Higher order perturbation theory for the diffusion equation in heterogeneous media: application to layered and slab geometries

n/

General perturbative approach to the diffusion equation in the presence of absorbing defects: frequency-domain and time-domain results

n/

Una metodología inteligente para la digitalización de colecciones museísticas

[ES] El documento describe una metodología que cubre los procedimientos de levantamiento y las aplicaciones informáticas con el objetivo de convertir herramientas generalistas (teléfonos inteligentes) en dispositivos de adquisición rigurosa de BIC almacenados en los museos. Dos problemas diferentes se enfrentan: a) como las caracteristicas de dichos objetos a escala micro/meso afectan su documentación; b) desarrollo de una solución multipropósito para una adquisición de bajo costo y fácil de usar para digitalizar y visualizar artefactos BIC. Se presenta un procedimiento basado en un kit de adquisición digital destinado a lograr modelos y texturas confiables, así como representaciones de color precisas. Se han seleccionado varios objetos para probar la coherencia y flexibilidad de los métodos y técnicas propuestos, y los resultados se comparan con los de las técnicas de adquisición estándar.[EN] The paper describes methods and techniques covering both surveying procedures and computer applications aiming to convert widespread tools as smartphones into reliable ranging devices in the field of Cultural Heritage (CH) museums small object. Two different issues are faced: a) how different features affect the documentation of micro-/meso-scale objects displayed in exhibitions; b) development of a multipurpose solution for a lowcost and easy-to-use acquisition to digitize and visualize these objects. A procedure based on a surveying kit aimed at achieving reliable models and textures, as well as accurate color renderings is presented. Several objects have been selected to test the consistency and flexibility of the proposed methods and techniques and results are compared with those from standard acquisition techniques.Gaiani, M.; Apollonio, FI.; Fantini, F. (2020). A comprehensive smart methodology for museum collection digitization. EGA Expresión Gráfica Arquitectónica. 25(38):170-181. https://doi.org/10.4995/ega.2020.12281OJS1701812538APOLLONIO, F.I., GAIANI, M., BASILISSI, W., RIVAROLI, L., 2017. Photogrammetry driven tools to support the restoration of open-air bronze surfaces of sculptures: an integrated solution starting from the experience of the Neptune Fountain in Bologna. ISPRS, XLII-2/W3, pp. 47-54. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W3-47-2017BERTOLLINI, M., CARAMIS, A., D'ELIA, M., PRISCO, M.R., TALICE, S., 2018. La valorizzazione del patrimonio museale: i percorsi museali 2015. https://www.slideshare.net/slideistat/ (10 March 2019).CABEZOS BERNAL, P., ROSSI, A., 2017. Técnicas de musealización virtual. Los capiteles del Monasterio de San Cugat. EGA, 29, pp. 48-57. https://doi.org/10.4995/ega.2017.7340GAIANI, M., BALLABENI, A., 2018. SHAFT (SAT & HUE Adaptive Fine Tuning), a new automated solution for target-based colour correction. Colour and Colorimetry. Multidisciplinary Contributions, XIVB, pp. 69-80.GAIANI, M. (ed.), 2015. I portici di Bologna Architettura, Modelli 3D e ricerche tecnologiche, Bologna.GARCIA‐CODOÑER, A., LLOPIS VERDÚ, J., TORRES BARCHINO, A., VILLAPLANA GUILLÉN, R., SERRA LLUCH, J., 2009. Colour as a Structural Variable of Historical Urban Form. Color Research and Application, 34, pp. 253-265. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.20491GARCÍA-LEÓN, J., SÁNCHEZ-ALLEGUE, P., PEÑA-VELASCO, C., CIPRIANI, L., FANTINI, F., 2018. Interactive dissemination of the 3D model of a baroque altarpiece: a pipeline from digital survey to game engines. SCIRES-IT, 8(2), pp. 59-76.HABEKOST, M., 2013. Which colour differencing equation should be used?. International Circular of Graphic Education and Research, 6, pp. 20-33.ISO/CIE 11664-6 (2014). Colourimetry - Part 6: CIEDE2000 Colour-Difference Formula.LOWE, D.G., 2004, Distinctive Image Features from Scale-Invariant Keypoints". International Journal of Computer Vision, 60 (2), pp. 91-110. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:VISI.0000029664.99615.94MOKRZYCKI, W.S., TATOL, M., 2011. Colour difference Delta E - A survey. Machine graphics and vision, 20(4), 383-412.NOCERINO, E., LAGO, F., MORABITO, D., REMONDINO, F., PORZI, L., POIESI, F., ROTA BULO, S., CHIPPENDALE, P., LOCHER, A., HAVLENA, M., VAN GOOL, L., EDER, M., FÖTSCHL, A., HILSMANN, A., KAUSCH, L., EISERT, P., 2017. A smartphone-based 3D pipeline for the creative industry - The REPLICATE EU Project. ISPRS, XLII-2/W3, 535-541. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W3-535-2017OTTANI CAVINA, A. (ed.), 1988. Palazzo Poggi da dimora aristocratica a sede dell'Università di Bologna Bologna: Nuova Alfa.REINHARD, E., KHAN, E.A., AKYUZ, A.O., JOHNSON, G., 2008. Colour Imaging: Fundamentals and Applications. New York: A K Peters. https://doi.org/10.1201/b10637RODRIGUEZ NAVARRO, P., 2012. La fotogrametría digital automatizada frente a los sistemas basados en sensores 3d activos. EGA, 20, pp. 100-111. https://doi.org/10.4995/ega.2012.1408RUSSO, M., 2012. Integrated Reverse Modeling Techniques for the Survey of Complex Shapes in Industrial Design. In J. Apolinar Munoz Rodriguez (ed.), Laser Scanner Technology. Shanghai. https://doi.org/10.5772/35140SHARMA, G., WU, W., DALAL, E.N., 2005. The CIEDE2000 Color-difference formula: implementation notes, supplementary test data and mathematical observations. Color Research and Application, 30(1), pp. 21-30. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.2007

Electrochemotherapy induces apoptotic death in melanoma metastases: A histologic and immunohistochemical investigation

Background: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is increasingly used in the treatment of primary and secondary skin tumors, but little is known about the pathologic mechanism responsible for tumor cell destruction in humans. Knowledge of detailed mechanism of host response after ECT may improve the treatment efficacy related to patient selection and technique refinements. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the histopathology and mechanism of cell death after ECT in cutaneous melanoma metastases. Methods: Skin biopsy specimens were sequentially obtained after ECT of cutaneous melanoma metastases, during a follow-up period of 2 months. Results from histologic evaluation and immunohistochemical characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, Granzyme-B) were compared with a panel of apoptosis-related markers. Main outcome measures: Evidence of the mechanism of tumor cell damage, identification of histological and immunohistochemical signs of apoptosis and/or necrosis underlining a possible time course of tumor destruction and inflammatory reaction after ECT. Results: Early signs of epidermal degeneration, an increase of the inflammatory infiltrate, and initial tumor cell morphological changes were already detected 10 min after ECT. The cell damage progression, as demonstrated by histological and immunohistochemical evidence using apoptotic markers (TUNEL and caspase-3 staining), reached a climax 3 days after treatment, to continue until 10 days after. Scarring fibrosis and complete absence of tumor cells were observed in the late biopsy specimens. A rich inflammatory infiltrate with a prevalence of T-cytotoxic CD3/CD8-positive cells was detected 3 h after ECT and was still appreciable 3 months later. Conclusion: This study attempts to define the time course and characteristics of tumor response to ECT. The observations suggest both a direct necrotic cell damage and a rapid activation of apoptotic mechanisms that occur in the early phases of the cutaneous reaction to ECT. A persistent immune response of T-cytotoxic lymphocytes could possibly explain the long-term local tumor control

Violacein, an indole-derived purple-colored natural pigment produced by Janthinobacterium lividum, inhibits the growth of head and neck carcinoma cell lines both in vitro and in vivo

Violacein (VIO; 3-[1,2-dihydro-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene]-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one), an indole-derived purple-colored pigment, produced by a limited number of Gram-negative bacteria species, including Chromobacterium violaceum and Janthinobacterium lividum, has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity, as it interferes with survival transduction signaling pathways in different cancer models. Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) represents the sixth most common and one of the most fatal cancers worldwide. We determined whether VIO was able to inhibit head and neck cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. We provide evidence that VIO treatment of human and mouse head and neck cancer cell lines inhibits cell growth and induces autophagy and apoptosis. In fact, VIO treatment increased PARP-1 cleavage, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation, and the expression of light chain 3-II (LC3-II). Moreover, VIO was able to induce p53 degradation, cytoplasmic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) accumulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. VIO induced a significant increase in ROS production. VIO administration was safe in BALB/c mice and reduced the growth of transplanted salivary gland cancer cells (SALTO) in vivo and prolonged median survival. Taken together, our results indicate that the treatment of head and neck cancer cells with VIO can be useful in inhibiting in vivo and in vitro cancer cell growth. VIO may represent a suitable tool for the local treatment of HNC in combination with standard therapies

Lipoplatin Treatment in Lung and Breast Cancer

The introduction of cisplatin in cancer treatment represents an important achievement in the oncologic field. Many types of cancers are now treated with this drug, and in testicular cancer patients major results are reached. Since 1965, other compounds were disovered and among them carboplatin and oxaliplatin are the main Cisplatin analogues showing similar clinical efficacy with a safer toxicity profile. Lipoplatin is a new liposomal cisplatin formulation which seems to have these characteristics. Lipoplatin was shown to be effective in NSCLC both in phase 2 and phase 3 trials, with the same response rate of Cisplatin, a comparable overall survival but less toxicity. A new protocol aiming to elucidate the double capacity of Lipoplatin to act as a chemotherapeutic and angiogenetic agent in triple-negative breast cancer patients is upcoming

Tinea incognito Caused by Microsporum gypseum in a Patient with Advanced HIV Infection: A Case Report

The prevalence and the clinical relevance of dermatophytoses in HIV-infected patients are poorly documented, particularly for those caused by tinea incognito. Here, we report a case of widespread facial tinea incognito occurring in an Italian patient with advanced HIV infection, showing both skin and brain lesions. Second-line treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and cotrimoxazole, administered after a microbiological characterization of the skin scrapings, led to complete clearance of all lesions

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Lessons learned from acute respiratory distress syndrome?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic lung disease characterized by progressive loss of lung function and poor prognosis. The so-called acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) may lead to severe hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). AE-IPF shares several pathophysiological features with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a very severe condition commonly treated in this setting. A review of the literature has been conducted to underline similarities and differences in the management of patients with AE-IPF and ARDS. During AE-IPF, diffuse alveolar damage and massive loss of aeration occurs, similar to what is observed in patients with ARDS. Differently from ARDS, no studies have yet concluded on the optimal ventilatory strategy and management in AE-IPF patients admitted to the ICU. Notwithstanding, a protective ventilation strategy with low tidal volume and low driving pressure could be recommended similarly to ARDS. The beneficial effect of high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and prone positioning has still to be elucidated in AE-IPF patients, as well as the precise role of other types of respiratory assistance (e.g., extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) or innovative therapies (e.g., polymyxin-B direct hemoperfusion). The use of systemic drugs such as steroids or immunosuppressive agents in AE-IPF is controversial and potentially associated with an increased risk of serious adverse reactions. Common pathophysiological abnormalities and similar clinical needs suggest translating to AE-IPF the lessons learned from the management of ARDS patients. Studies focused on specific therapeutic strategies during AE-IPF are warranted

Ventilatory support and mechanical properties of the fibrotic lung acting as a "squishy ball"

Protective ventilation is the cornerstone of treatment of patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, no studies have yet established the best ventilatory strategy to adopt when patients with acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease (AE-ILD) are admitted to the intensive care unit. Due to the severe impairment of the respiratory mechanics, the fibrotic lung is at high risk of developing ventilator-induced lung injury, regardless of the lung fibrosis etiology. The purpose of this review is to analyze the effects of mechanical ventilation in AE-ILD and to increase the knowledge on the characteristics of fibrotic lung during artificial ventilation, introducing the concept of "squishy ball lung". The role of positive end-expiratory pressure is discussed, proposing a "lung resting strategy" as opposed to the "open lung approach". The review also discusses the practical management of AE-ILD patients discussing illustrative clinical cases

Knowledge and beliefs on vaccines among a sample of Italian pregnant women: results from the NAVIDAD study

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy is an emerging phenomenon in European countries and leads to decreasing trends in infant vaccine coverage. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of confidence and correct awareness about immunizations, which are crucial for the success of vaccination programmes. METHODS: As part of the NAVIDAD multicentre study, we examined vaccination confidence and complacency among a sample of 1820 pregnant women from 14 Italian cities. The questionnaire assessed the interviewee's knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions, as well as their socioeconomic status, information sources about vaccines and confidence in the Italian National Healthcare Service. RESULTS: Only 9% of women completely believed to the efficacy, necessity and safety of vaccinations. Almost 20% of them had misconceptions on most of the themes. There was a significant difference in the level of knowledge considering educational level: women with a high educational level have less probability of obtaining a low knowledge score (odds ratio (OR) 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34-0.54]). The level of knowledge was also influenced by the sources of information: women who received information from their general practitioner (GP) and from institutional websites had a significantly lower chance of having misconceptions (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.58-0.96]; OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.46-0.74]). Finally, the results underlined the influence of trust in healthcare professional information on the likelihood of having misconceptions (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.27-0.89]). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest the efficacy of GPs and institutional websites as a source of information to contrast misconceptions and underline the importance of confidence in the healthcare system to increase complacency and confidence in vaccines