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ABSTRACT: Supplemental dietary rumen available fats show promise as enteric methane (eCH4) mitigators for lactating dairy cows. However, concerns include variability in eCH4 response and possible negative effects on dairy cow performance. Successful implementation of this mitigation option requires better prediction of responses specifically to rumen available fatty acids (FA) as well as understanding the modulating effects of other dietary and animal characteristics. Using meta-analytic and meta-regression techniques, 35 published studies with diet definition were used to assess changes in eCH4 emissions and lactation performance associated with supplemental fat, specific supplemental rumen available FA types, and other dietary characteristics. Enteric CH4 (g/d) was reduced by 3.77% per percentage unit of supplemental rumen available ether extract (EE). Supplemental rumen available PUFA (C18:2 and C18:3) and UFA (C18:1, C18:2, C18:3) mitigated eCH4 (g/d) emissions in dairy cows by 6.88 and 4.65% per percentage unit increase, respectively. The anti-methanogenic effects of PUFA, MUFA and MCFA increased with correspondingly greater basal dietary levels of each FA type. Higher rumen-degradable starch (RDS; >18% DM) in the basal diet promoted greater reductions in eCH4 yield (eCH4/DMI, g/kg) with supplemental rumen available PUFA and UFA. Both milk fat percentage and yield (kg/d) were reduced with rumen available fat supplementation with a reduction of 7.8% and 6.0%, respectively, relative to control diets. Our results highlight the importance of determining basal levels of the rumen available FA before providing supplemental rumen available FA as an option for enteric eCH4 mitigation. Dairy nutritionists can use estimates generated from this analysis to predict changes in eCH4 emissions and dairy cow performance associated with dietary supplementation of rumen available EE and specific rumen available FA types for the purpose of eCH4 mitigation.

Freshwater crayfish are amongst the largest macroinvertebrates and play a keystone role in the ecosystems they occupy. Understanding the global distribution of these animals is often hindered due to a paucity of distributional data. Additionally, non-native crayfish introductions are becoming more frequent, which can cause severe environmental and economic impacts. Management decisions related to crayfish and their habitats require accurate, up-to-date distribution data and mapping tools. Such data are currently patchily distributed with limited accessibility and are rarely up-to-date. To address these challenges, we developed a versatile e-portal to host distributional data of freshwater crayfish and their pathogens (using Aphanomyces astaci, the causative agent of the crayfish plague, as the most prominent example). Populated with expert data and operating in near real-time, World of Crayfish™ is a living, publicly available database providing worldwide distributional data sourced by experts in the field. The database offers open access to the data through specialized standard geospatial services (Web Map Service, Web Feature Service) enabling users to view, embed, and download customizable outputs for various applications. The platform is designed to support technical enhancements in the future, with the potential to eventually incorporate various additional features. This tool serves as a step forward towards a modern era of conservation planning and management of freshwater biodiversity.

Background: Cardiac remodeling is an adverse phenomenon linked to heart failure (HF) progression. Cardiac remodeling could represent the real therapeutic goal in the treatment of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), being potentially reversed through different pharmacotherapies. Currently, there are well-established drugs such as ACEi/ARBs and β-blockers with anti-remodeling effects. More recently, ARNI effects on cardiac remodeling were also demonstrated; additional potential benefits of gliflozins remain non clearly demonstrated. Aim of study: To evaluate possible changes in cardiac remodeling in patients with HFrEF/HFmrEF in treatment with ARNI or ARNI plus SGLT2i and the potential benefit on cardiac remodeling of adding SGLT2i to ARNI. Methods: Between June 2021 and August 2023, 100 consecutive patients with HFrEF/HFmrEF underwent conventional and advanced echocardiography (TDI, 2DSTE): patients were therefore divided into three groups according to therapy with neither ARNI nor SGLT2i, just ARNI or both. After 3 months, all patients underwent echocardiographic follow-up. Results: After a 3 months of therapy, significant improvements were observed for LVEF, LVEDD, LVEDV, LVESV, LV mass, E/e’, LV GLS, TAPSE (ANOVA p

Abstract Background DNA-Damaged Binding protein 2 (DDB2) is a protein involved in the early step of Nucleotide Excision Repair. Recently, it has been reported that DDB2 is involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), key process in tumour invasiveness and metastasis formation. However, its role is not completely known. Methods Boyden chamber and cell adhesion assays, and ICELLigence analysis were performed to detect HEK293 adhesion and invasion. Western blotting and gelatine zymography techniques were employed to assess the EMT protein levels and MMP enzymatic activity. Immunofluorescence analysis and pull-down assays facilitated the detection of NF-kB sub-cellular localization and interaction. Results We have previously demonstrated that the loss of DDB2-PCNA binding favours genome instability, and increases cell proliferation and motility. Here, we have investigated the phenotypic and molecular EMT-like changes after UV DNA damage, in HEK293 clones stably expressing DDB2Wt protein or a mutant form unable to interact with PCNA (DDB2PCNA−), as well as in HeLa cells transiently expressing the same DDB2 constructs. Cells expressing DDB2PCNA− showed morphological modifications along with a reduced expression of E-cadherin, an increased activity of MMP-9 and an improved ability to migrate, in concomitance with a significant upregulation of EMT-associated Transcription Factors (TFs), whose expression has been reported to favour tumour invasion. We observed a higher expression of c-Myc oncogene, NF-kB, both regulating cell proliferation and metastatic process, as well as ZEB1, a TF significantly associated with tumorigenic potential and cell migratory ability. Interestingly, a novel interaction of DDB2 with NF-kB was detected and found to be increased in cells expressing the DDB2PCNA−, suggesting a direct modulation of NF-kB by DDB2. Conclusion These results highlight the role of DDB2-PCNA interaction in counteracting EMT since DDB2PCNA− protein induces in HEK293 transformed cells a gain of function contributing to the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype.

Asparagine and glutamine depletion operated by the drug Asparaginase (ASNase) has revolutionized therapy in pediatric patients affected by Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), bringing remissions to a remarkable 90 % of cases. However, the knowledge of the proproliferative role of asparagine in adult and solid tumors is still limited. We have here analyzed the effect of ASNase on three adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549, lung adenocarcinoma, MCF-7, breast cancer, and 786-O, kidney cancer). In contrast to MCF-7 cells, 786-O and A549 cells proved to be a relevant target for cell cycle perturbation by asparagine and glutamine shortage. Indeed, when the cell-cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, A549 showed a canonical response to asparaginase, 786-O cells, instead, showed a reduction of the percentage of cells in the G1 phase and an increase of those in the S-phase. Despite an increased number of PCNA and RPA70 positive nuclear foci, BrdU and EdU incorporation was absent or strongly delayed in treated 786-O cells, thus indicating a readiness of replication forks unmatched by DNA synthesis. In 786-O asparagine synthetase was reduced following treatment and glutamine synthetase was totally absent. Interestingly, DNA synthesis could be recovered by adding Gln to the medium. MCF-7 cells showed no significant changes in the cell cycle phases, in DNA-bound PCNA and in total PCNA, but a significant increase in ASNS and GS mRNA and protein expression. The collected data suggest that the effect observed on 786-O cells following ASNase treatment could rely on mechanisms which differ from those well-known and described for leukemic blasts, consisting of a complete block in the G1/S transition in proliferating cells and on an increase on non-proliferative (G0) blasts.

IntroductionMetal carpentry includes a wide range of work activities such as welding and cutting metallic components, use of solvents and paints. Therefore, the employees in these types of activities are mainly exposed to welding fumes and volatile organic solvents. Here, we present an NMR-based metabolomic approach for assessing urinary profiles of workers in the same company that are exposed to two different risk factors.MethodsThe study enrolled 40 male subjects exposed to welding fumes, 13 male subjects exposed to volatile organic compounds of a metal carpentry company, and 24 healthy volunteers. All samples were collected, in the middle of the working week at fast. Thirty-five urinary metabolites belonging to different chemical classes such as amino acids, organic acids and amines were identified and quantified. Results were processed by multivariate statistical analysis for identifying significant metabolites for each working group examined, compared to controls.ResultsWorkers exposed to welding fumes displayed urinary increase in glutamine, tyrosine, taurine, creatine, methylguanidine and pseudouridine associated to oxidative impairment, while workers exposed to volatile organic compounds showed higher urinary levels of branched chain aminoacids.ConclusionOur work identified specific urinary profile related to each occupational exposure, even if it is below the threshold limit values.

Data and descriptive information were gathered from 226 peer-reviewed scientific publications from beef cattle experiments in which enteric methane and other animal response variables were measured. The dataset was based on the bibliography used by Arndt et al. (2022) but expanded to also include more recent studies published from 2019 to 2023. All articles were identified for inclusion in the dataset using the “Web of Science Core Collection”, the “Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International (CABI)”, and the “EBSCO Discovery Service” databases with the search terms “methane” and “enteric” in combination with “beef”, “cattle”, “rumen”, and “ruminant”. Additionally, the search term “rumen” was used in combination with “energy balance”, “energy metabolism”, or “energy partitioning”. For dataset inclusion, it was necessary for all studies to be written in English and at a minimum, quantify feed dry matter intake and enteric methane emissions as well as provide measures of variance for these estimates. Studies were primarily designed as completely randomized, randomized block, or crossover experiments. The dataset includes 895 records (rows) and 138 variables (columns). Reported variables include publication information, experimental design, animal description, methane measurement method, diet nutrient composition, and means and measures of variance for feed dry matter intake and enteric methane emissions. Additionally, depending on the study, data reported on rumen fermentation parameters, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen excretion, weight gain, and carbon dioxide and hydrogen emissions were included. This dataset can be used to explore the efficacy of enteric methane mitigation strategies and their impact on beef cattle nutrition and production. Furthermore, the dataset can potentially be used to investigate possible nutrient and feed additive interactions.

Today’s power system is transforming into an increasingly complex entity, consisting of numerous components, such as transmission lines, controllable loads, and especially different types of distributed renewable energy sources (DERs). With the growing integration of DERs into the grid, multiple operational challenges arise, including overvoltage, undervoltage, or increased energy losses. Resolving these issues demands the implementation of both advanced and effective control strategies. As the dynamic power system evolves by incorporating new technologies, these control strategies need to consider other different technical aspects, such as communication protocols or real-time considerations. Additionally, the rise of smart metering devices has transformed conventional power systems into cyber-physical power systems (CPPS), which can integrate the advanced control strategies into the cyber layer. Given the operating challenges and the integration of diverse technologies, it is proposed that a CPPS testbed platform constitutes an ideal solution for developing and validating technologies in future smart grids. For this purpose, this paper introduces a co-simulation framework for implementing a CPPS testbed, utilising the real-time simulator, Typhoon HIL, within a laboratory environment. Additionally, it presents a proposed optimal power flow (OPF) control strategy that emphasises two key objectives, minimisation of operating costs and power network loss. The investigation is illustrated by a modified version of IEEE 39-bus test system with the high integration of DERs. The findings indicate that adopting a CPPS testbed can be advantageous for implementing real-time research on monitoring and control in a wide area network.

This paper is the result of a preliminary research phase aimed at identifying the phenomenon of gentrification in Rome’s San Lorenzo neighborhood, examining the perception of the phenomenon and the urban planning tools that have been adopted until today to contain it. The experimental framework proposed, based on qualitative research methods, aims to discuss if some urban transformations can be related only to market phenomenon inherent to gentrification or to the lack of planning tools able to manage—through the construction of a shared view on neighborhoods development—the negative externalities resulting from the real estate investments induced by the tourism sector and linked to the presence of universities in the reference territory. The research combines an international theoretical framework; the analysis of the policies and of the urban transformation during the contemporary history of the neighborhood; and interviews to key informants such as representatives of local institutions and associations, researchers, inhabitants, and others. The research approach intends to deepen the general perception and the comprehension of the phenomenon of gentrification from the local community, in relation to his own involvement in decision-making processes about the strategic regulatory–prescriptive development of the neighborhood. The primary objective of the paper is to advocate for an analytical framework that facilitates a better understanding of gentrification within the national context and explores potential institutional responses. It seeks to clarify the concept of gentrification, which is often misunderstood when interpreted solely through its Anglo-Saxon definition. By doing so, the paper aims to contribute to informed discussions and effective policy-making regarding urban development in San Lorenzo and beyond.

Background/Objectives: Cognitive impairment is an intermediate state between normal aging and dementia, and its detection in the early stages is essential to prevent dementia, an incurable pathology. The aim of this study is to screen and estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment, including dementia, and its correlated factors in a community-based sample of the Albanian population over 50 years old. Methods: We carried out a door-to-door neuropsychological screening of Albanian residents older than 50 years from November 2023 to June 2024 in 12 Albanian districts. Participants completed the Early Dementia Questionnaire (EDQ) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The overall estimating prevalence of cognitive impairment and early dementia among the Albanian population over 50 years old was 14.04% using the MMSE, with 2.31% for MMSE ≤18 (serious cognitive impairment), 5.51% for MMSE 19–22 (mild cognitive impairment (MCI)), and 6.22 for MMSE 23–24 (suspected cognitive impairment or dementia),respectively. The prevalence of early dementia using the EDQ was significantly higher (53.99%).The number of male participants with MMSE scores of 23–24 (suspected cognitive impairment or early dementia) was 2.5 times higher with respect to female participants. Smoking and alcohol consumption decreased the MMSE scores. The number of participants with normal cognitive function (MMSE scores 25–30) was lower among participants with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cerebral ischemia. Conclusions: A diagnostic evaluation, including a clinical examination, neuroimaging, and laboratory studies, is further required for a diagnosis. Despite limitations, the data provided in this study are the only ones reported for a large community-based sample of the older adult Albanian population, which can help health care providers to diagnose cognitive impairment.

We discuss time-optimal control problems for two setups involving globally driven Rydberg atoms in the blockade limit by deriving the associated Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations. From these equations, we extract the globally optimal trajectories and the corresponding controls for several target processes of the atomic system, using a generalized method of characteristics. We apply this method to retrieve known results for CZ and C-phase gates, and to find new optimal pulses for all elementary processes involved in the universal quantum computation scheme introduced in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 170601 (2023)0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.131.170601].

Purpose Because of atypical response imaging patterns in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs), new biomarkers are needed for a better monitoring of treatment efficacy. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the prognostic value of volume-derived positron-emission tomography (PET) parameters on baseline and follow-up 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose PET (18F-FDG-PET) scans and compare it with the conventional PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST).Methods Patients with metastatic NSCLC were included in two different single-center prospective trials. 18F-FDG-PET studies were performed before the start of immunotherapy (PETbaseline), after 6–8 weeks (PETinterim1) and after 12–16 weeks (PETinterim2) of treatment, using PERCIST criteria for tumor response assessment. Different metabolic parameters were evaluated: absolute values of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the most intense lesion, total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), but also their percentage changes between PET studies (ΔSUVmax, ΔTMTV and ΔTLG). The median follow-up of patients was 31 (7.3–31.8) months. Prognostic values and optimal thresholds of PET parameters were estimated by ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve analysis of 12-month overall survival (12M-OS) and 6-month progression-free survival (6M-PFS). Tumor progression needed to be confirmed by a multidisciplinary tumor board, considering atypical response patterns on imaging.Results 110 patients were prospectively included. On PETbaseline, TMTV was predictive of 12M-OS [AUC (Area Under Curve) =0.64; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.66] whereas SUVmax and TLG were not. On PETinterim1 and PETinterim2, all metabolic parameters were predictive for 12M-OS and 6M-PFS, the residual TMTV on PETinterim1 (TMTV1) being the strongest prognostic biomarker (AUC=0.83 and 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.91, for 12M-OS and 6M-PFS, respectively). Using the optimal threshold by ROC curve to classify patients into three TMTV1 subgroups (0 cm3; 0–57 cm3; >57 cm3), TMTV1 prognostic stratification was independent of PERCIST criteria on both PFS and OS, and significantly outperformed them. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that TMTV1 remained a strong prognostic biomarker of 12M-OS for non-responding patients (p=0.0003) according to PERCIST criteria. In the specific group of patients with PERCIST progression on PETinterim1, low residual tumor volume (

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of autoinflammatory diseases, with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) being a notable example. HS, an autoinflammatory skin disease affecting the pilosebaceous unit, profoundly impacts patients’ quality of life. Its hidden nature, with insidious initial symptoms and patient reluctance to seek medical consultation, often leads to a diagnostic delay of up to 7 years. Recognizing the urgency for early diagnostic tools, recent research identified significant differences in circulating miRNA expression, including miR-24-1-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR26a-5p, miR-206, miR338-3p, and miR-338-5p, between HS patients and healthy controls. These miRNAs serve as potential biomarkers for earlier disease detection. Traditional molecular biology techniques, like reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), are employed for their detection using specific primers and probes. Alternatively, short peptides offer a versatile and effective means for capturing miRNAs, providing specificity, ease of synthesis, stability, and multiplexing potential. In this context, we present a computational simulation pipeline designed for crafting peptide sequences that can capture circulating miRNAs in the blood of patients with autoinflammatory skin diseases, including HS. This innovative approach aims to expedite early diagnosis and enhance therapeutic follow-up, addressing the critical need for timely intervention in HS and similar conditions.

Mitigation of enteric methane (CH4) presents a feasible approach to curbing agriculture's contribution to climate change. One intervention for reduction is dietary reformulation, which manipulates the composition of feedstuffs in ruminant diets to redirect fermentation processes toward low CH4 emissions. Examples include reducing the relative proportion of forages to concentrates, determining the rate of digestibility and passage rate from the rumen, and dietary lipid inclusion. Feed additives present another intervention for CH4 abatement and are classified based on their mode of action. Through inhibition of key enzymes, 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) and halogenated compounds directly target the methanogenesis pathway. Rumen environment modifiers, including nitrates, essential oils, and tannins, act on the conditions that affect methanogens and remove the accessibility of fermentation products needed for CH4 formation. Low CH4-emitting animals can also be directly or indirectly selected through breeding interventions, and genome-wide association studies are expected to provide efficient selection decisions. Overall, dietary reformulation and feed additive inclusion provide immediate and reversible effects, while selective breeding produces lasting, cumulative CH4 emission reductions.

Abstract Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a versatile material platform for a wide range of applications. However, the development of practical devices is constrained by their inherently low mechanical stability. The synthesis of MOFs in a monolithic morphology represents a viable way for the transition of these materials from laboratory research to real-world applications. For the design of MOF-based devices, the mechanical characterization of such materials cannot be overlooked. In this regard, stress-strain relationships represent the most valuable tool for assessing the mechanical response of materials. Here, we use flat punch nanoindentation, micropillar compression and Raman microspectroscopy to investigate the stress-strain behaviour of MOF monoliths. A pseudo-plastic flow is observed under indentation, where the confining pressure prevents unstable crack propagation. Material flow is accommodated by grain boundary sliding, with occasional stepwise cracking to accommodate excessive stress building up. Micropillar compression reveals a brittle failure of ZIF-8, while plastic flow is observed for MIL-68.

K+ channels do play a role in cell shape changes observed during cell proliferation and apoptosis. Research suggested that the dynamics of the aggregation of Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) into AQP4-OAP isoforms can trigger cell shape changes in malignant glioma cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between AQP4 and some K+ channels in the malignant glioma U87 line. The U87 cells transfected with the human M1-AQP4 and M23-AQP4 isoforms were investigated for morphology, the gene expression of KCNJ8, KCNJ11, ABCC8, ABCC9, KCNMA1, and Cyclin genes by RT-PCR, recording the whole-cell K+ ion currents by patch-clamp experiments. AQP4 aggregation into OAPs increases the plasma membrane functional expression of the Kir6.2 and SUR2 subunits of the KATP channels and of the KCNMA1 of the BK channels in U87 cells leading to a large increase in inward and outward K+ ion currents. These changes were associated with changes in morphology, with a decrease in cell volume in the U87 cells and an increase in the ER density. These U87 cells accumulate in the mitotic and G2 cell cycle. The KATP channel blocker zoledronic acid reduced cell proliferation in both M23 AQP4-OAP and M1 AQP4-tetramer-transfected cells, leading to early and late apoptosis, respectively. The BK channel sustains the efflux of K+ ions associated with the M23 AQP4-OAP expression in the U87 cells, but it is downregulated in the M1 AQP4-tetramer cells. The KATP channels are effective in the M1 AQP4-tetramer and M23 AQP4-OAP cells. Zoledronic acid can be effective in targeting pathogenic M1 AQP4-tetramer cell phenotypes inhibiting KATP channels and inducing early apoptosis.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifactorial condition with a variety of pathophysiological causes and morphological manifestations. The inclusion criteria and patient classification have become overly simplistic due to the customary differentiation regarding the ejection fraction (EF) cutoff. EF is considered a measure of systolic function; nevertheless, it only represents a portion of the true contractile state and has been shown to have certain limits due to methodological and hemodynamic irregularities. Methods: As a result, broader randomized clinical trials have yet to incorporate the most recent criteria for HFpEF diagnosis, leading to a lack of data consistency and confusion in interpreting the results. The primary variations between the bigger clinical trials published in this context concerning patient selection and echocardiographic characteristics were analyzed. For all these reasons, we aim to clarify the main features and clinical impact of HFpEF in a study combining imaging, bio-humoral analysis, and clinical history to identify the specific subgroups that respond better to tailored treatment. Results: Disparate clinical characteristics and a lack of uniform diagnostic standards may cause suboptimal therapeutic feedback. To optimize treatment, we suggest shifting the paradigm from the straightforward EF measurement to a more comprehensive model that considers additional information, such as structural traits, related disorders, and biological and environmental data. Therefore, by evaluating certain echocardiographic and clinical factors, a stepwise diagnostic procedure may be useful in identifying patients at high risk, subjects with early HFpEF, and those with evident HFpEF. Conclusions: The present assessment underscores the significance of the precision medicine approach in guaranteeing optimal patient outcomes by providing the best care according to each distinct profile.

This study introduces numerical advancements in an alternative design for the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) Beam Dump Facility (BDF) at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN). The design envisions a high-power operation target made of flowing liquid lead. The proposed BDF is a versatile facility for both beam-dump-like and fixed-target experiments. The target behavior is studied, assuming a proton beam with a momentum of 400 GeV/c, a pulse frequency of 1/7.2 Hz, and an average beam power of 355 kW. Using various Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes, we evaluate the behavior of liquid lead and predict the thermal stress on the target vessel induced by the pulsed heat source generated by the charged particle beam. The comparison increases the reliability of the results, investigating the dependencies on the CFD modeling approach. The beam is a volumetric heat source with data from the beam-lead interaction simulations provided by the European Laboratory for Particle Physics and obtained with a Monte Carlo code. Velocity field and stress profiles can enhance the design of the lead loop and verify its viability and safety when operated with a liquid metal target.

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with an annual incidence of ~135,000 in the US, associated with ~50,000 deaths. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), associated with mutations disabling the PKD1 gene, affects as many as 1 in 1000. Intriguingly, some studies have suggested that individuals with germline mutations in PKD1 have reduced incidence of CRC, suggesting a genetic modifier function. Using mouse models, we here establish that loss of Pkd1 greatly reduces CRC incidence and tumor growth induced by loss of the tumor suppressor Apc. Growth of Pkd1 −/− ;Apc −/− organoids was reduced relative to Apc −/− organoids, indicating a cancer cell-intrinsic activity, even though Pkd1 loss enhanced activity of pro-oncogenic signaling pathways. Notably, Pkd1 loss increased colon barrier function, with Pkd1-deficient animals resistant to DSS-induced colitis, associated with upregulation of claudins that decrease permeability, and reduced T cell infiltration. Notably, Pkd1 loss caused greater sensitivity to activation of CFTR, a tumor suppressor in CRC, paralleling signaling relations in ADPKD. Overall, these data and other data suggest germline and somatic mutations in PKD1 may influence incidence, presentation, and treatment response in human CRC and other pathologies involving the colon.

Abstract Background Endometrial scratching (ES) or injury is intentional damage to the endometrium performed to improve reproductive outcomes for infertile women desiring pregnancy. Moreover, recent systematic reviews with meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials demonstrated that ES is not effective, data on the safety are limited, and it should not be recommended in clinical practice. The aim of the current study was to assess the view and behavior towards ES among fertility specialists throughout infertility centers in Italy, and the relationship between these views and the attitudes towards the use of ES as an add-on in their commercial setting. Methods Online survey among infertility centers, affiliated to Italian Society of Human Reproduction (SIRU), was performed using a detailed questionnaire including 45 questions with the possibility to give “closed” multi-choice answers for 41 items and “open” answers for 4 items. Online data from the websites of the infertility centers resulting in affiliation with the specialists were also recorded and analyzed. The quality of information about ES given on infertility centers websites was assessed using a scoring matrix including 10 specific questions (scored from 0 to 2 points), and the possible scores ranged from 0 to 13 points (‘excellent’ if the score was 9 points or more, ‘moderate’ if the score was between 5 and 8, and ‘poor’ if it was 4 points or less). Results The response rate was of 60.6% (43 questionnaires / 71 infertility SIRU-affiliated centers). All included questionnaires were completed in their entirety. Most physicians (~ 70%) reported to offer ES to less than 10% of their patients. The procedure is mainly performed in the secretory phase (69.2%) using pipelle (61.5%), and usually in medical ambulatory (56.4%) before IVF cycles to improve implantation (71.8%) without drugs administration (e.g., pain drugs, antibiotics, anti-hemorrhagics, or others) before (76.8%) or after (64.1%) the procedure. Only a little proportion of infertility centers included in the analysis proposes formally the ES as an add-on procedure (9.3%), even if, when proposed, the full description of the indications, efficacy, safety, and costs is never addressed. However, the overall information quality of the websites was generally “poor” ranging from 3 to 8 and having a low total score (4.7 ± 1.6; mean ± standard deviation). Conclusions In Italy, ES is a procedure still performed among fertility specialists for improving the implantation rate in IVF patients. Moreover, they have a poor attitude in proposing ES as an add-on in the commercial setting.

Abstract Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin disease classified within the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses. The pathophysiology of PG is yet incompletely understood but a prominent role of genetics facilitating immune dysregulation has been proposed. This study investigated the potential contribution of disrupted molecular pathways in determining the susceptibility and clinical severity of PG. Variant Enrichment Analysis, a bioinformatic pipeline applicable for Whole Exome Sequencing data was performed in unrelated PG patients. Eleven patients were enrolled, including 5 with unilesional and 6 with multilesional PG. Fourteen pathways were exclusively enriched in the “multilesional” group, mainly related to immune system (i.e., type I interferon signaling pathway), cell metabolism and structural functions. In the “unilesional” group, nine pathways were found to be exclusively enriched, mostly related to cell signaling and cell metabolism. Genetically altered pathways involved in immune system biology and wound repair appear to be nodal pathogenic drivers in PG pathogenesis.

Dairy production is an important source of nutrients in the global food supply, but environmental impacts are increasingly a concern of consumers, scientists, and policy-makers. Many decisions must be integrated to support sustainable production-which can be achieved using a simulation model. We provide an example of the Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model to assess changes in the dairy system related to altered animal feed efficiency. RuFaS is a whole-system farm simulation model that simulates the individual animal life cycle, production, and environmental impacts. We added a stochastic animal-level parameter to represent individual animal feed efficiency as a result of reduced residual feed intake and compared High (intake = 94% of expected) and Very High (intake = 88% of expected) efficiency levels with a Baseline scenario (intake = 100% of expected). As expected, the simulated total feed intake was reduced by 6 and 12% for the High and Very High efficiency scenarios, and the expected impact of these improved efficiencies on the greenhouse gas emissions from enteric methane and manure storage was a decrease of 4.6 and 9.3%, respectively.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare subtype of group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH) diseases, characterized by high pulmonary artery pressure leading to right ventricular dysfunction and potential life-threatening consequences. PAH involves complex mechanisms: vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, RV remodeling, cellular hypoxia, metabolic imbalance, and thrombosis. These mechanisms are mediated by several pathways, involving molecules like nitric oxide and prostacyclin. PAH diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and right heart catheterization, confirming a value of mPAP ≥ 20 mmHg at rest and often elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Even if an early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, PAH still lacks effective biomarkers to assist in its diagnosis and prognosis. Biomarkers could contribute to arousing clinical suspicion and serve for prognosis prediction, risk stratification, and dynamic monitoring in patients with PAH. The aim of the present review is to report the main novelties on new possible biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring of PAH.

Lap joining of an aluminum AA6082-T6 plate and a UHSS steel plate coated with an Al-Si layer was performed using Probeless Friction Stir Spot Welding (P-FSSW). The dwell time and rotational speed were controlled in the range of 10–15 s and 1000–1500 rpm, respectively. For all the samples, thermo-mechanical deformation occurred solely within the upper AA6082 plate. A refined grain structure was formed in the aluminum plate close to the surface. The dwell time was responsible for the intensity of the material flow, resulting in stirring between the Al-Si layer and the aluminum plate at 15 s. The microhardness distribution corresponded to the microstructure features.

Introduction: In the shipbuilding industry, workers are exposed to a variety of dangerous chemicals, styrene being one of them. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified styrene as a chemical belonging to group 2A, which means it is probably carcinogenic to humans. This study aimed at evaluating the oxidative stress effects due to occupational exposure to styrene and other chemicals.Materials and methods: Styrene urinary metabolites, such as mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid, and the urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress, i.e., oxidation products of DNA and RNA and of proteins, were measured in a group of 17 workers and compared to the concentrations found in a group of 17 healthy volunteers who had not been exposed to chemicals.Results and discussion: Statistically significant differences were found for 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxiguanosine (8-oxodGuo) concentrations that are higher in workers than in the control group. The workers performing the tasks of painting are the most exposed to styrene and show higher concentrations of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo). Workers performing the tasks of wood refining and welding are less exposed to styrene but have higher concentrations of 8-oxoGua and 8-oxodGuo.Conclusion: The exposure scenario in shipbuilding is a complex one, in which different xenobiotics are simultaneously present. The oxidative stress effect biomarkers, obtained from the oxidation product of RNA and DNA, are promising, sensitive, but not specific.