Behavioral Cetology in the 19th Century: Thomas Beale, Henry Cheever, Thomas Southwell and Their Role in Awakening a Cetacean Protection Consciousness.

Although naturalists have devoted attention to cetaceans since Antiquity, it was only in the 19th century that cetology underwent a true explosion. Three key cetological works of this period are The Natural History of the Sperm Whale (1839) by Thomas Beale, The Whaleman's Adventures in the Southern Ocean (1850) by Henry Cheever and The Seals and Whales of the British Seas (1881) by Thomas Southwell. Importantly, these three works did not only represent fundamental compendia of scientific knowledge of cetaceans, but also had a crucial role in awakening a cetacean protection consciousness.

Optimizing DSSCs Performance for Indoor Lighting: Matching Organic Dyes Absorption and Indoor Lamps Emission Profiles to Maximize Efficiency.

The rapid proliferation of internet-connected devices has transformed our daily habits prompting a shift towards greater sustainability in renewable energy for indoor applications. Among the various technologies available for obtaining energy in indoor conditions, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) stand out as the most promising due to their ability to efficiently convert ambient light into usable electricity. This study explores how the optimal matching of the UV-Vis absorption spectra of dyes commonly used in DSSCs with the emission profiles of indoor lamps allows for the enhanced efficiency of DSSC under indoor lighting.

Chemical and physical properties of orthoconic liquid crystals: H NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.

In the field of chiral smectic liquid crystals, orthoconic antiferroelectric liquid crystals (OAFLCs) have attracted the interest of the scientific community due to the very high tilt angle, close to 45°, and the consequent optical properties. In the present study, the first H NMR investigation is reported on two samples, namely 3F5HPhF9 and 3F7HPhF8, showing the phase sequence isotropic-SmC*-SmC* and the phase sequence isotropic-SmA-SmC*-SmC*, respectively, when cooling from the isotropic to the crystalline phases. To this aim, the liquid crystals were doped with a small amount of deuterated probe biphenyl-4,4'-diol-d.

On the Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of 2-Hydroxyethyl Furan-5-Carboxylic Acid (MHEF) and bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) Furan-2,5-Dicarboxylate (BHEF).

To better understand how the biocatalyzed depolymerization of polyesters works, model molecules are needed to develop activity assays and determine enzymatic kinetic parameters. In this communication the chemical synthesis and characterization of 2-hydroxyethyl furan-5-carboxylic acid and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) furan-2,5-dicarboxylates as potential model molecules to further study the enzymatic depolymerization of poly(ethylene furanoate) was investigated.

Sarcopenia As a Predictor of Survival and Complications of Patients With Cirrhosis After Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: This systematic review/meta-analysis evaluated the impact of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis before liver transplantation (LT) on outcomes after LT.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in six medical databases until February 2022. The primary outcome was overall mortality after LT, while several secondary outcomes including liver graft survival and rejection, the need for transfusions, the length of the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and surgical complications were evaluated.

A DOF transcriptional repressor-gibberellin feedback loop plays a crucial role in modulating light-independent seed germination.

Plants evolved several strategies to cope with the ever-changing environment. One example of this is given by seed germination, which must occur when environmental conditions are suitable for plant life. In the model system Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination is induced by light; however in nature, seeds of several plant species can germinate regardless of this stimulus.

Optimizing Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Work-Up Through Micro-Ultrasound: Minimizing Unnecessary Procedures and Reducing Overdiagnoses.

Introduction: We aim to critically assess Microultrasound (mUS) clinical performance in an outpatient setting, focusing on its ability to reduce unnecessary diagnostic procedures, potentially reshape prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostic protocols, and increase the ability to rule out clinically significant (Gleason Score ≥ 3 + 4) PCa (csPCa).

Materials And Methods: Between November 2018 and April 2022, we conducted a prospective study involving men who underwent mUS examination due to clinical symptoms, PSA elevation, or opportunistic early detection of PCa. Experienced urologists performed mUS assessments in an outpatient setting using the prostate risk identification using micro-ultrasound (PRI-MUS) protocol to identify lesions suspicious of csPCa (PRI-MUS score ≥ 3).

Modeling Sporadic Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in 3D Midbrain Organoids: Recapitulating Disease Features for In Vitro Diagnosis and Drug Discovery.

Objective: Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a severe neurodegenerative disease characterized by tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and tufted astrocytes. Developing treatments for PSP is challenging due to the lack of disease models reproducing its key pathological features. This study aimed to model sporadic PSP-Richardson's syndrome (PSP-RS) using multi-donor midbrain organoids (MOs).

E. Coli cytotoxic necrotizing factor-1 promotes colorectal carcinogenesis by causing oxidative stress, DNA damage and intestinal permeability alteration.

Background: Bacterial toxins are emerging as promising hallmarks of colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. In particular, Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 (CNF1) from E. coli deserves special consideration due to the significantly higher prevalence of this toxin gene in CRC patients with respect to healthy subjects, and to the numerous tumor-promoting effects that have been ascribed to the toxin in vitro.

Avascular necrosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases: an Italian retrospective multicentre study.

Background: Atraumatic avascular necrosis (AVN) is a severe condition that may complicate the course of rheumatic diseases and contribute to long-term damage. However, there is a lack of evidence on this rare event in pediatric rheumatology. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence of avascular necrosis in the context of rheumatologic diseases in Italy and to describe the main demographic and clinical features of AVN patients, with a particular focus on treatment background.

Design and maintenance of medical oxygen concentrators in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.

Background: Oxygen therapy is critical and vital treatment for hypoxemia and respiratory distress, however, access to reliable oxygen systems remains limited in SSA. Despite WHO initiatives that distributed over 30,000 OC oxygen concentrators worldwide, SSA faces significant challenges related to their maintenance and use, due to harsh environmental conditions, technical skill shortages and inadequate infrastructure. This review aims to systematically identify and assess the literature on OC design adaptations, maintenance challenges, and knowledge gaps in SSA, providing actionable recommendations to inform innovative and context-sensitive solutions to improve healthcare delivery in the region.

Neuromuscular monitoring and incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade: a prospective observational study.

Background: Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are routinely used in anesthesia practice. An undetected, incomplete recovery of neuromuscular function at the end of surgery potentially exposes patients to clinical deterioration in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) in a cohort of patients receiving NMBAs.

Levilactobacillus brevis CD2 as a multifaceted probiotic to preserve oral health: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults.

Background: A growing number of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest the application of probiotics as a natural approach to maintaining oral health. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Levilactobacillus brevis CD2 (CNCM I-5566), a multifunctional probiotic frequently used in oral medicine, in preserving or improving several recognized oral health indicators.

Methods: Thirty consenting healthy adults were randomized to receive four lozenges per day of L.

Neuropilin1-dependent paracrine signaling of cancer cells mediated by miRNA exosomal cargo.

Background: Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a transmembrane protein involved in surface receptor complexes for a variety of extracellular signals. NRP1 expression in human cancers is associated with prominent angiogenesis and advanced progression stage. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying NRP1 activity in the tumor microenvironment remain unclear.

Oxygenation improvement and duration of prone positioning are associated with ICU mortality in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.

Background: Prone position has been diffusely applied in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Our aim is ascertaining the association between the physiologic response and the length of the first cycle of prone position and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality.

Methods: International registry including COVID-19 adult patients who underwent prone positioning.

Screening for sickle cell disease by point-of-care tests in Italy: pilot study on 1000 at risk children.

Unlabelled: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a global health problem causing premature deaths and preventable severe chronic complications. A priority goal to improve outcomes both in the short and long term is the screening for early diagnosis and access to specialized care. In Italy, as in other countries, no systematic national screening program is available.

Raynaud Syndrome Associated with Medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Background: Raynaud syndrome (RS) is a peripheral vasculopathy characterised be impaired acral perfusion typically manifesting as skin discolouration with pallor, cyanosis and/or erythema, and increased sensitivity to cold. RS may be primary or secondary to systemic disease, lifestyle and environmental factors or medication. RS has been reported with medication to treat ADHD, but we found no recent comprehensive overview of the literature.

F-FDG PET/CT radiomic analysis and artificial intelligence to predict pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

Purpose: Build machine learning (ML) models able to predict pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer (BC) patients based on conventional and radiomic signatures extracted from baseline [F]FDG PET/CT.

Material And Methods: Primary tumor and the most significant lymph node metastasis were manually segmented in baseline [F]FDG PET/CT of 52 newly diagnosed BC patients. Clinical parameters, NAC and conventional semiquantitative PET parameters were collected.

Nedosiran in pediatric patients with PH1 and relatively preserved kidney function, a phase 2 study (PHYOX8).

Background: Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is an autosomal recessive disorder with dysregulated glyoxylate metabolism in the liver. Oxalate over-production leads to renal stones, progressive kidney damage and renal failure, with potentially life-threatening systemic oxalosis. Nedosiran is a synthetic RNA interference therapy, designed to reduce hepatic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to decrease oxalate burden in PH.

Structural basis for human NKCC1 inhibition by loop diuretic drugs.

Na-K-Cl cotransporters functions as an anion importers, regulating trans-epithelial chloride secretion, cell volume, and renal salt reabsorption. Loop diuretics, including furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide, antagonize both NKCC1 and NKCC2, and are first-line medicines for the treatment of edema and hypertension. NKCC1 activation by the molecular crowding sensing WNK kinases is critical if cells are to combat shrinkage during hypertonic stress; however, how phosphorylation accelerates NKCC1 ion transport remains unclear.

Comparison between perineal and abdominal approaches for the surgical treatment of recurrent external rectal prolapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Although surgery is the most effective treatment for rectal prolapse, a risk of recurrence reported in literature is 6-27%. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the abdominal and perineal approach for surgical treatment of recurrent external rectal prolapse.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Embase was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Pediatric eosinophilic fasciitis: similarities and differences with adult forms.

The purpose of this study was to identify pediatric eosinophilic fasciitis, which is an extremely rare condition, in order to describe their clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic characteristics. We made a call for observations via societies for pediatric rheumatology in France and surrounding countries and collected clinical and paraclinical data of the cases fulfilling the diagnostic criteria. Eight patients under 18 years of age with confirmed eosinophilic fasciitis followed between April 2004 and July 2022 in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain were included.

Childhood BMI trajectories and sociodemographic factors in an Italian pediatric population.

Childhood obesity is a growing global concern due to its long-term health consequences. Yet, more research relying on multiple time-point BMI measurements is warranted to gain further insight into obesity's temporal trends. We aimed to identify BMI trajectories in children aged 2-10 years and evaluate their association with sociodemographic factors.