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Background: Health disparities related to socio-economic factors impact access to preventive health interventions. The PRECEDE–PROCEED model, a multidimensional approach to health promotion, has been adapted to optimise cancer screening programs in Lombardy, Italy, addressing these disparities. Methods: This study evaluated the application of systemic audits based on the PRECEDE–PROCEED model across Lombardy cancer screening programs. A systematic region-wide audit was performed in 2019, and follow-up audits were performed in 2022–2023. Data were collected using structured analysis methodologies, including epidemiological, behavioural, and organisational assessments. Results: The 2019 audit showed strengths in participation and quality standards but identified challenges in cervical cancer screening coverage and waiting times for assessments. Improvements plans included the digitisation of processes and stakeholder engagement. The 2022–2023 audits reported increased coverage for breast and colorectal screenings, but a slight decline in participation rates and examination coverage. Organisational improvements were noted, yet gaps in training and equity-targeted actions remained. Conclusion: The PRECEDE–PROCEED model audits led to notable improvements in the quality and equity of cancer screening programs in Lombardy. Sustained focus on digital integration, continuous re-training, and targeted equity interventions is essential for further progress.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the parameters of reproductive anatomy and pituitary hormone expression levels in ames dwarf mice (Prop1df/df). Materials and methods: Male Prop1df/df mice aged 30 days received daily intraperitoneal injections of recombinant human GH and levothyroxine three times weekly for 60 days. The sexual maturation of these animals was compared with that of their wild-type (Prop+/+) and untreated (Prop1df/df) siblings. Results: The Prop1df/df treated group developed sexual maturation 2 weeks later than the Prop+/+ group and presented an increase in testicular weight, complete spermatogenesis, and enhanced LH and FSH expression. The Prop1df/df untreated group had low FSH expression and no offspring; most animals in this group did not develop sexual maturation during the study period. Conclusion: Replacement with GH and levothyroxine appeared to play a crucial role in restoring peripheral reproductive parameters and increasing pituitary hormone expression in Prop1df/df mice.

Purpose: To report two cases of neovascular glaucoma associated with Radium-223 infusion. Observations: Presented are two patients with metastatic prostate cancer who developed uncontrolled intraocular pressure secondary to neovascular glaucoma requiring surgical intervention. Both patients had received six cycles of Radium-223, a calcium mimetic that causes DNA double strand breaks and tumor cell death in bony metastases as part of their treatment regimen for metastatic prostate cancer. One patient had been a prior glaucoma suspect while the other had no significant ocular history. Conclusions and importance: Radium-223 may increase vascular permeability contributing to uveitis and promote angiostimulatory growth factors that can lead to neovascularization. We postulate this is through possible disruption in VEGF signaling pathways as well as Ra-223's calcium mimetic properties that could affect the trabecular meshwork. Neovascular glaucoma is uncommonly reported with Ra-223. There is one other case report that experienced uveitis and hyphema within weeks of the Ra-223 infusion. This case report has a similar proposed biologic mechanism. A literature review using the key words “radium-223, neovascularization, secondary angle closure glaucoma, neovascular glaucoma” did not yield any prior reports of neovascular glaucoma associated with Ra-223. The goal of this case series is to argue there is biological plausibility and to contribute to current literature of possible ocular complications of Ra-223 infusion.

The Amazon rainforest is a vital component of the global climate system, influencing the hydrological cycle and tropical circulation. However, understanding and modeling the evolution of convection in this region remain a scientific challenge. Here, we assess the environmental conditions associated with shallow, congestus, and isolated deep convection days during the wet season (December to April), employing measurements from the Green Ocean Amazon 2014–2015 (GoAmazon2014/5) experiment and large-scale wind fields from the constrained variational analysis. Composites of deep days show moister than average conditions below 3 km early in the morning. Analyzing the water budget at the surface through observations only, we estimated the water vapor convergence term as a residual of the water balance closure. Convergence remains nearly zero during the deep days until early afternoon (13:00 LST), when it becomes a dominant factor in the water budget. At 14:00 LST, the deep days experience a robust upward large-scale vertical velocity, especially above 4 km, which supports the shallow-to-deep convective transition occurring around 16:00–17:00 LST. In contrast, shallow and congestus days exhibit drier pre-convective conditions, along with diurnal water vapor divergence and large-scale subsidence that extend from the surface to the lower free troposphere. Moreover, afternoon precipitation exhibits the strongest linear correlation (0.6) with large-scale vertical velocity, nearly double the magnitude observed for other environmental factors, even moisture, at different levels and periods of the day. Precipitation also exhibits a moderate increase with low-level wind shear, while upper-level shear has a relatively minor negative impact on convection.

Introduction: Here we reported the virological, entomological and epidemiological characteristics of the large autochthonous outbreak of dengue (DENV) occurred in a small village of the Lombardy region (Northern Italy) during summer 2023. Methods: After the diagnosis of the first autochthonous case on August 18, 2023, public health measures, including epidemiological investigation and vector control measures, were carried out. A serological screening for DENV antibodies detection was offered to the population. In the case of positive DENV IgM, a second sample was collected to detect DENV RNA and verify seroconversion. Entomological and epidemiological investigations were also performed. A modeling analysis was conducted to estimate the dengue generation time, transmission potential, distance of transmission, and assess diagnostic delays. Results: Overall, 416 subjects participated to the screening program and 20 were identified as DENV-1 cases (15 confirmed and 5 probable). In addition, DENV-1 infection was diagnosed in 24 symptomatic subjects referred to the local Emergency Room Department for suggestive symptoms and 1 case was identified through blood donation screening. The average generation time was estimated to be 18.3 days (95 % CI: 13.1–23.5 days). R0 was estimated at 1.31 (95 % CI: 0.76–1.98); 90 % of transmission occurred within 500m. Entomological investigations performed in 46 pools of mosquitoes revealed the presence of only one positive pool for DENV-1. Discussion: This report highlights the importance of synergic surveillance, including virological, entomological and public health measures to control the spread of arboviral infections.

The ESCAPE (Environmental Sites CH4 Assessment Platform Europe) has the aim to develop an innovative environmental monitoring system based on a cloud-based online platform, combining ground and space-based datasets with AI-based solutions and algorithms for spotting emissions from landfill sites. This paper presents the research activities related to the selection of the sensors for the implementation of a portable sensor system for monitoring gaseous emissions over the landfill surface. Specifically, 6 gas sensors (2 MOX, 3 digital MOX and 1 NDIR) were selected based on a technology scouting involving the study of scientific literature and technical documentation, and then tested towards different concentrations (i.e., 10, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 ppm) of CH4 and CO2. Test results show that the MOX sensors TGS2611, SGP40 and BME688 are sensitive to CH4 at concentrations down to 10 ppm, and have no (or low) cross-sensitivity to CO2, making them suitable for the considered application. The NDIR sensor, despite being sensitive only to CH4 concentrations >1000 ppm, could be nonetheless included in the sensors toolbox because of its selectivity.

BackgroundGenome-wide RNA-sequencing technologies are increasingly critical to a wide variety of diagnostic and research applications. RNA-seq users often first enrich for mRNA, with the most popular enrichment method being poly(A) selection. In many applications it is well-known that poly(A) selection biases the view of the transcriptome by selecting for longer tailed mRNA species.ResultsHere, we show that poly(A) selection biases Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing. As expected, poly(A) selection skews sequenced mRNAs toward longer poly(A) tail lengths. Interestingly, we identify a population of mRNAs (> 10% of genes' mRNAs) that are inconsistently captured by poly(A) selection due to highly variable poly(A) tails, and demonstrate this phenomenon in our hands and in published data. Importantly, we show poly(A) selection is dispensable for Oxford Nanopore's direct RNA-seq technique, and demonstrate successful library construction without poly(A) selection, with decreased input, and without loss of quality.ConclusionsOur work expands the utility of direct RNA-seq by validating the use of total RNA as input, and demonstrates important technical artifacts from poly(A) selection that inconsistently skew mRNA expression and poly(A) tail length measurements.

Abstract:: The American Veterinary Medical Association recognizes castration to be important for both human and animal safety. Lidocaine delivered through-the-needle has been shown to be effective at reducing cortisol response to castration, but this method has drawbacks for both animals and caretakers. As such, a study was conducted to examine the potential benefits of lidocaine delivery using a pneumatic needle-free device immediately before standing bovine castration. Twelve Holstein bulls weighing 400.7 ± 39.5 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were enrolled. Bulls were allocated to receive a local anesthetic block of 2% lidocaine for surgical castration by traditional needle injection or by needle-free injection. Outcomes were collected out to 48 h postcastration. Outcome variables included plasma cortisol concentrations, visual analog scale scores for pain, medial canthus temperatures as measured using infrared thermography, pressure mat changes, and chute defense scores. A time effect was observed for cortisol, visual analog scale scores, infrared thermography temperatures, and some pressure mat outcomes. No statistically significant differences between lidocaine delivery methods were observed, but further research is needed to build upon this small dataset.

The Second Quantum Revolution refers to a contemporary wave of advancements and breakthroughs in the field of quantum physics that extends beyond the early developments of Quantum Mechanics that occurred in the 20th century. One crucial aspect of this revolution is the deeper exploration and practical application of quantum entanglement. Entanglement serves as a cornerstone in the ongoing revolution, contributing to quantum computing, communication, fundamental physics experiments, and advanced sensing technologies. Here, we present and discuss some of the recent applications of entanglement, exploring its philosophical implications and non-locality beyond Bell’s theorem, thereby critically examining the foundations of Quantum Mechanics. Additionally, we propose educational activities that introduce high school students to Quantum Mechanics by emphasizing entanglement as an essential concept to understand in order to become informed participants in the Second Quantum Revolution. Furthermore, we present the state-of-art developments of a largely unexplored and promising realization of real qubits, namely the molecular spin qubits. We review the available and suggested device architectures to host and use molecular spins. Moreover, we summarize the experimental findings on solid-state spin qubit devices based on magnetic molecules. Finally, we discuss how the Second Quantum Revolution might significantly transform law enforcement by offering specific examples and methodologies to address the evolving challenges in public safety and security.

Climate changes and human-related activities are identified as major factors responsible for the increasing distribution and abundance of vectors worldwide and, consequently, of vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Farmed animals, during grazing or in establishments with the absence of biosecurity measures, can easily be exposed to wildlife showing high-risk of contagion of several infectious diseases, including VBDs. Furthermore, livestock represents an interface between wildlife and humans, and thus, promoting the transmission pathway of VBDs. Little is known about the presence and prevalence of VBDs in livestock in Southern Italy; therefore, the present study evaluated the circulation of zoonotic VBDs in livestock and potential risk of exposure. A total of 621 whole blood samples belonging to cattle and buffaloes (n = 345) and small ruminants (n = 276) were examined by molecular examinations for the detection of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). High prevalence (66.3%) for at least one agent was observed. Moreover, the risk of exposure related to environmental features was assessed, as follows: presence of humid areas, high-density of animals, and sample collection during May. These results show a high circulation of TBPs among livestock and underline the need for surveillance in high-risk habitats for public health.

Background/Objectives: Astroblastoma is a rare glial neoplasm more frequent in young female patients, with unclear clinical behaviors and outcomes. The diagnostic molecular alteration is a rearrangement of the Meningioma 1 (MN1) gene. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene expression regulators with strong implications in biological processes. Here, we investigated microRNA expression, regulation, and biological processes correlated to target genes of deregulated miRNAs in MN1-altered astroblastoma. Methods: A cohort of 14 tumor samples, histologically classified as astroblastoma, was retrospectively collected and analyzed through their DNA methylation profiles. MiRNA expression profiles were then detected on MN1-altered astroblastomas (n = 8) and normal brain controls (n = 2) by Nanostring technology and validated by RT-qPCR; then, the expression of deregulated miRNAs was correlated with clinical-pathological characteristics. Subsequently, the methylation status of promoters of deregulated miRNAs was investigated through a methylation profiling microarray. Finally, bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the biological processes (BPs) and target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs. Results: Eight MN-altered astroblastoma were identified. Thirty-nine miRNAs were deregulated in tumor samples compared to normal brain tissue. Downregulated microRNAs exhibited an association with an increased risk of recurrence. The promoter methylation status was investigated in 32/39 miRNAs: 14/32 were epigenetically deregulated. None of them were genetically regulated. Conclusions: MN1-altered astroblastomas have an miRNA expression signature that identifies specific BPs and pathways. Our findings suggested that the involved pathways could be associated with clinical and pathological characteristics of MN1-altered astroblastomas. Also, the biology of this rare tumor could have potential implications on prognostic markers and therapy.

Abstract The family of 2D chalcogenide semiconductors has been growing rapidly. Metal monochalcogenides, for instance, can enable new possibilities in functional electronics and optoelectronics. A Gallium Selenide (GaSe) thin flake is used to fabricate a back gated field effect transistor (FET) with n‐type conduction behavior and wide hysteresis at the ambient conditions. The device shows high mobility up to 28 cm2 V−1 s−1 with Ion/Ioff ratio over 103. Under the laser exposure, the device shows a decrease in the threshold voltage and a left‐shift of the transfer characteristic with a slight increase in the current. The transfer characteristic exhibits a hysteretic behavior with hysteresis width linearly dependent on the applied gate voltage. Moreover, the GaSe‐based FET shows a photo response with a photoresponsivity of 475 mAW−1 and detectivity of 4.6 × 1012 Jones. The photocurrent rise and decay times are 0.1 and 1.3 s, respectively. Furthermore, the GaSe FET device can be used as a performant memory device with well separated states and memory window enhanced by the laser exposure, confirming an optoelectronic memory class.

Fly ash (FA) was used successfully as a carrier for the corrosion inhibitor molybdate and applied as an extender pigment in an epoxy coating. To enhance interaction, molybdate was attached to FA through intercalation in layered double hydroxide (LDH), facilitated by surface modification of FA. Molybdate was incorporated into LDH either via direct synthesis or ion exchange. Directly synthesized LDH significantly increased molybdate storage in FA. The FA-inhibitor combination was tested in three ways: molybdate release kinetics, corrosion of an ultra-low carbono (ULC) steel in chloride solution, protection of ULC steel conferred by particles embedded in an epoxy coating. Short-term molybdate release was favored by ion exchange, long-term release by deglomeration of LDH. ULC steel corrosion inhibition in 0.1 M NaCl reached 89%. Incorporating the material into epoxy coatings mitigated steel corrosion, validated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This study underscores the efficacy of FA-LDH-molybdate systems in corrosion protection.

Since the start of the pandemic, scientists have directed their research towards identifying COVID-19 risk factors and predictive elements. Numerous clinical studies have established a strong connection between hypoalbuminemia and an unfavorable prognosis for COVID-19. Here, we aim to explore the impact of human serum albumin (HSA) on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings indicate that HSA plays a role in reducing the replication rate of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 cells. This protective effect is due to HSA ability to bind to the S1 domain of the spike protein, effectively competing with ACE2. Moreover, we show that the protective role of HSA is dependent also on its ability to activate the protective axis within the RAS system pathway, which is responsible for inducing vasodilation and promoting anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic responses. In summary, the data presented in this study support the idea that reduced levels of circulating HSA in hypoalbuminemic patients may heighten their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, as the spike protein is unhindered in its ability to bind to ACE2 and penetrate human cells. Besides, hypoalbuminemia exacerbates the imbalance of the RAS pathway towards the classical “detrimental” axis. This could potentially contribute to the increased severity and elevated mortality rate observed in individuals with low levels of circulating albumin.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible nos invita a cuidar el planeta y asegurar la prosperidad para todos. Frente a los cambiantes patrones de producción y consumo en torno al agua, energía y alimentos, resulta de gran interés estudiar la disponibilidad alimentaria, con el fin de implementar acciones que lleven a garantizar las necesidades de la población, permitiendo el desarrollo sustentable sin comprometer las generaciones futuras1,2. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la proporción de alimentos de origen vegetal (AOV) en relación al suministro total de energía para Argentina, Chile y Uruguay e inspeccionar su evolución en los últimos 60 años. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo, longitudinal. La proporción de AOV en la disponibilidad total de energía se consideró como el suministro de energía (kcal/persona/día) de los siguientes grupos de alimentos: cereales, tubérculos, legumbres, frutas, verduras, aceites, semillas, frutas secas y azúcar (excepto miel). Dicha información se extrajo de las Hojas de Balance de Alimentos (HBA), instrumento diseñado y elaborado por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, para la Agricultura y la Alimentación (FAO), a partir de información estadística confiable disponible desde su sitio web3. Se consideró el período de 1961, 1990 y 2020 de las HBA para Argentina, Chile y Uruguay. Se tomaron estos años como referencia por la existencia de información proveniente de estos años y tomando ciclos de 30 años para evaluar posibles cambios en la disponibilidad alimentaria. CONSIDERACIONES ÉTICAS: los datos fueron extraídos de fuentes secundarias, todas las bases de datos son de dominio público y no requiere evaluación de comité de ética. RESULTADOS: El suministro de energía promedio durante el 2020 en los tres países fue 3232 ±95,1 Kcal/persona/día. En relación a la proporción de energía proveniente de AOV, fue mayor en Chile y Uruguay (68%), mientras que Argentina presentó un porcentaje menor (65,1%). El grupo de los cereales fue el que aportó la mayor cantidad de energía de AOV. La contribución de AOV a la energía total, aumentó en Uruguay y en Argentina, 14,5% y 2,8% respectivamente y disminuyó en Chile 9,6% entre 1961 y 2020. CONCLUSIONES: Si bien se evidenciaría algún incremento de disponibilidad de AOV principalmente en Uruguay, se requiere continuar trabajando en nuevas estrategias que garanticen la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional y permitan la conservación de recursos naturales.

This qualitative exploratory research explores meanings that practitioners of adventure activities in nature, who are 60+ years old, attribute to their activities and leisure. The intentionally selected participants were 24 practitioners of adventure activities in nature, in Florianópolis, Brazil. The instruments were a semi-structured interview and simple observation. The data were analyzed using elements of the content analysis technique. The meaning attributed to the adventure activity in nature was centred on the word life, however other perceptions were mentioned, such as escape, sensations, and emotions, contact with nature, spirituality, among others. The innumerable contradictions related to the practice of adventure activities in nature, and to the ageing process are highlighted.