Body-stimuli related modulation of cognitive conflict induced by Midfrontal-occipital Ɵ-tACS

Mounting evidence from EEG and MEG studies reports that in correspondence of the medial frontal cortex (MFC) is possible to record an electrocortical signature in theta band (ϴ) named Midfrontal theta (MFϴ) that is associated with conflict and error processing and appears related to the temporal synchronization of frontal structures underlying the attempt to achieve top-down control. Interestingly, recent EEG studies reported also theta event-related synchronization increases for hands images processing under the occipito-temporal electrodes corresponding to the extrastriate body area (EBA). In the present single-blind, crossover, controlled, within-subject study, we applied ϴ-tACS (6Hz) over the MFC and over EBA while thirty-two healthy participants were asked to perform two variants of the Flanker task with stimuli representing either human-like hands (i.e. Hand-Flanker) or coloured-matched letters (i.e. Letter-Flanker). More specifically, we aimed at investigating whether: (i) the exogenous alternating current delivered in theta rhythm may modulate the long-range communication between neuronal populations underlying conflict monitoring and visuo-perceptual encoding of hand stimuli, and (ii) EBA, as a specialized cortical area involved in processing body-related stimuli, may play also a functional role in conflict processing. Results showed that response times were faster during correct performance when ϴ-tACS was delivered during the Hand-Flanker compared to γ-tACS (40Hz, gamma band, control frequency) and sham. Importantly, such an effect did not emerge in the Letter-Flanker indicating that theta oscillations over midfrontal-occipital areas did modulate bodily specific, stimulus content driven aspects of cognitive control

From Integrated Survey to the Parametric Modeling of Degradations. A Feasible Workflow

This work fits into an international research field about 3D modeling to evaluate the Building Information Model performance for infographic representation of Cultural Heritage. Modeling an historic building involves the creation of parametric objects library starting by data survey. The primary purpose of the research is the translation of these information into a parametric model, through the definition of a proper methodology. The main focus of the research is the creation of parametric object representing the preservation status of material and building components: some recurring schemes of the traditional representation have been identified, in order to find a methodology that leads to link these data to the HBIM (Historic BIM) model, improving their capabilitie

Guidelines to design multi-role suborbital flight systems

This paper aims at providing useful guidelines to support the design of innovative suborbital flight systems with easily re-configurable cabin design. Thus, the presented methodology will allow to support the design of multi-role flight systems. To accomplish this goal, the developed methodology starts from the translation of high-level and qualitative needs expressed by each stakeholder into specific design parameters, supporting in a rational way the design activities. The exploitation of a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach guarantees lot of improvements and benefits with respect to the traditional design methodologies: a complete internal traceability among requirements belonging to different categories and hierarchical levels as well as an external traceability towards design elements and within the overall industrial process. Moreover, this approach promises a reduction of efforts requested to carry out conceptual design activities, reducing the number of required iterations to the final architecture, and lowering economic risk related to unappropriated design solutions thanks to the increment in the confidence level of the high-level estimations. To support the implementation of the integrated design methodology, a complete tool-chain consisting of systems engineering tools, requirements management tools and CAD modelling software is suggested, guaranteeing a multidisciplinary design environment. Eventually, the results of the application of the methodology and support tool-chain to the design of three different cabin configurations aimed at performing routine touristic flight services, microgravity scientific experimentation services and test bed of enabling technologies for future hypersonic mission

Tracking the Selective Pressure Profile and Gene Flow of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant in Italy from April to October 2021 and Frequencies of Key Mutations from Three Representative Italian Regions

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant of concern (VOC) was often associated with serious clinical course of the COVID-19 disease. Herein, we investigated the selective pressure, gene flow and evaluation on the frequencies of mutations causing amino acid substitutions in the Delta variant in three Italian regions. A total of 1500 SARS-CoV-2 Delta genomes, collected in Italy from April to October 2021 were investigated, including a subset of 596 from three Italian regions. The selective pressure and the frequency of amino acid substitutions and the prediction of their possible impact on the stability of the proteins were investigated. Delta variant dataset, in this study, identified 68 sites under positive selection: 16 in the spike (23.5%), 11 in nsp2 (16.2%) and 10 in nsp12 (14.7%) genes. Three of the positive sites in the spike were located in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In Delta genomes from the three regions, 6 changes were identified as very common (>83.7%), 4 as common (>64.0%), 21 at low frequency (2.1%–25.0%) and 29 rare (≤2.0%). The detection of positive selection on key mutations may represent a model to identify recurrent signature mutations of the virus

AISF position paper on HCV in immunocompromised patients

This report summarizes the clinical features and the indications for treating HCV infection in immunocompromised and transplanted patients in the Direct Acting Antiviral drugs era

Tracking the progressive spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Italy, December 2021 to January 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern Omicron was first detected in Italy in November 2021.AimTo comprehensively describe Omicron spread in Italy in the 2 subsequent months and its impact on the overall SARS-CoV-2 circulation at population level.MethodsWe analyse data from four genomic surveys conducted across the country between December 2021 and January 2022. Combining genomic sequencing results with epidemiological records collated by the National Integrated Surveillance System, the Omicron reproductive number and exponential growth rate are estimated, as well as SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility.ResultsOmicron became dominant in Italy less than 1 month after its first detection, representing on 3 January 76.9-80.2% of notified SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a doubling time of 2.7-3.3 days. As of 17 January 2022, Delta variant represented < 6% of cases. During the Omicron expansion in December 2021, the estimated mean net reproduction numbers respectively rose from 1.15 to a maximum of 1.83 for symptomatic cases and from 1.14 to 1.36 for hospitalised cases, while remaining relatively stable, between 0.93 and 1.21, for cases needing intensive care. Despite a reduction in relative proportion, Delta infections increased in absolute terms throughout December contributing to an increase in hospitalisations. A significant reproduction numbers' decline was found after mid-January, with average estimates dropping below 1 between 10 and 16 January 2022.ConclusionEstimates suggest a marked growth advantage of Omicron compared with Delta variant, but lower disease severity at population level possibly due to residual immunity against severe outcomes acquired from vaccination and prior infection