Quantum photonics sensing in biosystems

SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406 shows in vivo antitumor activity akin to genetic ablation and synergizes with a KRAS G12D inhibitor in KRAS LUAD

ACIX-III Aqua: evaluation of atmospheric correction for hyperspectral PRISMA imagery over inland and coastal waters

This study reports the outcomes of the third Atmospheric Correction Intercomparison Exercise (ACIX-III Aqua), which evaluated the performance of atmospheric correction (AC) methods for hyperspectral PRISMA satellite data over inland and coastal waters. The exercise included five AC processors (ACOLITE, hGRS, iCOR, MIP, and POLYMER), the standard PRISMA Level 2C product, and an adjacency correction tool (T-Mart) tested with ACOLITE. A total of 239 cloud-free PRISMA scenes from 2019 to 2024 were compared with in situ data of remote sensing reflectance, gathered from both hyperspectral and multispectral radiometers across eight distinct optical water types (OWTs). The accuracy of each AC method varied with spectral band, but all showed largest and lowest discrepancies with in situ data at 443 nm and 560 nm, respectively. All AC methods showed the best agreement with in situ data in greenish waters (OWT 4b) and highest uncertainties were yielded in humic-rich waters (OWT 7). Consistently with the previous ACIX-Aqua study focused on multispectral data, no single AC method outperformed the others across all OWTs. The study confirmed the ongoing challenges of AC over optically complex waters, yet the exercise allowed the community to advance in developing AC methods for hyperspectral satellite images and supporting the development of future operational hyperspectral missions, such as PRISMA Second Generation (PRISMA 2G) and CHIME.

Bisphenol A and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate: Hidden threats to female fertility

Bisphenol A and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate are among the most widespread endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), widely present in consumer products and the environment. Preclinical studies have shown that these compounds and their metabolites may interfere with key reproductive processes, including folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. However, translating these findings into clinical relevance remains challenging. Human studies have yielded conflicting results, with some suggesting associations between EDC levels and reduced ovarian reserve or poorer in vitro fertilisation outcomes, while others report no significant correlations. Differences in study design, population characteristics and exposure assessment contribute to this heterogeneity. Despite the current limitations, the topic warrants attention within reproductive medicine, particularly from a preventive perspective. While evidence remains inconclusive, raising awareness and considering lifestyle factors potentially linked to environmental exposures may be a reasonable step in clinical practice. Further studies are needed to clarify their clinical impact and to guide evidence-based reproductive care.

Long Takes and the Grotesque in Ettore Scola’s Brutti, sporchi e cattivi (1976)

This article examines the complex cluster of similar long takes that bookend Ettore Scola’s Brutti, sporchi e cattivi (1976). It investigates the role played by the long takes, individually and together, in enhancing the film’s grotesque humour and metacinematic commentary. Close analysis of these shots is enriched by an examination of the screenplay, original interviews, and an unpublished collection of illustrations drawn on set by assistant director Marco Pettini. The opening long takes assume the important function of announcing the grotesque register to the audience — something that a planned prologue featuring Pier Paolo Pasolini was to address, though it was never shot because of his murder. I argue that Scola’s framing strategy utilizes various stylistic devices of the grotesque (repetition, accumulation, hyperbole, and juxtaposition) and numerous intertextual citations to provoke viewers to reflect more deeply on the cyclical nature of poverty.

To create an algorithm assessing the risk of ovarian cancer in primary care using generalized additive 2 model (GA 2 M) and traditional methods

We aimed to evaluate models designed to support the exploration and early detection of potential Ovarian Cancer (OC) using either Machine Learning (ML) techniques or traditional methodologies, using primary care data. This evaluation aimed to facilitate appropriate and timely referrals to specialists. The Health Search database, containing healthcare records of 1 million adults, was used to predict OC cases among patients aged 18+ without prior OC diagnosis from 1 January 2002, to June 2021. GA 2 M, logistic regression, and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM) were trained using 20 determinants, with prediction performance assessed via Area Under Curve (AUC) and Average Precision (AP). A traditional cohort design with nested case-control analysis developed a prediction algorithm using the same determinants, evaluating explained variation, AUC, and slope calibration. Comparing the predictive performances of the three models, the AUC and AP for GA 2 M showed the highest values, which were equal to 69.1 and 0.7%, respectively. The GA 2 M-based algorithm outperformed the algorithm obtained with the traditional approach, which showed an overestimation of risk, as confirmed by a calibration slope of 1.75 along with an AUC of 55%. The GA 2 M-based algorithm outperformed the light GBM, logistic regression, and traditional models in predicting OC. This suggests that ML techniques are preferable for algorithms involving complex predictor interplays in assessing rare event risks, such as OC. The GA 2 M-based algorithm is reliable for OC prediction in primary care compared to traditional methods, indicating its potential for use in decision support systems for general practitioners.

The place of risperidone in situ microparticles (ISM®) among long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia treatment

A key challenge in managing schizophrenia is ensuring adequate adherence to antipsychotic treatment. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics play a crucial role in improving adherence, yet certain clinical needs remain unmet, including a rapid symptom control and satisfactory efficacy/tolerability balance. Main pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties as well as the effectiveness and safety profile of risperidone in situ microparticles (ISM®) are described. The aim of this narrative review is to explore how this innovative risperidone LAI formulation may be utilized in schizophrenia treatment. Risperidone ISM® employs innovative in situ microimplant technology for biphasic drug release, achieving immediate and sustained therapeutic plasma concentrations without the need for oral supplementation or loading doses. Indeed, it is characterized by a fast-acting release, reaching active risperidone moiety levels within 12 hours that are comparable to steady-state concentrations observed with oral risperidone (mean concentration of 38.63 ng/mL). The resulting plasma levels ensure consistent dopamine D 2 receptor occupancy above 65% over the full 28-day dosing cycle – an established benchmark for antipsychotic efficacy. In the short-term, risperidone ISM® enables a rapid and sustained symptoms reduction among adults with acute schizophrenia exacerbations, eliminating the need for initial loading doses or concurrent oral supplementation.

Handbook of human mobility and migration edited by Ettore Recchi and Mirna Safi, Cheltenham, UK, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2024, xxvi+294 pp., £180.00 (Hardback), ISBN 978-1-83910-577-7

To enhance the detection of aplastic anemia in primary care settings: a population-based study in Italy

Aplastic Anemia (AA) is a rare, life-threatening condition featured by hypocellular bone marrow without leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes. Early diagnosis is vital because of the effectiveness of the existing treatments. This study examined AA epidemiology and clinical correlates to aid general practitioners (GPs) in recognizing potential AA cases. The Italian Health Search database (HSD) was used. A cohort study on individuals aged 18 years and older registered in the HSD between 1 January 1998, and 31 December 2022, estimated the prevalence and incidence rate of AA. Cases were operationally classified as ‘certain,’ ‘probable,’ and ‘possible.’ A case-control study was conducted to examine the clinical correlates of AA. The cumulative prevalence was 3.8–4.8 per 100,000. The AA incidence rates for certain, certain/probable, and certain/probable/possible diagnoses were 0.3, 0.7, and 6 cases/million person-years, respectively. Increased infections (OR = 2.5), higher comorbidity burden (Charlson Index 1: OR = 2.14; 2+: OR = 2.43), and immunosuppressants use (OR = 14.9) were strongly associated with an AA diagnosis. Our findings indicate that AA is often underdiagnosed in primary care, but these data could help raise the suspicion of AA. Efforts are needed to utilize GPs’ healthcare records for early AA identification and to enhance GP-hematologist collaboration.

2D Modelica modelling and experimental validation of a compact cross-flow heat exchanger used in a new desiccant evaporative cooling system

Building electrification presents a significant challenge for the power grid, in part given the increase in cooling demand due to global warming. Thermally activated Desiccant Evaporative Cooling (DEC) systems can be an alternative used for cooling, dehumidification, ventilation and heating. They can help reduce the electrical load of air conditioning systems, especially if connected to existing district heating networks. FREESCOO 3.0 is a DEC system designed to work with regeneration temperatures as low as 60$ ^ $∘C, making it compatible with the operating conditions of 4th generation district heating. This device has been developed and tested in an accredited laboratory, in order to be tested subsequently on the field in a residential building located in Milan (Italy). The core component of the system is a compact air-to-air heat exchanger packed with silica gel grains as adsorption beds, which allows simultaneous dehumidification and cooling of the process air. The overall effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of the system depends on the performance and cost of the heat exchanger. However, traditional static design approaches fall short since by definition FREESCOO operation is transient. Therefore, an experimental bed was designed to recreate the operating conditions that will be encountered in the real installation. Milan indoor and weather conditions for air temperature and humidity were emulated using two climatic chambers, and a water loop operating at 60$ ^ $∘C for the DEC regeneration. The resulting 100 experimental data points at different temperature, humidity and airflow rate were used to validate a new open source Modelica library modelling the different components of the heat exchanger. The 2D finite volume model of the new heat exchanger shows an error of less than 6% Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) on water and energy balances in the validation cycles.