Clinical validation of an artificial intelligence-based decision support system for diagnosis and risk stratification of heart failure (STRATIFYHF): a protocol for a prospective, multicentre longitudinal study.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome. Accurate risk stratification and early diagnosis of HF are challenging as its signs and symptoms are non-specific. We propose to address this global challenge by developing the STRATIFYHF artificial intelligence-driven decision support system (DSS), which uses novel analytical methods in determining the risk, diagnosis and prognosis of HF.

The Meaning of Friendships in the Mental Health Recovery of Young Adults-A Thematic Analysis.

Friendships are vital for the well-being of young adults, yet their social network is often reduced during episodes of life-disruptive mental distress, such as psychosis. Despite this, our study shows that young adults do either maintain or build friendships during such periods and that these relationships are crucial for recovery in youth. As research on the role of friendships in the recovery journey of this group is limited, this study explores the significance of friendships for young adults engaged in early psychosis interventions to generate insights that can inform mental health recovery practices.

Cortical Deafness in Children: Scoping Review and Case Report of a Bilateral Perinatal Stroke.

Background: Persistent cortical deafness in the pediatric population is rarely reported, and there is limited information on its implications for early intervention.

Objectives: This study aims to (1) conduct a scoping review on pediatric cortical deafness and (2) present a case report of a 7-year-old girl with left unilateral spastic cerebral palsy and cortical deafness resulting from presumed perinatal bilateral stroke.

Methods: A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 407 manuscripts.

Prognostic Value of Cardiac MRI Late Gadolinium Enhancement Granularity in Participants with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Background Ischemic late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed with cardiac MRI is a well-established prognosticator in ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the prognostic value of additional LGE parameters, such as extent, transmurality, location, and associated midwall LGE, remains unclear. Purpose To assess the prognostic value of ischemic LGE features to predict all-cause mortality in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Respiratory Virus-Specific and Time-Dependent Interference of Adenovirus Type 2, SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus H1N1pdm09 During Viral Dual Co-Infection and Superinfection In Vitro.

Background: Understanding the interference patterns of respiratory viruses could be important for shedding light on potential strategies to combat these human infectious agents.

Objective: To investigate the possible interactions between adenovirus type 2 (AdV2), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A/H1N1 pandemic (H1N1pdm09) using the A549 cell line.

Methods: Single infections, co-infections, and superinfections (at 3 and 24 h after the first virus infection) were performed by varying the multiplicity of infection (MOI).

Evaluation of Safety, Immunogenicity and Cross-Reactive Immunity of OVX836, a Nucleoprotein-Based Universal Influenza Vaccine, in Older Adults.

In a Phase 2a, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including healthy participants aged 18-55 years, OVX836, a nucleoprotein (NP)-based candidate vaccine, previously showed a good safety profile, a robust immune response (both humoral and cellular) and a preliminary signal of protection (VE = 84%) against PCR-confirmed symptomatic influenza after a single intramuscular dose of 180 µg, 300 µg or 480 µg. : Using the same methodology, we confirmed the good safety and strong immunogenicity of OVX836 at the same doses in older adults (≥65 years), a key target population for influenza vaccination. : Significant humoral (anti-NP IgG) and cellular (interferon gamma (IFNγ) spot-forming cells per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells and specific CD4 IFNγ T-cells) immune responses were observed at the three dose levels, without clear dose-response relationship.

Can a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Multispectral Sensor Discriminate Canopy Structure Changes Due to Pruning in Olive Growing? A Field Experimentation.

The present research aimed to evaluate whether two sensors, optical and laser, could highlight the change in olive trees' canopy structure due to pruning. Therefore, two proximal sensors were mounted on a ground vehicle (Kubota B2420 tractor): a multispectral sensor (OptRx ACS 430 AgLeader) and a 2D LiDAR sensor (Sick TIM 561). The multispectral sensor was used to evaluate the potential effect of biomass variability before pruning on sensor response.

Detecting Early Degradation of Wood Ultrastructure with Nonlinear Optical Imaging and Fluorescence Lifetime Analysis.

Understanding the deterioration processes in wooden artefacts is essential for accurately assessing their conservation status and developing effective preservation strategies. Advanced imaging techniques are currently being explored to study the impact of chemical changes on the structural and mechanical properties of wood. Nonlinear optical modalities, including second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), offer a promising non-destructive diagnostic method for evaluating lignocellulose-based materials.

Genome Insights into Beneficial Microbial Strains Composing SIMBA Microbial Consortia Applied as Biofertilizers for Maize, Wheat and Tomato.

For the safe use of microbiome-based solutions in agriculture, the genome sequencing of strains composing the inoculum is mandatory to avoid the spread of virulence and multidrug resistance genes carried by them through horizontal gene transfer to other bacteria in the environment. Moreover, the annotated genomes can enable the design of specific primers to trace the inoculum into the soil and provide insights into the molecular and genetic mechanisms of plant growth promotion and biocontrol activity. In the present work, the genome sequences of some members of beneficial microbial consortia that have previously been tested in greenhouse and field trials as promising biofertilizers for maize, tomato and wheat crops have been determined.

The Possible Role of Plant-Based Bars Consumption in CKD Geriatric Patients.

: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) geriatric patients experience a premature aging process, compared with the general population of the same age and sex. The uremic milieu is capable of enhancing oxidative stress (OS) and microinflammation, leading to a pro-aging mechanism and an increased protein catabolism. Moreover, cognitive disorders are observed.

Etiology-Dependent Microbiome Differences in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development.

Chronic liver disease is characterised by persistent inflammation, tissue damage, and regeneration, which leads to steatosis, fibrosis, and, lastly, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC, the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in human physiology, and disturbances in its critical balance are widely recognised as contributors to various pathological conditions, including chronic liver diseases, both infectious and non-infectious in nature.

Extracellular Vesicle miR-122-5p as a Prognostic Biomarker in Pediatric Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Currently, risk stratification for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma is based on clinical factors such as stage, bulk, and systemic symptoms. Novel minimally invasive biomarkers could enhance both prognosis and treatment strategies. Therefore, the plasma extracellular vesicles' microRNA profile was characterized by small RNA sequencing in 36 classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases and these findings were confirmed in an extended cohort of 86 patients by RT-qPCR.

Establishing an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Program.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a complex, life-saving procedure that uses mechanical support for patients with refractory cardiac arrest, representing the pinnacle of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) applications. Effective ECPR requires precise patient selection, rapid mobilization of a multidisciplinary team, and skilled cannulation techniques. Establishing a program necessitates a cohesive ECMO system that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, which is essential for managing acute cardiogenic shock and severe pulmonary failure.

Extraperitoneal Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Continuous Spinal Anesthesia: A New Approach to an Established Technique.

To prove the feasibility of continuous spinal extraperitoneal robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (cseRALP) in order to expand the pool of eligible patients. : According to IDEAL guidelines, a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent cseRALP was enrolled. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative data were collected, with particular focus on safety and oncological outcomes.

Heart Disease and Pectus Excavatum: An Underestimated Issue-Single Center Experience and Literature Review.

Pectus excavatum (PE) can be associated with either congenital or acquired heart disease. This study highlights the importance of PE surgical repair in cases of severe chest depression on the heart in underlying cardiac diseases exacerbating cardiopulmonary impairment. From January 2023 to March 2024, four male patients underwent PE repair, having heart disease including pericarditis, mitral valve prolapse, ventricular fibrillation arrest and type 1 second-degree atrioventricular block.

LAMP Reaction in Plant Disease Surveillance: Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Movements of plant pathogenic microorganisms in uncontaminated areas occur today at an alarming rate, driven mainly by global trade and climate change. These invaders can trigger new disease outbreaks able to impact the biodiversity and economies of vast territories and affect a variety of ecosystem services. National and supranational regulatory deficiencies, such as inadequate quarantine measures and ineffective early pathogen detection at ports of entry, exacerbate the issue.

Microwave-Energy-Based Device for the Treatment of Cellulite and Localized Adiposity: Recommendations of the "Onda Coolwaves" International Advisory Board.

The body contour market has grown rapidly in recent years, due to persistent requests for noninvasive treatments for localized fat adiposities, cellulite, and skin laxity. A variety of different methods are now available to improve body shaping. This review aims to provide an exhaustive compendium of the main recommendations for the optimal use of an innovative device delivering microwaves (MWs) for unwanted fat and cellulite reduction (Onda Coolwaves, DEKA, Florence, Italy), resulting from the experiences of the most expert international users.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Scale Invariant Feature Transform Keypoint Properties and Their Invariance to Geometrical Transformation Applied to Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images.

Image registration is a crucial post-processing technique in biomedical imaging, enabling the alignment and integration of images from various sources to facilitate accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and longitudinal studies. This paper explores the application of Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), a robust feature-based method for the alignment of biomedical images. SIFT is particularly advantageous due to its invariance to scale, rotation, and affine transformations, making it well-suited for handling the diverse and complex nature of biomedical images.

Laser Emission at 675 nm: Molecular Counteraction of the Aging Process.

Background/objectives: Many lasers applied in skin rejuvenation protocols show emissions with wavelengths falling in the red or near-infrared (NIR) bands. To obtain further in vitro data on the potential therapeutic benefits regarding rejuvenation, we employed a 675 nm laser wavelength on cultured human dermal fibroblasts to understand the mechanisms involved in the skin rejuvenation process's signaling pathways by analyzing cytoskeletal proteins, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and membrane integrins.

Methods: Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were irradiated with a 675 nm laser 24 h after seeding, and immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting were applied.

Advancements in Elastography for Evaluating Fibrosis in Renal Transplants: Current Perspectives.

Renal fibrosis is a leading cause of chronic allograft nephropathy. While renal biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing fibrosis, it is an invasive procedure with potential for severe complications. Elastography, an emerging ultrasound imaging technique, appears to be a valuable tool for quantifying tissue stiffness, which correlates with fibrosis.

Cybervictimization and Online Sexual Harassment: Prevalence, Association, and Predictors.

Background: The daily and massive use of the Internet and social media by adolescents has led to increased interest and attention to prevalence rates, risk factors, and potential consequences of different forms of online victimization. This study aims to examine the possible associations between cybervictimization and online sexual harassment among 697 Italian adolescents (M = 15.17; SD = 0.

Risk Factors for Love Addiction in a Sample of Young Adult Students: A Multiple Mediation Model Exploring the Role of Adult Attachment, Separation Anxiety, and Defense Mechanisms.

In certain situations, romantic engagement with a partner can have detrimental effects on an individual's well-being and overall health, exhibiting features attributable to addictive behaviors. Considering the clinical significance of this phenomenon and its prevalence among adolescents and young adults, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential associations between some risk factors for love addiction in a sample of university students, with a specific focus on adult attachment, separation anxiety, and defense mechanisms. A total of 332 participants (M = 23 years; SD = 2.

Non-Invasive Ventilation Failure in Pediatric ICU: A Machine Learning Driven Prediction.

: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has emerged as a possible first-step treatment to avoid invasive intubation in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) due to its advantages in reducing intubation-associated risks. However, the timely identification of NIV failure is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. This study aims to identify predictors of first-attempt NIV failure in PICU patients by testing various machine learning techniques and comparing their predictive abilities.

Combining Metal(loid) and Secondary Metabolite Levels in L. Samples for Geographical Identification.

To fight counterfeits, and to protect the consumer, the interest in certifying the origin of agricultural goods has been growing in recent years. In this context and to increase the accuracy of zoning models, multiple analytical techniques must be combined via a multivariate approach. During the sampling campaign, leaves and fruits (olives or drupes) were collected from multiple orchards and farms.

Genomic Landscape of Chromosome X Factor VIII: From Hemophilia A in Males to Risk Variants in Females.

Background: Variants within factor VIII (F8) are associated with sex-linked hemophilia A and thrombosis, with gene therapy approaches being available for pathogenic variants. Many variants within F8 remain variants of uncertain significance (VUS) or are under-explored as to their connections to phenotypic outcomes.

Methods: We assessed data on F8 expression while screening the UniProt, ClinVar, Geno2MP, and gnomAD databases for F8 missense variants; these collectively represent the sequencing of more than a million individuals.