Turn-on fluorescence detection of protein by molecularly imprinted hydrogels based on supramolecular assembly of peptide multi-functional blocks

Supramolecular in-cavity target–peptide complex for self-reporting imprinted polymers

Cerebellar Atrophy in Congenital Fibrosis of the Extraocular Muscles Type 1

We described a family with a molecularly confirmed form of CFEOM1 and a late-onset cerebellar syndrome. Brain MRI showed vermis atrophy in two older family members, who also manifested gait impairment, whereas both neurological examination and neuroimaging findings were normal in a younger relative who harbored the same mutation

Severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): socio-demographic and clinical features

Aim: the aim of the study is to evaluate the socio-demographic and clinical features with prognostic value in predicting evolution in severe OCD.Materials and methods: patients with a main diagnosis of OCD were recruited according to DSM-IV criteria. Socio-demographic and clinical features were assessed by mean of a semi-structured interview and clinical rating scales (Y-BOCS, HAM-A, HAM-D and SCID-II). Two subgroups were compared according to the severity of symptoms (severe vs mild-moderate).Results: the total sample was made up of 450 OCD subjects aged 34.5±12.1, with a mean age of onset 22.3±9.1; 215 subjects (47.8%) were females. Patients with severe OCD (Y-BOCS ≥ 32) showed a more insidious onset and a more chronic course compared to patients with mild-moderate symptoms. Other predictors of increased OCD severity were washing and hoarding compulsions. Lastly, the severity of the obsessive-compulsive condition was higher when it was associated either with mood disorders or with Axis II disorders (particularly Cluster A).Discussion: our study shows a correlation between severe OCD and severity predictors such as functional impairment and mood disorders. Furthermore washing and hoarding symptoms, lifetime comorbity with mood disorders and Cluster A personality disorders seem to predict OCD severity

Neurological vertigo in the emergency room in pediatric and adult age: systematic literature review and proposal for a diagnostic algorithm

Neurological vertigo is a common symptom in children and adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) and its evaluation may be challenging, requiring often the intervention of different medical specialties. When vertigo is associated with other specific symptoms or signs, a differential diagnosis may be easier. Conversely, if the patient exhibits isolated vertigo, the diagnostic approach becomes complex and only through a detailed history, a complete physical examination and specific tests the clinician can reach the correct diagnosis. Approach to vertigo in ED is considerably different in children and adults due to the differences in incidence and prevalence of the various causes. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the etiopathologies of neurological vertigo in childhood and adulthood, highlighting the characteristics and the investigations that may lead clinicians to a proper diagnosis. Finally, this review aims to develop an algorithm that could represent a valid diagnostic support for emergency physicians in approaching patients with isolated vertigo, both in pediatric and adult age

CORROSION MECHANISMS OF ZIRCONIA/CARBON BASED REFRACTORY MATERIALS BY SLAG IN PRESENCE OF STEEL

Zirconia is usually utilised in Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN) in the slag contact zone, because of its high resistance to corrosion. However inconsistency of component performance and apparently erratic behaviours, in terms of corrosion rate, are frequently experienced. An important cause of the unexplained variability of component performance is the typical trial-and-error approach used to develop materials for the specific applications, and the “Darwinian selection” for the choice of the most suitable material despite the fact that a number of studies are available in literature. As a matter of fact, although almost all the mechanisms that have been proposed are based on some form of cyclic mechanism where the oxide is attacked by the slag and the exposed graphite is then attacked by the metal, contradictory conclusions can be often found about specific features. It is not to be excluded that contradictory results could be dependant on the experimental conditions used. In this paper laboratory experiments have been carried out, using together slag and steel, in order to clarify their role on the global corrosion mechanism. The results showed that, besides the dissolution of carbon in steel and oxide in slag, other phenomena contribute to the corrosion. In particular the experiments put in evidence the critical role of steel in dissolving the products of reactions between slag components and carbon, pushing the attack of slag to carbon. The consequence is that the corrosion phenomenon is complex, and parameters such as activity of slag components, porosity of refractory matrix, characteristics of carbon material are involved in the tendency of the carbon to react with slag, hence on the global corrosion rate

An underground Sagnac gyroscope with sub-prad/s rotation rate sensitivity: toward General Relativity tests on Earth

Measuring in a single location on Earth its angular rotation rate with respect to the celestial frame, with a sensitivity enabling access to the tiny Lense-Thirring effect is an extremely challenging task. GINGERINO is a large frame ring laser gyroscope, operating free running and unattended inside the underground laboratory of the Gran Sasso, Italy. The main geodetic signals, i.e., Annual and Chandler wobbles, daily polar motion and Length of the Day, are recovered from GINGERINO data using standard linear regression methods, demonstrating a sensitivity better than 1 prad/s, therefore close to the requirements for an Earth-based Lense-Thirring test.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Treatment of de novo femoro-popliteal lesions with a new Drug Coated Balloon: early experience of a single Center in the first 50 patients

Angioplasty with drug-coated balloon (DCB) is an emerging and reliable method for the treatment of femoro-popliteal lesions. We report our experience with the Stellarex™ DCB in the first 50 patients. Methods - From July 2015 to November 2017, 50 patients (41 M, 9F), medium age (64 ± 7.4 year) were subject to 33 angioplasties (PTAs) for femoro-popliteal lesions with a paclitaxel-coated balloon (Stellarex™). Based upon clinical data sixteen patients had severe claudication (56% - Rutherford class 3); ten patients suffered from ischemic rest pain (34% - Rutherford class 4); and five presented minor tissue loss (10% - Rutherford class 5). 42% of patients showed femoro-popliteal lesion TASC-II B, and 58% presented lesions pertaining to TASC-II C. Results - Immediate technical success was 100% without perioperative complications. Primary patency rate was 94% at twelve months. In three cases restenosis (6%) was detected within a year from procedure, and a further PTA DCB was performed with primary assisted patency rates of 100% at twelve months. Two patients underwent major lower limb amputation. Three patients died during follow-up and one patient was lost at follow-up. Conclusion - DCB angioplasty with Stellarex™ is a viable alternative to traditional endovascular procedures proving satisfactory primary patency rates at twelve months. Based on our experience, treatment with DCB is a first choice technique for non-complex de novo lesions of the femoro – popliteal tract