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Methyl vinyl glycolate (MVG) can be obtained by acid-catalyzed conversion of C4 and C6 sugars. Applications of MVG in polymers are so far limited to its use as co-monomer for poly(lactic acid) and as crosslinking agent. In this work, hydroformylation and methoxycarbonylation of MVG were investigated to produce novel bifunctional monomers. Polyesters with high renewable-atom content were successfully prepared and characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrially relevant intermediates such as malonic acid, malonates and 3-oxopropionates can be easily accessed by ozonolysis of α-angelica lactone, derived from the platform chemical levulinic acid. The roles of the solvent and of the quenching conditions are of key importance for the outcome of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diols prepared via solvent-free acetalisation of hydroxymethylfurfural with glycerol were incorporated as additives into polyurethanes based on a bioderived polyether polyol. Moisture-cured as well as acrylate cross-linked films of these PUs were prepared. Both materials displayed excellent thermal stability and could be cleaved in acidic solutions. In particular the highly cross-linked film produced from the acrylate endcapped polyurethanes displayed a clear tuneability of the degradation behaviour according to the amount of acetal additive incorporated. This system has the potential to be used for the selective debonding of polyurethane-based adhesives at the end of their lifetime to facilitate the recycling of expensive components and raw materials from complex devices such as consumer electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-based levulinic acid is easily ring-closed to α-angelica lactone (α-AL). α-AL can be isomerized to the conjugated β-AL under the influence of base, but since this is an equilibrium mixture it is very hard to devise a scalable process that would give pure β-AL. This problem was circumvented by distilling the equilibrium mixture to obtain a 90 : 10 mixture of β- and α-AL in 88% yield. This mixture was used for Diels–Alder reactions on 3 terpenes and on cyclopentadiene in up to 100 g scale. The latter DA adduct was subjected to a ROMP reaction catalysed by the Grubbs II catalyst. The resulting polymer has some similarities to poly-norbornene but is more polar. The polymer can be processed into films with very good transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allylic alcohols are highly important compounds which are used in a variety of processes. They can be obtained from α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds via stoichiometric or catalytic reductions. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation is a safe and convenient method to use for this purpose since it circumvents the use of hydrogen gas or stoichiometric amounts of hydride-containing reducing agents. Apart from the benefits regarding safety and costs, it also provides an extra handle for the chemist for improving rate and selectivity as different reducing agents, such as secondary alcohols or formate salts can be used. In addition, there is a very wide range of catalysts, homogeneous and heterogeneous, to choose from. This review covers the literature of the past 30 years on metal-catalysed transfer hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones and aldehydes to unsaturated alcohols using homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic isomerization of allylic alcohols in ethanol as a green solvent was achieved by using air and moisture stable cobalt (II) complexes in the absence of any additives. Under mild conditions, the cobalt PNP pincer complex substituted with phenyl groups on the phosphorus atoms appeared to be the most active. High rates were obtained at 120 °C, even though the addition of one equivalent of base increases the speed of the reaction drastically. Although some evidence was obtained supporting a dehydrogenation–hydrogenation mechanism, it was proven that this is not the major mechanism. Instead, the cobalt hydride complex formed by dehydrogenation of ethanol is capable of double‐bond isomerization through alkene insertion–elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this article we propose a method for estimating the camera motion from a video-sequence acquired in the presence of general 3D structures. Solutions to this problem are commonly based on the tracking of point-like features, as they usually back-project onto viewpoint-invariant 3D features. In order to improve the robustness, the accuracy and the generality of the approach, we are interested in tracking and using a wider class of structures. In addition to points, in fact, we also simultaneously consider lines and planes. In order to be able to work on all such structures with a compact and unified formalism, we use here the Conformal Model of Geometric Algebra, which proved very powerful and flexible. As an example of application of our approach, we propose a causal algorithm based on an Extended Kalman Filter, for the estimation of 3D structure and motion from 2D observations of points, lines and coplanar features, and we evaluate its performance on both synthetic and real sequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we propose a semi-automatic approach to the detection of linear scattering objects in geo-radar data sets, based on the 3D radon transform. The method that we propose is iterative, as each detected object is removed from the data set before the next iteration, in order to avoid mutual interference or masking. In addition, the algorithm is able to further analyze the data set in a local fashion in order to eliminate spurious targets from the set of lines of maximum consensus.Our algorithm proved robust and reliable even in the presence of data affected by heavy noise, artifacts and other undesired scattering objects.Although the application scenario of the proposed algorithm is that of the analysis of data sets generated by a ground penetrating radar, the method is general enough to apply to any problems where linear objects needs to be identified and localized in volumetric data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The clam Chamelea gallina is an ecologically and economically important marine species in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea, which currently suffers from occasional, and still unexplained, widespread mortality events. In order to provide some glimpses in this direction, this study explores the connections between microbiome variations at the clam-sediment interface and the nutritional status of clams collected at four Italian production sites along the Emilia Romagna coast, with different mortality incidence, higher in the Northern sites and lower in the Southern sites. Results: According to our findings, each production site showed a peculiar microbiome arrangement at the clam-sediment interface, with features that clearly differentiate the Northern and Southern sites, with the latter also being associated with a better nutritional status of the animal. Interestingly, the C. gallina digestive gland microbiome from the Southern sites was enriched in some health-promoting microbiome components, capable of supplying the host with essential nutrients and defensive molecules. Furthermore, in experiments conducted under controlled conditions in aquaria, we provided preliminary evidence of the prebiotic action of sediments from the Southern sites, allowing to boost the acquisition of previously identified health-promoting components of the digestive gland microbiome by clams from the Northern sites. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings may help define innovative microbiome-based management strategies for the preservation of the productivity of C. gallina clams in the Adriatic Sea, through the identification and maintenance of a probiotic niche at the animal-sediment interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the outcomes of high-risk (HR) HPV-positive and -negative women affected by high-grade cervical dysplasia. This is a retrospective multi-institutional study. Medical records of consecutive patients with high-grade cervical dysplasia undergoing conization between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved. All patients included had at least 5 years of follow-up. A propensity-score matching was adopted in order to reduce the presence of confounding factors between groups. Kaplan-Meir and Cox hazard models were used to estimate 5-year outcomes. Overall, data of 2966 women, affected by high-grade cervical dysplasia were reviewed. The study population included 1478 (85%) and 260 (15%) women affected by HR-HPV-positive and HR-HPV-negative high-grade cervical dysplasia. The prevalence of CIN2 and CIN3 among the HR-HPV-positive and -negative cohort was similar (p = 0.315). Patients with HR-HPV-positive high-grade cervical dysplasia were at higher risk of 5-year recurrence (after primary conization) that HR-HPV-negative patients (p < 0.001, log-rank test). Via multivariate analysis, HR-HPV-negative women were at low risk of recurrence (HR: 1.69 (95%CI: 1.05, 4.80); p = 0.018, Cox Hazard model). A propensity-score matched comparison was carried out in order to reduce biases that are related to the retrospective study design. In comparison to HR-HPV-negative patients, thosewith HR-HPV-positive CIN3 was associate with a 8-fold increase in the risk of recurrence (p < 0.001, log-rank test). HR-HPV-negative high-grade cervical dysplasia is not uncommon, accounting for 15% of our study population. Those patients experience more favorable outcomes than patients with documented HR-HPV infection(s). Further prospective studies are needed to corroborate our data. • Overall, 10–15% of patients with high-grade cervical dysplasia are HR-HPV negative. • Patients with HR-HPV-positive lesions experience a 8-fold increase in the risk of recurrence than HPV-negative patients. • In case of HR-HPV-negative patients, achieving complete excision of the lesion the risk of recurrence is negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate oncological outcomes and patterns of recurrence of patients undergoing adjuvant "sandwich" chemo-radio-chemotherapy for locally advanced endometrial cancer. Methods: This is a multi-institutional retrospective study evaluating chart of consecutive patients undergoing chemo-radio-chemotherapy for FIGO stage III–IVA endometrial caner. Results: The study population included 45 patients who had adjuvant sandwich regimen. Median age of the study population was 66 years. The majority of patients were diagnosed with endometrioid histology and with stage III disease. After a median follow-up of 35 months, 15 patients developed recurrent disease. Three-year disease-free and overall survivals was 45% and 81%, respectively. Three-years site-specific disease-free survival was 85%, 92% and 48% for local, loco-regional, and distant recurrence, respectively. All patients included in the study had nodal dissection. Nodal assessment included: sentinel node mapping, sentinel node mapping plus backup lymphadenectomy and lymphadenectomy in 15, 6 and 24 patients, respectively. The latter group included four patients detected by suspected enlarged nodes, intraoperatively. Even after the exclusion of patients with enlarged nodes, the type of nodal assessment did not impact on survival outcomes (p > 0.2). Positive peritoneal cytology was the only factor associated with an increased risk of developing (any site) recurrence and distant-specific recurrence, independently. No factor predicted for overall survival. Conclusion: Adjuvant "sandwich" chemo-radio-chemotherapy for locally advanced endometrial cancer guarantee promising local and loco-regional controls, but distant failure rate is high, thus suggesting the need for applying other systemic treatment strategies for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conization aims to remove pre-neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix. Several techniques for conization have been compared, but evidence regarding the most effective therapeutic option is scant. Here, we aimed to compare the recurrence rate following laser conization and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in patients with high-grade cervical dysplasia (HSIL/CIN2+). This is a retrospective multi-institutional study. Medical records of consecutive patients with HSIL/CIN2+ undergoing conization between 2010 and 2014 were retrieved. A propensity-score matching (PSM) was applied in order to reduce allocation bias. The risk of developing recurrence was estimated using Kaplan-Meir and Cox hazard models. Overall, 2966 patients had conization over the study period, including 567 (20%) and 2399 (80%) patients having laser conization and LEEP, respectively. Looking at predictors of recurrence, diagnosis of CIN3 (HR:3.80 (95%CI:2.01,7.21); p < 0.001) and HPV persistence (HR:1.81 (95%CI:1.11,2.96); p < 0.001) correlated with an increased risk of recurrence. After applying a PSM we selected 500 patients undergoing laser conization and 1000 undergoing LEEP. Patients undergoing LEEP were at higher risk of having positive surgical margins in comparison to patients undergoing laser conization (11.2% vs. 4.2%). The risk of having persistence of HPV was similar between the two groups (15.0% vs. 11.6%; p = 0.256). Five-year recurrence rate was 8.1% and 4% after LEEP and laser conization, respectively (p = 0.023). HPV persistence was the only factor associated with [ 5- ]year recurrence after both laser conization (p = 0.003) and LEEP (p = 0.001). HPV persistence is the only factor associated with an increased risk of recurrence after either laser conization or LEEP. Owing to the lack of data regarding obstetrical outcomes, we are not able to assess the best therapeutic option for women with cervical dysplasia. Unlabelled Image • HPV persistence correlates with an increased risk of [5-]year recurrence in women undergoing cervical conization • Patients undergoing laser conization experience a slightly lower risk of recurrence in comparison to LEEP • Further evidence regarding fertility and obstetrical issues is necessary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: During the lockdown period, the fear about the risk of infection in hospital has reduced the admission to Emergency Services (ES) with possible negative health effects. We have investigated the changes in the emergency flow occurred during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in an obstetrics and gynecological ES and the short-term adverse outcomes on women's and reproductive health.Study Design: The study was conducted in the OBGYN ES of the Clinica Mangiagalli, the largest maternity clinic of Milan, Lombardy, Northern Italy. We analyzed retrospectively the records of all women consecutively admitted at the ES from February 23rd to June 24th 2019, and compared them with the admissions during the lockdown executive order from February 23rd to June 23rd, 2020. Patients were assessed in terms of demographic features, presentation times, triage classification (urgent/not urgent), reason for admission and outcome of the visit (discharge/admission to the ward). A total of 9291 data were retrieved from ES files and automation system, 5644 from 2019 and 3647 from 2020. Categorical variables were compared by the chi-square test calculating the p value and computed were percentage changes (with 95 % Confidence interval, CI).Results: During the period February 24 th - May 31 th 2020 the admissions at the ES decreased by 35.4 % (95 % CI-34.1-36.6) compared with the corresponding period in 2019. The reduction was more marked for gynecological complaints (-63.5 %, 95 %CI -60.5 to -66.5): in particular we observed a reduction of admissions for genital infection/cystitis of 75.7 % (95 %CI -71.4 to -80.1). The admission for complaints associated with pregnancy decreased by 28.5 % (95 %CI -27.2 to-29.9). In the index period, five fetal deaths were diagnosed compared with one observed in the reference period in 2019 (chi square computed using as denominator all observed pregnancies = 4.29, p = 0.04). The frequency of admission for elective caesarean section/labor induction increased from 47.5 % in 2019 to 53.6 % in 2020: this difference was statistically significant.Conclusion: The lockdown negatively influenced ES admissions and consequently the women's/reproductive health. As possible short-term consequences, we observed an increase of intrauterine deaths and a decrease of natural births. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is characterized by a high mortality on incidence ratio. Although the majority of patients achieve complete response after primary treatment, approximately 65–80% of patients recur with the first 5 years. Platinum-free interval is one of the main prognostic factors. Patients recurring with 6 months within the end of platinum-based chemotherapy are characterized by poor prognosis. To date no effective treatment modality are identified for those patients. The mainstay of treatment for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is single agent chemotherapy. Other treatment modalities have tested in this setting with discouraging results. Growing evidence suggested that immunotherapy would improve outcomes of patients with various types of solid tumors including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer as well as uterine malignancies. Here, we reviewed current evidence on the adoption of immunotherapy in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. To date no mature evidence supports the routine adoption of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. Further strategies have to be explored. • Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer experience poor oncologic outcomes. • PD-L1 expression is associated with tumor-infiltrating T cells and favourable prognosis in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. • Combining immune check point blockage to PARP inhibitors represents a new emerging therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sentinel node mapping allows a more accurate identification of patients with nodal disease compared to lymphadenectomy. • Patients having sentinel node mapping experience similar outcomes than patients having lymphadenectomy. • Even in high-risk group sentinel node mapping ensures the oncologic safety of lymphadenectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the impact of various HPV types on the risk of developing lesions of the uterus (either uterine cervix and endometrium) in women diagnosed with "atypical glandular cells" (AGC) at Pap smear. This is a multi-institutional retrospective study. Data of women diagnosed with AGC were retrospectively reviewed. All patients included had data about HPV DNA testing and 1-year clinical follow-up. Overall, chart of 480 patients were evaluated. After the exclusion of 286 patients, data of 194 patients were available for the analysis. Mean age was 43.9 (±6.0) years. HPV infection was documented in 136 women (70.1 %). Among HPV positive patients the risk of having/developing a lesion was 33.8 % (n = 46). Lesions included low- (L-SIL) and high- (H-SIL) squamous intraepithelial lesions, in situ adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix, invasive cancer of the uterine cervix, endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in 16 (11.7 %), 18 (13.2 %), 6 (4.4 %), 3 (2.2 %), 2 (1.5 %) and 1 (1%), respectively. Among HPV negative patients the risk of having/developing a lesion was 15.5 %. They included l -SIL, H-SIL, in situ adenocarcinoma, endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in 1 (1.7 %), 1 (1.7 %), 1 (1.7 %), 3 (5.1 %) and 3 (5.1 %), respectively. Patients diagnosed with HPV16 were at higher risk of having/developing cervical lesions in comparison to patients with other HPV infections (p < 0.01). In comparison to other HPV types, the presence of HPV 18, 31, 33, and 45 did not increase the risk of developing a lesion over the time (p > 0.2). HPV positive patients were at higher risk of being diagnosed with a cervical lesion within 6 months from detection of AGC. Patients diagnosed with AGC are at risk to have / developing cervical and uterine lesions. Further prospective evidence is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]