Array phasing device Patent

Apparatus for generating microwave signals at progressively related phase angles for driving antenna arra

Virtual image out-the-window display system study. Volume 2 - Appendix

Virtual image out-the-window display system imaging techniques and simulation devices - appendices containing background materia

Anti-CRISPR-mediated control of gene editing and synthetic circuits in eukaryotic cells.

Repurposed CRISPR-Cas molecules provide a useful tool set for broad applications of genomic editing and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recent discovery of phage-derived proteins, anti-CRISPRs, which serve to abrogate natural CRISPR anti-phage activity, potentially expands the ability to build synthetic CRISPR-mediated circuits. Here, we characterize a panel of anti-CRISPR molecules for expanded applications to counteract CRISPR-mediated gene activation and repression of reporter and endogenous genes in various cell types. We demonstrate that cells pre-engineered with anti-CRISPR molecules become resistant to gene editing, thus providing a means to generate "write-protected" cells that prevent future gene editing. We further show that anti-CRISPRs can be used to control CRISPR-based gene regulation circuits, including implementation of a pulse generator circuit in mammalian cells. Our work suggests that anti-CRISPR proteins should serve as widely applicable tools for synthetic systems regulating the behavior of eukaryotic cells

Post-mortem diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare (<1%), typically aggressive extranodal variant of mature non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma. IVLBCL is characterized by malignant lymphoid cells lodged within blood vessels, particularly capillary channels. Herein, we present a case of a 50-year-old man with a history of myeloradiculitis (∼1 year) and paraparesis requiring hospitalization. During the course of his hospital stay, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, CT-positron emission tomography, and biopsy failed to establish a diagnosis. The patient died 2 months later from bilateral pneumonia. Postmortem examination was undertaken to determine the cause of death. Histologic sections of the patient’s brain, heart, lung, and liver showed aggregates of highly atypical cells bearing enlarged, pleomorphic, and hyperchromatic nuclei. Strong intravascular positivity for CD45 and CD20 markers indicated the cells were of B-cell origin, supporting a diagnosis of IVLBCL

Sustainable solutions for removing aged wax-based coatings from cultural heritage. Exploiting hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs)

This study describes the investigation on the use of hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) for the removal of nonpolar coatings from works of art to replace toxic solvents. Beeswax and two microcrystalline waxes (R21 and Renaissances) have been selected as reference nonpolar coatings since they are commonly present in their aged state on metal and stone artifacts. The interaction between the DESs and three waxes has been evaluated through contact angle measurements, solubility tests, and cleaning tests carried out by implementing a method that is ordinarily used by restorers. Tests have been conducted on mockups consisting of microscope glass slides covered by wax. The effective removal of the wax-based coating from the mockups has been assessed through spectrocolorimetry and multispectral imaging under visible (VIS) and ultraviolet light (UV) at 365 nm by loading the waxes with a fluorescent marker (Rhodamine 6G). Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) mode was performed to assess the presence of both the wax and the solvent on the swabs used for the cleaning tests, confirming the actual interaction among the solvent and the solute. The experimental process proved DESs’ potential of being used as green solvents for cleaning treatments on Cultural Heritage

Proactive risk assessment through failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for perioperative management model of oral anticoagulant therapy. A pilot project

Introduction: Correct perioperative management of anticoagulant therapy is essential to prevent thromboembolic events and reduce the risk of bleeding. The lack of universally accepted guidelines makes perioperative anticoagulant therapy management difficult. The present study aims to identify the perioperative risks of oral anticoagulant therapy and to reduce adverse events through Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA). Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary working group was set up, and four main phases of the process were identified. Each of these phases was divided into micro-activities to identify the related possible failure modes and their potential consequences. The Risk Priority Number was calculated for each failure mode. Results and Discussion: Seventeen failure modes were identified in the entire perioperative period; those with a higher priority of intervention concern the incorrect timing between therapy suspension and surgery, and the incorrect assessment of the bleeding risk related to the invasive procedure. Conclusion: The FMEA method can help identify anticoagulant therapy perioperative failures and implement the management and patient safety of surgical procedures

Autopsy findings in COVID-19-related deaths. A literature review

Although many clinical reports have been published, little is known about the pathological post-mortem findings from people who have died of the novel coronavirus disease. The need for postmortem information is urgent to improve patient management of mild and severe illness, and treatment strategies. The present systematic review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards. A systematic literature search and a critical review of the collected studies were conducted. An electronic search of PubMed, Science Direct Scopus, Google Scholar, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) from database inception to June 2020 was performed. We found 28 scientific papers; the total amount of cases is 341. The major histological feature in the lung is diffuse alveolar damage with hyaline membrane formation, alongside microthrombi in small pulmonary vessels. It appears that there is a high incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism among COVID-19 decedents, suggesting endothelial involvement, but more studies are needed. A uniform COVID-19 post-mortem diagnostic protocol has not yet been developed. In a time in which international collaboration is essential, standardized diagnostic criteria are fundamental requirements

Z-Drugs and their use in drug-facilitated crimes: a review of the literature

Background: Z-Drugs are a category of non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs that include Zolpidem, Zopiclone and Zaleplon. They are all rapidly adsorbed and have a very short half- life, features that make them first-line treatment of insomnia and, in the meantime, first-choice drugs in cases of poisoning for criminal purposes. Z-drugs are frequently use in Drug Facilitated Crime cases (DFC) and Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA), namely crimes, robberies, extortion and sexual violence committed after administration of incapacitating substances able to induce sedative-hypnotic effects. In these circumstances, the psychoactive substance is considered as a weapon and constitutes an aggravating circumstance in the criminal act: accordingly, judicial authority legitimates the analytical determination of these substances. Currently, few tests able to detect such drugs are available in daily clinical practice. Aim: The aim of this work is to evaluate the effective utilization of Z-Drugs. Methods: We have analyzed the literature, focusing on cases in which the criminal use of such incapacitating substances has been demonstrated. Relevant scientific articles were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, EMBASE up to December 2022 using the following keywords: "z-drugs", "drug facilitated crime", "forensic toxicology". The resulting references were screened to exclude duplicates. In addition, non-English papers were excluded. This evaluation left 10 articles (8 case reports and 2 original studies) divided as follows: 1 case report of a DFC (robbery), 6 cases of confirmed DFSA, 3 cases of suspected DFSA, 2 original studies about DFC. Results: The totality of the selected cases showed positive toxicological tests for a single intake of z-drugs. Conclusions: This work has shown the limitations of screening tests currently in use in the emergency rooms. Forensic toxicology tests should be introduced in daily clinical practice

The importance of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) as a complementary diagnostic technique to traditional autopsy in a case of asphyxia related-death

Although asphyxia related-death is a common occurrence in forensic setting, traditional autopsy with neck dissection is not always sufficient to gain information about potential injuries of the deep structures of the neck. In this case a 40 years-old white female was found unresponsive on the floor of her living room, in supine position with a widespread brownish area on her neck. A preliminary PMCT examination showed a fracture line within the hyoid bone. This finding was confirmed by the autopsy, which revealed soft tissue’s haemorrhage of the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles and a fracture of the right horn of the hyoid bone. A 3D reconstruction of the event showed the aggressor standing behind the victim while holding his arm around her neck. Our study demonstrates that, PMCT represent an effective aid to traditional examination techniques in order to visualize fractures. The former always requires to be associated with autoptic examination