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The relevance of the environmental pollution by heavy metals warrants the necessity to develop and assess more efficient plant-based technologies. This study was conducted to evaluate a quick screening approach in order to investigate the cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) phytoextraction potential of Quercus pubescens in a micro-propagation system. Increasing concentrations of Cd (0, 5, 50, and 250 µM) and Cu (0, 5, 50, 250 and 500 µM) were separately applied to evaluate the effect of metals on their absorption and accumulation in downy oak plants. At high concentrations, Cd and Cu significantly reduced the dry biomass of shoots and roots and the plant tolerance index. Cd was toxic at increasing concentrations, inducing higher reduction of shoot dry mass than roots, whereas Cu increased dry mass at 5 µM. This study represents the first attempt to assess Cd and Cu uptake in Q. pubescens under in vitro conditions. The in vitro screening potential is meanly related to the following purposes: (i) proper selection of plant materials resilient to excess metals in the growth substrate; (ii) efficient removal of metals by the selected tree species; (iii) minor interference with the growth of plants accumulating metals in their tissues; (iv) rapid provision of plant materials for tree breeding programs.

Abstract Electrical storm (ES) is a life-threatening condition of recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in a short period of time. Percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) is frequently used – however the efficacy is undefined. The objective of our systematic review was to determine the efficacy of SGB in reducing VA events and mortality among patients with ES. A search of Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and CENTRAL was performed on February 29, 2024 to include studies with adult patients (≥ 18 years) with ES treated with SGB. Our outcomes of interest were VA burden pre- and post-SGB, and in-hospital/30-day mortality. A total of 553 ES episodes in 542 patients from 15 observational studies were included. Treated VAs pre- and post-SGB were pooled from eight studies including 383 patients and demonstrated a decrease from 3.5 (IQR 2.25–7.25) to 0 (IQR 0–0) events (p = 0.008). Complete resolution after SGB occurred in 190 of 294 patients (64.6%). Despite this, in-hospital or 30-day mortality remained high occurring in 140 of 527 patients (random effects prevalence 22%). Repeat SGB for recurrent VAs was performed in 132 of 490 patients (random effects prevalence 21%). In conclusion, observational data suggests SGB may be effective in reducing VAs in ES. Definitive studies for SGB in VA management are needed. Study protocol: PROSPERO - registration number CRD42023430031.

While the importance of early childhood education is well documented, a struggle continues around the world to adequately fund early childhood programs and provide access for all children, especially those living in precarious contexts. In this article, the author has constructed a posthumous interview with Katie-Jay Scott (1981-2021), a humanitarian activist whose unfaltering commitment to refugee children and their overall wellbeing provided a guiding light for those who had the honor of knowing and working with her. The following is intended to provide inspiration for current and future early childhood educators, no matter where they practice globally.

Developing drugs for brain infection by Naegleria fowleri is an unmet medical need. We used a combination of cheminformatics, target-, and phenotypic-based drug discovery methods to identify inhibitors that target an essential N. fowleri enzyme, sterol 14-demethylase (NfCYP51). A total of 124 compounds preselected in silico were tested against N. fowleri. Nine primary hits with EC50 ≤ 10 μM were phenotypically identified. Cocrystallization with NfCYP51 focused attention on one primary hit, miconazole-like compound 2a. The S-enantiomer of 2a produced a 1.74 Å cocrystal structure. A set of analogues was then synthesized and evaluated to confirm the superiority of the S-configuration over the R-configuration and the advantage of an ether linkage over an ester linkage. The two compounds, S-8b and S-9b, had an improved EC50 and KD compared to 2a. Importantly, both were readily taken up into the brain. The brain-to-plasma distribution coefficient of S-9b was 1.02 ± 0.12, suggesting further evaluation as a lead for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.

Abstract Background Delirium is strongly associated with poor health outcomes, yet it is frequently underdiagnosed. Limited research on delirium has been conducted in Nursing Homes (NHs). Our aim is to assess delirium prevalence and its associated factors, in particular pharmacological prescription, in this care setting. Methods Data from the Italian “Delirium Day” 2016 Edition, a national multicenter point-prevalence study on patients aged 65 and older were analyzed to examine the associations between the prevalence of delirium and its subtypes with demographics and information about medical history and pharmacological treatment. Delirium was assessed using the Assessment test for delirium and cognitive impairment (4AT). Motor subtype was evaluated using the Delirium Motor Subtype Scale (DMSS). Results 955 residents, from 32 Italian NHs with a mean age of 84.72 ± 7.78 years were included. According to the 4AT, delirium was present in 260 (27.2%) NHs residents, mainly hyperactive (35.4%) or mixed subtypes (20.7%). Antidepressant treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was associated with lower delirium prevalence in univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions The high prevalence of delirium in NHs highlights the need to systematically assess its occurrence in this care settings. The inverse association between SSRIs and delirium might imply a possible preventive role of this class of therapeutic agents against delirium in NHs, yet further studies are warranted to ascertain any causal relationship between SSRIs intake and reduced delirium incidence.

Abstract Background The growing diffusion of artificial intelligence, data science and digital health has highlighted the role of collection of data and biological samples, thus raising legal and ethical concerns regarding its use and dissemination. Further, the expansion of biobanking, from the basic collection of frozen specimens to the virtual biobanks of specimens and associated data that exist today, has given a revolutionary potential on healthcare systems, particularly in the field of neurological diseases, due to the inaccessibility of central nervous system and the need of non-invasive investigation approaches. Informed Consent (IC) is considered mandatory in all research studies and specimen collections, and must specifically take into account the ethical respect to the individuals to whom the used biological material and data belong. Methods We evaluated the attitudes of patients with neurological diseases (NP) and healthy volunteers (HV) towards the donation of biological samples to a biobank for future research studies on neurological diseases, and limitations on the use of data, related to the requirements set by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The study involved a total of 1454 subjects, including 502 HVs and 952 NPs, recruited at Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, from 2020 to 2024. Results We found that (i) almost all subjects agreed with the participation in biobanking (ii) and authorization to genetic studies (HV = 99.1%; NP = 98.3%); Regarding the return of results, (iii) we found a statistically significant difference between NP and HV, the latter preferring not to be informed of potential results (HV = 43%; NP = 11.3%; p

Ischemic preconditioning (PC) induced by a sub-lethal cerebral insult triggers brain tolerance against a subsequent severe injury through diverse mechanisms, including the modulation of the immune system. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6), a hyaluronate (HA)-binding protein, has recently been involved in the regulation of the neuroimmune response following ischemic stroke. Thus, we aimed at assessing whether the neuroprotective effects of ischemic PC involve the modulation of TSG-6 in a murine model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). The expression of TSG-6 was significantly elevated in the ischemic cortex of mice subjected to 1 h MCAo followed by 24 h reperfusion, while this effect was further potentiated (p < 0.05 vs. MCAo) by pre-exposure to ischemic PC (i.e., 15 min MCAo) 72 h before. By immunofluorescence analysis, we detected TSG-6 expression mainly in astrocytes and myeloid cells populating the lesioned cerebral cortex, with a more intense signal in tissue from mice pre-exposed to ischemic PC. By contrast, levels of TSG-6 were reduced after 24 h of reperfusion in plasma (p < 0.05 vs. SHAM), but were dramatically elevated when severe ischemia (1 h MCAo) was preceded by ischemic PC (p < 0.001 vs. MCAo) that also resulted in significant neuroprotection. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that neuroprotection exerted by ischemic PC is associated with the elevation of TSG-6 protein levels both in the brain and in plasma, further underscoring the beneficial effects of this endogenous modulator of the immune system.

Abstract Consumers are demonstrating increasing awareness towards initiatives promoting sustainable practices in the food sector. This is particularly pronounced among university students, a segment known for its receptivity to sustainability initiatives. Utilizing a choice experiment, this study examines the Italian students’ preferences for fruit juice produced by a hypothetical company. Specifically, the research explicitly assesses the premium price attributable to a circular economy certification—a relatively new standard—in comparison with the widely recognized and appreciated organic certification. Furthermore, the study evaluates the potential additive value of possessing both certifications jointly. Results indicate that consumers are willing to pay a premium for products labelled with circular economy attributes. However, in the presence of an organic certification, the additive value of the circular economy certification is diminished by more than half. Finally, consumers who have received environmental training demonstrate a higher premium for such products, highlighting the role of education in promoting sustainable choices. These findings suggest that a potential market exists for circular economy-certified products, providing an incentive for businesses to adopt circular economy practices. Environmental training plays a relevant role in fostering sustainable transitions, thereby underscoring the significance of education in shaping conscious consumer behaviour.

The archaeological site of Tyndaris (currently Tindari, municipality of Patti, province of Messina, Italy) served as the backdrop for an important technological and cultural initiative organized by mediaGeo on May 30, 2024: the “Technology for All on the Road 2024”. The event brought together university professors, experts in geomatics, archaeology, and engineering, as well as industry professionals engaged in applying advanced surveying methodologies. The main objective was to create precise and detailed digital documentation of a site useful for conservation, study, and tourism enhancement. During the event, a series of stateof- the-art surveying technologies were employed to map and meticulously document the topography and monuments of the ancient Greek, and later Roman, city in Sicily— an area for which a complete survey is still lacking.

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=

Objetivos: La anomalía de Ebstein es un defecto congénito caracterizado por falta de deslaminación y desplazamiento apical de la válvula tricúspide, insuficiencia tricúspidea, agrandamiento auricular derecho y disfunción ventricular. Con el propósito de analizar los resultados y evolución de las distintas estrategias quirúrgicas se recolectaron datos de 45 operados durante 1990-2018. Se incluyeron 26 pacientes con una edad mediana en la cirugía inicial de 11.3 años (rango: 13 días-18.6 años). Método: Los procedimientos fueron plastia 10 pacientes (38%), reconstrucción con técnica del cono 11 (42%) y reemplazo 5 (19%). Requirieron intervenciones adicionales 7 pacientes: anastomosis cavo-pulmonar 4 y Cox-maze 4. El 34.6% (9) requirió reoperación por insuficiencia tricúspidea importante. Presentaban plastia previa seis, bioprótesis dos y cono, uno. Resultados: La mortalidad global fue del 11.5% (3 pacientes) a una media de 10.1 años posquirúrgicos (rango: 5.7-10.12) asociada a arritmias (p = 0.05), disfunción ventricular derecha (p = 0.008), izquierda (p = 0.0001) y reoperaciones (p = 0.03). Ninguno fue cono previo. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 6.5 años (rango: 1-29.1). El 91.6% se encontraban en clase funcional I/II y el 79.2% en ritmo sinusal. Conclusiones: Los resultados de las diferentes técnicas clásicas fueron similares aunque no exentas de complicaciones y reoperaciones. La reconstrucción del cono resultó ser efectiva, de baja mortalidad quirúrgica, menor requerimiento de reoperaciones y duradera en el mediano plazo.

Studying the evolution of seed morphology and, in turn, the evolution of cultivars across time and space is of fundamental importance to agriculture and archaeology. The identification of ancient and modern grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars is essential for understanding the historical evolution of grape cultivation. Grape seed morphology provides valuable information to explore the evolution of grape cultivars over time and space. The main aim of our study was to build a comprehensive regional database of grape seed morphological traits from modern and archaeological wine cultivars and wild grape species. We aimed to identify which seeds of modern grape cultivars exhibited morphological similarities to archaeological cultivars. This study focused on fifteen distinct modern types of seeds and two archaeological samples from the Byzantine-to-Early Medieval period. We acquired digital images of seeds using a flatbed scanner. For each sample, 100 seeds were randomly selected, and morphometric data on each seed were gathered using ImageJ. Differences among the seed cultivars were investigated using linear discriminant analysis. Archaeological seeds were found to be more similar to cultivated V. vinifera cultivars rather than V. sylvestris populations. Among the cultivated cultivars, Sangiovese and Tosta antica resulted to be cultivars most similar cultivars to the archaeological ones. The morphometric analysis of grape seeds proved to be a valuable resource for investigating the evolution of vine cultivars throughout history. Combining image analysis techniques with genetic data will open new perspectives for studying the origins of and variations in grape cultivars, contributing to the conservation and enhancement of viticultural heritage.

Abstract The ability to finely tune the properties of magnetic topological insulators (TIs) is crucial for quantum electronics. We studied solid solutions with a general formula GexMn1-xBi2Te4 between two isostructural Z2 TIs, magnetic MnBi2Te4 and nonmagnetic GeBi2Te4 with Z2 invariants of 1;000 and 1;001, respectively. We observed linear x-dependent magnetic properties, composition-independent pairwise exchange interactions, and topological phase transitions (TPTs) between topologically nontrivial phases and the semimetal state. The TPTs are driven purely by the variation of orbital contributions. By tracing the x-dependent Bi 6p contribution to the states near the fundamental gap, the effective spin-orbit coupling variation is extracted. The gapless state observed at x = 0.42 closely resembles a Dirac semimetal above the Néel temperature and shows a magnetic gap below, which is clearly visible in raw photoemission data. The observed behavior demonstrates an ability to precisely control topological and magnetic properties of TIs.

Meeting of non-trivial topology with magnetism results in novel phases of matter, such as quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) or axion insulator phases. Even more exotic states with high and tunable Chern numbers are expected at the contact of intrinsic magnetic topological insulators (IMTIs) and 2D topological insulators (TIs). Here we synthesize a heterostructures composed of 2D TI and 3D IMTIs, specifically of bismuth bilayer on top of MnBi2Te4-family of compounds and study their electronic properties by means of angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) and density functional theory (DFT). The epitaxial interface is characterized by hybridized Bi and IMTI electronic states. The Bi bilayer-derived states on different members of MnBi2Te4-family of materials are similar, except in the region of mixing with the topological surface states of the substrate. In that region, the new, substrate dependent interface Dirac state is observed. Our ab initio calculations show rich interface phases with emergence of exchange split 1D edge states, making the Bi/IMTI heterostructures promising playground for observation of novel members in the family of quantum Hall effects.

Farmers in the high desert are challenged by a short growing season and slow crop establishment of warm-season vegetables. Yet an increasing demand for local produce in nearby urban areas presents an opportunity to diversify farms while adapting to climate uncertainty. Vegetable rootstocks can confer advantages under biotic and abiotic stress conditions, but information on which and how melon rootstocks can improve management does not exist for high desert and short-season regions. Commercial, squash-hybrid rootstocks (i.e., Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) were grafted with a common scion (Cucumis melo cv. Sarah’s choice). Nine rootstocks in 2021 and four selected rootstocks in 2022 were evaluated in four field trials (two per year) in northern Nevada at two distinct locations. Melon grafting did not consistently increase crop performance in the high desert, and it was influenced by location and year. Throughout the initial half of the harvesting period, grafted plants tended to produce more melons, irrespective of location or year, offering a potential appeal for melon growers operating in shorter growing seasons. However, a slight reduction in fruit quality (i.e., °Brix) was observed in some grafted plants compared with the ungrafted control. The benefits of grafting melons onto squash hybrids in high desert conditions remain uncertain and may depend on microenvironment and farming practices that affect crop establishment, such as mulching effects on soil temperature.

Abstract The interspecific transmission of pathogens can occur frequently in the environment. Among wild bees, the main spillover cases are caused by pathogens associated with Apis mellifera, whose colonies can act as reservoirs. Due to the limited availability of data in Italy, it is challenging to accurately assess the impact and implications of this phenomenon on the wild bee populations. In this study, a total of 3372 bees were sampled from 11 Italian regions within the BeeNet project, evaluating the prevalence and the abundance of the major honey bee pathogens (DWV, BQCV, ABPV, CBPV, KBV, Nosema ceranae, Ascosphaera apis, Crithidia mellificae, Lotmaria passim, Crithidia bombi). The 68.4% of samples were positive for at least one pathogen. DWV, BQCV, N. ceranae and CBPV showed the highest prevalence and abundance values, confirming them as the most prevalent pathogens spread in the environment. For these pathogens, Andrena, Bombus, Eucera and Seladonia showed the highest mean prevalence and abundance values. Generally, time trends showed a prevalence and abundance decrease from April to July. In order to predict the risk of infection among wild bees, statistical models were developed. A low influence of apiary density on pathogen occurrence was observed, while meteorological conditions and agricultural management showed a greater impact on pathogen persistence in the environment. Social and biological traits of wild bees also contributed to defining a higher risk of infection for bivoltine, communal, mining and oligolectic bees. Out of all the samples tested, 40.5% were co-infected with two or more pathogens. In some cases, individuals were simultaneously infected with up to five different pathogens. It is essential to increase knowledge about the transmission of pathogens among wild bees to understand dynamics, impact and effects on pollinator populations. Implementing concrete plans for the conservation of wild bee species is important to ensure the health of wild and human-managed bees within a One-Health perspective.

Background: Type I myocardial infarction (T1MI) or type II myocardial infarction (T2MI) have different underlying mechanisms; however, in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS), it is not understood if patients experience resultantly different outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine clinical features, biomarker patterns, and outcomes in these subgroups. Methods: Patients from the CAPITAL-DOREMI trial presenting with acute myocardial infarction-associated CS (n = 103) were classified as T1MI (n = 61) or T2MI (n = 42). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause in-hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, the need for mechanical circulatory support, or initiation of renal replacement therapy at 30 days. Secondary endpoints were evaluated as individual components of the primary endpoint. Results: Patients with T1MI CS did not have a higher incidence of the primary composite endpoint compared with T2MI CS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-2.77; P = 0.07). Cardiac biomarkers including troponin I (P < 0.001), and creatine kinase levels (P = 0.001) were elevated in patients with T1MI CS compared with T2MI. Furthermore, patients with T1MI CS presented with decreased urine output (P = 0.01) compared with T2MI. Predictors of T2MI CS included nonischemic ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.002), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.02), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.002). Conclusions: There were no differences in adverse clinical outcomes between patients with T1MI and T2MI CS, although the events were numerically increased, and the sample size was small. Overall, this study provides a hypothesis-generating analysis regarding the clinical and biochemical outcomes in T1MI vs T2MI CS. Résumé: Introduction: L’infarctus du myocarde de type 1 (IMT1) et l’infarctus du myocarde de type 2 (IMT2) ont des mécanismes sous-jacents différents. Toutefois, dans le contexte du choc cardiogénique (CC), nous ignorons si les patients ont donc des résultats cliniques différents. Les objectifs de la présente étude étaient de déterminer les caractéristiques cliniques, les profils des biomarqueurs et les résultats cliniques dans ces sous-groupes. Méthodes: Les patients de l’essai CAPITAL-DOREMI qui présentaient un CC associé à un infarctus aigu du myocarde (n = 103) étaient classifiés dans le sous-groupe IMT1 (n = 61) ou dans le sous-groupe IMT2 (n = 42). Le critère de jugement principal était un critère composite qui regroupait la mortalité à l’hôpital toutes causes confondues, l’arrêt cardiaque, la nécessité d’une assistance circulatoire mécanique ou l’amorce d’une thérapie de remplacement rénal dans les 30 jours. Les critères secondaires étaient évalués en fonction des composantes individuelles du critère de jugement principal. Résultats: Les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT1 n’avaient pas une plus grande fréquence de survenue du critère de jugement principal composite que les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2 (rapport de risque [RR] ajusté, 1,63 ; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 0,96-2,77 ; P = 0,07). Les biomarqueurs cardiaques dont les concentrations de la troponine I (P < 0,001) et de la créatine kinase (P = 0,001) étaient élevées chez les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT1, mais non chez les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2. De plus, les patients qui avaient eu un CC-IMT1 avaient une diurèse réduite (P = 0,01), mais non les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2. Les prédicteurs du CC-IMT2 étaient la dysfonction ventriculaire non ischémique (P = 0,002), la fibrillation auriculaire (P = 0,02) et la maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (P = 0,002). Conclusions: Il n’y avait aucune différence dans les résultats cliniques défavorables entre les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT1 et les patients qui avaient un CC-IMT2, bien que les événements aient augmenté en nombre, et que la taille de l’échantillon était petite. Dans l’ensemble, cette étude fournit une analyse de génération d’hypothèses quant aux résultats cliniques et biochimiques du CC-IMT1 vs du CC-IMT2.

This paper presents a novel pilot protection algorithm for alternating current (ac) transmission lines that relies on biweight midcorrelation (BWMC) coefficients between the terminals’ currents. The proposed solution was compared with recent and similar literature alternatives, and the results indicate that it is both effective in detecting faults of any type and that, as it is median-based, unlike the techniques used so far, the BWMC-based algorithm may be advantageous over existing methods as it presents higher robustness to not incorrectly trip on external faults, mainly under the critical conditions of CT saturation, noisy measurements, and sample misalignment, typically associated with outliers. The algorithm also proved effective against simultaneous multi-faults, weak infeed, power swing, multiple cases on different lines, and faults with time-varying transition resistance. The BWMC-based solution was finally experimentally tested in real-time with a hardware-in-the-loop system containing a CMC-256 set, an IEC 61850-based IED that embeds the algorithm’s logic, and current measurements recorded during actual faults on existing 500 kV lines from the Brazilian interconnected power system. All analyses indicate that this new algorithm can be a rapid, reliable, and robust solution.

Interweaving social dominance, person-environment fit, and self-determination theories, the present study sought to understand whether the attrition between students’ levels of social dominance orientation and the hierarchy-attenuating function of the social work faculty in which they study may influence students’ academic motivational pathways. A total of 221 undergraduate social work students participated in the study and completed a self-report questionnaire. Participants’ social dominance orientation, person-environment misfit, and academic intrinsic and extrinsic motivation were measured. Results indicated that students’ social dominance orientation was associated with an external rather than an internal regulation of their academic motivation, mediated by their perceived person-environment misfit. For those students who personally support group-based inequalities, exposure to hierarchy-attenuating contexts would lead to regulating their academic behavior toward the pursuit of extrinsic (vs. intrinsic) goals, that is, studying to gain financial benefits and social prestige, in accordance with the pursuit of their beliefs of social dominance.