Quasi linear flows on tori: regularity of their linearization

Under suitable conditions a flow on a torus $C^{(p)}$--close, with $p$ large enough, to a quasi periodic diophantine rotation is shown to be conjugated to the quasi periodic rotation by a map that is analytic in the perturbation size. This result is parallel to Moser's theorem stating conjugability in class $C^{(p')}$ for some $p'<p$. The extra conditions restrict the class of perturbations that are allowed.Comment: 27 page

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles as carriers of active agents for smart anticorrosive organic coatings: a critical review

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles with properly designed textural properties and tailored release of corrosion inhibitors are highly efficient smart carriers for advanced anticorrosive nanocomposite coatings

A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials with degarelix versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists for advanced prostate cancer

Our aim was to systematically evaluate the benefits of degarelix as antagonist versus agonists of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PC). This comparison was performed either in terms of biochemical or oncological or safety profiles. To this end we, carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.We selected only studies directly and prospectively analyzing the two treatments in the same population (randomized phase III studies). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses process for reporting studies.After we eliminated studies according to the exclusion criteria, 9 publications were considered relevant to this review. These articles described 5 clinical trials that were eligible for inclusion. The follow-up duration in all trials did not exceed 364 days. This meta-analysis and review comprised a total of 1719 men, 1061 randomized to degarelix versus 658 to GnRH agonists treatment for advanced PC. Oncological results were evaluated only in 1 trial (CS21:408 cases) and they were not the primary endpoints of the study. Treatment emerging adverse events were reported in 61.4% and 58.8% of patients in the degarelix and GnRH agonists group, respectively (odds ratio, OR = 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 0.78-1.77, P &gt; 0.1). Treatment related severe cardiovascular side effects were reported (trial CS21-30-35) in 1.6% and 3.6% of patients in the degarelix and GnRH agonists group, respectively (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.26-1.14, P &gt; 0.1).Our analysis evidences relevant limitations in particular for the comparative evaluation of the efficacy and the oncological results related to degarelix

Drought effects investigation of a forested site at different spatial scales with eddy covariance technique, cosmic ray sensors, electrical resistivity tomography and 2 meters deep soil moisture and matric potential profile

The forested area is growing in Italy. The eco-hydrological monitoring of such an ecosystem is not trivial, because of canopy height, deep root system and soil heterogeneity. Hence, it is important to merge multiple measurement approaches to quantify the ecohydrological dynamics at the sites. In addition, it is also important to consider multiple temporal and spatial scales from point measurements to areal measurements of the soil-atmosphere interactions. At the Bussoleno - Grangia dell’Alpe forest site (Piedmont, Northwest Italy), we monitored two years, and in particular, two growing seasons (2021 and 2022, with a severe drought in Italy) with areal measures in the atmosphere of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) estimated via eddy covariance technique overcanopy (25 m mast) and areal estimates of soil water content measured continuously with cosmic ray sensors. Moreover, the soil resistivity was measured at the plot scale with Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) technique with several campaigns in which two measurement transects were explored. The point scale with continuous measurements was monitored via soil water content and matric potential probes installed at several depths between 0.1 m and 2 m. In addition, during the ERT campaigns, the soil water content of the first 30 cm profile was also measured via TDR probes in different locations of the experimental site. All this effort allows the reconstruction of a forest volume from about 3 m of soil depth to 23 m of height (height of the eddy covariance setup), including the whole canopy effect. Results highlight the consistency of the soil water content estimation with different approaches (cosmic ray sensors, ERT technique, TDR and capacitive probes). Moreover, using different soil moisture measurements, the ETa regimes can be correctly and well identified. Furthermore, the drought effects are explored also using eddy covariance technique, highlighting that, despite a very low water content above 2 m of soil depth, the vegetation is not severely stressed, likely because of its resilience (the site is characterized by low precipitation, usually below 600 mm/year)

Maternal alexithymia and attachment style: Which relationship with their children's headache features and psychological profile?

Introduction: A growing body of literature has shown an association between somatic symptoms and insecure "attachment style." In a recent study, we found a relationship between migraine severity, ambivalent attachment style, and psychological symptoms in children/adolescents. There is evidence that caregivers' attachment styles and their way of management/expression of emotions can influence children's psychological profile and pain expression. To date, data dealing with headache are scarce. Our aim was to study the role of maternal alexithymia and attachment style on their children's migraine severity, attachment style, and psychological profile. Materials and methods: We enrolled 84 consecutive patients suffering from migraine without aura (female: 45, male: 39; mean age 11.8 ± 2.4 years). According to headache frequency, children/adolescents were divided into two groups: (1) high frequency (patients reporting from weekly to daily attacks), and (2) low frequency (patients having ≤3 episodes per month). We divided headache attacks intensity into two groups (mild and severe pain). SAFA "Anxiety," "Depression," and "Somatization" scales were used to explore children's psychological profile. To evaluate attachment style, the semi-projective test SAT for patients and ASQ Questionnaire for mothers were employed. Maternal alexithymia traits were assessed by TAS-20. Results: We found a significant higher score in maternal alexithymia levels in children classified as "ambivalent," compared to those classified as "avoiding" (Total scale: p = 0.011). A positive correlation has been identified between mother's TAS-20 Total score and the children's SAFA-A Total score (p = 0.026). In particular, positive correlations were found between maternal alexithymia and children's "Separation anxiety" (p = 0.009) and "School anxiety" (p = 0.015) subscales. Maternal "Externally-oriented thinking" subscale correlated with children's school anxiety (p = 0.050). Moreover, we found a correlation between TAS-20 Total score and SAFA-D "Feeling of guilt" subscale (p = 0.014). Our data showed no relationship between TAS-20 and ASQ questionnaires and children's migraine intensity and frequency. Conclusion: Maternal alexithymia and attachment style have no impact on children's migraine severity. However, our results suggest that, although maternal alexithymic traits have no causative roles on children's migraine severity, they show a relationship with patients' attachment style and psychological symptoms, which in turn may impact on migraine severity

Migraine equivalents and related symptoms, psychological profile and headache features:which relationship?

BACKGROUND: Migraine equivalents are common clinical conditions in children suffering from headache. Very few studies dealt with the psychological profile of children/adolescents with migraine equivalents. Our main aim was to compare the psychological profile between migraine children with and without migraine equivalents. Moreover, as secondary aim, exclusively in children with migraine equivalents, we investigated the possible relationship between migraine attack frequency and intensity and psychological factors. METHODS: We enrolled 136 young migraineurs. They were divided in two groups (patients with and without migraine equivalents). The psychological profile was assessed by means of SAFA Anxiety and Somatization questionnaires. RESULTS: Migraine equivalents were present in 101 patients (74.3 %). Anxiety (p = 0.024) and somatization (p = 0.001) levels, but not hypochondria (p = 0.26), were higher in patients with migraine equivalents. In children with migraine equivalents, a low frequency of attacks was related to separation anxiety (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Migraine equivalents patients tend to feel more fearful and to experience more shyness. This, together with the tendency to somatization, may lead them to become vigilant in attachment relationships with their caregivers

A Workflow for Studying the Stump-Socket Interface in Persons with Transtibial Amputation through 3D Thermographic Mapping

The design and fitting of prosthetic sockets can significantly affect the acceptance of an artificial limb by persons with lower limb amputations. Clinical fitting is typically an iterative process, which requires patients' feedback and professional assessment. When feedback is unreliable due to the patient's physical or psychological conditions, quantitative measures can support decision-making. Specifically, monitoring the skin temperature of the residual limb can provide valuable information regarding unwanted mechanical stresses and reduced vascularization, which can lead to inflammation, skin sores and ulcerations. Multiple 2D images to examine a real-life 3D limb can be cumbersome and might only offer a partial assessment of critical areas. To overcome these issues, we developed a workflow for integrating thermographic information on the 3D scan of a residual limb, with intrinsic reconstruction quality measures. Specifically, workflow allows us to calculate a 3D thermal map of the skin of the stump at rest and after walking, and summarize this information with a single 3D differential map. The workflow was tested on a person with transtibial amputation, with a reconstruction accuracy lower than 3 mm, which is adequate for socket adaptation. We expect the workflow to improve socket acceptance and patients' quality of life