CENTRE OF MASS TRAJECTORY IN SNOWBOARD GIANT SLALOM USING INERTIAL SENSORS: LABORATORY AND IN-FIELD PRELIMINARY EVALUATION

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reconstruction accuracy of the centre of mass during snowboard giant slalom using inertial sensors (Opal, APDM, 128 Hz). Two approaches were implemented and tested: i) a multi-segment model using 7 inertial sensors on the trunk, the pelvis, the thighs, the shanks, and the board; and ii) a double integration of the acceleration at L5 level measured with one inertial sensor. The accuracy of the algorithms was verified in two laboratory conditions: a) the multi-segment model approach was tested indoor during controlled movements using stereo-photogrammetry as gold standard, and b) the double integration of acceleration approach was tested outdoor in simulated movements on a longboard using GPS as gold standard. Successively, to verify the application in real conditions, an in-field acquisition of a forerunner athlete during a snowboard world cup competition was performed. The position of the centre of mass estimated indoor with multi-segmental model approach reported in the local reference frame of the board showed high correlation with respect to stereo-photogrammetry (r=0.87) and a RMS error of 3.8 [%] expressed as percentage of the range of motion during the trial (1.32m). For the simulated movements test in outdoor conditions on the longboard applying the double integration approach, high correlation was found with respect to the GPS data (r=0.95) on the trajectory but , for the 4 turns trial, a RMS difference on the distance equal to 15.3 [%] expressed as percentage of the whole distance covered (46m). Finally, the in-field acquisition showed how using inertial sensors is a viable option for collecting centre of mass data during training session useful for coaches and athletes. The approach using one sensors at L5 level showed low level of accuracy with respect to the one using a multi-segment model. Further developments should be performed in the direction of a better estimation of the orientation of the inertial sensors and of the boundary conditions for the integration algorithm

The Coiled-coil Domain Is the Structural Determinant for Mammalian Homologues of Drosophila Sina-mediated Degradation of Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein and Other Tripartite Motif Proteins by the Proteasome

Mammalian homologues of Drosophila Seven in Absentia (SIAHs) target for proteasome-mediated degradation several factors involved in cell growth and tumorigenesis. Here we show that SIAH-1/2 binds and targets for proteasome-mediated degradation the putative tumor suppressor and tripartite motif (TRIM) family member PML, leading to the loss of its transcriptional co-activating properties and a reduction in the number of endogenous PML nuclear bodies. Association with PML requires the substrate-binding domain (SBD) of SIAH-1/2 through an interacting surface apparently distinct from those predicted by the structural studies, or shown experimentally to mediate binding to SIAH-associated factors. Within PML, the coiled-coil domain is required for Siah- and proteasome-mediated degradation, and deletions of regions critical for the integrity of this region impair the ability of Siah to trigger PML-RAR degradation. Fusion of the coiled-coil domain to heterologous proteins resulted in the capacity of mSiah-2 to target their degradation. All of the TRIM proteins tested were degraded upon mSiah-2 overexpression. Finally, we show that the fusion protein PML-RAR (that retains the coiled-coil domain), which causes acute promyelocytic leukemias, is also a potential substrate of mSiah-2. As a result of mSiah-2 overexpression and subsequent degradation of the fusion protein, the arrest in hematopoietic differentiation because of expression of PML-RAR is partially rescued. These results identify PML and other TRIMs as new factors post-translationally regulated by SIAH and involve the coiled-coil region of PML and of other SIAH substrates as a novel structural determinant for targeted degradation

Conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: patient awareness and needs. results from an online survey in Italy and Germany

Background: Few studies have investigated the experiences of patients around the conversion to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). ManTra is a mixed-method, co-production research project conducted in Italy and Germany to develop an intervention for newly-diagnosed SPMS patients. In previous project actions, we identified the needs and experiences of patients converting to SPMS via literature review and qualitative research which involved key stakeholders.Aims: The online patient survey aimed to assess, on a larger and independent sample of recently-diagnosed SPMS patients: (a) the characteristics associated to patient awareness of SPMS conversion; (b) the experience of conversion; (c) importance and prioritization of the needs previously identified.Methods: Participants were consenting adults with SPMS since <= 5 years. The survey consisted of three sections: on general and clinical characteristics; on experience of SPMS diagnosis disclosure (aware participants only); and on importance and prioritization of 33 pre-specified needs.Results: Of 215 participants, those aware of their SPMS diagnosis were 57% in Italy vs. 77% in Germany (p = 0.004). In both countries, over 80% of aware participants received a SPMS diagnosis from the neurologist; satisfaction with SPMS disclosure was moderate to high. Nevertheless, 28-35% obtained second opinions, and 48-56% reported they did not receive any information on SPMS. Participants actively seeking further information were 63% in Germany vs. 31% in Italy (p < 0.001).Variables independently associated to patient awareness were geographic area (odds ratio, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13-0.78 for Central Italy; OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.58 for Southern Italy [vs. Germany]) and activity limitations (OR 7.80, 95% CI 1.47-41.37 for dependent vs. autonomous patients).All pre-specified needs were scored a lot or extremely important, and two prioritized needs were shared by Italian and German patients: "physiotherapy" and "active patient care involvement." The other two differed across countries: "an individualized health care plan" and "information on social rights and policies" in Italy, and "psychological support" and "cognitive rehabilitation" in Germany.Conclusions: Around 40% of SPMS patients were not aware of their disease form indicating a need to improve patient-physician communication. Physiotherapy and active patient care involvement were prioritized in both countries

SIAMOC position paper on gait analysis in clinical practice: General requirements, methods and appropriateness. Results of an Italian consensus conference

Gait analysis is recognized as a useful assessment tool in the field of human movement research. However, doubts remain on its real effectiveness as a clinical tool, i.e. on its capability to change the diagnostic-therapeutic practice. In particular, the conditions in which evidence of a favorable cost-benefit ratio is found and the methodology for properly conducting and interpreting the exam are not identified clearly. To provide guidelines for the use of Gait Analysis in the context of rehabilitation medicine, SIAMOC (the Italian Society of Clinical Movement Analysis) promoted a National Consensus Conference which was held in Bologna on September 14th, 2013. The resulting recommendations were the result of a three-stage process entailing i) the preparation of working documents on specific open issues, ii) the holding of the consensus meeting, and iii) the drafting of consensus statements by an external Jury. The statements were formulated based on scientific evidence or experts' opinion, when the quality/quantity of the relevant literature was deemed insufficient. The aim of this work is to disseminate the consensus statements. These are divided into 13 questions grouped in three areas of interest: 1) General requirements and management, 2) Methodological and instrumental issues, and 3) Scientific evidence and clinical appropriateness. SIAMOC hopes that this document will contribute to improve clinical practice and help promoting further research in the field

Siponimod (BAF312) prevents synaptic neurodegeneration in experimental multiple sclerosis

Data from multiple sclerosis (MS) and the MS rodent model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), highlighted an inflammation-dependent synaptopathy at the basis of the neurodegenerative damage causing irreversible disability in these disorders. This synaptopathy is characterized by an imbalance between glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission and has been proposed to be a potential therapeutic target. Siponimod (BAF312), a selective sphingosine 1-phosphate1,5 receptor modulator, is currently under investigation in a clinical trial in secondary progressive MS patients. We investigated whether siponimod, in addition to its peripheral immune modulation, may exert direct neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system (CNS) of mice with chronic progressive EAE

Mouse models of breast cancer metastasis

Metastatic spread of cancer cells is the main cause of death of breast cancer patients, and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying this process is a major focus in cancer research. The identification of appropriate therapeutic targets and proof-of-concept experimentation involves an increasing number of experimental mouse models, including spontaneous and chemically induced carcinogenesis, tumor transplantation, and transgenic and/or knockout mice. Here we give a progress report on how mouse models have contributed to our understanding of the molecular processes underlying breast cancer metastasis and on how such experimentation can open new avenues to the development of innovative cancer therapy

Consumer’s willingness towards Net Zero Energy Settlements and pre-occupancy evaluation of building energy performance in a real case study in Italy

Both technical strategies and occupancy need to be considered to achieve high energy performance buildings. In this view, the purpose of this work, developed within the context of the H2020 project ZERO-PLUS, is to evaluate the influence of users on Net Zero Energy (NZE) settlements feasibility in terms of both energy performance and willingness of consumers towards this building typology. To this aim, calibrated thermal-energy dynamic simulation of case study buildings is carried out after the pre-occupancy checks of their envelope performance. Therefore, different scenarios of occupant-building interaction are modelled when varying users’ energy awareness. Finally, an extensive survey is developed to examine consumers' intention to purchase NZEBs in NZE settlements. Results clearly confirm the impact of occupant behavior on building annual energy savings up to 60% moving from unaware to green behavior. Furthermore, the survey shows that psychological factors can be significant determinants of willingness towards NZE settlements

The Use of IMMUs in a Water Environment: Instrument Validation and Application of 3D Multi-Body Kinematic Analysis in Medicine and Sport

The aims of the present study were the instrumental validation of inertial-magnetic measurements units (IMMUs) in water, and the description of their use in clinical and sports aquatic applications applying customized 3D multi-body models. Firstly, several tests were performed to map the magnetic field in the swimming pool and to identify the best volume for experimental test acquisition with a mean dynamic orientation error lower than 5\ub0. Successively, the gait and the swimming analyses were explored in terms of spatiotemporal and joint kinematics variables. The extraction of only spatiotemporal parameters highlighted several critical issues and the joint kinematic information has shown to be an added value for both rehabilitative and sport training purposes. Furthermore, 3D joint kinematics applied using the IMMUs provided similar quantitative information than that of more expensive and bulky systems but with a simpler and faster setup preparation, a lower time consuming processing phase, as well as the possibility to record and analyze a higher number of strides/strokes without limitations imposed by the cameras