Sensitivity of the NEXT experiment to Xe-124 double electron capture

2021

[EN] Double electron capture by proton-rich nuclei is a second-order nuclear process analogous to double beta decay. Despite their similarities, the decay signature is quite di erent, potentially providing a new channel to measure the hypothesized neutrinoless mode of these decays. The Standard-Model-allowed two-neutrino double electron capture has been predicted for a number of isotopes, but only observed in 78Kr, 130Ba and, recently, 124Xe. The sensitivity to this decay establishes a benchmark for the ultimate experimental goal, namely the potential to discover also the lepton-number-violating neutrinoless version of this process. Here we report on the current sensitivity of the NEXT-Whit…

Economic development and CSR assurance: Important drivers for carbon reporting… yet inefficient drivers for carbon management?

2021

Abstract This study contributes to the current climate debate by shedding some light on the driving forces of the disclosure and management of carbon emissions in the context of developed and developing economies. Our findings show that the probability of not reporting total carbon emissions is significantly higher in companies located in a developing than in a developed economy. In addition, the company's sustainability profile (the sustainability report, its assurance and the existence of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee), gender diversity policies and other corporate variables (especially size), significantly increase the probability of disclosing total carbon emissions,…

Incidence, risk factors, and thrombotic load of pulmonary embolism in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection

2021

Summary Objective To determine the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of pulmonary embolism (PE) among patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Patients and Methods We performed a prospective observational study of a randomly selected cohort of consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection between March 8, 2020 through April 25, 2020. All eligible patients underwent a computed tomography pulmonary angiography independently of their PE clinical suspicion and were pre-screened for a baseline elevated D-dimer level. Results 119 patients were randomly selected from the 372 admitted to one tertiary hospital in Valencia (Spain) for COVID-19 infection during the period of study. Se…

Root canal shaping of curved canals by Reciproc Blue system and Pro Taper Gold: A micro-computed tomographic study

2021

Background This study aimed to evaluate the centralization and transportation of ProTaper Gold (PTG) rotary system and Reciproc Blue (RB) reciprocating system in curved canals, by using micro-CT. Material and Methods Twenty extracted mandibular molars were previously scanned by using the SkyScan 1174 microtomograph to select the Vertucci IV anatomic type. The specimens were divided into two groups (n=10) according to the mechanized system used to prepare the root canals. The teeth were scanned by micro-CT to calculate the increase volume, percentage of dentin removed, remaining dentin thickness, structure model index (SMI), degree of transportation and centering ability of root canals. The …

Predictors of poor prognosis in healthy, young, individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infections.

2021

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of poor prognosis in previously healthy young individuals admitted with COVID-19. METHODS: We studied a cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease. All patients without comorbidities, no usual treatments and =65years old were selected from an international registry (HOPE-COVID-19, NCT04334291). We focused on baseline variables-symptoms and signs at admission-to analyze risk factors for poor prognosis. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse clinical events during hospitalization including mortality, mechanical ventilation, high flow nasal oxygen therapy, prone, sepsis, SIRS, and embolic events. RESULTS: Overall, 773 healthy young p…

Biliary complications after liver transplantation: current perspectives and future strategies

2021

Importance: Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease and with acute liver failure, and it is associated with excellent outcomes and survival rates at 1 and 5 years. The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) after LT is reported to range from 5% to 20%, most of them occurring in the first three months, although they can occur also several years after transplantation.Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidences on pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCs after LT.Evidence Review: a literature review was performed of papers on this topic focusing on risk factors, classificatio…

Les processus d’auto-sélection : le cas de la Garantie jeunes

2021

Colloque organisé en ligne; International audience; Cette communication s’intéresse à l’auto-sélection des bénéficiaires du dispositif Garantie jeunes. L’originalité de notre recherche tient à la notion de compétences sociales puisque l’on suppose que le jeune va mobiliser un certain nombre d’entre elles à l’entrée du dispositif puis tout au long de celui-ci. En effet, nos résultats démontrent que la façon dont le dispositif est appréhendé par les bénéficiaires dépend en partie de ces compétences mais aussi du parcours antérieur, à la fois scolaire et professionnel.

Leucocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Block: Its Use for the Treatment of a Large Cyst with Implant-Based Rehabilitation

2021

The management of critical-size bone defects is still demanding. Recently, autologous platelet concentrates in combination with bone substitute have been applied and reported in a few studies. Our aim is to report the healing of a critical-size alveolar bone defect treated with a new bone regeneration technique by means of L-PRF and L-PRF blocks. A 45-year-old woman presented a large cystic lesion; the extraction of three teeth, a cyst removal procedure, and bone regeneration procedures with L-PRF and L-PRF blocks were planned. The L-PRF block was prepared by mixing a bone substitute with a piece of L-PRF membrane and liquid fibrinogen. Additionally, after bone healing an implant-based reha…

Local adaptation in populations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis endemic to the Indian Ocean Rim

2021

24 páginas, 3 figuras, 1 tabla. The sequence data generated by this study has been deposited on SRA (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra) under the accession number PRJNA670836. Extended data is available here: https://github.com/fmenardo/MTBC_L1_L3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4609804 (Menardo, 2021).

A Do-It-Yourself Hyperspectral Imager Brought to Practice with Open-Source Python

2021

Commercial hyperspectral imagers (HSIs) are expensive and thus unobtainable for large audiences or research groups with low funding. In this study, we used an existing do-it-yourself push-broom HSI design for which we provide software to correct for spectral smile aberration without using an optical laboratory. The software also corrects an aberration which we call tilt. The tilt is specific for the particular imager design used, but correcting it may be beneficial for other similar devices. The tilt and spectral smile were reduced to zero in terms of used metrics. The software artifact is available as an open-source Github repository. We also present improved casing for the imager design, …

Medication for Acromegaly Reduces Expression of MUC16, MACC1 and GRHL2 in Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumour Tissue

2021

Acromegaly is a disease mainly caused by pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) overproducing growth hormone. First-line medication for this condition is the use of somatostatin analogs (SSAs), that decrease tumor mass and induce antiproliferative effects on PitNET cells. Dopamine agonists (DAs) can also be used if SSA treatment is not effective. This study aimed to determine differences in transcriptome signatures induced by SSA/DA therapy in PitNET tissue. We selected tumor tissue from twelve patients with somatotropinomas, with half of the patients receiving SSA/DA treatment before surgery and the other half treatment naive. Transcriptome sequencing was then carried out to identify diff…

Systematic Comparison of Epidemic and Non-Epidemic Carbapenem Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains

2021

Over the past few decades, extensively drug resistant (XDR) resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has become a notable burden to healthcare all over the world. Especially carbapenemase-producing strains are problematic due to their capability to withstand even last resort antibiotics. Some sequence types (STs) of K. pneumoniae are significantly more prevalent in hospital settings in comparison to other equally resistant strains. This provokes the question whether or not there are phenotypic characteristics that may render certain K. pneumoniae more suitable for epidemic dispersal between patients, hospitals, and different environments. In this study, we selected seven epidemic and non-epidemic ca…

Developmental and Early Life Origins of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

2021

The intent of this review is to critically consider the data that support the concept of programming and its implications. Birth weight and growth trajectories during childhood are associated with cardiometabolic disease in adult life. Both extremes, low and high birth weight coupled with postnatal growth increase the early presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and vascular imprinting, crucial elements of this framework. Data coming from epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiota added relevant information and contribute to better understanding of mechanisms as well as development of biomarkers helping to move forward to take actions. Research has reached a stage in which suff…

Information and Communication Technologies to Support Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

2021

 The aim of this systematic review is to identify recent digital technologies used to detect early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in preschool children (i.e., up to six years of age). A systematic literature search was performed for English language articles and conference papers indexed in Pubmed, PsycInfo, ERIC, CINAHL, WoS, IEEE, and ACM digital libraries up until January 2020. A follow-up search was conducted to cover the literature published until December 2020 for the usefulness and interest in this area of research during the Covid-19 emergency. In total, 2427 articles were initially retrieved from databases search. Additional 481 articles were retrieved from follow-up searc…

Power of Paradox: Grassroots Organizations’ Legitimacy Strategies Over Time

2021

Fringe stakeholders with limited resources, such as grassroots organizations (GROs), are often ignored in business and society literature. We develop a conceptual framework and a set of propositions detailing how GROs strategically gain legitimacy and influence over time. We argue that GROs encounter specific paradoxes over the emergence, development, and resolution of an issue, and they address these paradoxes using cognitive, moral, and pragmatic legitimacy strategies. While cognitive and moral strategies tend to be used consistently, the flexible and paradoxical use of pragmatic strategies has important consequences, both for GROs’ legitimacy and for their potential influence over powerf…

Influence of age, gender and obesity on pressure discomfort threshold of the foot: A cross-sectional study

2021

[EN] Background: Foot pain is a highly prevalent health problem for which measures such as a pattern of Pressure Discomfort Threshold of the foot plantar surface can provide valuable information for orthosis design. This study aimed to describe such pattern as a tool for the assessment of painful conditions of the feet and to analyse how it modifies according to age, gender and obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with participants allocated in: Group 1 people aged 20 to 35 years, Group 2 aged 50 to 65 years and Group 3 aged over 65. Pressure Discomfort Threshold on twelve points of the foot plantar surface was measured with an adapted manual dynamometer. Inferential anal…

Avocado “born in Sicily”, gli agricoltori scommettono su questa produzione

2021

In questo lavoro è stato possibile mettere a confronto la qualità dei frutti di avocado Born in Sicily e di quelli Imported. I risultati ottenuti evidenziano per i frutti raccolti in Sicilia valori più elevati del contenuto di sostanza grassa, di alcune vitamine e minerali rispetto a quelli importati, indicando nell’avocado isolano un frutto ricco di componenti dall’alto valore nutrizionale.

Topological Transition in Pb1-xSnxSe using Meta-GGA Exchange-Correlation Functional. Acta Physica Polonica A 136, 667 (2019), ERRATUM

2021

An umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses evaluating positive and negative outcomes of Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine therapy

2021

Background & aims: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) are anti-malarial drugs frequently used in the rheumatologic field. They were recently identified as potential therapeutic options for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The present study aims to map and grade the diverse health outcomes associated with HCQ/CQ using an umbrella review approach. Methods: Umbrella review of systematic reviews of observational and intervention studies. For observational studies, random-effects summary effect size, 95% confidence interval, and 95% prediction interval were estimated. We also assessed heterogeneity, evidence for small-study effect, and evidence for excess significance bias. The quality…

Stability and surgical complications of tooth-borne and bone-borne appliances in surgical assisted rapid maxillary expansion: a systematic review

2021

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the stability and complications of tooth-borne (TB), bone-borne (BB) and hybrid (TB-BB) appliances in surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). Database searches were conducted (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and SciELO), as well as a grey literature search (Google Scholar) and hand searches of reference lists. Forty-six articles were included after study selection (κ=0.854). After eligibility assessment, 16 articles and one article from the grey literature were processed (κ=0.866) and six articles were selected by hand searching, for a total of 23 articles included. Regarding stability, TB appliances showed width relaps…

A generalized Degn–Harrison reaction–diffusion system: Asymptotic stability and non-existence results

2021

Abstract In this paper we study the Degn–Harrison system with a generalized reaction term. Once proved the global existence and boundedness of a unique solution, we address the asymptotic behavior of the system. The conditions for the global asymptotic stability of the steady state solution are derived using the appropriate techniques based on the eigen-analysis, the Poincare–Bendixson theorem and the direct Lyapunov method. Numerical simulations are also shown to corroborate the asymptotic stability predictions. Moreover, we determine the constraints on the size of the reactor and the diffusion coefficient such that the system does not admit non-constant positive steady state solutions.

Actitud de los pacientes con tumores cutáneos durante la pandemia de la COVID-19

2021

DNA Methylation Analysis to Unravel Altered Genetic Pathways Underlying Early Onset and Late Onset Neonatal Sepsis. A Pilot Study

2021

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a systemic condition widely affecting preterm infants and characterized by pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. However, its pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. Epigenetics regulates the immune system, and its alteration leads to the impaired immune response underlying sepsis. DNA methylation may contribute to sepsis-induced immunosuppression which, if persistent, will cause long-term adverse effects in neonates.Objective: To analyze the methylome of preterm infants in order to determine whether there are DNA methylation marks that may shed light on the pathophysiology of neonatal sepsis.Design: Prospective observational cohort study perf…

Catheter-based closure of a large atrial septal defect with inferior rim deficiency using pulmonary vein slide-out assisted implantation technique: a…

2021

Abstract Background Transcatheter approach for large and complex atrial septal defects may represent a therapeutic challenge, particularly when the postero-inferior rim is deficient and floppy. Case summary Here, we describe a successful catheter-based closure of a large (>30 mm) secundum atrial septal defect associated with postero-inferior rim deficiency in a 35-year-old female with congestive heart failure using pulmonary vein slide-out assisted implantation technique. Discussion Inferior–posterior rim deficiency is a well-known risk factor for device instability or embolization. Transcatheter closure may represent a safe and effective alternative to the traditional surgical appro…

The role of pumpkin pulp extract carotenoids against mycotoxin damage in the blood brain barrier

2021

Some mycotoxins such as beauvericin (BEA), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) can cross the blood brain barrier, which is why we tested the anti-inflammatory action of a pumpkin carotenoid extract (from the pulp) against these mycotoxins and their combinations (OTA+ZEA and OTA+ZEA+BEA) on a blood brain barrier model with co-cultured ECV304 and C6 cells using an untargeted metabolomic approach. The cells were added with mycotoxins at a concentration of 100 nmol/L per mycotoxin and pumpkin carotenoid extract at 500 nmol/L. For control we used only vehicle solvent (cell control) or vehicle solvent with pumpkin extract (extract control). After two hours of exposure, samples were analysed…

Narratives and Counter-Narratives about Radicalization: Experiences of Moderation of an Online Communication Campaign

2021

This paper presents the results of a cyber-ethnographic study. The research analyzes the dynamics that make, calm and increase the radicalization narratives. This study is part of the Oltre project (ISF - DG Migration and Home Affairs, EU) which directly involved 42 Italian and second generation youths in the dissemination and moderation of an online communication campaign in order to prevent radicalized behaviors. This paper illustrates how the young “moderators” interacted each other, highlighting how counter-narratives can represent useful tools for deconstructing "complex" issues such as radicalization. Furthermore, the paper shows (using social network analysis) how on the social media…

Accelerated Aging and Age-Related Diseases (CVD and Neurological) due to Air Pollution and Traffic Noise Exposure

2021

The World Health Organization estimates that only approximately 25% of diversity in longevity is explained by genetic factors, while the other 75% is largely determined by interactions with the physical and social environments. Indeed, aging is a multifactorial process that is influenced by a range of environmental, sociodemographic, and biopsychosocial factors, all of which might act in concert to determine the process of aging. The global average life expectancy increased fundamentally over the past century, toward an aging population, correlating with the development and onset of age-related diseases, mainly from cardiovascular and neurological nature. Therefore, the identification of de…

Moderate Red Wine Consumption Increases the Expression of Longevity-Associated Genes in Controlled Human Populations and Extends Lifespan in Drosophi…

2021

The beneficial effects of moderate red wine consumption on cardiovascular health are well known. The composition of red wine includes several compounds, such as the phytoestrogen resveratrol, that exert these beneficial effects, although not all the mechanisms by which they act are known. Our aim was to study the effect of red wine consumption on longevity-related genes in controlled human populations, such as cloistered nuns. We found that the expression of catalase, manganese-superoxide dismutase, Sirt1, and p53 was increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after 14 days of moderate red wine consumption. This increase was accompanied by an enhanced metabolic wellness: fatty acids, c…

Suburban Fertility and Metropolitan Cycles: Insights from European Cities

2021

Being largely diversified along the urban–rural gradient, fertility gaps have demonstrated to fuel metropolitan expansion, contributing to natural population growth and social change. In this direction, population dynamics and economic transformations have continuously shaped urban cycles in Europe. Assuming suburban fertility to be a relevant engine of metropolitan growth, the present study investigates and discusses the intrinsic relationship between fertility transitions and urban expansion, focusing on European metropolitan regions. An average crude birth rate referring to the last decade (2013–2018) was estimated from official statistics at 671 Functional Urban Areas (FUAs, Eurostat Ur…

Profanación de los cuerpos muertos femeninos

2021

En la historia del arte y de la cultura visual aparecen cuerpos muertos femeninos, habitualmente remarcando su belleza y juventud, sobre los que se ejerce una serie de consideraciones bien distintas a las que merecen los muertos masculinos. Entre ellas la curiosidad científica, el erotismo o la atracción convergen para justificar la exhibición y contemplación de las muertas femeninas. Paralelamente, el imaginario literario ha alimentado mitos sobre el poder que procesaban dichos cuerpos fenecidos en los varones, recalando con el tiempo en los medios de comunicación de masas, especialmente en el cine. Otra vertiente que considerar ha sido la proliferación de fotografías post mortem en donde …

ABO Blood Group and Inhibitor Risk in Severe Hemophilia A Patients: A Study from the Italian Association of Hemophilia Centers

2021

AbstractConsidering the profound influence exerted by the ABO blood group system on hemostasis, mainly through the von Willebrand factor and factor VIII (FVIII) complex, we have conducted a study evaluating the possible role of blood type on the risk of inhibitor development in hemophilia A. A total of 287 consecutive Caucasian patients with severe hemophilia A (202 without FVIII inhibitors and 85 with FVIII inhibitors) followed at seven Italian Hemophilia Treatment Centers belonging to the Italian Association of Hemophilia Centers (AICE) were included in the study. A higher prevalence of O blood group was detected in patients without inhibitors as compared in inhibitor patients (55 vs. 30.…

Overview of pesticide use in Moroccan apple orchards and its effects on the environment

2021

International audience; The cultivation of apple trees needs to use phytosanitary products, which are used in an irrational way by certain farmers. The harmful effects of pesticides result mainly from their persistence in the environment. Several studies have been carried out to estimate the pesticide residues and assess their effects on soil microorganisms and aquatic organisms. The results of these studies have revealed a harmful effect on these bioindicators. Therefore, a disruption in their growth and reproduction, an increase in their mortality, and a decrease in their fertility have been proven. In addition, a considerable reduction in the number and diversity of soil microorganisms a…

Ambivalent Déjà-vu: World War II in the poetry of the Northern Irish Troubles

2021

This article addresses how the poetry of the Northern Irish Troubles enters into a dialogue with the memory of World War II. Poems by Michael Longley, Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon, and Sinéad Morrissey are analysed, showing how World War II is a controversial source of comparison for these poets. While World War II provides important ways of framing the suffering and claustrophobia of the Northern Irish conflict, evident differences also mean that such comparisons are handled warily and with some irony. The poems are highly self-conscious utterances that seek to unsettle and develop generic strategies in the light of traumatic suffering. This essay draws on Michael Rothberg’s concept of mult…

Diacylglycerol lipase alpha in astrocytes is involved in maternal care and affective behaviors.

2021

Genetic deletion of cannabinoid CB1 receptors or diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLa), the main enzyme involved in the synthesis of the endocannabinoid (eCB) 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), produced profound phenotypes in animal models of depression-related behaviors. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that antagonists of CB1 can increase the incidence and severity of major depressive episodes. However, the underlying pathomechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we have focused on the possible involvement of astrocytes. Using the highly sensitive RNAscope technology, we show for the first time that a subpopulation of astrocytes in the adult mouse brain expresses Dagla, albeit at …

Neural Mechanisms of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Network-Based fMRI Approach

2021

AbstractOver 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain (CP), which causes more disability than any other medical condition in the U.S. at a cost of $560-$635 billion per year (IOM, 2011). Opioid analgesics are frequently used to treat CP. However, long term use of opioids can cause brain changes such as opioid-induced hyperalgesia that, over time, increase pain sensation. Also, opioids fail to treat complex psychological factors that worsen pain-related disability, including beliefs about and emotional responses to pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be efficacious for CP. However, CBT generally does not focus on important factors needed for long-term functional improvement, i…

Determinants and consequences of auditor dyad formation at the top level of audit teams

2021

Abstract This study investigates the determinants and consequences of forming dyads at the top level of audit teams, i.e., dyads between concurring and lead auditor. We apply the sociological theory of homophily, i.e., the implicit preference for similar others, to hierarchically structured auditor dyads. Our regression analyses reveal that sharing the same gender and the same ethnicity, measured by dialect, increases the likelihood of dyad formation beyond what one would expect based on the characteristics of the pool of available auditors. Further, we observe that forming auditor dyads sharing the same age is avoided, suggesting that the need to establish a legitimate hierarchical relatio…