Building physically-based models for assessing rainfall-induced shallow landslide hazard at the catchment scale : the case study of the Sorrento Peninsula (Italy)

The assessment of rainfall-induced shallow landslide hazard at the catchment scale poses significant challenge. Traditional empirical approaches for landslide hazard assessment often assume that conditions having caused failure in the past won't change in the future. This assumption may not hold in a climate change scenario. Physically-based models (PBMs) therefore represent the natural approach to include changing climate effects. PBMs would in principle require the combination of a 3-D mechanical and water-flow model. However, a full 3-D finite element model at the catchment scale, with relatively small elements required to capture the pore-water pressure gradients, would have a significant computational cost. For this reason, simplifications to the mechanical (i.e. infinite slope) and water-flow model (i.e. 1-D or hybrid 3-D) are introduced, often based on a-priori assumptions and not corroborated by experimental evidence. The paper presents a methodology to build a PBM in a bottom-up fashion based on geological surveys and geotechnical investigation. The PBM is initially set as simple as possible and then moved to a higher level of complexity if the model is not capable of simulating past landslide events. The approach is presented for the case study of Sorrento Peninsula and two main landslides events recorded during winter 1996-1997

Cerebellum and Prematurity: A Complex Interplay Between Disruptive and Dysmaturational Events

The cerebellum plays a critical regulatory role in motor coordination, cognition, behavior, language, memory, and learning, hence overseeing a multiplicity of functions. Cerebellar development begins during early embryonic development, lasting until the first postnatal years. Particularly, the greatest increase of its volume occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy, which represents a critical period for cerebellar maturation. Preterm birth and all the related prenatal and perinatal contingencies may determine both dysmaturative and lesional events, potentially involving the developing cerebellum, and contributing to the constellation of the neuropsychiatric outcomes with several implications in setting-up clinical follow-up and early intervention

Hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR Polymorphisms as Antenatal Risk Factors of White Matter Abnormalities in Two Cohorts of Late Preterm and Full Term Newborns

Higher total homocysteine (tHcy) levels, and C677T and A1298C methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) polymorphisms, have been reported in preterm or full term newborns with neonatal encephalopathy following perinatal hypoxic-ischemic insult. This study investigated the causal role of tHcy and MTHFR polymorphisms together with other acquired risk factors on the occurrence of brain white matter abnormalities (WMA) detected by cranial ultrasound scans (cUS) in a population of late preterm and full term infants. A total of 171 newborns (81 M, 47.4%), 45 (26.3%) born <37 wks, and 126 (73.7%) born ≥37 wks were recruited in the study. cUS detected predominant WMA pattern in 36/171 newborns (21.1%) mainly characterized by abnormal periventricular white matter signal and mild-to-moderate periventricular white matter volume loss with ventricular dilatation (6/36, 16.6%). WMA resulted in being depending on tHcy levels (P<0.014), lower GA (P<0.000), lower Apgar score at 1 minutes (P<0.000) and 5 minutes (P<0.000), and 1298AC and 677CT/1298AC genotypes (P<0.000 and P<0.000). In conclusion, both acquired and genetic predisposing antenatal factors were significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcome and WMA. The role of A1298C polymorphism may be taken into account for prenatal assessment and treatment counseling

24-h continuous non-invasive multiparameter home monitoring of vitals in patients with Rett syndrome by an innovative wearable technology: evidence of an overlooked chronic fatigue status

BackgroundSleep is disturbed in Rett syndrome (RTT), a rare and progressive neurodevelopmental disorder primarily affecting female patients (prevalence 7.1/100,000 female patients) linked to pathogenic variations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction with a predominance of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) over the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is reported in RTT, along with exercise fatigue and increased sudden death risk. The aim of the present study was to test the feasibility of a continuous 24 h non-invasive home monitoring of the biological vitals (biovitals) by an innovative wearable sensor device in pediatric and adolescent/adult RTT patients.MethodsA total of 10 female patients (mean age 18.3 ± 9.4 years, range 4.7–35.5 years) with typical RTT and MECP2 pathogenic variations were enrolled. Clinical severity was assessed by validated scales. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and skin temperature (SkT) were monitored by the YouCare Wearable Medical Device (Accyourate Group SpA, L’Aquila, Italy). The average percentage of maximum HR (HRmax%) was calculated. Heart rate variability (HRV) was expressed by consolidated time-domain and frequency-domain parameters. The HR/LF (low frequency) ratio, indicating SNS activation under dynamic exercise, was calculated. Simultaneous continuous measurement of indoor air quality variables was performed and the patients’ contributions to the surrounding water vapor partial pressure [PH2O (pt)] and carbon dioxide [PCO2 (pt)] were indirectly estimated.ResultsOf the 6,559.79 h of biovital recordings, 5051.03 h (77%) were valid for data interpretation. Sleep and wake hours were 9.0 ± 1.1 h and 14.9 ± 1.1 h, respectively. HRmax % [median: 71.86% (interquartile range 61.03–82%)] and HR/LF [median: 3.75 (interquartile range 3.19–5.05)] were elevated, independent from the wake–sleep cycle. The majority of HRV time- and frequency-domain parameters were significantly higher in the pediatric patients (p ≤ 0.031). The HRV HR/LF ratio was associated with phenotype severity, disease progression, clinical sleep disorder, subclinical hypoxia, and electroencephalographic observations of multifocal epileptic activity and general background slowing.ConclusionOur findings indicate the feasibility of a continuous 24-h non-invasive home monitoring of biovital parameters in RTT. Moreover, for the first time, HRmax% and the HR/LF ratio were identified as potential objective markers of fatigue, illness severity, and disease progression

Infected pancreatic necrosis: outcomes and clinical predictors of mortality. A post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study

: The identification of high-risk patients in the early stages of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is critical, because it could help the clinicians to adopt more effective management strategies. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study to assess the association between clinical risk factors and mortality among adult patients with IPN. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors of mortality. We identified 247 consecutive patients with IPN hospitalised between January 2019 and December 2020. History of uncontrolled arterial hypertension (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.135-15.882; aOR 4.245), qSOFA (p = 0.005; 95% CI 1.359-5.879; aOR 2.828), renal failure (p = 0.022; 95% CI 1.138-5.442; aOR 2.489), and haemodynamic failure (p = 0.018; 95% CI 1.184-5.978; aOR 2.661), were identified as independent predictors of mortality in IPN patients. Cholangitis (p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.598-9.930; aOR 3.983), abdominal compartment syndrome (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.090-6.967; aOR 2.735), and gastrointestinal/intra-abdominal bleeding (p = 0.009; 95% CI 1.286-5.712; aOR 2.710) were independently associated with the risk of mortality. Upfront open surgical necrosectomy was strongly associated with the risk of mortality (p &lt; 0.001; 95% CI 1.912-7.442; aOR 3.772), whereas endoscopic drainage of pancreatic necrosis (p = 0.018; 95% CI 0.138-0.834; aOR 0.339) and enteral nutrition (p = 0.003; 95% CI 0.143-0.716; aOR 0.320) were found as protective factors. Organ failure, acute cholangitis, and upfront open surgical necrosectomy were the most significant predictors of mortality. Our study confirmed that, even in a subgroup of particularly ill patients such as those with IPN, upfront open surgery should be avoided as much as possible. Study protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov (I.D. Number NCT04747990)

The Impact of Genetics on Cognition: Insights into Cognitive Disorders and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

This article explores the complex relationship between genetics and cognition, specifically examining the impact of genetic variants, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), on cognitive functions and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Focusing on neurotransmitter regulation within the prefrontal cortex’s dopaminergic circuits, this study emphasizes the role of genes like COMT, PRODH, and DRD in shaping executive functions and influencing conditions such as ADHD and schizophrenia. Additionally, it explores the significance of genetic factors in neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the need for early identification to guide appropriate therapeutic interventions. This article also investigates polymorphisms in the transsulfuration pathway, revealing their association with cognitive impairment diseases. Computational analyses, including machine learning algorithms, are highlighted for their potential in predicting symptom severity in ADHD based on genetic variations. In conclusion, this article underscores the intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors in shaping cognitive outcomes, providing valuable insights for tailored treatments and a more comprehensive understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions

Triggering and predisposing factors for flow-like landslides in pyroclastic soils: The case study of the Lattari Mountains (southern Italy)

Shallow flowslides, debris flows and debris avalanches are rainfall-induced landslides consisting in the shear failure of few metres of soils (or in some cases even less than a metre), which greatly increase downslope in volume and flow velocity. The southern Italian region of Campania has been historically affected by such events involving pyroclastic soils mainly resting on steep carbonate slopes. This paper deals with the analysis of factors influencing the occurrence of flow-like landslides, adopting the Lattari Mts. in Campania as a case study. The results of two investigation campaigns carried out in the area allowed effective large-scale geological and geotechnical characterization to be set up. Stratigraphic profiles, mean physical properties and typical friction angles at the critical state for each soil layer were investigated. The effect of suction on peak and critical shear strength, whose drop is responsible for soil failure, was analysed. Using detailed information on both the stratigraphic and geotechnical features of the soils involved in past flow-like landslides, typical triggering models were selected, representing locally recurrent geomorphologic conditions at the basin scale. The identified models were adopted for slope stability analyses carried out on four cross-sections of flowslides occurring prior to the event, to back-analyse the triggering conditions. From the evidence on the triggering mechanisms and the results of analyses, the infinite slope approach is not always suitable to model slope stability conditions properly, because the onset of landslides is also affected by local topographic and stratigraphic factors

Mechanical properties of PAN-based gel electrolytes: small-amplitude oscillatory shear study

Polymer electrolytes with ionic conductivities on the order of mS cm -1 at room temperature were prepared from the gelification of LiClO4/ethylene carbonate-propylene carbonate (EC-PC) solutions into a poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) matrix. Oscillating rheological experiments were performed on gels prepared at different solvent/salt molar ratios in order to investigate their mechanical properties. Temperature sweep tests (25-120°C) showed changes in the rheological behaviour that was related to structural transitions. A strong-weak gel transition takes place at about 80°C, independent of salt concentration hence assignable only to the polymeric matrix, This transition is completely reversible during cooling ramps and represents a necessary mechanical property from a processing standpoint. A gel-sol transition was observed at ca. 110°C where both viscoelastic moduli reduce themselves by a factor 100, reporting the formation of a fluid system with G″>G'