The hunt for red AGN: a new infrared diagnostic

We introduce a new infrared diagnostic to separate galaxies on the basis of their dominant infrared emission: stellar or nuclear. The main novelty with respect to existing diagnostics, is the usage of a broad band encompassing at the same time the 9.7micron Silicate absorption feature and one of the adjacent broad PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) features. This provides a robust estimate of the near- to mid-infrared continuum slope and enables a clear distinction among different classes of galaxies up to a redshift z=2.5. The diagnostic can be applied to a wealth of archival data from the ISO, Spitzer, and Akari surveys as well as future JWST surveys. Based on data in the GOODS, Lockman Hole, and North Ecliptic Pole (NEP) fields, we find out that approximately 70% active galactic nuclei detected with X-ray and optical spectroscopy dominate the total mid-infrared emission. Finally, we estimate that AGN contribute less than 30% of the mid-infrared extragalactic integrated emission.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

The hunt for red active galactic nuclei: a new infrared diagnostic

We introduce a new infrared diagnostic to separate galaxies on the basis of their dominant infrared emission: stellar or nuclear. The main novelty with respect to existing diagnostics is the use of a broad band encompassing at the same time the 9.7-μm silicate absorption feature and one of the adjacent broad polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features. This provides a robust estimate of the near- to mid-infrared continuum slope and enables a clear distinction among different classes of galaxies up to a redshift z ∼ 2.5. The diagnostic can be applied to a wealth of archival data from the ISO, Spitzer and Akari surveys, as well as future James Webb Space Telescope surveys. Based on data in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS), Lockman Hole and North Ecliptic Pole fields, we find that approximately 70 per cent of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) detected with X-ray and optical spectroscopy dominate the total mid-infrared emission. Finally, we estimate that AGNs contribute less than 30 per cent of the mid-infrared extragalactic integrated emission

Small-angle neutron scattering and Molecular Dynamics structural study of gelling DNA nanostars

DNA oligomers with properly designed sequences self-assemble into well defined constructs. Here, we exploit this methodology to produce bulk quantities of tetravalent DNA nanostars (each one composed by 196 nucleotides) and to explore the structural signatures of their aggregation process. We report small-angle neutron scattering experiments focused on the evaluation of both the form factor and the temperature evolution of the scattered intensity at a nano star concentration where the system forms a tetravalent equilibrium gel. We also perform molecular dynamics simulations of one isolated tetramer to evaluate the form factor theoretically, without resorting to any approximate shape. The numerical form factor is found to be in very good agreement with the experimental one. Simulations predict an essentially temperature independent form factor, offering the possibility to extract the effective structure factor and its evolution during the equilibrium gelation.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figure

ISOCAM observations in the Lockman Hole - I The 14.3 micron shallow survey: data reduction, catalogue, and optical identifications

We present the image and catalogue of the 14.3 micron shallow survey of 0.55 square degrees in the region of the Lockman Hole (10h52m03s +57d21m46s, J2000) with the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO). The data have been analyzed with the recent algorithm by Lari et al. (2001) conceived to exploit ISO data in an optimal way, especially in the case of shallow surveys with low redundancy. Photometry has been accurately evaluated through extensive simulations and also the absolute calibration has been checked using a set of 21 stars detected at 14.3 micron, optical, and near-IR bands. On the basis of simulations, we evaluate that the survey is 80%, 50%, and 20% complete at 0.8, 0.6, and 0.45 mJy, respectively. Below the 20% completeness limit, fluxes are generally overestimated since the sources are preferentially detected if their positions correspond to positive oscillations of the noise. Moreover, from a comparison with the deep survey, we estimate that only sources brighter than 0.45 mJy are highly reliable. Only 5% of these sources do not have optical counterparts down to r'=25. Since none of the Spitzer imaging bands cover the 14.3 micron wavelength range, this data set will remain unique until the advent of the James Webb Space Telescope.Comment: 19 pages, 13 figures, A&A accepte

Nanoprobes to interrogate nonspecific interactions in lipid bilayers: from defect-mediated adhesion to membrane disruption

When a lipid membrane approaches a material/nanomaterial, nonspecific adhesion may occur. The interactions responsible for nonspecific adhesions can either preserve the membrane integrity or lead to its disruption. Despite the importance of the phenomenon, there is still a lack of clear understanding of how and why nonspecific adhesions may originate different resulting scenarios and how these interaction scenarios can be interrogated. This work aims at bridging this gap by investigating the interplay between cationic electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in modulating the membrane stability during nonspecific adhesion phenomena. Here, the stability of the membrane has been studied employing anisotropic nanoprobes in zwitterionic lipid membranes with the support of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to interpret the experimental observations. Lipid membrane electrical measurements and nanoscale visualization in combination with molecular dynamics simulations revealed the phenomena driving nonspecific adhesion. Any interaction with the lipidic bilayer is defect-mediated involving cationic electrostatically-driven lipid extractions and hydrophobicallydriven chains protrusion, whose interplay determines the existence of a thermodynamic optimum for the membrane structural integrity. These findings unlock unexplored routes to exploit nonspecific adhesion in lipid membranes. The proposed platform can act as a straightforward probing tool to locally interrogate interactions between synthetic materials and lipid membranes for the design of antibacterials, antivirals, and scaffolds for tissue engineering

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease (MOGAD): A Review of Clinical and MRI Features, Diagnosis, and Management

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is the most recently defined inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Over the last decade, several studies have helped delineate the characteristic clinical-MRI phenotypes of the disease, allowing distinction from aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-IgG+NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The clinical manifestations of MOGAD are heterogeneous, ranging from isolated optic neuritis or myelitis to multifocal CNS demyelination often in the form of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), or cortical encephalitis. A relapsing course is observed in approximately 50% of patients. Characteristic MRI features have been described that increase the diagnostic suspicion (e.g., perineural optic nerve enhancement, spinal cord H-sign, T2-lesion resolution over time) and help discriminate from MS and AQP4+NMOSD, despite some overlap. The detection of MOG-IgG in the serum (and sometimes CSF) confirms the diagnosis in patients with compatible clinical-MRI phenotypes, but false positive results are occasionally encountered, especially with indiscriminate testing of large unselected populations. The type of cell-based assay used to evaluate for MOG-IgG (fixed vs. live) and antibody end-titer (low vs. high) can influence the likelihood of MOGAD diagnosis. International consensus diagnostic criteria for MOGAD are currently being compiled and will assist in clinical diagnosis and be useful for enrolment in clinical trials. Although randomized controlled trials are lacking, MOGAD acute attacks appear to be very responsive to high dose steroids and plasma exchange may be considered in refractory cases. Attack-prevention treatments also lack class-I data and empiric maintenance treatment is generally reserved for relapsing cases or patients with severe residual disability after the presenting attack. A variety of empiric steroid-sparing immunosuppressants can be considered and may be efficacious based on retrospective or prospective observational studies but prospective randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to better guide treatment. In summary, this article will review our rapidly evolving understanding of MOGAD diagnosis and management

Risk factors for oral mucositis in paediatric oncology patients receiving alkylant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: We describe the risk indicators for oral mucositis (OM) in paediatric oncology patients hospitalised in the Institut Gustave Roussy (Villejuif-Paris) and treated with alkylant chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells. METHODS: The sample was selected using PIGAS software. Three groups of subjects received different chemotherapy regimens: A. Melphalan, B. Busulfan and C. other alkylant protocols. The degree of mucositis was recorded by CTC version 2.0 (Common Toxicity Criteria). Descriptive statistics were performed. The association between mucositis and risk indicator variables was tested using a χ(2 )test. The association between case status and covariates was tested using unconditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 337 children enrolled, 241 showed mucositis (group 1) and 96 did not show mucositis (group 2) during alkylant chemotherapy. There was a higher prevalence of male patients in both groups. The three different chemotherapy regimen groups are correlated with the appearance of oral mucositis (χ(2 )= 22.42, p < 0.01). Weight loss was higher in group 1 (χ(2 )= 6.31, p = 0.01). The duration of aplasia was lower in the Busulfan protocol (7.5 days) than in the Melphalan group (9.3 days) or the other regimens (8.6 days). The use of Bufulfan(® )was directly associated with case status (presence of oral mucositis): odds ratio [OR] = 2.1 and confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.3–3.0. Also, occurrences of germinal tumours and secondary bacterial infections were directly linked with case status: [OR] = 1.4 and 1.8, confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.2 – 1.7 and 1.1 – 2.5, respectively. CONCLUSION: The presence of OM was associated with the three different chemotherapy regimens considered; in particularly patients treated with Busulfan had the highest prevalence

Antifungal susceptibility of invasive yeast isolates in Italy: the GISIA3 study in critically ill patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Yeasts are a common cause of invasive fungal infections in critically ill patients. Antifungal susceptibility testing results of clinically significant fungal strains are of interest to physicians, enabling them to adopt appropriate strategies for empiric and prophylactic therapies. We investigated the antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated over a 2-year period from hospitalised patients with invasive yeast infections.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>638 yeasts were isolated from the blood, central venous catheters and sterile fluids of 578 patients on general and surgical intensive care units and surgical wards. Etest strips and Sensititre panels were used to test the susceptibility of the isolates to amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole in 13 laboratories centres (LC) and two co-ordinating centres (CC). The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) reference broth microdilution method was used at the CCs for comparison.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Etest and Sensititre (LC/CC) MIC₉₀values were, respectively: amphotericin B 0.5/0.38, 1/1 mg/L; anidulafungin 2/1.5 and 1/1 mg/L; caspofungin 1/0.75 and 0.5/0.5 mg/L; fluconazole 12/8 and 16/16 mg/L; itraconazole 1/1.5, 0.5/0.5 mg/L; posaconazole 0.5 mg/L and voriconazole 0.25 mg/L for all. The overall MIC₉₀values were influenced by the reduced susceptibility of <it>Candida parapsilosis </it>isolates to echinocandins and a reduced or lack of susceptibility of <it>Candida glabrata </it>and <it>Candida krusei </it>to azoles, in particular fluconazole and itraconazole. Comparison of the LC and CC results showed good Essential Agreement (90.3% for Etest and 92.9% for Sensititre), and even higher Categorical Agreement (93.9% for Etest and 96% for Sensititre); differences were observed according to the species, method, and antifungal drug. No cross-resistance between echinocandins and triazoles was detected.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our data confirm the different antifungal susceptibility patterns among species, and highlight the need to perform antifungal susceptibility testing of clinically relevant yeasts. With the exception of a few species (e.g. <it>C. glabrata </it>for azoles and <it>C. parapsilosis </it>for echinocandins), the findings of our study suggest that two of the most widely used commercial methods (Etest and Sensititre) provide valid and reproducible results.</p

Il contratto di affidamento fiduciario come possibile alternativa civilistica al trust

Da tempo l’ordinamento italiano deve fare i conti con l’impiego sempre più frequente, anche da parte di cittadini italiani, di strumenti e soluzioni giuridiche derivanti da altri ordinamenti. Il trust, nato nell’ordinamento giuridico anglosassone, è l’esempio paradigmatico di questo fenomeno. Lo scopo di questo elaborato consiste nel cercare un’alternativa all’utilizzo del trust interno in Italia, caratterizzato dal fatto che l’unico elemento straniero è rappresentato dalla legge regolatrice. La soluzione proposta riguarda il contratto di affidamento fiduciario, elaborato nella dottrina italiana da un grande Studioso, proprio come alternativa civilistica all’utilizzo del trust. Nonostante tale strumento giuridico si presti ad essere utilizzato per il soddisfacimento di una molteplicità di interessi l’attenzione in questa tesi è rivolta all’impiego dello stesso in alcuni ambiti, caratterizzanti il diritto privato italiano, vale a dire, il diritto delle persone, il diritto della famiglia e il diritto successorio. Di conseguenza gli interessi coinvolti sono la cura e l’assistenza dei soggetti disabili, il soddisfacimento dei bisogni della famiglia e il rispetto della volontà del de cuius. Nel primo capitolo di questa tesi viene dimostrata la problematicità dell’impiego del trust in Italia, legata essenzialmente alla possibile violazione di alcuni principi, costituenti la base giuridica dell’ordinamento italiano sia sotto il profilo della trascrivibilità sia sotto quello dell’ammissibilità dell’istituto. In tale sede è posta anche l’attenzione sullo strumento giuridico della Convenzione dell’Aja del 1985 sulla legge applicabile ai trusts e sul loro riconoscimento, con dimostrazione che l’Italia, attraverso la legge di ratifica 364 del 1989, non ha risolto tutti i problemi nascenti dall’utilizzo dell’istituto straniero. Alla luce di tali difficoltà, nel secondo capitolo la possibile soluzione all’utilizzo del trust interno è cercata tra gli strumenti offerti dal c.c., facendo leva su alcuni possibili elementi di analogia col trust. L’attenta analisi della disciplina giuridica di ciascun istituto mostra tuttavia come nessuno di essi rappresenti una reale alternativa al trust. Inoltre in tale sede è dimostrata l’impossibilità di risolvere il problema con una soluzione elaborata in dottrina, ovvero il trust italiano, e basata sull’affermazione che in realtà nell’ordinamento italiano è possibile rinvenire una disciplina completa del trust. Si giunge così nel terzo capitolo a proseguire il lavoro iniziato in dottrina nella costruzione di una possibile alternativa civilistica al trust; di conseguenza è ripreso il contratto di affidamento fiduciario, dopo aver dimostrato che non può essere rinvenuta tale alternativa nel contratto di fiducia modellato sulla fiducie francese. Sono quindi presi in considerazione la giurisprudenza del giudice tutelare, la prassi negoziale e soprattutto la recente l. 112 del 2016 sul “Dopo di Noi”, che contiene il primo vero riconoscimento a livello legislativo del contratto di affidamento fiduciario e lo pone sullo stesso piano del trust. Partendo da tale premessa è ricostruita la disciplina applicabile al nuovo strumento contrattuale, dimostrandone la maggiore efficienza rispetto al trust, derivante dal carattere autoctono dell’istituto e dalla sua duttilità. Quest’ultima caratteristica fino ad oggi poteva essere riscontrata soltanto nel trust e comporta la possibilità di utilizzo del nuovo strumento contrattuale per il soddisfacimento di molteplici interessi, anche ulteriori e diversi rispetto a quelli oggetto di analisi in questa tesi

An introduction to neutron reflectometry

Specular neutron reflectivity is a neutron diffraction technique that provides information about the structure of surfaces or thin films. It enables the measurement of the neutron scattering length density profile perpendicular to the plane of a surface or an interface, and thereby gives access to the profile of the chemical composition of the film. The wave-particle duality allows to describe neutrons as waves; at an interface between two media of different refractive indexes, neutrons are partially reflected and refracted by the interface. Interferences can occur between waves reflected at the top and at the bottom of a thin film at an interface, which gives rise to interference fringes in the reflectivity profile directly related to its thickness. The characteristic sizes that can be probed range from 5Å to 2000 Å. Neutron-matter interaction directly occurs between neutron and the atom nuclei, which enable to tune the contrast by isotopic substitution. This makes it particularly interesting in the fields of soft matter and biophysics. This course is composed of two parts describing respectively its principle and the experimental aspects of the method (instruments, samples). Examples of applications of neutron reflectometry in the biological domain are presented by Y. Gerelli in the book section “Applications of neutron reflectometry in biology”