Younger Dryas glacier advances in the tropical Andes driven by increased precipitation.

There is currently a debate about the timing and drivers of former glacier behaviour and climate change in the tropical Andes. Using Be dating we determined the ages of 21 boulders on moraines in the Santa Cruz Valley, Peru (∼10°S, altitudes ~ 4100 to ~ 4300 m a.s.

Carotid Calcium burden and Perivascular Fat density on Computed Tomography Angiography as Predictors of Outcomes after Carotid Endarterectomy.

Objective: Atherosclerotic disease of the extracranial internal carotid artery affects over 1.5% of the global population and poses major health risks, including ischemic stroke and mortality. While carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces these risks, it carries a 2-6% risk of major complications.

Refining treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer lacking actionable mutations: insights from multi-omics studies.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterised by diverse histological and molecular features. Some NSCLCs, particularly adenocarcinomas, harbour genomic alterations in receptor tyrosine kinases or downstream RAS/RAF signalling pathways, which are targets of effective therapies. NSCLCs lacking actionable genomic alterations often benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors, though only a minority of patients achieve long-term survival.

Expert consensus on the management of cytomegalovirus infection in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most frequent viral complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In the pediatric setting, several issues on its management are still debated due to the limited evidence compared to adults. The aim of this consensus was to promote harmonization of practices to improve prevention, control and treatment of CMV infection in children and adolescents.

Zincophilic MOF Protective Layer for Stable Zinc Anodes in Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are under the spotlight due to their substantial potential, abundant natural resources, inherent safety, and high specific capacity. However, uncontrollable zinc dendrite growth and side reactions on the zinc surface hinder the application of ZIBs. In this article, a uniform copper-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) coating layer was fabricated on a zinc metal surface (CuZIF@Zn) to serve as a protective interface.

Tunable anomalous Hall and Nernst effects in magnetic Weyl semimetalsCo2-xCrxMnGe.

The discovery of magnetic Weyl semimetals (WSMs) has drawn significant interest due to their exceptional topological properties and anomalous transport behaviors, presenting exciting possibilities for advanced technological applications. Co-based Heusler compounds, with their unique band structures, have emerged as key materials for exploring the interplay between magnetism and topology. In this work, we perform a detailed first-principles study on Co2-xCrMnGe Heusler alloys (0⩽⩽1), proposing new candidates with significantly enhanced nontrivial transport properties.

Ocrelizumab-induced neutropenia in people with multiple sclerosis: a single-centre study.

Background: Treatment with CD20 depleting agents can be complicated by the development of neutropenia; its exact prevalence remains poorly understood. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of neutropenia associated with ocrelizumab (OCR) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods: Consecutive pwMS receiving OCR treatment were enrolled.

Quantifying fast structural relaxations in oxide V2O3 thin films.

Vanadium sesquioxide (V2O3) attracts considerable interest due to its high technological potential in many devices for resistive switching, energy storage, catalysis, etc. To harness the full potential of these materials in functional devices, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of the structural relaxation process exhibited when grown in thin film form. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the fast-structural relaxation phenomenon observed in V2O3 thin films grown by the pulsed laser deposition technique using a Nd:YAG pulsed infrared laser source.

Asbestos bodies and amphibole fibres in the lung: do the Helsinki criteria need an update?

Background: Since the 1980s, lung fibre burden analysis has been used in reconstructing past exposure to asbestos and in estimating the dose-response relationship for asbestos-related cancers.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity (sensitivity and specificity) of the reference values proposed by the Helsinki Consensus Documents in 1997 and 2014 to assign asbestos exposure.

Methods: Counts of asbestos bodies (AB) and amphibole asbestos fibres (AAF) in dry lung tissue samples performed by the ARPA Electron Microscopy Laboratory in Milan from 2009 to 2020 have been used to assess the discriminating performance between asbestos exposure and background exposure.

Protein functional domain analysis enhances genotype-phenotype associations in comparative genomic studies of .

Introduction: represents a paradigm for studies on antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, despite the considerable number of genome sequences that have been released in recent years, there is still a paucity of knowledge regarding the genomic determinants of the typical phenotypic traits associated with pulmonary infection.

Methods: The genomes of 40 strains of were sequenced over an 8-year period (2007-2014), isolated from the sputum of a single patient with cystic fibrosis in Trentino, Italy.

Coupled effects of forest growth and climate change on small mammal abundance and body weight: Results of a 39-year field study.

In rapidly changing environments, the combined effects of climate change and forest stand changes-such as growth or regeneration-are altering the availability of resources, particularly in systems with pulsed resources like seed-masting. These environmental shifts can have cascading impacts on animal populations, ultimately reshaping ecosystem structure and function. However, relevant studies are rare as they require long-term monitoring of both seed supply and animal populations.

Evaluation of radiation doses and the impact of operator variability on radiation exposure in fluoroscopy-guided procedures: insights from Sri Lanka.

Fluoroscopy-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures often result in higher radiation exposure compared to other imaging techniques. This study evaluated radiation doses and the effect of operator variability in such procedures, aiming to enhance patient safety by minimizing exposure through the establishment of National Diagnostic Reference Levels (NDRLs). Data on air kerma area product (), cumulative air kerma (a,r), and fluoroscopy time were retrospectively collected from 11 hospitals, totaling 6670 cases.

Measurement of the U fission cross section relative to the standard B(n, α) reaction at the CERN n_TOF facility: Results for E< 2 eV.

The neutron induced fission of U is a very important reaction for nuclear technology applications and for the design of future systems to produce clean and safe energy. In addition, it is used as a reference reaction for neutron cross-section measurements, thus, its cross section is needed with a high accuracy over a wide energy range. In this work, the measurement for the U(n,f) reaction was carried out at the n_TOF facility located at CERN, at experimental area EAR-2.

Translation and cultural adaptation of an Arabic version of the OBC-21.

Objective: To develop and evaluate an Arabic version of the OBC-21 questionnaire for use among Levantine Arabic-speaking populations.

Methods: A structured translation and cultural adaptation process was performed for the OBC-21, followed by assessment of translational sufficiency and content validity. Reliability was tested with internal consistency, and test-retest reliability was evaluated.

VEGFR1 as a Target for Cardiovascular Gene Therapy.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) is a key regulator of endothelial function, angiogenesis, inflammation, and cardiomyocyte survival, with both beneficial and deleterious effects in cardiovascular disease. In this review, we provide some key information on the molecular biology governing VEGFR1 function, its role in cardiovascular diseases and describe gene therapy strategies targeting either membrane-bound or its soluble isoform sFLT1 to treat these diseases. Clinical Relevance Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Novel Structures of Gallenene Intercalated in Epitaxial Graphene.

The creation of atomically thin layers of non-exfoliable materials remains a crucial challenge, requiring the development of innovative techniques. Here, confinement epitaxy is exploited to realize 2D gallium (gallenene) via intercalation in epitaxial graphene grown on silicon carbide. Both fabrication and characterization are conducted under ultra-high vacuum conditions, unlike previous works on intercalated gallenene, to avoid gallium oxidation.

Insights into climate variability of the meteorological records from a background monitoring station: the Giordan lighthouse, Gozo.

Background: The Maltese islands are subject to substantial climate variability, with implications for ecosystems and human activities. This study leverages a 26-year dataset from the Giordan Lighthouse Background Monitoring Station (GL) on the island of Gozo to analyse short-term climate variability and its alignment with broader regional tendencies.

Methods: Hourly meteorological data collected from 1997 to 2022, including wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure, were analysed.

Carbon subsurface traffic jam as driver for methane oxidation activity and selectivity on palladium surfaces.

Separating how surface and subsurface species affect catalytic function is a challenging task in heterogeneous catalysis, particularly when deposition and segregation take place at reaction conditions. Here, we report on an operando approach to establish surface/subsurface/function correlations. Using temperature modulations we oscillate carbon deposition and segregation over a Pd catalyst.

Optimizing urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio testing and referral pathways for chronic kidney disease: a nominal group technique consensus study among Italian experts.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major global health burden, often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is less effective. Albuminuria, assessed by the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), is a key biomarker for CKD detection and risk stratification. Despite guideline recommendations, adherence to uACR testing remains low, limiting early diagnosis and timely referral.

The homoplasmic MT-TK m.8357T > C mtDNA variant as a cause of multiorgan mitochondrial disease.

The diagnosis of disorders associated with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants presents substantial complexity due to their genetic and clinical heterogeneity, which is largely influenced by mtDNA heteroplasmy. However, the level of heteroplasmy alone is often not sufficient to predict the clinical phenotype including its severity and progression. This study concerns the characterization of the m.

Real-World Experience with Upadacitinib for Pediatric Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis: An International Multicenter Retrospective Study from the Pediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN.

Background: Data on upadacitinib therapy for pediatric acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASC) are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of upadacitinib as a salvage therapy in pediatric ASC.

Methods: Children and adolescents with ASC who were treated with upadacitinib for the induction of remission were enrolled in this retrospective multicenter study.

Enhancing evidence-based practices and person-centered care during induction of labor: Insights from a quality improvement study conducted in a low-resource setting.

Background: Induction of labor without indications is a growing concern in obstetric care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). This practice not only increases the risk of unnecessary medical interventions but also places undue stress on healthcare systems and patients. This study evaluated the outcomes of a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed at enhancing evidence-based practices and person-centered care during induction of labor (IOL) in a low-resource setting.

Prognostic Role of Myocarditis-Like Episodes and Their Treatment in Patients With Pathogenic Desmoplakin Variants.

Background: Inflammatory, myocarditis-like episodes precede and are associated with higher risk of sustained ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure in patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic desmoplakin (DSP) variants. Whether the recurrence and treatment of myocarditis-like episodes influence the outcomes in this population is unknown. This study aimed to assess the prognostic impact of the recurrence and treatment of myocarditis-like episodes in patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic DSP variants.