A Novel Staging System of Cardiac Damage in Aortic Stenosis based on Multi-Chamber Myocardial Deformation.

Aims: This study evaluates whether multi-chamber myocardial deformation analysis using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) can enhance validated current staging systems and improve risk stratification for patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods And Results: We reanalyzed 2D, Doppler, and STE data obtained from two cohorts: derivation (654 patients, median age: 82 years; 51% men) and validation (237 patients, median age: 77 years; 55% men) with at least moderate AS (aortic valve area<1.5 cm2).

Sanctuary for vulnerable Arctic species at the Borealis Mud Volcano.

Borealis is a recently discovered submerged mud volcano in the Polar North Atlantic, differing from the numerous methane seepages previously identified in the region. Here we show in situ observations from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), capturing the release of warm (11.5 °C) Neogene sediments and methane-rich fluids from a gryphon at Borealis.

The Autonomic Nervous System and Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis through its two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system. Dysregulation of the autonomic system, characterized by increased sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic tone, is a common feature in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease. This imbalance contributes to a pro-inflammatory state, exacerbating disease progression and increasing the risk for cardiovascular events.

Is Ockham's razor losing its edge? New perspectives on the principle of model parsimony.

The preference for simple explanations, known as the parsimony principle, has long guided the development of scientific theories, hypotheses, and models. Yet recent years have seen a number of successes in employing highly complex models for scientific inquiry (e.g.

How should the advancement of large language models affect the practice of science?

Large language models (LLMs) are being increasingly incorporated into scientific workflows. However, we have yet to fully grasp the implications of this integration. How should the advancement of large language models affect the practice of science? For this opinion piece, we have invited four diverse groups of scientists to reflect on this query, sharing their perspectives and engaging in debate.

Lithospheric strike-slip faulting in central Tibet since 35-32 Ma and implications for the incipient Asian extrusional tectonics.

The onset age and depth of the central Tibet strike-slip faults are two still unresolved fundamental issues with regard to the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of central Tibet. Here we present a comprehensive dataset of geochronological, geochemical and structural data on recently discovered en-echelon dykes representing the incipient development of strike-slip faulting from the Lunpola basin in central Tibet. Our results provide evidence for mantle-derived, bimodal magmatism linked to lithospheric-scale strike-slip faulting at 35-32 Ma, and demonstrate that the central Tibet strike-slip faults are at least 20 Ma older than previously estimated (15-8 Ma).

The role of energy deposition on the luminescence sensitization in porphyrin-functionalized SiO/ZnO nanoparticles under X-ray excitation.

Hybrid nanoscintillators, which feature a heavy inorganic nanoparticle conjugated with an organic emitter, represent a promising avenue for advancements in diverse fields, including high-energy physics, homeland security, and biomedicine. Many research studies have shown the suitability of hybrid nanoscintillators for radiation oncology, showing potential to improve therapeutic results compared to traditional protocols. In this work, we studied SiO/ZnO nanoparticles functionalized with porphyrin as a photosensitizer, capable of producing cancer cytotoxic reactive oxygen species for possible use in radio-oncological therapeutics.

Clinical relevance of macromolecular complexes involving integrins, potassium and sodium ion channels and the sodium/proton antiporter in human breast cancer.

Background: Mounting evidence underline the relevance of macromolecular complexes in cancer. Integrins frequently recruit ion channels and transporters within complexes which behave as signaling hubs. A complex composed by β1 integrin, hERG1 K channel, the neonatal form of the Na channel Na 1.

Exploiting agri-food residues for kombucha tea and bacterial cellulose production.

Bio-valorization of agri-food wastes lies in their possible conversion into fermented foodstuffs/beverages and/or biodegradable polymers such as bacterial cellulose. In this study, three different kombucha cultures were formulated using agri-food waste materials, citrus fruit residues and used coffee grounds, as alternative carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Over 21 days of fermentation, the kinetic profile was followed by monitoring cell number, pH variation, minerals, trace elements and production of bacterial cellulose.

Core blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease: A single-center real-world performance study.

Background: The new criteria for Alzheimer's disease pave the way for the introduction of core blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (BBAD) into clinical practice. However, this depends on the demonstration of sufficient accuracy and robustness of BBADs in the intended population.

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic performance of core BBADs in our memory clinic, comparing them with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Interrelationships Among Mental Health, Nutritional Status and Lifestyle Factors of Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Pre- and Post-Covid Periods.

Background/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to detrimental effects on diverse aspects of the mental and physical health of the general population worldwide. The elderly are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection compared to younger age groups. In this aspect, the purpose of the current survey is to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the interrelationships among the sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, depressive behavior, quality of life, cognition status, physical activity and nutritional status of older adults.

Feasibility Study on Additive Manufacturing of Feed Horn Operating in D-Band.

This paper presents the outcomes of a feasibility study on the manufacturing of D-band horn antennas through the Low Power Bed Fusion process. Different prototypes have been realized and tested, showing nice results in terms of the co-polarization component. On the other hand, a spurious cross-polarization component is present in the radiation pattern even in the principal planes, limiting the device to single-polarization applications.

Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Mortality in a Cohort of Elderly Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Background And Aims: Despite technical advances, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with complications and potentially lethal outcomes. Sarcopenia, a complex syndrome mainly associated with aging, has been recognized as a predictor of poor surgical outcomes. Thus far, the impact of sarcopenia on ERCP remains unknown.

Mitochondrial microRNAs: Key Drivers in Unraveling Neurodegenerative Diseases.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) crucial for regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recent evidence has shown that miRNAs are also found in mitochondria, organelles that produce energy in the cell. These mitochondrial miRNAs, also known as mitomiRs, are essential for regulating mitochondrial function and metabolism.

Identification of Four New Mutations in the GLA Gene Associated with Anderson-Fabry Disease.

Anderson-Fabry disease is a hereditary, progressive, multisystemic lysosomal storage disorder caused by a functional deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-GalA). This defect is due to mutations in the gene, located in the long arm of the X chromosome (Xq21-22). Functional deficiency of the α-GalA enzyme leads to reduced degradation and accumulation of its substrates, predominantly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which accumulate in the lysosomes of numerous cell types, giving rise to the symptomatology.

Beneficial Effects of Reconstructed Human Gut Microbiota by Ginseng Extract Fermentation on Intestinal Cell Lines.

Oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) affects the aging process and increases the likelihood of several diseases. A new frontier in its prevention includes bioactive foods and natural extracts that can be introduced by the diet in combination with specific probiotics. Among the natural compounds that we can introduce by the diet, extract is one of the most utilized since it contains a vast number of bioactive molecules such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory activity.

Anderson-Fabry Disease: An Overview of Current Diagnosis, Arrhythmic Risk Stratification, and Therapeutic Strategies.

Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide, leading to multi-organ involvement and significant morbidity. Cardiovascular manifestations, particularly arrhythmias, are common and pose a considerable risk to affected individuals. This overview examines current approaches to arrhythmic risk stratification in AFD, focusing on the identification, assessment, and management of cardiac arrhythmias associated with the disease.

The role of non-respiratory arousals in residual daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with positive airway pressure: An analysis of the European Sleep Apnea Database registry.

Study Objectives: To assess the impact of the non-respiratory arousal burden at baseline polysomnography (PSG) on residual daytime sleepiness in positive airway pressure (PAP)-treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: We included OSA patients from the European Sleep Apnea Database registry with available arousal data who had at least 2 treatment follow-up visits. The primary outcome was the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score under PAP.

Proximal remote sensing: an essential tool for bridging the gap between high-resolution ecosystem monitoring and global ecology.

A new proliferation of optical instruments that can be attached to towers over or within ecosystems, or 'proximal' remote sensing, enables a comprehensive characterization of terrestrial ecosystem structure, function, and fluxes of energy, water, and carbon. Proximal remote sensing can bridge the gap between individual plants, site-level eddy-covariance fluxes, and airborne and spaceborne remote sensing by providing continuous data at a high-spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we review recent advances in proximal remote sensing for improving our mechanistic understanding of plant and ecosystem processes, model development, and validation of current and upcoming satellite missions.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of a Surgical Neonatal Nursing Workload Tool for an Italian Context: The Italian Winnipeg Surgical Complex Assessment of Neonatal Nursing Needs Tool.

Complexity of care, adequate staffing levels, and workflow are key factors affecting nurses' workloads. There remain notable gaps in the current evidence regarding clinical complexity classification and related staffing adjustment, limiting the capacity for optimal staffing practices. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Winnipeg Surgical Complex Assessment of Neonatal Nursing Needs Tool (WANNNT-SC) for an Italian context to allow the assessment of newborns admitted to NICUs.

Association with Outcome of the Regurgitant-Volume Adjusted Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Secondary Tricuspid Regurgitation.

Background: In patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR), right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) may not accurately reflect the actual RV systolic performance since a considerable amount of the RV stroke volume (SV) is regurgitated back into the right atrium. To overcome this limitation, we explored the association with the outcome of the effective RVEF (eRVEF), which accounts for the tricuspid regurgitant volume (RegVol).

Methods: 513 patients with STR (mean age 75±13 years, 39% atrial STR, 58% severe) underwent complete two-, three-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiography.

The Brussels consensus for non-invasive ICP monitoring when invasive systems are not available in the care of TBI patients (the B-ICONIC consensus, recommendations, and management algorithm).

Background: Invasive systems are commonly used for monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are considered the gold standard. The availability of invasive ICP monitoring is heterogeneous, and in low- and middle-income settings, these systems are not routinely employed due to high cost or limited accessibility. The aim of this consensus was to develop recommendations to guide monitoring and ICP-driven therapies in TBI using non-invasive ICP (nICP) systems.

Enhancing Biomedicine: Proteomics and Metabolomics in Action.

The rapid and substantial advancements in proteomic and metabolomic technologies have revolutionized our ability to investigate biological systems [...