Explore the vast range of titles available.

In 2020 the Fingerprint Working Group (EFP-WG) of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) undertook a collaborative exercise (CE) with the aim of assessing the ability in developing fingermarks on an item constituted of compostable polymers. The test was prepared and managed by the officially established advisory group. The characteristics of the CE are summarised. Different approaches emerged from the outcomes. Multi-Metal Deposition (MMD) was used as reference method for the assessment of the results. It demonstrated to be the more effective and consistent technique for fingermark visualisation on the specific kind of Mater-Bi® compostable polymer used for the test. Alternative techniques, such as Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), cyanoacrylate fuming, followed by Basic Yellow 40 dye staining or in its fluorescent forms demonstrated to be effective methods. However, it seems that the operational conditions need to be controlled in order to find the optimal ones. Conversely, data does not support the use of amino acid sensitive techniques. •A collaborative exercise was carried out in 2020 within ENFSI EFP-WG.•The visualisation test was focused on a compostable polymer, specifically Mater-bi®.•MMD demonstrated to be the more effective and consistent method.•VMD and superglue followed by BY40 worked well.•Data does not support the use of amino acid sensitive techniques.

Subduction carries water into the Earth where it can influence seismicity. Analysis of the structure of the Alaskan subduction zone suggests fluid delivery is influenced by faults in the oceanic plate that formed at the mid-ocean ridge. Subduction zones worldwide exhibit remarkable variation in seismic activity over short distances of about tens of kilometres along their length. The properties of the subducting oceanic plate are believed to influence this seismic behaviour. However, comparisons between seismicity and plate attributes such as thermal structure made over large scales of hundreds of kilometres typically yield poor correlations 1 , 2 . Here we present results from controlled-source seismic data collected offshore of the Alaska Peninsula. We find that fabric in the subducting oceanic plate—the orientation and style of remnant faults originally created at the mid-ocean ridge—can contribute to abrupt changes in faulting and hydration of the plate during bending before subduction. Variations in fabric, bending faulting and hydration correlate with changes in seismicity throughout the subduction zone. More interplate and intermediate-depth intraplate earthquakes are observed where the pre-existing fabric is aligned with the trench and there is more bend faulting and hydration. This suggests that pre-existing structures in the subducting plate are an important control on abrupt variations in deformation and plate hydration and on globally observed short-wavelength variations in seismicity at subduction zones.

The aim of the study was to evaluate connectivity modifications in the Default Mode Network (DMN) in patients with cerebral glioma, and to correlate these modifications to tumor characteristics. Twenty-four patients with a left-hemisphere cerebral tumor (14 grade II and 10 grade IV gliomas) and 14 healthy age-matched right-hand volunteers were enrolled in the study. Subjects underwent fMRI while performing language tasks for presurgical mapping. Data was analyzed with independent component analysis in order to identify the DMN. DMN group maps were produced by random-effect analysis (p<0.001, FDR-corrected). An analysis of variance across the three groups (p<0.05) and post-hoc t-test contrasts between pairs of groups were calculated (p<0.05, FDR-corrected). All three groups showed typical DMN areas. However, reduced DMN connectivity was detected in tumor patients with respect to controls. A significantly increased and reduced integration of DMN areas was observed in the hippocampal and prefrontal regions, respectively. Modifications were closely related to tumor grading. Moreover, the DMN lateralized to the hemisphere contralateral to tumor in the low-grade, but not in the high-grade tumor patients. Modifications of DMN connectivity were induced by gliomas and differed for high and low grade tumors.

•A collaborative exercise was carried out in 2018 within ENFSI EFP-WG.•The visualisation test was focused on thermal paper.•The preliminary inspection is highly advisable.•The use of a sequential procedure is highly recommended.•Data does not support the use of superglue, powders, iodine. In 2018 the Fingerprint Working Group (EFP-WG) of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) undertook a collaborative exercise (CE) with the aim of assessing the ability in developing fingermarks on an item constituted of a thermal layer. The test was prepared and managed by the officially established advisory group. The characteristics of the CE are summarised. Different approaches emerged from the outcomes showing on average valid results. What is evident from data is that the preliminary inspection is highly advisable especially for the thermal side exploiting specific combinations of wavelengths and filters. In general, better performances were achieved by laboratories using multiple processing techniques. Conversely, few laboratories were capable to reach the expected results with only one step process. Finally, data does not support the use of cyanoacrylate, powders, and iodine on this specific substrate.

to assess vessel density of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC) in advanced Stargardt disease (STGD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and correlate these findings with macular function using pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG). Twelve patients (24 eyes) with advanced STGD underwent vessel densities and macular thickness measurements using OCTA. A control group of 24 healthy controls (24 eyes) was chosen for comparison. In the STGD group correlation between vessel density and macular thickness and between macular function and morphologic parameters were evaluated. Whole parafoveal vessel density (VD) of SCP was significantly lower in STGD group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Foveal VD and whole parafoveal VD of the DCP were significantly lower in STGD group compared to the controls (p<0.05). CC was significantly decreased in STGD compared to controls (p<0.05). Foveal macular thickness (MT), full parafoveal MT, and inner limiting membrane (ILM)-inner plexiform layer (IPL) parafoveal MT thickness were decreased in STGD eyes compared to controls (p<0.001). PERG and mfERG were both significantly reduced in STGD compared to controls (p<0.001). A direct correlation was found between full parafoveal MT and vessel density in the STGD group. Patients with advanced STGD showed a reduction of SCP, DCP and CC compared to healthy eyes related to a reduction of total and ILM-IPL macular thickness. These results suggest that both retinal capillaris plexuses and choriocapillaris reduction occur in STDG along with inner and outer retinal thinning.

Background More than two years of the Russian-Ukrainian war have resulted in widespread human and economic tragedy. This crisis also affects health status, including oral health. Objective To carry out an exploratory analysis on the extent of caries in Ukrainian war refugee children and adolescents, and in addition to determine whether there was a statistically significant association between caries and age, gender, periodontal health status (using the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index), self-reported socioeconomic status and Italian language speaking skills. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design, was conducted in Perugia, Italy at the University Dental Clinic (COU) between November 2023 and April 2024 and included 50 children and adolescents between 3 and 18 years old (mean age 9.2 SD 4.6) with Ukrainian citizenship who had left their home country due to the war. The visits were conducted in the presence of a cultural mediator. The visits consisted of two parts: the administration of questionnaires on socio-economic status and communication skills, followed by a dental examination. A logistic regression model was used to identify the factors independently associated (age, sex, PSR, socio-economic status and level of communication) with high DMFT/dmft values. Results The refugees’ mean DMFT/dmft was 3.5 SD 2.5. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that increased PSR (OR 7.71, 95% CI 1.38–22.94, p  = 0.020) and low communication (OR 6.09, 95% CI 1.34–27.69, p  = 0.019) were independently associated with the risk of having a DMFT/dmft > 4. Conclusions The study findings were worrying in terms of the prevalence and severity of caries, especially in refugee children with a poor level of integration in the host country. This study with its preliminary data provides a starting point to reflect on the need for specific health policies adapted to a complex type of social vulnerability such as refugee children status.

PurposeTo evaluate obstetric outcome in women with endometriosis who conceive naturally and receive standard obstetric care in Italy.MethodsCases were consecutive women with endometriosis managed in eleven Italian referral centers. Controls were women in whom endometriosis was excluded. All women filled in a questionnaire addressing previous natural pregnancies. Marginal logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the impact of endometriosis on obstetric outcome. A post hoc analysis was performed within the endometriosis group comparing women with severe adenomyosis versus women with absent or mild adenomyosis.ResultsThree hundred and fifty-five pregnancies in endometriosis group and 741 pregnancies in control group were included. Women with endometriosis had a higher risk of preterm delivery < 34 weeks (6.4% vs 2.8%, OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.22–4.82), preterm delivery < 37 weeks (17.8% vs 9.7%, OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.23–3.19), and neonatal admission to Intensive Care Unit (14.1% vs 7.0%, OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.23–3.36). At post hoc analysis, women with endometriosis and severe adenomyosis had an increased risk of placenta previa (23.1% vs 1.8%, OR 16.68, 95% CI 3.49–79.71), cesarean delivery (84.6% vs 38.9%, OR 8.03, 95% CI 1.69–38.25) and preterm delivery < 34 weeks (23.1% vs 5.7%, OR 5.52, 95% CI 1.38–22.09).ConclusionWomen with endometriosis who conceive naturally have increased risk of preterm delivery and neonatal admission to intensive care unit. When severe adenomyosis is coexistent with endometriosis, women may be at increased risk of placenta previa and cesarean delivery.Trial registrationClinical trial registration number: NCT03354793.

Aging is a major co-risk factor in many neurodegenerative diseases. Cognitive enrichment positively affects the structural plasticity of the aging brain. In this study, we evaluated effects of a set of structured multimodal activities (Combination Training; CT) on cognitive performances, functional connectivity, and cortical thickness of a group of healthy elderly individuals. CT lasted six months. Neuropsychological and occupational performances were evaluated before and at the end of the training period. fMRI was used to assess effects of training on resting state network (RSN) functional connectivity using Independent Component Analysis (ICA). Effects on cortical thickness were also studied. Finally, we evaluated whether specific dopamine-related genes can affect the response to training. Results of the study indicate that CT improves cognitive/occupational performances and reorganizes functional connectivity. Intriguingly, individuals responding to CT showed specific dopamine-related genotypes. Indeed, analysis of dopamine-related genes revealed that carriers of DRD3 ser9gly and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms had the greatest benefits from exposure to CT. Overall, our findings support the idea that exposure to a set of structured multimodal activities can be an effective strategy to counteract aging-related cognitive decline and also indicate that significant capability of functional and structural changes are maintained in the elderly.

A rotating polarimetric 90°-cross linear-filter interferometry system was used to detect the morphological characteristics and features of interference patterns produced in in-vivo corneal stroma in healthy human corneas of 23 subjects. The characteristic corneal isogyres presenting with an evident cross-shaped pattern, grossly aligned with the fixation axis, were observed in all patients with centers within the pupillary dark area, impeding the exact determination of the center point. During the rotational scan in 78.3% of the eyes the cross-shaped pattern of the isogyre gradually separated to form two distinct hyperbolic arcs in opposite quadrants, reaching their maximal separation at 45 degrees with respect to angle of cross-shaped pattern formation. The corneal cross and hyperbolic-pattern repeated every 90° throughout the 360° rotational scan. While the interpretation of the isogyres presents particular difficulties, two summary parameters can be extracted for each cornea: the presence/orientation of a single or two dark areas in post-processed images and isochromes. However, the development of dedicated software for semi-quantitative analysis of these parameters and enantiomorphism may become available in the near future. The possible application of polarimetric interferometry in the field of both corneal pathologies and corneal surgery may be of great interest for clinical purposes.