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A new series of symmetrical organic dyes containing an indigo central core decorated with different electron donor groups have been prepared, starting from Tyrian Purple and using the Pd-catalyzed Stille-Migita coupling process. The effect of substituents on the spectroscopic properties of the dyes has been investigated theoretically and experimentally. In general, all dyes presented intense light absorption bands, both in the blue and red regions of the visible spectrum, conferring them a bright green color in solution. Using the same approach, an asymmetrically substituted D–A-π–A green dye, bearing a triarylamine electron donor and the cyanoacrylate acceptor/anchoring group, has been synthesized for the first time and fully characterized, confirming that spectroscopic and electrochemical properties are consistent with a possible application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC).

Organic fluorophores have found broad application as emitters in luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) for silicon photovoltaics. In particular, the preparation of organic conjugated systems with intense light-harvesting ability, emissions in the deep-red and NIR regions, and large Stokes shift values represent a very challenging undertaking. Here, we report a simple and easy way to prepare three symmetrical donor–acceptor–donor (DAD) organic-emitting materials based on a thienopyrazine core. The central core in the three dyes was modified with the introduction of aromatic substituents, aiming to affect their optical properties. The fluorophores were characterized by spectroscopic studies. In all cases, visible-NIR emissions with large Stokes shifts were found, highlighting these molecules as promising materials for the application in LSCs.

The rapid proliferation of internet‐connected devices has transformed our daily habits prompting a shift towards greater sustainability in renewable energy for indoor applications. Among the various technologies available for obtaining energy in indoor conditions, Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) stand out as the most promising due to their ability to efficiently convert ambient light into usable electricity. This study explores how the optimal matching of the UV‐Vis absorption spectra of dyes commonly used in DSSCs with the emission profiles of indoor lamps allows for the enhanced efficiency of DSSC under indoor lighting. By testing four organic dyes with different UV‐Vis absorption spectra (L1, Y123, S1, and TP1) under two different common indoor light sources (OSRAM 930 and OSRAM 765 lamp), a significant dye‐lamp correlation was demonstrated. Notably, low‐priced dyes like S1 and TP1, characterized by easier synthetic routes and with an optimal overlap with the dye‐lamp spectrum, exhibited competitive efficiencies, narrowing the performance gap with high‐performing dyes like Y123, which require more demanding preparation approaches. The study highlights the critical importance of tailoring dye selection to specific indoor lighting environments, addressing a significant gap and paving the way for more sustainable and cost‐effective energy solutions for indoor applications. The study highlights the importance of matching dye and light source in optimizing the DSSCs performance under indoor lighting. Improved efficiency is observed when dyes with UV‐Vis spectra match the specific optical characteristics of the light source. The simpler, cost‐effective dye TP1 demonstrated an excellent cost‐performance balance, suggesting that optimal matching allows for high DSSC efficiency while maintaining affordable synthetic accessibility.

Background/Objectives: The role of the intestinal microbiota in gastroenterological diseases has gained increasing relevance in general medicine. The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of Italian general practitioners regarding gut microbiota, as well as the clinical applications of probiotics and prebiotics. Methods: The survey research involved 457 Italian general practitioners, who anonymously filled an online structured questionnaire. Results: Most respondents identified antibiotics, diet, gastrointestinal infections, and stress as factors that can modulate the gut microbiota, while a smaller proportion recognized the role of physical activity. A comparable number acknowledged the influence of obesity, smoking, and immunosuppressant drugs. Although most participants correctly defined probiotics, the concept of prebiotics was less widely understood. Probiotics were primarily prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome, suspected dysbiosis, or during antibiotic therapy, and only a portion of physicians reported routinely combining them with prebiotics. The selection of probiotic strains was mainly based on personal experience, while fecal microbiota analysis was seldom used in clinical practice. Conclusions: These findings provide an updated snapshot of current knowledge and practices regarding the microbiota in Italian general medicine and highlight critical gaps, particularly in the understanding of prebiotics and less recognized modulatory factors.

Multifactor cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death; besides well-known cardiovascular risk factors, several emerging factors such as mental stress, diet type, and physical inactivity, have been associated to cardiovascular disease. To date, preventive strategies are based on the concept of absolute risk calculated by different algorithms and scoring systems. However, in general practice the patient's data collection represents a critical issue. A new multipurpose computer-based program has been developed in order to:1) easily calculate and compare the absolute cardiovascular risk by the Framingham, Procam, and Progetto Cuore algorithms; 2) to design a web-based computerized tool for prospective collection of structured data; 3) to support the doctor in the decision-making process for patients at risk according to recent international guidelines. During a medical consultation the doctor utilizes a common computer connected by Internet to a medical server where all the patient's data and software reside. The program evaluates absolute and relative cardiovascular risk factors, personalized patient's goals, and multiparametric trends, monitors critical parameter values, and generates an automated medical report. In a pilot study on 294 patients (47% males; mean age 60 ± 12 years [±SD]) the global time to collect data at first consultation was 13 ± 11 minutes which declined to 8 ± 7 minutes at the subsequent consultation. In 48.2% of cases the program revealed 2 or more primary risk factor parameters outside guideline indications and gave specific clinical suggestions to return altered parameters to target values. The web-based system proposed here may represent a feasible and flexible tool for clinical management of patients at risk of cardiovascular disease and for epidemiological research.

D-π-A dyes have received a special attention in the field of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this kind of molecules, the acceptor group (A) generally acts as an anchor, enabling the adsorption of the dye onto the metal oxide substrate (TiO ) and providing a good electron injection. The search for new anchors represents a critical factor for the development of improved DSSCs and in recent years has been a very active research field. This mini-review focuses especially on our work on pyridine-derived anchoring groups for D-π-A dyes, with a special regard on the preparation and characterization of three different families of dyes and a critical evaluation of their stability and efficiency.

Among the emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) appear especially interesting in view of their potential for unconventional PV applications. In particular, DSSCs have been proven to provide excellent performances under indoor illumination, opening the way to their use in the field of low-power devices, such as wearable electronics and wireless sensor networks, including those relevant for application to the rapidly growing Internet of Things technology. Considering the low intensity of indoor light sources, efficient light capture constitutes a pivotal factor in optimizing cell efficiency. Consequently, the development of novel dyes exhibiting intense absorption within the visible range and light-harvesting properties well-matched with the emission spectra of the various light sources becomes indispensable. In this review, we will discuss the current state-of-the-art in the design, synthesis, and application of organic dyes as sensitizers for indoor DSSCs, focusing on the most recent results. We will start by examining the various classes of individual dyes reported to date for this application, organized by their structural features, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. On the basis of this discussion, we will then draft some potential guidelines in an effort to help the design of this kind of sensitizer. Subsequently, we will describe some alternative approaches investigated to improve the light-harvesting properties of the cells, such as the co-sensitization strategy and the use of concerted companion dyes. Finally, the issue of measurement standardization will be introduced, and some considerations regarding the proper characterization methods of indoor PV systems and their differences compared to (simulated) outdoor conditions will be provided.

Background To resolve the current shortage of donor hearts, we established the Adonhers protocol. An upward shift of the donor age cut-off limit (from the present 55 to 65 years) is acceptable if a stress echo screening on the candidate donor heart is normal. This study aimed to verify feasibility of a \"second opinion\" of digitally transferred images of stress echo results to minimize technical variability in selection of aged donor hearts for heart transplant. Methods The informatics infrastructure was created for a core lab reading with a second opinion from the Pisa stress echo lab. To test the system, simulation standard stress echo cineloops were sent digitally from 5 peripheral labs to the central core lab. Starting January 2009, real marginal donor stress echos were sent via internet to the central core echo lab, Pisa, for a second opinion before heart transplant. Results In the simulation protocol, 30 dipyridamole stress echocardiograms were sent from the five peripheral echo labs to the central core lab in Pisa. Both the echo images and reports were correctly uploaded in the web system and sent to the core echo lab; the second opinion evaluation was obtained in all cases (100% feasibility). In the transplant protocol, eight donor cases were sent to the Pisa core lab for the second opinion protocol, and six of them were transplanted in marginal recipients. Conclusions Second-Opinion Stress Tele-Echocardiography can effectively be performed in a network aimed to safely expand the heart donor pool for heart transplant.

Two novel organic sensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC), called TP1 and TP2, based on the electron-poor thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine (TPz) π-bridge and the electron-rich N,N-bis(4-(hexylthio)phenyl)aniline (TPA) were designed following two different approaches: the classical D-A-π-A design and a symmetric structure with double anchoring functions. Both compounds were prepared exploiting short synthetic pathways based on direct arylation strategies and possibly one-pot desymmetrization. The two novel dyes displayed opposite optical properties: a broad and intense light absorption over the entire visible spectrum for TP1, and a localized absorption that peaked in the center of the visible region for TP2, resulting in a pitch-dark coloration and a green tone, respectively. When assembling the photovoltaic devices, different electrolyte compositions were explored to enhance the optical properties of the dyes. Power conversion efficiencies as high as 5.2% under full sun intensity were recorded for small test devices. The composition of the light transmitted through the TP2-containing transparent DSSC fits well with the human eye sensitivity spectrum, thus fulfilling the transparency requirements for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

This study investigates the use of social networks as a scientific tool for gathering medical data from young subjects while promoting healthier habits. Our first hypothesis is that social networks can facilitate epidemiological studies, reducing time and cost. The second question is whether social networks can enable the collection of data from young and healthy subjects who are otherwise beyond the reach of conventional social health polls. A Facebook application was created to collect data concerning adherence to the Mediterranean diet, considering the significant risk of cardiovascular and neurological degenerative diseases in subjects with poor adherence to a healthy diet. More than 1400 users were recruited in a short time without any promotional action. Collected data indicate that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is in general greater in older users vs young (p <0.01) and Italian vs Other Countries (mainly participants from the US) (p <0.03), while no statistical differences were found concerning gender. Results show that the proposed approach offers advantages in terms of reduced cost, faster data gathering and processing, and improved efficiency compared to a form-based epidemiology campaign. However, the initial network may influence the sample constitution in age and geographical location, especially if the spread does not become viral and autonomous. Based on the case study, we provide designers of Facebook apps with some simple guideline suggestions aimed at maximizing the heterogeneity of the sample, in order to collect significant data. The proposed scenario, suitable for collecting health data, can easily be extended to other fields.