Amongst emerging Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted a remarkable interest thanks to many possible applications. In particular, MoS2 has potentialities ...not yet fully realized in solution-based applications. However, the lack of knowledge of the optical properties of MoS2 has significantly limited its use in many exciting photonic fields. Films prepared by solution-based exfoliation methods have never been studied to our best knowledge.
The optical properties of MoS2 films prepared by solution-based exfoliation methods have never been studied to our best knowledge.
Herein, the broadband optical properties of ~20 nm-thick MoS2 films deposited by spin-coating onto Si/SiO2 substrates were studied by means of micro-Raman spectroscopy and Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (VASE).
•Micro-Raman measurements of spin-coated MoS2 films.•Micro-Raman measurements reveal the possible coexistence of 2H/1T MoS2 phases.•VASE measurements of spin-coated MoS2 films in a broadband photon energy range.•Dielectric response of MoS2 films described using seven Lorentz oscillators.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Coronaviruses are RNA viruses causing infectious diseases. They had been responsible for 15% cases of a common cold before December 2019. With the new strain of coronavirus SARS CoV2 which causes ...COVID-19 disease, the ongoing pandemic surprised with the severity of symptoms and its course compared to the previously known mild respiratory tract infections. In the end of December 2021, over 274 million people were diagnosed with COVID-19 disease, and the total mortality amounted to nearly 5.4 million deaths in more than 200 countries. One of the potentially fatal complications of COVID-19 is pulmonary embolism (PE). It appears that PE has been associated with several coagulation abnormalities as well as with frequent significantly elevated concentration of D‑dimer's. A higher D‑dimer concentration in blood serum, in turn, has been associated with an increased risk of premature death. Moreover, inflammation, typical in the course of COVID-19, is considered a prothrombotic condition; higher interleukin 6 (Il-6) and C‑reactive protein concentrations have been found in patients with more severe forms of COVID-19. So far, none specific for COVID-19 studies have been available with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of PE. Therefore, the practical approach is based on the experience of other groups of patients. Prevention of thrombotic events seems reasonable, at least in COVID-19 patients with the risk factors of developing venous thromboembolism. Low‑molecular‑weight heparins are most commonly prescribed (e.g. enoxaparin, dalteparin). Following the confirmed definite PE diagnosis, proper anticoagulation or, if necessary, thrombolytic treatment must be introduced.
Cerebral collateral circulation is a subsidiary vascular network, which is dynamically recruited after arterial occlusion, and represents a powerful determinant of ischemic stroke outcome. Although ...several methods may be used for assessing cerebral collaterals in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in humans and rodents, they are generally underutilized. Experimental stroke models may play a unique role in understanding the adaptive response of cerebral collaterals during ischemia and their potential for therapeutic modulation. The systematic assessment of collateral perfusion in experimental stroke models may be used as a "stratification factor" in multiple regression analysis of neuroprotection studies, in order to control the within-group variability. Exploring the modulatory mechanisms of cerebral collaterals in stroke models may promote the translational development of therapeutic strategies for increasing collateral flow and directly compare them in term of efficacy, safety and feasibility. Collateral therapeutics may have a role in the hyperacute (even pre-hospital) phase of ischemic stroke, prior to recanalization therapies.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
Background and Aims
Biomarkers of the Chronic Kidney Disease – Bone Mineral Disorder (CKD-BMD)-including serum phosphate, calcium, PTH, 1,25 vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase and FGF23- have ...been implicated in CKD progression in follow up studies focusing on single measurements made at baseline only. The relationship between the time trend of these biomarkers over the course of CKD and renal outcomes has never been tested.
Method
In this study we applied the joint model, an approach combining the mixed linear model (MLM) and Cox’s regression analysis, to investigate the longitudinal relationship between repeated measurements (median 3, interquartile range 2-5) of serum phosphate, calcium, PTH and alkaline phosphatase and a composite renal outcome measure (eGFR reduction >30%, dialysis or transplantation) cohort of 729 stage 2-5 CKD patients (average eGFR = 36±13 ml/min/1.73 m2) over a 2.4 year follow up. Data were adjusted for traditional and CKD specific risk factors in models including also baseline serum 1,25 vitamin D and FGF23.
Results
On univariate MLM analyses, serum PTH was the sole CKD-BMD biomarker which significantly changed over time b=0.030 (95% CI from 0.018 to 0.041), p<0.001. In the multivariate mixed linear sub-model of the Joint Model, repeated measurements of PTH were related directly with male gender (P=0.033), alkaline phosphatase (P<0.01) and systolic BP (P=0.004) and inversely with calcium (P<0.001), baseline eGFR (P<0.001), and CRP (P<0.045). In the survival analysis sub-model of the joint model, the longitudinal series of PTH valuesover time were directly related to the incidence rate of renal events HR (1 ln increase in PTH)=3.358 (95% CI from 2.628 to 4.293), p<0.001 and this was also true after data adjustment for a series of potential confounders HR (1 ln increase in PTH)=2.25 (95% CI from 1.524 to 3.321), p<0.001. In this analysis, also serum phosphate, baseline FGF23, proteinuria, baseline 1.25 vit D, calcium, and haemoglobin were significantly related to the incidence rate of renal events and these relationships were all independent of the baseline eGFR.
Conclusion
In this longitudinal study in stage 2-5 CKD patients investigating the links of CKD-MBD biomarkers with a composite renal outcome, PTH was the sole variable to show a linear increase overtime and to be directly related with the same outcome. Even though stable over-time, also the longitudinal series of serum phosphate (in a direct fashion) and calcium (in an inverse fashion) values were related to the same outcome as it were baseline FGF23 and 1.25 vit D. Findings in this longitudinal study further underscore the potential relevance of CKD-MBD biomarkers as risk factors for CKD progression.
In patients with COVID-19, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are widely applied as initial treatments for moderate-to-severe acute hypoxemic respiratory ...failure. The aim of the study was to assess which respiratory supports improve 28-day mortality and to identify a predictive index of treatment response.
This is a single-center retrospective observational study including 159 consecutive adult patients with COVID-19 and moderate-to-severe hypoxemic acute respiratory failure.
A total of 159 patients (82 in the CPAP group and 77 in the HFNC group) were included in the study. Mortality within 28 days was significantly lower with HFNC compared to CPAP (16.8% vs. 50%), while ICU admission and tracheal intubation within 28 days were significantly higher with CPAP compared to HFNC treatment (32% vs. 13%). We identified an index for survival in HFNC by including three variables easily available at admission (LDH, age, and respiratory rate) and the PaO
/FiO
ratio at 48 h. The index showed high discrimination for survival with an AUC of 0.88, a negative predictive value of 86%, and a positive predictive value of 95%.
Treatment with HFNC appears to be associated with greater survival and fewer ICU admission than CPAP. LDH, respiratory rate, age, and PaO
/FiO
at 48 h were independently associated with survival and an index based on these variables allows for the prediction of treatment success and the assessment of patient allocation to the appropriate intensity of care after 48 h. Further research is warranted to determine effects on other outcomes and to assess the performance of the index in larger cohorts.
Giant pattern VEPs in children Thompson, Dorothy A.; Marmoy, Oliver R.; Prise, Katrina L. ...
European journal of paediatric neurology,
September 2021, 2021-Sep, 2021-09-00, 20210901, Volume:
34
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Our aim is to elaborate the clinical significance of giant amplitude pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in children. ‘Giant’ amplitude VEPs exceed the upper 97.5th centile, 90% CI for ...age. We scrutinised 2750 pattern VEPs recorded to international standards between Jan 2015 and 2017 from children aged 16 years and under, attending a specialist children's hospital. Twenty seven children, median age 6yrs, (range 1–16 yrs), were identified with giant VEPs (P100 amplitude range 65–163 μV). Most, 22/27 (81%), had conditions associated with a risk of raised ICP. Sixteen of these twenty two children had craniosynostosis; six multi-sutural and eight single suture disease. Others had Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, arachnoid cyst, NF1 with shunted hydrocephalus, chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular (CINCA) syndrome, nephrotic cystinosis and obstructive sleep apnoea. Five children presented with a range of conditions, some associated with seizures some symptomatic, but as yet undiagnosed. Frequent structural associations were optical coherence tomography measures of optic disc maximum anterior axial horizontal retinal thickness projection >160 μm and neuro-radiological findings of CSF effacement and copper beaten appearance. Ultrasonography measures of optic nerve sheath diameters varied, but in one child took 2 years to resolve after treatment for raised ICP. Optic disc gradings by fundoscopy were mostly normal, as were visual acuities. Raised ICP was confirmed by gold standard ICP bolt measurements in five of seven children tested. These data suggest that rICP should be considered if a child has sustained giant amplitude VEPs at normal latency.
•Giant VEPs larger than 65 μV can be generated by children at risk of raised ICP.•Giant VEPs associate with OCT horizontal optic disc protrusion exceeding 160 μm.•Increases in VEP amplitude can precede OCT optic disc changes.•rICP and thinned CSF layer may provoke cortical hyper-excitability and giant VEPs.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is an infrequent condition of childhood, and is extremely rare in infants, with only 26 cases described. The etiology is still unknown. Typical clinical ...manifestations change with age, and symptoms are atypical in infants, thus the diagnosis could be late. This is based on increased opening pressure at lumbar puncture, papilloedema and normal cerebral MRI. The measurement of cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure in infants is an issue because many factors may affect it, and data about normal values are scanty. The mainstay of treatment is acetazolamide, which allows to relieve symptoms and to avoid permanent visual loss if promptly administered.
We report the case of an 8-month-old infant admitted because of vomit, loss of appetite and irritability; later, also bulging anterior fontanel was observed. Cerebral MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis resulted negative and after two lumbar punctures he experienced initial symptom relief. Once the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension was made, he received oral acetazolamide, and corticosteroids, with progressive symptom resolution.
Infantile idiopathic intracranial hypertension is extremely rare, and not well described yet. Bulging anterior fontanel in otherwise healthy infants with normal neuroimaging should be always considered suggestive, but can be a late sign, while irritability and anorexia, especially if associated with vomiting, may represent an early sign. In such cases, lumbar puncture should be always done, hopefully with cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure measurement, which is among coded diagnostic criteria, but whose threshold is controversial in infants. Early diagnosis, timely treatment and strict follow-up help to prevent vision loss or death of affected infants.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be a useful tool for the assessment of the brain functional reorganization in subjects with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). In this review, we performed a ...systematic search of all studies using TMS in order to explore the neuroplastic changes that occur in HCP patients. We aimed at investigating the usefulness of TMS to explore cortical excitability, plasticity and connectivity changes in HCP. Children with HCP due to unilateral lesions of the corticospinal system had ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (MEPs) similar to those recorded contralaterally. TMS studies demonstrated that occupational and constraint-induced movement therapy were associated with significant improvements in contralateral and ipsilateral corticomotor projection patterns. In addition, after intensive bimanual therapy, children with HCP showed increased activation and size of the motor areas controlling the affected hand. A TMS mapping study revealed a mediolateral location of the upper and lower extremity map motor cortical representations. Deficits in intracortical and interhemispheric inhibitory mechanisms were observed in HCP. Early hand function impairment correlated with the extension of brain damage, number of involved areas, and radiological signs of corticospinal tract (CST) degeneration. Clinical mirror movements (MMs) correlated with disability and CST organization in subjects with HCP and a positive relationship was found between MMs and MEPs strength. Therefore, TMS studies have shed light on important pathophysiological aspects of motor cortex and CST reorganization in HCP patients. Furthermore, repetitive TMS (rTMS) might have therapeutic effects on CST activities, functional connectivity and clinical status in children with HCP.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Novel push-pull dyes containing a (substituted) hydrocarbon moiety and a malonate (or a malononitrile) moiety are proposed as photoinitiators for the ring opening polymerization of epoxides as well ...as the synthesis of interpenetrated polymer networks (IPNs) upon exposure to visible light (laser diode, halogen lamp,
etc.
). Excellent polymerization profiles are obtained. The role of the acceptor and donor moieties in these dyes towards their light absorption properties, the associated photochemical processes and their photoinitiating ability is investigated. A very efficient dye has been selected for the reduction of Ag
+
and the
in situ
formation of Ag(0) nanoparticles in the synthesized IPNs.
Novel dyes are proposed as versatile photoinitiators.
Climate change is increasingly favouring the occurrence of extreme weather events, affecting species distribution and tree growth. It has been proposed that mixed forests are more resistant to ...drought spells and heat waves than corresponding monocultures. We sampled tree cores in nine plots along a latitudinal gradient of the Italian Peninsula (Trentino, Molise and Calabria). The objective of the study was to identify radial growth responses in mixed-species and pure plots of European beech and silver fir to climate dynamics and extreme events. Pointer years, as well as correlation and response functions, were used to analyse the climate–growth relationships in mixed-species and pure plots. Climate–growth relationships showed differences between mixed-species and pure plots only at the regional level. In particular, Trentino differed from Molise and Calabria, when considering maximum temperatures. In Trentino, winter (for silver fir) and summer (for both species) temperatures had a less negative impact on the radial growth of trees, in comparison with Molise and Calabria. Nevertheless, correlations between the radial growth and drought indices, and the principal component analysis, showed that plots were relatively unresponsive to summer drought. These results can be important for the implementation of operational techniques that increase the adaptation of silver fir and European beech to climate change, as well as for assisted migration.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
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