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In vanadium redox flow batteries, the flow field geometry plays a dramatic role on the distribution of the electrolyte and its design results from the trade-off between high battery performance and low pressure drops. In the literature, it was demonstrated that electrolyte permeation through the porous electrode is mainly regulated by pressure difference between adjacent channels, leading to the presence of under-the-rib fluxes. With the support of a 3D computational fluid dynamic model, this work presents two novel flow field geometries that are designed to tune the direction of the pressure gradients between channels in order to promote the under-the-rib fluxes mechanism. The first geometry is named Two Outlets and exploits the splitting of the electrolyte flow into two adjacent interdigitated layouts with the aim to give to the pressure gradient a more transverse direction with respect to the channels, raising the intensity of under-the-rib fluxes and making their distribution more uniform throughout the electrode area. The second geometry is named Four Inlets and presents four inlets located at the corners of the distributor, with an interdigitated-like layout radially oriented from each inlet to one single central outlet, with the concept of reducing the heterogeneity of the flow velocity within the electrode. Subsequently, flow fields performance is verified experimentally adopting a segmented hardware in symmetric cell configuration with positive electrolyte, which permits the measurement of local current distribution and local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Compared to a conventional interdigitated geometry, both the developed configurations permit a significant decrease in the pressure drops without any reduction in battery performance. In the Four Inlets flow field the pressure drop reduction is more evident (up to 50%) due to the lower electrolyte velocities in the feeding channels, while the Two Outlets configuration guarantees a more homogeneous current density distribution.

According to Augustine and colleagues [6], ocular movements may be categorised into two different classes of function: one consists of movements that serve to fix gaze, while the other includes movements used to change visual direction. The presence of eye-movement disorders in patients with neurological diseases suggests that the aetiology may directly affect the central circuits that control the orientation and stabilisation of gaze, but it may also be possible that alterations in visual behaviour can aggravate functional decline by impairing the cognitive and perceptual performance experience of the surrounding environment [6]. [...]researchers using eye-tracking paradigms have shown that there is a progressive deterioration in oculomotor function over time, which correlates with cognitive decline and neuroimaging findings [8,12]. [...]ethical exploration will be needed, as problems with the collection and storage of biometric data must be addressed. [...]eye tracking represents a promising tool for producing reliable digital biomarkers for both clinical and research purposes, as it aims to facilitate the early diagnosis of neurological disorders, and, as technology advances, it will become increasingly affordable.

Background and objectivesTo explore cognitive, EEG, and MRI features in COVID-19 survivors up to 10 months after hospital discharge.MethodsAdult patients with a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 and reporting subsequent cognitive complaints underwent neuropsychological assessment and 19-channel-EEG within 2 months (baseline, N = 49) and 10 months (follow-up, N = 33) after hospital discharge. A brain MRI was obtained for 36 patients at baseline. Matched healthy controls were included. Using eLORETA, EEG regional current densities and linear lagged connectivity values were estimated. Total brain and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volumes were measured. Clinical and instrumental data were evaluated between patients and controls at baseline, and within patient whole group and with/without dysgeusia/hyposmia subgroups over time. Correlations among findings at each timepoint were computed.ResultsAt baseline, 53% and 28% of patients showed cognitive and psychopathological disturbances, respectively, with executive dysfunctions correlating with acute-phase respiratory distress. Compared to healthy controls, patients also showed higher regional current density and connectivity at delta band, correlating with executive performances, and greater WMH load, correlating with verbal memory deficits. A reduction of cognitive impairment and delta band EEG connectivity were observed over time, while psychopathological symptoms persisted. Patients with acute dysgeusia/hyposmia showed lower improvement at memory tests than those without. Lower EEG delta band at baseline predicted worse cognitive functioning at follow-up.DiscussionCOVID-19 patients showed interrelated cognitive, EEG, and MRI abnormalities 2 months after hospital discharge. Cognitive and EEG findings improved at 10 months. Dysgeusia and hyposmia during acute COVID-19 were related with increased vulnerability in memory functions over time.

We present a technique for simultaneous focusing and energy selection of high-current, mega-electron volt proton beams with the use of radial, transient electric fields (10⁷ to 10¹⁰ volts per meter) triggered on the inner walls of a hollow microcylinder by an intense subpicosecond laser pulse. Because of the transient nature of the focusing fields, the proposed method allows selection of a desired range out of the spectrum of the polyenergetic proton beam. This technique addresses current drawbacks of laser-accelerated proton beams, such as their broad spectrum and divergence at the source.

Background and Clinical Significance: Maxillary sinus augmentation is a well-established surgical procedure for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla when the residual alveolar bone height is insufficient. Traditionally, the lateral approach has been preferred in cases with less than 4 mm of bone; however, the crestal approach has emerged as a less invasive alternative, particularly with the advent of advanced techniques and tools such as hydraulic pressure systems and dedicated osteotomy kits. Case Presentation: This case report presents the clinical management of a 68-year-old female patient requiring rehabilitation of the right maxillary molars, where the residual bone height measured only 3.6 mm (in position 1.6) and 2.5 mm (in position 1.7). Using the CAS kit system with rounded drills and hydraulic pressure, a controlled crestal sinus elevation was performed, followed by simultaneous implant placement. Despite the extremely limited bone height, a final insertion torque of 30 Ncm was achieved for both implants, likely due to favorable sinus floor anatomy, under-preparation of the implant sites, and the use of tapered, macro-textured implants. Postoperative follow-up over three years showed stable bone levels and successful prosthetic rehabilitation with single crowns. Conclusions: This case report highlights the potential of the crestal approach in anatomically challenging scenarios. Proper planning, technique, and implant selection are mandatory to achieve predictable and long-lasting outcomes, even in cases previously considered contraindicated for this method. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this preliminary result.

Background This study aimed to analyze all the patients who contacted the hospital’s pediatric poison control center (PPCC) for exposure to ibuprofen and acetaminophen, in order to assess the incidence of any adverse reactions. Methods We retrospectively reported the clinical data of children who accessed the PPCC of the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 due to wrong, accidental or intentional intake of inappropriate doses of acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen. In addition, we compared patients according to the intake of one of the two drugs and reported the trimestral distribution of cases during the study period. Results A total of 351 patients accessed the PPCC during the study period. The median age was 3.0 years. Most patients were females (57.8%). The most common reason for inappropriate oral intake of paracetamol or ibuprofen was a wrong use or an accidental intake (78.6%), with a fifth of patients taking the drug with suicidal intent (21.1%). According to the PPCC evaluation, most patients were not intoxicated (70.4%). Hospitalization was required for 30.5% of patients. Adverse reactions were reported in 10.5% of cases, with a similar incidence in patients who took paracetamol or ibuprofen. Nausea and vomiting were the most commonly reported adverse reactions. A higher frequency of moderate intoxication was found in patients who took paracetamol compared to ibuprofen ( p  = 0.001). The likelihood of intoxication was also higher in the paracetamol cohort. A spike of cases was registered at the end of 2021. Conclusions We analyze exposures to the two most commonly used pediatric molecules, paracetamol and ibuprofen, to assess the frequency of adverse reactions. We demonstrated that these relatively “safe” drugs may be associated with intoxications and adverse reactions when inappropriately administered.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease classified as neurodegenerative because it can be associated with the more or less progressive development of neurological symptoms and cognitive deficits. In recent years, various studies have started to investigate eye movements in relation to cognitive impairment in persons with MS by means of eye-tracking equipment. However, the high heterogeneity of the paradigms used in different studies, as well as the different methodologies included, makes it difficult to provide a complete and precise picture of this important research and clinical issue. The purpose of the present in-depth scoping review was to map the existing literature in this field to determine which metrics may be relevant when dealing with the neurocognitive profile of people with MS. From the analyses of the included studies, the anti-saccade latency and errors were the most frequently proposed metrics. Correlation analyses between these metrics and cognitive measures showed significant associations between them, calling for a deeper investigation of this promising research and clinical field. The results of the present scoping review strongly suggest that eye tracking may play a crucial role in clinical practice during the early detection of neurocognitive disorders. There is a great need for primary research that addresses the full complexity of MS in its different phenotypes and the disease-related variables from a multidisciplinary perspective. Future research should clarify whether oculomotor dysfunction in MS follows or precedes cognitive deficits.

The tattoos removal has become an issue upon spread of the tattooing practice worldwide and hindsight regrets. Lasers are typically used for the purpose, though some colours such as green are considered “recalcitrant” to the treatment. In the current investigation, we aim at determining the efficacy of removal of a green ink water dispersion, using 5 laser treatments: Nd:YAG nano- and picosecond lasers in normal and array mode and Ruby nanosecond laser, keeping the total irradiated energy constant. The UV–Vis spectroscopy of the treated samples indicate that Nd:YAG picosecond laser is most effective, and the Ruby nanosecond laser is the least efficient. Fragment compounds generated from the pigment and siloxanes are common to all treatments, whereas hydrocarbon emerge by a larger amount upon Nd:YAG nanosecond treatment. Fibres are formed upon picosecond treatments and when operating in array mode, and lamellae are achieved by Ruby nanosecond laser treatment. Residual particles suspensions are very heterogeneous upon nanosecond treatments.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzes the first step in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Trp) degradation that produces several biologically active Trp metabolites. L-kynurenine (Kyn), the first byproduct by IDO1, promotes immunoregulatory effects via activation of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes. We here identified the nuclear coactivator 7 (NCOA7) as a molecular target of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA), a Trp metabolite produced downstream of Kyn along the kynurenine pathway. In cells overexpressing NCOA7 and AhR, the presence of 3-HAA increased the association of the two molecules and enhanced Kyn-driven, AhR-dependent gene transcription. Physiologically, conventional (cDCs) but not plasmacytoid DCs or other immune cells expressed high levels of NCOA7. In cocultures of CD4 T cells with cDCs, the co-addition of Kyn and 3-HAA significantly increased the induction of Foxp3 regulatory T cells and the production of immunosuppressive transforming growth factor β in an NCOA7-dependent fashion. Thus, the co-presence of NCOA7 and the Trp metabolite 3-HAA can selectively enhance the activation of ubiquitary AhR in cDCs and consequent immunoregulatory effects. Because NCOA7 is often overexpressed and/or mutated in tumor microenvironments, our current data may provide evidence for a new immune check-point mechanism based on Trp metabolism and AhR.

Background and objectives Epileptic seizures pose challenges in emergency departments (ED), affecting up to 10% of admitted patients. This study aimed to assess emergency electroencephalogram (EmEEG) utilization, identifying factors predicting seizure detection and its influence on clinical decisions. Methods A retrospective review of 1135 EmEEGs on 1017 patients at a tertiary teaching hospital between June 2022 and June 2023 was conducted. Data included demographics, medical history, EmEEG indications, neuroimaging findings, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analyses utilized Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression models. Results EmEEG detected status epilepticus-related seizures in 5.40% of cases, seizures without status epilepticus in 3.05%, and status epilepticus without discrete seizures in 3.74%. Epileptiform abnormalities were noted in 22.12% of EmEEGs. EmEEG influenced initial diagnoses (21.24%), antiseizure medication changes (20.85%), and discharge decisions (39.04%). Predictors for seizures/status epilepticus included previous neurosurgery, seizures in the ED, and cognitive/behavioral impairment (p < 0.001). EmEEG significantly altered initial diagnoses based on witnessed seizures, involuntary movements, epileptiform abnormalities, and 1–2 Hz generalized periodic discharges (p < 0.001). Changes in antiseizure medications correlated with seizure occurrence, neuroimaging results, epileptiform abnormalities, and EEG background slowing (p < 0.001). Factors influencing discharge decisions included previous neurosurgery, consciousness impairment, acute neuroimaging pathology, EEG focal slowing, and EEG background slowing (p < 0.001). Discussion The study clarifies EmEEG's role in modifying initial diagnoses, treatment approaches, and discharge decisions. The study provides insights into the nuanced impact of EmEEG in different clinical scenarios, offering valuable guidance for clinicians in selecting patients for EmEEG, particularly in conditions of limited EEG availability.