Choriocapillaris flow in two different patterns of exudative type 1 macular neovascularization.

Background: To compare the characteristics of type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) and the surrounding choriocapillaris (CC) perfusion in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) versus those with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Methods: This retrospective study included 64 treatment-naïve eyes (37 nAMD, 27 PNV) with type 1 MNV. SS-OCTA images were analysed to measure MNV area and perimeter, and CC flow deficits (FD) in five concentric rings surrounding the lesion.

Blending deep-learning and observers for improved state of charge estimation in vanadium flow batteries.

This paper presents the design and implementation of a deep-learning-based observer for accurately estimating the State of Charge (SoC) of a vanadium flow battery. The novelty of the proposal lies in its direct use of terminal voltage and the application of a machine learning algorithm to model the battery's overpotentials, leading to greater accuracy and reduced complexity compared to classical models. The overpotentials model consists of a neural network trained using data generated by a classical observer that estimates species concentration using a physical electrochemical model and the open-circuit voltage measurement.

A multirange paper-based analytical device for identifying low, moderate, and high P. aeruginosa bacterial loads in sputum samples.

In this article we introduce a multirange analytical device that extends the dynamic range of nanoparticle-based immunoassays thanks to a multisensor design. Multirange devices contain low- and high-range sensors in the same analytical platform. The low-range sensor defines the limit of detection and quantifies low concentrated analytes, whereas the high-range sensor defines the upper limit of the dynamic range.

Single Coronary Origin From Right Coronary Sinus With Intraseptal Course: How to Make Diagnosis by Echocardiography.

We describe a rare case of a male adolescent with anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery from the right sinus with intraseptal course (L-ACAO-IS), which was diagnosed at transthoracic echocardiography. The case we presented confirms how echocardiography is accurate in the diagnosis of even challenging coronary artery origin anomalies such as L-ACO-IS. Coronary artery origin evaluation should be an integral part of echocardiography examinations in infants, children, and young adults, especially those undergoing physical activity.

The international Hip Outcome Tool 12 questionnaire (iHOT-12): an Italian language cross-cultural adaptation and validation.

Background: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are essential for evaluating disease-related quality of life. The International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT12) assesses various aspects of hip-related symptoms, function, sports participation, and social limitations. This study aimed to adapt and validate an Italian version of the iHOT12 according to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines.

A set of multidimensional indicators to assess the resilience and attractiveness of Italian provinces and municipalities (2010-2022 panel data).

This article provides a panel dataset on four capital dimensions (economic, human, social and physical) to study and promote the attractiveness and resilience of Italian territories. The dataset is articulated at the provincial and municipal level for the period 2010-2022. Data have been sourced from different open data repositories or collected through scraping downloads and have been elaborated in order to generate novel territorial indicators.

Meta-learning in active inference.

Binz et al. propose meta-learning as a promising avenue for modelling human cognition. They provide an in-depth reflection on the advantages of meta-learning over other computational models of cognition, including a sound discussion on how their proposal can accommodate neuroscientific insights.

Technical principles, benefits, challenges, and applications of photon counting computed tomography in coronary imaging: a narrative review.

Background And Objective: The introduction of photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) represents the most recent groundbreaking advancement in clinical computed tomography (CT). PCCT has the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional CT and to provide new quantitative imaging information. This narrative review aims to summarize the technical principles, benefits, and challenges of PCCT and to provide a concise yet comprehensive summary of the applications of PCCT in the domain of coronary imaging.

Non-invasive assessment of severe liver fibrosis in patients with Fontan-associated liver disease: The VALDIG-EASL FONLIVER cohort.

Background & Aims: Fontan-type surgery is a palliative procedure for congenital heart disease with univentricular physiology that may, in the long term, lead to advanced chronic liver disease. Herein, we assessed the accuracy of conventional non-invasive models for assessing liver fibrosis in the context of Fontan circulation and developed a new risk score employing non-invasive tools.

Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted across five European centers and encompassing all consecutive adult patients with Fontan circulation, liver biopsy and non-invasive tests (e.

Antivenom Properties and Chemical Profiling via Molecular Networking of Mimosa gracilis Extracts.

The species Mimosa gracilis var. capillipes (Benth.) Barneby is used for its antivenom properties in the Coqueiros community, municipality of Catalão, state of Goiás.

Advanced imaging of cardiac Paraganglioma: A systematic review.

Background And Aims: Cardiac ParaGangliomas (PGLs) are rare extra-adrenal tumours that arise from chromaffin cells of the sympathetic ganglia. PGL are often diagnosed incidentally, with no symptoms or symptoms related to cardiovascular dysfunction.

Methods: Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) can detect the correct morphology and position of the lesion and provide proper tissue characterization.

Real-time fMRI-based neurofeedback to restore brain function in substance use disorders: A systematic review of the literature.

Introduction: Real-time functional magnetic resonance based-neurofeedback (fMRI-neurofeedback) is a neuromodulation tool where individuals self-modulate brain function based on real-time feedback of their brain activity. fMRI-neurofeedback has been used to target brain dysfunction in substance use disorders (SUDs) and to reduce craving, but a systematic synthesis of up-to-date literature is lacking.

Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of all the literature that examined the effects of fMRI-neurofeedback on individuals with regular psychoactive substance use (PROSPERO pre-registration = CRD42023401137).

Three-dimensional printed models as an effective tool for the management of complex congenital heart disease.

Introduction: Three-dimensional printed models are widely used in the medical field for surgical and interventional planning. In the context of complex cardiovascular defects such as pediatric congenital heart diseases (CHDs), the adoption of 3D printed models could be an effective tool to improve decision-making. In this paper, an investigation was conducted into the characteristics of 3D printed models and their added value in understanding and managing complex pediatric congenital heart disease, also considering the associated cost.

IL10 and CXCL10 mRNA expression in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

Background: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a rare non-IgE-mediated food allergy that mainly impacts babies and 7toddlers. The exact mechanism of FPIES is not completely understood. By studying the expression of IL-10 and CXCL10 in pediatric FPIES patients, researchers can gain insights into the immune mechanisms underlying this disorder.

Results of Tendon Transfers in Radial Nerve Palsies: A New Evaluation Protocol.

Radial nerve palsies present a challenging clinical scenario, often leading to substantial functional impairment. This study focuses on evaluating the outcomes of tendon transfer surgeries in patients with post-traumatic radial nerve injuries. The radial nerve, vital for upper limb movements, faces various etiologies, such as trauma, compression, or idiopathy.

Recommendations for cardiovascular magnetic resonance and computed tomography in congenital heart disease: a consensus paper from the CMR/CCT Working Group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology and the Italian College of Cardiac Radiology endorsed by the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (Part II).

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CCT) are advanced imaging modalities that recently revolutionized the conventional diagnostic approach to congenital heart diseases (CHD), supporting echocardiography and often replacing cardiac catheterization. This is the second of two complementary documents, endorsed by experts from the Working Group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology and the Italian College of Cardiac Radiology of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology, aimed at giving updated indications on the appropriate use of CMR and CCT in different clinical CHD settings, in both pediatrics and adults. In this article, support is also given to radiologists, pediatricians, cardiologists, and cardiac surgeons for indications and appropriateness criteria for CMR and CCT in the most referred CHD, following the proposed new criteria presented and discussed in the first document.

White blood cells, TNF-α, and interleukin-6 in subjects with infantile colic treated with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103): a randomised prospective study.

Recent metanalysis reported that certain probiotic strains, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LGG), seem effective for treatment of infantile colic of exclusively breastfed infants; some reports have also linked probiotics to have an immunological effect, however further investigation are needed to fully understand the exact mechanism. The objective of this study was to assay white blood cells, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 values in peripheral blood in subjects treated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for infantile colic with LGG. Fifty-eight infants were enrolled and followed for a study period of 28 days.

Levofloxacin prophylaxis for pediatric leukemia patients: monitoring of outcomes for sustained benefit and consequences.

Levofloxacin prophylaxis reduces bloodstream infections in neutropenic patients with acute myeloid leukemia or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study compares incidence of bacteremia, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), and (CDI) between time periods of levofloxacin prophylaxis implementation. Benefits were sustained without increasing MDRO or CDI.

Association of parental level of education and child factors on length-for-age indicator among socially vulnerable children aged 6-24 months from a Brazilian state using structural equation modelling.

This cross-sectional study employs structural equation modelling (sEM) to explore both direct and indirect effects of parental level of education and child individual factors on the length-for-age outcomes in children aged 6-24 months assisted by the Bolsa Família Program in the State of Alagoas. A total of 1448 children were analysed by the sEM technique. A negative standardised direct effect (sDE) of the children's younger age (sDE: -0·06; = 0·017), the use of bottle feeding (sDE: -0·11; < 0·001) and lack of a minimum acceptable diet (sDE: -0·09; < 0·001) on the length-for-age indicator was found.

Characteristics of RNA Stabilizer RNApro for Peripheral Blood Collection.

Peripheral blood is the most practical tissue for human immune system gene expression profiling because it is easily accessible, whereas the site of primary infection in certain diseases may not be easily accessible. Due to the ex vivo instability of RNA transcripts, a key challenge in the gene expression analysis of blood samples is the rapid sample handling and stabilization of the mRNA by adding an RNA preservative (PAXgene Blood RNA Tubes, Tempus Blood RNA tubes, RNAlater Stabilization Reagent, RNAgard Blood Tubes). BioMole (Turin, Italy) has developed a novel blood stabilizer, called RNApro, in which RNA is stabilized during phlebotomy and sample storage.

Comparison of Early Contrast Enhancement Models in Ultrafast Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Prostate Cancer.

Tofts models have failed to produce reliable quantitative markers for prostate cancer. We examined the differences between prostate zones and lesion PI-RADS categories and grade group (GG) using regions of interest drawn in tumor and normal-appearing tissue for a two-compartment uptake (2CU) model (including plasma volume (v), plasma flow (F), permeability surface area product (PS), plasma mean transit time (MTT), capillary transit time (T), extraction fraction (E), and transfer constant (K)) and exponential (amplitude (A), arrival time (t), and enhancement rate (α)), sigmoidal (amplitude (A), center time relative to arrival time (A - T), and slope (A)), and empirical mathematical models, and time to peak (TTP) parameters fitted to high temporal resolution (1.695 s) DCE-MRI data.