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Autistic individuals experience higher rates of externalising and internalising symptoms that may vary with environmental factors. However, there is limited research on variation across settings that may highlight common factors with globally generalisable effects. Data were taken from two cohorts: a multinational European sample (n = 764; 453 autistic; 311 non-autistic; 6-30 years), and a South African sample (n = 100 non-autistic; 3-11 years). An exploratory factor analysis aggregated clinical (Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Index), adaptive traits (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale) and socio-economic variables (parental employment and education, home and family characteristics) in each cohort separately. With regression, we investigated the effect of these factors and autistic traits on internalising and externalising scores (measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). Cohorts showed similar four-factor structures (Person Characteristics, Family System, Parental and Material Resources). The 'Family System' factor captured family size and maternal factors and was associated with lower internalising and externalising symptoms in both cohorts. In the European cohort, high autistic traits reduced this effect; the opposite was found in the South Africa cohort. Our exploratory findings from two separate analyses represent consistent evidence that Family System is associated with internalising and externalising symptoms, with a context-specific impact in persons with high autism traits. [This article was written with the EU-AIMS LEAP Team.]

Abstract The stress that the space environment can induce on plant physiology is of both abiotic and biotic nature. The abiotic space environment is characterized by ionizing radiation and altered gravity, geomagnetic field (GMF), pressure, and light conditions. Biotic interactions include both pathogenic and beneficial interactions. Here, we provide an overall picture of the effects of abiotic and biotic space-related factors on plant physiology. The knowledge required for the success of future space missions will lead to a better understanding of fundamental aspects of plant physiological responses, thus providing useful tools for plant breeding and agricultural practices on Earth.

Abstract High heterogeneity in clinical benefit characterizes the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We prospectively enrolled 113 advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICIs and performed liquid biopsy at the time of ICI start (T1), after 3 weeks (T2) and at the time of radiological evaluation (T3). Molecular variables were associated with outcome endpoints: cfDNA quantification, its dynamic change (∆T2–T1), variant allele frequency (VAF) of the gene with the highest frequency detected at baseline with NGS (maxVAF) and its dynamic change (∆T2–T1). At multivariate analysis, PD-L1 negativity, T1 cfDNA, cfDNA increase (∆T2–T1), and T2 VAF were significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS); PD-L1 negativity, squamous histology, T1 cfDNA, cfDNA (∆T2–T1) increase, and T2 maxVAF affected overall survival (OS). Among high PD-L1 expressing patients treated in first-line, elevated T2 maxVAF and cfDNA increase (∆T2–T1) correlated with worse PFS; higher T2 maxVAF and cfDNA increase (∆T2–T1) with worse OS. Derived integrated models were used to build nomograms and categorize different risk groups.

Este artigo apresenta o panorama do rádio de proximidade a partir das conexões estabelecidas com a política no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, situado no Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Metodologicamente, a investigação está alicerçada no método da cartografia que permitiu identificar, a partir do inventário da radiodifusão sonora sul-mato-grossense, os políticos que detêm ou detiveram concessão de rádio na atualidade ou num passado recente, bem como identificar os políticos comunicadores com representatividade estadual, que recorrem as ondas sonoras para lograr êxito nas urnas. O vínculo entre rádio e política, a partir do viés econômico assegurada por meio de publicidade estatal, foi mensurada a partir de questionário estruturado aplicado junto aos dirigentes de 16 estações situadas nas principais cidades de Mato Grosso do Sul. Os dados demonstram que a relação entre rádio e política perpassa pela questão da propriedade, dependência econômica no aspecto da sustentabilidade por meio de publicidade estatal e programação conduzida por agentes políticos que recorrem a esta estratégia para fidelizar potenciais eleitores em sufrágios realizados bianualmente no território de proximidade.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of three post-and-core systems and two crown materials on stresses in restored premolars using finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: A maxillary second premolar 3D model was created in SolidWorks 2014 (Dassault Systémés). Severe loss of tooth structure was simulated with six restorative options: (1) glass-fiber-reinforced composite post and composite core (GFRC) + CAD/CAM leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic crown (LRC); (2) carbon-fiber-reinforced composite post and composite core (CFRC) + LRC; (3) metal cast post-and-core (MPC) + LRC; (4) GFRC + CAD/CAM composite resin crown (CC); (5) CFRC + CC; and (6) MPC + CC. Three-point occlusal loading (150 N) was simulated and von Mises and maximum principal stresses were calculated. Results: Although maximum von Mises stresses in the crown and dentin were similar across groups (137.9 to 139.2 MPa crown; 17.2 to 19.6 dentin), there were important differences in stress distribution in dentin. Maximum stresses were on the bottom of the post preparation cavity only in the MPC + CC group. Stress values for the posts were CFRC (4.8 MPa) > GFRC (6.7 MPa) > MPC (10.3 MPa). CC-restored models presented higher von Mises stresses for the post-and-core compared to the LRC groups. Maximum principal stresses were lower compared to von Mises stresses, following the same trend, and were distributed similarly in all groups. Conclusions: Both GFRC and CFRC showed favorable stress distribution in the dentin and restorative materials, while MPC increased stresses in the core, post, and post cement. The more rigid crown material seems to transmit less stress to the underlying core and crown cement compared to CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A partir de uma revisão sistemática de alcance na literatura sobre televisão universitária produzida nos últimos dez anos, este artigo buscou compreender quais os conceitos de TV universitária usados em pesquisas científicas e suas relações com os estudos de políticas públicas. A investigação foi realizada em trabalhos publicados entre os anos de 2014 e 2023 em dois tipos de bases de dados: 11 revistas científicas de Comunicação Social e anais de três congressos de pós-graduação na área. Em tais repositórios, 17.105 títulos foram pesquisados para este levantamento. Nesse universo, apenas 25 artigos corresponderam aos critérios adotados no protocolo de buscas desta investigação e, por isso, foram selecionados para análise. O resultado aponta para uma carência de estudos acadêmicos recentes sobre TV universitária e para a escassez de pesquisas que tragam correlação com os estudos sobre políticas públicas. Além disso, verificou-se grande heterogeneidade conceitual sobre o veículo, com prevalência de uma definição fortemente associativista.

In the Inquiry (1764) Kant provides a comprehensive meta-metaphysical perspective that includes several issues concerning metaphysics, but he does not address the question of its scientificity. He is subsequently led to do so through his encounter with the account of scientificity Johann Heinrich Lambert provides in his Neues Organon (1764), where he identifies systematicity and especially a priori nature (i.e. independence from experience) as the fundamental features of scientific cognition, thereby conceiving of science as a system of a priori cognitions of the understanding. Kant adopts this account already in the Inaugural Dissertation (1770) by conceiving of metaphysics as the science of pure understanding in virtue of its pure cognitions. Moreover, Kant goes beyond Lambert with his science of sensibility grounded on the pure intuitions of space and time, which science Lambert could not have conceived since the only a priori cognitions he admits are concepts which, as such, belong to understanding.

The increasing prevalence of Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) among women, driven by the pursuit of improved body aesthetics, characterized by higher lean mass and reduced adipose tissue, raises significant health concerns, particularly due to the limited knowledge regarding their effects on the female organism. Prolonged use and/or high doses of AAS are linked to various harmful side effects, including mood changes, psychiatric disorders, voice deepening, clitoromegaly, menstrual irregularities, and cardiovascular complications, prompting medical societies to discourage their widespread use due to insufficient evidence supporting their safety and efficacy. Studies in female rodents have shown that AAS can lead to increased aggression, inflammation, reduced neuronal density, and negative impacts on the myocardium and blood vessels. Additionally, maternal administration of androgens during pregnancy can adversely affect offspring’s reproductive, neuronal, and metabolic health, resulting in long-term impairments. The complexity of the mechanisms underlying AAS effects, and their potential genotoxicity remains poorly understood. This review aims to elucidate the various ways in which AAS can impact female physiology and that of their offspring, highlight commonly used anabolic substances, and discuss the positions of medical societies regarding AAS use.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines reduced mortality, hospitalizations and ICUs admissions. Conversely, the impact of vaccination on Long COVID-19 syndrome is still unclear. This study compared the prevalence of post-acute sequelae at short and long-term follow-up among hospitalized unvaccinated and vaccinated COVID-19 survivors through a multidisciplinary approach. Methods: After 2 months from discharge, unvaccinated and vaccinated COVID-19 survivors underwent a follow-up visit at a dedicated “post-COVID-19 Outpatient Clinic”. The follow-up visit included a cardiovascular evaluation, blood tests, chest computed tomography, 6-min walking test (6MWT), spirometry. A one-year telephone follow-up was performed to assess re-hospitalizations, death and long-lasting symptoms. An additional 1:1 case-control matching analysis adjusted for baseline characteristics was performed. Results: Between June 2020 and June 2022, a total of 458 unvaccinated and vaccinated patients (229 per group) underwent the follow-up visit. Vaccinated patients had lower rates of ICU admissions (1.7 % vs 9.6 %, p=

Diptera belonging to four different families, as well as four associated parasitoids were reared from fruits of Inga vera Willd. (Fabaceae) in Lavras, Minas Gerais, southeast Brazil. We collected 450 fruits from five trees of I. vera between 2020 and 2021 in various localities situated within the University Federal of Lavras. We reared specimens belonging to four different dipteran families: Anastrepha distincta Greene (Tephritidae), Asteromyia sp. (Cecidomyiidae), Drosophila zottii Vilela (Drosophilidae), and Neosilba pendula (Bezzi) (Lonchaeidae). Lopheucoilasp.(Hymenoptera: Figitidae) probably is a parasitoid of N. pendulawhereas Eupelmus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), and two species of Sycophila (Hymenoptera, Eurytomidae) appear to be parasitoids of Asteromyia sp.. We additionally conducted molecular characterization using the DNA barcoding locus for the majority of the species reared in this study. This study provides valuable insights into the biology and ecology of frugivorous flies in Brazil, and sheds light on potential biological control agents, enabling better management practices.

Background: Estrogen depletion alters bone mineralization and oxidative stress. Antioxidants like humic acids (HA) may help mitigate bone demineralization and redox imbalances. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of HA on bone mineral composition and oxidative stress markers in an experimental menopause model. Methods: Twenty-four female C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (n = 6/group): Sham; Sham + HA; Ovariectomized (OVX); and OVX + HA. The menopause model was induced by bilateral ovariectomy at the beginning of the experiment. HA derived from biomass vermicompost was administered daily by gavage for 28 days. After euthanasia, femurs and fragments of the gastrocnemius muscle, liver, and kidney were collected. Bone elemental composition was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activities were assessed in muscle, renal, and hepatic tissues. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post hoc test. Results: Untreated OVX mice exhibited a significant reduction in femoral calcium content (p < 0.05). However, HA treatment increased calcium levels and improved the Ca/P ratio (p < 0.05). H2O2 activity was reduced in the liver and kidney of OVX + HA mice compared to untreated animals (p < 0.05). CAT activity in muscle increased in the OVX + HA group compared to the OVX (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HA treatment improved femoral elemental composition and modulated oxidative stress markers in an experimental menopause model.

The use of processing techniques to increase the rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) content of protein meals aims to enhance the nutritional performance of high-performance animals. This study evaluated the effects of various processing techniques applied to peanut and cottonseed meals on ruminal parameters using a dual-flow continuous culture system. These two feeds were individually analyzed in two experiments, each one using five fermenters (1297 ± 33 mL) in a 5 × 5 Latin square arrangement with five periods of 10 d each, with 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collections. Five treatments were evaluated in each experiment: no processed meal (control); meal thermally treated in an autoclave with xylose (autoclave); meal thermally treated in a conventional oven with xylose (oven); meal thermally treated in a microwave with xylose (microwave); and meal treated with tannin (tannin). All diets contained 60% concentrate (corn, minerals, and processed meal). Fermenters were fed 55 g of dry matter per day, divided equally into two meals at 06:00 and 18:00 h. The solid and liquid dilution rates were adjusted daily to 5.5% and 11% per hour, respectively. On days 8, 9, and 10, 500 mL samples of solid and liquid digesta effluent were collected, mixed, homogenized, and stored at −20 °C. Subsamples of 10 mL were preserved with 0.2 mL of a 50% H2SO4 solution for later determination of NH3-N and volatile fatty acids. Microbial biomass was isolated from the fermenters for chemical analysis at the end of each experimental period. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with a significance level of α = 0.05. Regarding cottonseed meal, the tannin treatment tended to have a lower true digestibility of DM compared to the control, autoclave, and oven treatments (p = 0.09). Additionally, tannin fermenters exhibited a lower apparent digestibility of CP compared to all other treatments (p = 0.04). The tannin and microwave treatments resulted in the highest flow of dietary nitrogen and the lowest supply of RDP-N (p < 0.01). The control treatment had a greater flow of NH3-N compared to other treatments (p < 0.01). Regarding peanut meal, the autoclave and tannin treatments exhibited the highest acetate concentration (p = 0.03) and the lowest apparent digestibility of CP (p < 0.01). The tannin treatment increased the RUP content without impairing ruminal fermentation and exhibited a greater supply of RDP-N compared to all other treatments (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed for the other digestibility and fermentation parameters (p > 0.20). Our results indicate that tannin inclusion and microwave processing were the most effective methods for reducing the protein fraction available in the rumen for cottonseed meal. Additionally, tannin inclusion increased the RUP in peanut meal without negatively affecting ruminal fermentation.

Urophycis cirrata is an important demersal fish species targeted by Brazilian industrial fisheries. With high exploitation rates, its stock(s) is(are) currently deemed fully exploited or overexploited. While basic ecological information, such as length at first maturity, exists, knowledge of its population structure is limited. A sub-sample of 90 sagittal otoliths of U. cirrata juveniles (300–411 mm total length) collected during the Program for Assessment of the Sustainable Potential of Living Resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone (REVIZEE) in 2001/2002 was analyzed. Samples came from the outer continental shelf and upper slope of the southeast-south Brazilian coast, divided into three regions: northern (Cabo São Tomé to São Sebastião), central (São Sebastião to Cabo Santa Marta Grande), and southern (Cabo Santa Marta Grande to Chuí). Otolith shape (elliptic Fourier descriptors) and elemental (element:Ca) signatures were examined using univariate (ANOVA, Tukey) and multivariate (MANOVA, LDFA) statistical methods. An overall reclassification success rate of 86% was achieved using both signatures. However, individuals from the three regions were not fully separable, indicating a single, albeit not homogeneous, population unit for fisheries management. As fish stocks are dynamic, contemporary studies should be conducted to verify whether this population structure persists.

Amniotic fluid is a complex and dynamic biological matrix that surrounds the fetus during the pregnancy. From this fluid, is possible to isolate various cell types with particular interest directed towards stem cells (AF-SCs). These cells are highly appealing due to their numerous potential applications in the field of regenerative medicine for tissues and organs as well as for treating conditions such as traumatic or ischemic injuries to the nervous system, myocardial infarction, or cancer. AF-SCs, when subcultured in the presence of basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), have been shown to survive and migrate when transplanted into the striatum of the rat brain, exhibiting behavior characteristics of neuronal/glial progenitor cells. In this work, we performed an electrophysiological characterization to ascertain the propensity of AF-SCs to differentiate into glial and neuronal cells by bFGF. By using patch clamp technique we characterized a fibroblast-like morphology that display a barium-sensitive inward-rectifying potassium current (Kir) and calcium-activated potassium currents (KCa). The electrophysiological and calcium dynamics of histamine, a marker of undifferentiated neural progenitors, was further studied. Histamine promoted intracellular calcium increase by Fura-2 recording and calcium-activated potassium current activation with a similar temporal profile in AF-SC. The data presented in this paper ultimately confirm the expression in AF-SCs of the Kir and KCa currents, also showing regulation by endogenous stimuli such as histamine for the latter.

Purpose Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with a dismal prognosis. The addition of immune checkpoints inhibitors to standard platinum-based chemotherapy in first-line setting achieves a durable benefit only in a patient subgroup. Thus, the identification of predictive biomarkers is an urgent unmet medical need.Experimental design Tumor samples from naive extensive-stage (ES) SCLC patients receiving atezolizumab plus carboplatin–etoposide were analyzed by gene expression profiling and two 9-color multiplex immunofluorescence panels, to characterize the immune infiltrate and SCLC subtypes. Associations of tissue biomarkers with time-to-treatment failure (TTF), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), were assessed.Results 42 patients were included. Higher expression of exhausted CD8-related genes was independently associated with a longer TTF and PFS while increased density of B lymphocytes correlated with longer TTF and OS. Higher percentage of M2-like macrophages close to tumor cells and of CD8+T cells close to CD4+T lymphocytes correlated with increased risk of TF and longer survival, respectively. A lower risk of TF, disease progression and death was associated with a higher density of ASCL1+tumor cells while the expression of POU2F3 correlated with a shorter survival. A composite score combining the expression of exhausted CD8-related genes, B lymphocyte density, ASCL1 tumor expression and quantification of CD163+macrophages close to tumor cells, was able to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups.Conclusions In conclusion, we identified tissue biomarkers and a combined score that can predict a higher benefit from chemoimmunotherapy in ES-SCLC patients.

Writing is first-order instrumental learning that develops throughout the life cycle, a complex process evolving from early childhood education. The identification of risk predictors of dysgraphia at age 5 has the potential to significantly reduce the impact of graphomotor difficulties in early primary school, which affects handwriting performance to such an extent that it can become illegible. Building on established scientific literature, this study focuses on screening processes, with particular attention to writing requirements. This paper proposes a novel prevention and intervention system based on new technologies for teachers and educators or therapists. Specifically, it presents a pilot study testing an innovative tactile device to analyze graphomotor performance and motor coordination in real time. The research explores whether this haptic device can be used as an effective pedagogical aid for preventing graphomotor issues in children aged 5 to 6 years. The results showed a high level of engagement and usability among young participants. Furthermore, the quality of graphomotor traces, respectively executed by children after virtual and physical training, were comparable, supporting the use of the tool as a complementary training resource for the observation and enhancement of graphomotor processes.

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that alone weakly affect melanoma risk, but their combined effect on a polygenic risk score (PRS) can have a far bigger impact on estimating risk. However, the PRS is not yet at the stage of being utilized in clinical practice, and further evidence is needed. In this study, 270 melanoma patients fulfilling the criteria for a suspected genetic predisposition but with a negative genetic test for high/medium-penetrance genes were genotyped for 57 SNPs selected in previous GWASs to construct a PRS model. We found a significantly higher mean PRS57 in all melanoma cases than in controls (0.58 vs. 0.00, p < 0.001), and the mean PRS57 in multiple primary melanoma cases was twice that in single melanoma cases (0.689 vs. 0.362, p = 0.025). Interestingly, our results confirm the association of the PRS57 not only with other melanoma risk factors but also with a younger age at diagnosis. This evidence supports the potentially powerful discriminative role of PRS in the selection of high-risk patients who should undergo stricter surveillance protocols.

The Normalized Differential Spectral Attenuation (NDSA) technique was proposed years ago as an active method for measuring integrated water vapor (IWV) along a Ku/K-band radio link immersed (totally or partially) in the troposphere. The approach is of the active kind, as it relies on the transmission of a couple of sinusoidal signals, whose power is measured at the receiver, thus providing the differential attenuation measurements from which IWV estimates can be in turn derived. In 2018, a prototype instrument providing such differential attenuation measurements was completed and set up for a first measurement campaign aimed at demonstrating the NDSA method. By the end of June 2022, the instrument was profoundly modified and upgraded so that a second measurement campaign could be carried out from 1 August to 30 November 2022. The transmitter was placed on the top of Monte Gomito (44.1277°lat, 10.6434°lon, 1892 m a.s.l.) and the receiver on the roof of the Department of Information Engineering of the University of Florence (43.7985°lat, 11.2528°lon, 50 m a.s.l.). The resulting radio link length was 61.15 km. Four ground weather stations of the regional weather service were selected among those available. In this paper, we describe the upgraded instrument and present the outcomes of the new measurement campaign, whose purpose was mainly to compare the IWV estimates provided by the instrument with the ground sensor measurements of air temperature, air humidity, barometric pressure, and rainfall. In particular, we show that the temporal trends of the two IWV estimates are qualitatively consistent, and that the instrument is able to provide IWV estimates also in the presence of fog and rainfall. Conversely, a quantitative evaluation through comparison with IWV data from point weather station measurements appears challenging due to the significant spatial variability in temperature and relative humidity, even between couples of stations that are quite close to each other.