocostal e longuíssimo apresentam secundariamente mais atividades nas situações com prancha no solo e isometria na bola suíça. As menores atividades EMG nestes músculos foram nas pranchas com caixa média e alta. Para os músculos obliquo externo e obliquo interno/transverso não houve diferença entre as situações solo, caixas e isometria na bola suiça. A percepção de esforço (F=12,008, p=<0,001; eta²=0,546) foi menor na situação com caixa alta. CONCLUSÃO: Os músculos do tronco foram influenciados de forma diferente pela mudança do acessório durante a prancha nas suas atividades eletromiográficas. Todos os músculos apresentaram maiores atividades durante a prancha na bola suiça com movimentos de membro superior. O reto abdominal, obliquo externo e obliquo interno/transverso obtiveram as menores atividades durante os exercícios com caixa alta e média. A percepção de esforço foi significativamente menor

The study focused on the analysis of the state of the art of active packaging and on the development of an innovative active packaging system for food application based on the use of nanocellulose matrix embedded with essential oils. The solubility and diffusivity of thyme, cinnamon and oregano essential oils in three nanocellulose films, endowed with different carboxymethylation degree, were analysed. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of those films was also analyzed. Firstly, the activity against model pathogenic bacteria was tested and the minimum inhibitory concentration of each oil was determined (0.37 – 0.68 mg/mg of matrix). This initial validation was then followed by experimental settings aimed at testing the system directly on clamshell type packed raspberries. It was observed that thyme and oregano essential oils were more effective in maintaining firmness and reduce weight loss than cinnamon essential oil or controls, through 12 days storage at 1ºC. From the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that the dispersion of thyme and oregano essential oils in nanocellulose matrix is a promising technology to improve shelf-life of raspberries or other fresh fruits.

The growth of controlled 1D carbon-based nanostructures on metal surfaces is a multistep process whose path, activation energies, and intermediate metastable states strongly depend on the employed substrate. Whereas this process has been extensively studied on gold, less work has been dedicated to silver surfaces, which have a rather different catalytic activity. In this work, we present an experimental and theoretical investigation of the growth of poly-p-phenylene (PPP) chains and subsequent narrow graphene ribbons starting from 4,4″-dibromo-p-terphenyl molecular precursors deposited at the silver surface. By combing scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, we describe the molecular morphology and organization at different steps of the growth process and we discuss the stability and conversion of the encountered species on the basis of calculated thermodynamic quantities. Unlike the case of gold, at the debromination step we observe the appearance of organometallic molecules and chains, which can be explained by their negative formation energy in the presence of a silver adatom reservoir. At the dehydrogenation temperature, the persistence of intercalated Br atoms hinders the formation of well-structured graphene ribbons, which are instead observed on gold, leading only to a partial lateral coupling of the PPP chains. We numerically derive very different activation energies for Br desorption from the Ag and Au surfaces, thereby confirming the importance of this process in defining the kinetics of the formation of molecular chains and graphene ribbons on different metal surfaces.

Electrolyte-gated organic field-effect transistors (EGOFETs) are key enabling elements for the development of bio-electronic devices, therefore it is imperative to increase the knowledge on how EGOFETs work, not only in stationary conditions but also in the time and frequency domain. In this framework, the EGOFET small-signal circuit is presented and the recording of action potentials (APs) is simulated by analyzing EGOFETs as trans-conductance amplifiers as well as voltage amplifiers. It is shown that when operating as a trans-conductance amplifier, EGOFETs ideally allow to well preserve the shape of the recorded AP but they amplify high-frequency noise thus heavily worsening the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Whereas, when implemented in a voltage amplifier, EGOFETs allow a substantial SNR improvement, but introduce some distortion in the recorded signal.

This paper explores the public value outcomes generated by collaborative platforms in public services through a comparative case study of 25 privately-owned digital platforms across various public service areas in Italy. The study confirms that collaborative digitally-enabled endeavors can have both positive and negative effects on public value, highlighting the challenges associated with multi-actor dynamics and the delicate balance between public interest and private gain in public services. The findings reveal implications related to user-centric platforms, including concerns about inclusivity, autonomy, decision-making abilities, and privacy infringement. Additionally, the study suggests that collaborative platforms alone do not enhance collaboration in public services unless accompanied by strong public governance that promotes interoperability through standardized frameworks, common templates, and data reuse.

The present study explores the concurrent contribution to sleep problems of individual-related, family-related, and school-related factors in adolescence. Gathering from the Italian 2018 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) data collection, we used hierarchical logistic regression on a sample of 3397 adolescents (51% females, Mage = 13.99, SD = 1.62) to explore the contribution to sleep problems of the individual (Model 1: alcohol use, smoking, screen time, physical activity), familial (Model 2: parental communication, parental support), and school-related (Model 3: peer support, schoolmates/students support, teacher support and school pressure) variables. 28.3 percent of adolescents reported having sleep difficulties. Overall, Model 3 significantly improved over Model 2 and Model 1. Data showed that increasing smoking (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03-1.20) and screen time (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.08) were associated with sleep difficulties but not alcohol use and physical activity. Also, impaired communication with both parents and increasing parental support (OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.78-0.90) were associated with decreased odds of sleep problems. Finally, both increases in school pressure (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.26-1.56) and lack of student support (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.10-1.42) were associated with a higher likelihood of sleep problems, while peer support and teacher support were not.Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of an integrated approach to the study of sleep difficulties in adolescence that includes specific psychosocial contributors such as the quality of parental communication and perceived parental support and considers the quality of the day-to-day relationship with schoolmates and the school level of demands.

In the last decades, research focused on the surroundings’ influence over schools, but only a few studies investigated whether the presence of a school may increase its surroundings’ safety. Still, the characteristics of the school which could ameliorate the surroundings’ safety are still unclear. The current study hypothesizes that: i. a higher number of communication strategies in the school may increase the school surroundings’ safety; ii. the students’ participation in school decisions and the frequency of anti-bullying programs may strengthen the effect of communication over surroundings’ safety. The sample includes data of 62 school principals from the Northern Italian region of Lombardy who answered self-report questions from Health Behaviors in School-Aged Children (2014) protocol. Findings from moderation analysis show that a higher number of communication strategies within the school fosters the perception of safer school surroundings. The impact of students’ participation in school decisions does not constitute a significant moderator of the relationship. In contrast, the frequency of anti-bullying programs results to impact negatively on the association between communication strategies and surroundings’ safety.

The present study investigated the antecedents of cyberbullying victimization and addressed the commonalities and differences between visual and written forms of cyberbullying victimization among 3172 Italian adolescents (51.6% male, M age = 13.74 years, SD = 1.70) who participated in the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC, 2014) survey. The results from two logistic regression models revealed that the two distinct forms of cyberbullying victimization presented common and unique associated factors. Family support was negatively associated with both forms of cyberbullying victimization, while greater use of social networks and frequent experiences of traditional bullying victimization were positively associated with both forms. Neither written nor visual forms of cyberbullying victimization were associated with the quality of school relationships or online gaming frequency. Gender (female) was associated with written, but not visual, cyberbullying victimization. Finally, visual cyberbullying victimization was positively associated with high family socio-economic status and traditional bullying perpetration. The findings highlight the urgent need to tailor preventive and intervention strategies for the adolescent population.

In the last decades, research focused on the surroundings’ influence over schools, but only a few studies investigated whether the presence of a school may increase its surroundings’ safety. Still, the characteristics of the school which could ameliorate the surroundings’ safety are still unclear. The current study hypothesizes that: i. a higher number of communication strategies in the school may increase the school surroundings’ safety; ii. the students’ participation in school decisions and the frequency of anti-bullying programs may strengthen the effect of communication over surroundings’ safety. The sample includes data of 62 school principals from the Northern Italian region of Lombardy who answered self-report questions from Health Behaviors in School-Aged Children (2014) protocol. Findings from moderation analysis show that a higher number of communication strategies within the school fosters the perception of safer school surroundings. The impact of students’ participation in school decisions does not constitute a significant moderator of the relationship. In contrast, the frequency of anti-bullying programs results to impact negatively on the association between communication strategies and surroundings’ safety.

Syfte och forskningsfrågor: Syftet med uppsatsen är att undersöka skillnader i management och management control när ett arbete utförs på distans och på en traditionell arbetsplats. Med härledning till från syftet formuleras forskningsfrågorna till: Skiljer sig utövning av management mellan en distans- och traditionellt arbetsplats? Uppstår samma typ av problem mellan en distans- och traditionellt arbetsplats? Vad är för- och nackdelarna med att arbeta på distans kontra en traditionell arbetsplats? Har arbetsplatser som gått från den traditionella arbetsplatsen till distansarbetet ändrat sin management control? Skiljer sig kommunikationen mellan anställda när de arbetar på distans kontra en traditionell arbetsplats? Metod: Uppsatsen är baserad på en kvalitativ forskningsmetod och empirisk data utgörs utav åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer med sakkunniga personer.

Syfte och forskningsfrågor: Syftet med uppsatsen är att undersöka skillnader i management och management control när ett arbete utförs på distans och på en traditionell arbetsplats. Med härledning till från syftet formuleras forskningsfrågorna till: Skiljer sig utövning av management mellan en distans- och traditionellt arbetsplats? Uppstår samma typ av problem mellan en distans- och traditionellt arbetsplats? Vad är för- och nackdelarna med att arbeta på distans kontra en traditionell arbetsplats? Har arbetsplatser som gått från den traditionella arbetsplatsen till distansarbetet ändrat sin management control? Skiljer sig kommunikationen mellan anställda när de arbetar på distans kontra en traditionell arbetsplats? Metod: Uppsatsen är baserad på en kvalitativ forskningsmetod och empirisk data utgörs utav åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer med sakkunniga personer.

Sarcomas are malignant soft tissue and bone tumours affecting adults, adolescents and children. They represent a morphologically heterogeneous class of tumours and some entities lack defining histopathological features. Therefore, the diagnosis of sarcomas is burdened with a high inter-observer variability and misclassification rate. Here, we demonstrate classification of soft tissue and bone tumours using a machine learning classifier algorithm based on array-generated DNA methylation data. This sarcoma classifier is trained using a dataset of 1077 methylation profiles from comprehensively pre-characterized cases comprising 62 tumour methylation classes constituting a broad range of soft tissue and bone sarcoma subtypes across the entire age spectrum. The performance is validated in a cohort of 428 sarcomatous tumours, of which 322 cases were classified by the sarcoma classifier. Our results demonstrate the potential of the DNA methylation-based sarcoma classification for research and future diagnostic applications. Sarcomas are morphologically heterogeneous tumours rendering their classification challenging. Here the authors developed a classifier using DNA methylation data from several soft tissue and bone sarcoma subtypes, which has the potential to improve classification for research and clinical purposes.

Sarcomas are malignant soft tissue and bone tumours affecting adults, adolescents and children. They represent a morphologically heterogeneous class of tumours and some entities lack defining histopathological features. Therefore, the diagnosis of sarcomas is burdened with a high inter-observer variability and misclassification rate. Here, we demonstrate classification of soft tissue and bone tumours using a machine learning classifier algorithm based on array-generated DNA methylation data. This sarcoma classifier is trained using a dataset of 1077 methylation profiles from comprehensively pre-characterized cases comprising 62 tumour methylation classes constituting a broad range of soft tissue and bone sarcoma subtypes across the entire age spectrum. The performance is validated in a cohort of 428 sarcomatous tumours, of which 322 cases were classified by the sarcoma classifier. Our results demonstrate the potential of the DNA methylation-based sarcoma classification for research and future diagnostic applications. Sarcomas are morphologically heterogeneous tumours rendering their classification challenging. Here the authors developed a classifier using DNA methylation data from several soft tissue and bone sarcoma subtypes, which has the potential to improve classification for research and clinical purposes.

Sarcomas are malignant soft tissue and bone tumours affecting adults, adolescents and children. They represent a morphologically heterogeneous class of tumours and some entities lack defining histopathological features. Therefore, the diagnosis of sarcomas is burdened with a high inter-observer variability and misclassification rate. Here, we demonstrate classification of soft tissue and bone tumours using a machine learning classifier algorithm based on array-generated DNA methylation data. This sarcoma classifier is trained using a dataset of 1077 methylation profiles from comprehensively pre-characterized cases comprising 62 tumour methylation classes constituting a broad range of soft tissue and bone sarcoma subtypes across the entire age spectrum. The performance is validated in a cohort of 428 sarcomatous tumours, of which 322 cases were classified by the sarcoma classifier. Our results demonstrate the potential of the DNA methylation-based sarcoma classification for research and future diagnostic applications.

Sarcomas are malignant soft tissue and bone tumours affecting adults, adolescents and children. They represent a morphologically heterogeneous class of tumours and some entities lack defining histopathological features. Therefore, the diagnosis of sarcomas is burdened with a high inter-observer variability and misclassification rate. Here, we demonstrate classification of soft tissue and bone tumours using a machine learning classifier algorithm based on array-generated DNA methylation data. This sarcoma classifier is trained using a dataset of 1077 methylation profiles from comprehensively pre-characterized cases comprising 62 tumour methylation classes constituting a broad range of soft tissue and bone sarcoma subtypes across the entire age spectrum. The performance is validated in a cohort of 428 sarcomatous tumours, of which 322 cases were classified by the sarcoma classifier. Our results demonstrate the potential of the DNA methylation-based sarcoma classification for research and future diagnostic applications.

Parental control and family dinners attendance may constitute protective factors against alcohol consumption during adolescence, with different patterns for boys and girls, though evidence thus far have produced mixed findings. The present study analyzed Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC, 2014) data from 906 adolescents living in Northern Italy (49% boys, Myears = 16.02, SD = 2.4) to examine: (a) gender differences in alcohol consumption frequency; (b) whether greater parental control would mediate gender differences in alcohol consumption over the last 30 days; (c) whether regular attendance of family dinners would strengthen the effect of parental control in decreasing adolescents’ alcohol consumption, functioning differently for boys and girls. Findings indicated that boys reported to attend family dinners more regularly, to consume alcohol more frequently, and to perceive greater paternal control, than girls. Conversely, girls perceived greater maternal control than boys. Both maternal and paternal control did mediate the relation between gender and alcohol consumption, decreasing adolescents’ drinking. Unexpectedly, family dinners attendance did not significantly moderate the effect of parental control on the monthly frequency of adolescents’ alcohol consumption. Results underline the protective role of parental control against adolescents’ alcohol consumption in both girls and boys, regardless of their family dinners attendance.

Inverse synthetic aperture radar is a commonly adopted technique for producing high-resolution images of moving targets. This article investigates the imaging capabilities of high-frequency and high-bandwidth systems by means of two distinct experiments. The deployed sensor is the Fraunhofer FHR MIRANDA-35, a millimeter-wave synthetic aperture radar airborne system, which transmits frequency-modulated continuous-wave signals at the Ka-band and is capable of achieving centimeter resolution. The performances are assessed by comparing the derived estimates (e.g., radial velocity and acceleration, and dimensions) with independent ground measurements. The resulting accuracy can be summarized as follows: the mean value of the percent error is 2.05% and 2.11% for radial velocity and acceleration, respectively, and 4.27% for the target dimensions.

Background GNAQ and GNA11 mutant nonuveal melanoma represent a poorly characterized rare subgroup of melanoma with a gene mutation profile similar to uveal melanoma. Objectives To characterize these tumours in terms of clinical behaviour and genetic characteristics. Methods Patients with nonuveal GNAQ/11 mutated melanoma were identified from the prospective multicentre tumour tissue registry ADOREG, Tissue Registry in Melanoma (TRIM) and additional cooperating skin cancer centres. Extensive data on patient, tumour and treatment characteristics were collected retrospectively. Targeted sequencing was used to determine tumour mutational burden. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed for programmed death-ligand 1 and BRCA1-associated protein (BAP)1. Existing whole-exome cutaneous and uveal melanoma data were analysed for mutation type and burden. Results We identified 18 patients with metastatic GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanoma. Tumours had a lower tumour mutational burden and fewer ultraviolet signature mutations than cutaneous melanomas. In addition to GNAQ and GNA11 mutations (nine each), six splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1), three eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A X-linked (EIF1AX) and four BAP1 mutations were detected. In contrast to uveal melanoma, GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas frequently metastasized lymphatically and concurrent EIF1AX, SF3B1 and BAP1 mutations showed no apparent association with patient prognosis. Objective response to immunotherapy was poor with only one partial response observed in 10 treated patients (10%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas are a subtype of melanoma that is both clinically and genetically distinct from cutaneous and uveal melanoma. As they respond poorly to available treatment regimens, novel effective therapeutic approaches for affected patients are urgently needed. What is already known about this topic? The rare occurrence of GNAQ/11 mutations in nonuveal melanom

Background GNAQ and GNA11 mutant nonuveal melanoma represent a poorly characterized rare subgroup of melanoma with a gene mutation profile similar to uveal melanoma. Objectives To characterize these tumours in terms of clinical behaviour and genetic characteristics. Methods Patients with nonuveal GNAQ/11 mutated melanoma were identified from the prospective multicentre tumour tissue registry ADOREG, Tissue Registry in Melanoma (TRIM) and additional cooperating skin cancer centres. Extensive data on patient, tumour and treatment characteristics were collected retrospectively. Targeted sequencing was used to determine tumour mutational burden. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed for programmed death-ligand 1 and BRCA1-associated protein (BAP)1. Existing whole-exome cutaneous and uveal melanoma data were analysed for mutation type and burden. Results We identified 18 patients with metastatic GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanoma. Tumours had a lower tumour mutational burden and fewer ultraviolet signature mutations than cutaneous melanomas. In addition to GNAQ and GNA11 mutations (nine each), six splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1), three eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A X-linked (EIF1AX) and four BAP1 mutations were detected. In contrast to uveal melanoma, GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas frequently metastasized lymphatically and concurrent EIF1AX, SF3B1 and BAP1 mutations showed no apparent association with patient prognosis. Objective response to immunotherapy was poor with only one partial response observed in 10 treated patients (10%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that GNAQ/11 mutant nonuveal melanomas are a subtype of melanoma that is both clinically and genetically distinct from cutaneous and uveal melanoma. As they respond poorly to available treatment regimens, novel effective therapeutic approaches for affected patients are urgently needed. What is already known about this topic? The rare occurrence of GNAQ/11 mutations in nonuveal melanom

Chiara Scelfo,1 Matteo Fontana,1 Eleonora Casalini,1 Francesco Menzella,1 Roberto Piro,1 Alessandro Zerbini,2 Lucia Spaggiari,3 Luca Ghidorsi,1 Giulia Ghidoni,1 Nicola C Facciolongo1 1Department of Medical Specialties, Pneumology Unit, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; 2Unit of Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Advanced Biotechnologies, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy; 3Department of Radiology, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, ItalyCorrespondence: Chiara Scelfo Email chiara.scelfo@ausl.re.itAbstract: The outbreak of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) started in China in December 2019. COVID-19 patients at presentation show a wide spectrum of clinical and pathological involvement. We report two cases of respiratory insufficiency due to COVID-19 pneumonia that occurred in adults without a history of respiratory diseases. Although these patients improved and were discharged from the acute ward, during the hospitalization they both progressed with a subsequent clinical and radiological worsening, pointing out one of the main concerns for these patients at discharge: the possibility of developing persistent lung abnormalities also in healthy people not having other risk factors. In conclusion, these cases represent two examples of early lung fibrosis in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with different severity disease evolution and highlight the need for long-term follow-up strategies. The etiology of this fibrosis is under discussion: we suppose that it could be due to either a possible outcome of natural history of lung damage produced by ARDS, or to the lung injury related to high oxygen level or to the lung damage directly induced by viral infection or finally to the autoimmune response. At this moment, it is not possible to predict how many people will have consequences due to COV

Dieser auf der Rede zur Verleihung der Ehrendoktorwürde basierende Text beschäftigt sich mit den sich wandelnden Funktionen und der Rolle von Bibliotheken, den Herausforderungen im digitalen Wandel und der Nachhaltigkeit der ursprünglichen Publikationssprache in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften im Hinblick auf die Erhaltung des kulturellen Erbes für die Zukunft., This lectio doctoralis discusses changes in the objectives and functions of libraries, challenges posed by the digital transition, and shifts in approach to collection development, while exploring the sustainability of original-language academic publishing in the Humanities and Social Sciences and analysing collaborative measures that can contribute to preserving cultural heritage for the future., Peer Reviewed

Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems represent an effective solution for observing the earth surface. Although they have recently grown in popularity, FMCW SAR raw signals are sometimes not open access, thus preventing the user from performing those processing techniques designed in the raw domain. In this paper, we develop a data inversion technique which converts the input single look complex (SLC) image back into the original raw domain. A real data-set, acquired by the Fraunhofer (FHR) MIRANDA-35 sensor, is used in order to validate the implemented algorithm.

L’educazione fisica puo’ contribuire in modo significativo alla integrazione e alla inclusione di tutti i bambini. Infatti, attraverso le situazioni di movimento educativamente orientate ricrea occasioni privilegiate di comunicazione, relazione e collaborazione tra tutti i soggetti che vi partecipano, nel rispetto di tutte le possibili differenze di genere, di provenienza e di abilità. Questo contributo si pone l’obiettivo di far riflettere l’educatore su due percorsi didattici lungo i quali l’inclusione viene spontaneamente facilitata: il primo si sviluppa attraverso la scoperta delle differenti situazioni comunicative verbali e non verbali mentre il secondo privilegia l’utilizzo delle situazioni indotte dalle attività e dai giochi di movimento cooperativi e di socializzazione. La scuola del domani dovrà valorizzare queste opportunità da ricreare non solo nelle ore curricolari di educazione fisica, ma anche nei momenti di pausa e negli spazi informali (ambiente naturale, corridoi, palestre) che consentono l’attuazione di una didattica incorporata come valida alternativa e integrazione alla classica didattica statica che solitamente avviene nelle aule. Per concludere vengono infine proposti alcuni spunti operativi utili all’integrazione degli alunni disabili durante le ore di attività ludico-motorio-sportiva., Physical education (PE) might significantly contribute to the promotion of the phenomena of integration and inclusion among children. In fact, through educationally-oriented movement experiences, PE recreates privileged opportunities for communication, relationship and collaboration among participants, while respecting all the gender differences, backgrounds and abilities. This contribution aims at encouraging the educator to reflect on two different didactic approaches which tend to facilitate the inclusion spontaneously: the first is based on the progressive discovery of different verbal and non-verbal communicative situations, while the latter privileges the adoption of situations induced by cooperative and social movement activities and games. In the school of the future particular care should be given to reward these opportunities not merely in the curricular PE hours but also during daily breaks and in informal spaces (e.g. courtyards, corridors, gymnasiums), which might allow the implementation of an embodied didactics as a valid alternative and/or support to the classic static didactics, usually adopted in classrooms. Lastly, some helpful cues to promote the integration of disabled pupils in leisure-motor sport activities are also included in this contribute.

BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a useful tool for assessing lung status in critically ill patients, but is not widely applied in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to investigate the use of LUS in Italian ICUs. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 116 ICU representatives belonging to the Italian GiViTI network, participating in a national project on continuous quality of care assessment. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed with the data collected in the course of said project. RESULTS: 87 ICUs took part in the study. LUS was performed in 94.3% of them, generally by an internal intensivist. The mean number of tests per bed per week was 0.97 (SD, 1.0). A standardized reporting format was present in only 11% of ICUs. LUS was generally used to investigate known or suspected diseases and as a screening tool in only 10%. The number of testes per bed per week was inversely correlated to the number of beds per physician (P<0.001) and to the provider performing the LUS (P<0.001), but not to other structural, organizational or performance data. CONCLUSIONS: LUS is performed in the majority of ICUs and is generally used to investigate known or suspected diseases. Frequency of use appears to be low and related to selected organizational factors. There is generally no standardized format for reporting LUS findings.

Circulating nucleic acids, such as short interfering RNA (siRNA), regulate many biological processes; however, the mechanism by which these molecules enter the cell is poorly understood. The role of extracellular-matrix-derived polymers in binding siRNAs and trafficking them across the plasma membrane is reported. Thermal melting, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and computational analysis indicate that hyaluronic acid can stabilize siRNA via hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals interactions. This stabilization facilitated HA size- and concentration-dependent gene silencing in a CD44-positive human osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63) and in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). This native HA-based siRNA transfection represents the first report on an anionic, non-viral delivery method that resulted in approximately 60% gene knockdown in both cell types tested, which correlated with a reduction in translation levels.

In this multi-institutional study we compiled a retrospective cohort of 86 posterior fossa tumors having received the diagnosis of cerebellar glioblastoma (cGBM). All tumors were reviewed histologically and subjected to array-based methylation analysis followed by algorithm-based classification into distinct methylation classes (MCs). The single MC containing the largest proportion of 25 tumors diagnosed as cGBM was MC anaplastic astrocytoma with piloid features representing a recently-described molecular tumor entity not yet included in the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (WHO classification). Twenty-nine tumors molecularly corresponded to either of 6 methylation subclasses subsumed in the MC family GBM IDH wildtype. Further we identified 6 tumors belonging to the MC diffuse midline glioma H3 K27 M mutant and 6 tumors allotted to the MC IDH mutant glioma subclass astrocytoma. Two tumors were classified as MC pilocytic astrocytoma of the posterior fossa, one as MC CNS high grade neuroepithelial tumor with BCOR alteration and one as MC control tissue, inflammatory tumor microenvironment. The methylation profiles of 16 tumors could not clearly be assigned to one distinct MC. In comparison to supratentorial localization, the MC GBM IDH wildtype subclass midline was overrepresented, whereas the MCs GBM IDH wildtype subclass mesenchymal and subclass RTK II were underrepresented in the cerebellum. Based on the integration of molecular and histological findings all tumors received an integrated diagnosis in line with the WHO classification 2016. In conclusion, cGBM does not represent a molecularly uniform tumor entity, but rather comprises different brain tumor entities with diverse prognosis and therapeutic options. Distinction of these molecular tumor classes requires molecular analysis. More than 30% of tumors diagnosed as cGBM belong to the recently described molecular entity of anaplastic astrocytoma with piloid features.

In this multi-institutional study we compiled a retrospective cohort of 86 posterior fossa tumors having received the diagnosis of cerebellar glioblastoma (cGBM). All tumors were reviewed histologically and subjected to array-based methylation analysis followed by algorithm-based classification into distinct methylation classes (MCs). The single MC containing the largest proportion of 25 tumors diagnosed as cGBM was MC anaplastic astrocytoma with piloid features representing a recently-described molecular tumor entity not yet included in the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (WHO classification). Twenty-nine tumors molecularly corresponded to either of 6 methylation subclasses subsumed in the MC family GBM IDH wildtype. Further we identified 6 tumors belonging to the MC diffuse midline glioma H3 K27 M mutant and 6 tumors allotted to the MC IDH mutant glioma subclass astrocytoma. Two tumors were classified as MC pilocytic astrocytoma of the posterior fossa, one as MC CNS high grade neuroepithelial tumor with BCOR alteration and one as MC control tissue, inflammatory tumor microenvironment. The methylation profiles of 16 tumors could not clearly be assigned to one distinct MC. In comparison to supratentorial localization, the MC GBM IDH wildtype subclass midline was overrepresented, whereas the MCs GBM IDH wildtype subclass mesenchymal and subclass RTK II were underrepresented in the cerebellum. Based on the integration of molecular and histological findings all tumors received an integrated diagnosis in line with the WHO classification 2016. In conclusion, cGBM does not represent a molecularly uniform tumor entity, but rather comprises different brain tumor entities with diverse prognosis and therapeutic options. Distinction of these molecular tumor classes requires molecular analysis. More than 30% of tumors diagnosed as cGBM belong to the recently described molecular entity of anaplastic astrocytoma with piloid features.

L’interesse commerciale per lo sviluppo dell’allevamento del polpo (Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797), nasce dal fatto che questo mollusco cefalopode ricopre un’importantissima nicchia nell’ambito del mercato ittico Italiano ed Europeo, essendo particolarmente amato dai consumatori in qualsiasi periodo dell’anno. Uno degli aspetti più evidenti e affascinanti dei cefalopodi è la moltitudine di display e colori che vengono prodotti sulla superficie della pelle. Le tonalità di colore che possono essere osservate, sono prodotte da cellule specializzate presenti sotto il derma che combinandosi tra loro non provocano cambiamenti solo a livello cromatico, ma anche tissutale, grazie all’attività della muscolatura del derma. Tutte queste componenti nella loro completezza conferiscono al polpo la capacità di poter spaziare attraverso un elevato numero di profili che prendono il nome di patterns, i quali non sono limitati alla sola colorazione della cute, ma anche a tutte quelle tipologie posturali e locomotorie che essi sono capaci di assumere. Al momento il polpo è considerato una specie innovativa per l’acquacoltura, in quanto presenta alcune caratteristiche biologiche molto interessanti quali: ciclo di vita breve, elevato tasso di accrescimento, elevato indice di conversione alimentare ed elevato tasso di fecondità. I risultati fino ad ora ottenuti in termini di svezzamento e sopravvivenza delle paralarve risultano tuttavia ancora insoddisfacenti per considerare il polpo come una vera nuova specie da allevare. L’obiettivo del presente studio è stato quello di mettere a punto un nuovo impianto per il mantenimento in ambiente controllato di adulti di Octopus vulgaris. Scegliendo il comportamento come indicatore dello stato di salute degli animali, sono state create le condizioni ambientali ottimali per favorirne la riproduzione spontanea ed ottenere paralarve vitali, con le quali eseguire prove di alimentazione in grado di garantirne la sopravvivenza., The interest in the development of the octopus breeding (Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797), stems from the fact that this mollusk cephalopod covers a very important niche of the Italian and European market, being particularly appreciated by consumers in any period of the year. One of the most obvious and fascinating aspects of cephalopods is the multitude of displays and colors that are produced on the surface of the skin. The shades of color that can be observed, are produced by specialized cells present under the dermis that, when combined, do not cause changes only on the chromatic level, but also tissue, thanks to the activity of the musculature of the dermis. All these components in their entirety give the octopus the ability to be able to wander through a large number of profiles that take the name of patterns, which are not limited to the skin color only, but also to all those postural and locomotor types that they are able to hire. At the moment the octopus is considered an innovative species for aquaculture, as it has some very interesting biological characteristics such as: short life cycle, high growth rate, high food conversion index and high fertility rate. The results so far obtained in terms of weaning and survival of the paralarvae, however, are still unsatisfactory to consider the octopus as a real new species to breed. The objective of the present study was to develop a new plant for the maintenance in a controlled environment of adults of Octopus vulgaris. By choosing the behavior as an indicator of the state of health of the animals, optimal environmental conditions have been created to favor spontaneous reproduction and to obtain vital paralarvae, with which to perform feeding tests able to guarantee their survival.

Papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT) is a WHO-defined brain tumor entity that poses a major diagnostic challenge. Recently, SLC44A1-PRKCA fusions have been described in PGNT. We subjected 28 brain tumors from different institutions histologically diagnosed as PGNT to molecular and morphological analysis. Array-based methylation analysis revealed that 17/28 tumors exhibited methylation profiles typical for other tumor entities, mostly dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor and hemispheric pilocytic astrocytoma. Conversely, 11/28 tumors exhibited a unique profile, thus constituting a distinct methylation class PGNT. By screening the extended Heidelberg cohort containing over 25,000 CNS tumors, we identified three additional tumors belonging to this methylation cluster but originally histologically diagnosed otherwise. RNA sequencing for the detection of SLC44A1-PRKCA fusions could be performed on 19 of the tumors, 10 of them belonging to the methylation class PGNT. In two additional cases, SLC44A1-PRKCA fusions were confirmed by FISH. We detected fusions involving PRKCA in all cases of this methylation class with material available for analyses: the canonical SLC44A1-PRKCA fusion was observed in 11/12 tumors, while the remaining case exhibited a NOTCH1-PRKCA fusion. Neither of the fusions was found in the tumors belonging to other methylation classes. Our results point towards a high misclassification rate of the morphological diagnosis PGNT and clearly demonstrate the necessity of molecular analyses. PRKCA fusions are highly diagnostic for PGNT, and detection by RNA sequencing enables the identification of rare fusion partners. Methylation analysis recognizes a unique methylation class PGNT irrespective of the nature of the PRKCA fusion.

Electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistors (EGOFETs) exploit the transduction of interfacial phenomena, such as biorecognition or redox processes, into detectable changes of electrical response. Here, it is shown that, beyond sensing applications, EGOFETs may act effectively as memory devices, through the functionalization of the gate electrode with a self‐assembly monolayer comprising a switching molecule undergoing a large and persistent change of dipole moment, upon application of a small (0.6 V) programming potential. This first example of a switchable EGOFET device with memory retention is based on a tetrathiafulvalene derivative self‐assembled on gold and an aqueous buffer as electrolyte in a microfluidic assembly. Changes of the self‐assembled monolayer redox state lead to variations of the gate electrochemical potential and, as a consequence, the EGOFET's threshold voltage undergoes reversible shifts larger than 100 mV. The distinctive electrical readout upon different redox states opens the possibility of writing and erasing information, thus making the transistor behave as a single memory cell.

Although the atomic structure of amorphous alloys, which lacks long-range translational symmetry, may appear homogeneous at the macroscopic scale, their local dynamic and/or static properties however vary significantly according to the recent experimental and simulation results. In the literature of amorphous alloys, the nature of such local heterogeneities is currently an issue under debate. More importantly, since amorphous alloys are in a thermodynamically nonequilibrium state, their local structures constantly evolve during structural relaxation, physical aging and mechanical deformation. As such, local structural heterogeneities, which vary with the thermal and mechanical history of amorphous alloys, could provide a key to understand the structural origin of their mechanical behavior, such as anelasticity, viscoelasticity, plasticity and fracture. In this review article, we first review mechanical spectroscopy or dynamic mechanical analyses as an important tool to study the relaxation dynamics in amorphous alloys, with a focus on the possible correlation between the secondary (also called ß) relaxation and the local structural heterogeneities of amorphous alloys. After that, we discuss the recent advances on the understanding of structural heterogeneities in metallic supercooled liquids and the influence of the structural heterogeneities on the overall mechanical properties of the corresponding amorphous alloys. Finally, we briefly discuss the further development of research on this subject., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

Self-assembly has proven to be a powerful tool for functional, smart materials such as hydrogels derived from low molecular weight compounds. However, the targeted design of functional gelators remains difficult. Here, we present a set of four Y-shaped aromatic amide tetramers with varying functionalities able to undergo different non- covalent interactions. These compounds were explored towards their self-assembly behavior and hydrogel formation by experimental methods such as UV-vis spectroscopy, rheology, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning/transmission electron, and atomic force microscopy. Additionally, we investigated the main mechanisms behind oligomer aggregation and the structure of the resulting supramolecular chains through full atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.

The prompt availability of reliable epidemiological information on emerging pandemics is crucial for public health policy-makers. Early in 2013, a possible new H1N1 epidemic notified by an intensive care unit (ICU) to GiViTI, the Italian ICU network, prompted the re-activation of the real-time monitoring system developed during the 2009-2010 pandemic. Based on data from 216 ICUs, we were able to detect and monitor an outbreak of severe H1N1 infection, and to compare the situation with previous years. The timely and correct assessment of the severity of an epidemic can be obtained by investigating ICU admissions, especially when historical comparisons can be made.

Synthetic scaffolds that possess an intrinsic capability to protect and sequester sensitive growth factors is a primary requisite for developing successful tissue engineering strategies. Growth factors such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is highly susceptible to premature degradation and to provide a meaningful clinical outcome require high doses that can cause serious side effects. We discovered a unique strategy to stabilize and sequester rhBMP-2 by enhancing its molecular interactions with hyaluronic acid (HA), an extracellular matrix (ECM) component. We found that by tuning the initial protonation state of carboxylic acid residues of HA in a covalently crosslinked hydrogel modulate BMP-2 release at physiological pH by minimizing the electrostatic repulsion and maximizing the Van der Waals interactions. At neutral pH, BMP-2 release is primarily governed by Fickian diffusion, whereas at acidic pH both diffusion and electrostatic interactions between HA and BMP-2 become important as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. Our results were also validated in an in vivo rat ectopic model with rhBMP-2 loaded hydrogels, which demonstrated superior bone formation with acidic hydrogel as compared to the neutral counterpart. We believe this study provides new insight on growth factor stabilization and highlights the therapeutic potential of engineered matrices for rhBMP-2 delivery and may help to curtail the adverse side effects associated with the high dose of the growth factor., De två första författarna delar förstaförfattarskapet.

Synthetic scaffolds that possess an intrinsic capability to protect and sequester sensitive growth factors is a primary requisite for developing successful tissue engineering strategies. Growth factors such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is highly susceptible to premature degradation and to provide a meaningful clinical outcome require high doses that can cause serious side effects. We discovered a unique strategy to stabilize and sequester rhBMP-2 by enhancing its molecular interactions with hyaluronic acid (HA), an extracellular matrix (ECM) component. We found that by tuning the initial protonation state of carboxylic acid residues of HA in a covalently crosslinked hydrogel modulate BMP-2 release at physiological pH by minimizing the electrostatic repulsion and maximizing the Van der Waals interactions. At neutral pH, BMP-2 release is primarily governed by Fickian diffusion, whereas at acidic pH both diffusion and electrostatic interactions between HA and BMP-2 become important as confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. Our results were also validated in an in vivo rat ectopic model with rhBMP-2 loaded hydrogels, which demonstrated superior bone formation with acidic hydrogel as compared to the neutral counterpart. We believe this study provides new insight on growth factor stabilization and highlights the therapeutic potential of engineered matrices for rhBMP-2 delivery and may help to curtail the adverse side effects associated with the high dose of the growth factor., QC 20181219

Organic electronic transistors are rapidly emerging as ultrahigh sensitive label-free biosensors suited for point-of-care or in-field deployed applications. Most organic biosensors reported to date are based on immunorecognition between the relevant biomarkers and the immobilized antibodies, whose use is hindered by large dimensions, poor control of sequence, and relative instability. Here, an electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistor (EGOFET) biosensor where the recognition units are surface immobilized peptide aptamers (Affimer proteins) instead of antibodies is reported. Peptide aptasensor for the detection of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) with a 1 x 10(-12) M limit of detection is demonstrated. Ultralow sensitivity is met even in complex solutions such as cell culture media containing 10% serum, demonstrating the remarkable ligand specificity of the device. The device performances, together with the simple one-step immobilization strategy of the recognition moieties and the low operational voltages, all prompt EGOFET peptide aptasensors as candidates for early diagnostics and monitoring at the point-of-care., Funding Agencies|IT MIUR Bilateral Project Italy/Sweden "Poincare"; INFM-CNR Project "EOS - Organic electronics for innovative measuring instruments"; Life Science Department through "FAR"; "Fondazione di Vignola"

Organic electronic transistors are rapidly emerging as ultrahigh sensitive label-free biosensors suited for point-of-care or in-field deployed applications. Most organic biosensors reported to date are based on immunorecognition between the relevant biomarkers and the immobilized antibodies, whose use is hindered by large dimensions, poor control of sequence, and relative instability. Here, an electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistor (EGOFET) biosensor where the recognition units are surface immobilized peptide aptamers (Affimer proteins) instead of antibodies is reported. Peptide aptasensor for the detection of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) with a 1 x 10(-12) M limit of detection is demonstrated. Ultralow sensitivity is met even in complex solutions such as cell culture media containing 10% serum, demonstrating the remarkable ligand specificity of the device. The device performances, together with the simple one-step immobilization strategy of the recognition moieties and the low operational voltages, all prompt EGOFET peptide aptasensors as candidates for early diagnostics and monitoring at the point-of-care., Funding Agencies|IT MIUR Bilateral Project Italy/Sweden "Poincare"; INFM-CNR Project "EOS - Organic electronics for innovative measuring instruments"; Life Science Department through "FAR"; "Fondazione di Vignola"

Good morning and welcome to you All.We are delighted that the annual conference of the European RDA Interest Group is meeting here this year, today in Florence and tomorrow Fiesole, and we would like to thank the Executive Committee for arranging this venue, and all of the EURIG Members for the decision to come here for this year’s meeting.We are very grateful to Gordon Dunsire and a special thanks to the speakers and the participants coming from overseas.The overall guideline of the program indicates a 'political' first day giving an update on EURIG and RDA governance, a picture of the implementation experiences in Europe (the lightening talks have been arranged in chronological order of RDA implementation date), an update about the plans of RDA to adopt the IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM) conceptual model, an overview of the RDA Toolkit Restructure and Redesign (3R) Project, and some highlights of translation activities.The second day is devoted on how RDA is an important precondition to take advantage of the application of the linked data model and related technology. In the morning we will have a theoretical session that address the topic from various angles, whereas in the afternoon a selection of workshops have been organised in order to have the opportunity for concrete evidence and discussion about the new environment that BIBFRAME will bring.Again many thanks to you all for being here and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you., Good morning and welcome to you All.We are delighted that the annual conference of the European RDA Interest Group is meeting here this year, today in Florence and tomorrow Fiesole, and we would like to thank the Executive Committee for arranging this venue, and all of the EURIG Members for the decision to come here for this year’s meeting.We are very grateful to Gordon Dunsire and a special thanks to the speakers and the participants coming from overseas.The overall guideline of the program indicates a 'political' first day giving an update on EURIG and RDA governance, a picture of the implementation experiences in Europe (the lightening talks have been arranged in chronological order of RDA implementation date), an update about the plans of RDA to adopt the IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM) conceptual model, an overview of the RDA Toolkit Restructure and Redesign (3R) Project, and some highlights of translation activities.The second day is devoted on how RDA is an important precondition to take advantage of the application of the linked data model and related technology. In the morning we will have a theoretical session that address the topic from various angles, whereas in the afternoon a selection of workshops have been organised in order to have the opportunity for concrete evidence and discussion about the new environment that BIBFRAME will bring.Again many thanks to you all for being here and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. We will announce the logistical details for the following activity at the end of each session.

Organic electronic transistors are rapidly emerging as ultrahigh sensitive label-free biosensors suited for point-of-care or in-field deployed applications. Most organic biosensors reported to date are based on immunorecognition between the relevant biomarkers and the immobilized antibodies, whose use is hindered by large dimensions, poor control of sequence, and relative instability. Here, an electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistor (EGOFET) biosensor where the recognition units are surface immobilized peptide aptamers (Affimer proteins) instead of antibodies is reported. Peptide aptasensor for the detection of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) with a 1 x 10(-12) M limit of detection is demonstrated. Ultralow sensitivity is met even in complex solutions such as cell culture media containing 10% serum, demonstrating the remarkable ligand specificity of the device. The device performances, together with the simple one-step immobilization strategy of the recognition moieties and the low operational voltages, all prompt EGOFET peptide aptasensors as candidates for early diagnostics and monitoring at the point-of-care., Funding Agencies|IT MIUR Bilateral Project Italy/Sweden "Poincare"; INFM-CNR Project "EOS - Organic electronics for innovative measuring instruments"; Life Science Department through "FAR"; "Fondazione di Vignola"

Organic electronic transistors are rapidly emerging as ultrahigh sensitive label-free biosensors suited for point-of-care or in-field deployed applications. Most organic biosensors reported to date are based on immunorecognition between the relevant biomarkers and the immobilized antibodies, whose use is hindered by large dimensions, poor control of sequence, and relative instability. Here, an electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistor (EGOFET) biosensor where the recognition units are surface immobilized peptide aptamers (Affimer proteins) instead of antibodies is reported. Peptide aptasensor for the detection of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) with a 1 x 10(-12) M limit of detection is demonstrated. Ultralow sensitivity is met even in complex solutions such as cell culture media containing 10% serum, demonstrating the remarkable ligand specificity of the device. The device performances, together with the simple one-step immobilization strategy of the recognition moieties and the low operational voltages, all prompt EGOFET peptide aptasensors as candidates for early diagnostics and monitoring at the point-of-care., Funding Agencies|IT MIUR Bilateral Project Italy/Sweden "Poincare"; INFM-CNR Project "EOS - Organic electronics for innovative measuring instruments"; Life Science Department through "FAR"; "Fondazione di Vignola"

Organic electronic transistors are rapidly emerging as ultrahigh sensitive label-free biosensors suited for point-of-care or in-field deployed applications. Most organic biosensors reported to date are based on immunorecognition between the relevant biomarkers and the immobilized antibodies, whose use is hindered by large dimensions, poor control of sequence, and relative instability. Here, an electrolyte-gated organic field effect transistor (EGOFET) biosensor where the recognition units are surface immobilized peptide aptamers (Affimer proteins) instead of antibodies is reported. Peptide aptasensor for the detection of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) with a 1 x 10(-12) M limit of detection is demonstrated. Ultralow sensitivity is met even in complex solutions such as cell culture media containing 10% serum, demonstrating the remarkable ligand specificity of the device. The device performances, together with the simple one-step immobilization strategy of the recognition moieties and the low operational voltages, all prompt EGOFET peptide aptasensors as candidates for early diagnostics and monitoring at the point-of-care., Funding Agencies|IT MIUR Bilateral Project Italy/Sweden "Poincare"; INFM-CNR Project "EOS - Organic electronics for innovative measuring instruments"; Life Science Department through "FAR"; "Fondazione di Vignola"

Megalonotus mixtus (Horváth, 1887) es un Hemiptera Rhyparochromidae diseminado por diversas regiones de Europa y África del Norte. Presentamos el primer registro de esta especie para Italia con ejemplares capturados cerca de la ciudad de Roma.

Understanding the physics behind the operational mechanism of Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect Transistors (EGOFETs) is of paramount importance for the correct interpretation of the device response. Here, we report the systematic functionalization of the gate electrode of an EGOFET with self-assembled monolayers with a variety of dipolar moments showing that both the chemical nature and the monolayer density influence the electrical characteristics of the device.