Synchrotron intensity gradient revealing magnetic fields in galaxy clusters.

Magnetic fields and their dynamical interplay with matter in galaxy clusters contribute to the physical properties and evolution of the intracluster medium. However, the current understanding of the origin and properties of cluster magnetic fields is still limited by observational challenges. In this article, we map the magnetic fields at hundreds-kpc scales of five clusters RXC J1314.4-2515, Abell 2345, Abell 3376, MCXC J0352.4-7401, and El Gordo using the synchrotron intensity gradient technique in conjunction with high-resolution radio observations from the Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) and the Karoo Array Telescope (MeerKAT). We demonstrate that the magnetic field orientation of radio relics derived from synchrotron intensity gradient is in agreement with that obtained with synchrotron polarization. Most importantly, the synchrotron intensity gradient is not limited by Faraday depolarization in the cluster central regions and allows us to map magnetic fields in the radio halos of RXC J1314.4-2515 and El Gordo. We find that magnetic fields in radio halos exhibit a preferential direction along the major merger axis and show turbulent structures at higher angular resolution. The results are consistent with expectations from numerical simulations, which predict turbulent magnetic fields in cluster mergers that are stirred and amplified by matter motions.

Validation of a sub-epidermal moisture scanner for early detection of pressure ulcers in an ex vivo porcine model of localized oedema.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) remain a chronic health problem with severe impacts on healthcare systems. Early detection is crucial to providing effective interventions. However, detecting PUs currently relies on subjective tissue evaluations, such as visual skin assessment, precluding interventions prior to the development of visible tissue damage. There is an unmet need for solutions that can detect early tissue damage before visual and tactile signs occur. Assessments based on sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) measurements represent an opportunity for robust and objective early detection of PUs, preventing broken skin PUs in more high-risk patients at high-risk anatomical locations. While SEM assessment technology has been validated in computational, bench and tissue phantom models, validation in soft tissue was absent. In this study, we successfully validated the ability of a commercially available SEM assessment device to measure and detect sub-epidermal moisture changes in a novel ex vivo porcine soft tissue model of localised oedema. When controlled and incremental fluid volumes (Phosphate Buffer Solution) were injected into porcine soft tissues, statistically significant differences were found in SEM values between fluid-injected sites, representing an inflammatory oedematous condition, and healthy tissue control sites, as measured by the SEM device. The device provided reproducible readings by detecting localised oedema changes in soft tissues, reflecting the build-up of fluid as small as 1 ml into the underlying tissue. Spatial characterization experiments described the ability of the device technology to differentiate between healthy and oedematous tissue. Our findings validate the use of SEM assessment technology to measure and quantify localized oedema.

High levels of LIGHT/TNFSF14 in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.

PURPOSE/METHODS: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder displaying different clinical features, including obesity and bone impairment. LIGHT/TNFSF14 is a cytokine produced by immune cells affecting both fat and bone metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate LIGHT serum levels in 28 children and 52 adult PWS patients compared to age and sex-matched controls, as well as correlations with parameters of bone and fat metabolism. RESULTS: Median serum LIGHT levels were significantly increased in pediatric PWS with respect to controls [255.82 (284.43) pg/ml vs 168.11 (76.23) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.02] as well as in adult PWS compared to controls [296.85 (895.95) pg/ml vs 134.18 (141.18) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.001]. In pediatric PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight-SDS, height-SDS, and glucose levels, and negatively with total 25 (OH) vitamin D, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, LIGHT levels were negatively correlated with total BMD and fat mass. In adult PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight, HDL cholesterol and PTH, and negatively with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)Vitamin D as well as with instrumental parameters of bone and fat quality. Consistently, multiple regression analysis showed that LIGHT serum levels in pediatric and adult PWS were predicted by different parameters including 25 (OH) Vitamin D as well as DXA parameters of bone and fat quality. CONCLUSIONS: In PWS children and adults the high levels of LIGHT could represent a marker of the altered bone and fat metabolism.

Galaxy clusters enveloped by vast volumes of relativistic electrons.

The central regions of galaxy clusters are permeated by magnetic fields and filled with relativistic electrons1. When clusters merge, the magnetic fields are amplified and relativistic electrons are re-accelerated by turbulence in the intracluster medium2,3. These electrons reach energies of 1-10 GeV and, in the presence of magnetic fields, produce diffuse radio halos4 that typically cover an area of around 1 Mpc2. Here we report observations of four clusters whose radio halos are embedded in much more extended, diffuse radio emission, filling a volume 30 times larger than that of radio halos. The emissivity in these larger features is about 20 times lower than the emissivity in radio halos. We conclude that relativistic electrons and magnetic fields extend far beyond radio halos, and that the physical conditions in the outer regions of the clusters are quite different from those in the radio halos.

Role of Wnt-signaling inhibitors DKK-1 and sclerostin in bone fragility associated with Turner syndrome.

PURPOSE: Girls affected with Turner syndrome (TS) present with low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteopenia/osteoporosis. Thus, they have an increased risk to develop fractures compared to normal population. The aim of this study was to deepen the pathophysiology of skeletal fragility in TS subjects by evaluating the serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and sclerostin, main regulators of bone mass, as well as the percentage of circulating osteoblast precursors (OCPs). METHODS: Thirty-four TS girls and 24 controls were recruited. All subjects underwent anthropometric measures (height, weight, body mass index-BMI). A peripheral venous blood sample was collected to determine serum levels of active intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25-OH vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin, sclerostin, DKK-1, RANKL and OPG. OCPs were detected by flow cytometry. In TS subjects bone mineralization was measured at lumbar spine by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: bALP, 25-OH Vitamin D, and osteocalcin levels were significant lower in TS subjects than in the controls. Statistically significant higher levels of sclerostin, DKK-1 and RANKL were measured in patients compared with the controls. The percentage of OCPs did not show significant differences between patients and controls. Sclerostin and DKK-1 levels were related with anthropometric parameters, bone metabolism markers, HRT, rhGH therapy, RANKL and lumbar BMAD-Z-score. CONCLUSION: TS patients showed higher levels of sclerostin and DKK-1 than controls which can be related to HRT, and to reduced bone formation markers as well as the increased bone resorption activity.

The genetic background and vitamin D supplementation can affect irisin levels in Prader-Willi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated to distinctive clinical symptoms, including obesity, cognitive and behavioral disorders, and bone impairment. Irisin is a myokine that acts on several target organs including brain adipose tissue and bone. The present study was finalized to explore circulating levels of irisin in children and adult PWS patients. METHODS: Seventy-eight subjects with PWS, 26 children (15 females, mean age 9.48 ± 3.6 years) and 52 adults (30 females, mean age 30.6 ± 10.7) were enrolled. Irisin serum levels were measured in patients and controls. Its levels were related with anthropometric and metabolic parameters, cognitive performance and bone mineral density either in pediatric or adult PWS. Multiple regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Irisin serum levels in PWS patients did not show different compared with controls. A more in-depth analysis showed that both pediatric and adult PWS with DEL15 displayed significantly reduced irisin levels compared to controls. Otherwise, no differences in irisin concentration were found in UPD15 patients with respect to controls. Our study revealed that in pediatric PWS the 25(OH) vitamin-D levels affected irisin serum concentration. Indeed, patients who were not supplemented with vitamin D showed lower irisin levels than controls and patients performing the supplementation. Multiple regression analysis showed that irisin levels in pediatric and adult PWS were predicted by the genetic background and 25(OH)-vitamin D levels, whereas in a group of 29 adult PWS also by intelligent quotient. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the possible role of genetic background and vitamin-D supplementation on irisin serum levels in PWS patients.

A radio ridge connecting two galaxy clusters in a filament of the cosmic web.

Galaxy clusters are the most massive gravitationally bound structures in the Universe. They grow by accreting smaller structures in a merging process that produces shocks and turbulence in the intracluster gas. We observed a ridge of radio emission connecting the merging galaxy clusters Abell 0399 and Abell 0401 with the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope network at 140 megahertz. This emission requires a population of relativistic electrons and a magnetic field located in a filament between the two galaxy clusters. We performed simulations to show that a volume-filling distribution of weak shocks may reaccelerate a preexisting population of relativistic particles, producing emission at radio wavelengths that illuminates the magnetic ridge.

Stemness genes expression in naïve vs. osteodifferentiated human dental-derived stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been deeply investigated in regenerative medicine because of their crucial role in tissue healing, such as tissue regeneration. Dental-derived stem cells (d-DSCs) are easily available from dental tissues, which can be isolated from all age patients with minimal discomfort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Normal unerupted third molars tooth buds were collected from adolescents' patients underwent to extractions for orthodontic reasons. The expression of the genes Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf-4), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), homeobox transcription factor Nanog (NANOG) was investigated in d-DSCs obtained from dental bud (DBSCs), differentiated toward osteoblastic phenotype and not. RESULTS: Our results showed that DBSCs expressed Oct-4, Nanog, and Klf-4 in undifferentiated conditions and interestingly the expression of such genes increased when the cells were kept in osteogenic medium. CONCLUSIONS: These attractive stemness properties, together with the effortlessly isolation, during common oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, from undifferentiated tissues such as dental bud, make this kind of d-DSCs a promising tool in regenerative medicine, having the potential for clinical applications, and reinforcing the present challenge to develop new preventive and healing strategies in tissue regeneration.

Pilot study on circulating miRNA signature in children with obesity born small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age.

BACKGROUND: Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of metabolic dysfunction. Dysregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to aberrant gene expression patterns underlying metabolic dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine and compare circulating miRNA (c-miRNA) profile of SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children with obesity and with normal weight, in order to identify biomarkers for early detection of increased risk of developing metabolic dysfunction in SGA and AGA children with obesity. METHODS: Small non-coding RNAs from serum of 15 SGA children with obesity (OB-SGA), 10 SGA children with normal weight (NW-SGA), 17 AGA children with obesity (OB-AGA) and 12 AGA children with normal weight (NW-AGA) (mean age 11.2 ± 2.6) have been extracted and sequenced in order to detect and quantify miRNA expression profiles. RESULTS: RNA-seq analyses showed 28 miRNAs dysregulated in OB-SGA vs. NW-SGA and 19 miRNAs dysregulated in OB-AGA vs. NW-AGA. Among these, miR-92a-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-423-5p, miR-484, miR-486-3p and miR-532-5p were up regulated, and miR-181b-5p was down regulated in both OB-SGA and OB-AGA compared with normal weight counterparts. Pathway analysis and miRNA target prediction suggested that these miRNAs were particularly involved in insulin signalling, glucose transport, insulin resistance, cholesterol and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: We identified a specific profile of c-miRNAs in SGA and AGA children with obesity compared with SGA and AGA children with normal weight. These c-miRNAs could represent specific biomarkers for early detection of increased risk of developing metabolic dysfunction in SGA and AGA children with obesity.

Analysis of Circulating Mediators of Bone Remodeling in Prader-Willi Syndrome.

We tested the hypothesis that the levels of bone remodeling mediators may be altered in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). We assessed RANKL, OPG, sclerostin, DKK-1 serum levels, and bone metabolism markers in 12 PWS children (7.8 ± 4.3 years), 14 PWS adults (29.5 ± 7.2 years), and 31 healthy controls matched for sex and age. Instrumental parameters of bone mineral density (BMD) were also evaluated. Lumbar spine BMD Z-scores were reduced in PWS children (P < 0.01), reaching osteopenic levels in PWS adults. PWS patients showed lower 25(OH)-vitamin D serum levels than controls (P < 0.001). Osteocalcin was increased in PWS children but reduced in adults respect to controls (P < 0.005 and P < 0.01, respectively). RANKL levels were higher in both pediatric and PWS adults than controls (P < 0.004), while OPG levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.004 and P < 0.006, respectively). Sclerostin levels were increased in children (P < 0.04) but reduced in adults compared to controls (P < 0.01). DKK-1 levels did not show significant difference between patients and controls. In PWS patients, RANKL, OPG, and sclerostin significantly correlated with metabolic and bone instrumental parameters. Consistently, with adjustment for age, multiple linear regression analysis showed that BMD and osteocalcin were the most important predictors for RANKL, OPG, and sclerostin in children, and GH and sex steroid replacement treatment in PWS adults. We demonstrated the involvement of RANKL, OPG, and sclerostin in the altered bone turnover of PWS subjects suggesting these molecules as markers of bone disease and new potential pharmacological targets to improve bone health in PWS.

Irisin levels correlate with bone mineral density in soccer players.

Irisin, a novel myokine produced in response to physical exercise by skeletal muscle, displays anabolic effect on bone and can improve the bone-loss-induced osteoporosis in hind limb suspended mice. It is well known that muscles positively impact the skeleton and in different sports, including soccer, total body bone mineral density (TB-BMD) is elevated. Therefore, we have investigated the correlation between irisin serum levels and total and bone sub-regional BMD in soccer players never studied before. In this study, Caucasian football players of Bari team have been enrolled. Their sera were collected to measure by ELISA kit irisin levels and by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) analysis measurements of BMD (g • cm−2) in the whole body and different bone sub-regions (head, arms, legs, ribs, dorsal vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, pelvis) were performed. The BMC (g) was measured in the whole body. By means of Pearson's (R) and Cohen's (d) coefficient we investigated the linear association between the irisin serum levels and BMD. In soccer players, we have found a positive correlation between irisin and TB-BMD as demonstrated by the values of Pearson and Cohen's (d) coefficient. Furthermore, linear association was detected between irisin and BMD of different bone-site such as right arm, lumbar vertebrae and head. A positive trend was also observed analyzing circulating levels of irisin and bone mineral content as well as total Z-score. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the correlation between irisin and total or bone sub-regional BMD in soccer players for the first time, an additional systemic effect of the "sport-hormone" defined myokine.

Constraints on Oscillation Parameters from ν_{e} Appearance and ν_{µ} Disappearance in NOvA.

Results are reported from an improved measurement of ν_{µ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. Using an exposure equivalent to 6.05×10^{20} protons on target, 33 ν_{e} candidates are observed with a background of 8.2±0.8 (syst.). Combined with the latest NOvA ν_{µ} disappearance data and external constraints from reactor experiments on sin^{2}2θ_{13}, the hypothesis of inverted mass hierarchy with θ_{23} in the lower octant is disfavored at greater than 93% C.L. for all values of δ_{CP}.

Measurement of the Neutrino Mixing Angle θ_{23} in NOvA.

This Letter reports new results on muon neutrino disappearance from NOvA, using a 14 kton detector equivalent exposure of 6.05×10^{20} protons on target from the NuMI beam at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The measurement probes the muon-tau symmetry hypothesis that requires maximal θ_{23} mixing (θ_{23}=π/4). Assuming the normal mass hierarchy, we find Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.67±0.11)×10^{-3} eV^{2} and sin^{2}θ_{23} at the two statistically degenerate values 0.404_{-0.022}^{+0.030} and 0.624_{-0.030}^{+0.022}, both at the 68% confidence level. Our data disfavor the maximal mixing scenario with 2.6σ significance.

Evaluating the mobility of polymer-stabilised zero-valent iron nanoparticles and their potential to co-transport contaminants in intact soil cores.

The use of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) has been advocated for the remediation of both soils and groundwater. A key parameter affecting nZVI remediation efficacy is the mobility of the particles as this influences the reaction zone where remediation can occur. However, by engineering nZVI particles with increased stability and mobility we may also inadvertently facilitate nZVI-mediated contaminant transport away from the zone of treatment. Previous nZVI mobility studies have often been limited to model systems as the presence of background Fe makes detection and tracking of nZVI in real systems difficult. We overcame this problem by synthesising Fe-59 radiolabelled nZVI. This enabled us to detect and quantify the leaching of nZVI-derived Fe-59 in intact soil cores, including a soil contaminated by Chromated-Copper-Arsenate. Mobility of a commercially available nZVI was also tested. The results showed limited mobility of both nanomaterials; <1% of the injected mass was eluted from the columns and most of the radiolabelled nZVI remained in the surface soil layers (the primary treatment zone in this contaminated soil). Nevertheless, the observed breakthrough of contaminants and nZVI occurred simultaneously, indicating that although the quantity transported was low in this case, nZVI does have the potential to co-transport contaminants. These results show that direct injection of nZVI into the surface layers of contaminated soils may be a viable remediation option for soils such as this one, in which the mobility of nZVI below the injection/remediation zone was very limited. This Fe-59 experimental approach can be further extended to test nZVI transport in a wider range of contaminated soil types and textures and using different application methods and rates. The resulting database could then be used to develop and validate modelling of nZVI-facilitated contaminant transport on an individual soil basis suitable for site specific risk assessment prior to nZVI remediation.

Effects of the main extraction parameters on chemical and microbial characteristics of compost tea.

The rising popularity of compost tea as fertilizer or foliar spray against pathogens has encouraged many researchers to evaluate its performance without standardizing its quality, so obtaining inconsistent and controversial results. The fertilizing and pesticide-like effects of compost tea are due to its chemical and microbiological properties. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the best combination of the compost tea extraction parameters for exalting both chemical and microbiological features. A factorial design was adopted to evaluate the effects of compost/water ratio, extraction time, storage duration and storage temperature in different combination on physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of compost tea, and the results were elaborated through different statistical analyses. Compost tea nutrients and microorganisms were influenced by compost/water ratio and extraction time. In addition, the storage duration affected the microbial populations, whereas the storage temperature influenced only the fungal population of compost tea. Results suggested that the best combination of the studied parameters was: 1:2.5 compost/water ratio, 2days of extraction time and the compost tea should be utilized immediately after the extraction, since the storage reduced the microbial populations.

First Measurement of Electron Neutrino Appearance in NOvA.

We report results from the first search for ν_{µ}→ν_{e} transitions by the NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74×10^{20} protons on target in the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector, compared to a background expectation of 0.99±0.11(syst) events based on the Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a background of 1.07±0.14(syst). The 3.3σ excess of events observed in the primary analysis disfavors 0.1π<δ_{CP}<0.5π in the inverted mass hierarchy at the 90% C.L.

Impaired bone remodeling in children with osteogenesis imperfecta treated and untreated with bisphosphonates: the role of DKK1, RANKL, and TNF-α.

UNLABELLED: In this study, we investigated the bone cell activity in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) treated and untreated with neridronate. We demonstrated the key role of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in regulating bone cell of untreated and treated OI subjects. These cytokines could represent new pharmacological targets for OI. INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) with the objective of reducing the risk of fractures. Although bisphosphonates increase bone mineral density in OI subjects, the effects on fracture incidence are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying bone cell activity in subjects with mild untreated forms of OI and in a group of subjects with severe OI treated with cycles of intravenous neridronate. METHODS: Sclerostin, DKK1, TNF-α, RANKL, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and bone turnover markers were quantified in serum of 18 OI patients (12 females, mean age 8.86 ± 3.90), 8 of which were receiving cyclic intravenous neridronate, and 21 sex- and age-matched controls. The effects on osteoblastogenesis and OPG expression of media conditioned by the serum of OI patients and anti-DKK1 neutralizing antibody were evaluated. Osteoclastogenesis was assessed in cultures from patients and controls. RESULTS: DKK1 and RANKL levels were significantly increased both in untreated and in treated OI subjects with respect to controls. The serum from patients with high DKK1 levels inhibited both osteoblast differentiation and OPG expression in vitro. High RANKL and low OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were found in lymphomonocytes from patients. High amounts of TNF-α were expressed by monocytes, and an elevated percentage of circulating CD11b-CD51/CD61+ osteoclast precursors was observed in patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the key role of DKK1, RANKL, and TNF-α in regulating bone cell activity of subjects with OI untreated and treated with bisphosphonates. These cytokines could represent new pharmacological targets for OI patients.

Predictors of outcome for patients with severe respiratory failure requiring non invasive mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: Failure to identify patients in whom non-invasive ventilation (NIV) would be unsuccessful may cause inappropriate delay in intubation. Aim of this study was to determine predictors of NIV failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated COPD patients, undergoing NIV for at least 12h because of hypercapnic acute respiratory failure. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed on: age, gender, APACHE II and GCS, gas exchange at admission, during NIV and at discharge/death, length of stay. ROC analysis for pH START and APACHE II were performed. RESULTS: Among 201 individuals enrolled, NIV failed in 50. In the logistic regression model only APACHE II was found to have an independent effect on the outcome (p < 0.0001, OR 1.179, 95% CI 1.101-1.263 as quantitative variable; p < 0.0001, OR 3.753, 95% CI 1.798-7.835, as qualitative variable, > 20.5). CONCLUSIONS: APACHE II may be a crucial parameter in predicting NIV failure; further multicentric studies are needed to better define NIV indications.

Non-labile silver species in biosolids remain stable throughout 50 years of weathering and ageing.

Increasing commercial use of nanosilver has focussed attention on the fate of silver (Ag) in the wastewater release pathway. This paper reports the speciation and lability of Ag in archived, stockpiled, and contemporary biosolids from the UK, USA and Australia, and indicates that biosolids Ag concentrations have decreased significantly over recent decades. XANES revealed the importance of reduced-sulfur binding environments for Ag speciation in materials ranging from freshly produced sludge to biosolids weathered under ambient environmental conditions for more than 50 years. Isotopic dilution with (110 m)Ag showed that Ag was predominantly non-labile in both fresh and aged biosolids (13.7% mean lability), with E-values ranging from 0.3 to 60 mg/kg and 5 mM CaNO3 extractable Ag from 1.2 to 609 µg/kg (0.002-3.4% of the total Ag). This study indicates that at the time of soil application, biosolids Ag will be predominantly Ag-sulfides and characterised by low isotopic lability.

A preliminary health technology assessment of a guidance system for interventional radiology.

Disruptive innovation in biomedical devices have to be carefully assessed in order to be included in the clinical practice, especially when these new systems interact with the human body. In this scenario the guidance devices for interventional radiology represent an area of great interest. In this paper a CT-navigation system, SIRIO, used for percutaneous interventions such as biopsy, thermal ablation, percutaneous interventional, is tested and assessed. The technical features of the system in terms of efficacy and safety and the comparison with the traditional CT-guided biopsy are analyzed. According to the clinical evidences, biopsies carried out with SIRIO show an important reduction of number of CT scans, procedure's time and radiation dose absorbed by the patients. The analysis of the technology costs, the social impact related to the benefits to clinicians and patients are also reported. Although SIRIO does not have an appropriate reimbursement procedure, short- and long-term benefits introduced by this device are discussed.