WISE: A Semantic and Interoperable Web of Things Architecture for Smart Environments

The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things devices has led to a number of different standards and technologies which offer novel and exciting services. One of the key aspect of the Internet of Things is its ubiquitness, as devices may spontaneously form networks and leave them possibly in short time frames. This is the case of Smart Environments such as Smart Homes, in which users carry a set of devices like wearables and mobile applications to monitor their behavior and provide contextual services. However, the interoperability and seamless interaction of different devices is yet to be fully realized. In this paper we propose WISE, a framework that leverages the Web of Thing architecture and Semantic technologies to overcome technical and conceptual interoperability difficulties and enables the creation of cooperative Smart Environments that self-adapt on the basis of users' preferences. The use of Semantic technologies enables to understand which devices can provide the needed affordances to meet the user preferences, while the WoT architecture is leveraged to access devices in a standardized manner. We also propose a reference implementation based on off-the-shelf devices which demonstrate the feasibility of WISE

Simplifying the dental/periodontal management of patients with metabolic bone fragility receiving treatment with denosumab

Denosumab (DNB) is a bone-targeted medication used to preserve structural integrity and minimise the risk of fragility fractures in metastatic cancer and metabolic bone disorders. DNB targets and binds RANK Ligand, inhibiting osteoclast maturation, function, and survival. In contrast with nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs), DNB does not bind to hydroxyapatite and incorporate into bone; thus, bone cellular remodelling recovers rapidly after drug suspension. Denosumab has benn linked to the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), a uncommon but severe oral side effect with a higher prevalence in metastatic cancer patients than in patients with metabolic bone fragility. Although several oral triggers can initiate MRONJ, invasive oral treatments and tooth extraction still remain the most common precipitating event. In general, tooth extraction and oral surgery should be avoided in patients at increased risk of MRONJ, while extraction of unsalvageable teeth should be performed based on specific risk reduction protocols to eliminate dental/periodontal infections, still protectig from MRONJ onset. Based on the different pharmacological properties of DNB and N-BPs, it is likely that the MRONJ risk profile of patients with metabolic bone fragility receiving receiving different ARs could somewhat vary. We hypothesize the chance to maximize the pharmacokinetic of Prolia\uae and identify a time interval in which invasive oral treatments can ideally take place without restrictions in patients with metabolic bone fragility, provided that careful case selection, adequate communication among specialists, planning of a delayed dosing window and rigorous postoperative follow-up are granted

Cell-type-specific gene expression in developing mouse neocortex: intermediate progenitors implicated in axon development

Cerebral cortex projection neurons (PNs) are generated from intermediate progenitors (IPs), which are in turn derived from radial glial progenitors (RGPs). To investigate developmental processes in IPs, we profiled IP transcriptomes in embryonic mouse neocortex, using transgenic Tbr2-GFP mice, cell sorting, and microarrays. These data were used in combination with in situ hybridization to ascertain gene sets specific for IPs, RGPs, PNs, interneurons, and other neural and non-neural cell types. RGP-selective transcripts (n = 419) included molecules for Notch receptor signaling, proliferation, neural stem cell identity, apical junctions, necroptosis, hippo pathway, and NF-κB pathway. RGPs also expressed specific genes for critical interactions with meningeal and vascular cells. In contrast, IP-selective genes (n = 136) encoded molecules for activated Delta ligand presentation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, core planar cell polarity (PCP), axon genesis, and intrinsic excitability. Interestingly, IPs expressed several “dependence receptors” (Unc5d, Dcc, Ntrk3, and Epha4) that induce apoptosis in the absence of ligand, suggesting a competitive mechanism for IPs and new PNs to detect key environmental cues or die. Overall, our results imply a novel role for IPs in the patterning of neuronal polarization, axon differentiation, and intrinsic excitability prior to mitosis. Significantly, IPs highly express Wnt-PCP, netrin, and semaphorin pathway molecules known to regulate axon polarization in other systems. In sum, IPs not only amplify neurogenesis quantitatively, but also molecularly “prime” new PNs for axogenesis, guidance, and excitability

Microsurgical reconstruction of the mandible in a patient with evans syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

In this report, we describe the first successful case of microvascular free tissue transfer in a patient with Evans Syndrome (ES), a rare form of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and associated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Microvascular surgery in the setting of ES is likely to have higher complication rates because of the increased risk of postoperative bleeding and free flap thrombosis. The case presented here opens up to the feasibility of microvascular reconstruction of patients with coagulation disorders like ES. Every effort should be made to control for hemolytic, thrombocytopenic, and thrombophilic states associated with ES. In the absence of evidence-based treatment guidelines for ES, personalized treatment protocols with high-dose corticosteroids, immunoglobulin, and postoperative anticoagulation regimen are highly recommended

ErbB3 Phosphorylation as Central Event in Adaptive Resistance to Targeted Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma. Early Detection in CTCs during Therapy and Insights into Regulation by Autocrine Neuregulin

In recent years the introduction of target therapies with BRAF and MEK inhibitors (MAPKi) and of immunotherapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies have dramatically improved survival of metastatic melanoma patients. Despite these changes drug resistance remains a major hurdle. Several mechanisms are at the basis of drug resistance. Particular attention has been devoted over the last years to unravel mechanisms at the basis of adaptive/non genetic resistance occurring in BRAF mutated melanomas upon treatment with to MAPKi. In this paper we focus on the involvement of activation of ErbB3 receptor following early exposure of melanoma cells to BRAF or MEK inhibitors, and the following induction of PI3K/AKT pathway. Although different mechanisms have been invoked in the past at the basis of this activation we show here with a combination of approaches that autocrine production of neuregulin by melanoma cells is a major factor responsible for ErbB3 phosphorylation and downstream AKT activation. Interestingly the kinetic of neuregulin production and of the ensuing ErbB3 phosphorylation is different in different melanoma cell lines which underscores the high degree of tumor heterogeneity. Moreover, heterogeneity is further highlighted by the evidence that in different cell lines neuregulin upregulation can occur at the transcriptional or at the post-transcritpional level. Finally we complement our study by showing with a liquid biopsy assay that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from melanoma patients undergo upregulation of ErbB3 phosphorylation in vivo shortly after initiation of therapy

Chronic treatment with fluoxetine up-regulates cellular BDNF mRNA expression in rat dopaminergic regions.

During the last few years several studies have highlighted the possibility that major depression can be characterized by a general reduction in brain plasticity and an increased vulnerability under challenging situations. Such dysfunction may be the consequence of reduced expression and function of proteins important for neuroplasticity such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). On this basis, by using a sensitive non-radioactive in-situ hybridization, we evaluated the effects of a chronic treatment with fluoxetine on BDNF expression within rat dopaminergic regions. In fact, besides the well-established role of the hippocampus, increasing evidence indicates that other brain regions may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression and consequently be relevant for the therapeutic action of antidepressant drugs. Our results indicate that 3 wk of fluoxetine administration up-regulates BDNF mRNA levels selectively within structures belonging to the meso-cortico-limbic pathway. The expression of the neurotrophin is significantly increased in the ventral tegmental area, prefrontal cortex, and shell region of the nucleus accumbens, whereas no changes were detected in the substantia nigra and striatum. Moreover, in agreement with previous studies, fluoxetine increased BDNF mRNA levels in the hippocampus, an effect that was limited to the cell bodies without any change in its dendritic targeting. These data show that chronic treatment with fluoxetine increases BDNF gene expression not only in limbic areas but also in dopaminergic regions, suggesting that such an effect may contribute to improve the function of the dopaminergic system in depressed subjects

Relationship between Muscle Mass, Bone Density and Vascular Calcifications in Elderly People with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia

Background: Little is known about the changes in organs and tissues that may make elder patients more vulnerable to acute stressors such as SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: In 80 consecutive elderly patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, we evaluated the association between the descending thoracic aorta calcium score, L1 bone density and T12 skeletal muscle density measured on the same scan by high-resolution computed tomography. Results: At median regression, the ln-transformed DTA calcium score was inversely associated with L1 bone density (-0.02, 95%CI -0.04 to -0.01 ln-Agatston units for an increase of 1 HU) and with T12 muscle density (-0.03, -0.06 to -0.001 ln-Agatston units for an increase of 1 HU). At penalized logistic regression, an increase of 1 ln-Agatston unit of DTA calcium score was associated with an OR of death of 1.480 (1.022 to 2.145), one of 1 HU of bone density with an OR of 0.981 (0.966 to 0.996) and one of 1 HU of muscle density with an OR of 0.973 (0.948 to 0.999). These relationships disappeared after correction for age and age was the stronger predictor of body composition and death. Conclusions: Age has a big effect on the relationship between vascular calcifications, L1 bone density and T12 muscle density and on their relationship with the odds of dying. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; bone density; computed tomography; diagnostic imaging; frailty; mortality; muscle mass; vascular calcifications

Osteomalacia: The Missing Link in the Pathogenesis of Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws?

Background. Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a well-documented adverse event from treatment with nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBPs). During a preliminary histomorphometric study aimed at assessing the rate of bone remodeling in the jaws of patient with surgically resected BRONJ, we found a defect of bone mineralization (unpublished data). We hypothesized that osteomalacia could be a risk factor for BRONJ in patients taking NBPs. Therefore, we looked for static and dynamic histomorphometric evidence of osteomalacia in biopsies from subjects with and without BRONJ.Methods. This case-control study used histomorphometric analysis of bone specimens of patients using NBPs (22 patients with BRONJ and 21 patients without BRONJ) who required oral surgical interventions for the treatment/prevention of osteonecrosis. Patients were given tetracycline hydrochloride according to a standardized protocol before taking bone biopsies from their jaws. Biopsies with evidence of osteomyelitis or necrosis at histology were excluded from the study. Osteomalacia was defined as a mineralization lag time >100 days, a corrected mean osteoid thickness >12.5 mm, and an osteoid volume >10%.Results. In all, 77% of patients with BRONJ were osteomalacic compared with 5% of patients without BRONJ, according to histomorphometry. Because osteomalacia was found almost exclusively in NBP users with BRONJ, this is likely to be a generalized process in which the use of NBPs further deteriorates mechanisms of bone repair.Conclusions. Osteomalacia represents a new and previously unreported risk factor for disease development. This finding may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and help with the development of strategies to increase the safety of NBP administration