JVLA 1.5GHz continuum observation of CLASH clusters I: radio properties of the BCGs

We present high-resolution ($\sim 1"$), 1.5 GHz continuum observations of the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) of 13 CLASH (Cluster Lensing And Supernova survey with Hubble) clusters at $0.18<z<0.69$ with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA). Radio emission is clearly detected and characterized for 11 BCGs, while for two of them we obtain only upper limits to their radio flux ($<0.1$ mJy at 5$\sigma$ confidence level). We also consider five additional clusters whose BCG is detected in FIRST or NVSS. We find radio powers in the range from $2\times 10^{23}$ to $\sim 10^{26}$ $W~Hz^{-1}$ and radio spectral indices $\alpha_{1.5}^{30}$ (defined as the slope between 1.5 and 30 GHz) distributed from $\sim -1$ to $-0.25$ around the central value $\langle \alpha \rangle= - 0.68$. The radio emission from the BCGs is resolved in three cases (Abell 383, MACS J1931, and RX J2129), and unresolved or marginally resolved in the remaining eight cases observed with JVLA. In all the cases the BCGs are consistent with being powered by active galactic nuclei (AGN). The radio power shows a positive correlation with the BCG star formation rate, and a negative correlation with the central entropy of the surrounding intracluster medium (ICM) except in two cases (MACS J1206 and CL J1226). Finally, over the restricted range in radio power sampled by the CLASH BCGs, we observe a significant scatter between the radio power and the average mechanical power stored in the ICM cavities.Comment: 19 pages, 11 figures, significantly improved following referee's comments. Accepted by Ap

Clinical Features, Cardiovascular Risk Profile, and Therapeutic Trajectories of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Candidate for Oral Semaglutide Therapy in the Italian Specialist Care

Introduction: This study aimed to address therapeutic inertia in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by investigating the potential of early treatment with oral semaglutide. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2021 and April 2022 among specialists treating individuals with T2D. A scientific committee designed a data collection form covering demographics, cardiovascular risk, glucose control metrics, ongoing therapies, and physician judgments on treatment appropriateness. Participants completed anonymous patient questionnaires reflecting routine clinical encounters. The preferred therapeutic regimen for each patient was also identified. Results: The analysis was conducted on 4449 patients initiating oral semaglutide. The population had a relatively short disease duration (42%  60% of patients, and more often than sitagliptin or empagliflozin. Conclusion: The study supports the potential of early implementation of oral semaglutide as a strategy to overcome therapeutic inertia and enhance T2D management

MAORY for ELT: preliminary design overview

MAORY is one of the approved instruments for the European Extremely Large Telescope. It is an adaptive optics module, enabling high-angular resolution observations in the near infrared by real-time compensation of the wavefront distortions due to atmospheric turbulence and other disturbances such as wind action on the telescope. An overview of the instrument design is given in this paper

Oligonucleotide transport and cellular uptake by positively charged microparticles

The production and characterization of cationic microparticles based on methacrylate copolymer constituted of acrylic and methacrylic acid esters (Eudragit RS) and the cationic agent dioctadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium bromide (DDAB18) for the delivery of nucleic acids is described. It was found that morphological and dimensional characteristics of microparticles were influenced by some experimental parameters such as stirring speed, emulsifying agent and type of rotor. The deoxyribonucleotide Defibrotide (DFT) was associated to positively charged microparticles and its in vitro release kinetics from microparticles was determined. A study on the in vitro toxicity of cationic microparticles on cultured human cell line K562 was also performed which demonstrated that the cationic surfactant dioctadecyl-dimethyl-ammonium bromide (DDAB18) microparticles display very low cytotoxicity

Natural antimicrobials in spray-dried microparticles based on cellulose derivatives as potential eco-compatible agrochemicals

It has been demonstrated that some aromatic substances synthesized by plants serve as plant defense mechanisms. However, natural extracts are difficult to use due to their poor physicochemical characteristics and low concentration. Biocompatible microparticles for the delivery of the model antimicrobial compound Gallic acid (GA) were prepared by spray drying technique using hydroxylpropyl-methylcellulose-phtalate (HPMCP) and ethyl cellulose. The selection of appropriate experimental parameters allowed the obtaining of the following instrumental settings: (a) feed rate of the polymer solution 0.6 ml/min, (b) air flow rate of the nebulization device 600 l/h, © flow of drying air 28 m3/h and (d) air drying temperature 90 C. Optical and electron microscopies showed micro particles characterized by acceptable morphology and narrow dimensional distribution. In vivo tests carried out in greenhouse tomato plants, cv. Pullrex Bio, contaminated with a bacterial suspension of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (106 CFU/ml), demonstrated that HPMCP-GA microparticles were able to significantly reduce the Pst epiphytic population showing an activity comparable to that obtained by copper salts. Biocompatible spray-dried microparticles with good activity were obtained and allowed the formulation of innovative products useful to reduce phytotoxicity and risk of copper resistance in plant pathogens associated with the frequent agricultural use of cupric compounds

L’esposizione a persolfato d’ammonio riduce il controllo non adrenergico, non colinergico inibitorio (NANC-i) nelle vie aeree di cavia

To evaluate the effect of repeated exposure to ammonium persulphate (AP) on NANC inhibitory innervation of guinea-pig airways, we exposed male guinea-pigs to AP, by aerosol inhalation at a concentration of 1 mg/m3 for 30 minutes for 5 days for three weeks. Control animals inhaled saline aerosol. After the last exposure, the animals were killed and the isolated whole trachea was cannulated at each extremity and mounted in an organ bath. Intraluminal pressure variations were measured by means of a pressure transducer. The inhibitory NANC responses to electrical field stimulation (3 and 10 Hz) were evaluated in the presence of hyoscine, piperoxane and propranolol. To evaluate both the amplitude and the duration of the responses, the area under the curve (AUC) was measured as Pa · seconds. Statistical analysis, was performed by analysis of variance. In the exposed animals, the in vitro NANC relaxations at 3 and 10 Hz were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). In particular, the AUC was 45.9 ± 12.1%, as compared to control at 3 Hz and 52.7 ± 14.1% at 10 Hz. In conclusion, the impairment in NANC relaxation may represent one of the mechanisms subserving airway hyperreactivity induced by AP esposure

Recent insights into the pathogenesis of abdominal symptoms in functional bowel disorders

In the gut, 5-HT acts as a paracrine signalling molecule released by enterochromaffin cells and as a transmitter released by some descending serotonergic interneurons. It has a prominent role in the regulation of motility, vascular tone, secretion and perception both in normal and under certain pathophysiological conditions, such as the carcinoid syndrome and the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Serotonin is known to markedly influence bowel function by activating at least five receptor types (5-HT(1,2,3,4,7)). Among all 5-HT receptors, those belonging to the 5-HT3 (a ionotropic receptor) and 5-HT4 (a metabotropic receptor) type are the most extensively studied in gastroenterology, resulting in commercially available (although not worldwide) serotonergic agents for the treatment of IBS and functional dyspepsia. Recently, 5-HT7 receptors have been found to participate in the accommodation process of the circular muscle during the preparatory phase of ileal peristalsis. Since an exaggerated accommodation of the gut wall may contribute to abdominal distension and bloating, 5-HT7 receptor ligands may offer innovative opportunities for the pharmacological treatment of functional bowel disorders

Experiential training course on spirituality for multidisciplinary palliative care teams in a hospital setting: a feasibility study

Abstract Background There is widespread agreement about the importance of spiritual training programs (STPs) for healthcare professionals caring for cancer patients, and that reflecting on one’s spirituality is the first step. Health professionals (HPs) working in hospitals must develop this dimension to guarantee the quality of life as well as spiritual and emotional support. In this paper, we propose a possible training format for hospital professionals and assess its implementation. Methods This is a phase 0-I study that follows the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. The program was implemented for hospital palliative care specialists. The program included one theory lesson, three spiritual interactions, four pieces of reflective writing, and two individual follow-up sessions for each participant. The evaluation was performed quantitatively according to the MRC framework and qualitatively according to Moore’s framework with data triangulation from interviews, reflective writings, and indicators. Results The program was implemented for palliative care physicians, nurses, psychologists, and bioethicists according to the plan, and the program components were highly appreciated by the participants. The results suggest the feasibility of a training course with some corrections, regarding both the components of the training and organizational issues. The qualitative analysis confirmed a shift in the meaning of the themes we identified. The trainees went from intrapersonal spirituality to interpersonal spirituality (engagement with the other person’s spirituality, acknowledging their unique spiritual and cultural worldviews, beliefs, and practices), with colleagues, patients, and people close to them. The training had an impact on Moore’s Level 3b. Conclusions Spiritual training for hospital professionals working in palliative care is feasible. Having time dedicated to spirituality and the ongoing mentorship of spiritual care professionals were suggested as key elements. The next step is increasing awareness of spirituality from our hospital reality and creating a stable competent group (with nurses, chaplains, nuns, counselors, etc.) with the support of the management