The effect of differential quality and differential zealotry in the best-of-n problem

© 2020 Owner/Author. In this paper, we study the interplay between differential option quality and differential quantity of individuals with fixed option (henceforth called zealots), in a best-of-n problem with n - 2 options. We study how the consensus equilibria change with respect to these two factors. We perform systematic computer simulations in an antagonistic scenario whereby one option has a higher quality but a minority of zealots compared to the other option

3D survey and advanced modeling in the study of the Forts of Rome: the Forte Monte Antenne

[EN] In the studies the authors are conducting on the entrenched camp of Rome, 3D surveys and digital models are used as means to understand constructions with the aim of developing restoration and reutilization projects. For Forte Monte Antenne (1882-1891), the authors have carried out systematic studies of the formal and structural aspects. The data acquired from a direct survey and with laser scanner, drone and photogrammetry, integrated with data obtained from iconographic and bibliographic sources, were integrated in the creation of a digital model, which made the classification of the various elements in a structured database possible, including the verification of the relationship among the parts at varying levels, and the system of aeration ducts. Convective motions and the thermo-hygrometric and visual comfort within some of the environments, as well as thermographic surveys of the walls were conducted. The BIM model was integrated, therefore, with a MEP model. The hypothesis of restoration and possible adaptation to new functions cannot disregard the analysis of those parameters which complete the picture of environmental quality and thus of the effective potentials in repurposing of the structure.Spadafora, G.; Bellingeri, G.; Canciani, M.; Pallottino, E.; Ferretti, S.; Antonucci, E.; Dolfini, R. (2020). Rilievo 3D e modellazione avanzata nello studio dei Forti di Roma: il Forte Monte Antenne. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 463-470. https://doi.org/10.4995/FORTMED2020.2020.11424OCS46347

Prognosis of COVID-19 in Patients with Liver and Kidney Diseases: An Early Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The mortality and severity in COVID-19 is increased in patients with comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients with underlying kidney and liver diseases. We retrieved data on the clinical features and primary composite end point of COVID-19 patients from Medline and Embase which had been released from inception by the April 16, 2020. The data on two comorbidities, liver diseases and chronic kidney disease, were pooled and statistically analysed to explain the associated severity and mortality rate. One hundred and forty-two abstracts were screened, and 41 full articles were then read. In total, 22 studies including 5595 COVID-19 patients were included in this study with case fatality rate of 16%. The prevalence of liver diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were 3% (95% CI; 2–3%) and 1% (95% CI; 1–2%), respectively. In patients with COVID-19 and underlying liver diseases, 57.33% (43/75) of cases were severe, with 17.65% mortality, while in CKD patients, 83.93% (47/56) of cases were severe and 53.33% (8/15) mortality was reported. This study found an increased risk of severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients with liver diseases or CKD. This will lead to better clinical management and inform the process of implementing more stringent preventative measures for this group of patients

Modelling Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer: From Bench Side to Clinic

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) are a heterogeneous group of epithelial tumours with neuroendocrine differentiation. Although rare (incidence of <1 in 100,000), they are the second most common group of pancreatic neoplasms after pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). pNET incidence is however on the rise and patient outcomes, although variable, have been linked with 5-year survival rates as low as 40%. Improvement of diagnostic and treatment modalities strongly relies on disease models that reconstruct the disease ex vivo. A key constraint in pNET research, however, is the absence of human pNET models that accurately capture the original tumour phenotype. In attempts to more closely mimic the disease in its native environment, three-dimensional culture models as well as in vivo models, such as genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), have been developed. Despite adding significant contributions to our understanding of more complex biological processes associated with the development and progression of pNETs, factors such as ethical considerations and low rates of clinical translatability limit their use. Furthermore, a role for the site-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) in disease development and progression has become clear. Advances in tissue engineering have enabled the use of tissue constructs that are designed to establish disease ex vivo within a close to native ECM that can recapitulate tumour-associated tissue remodelling. Yet, such advanced models for studying pNETs remain underdeveloped. This review summarises the most clinically relevant disease models of pNETs currently used, as well as future directions for improved modelling of the disease

Chitosan-Based Trilayer Scaffold for Multitissue Periodontal Regeneration

Periodontal regeneration is still a challenge for periodontists and tissue engineers, as it requires the simultaneous restoration of different tissuesâ\u80\u94namely, cementum, gingiva, bone, and periodontal ligament (PDL). Here, we synthetized a chitosan (CH)â\u80\u93based trilayer porous scaffold to achieve periodontal regeneration driven by multitissue simultaneous healing. We produced 2 porous compartments for bone and gingiva regeneration by cross-linking with genipin either medium molecular weight (MMW) or low molecular weight (LMW) CH and freeze-drying the resulting scaffolds. We synthetized a third compartment for PDL regeneration by CH electrochemical deposition; this allowed us to produce highly oriented microchannels of about 450-µm diameter intended to drive PDL fiber growth toward the dental root. In vitro characterization showed rapid equilibrium water content for MMW-CH and LMW-CH compartments (equilibrium water content after 5 min >85%). The MMW-CH compartment degraded more slowly and provided significantly more resistance to compression (28% ± 1% of weight loss at 4 wk; compression modulus HA= 18 ± 6 kPa) than the LMW-CH compartment (34% ± 1%; 7.7 ± 0.8 kPa) as required to match the physiologic healing rates of bone and gingiva and their mechanical properties. More than 90% of all human primary periodontal cell populations tested on the corresponding compartment survived during cytocompatibility tests, showing active cell metabolism in the alkaline phosphatase and collagen deposition assays. In vivo tests showed high biocompatibility in wild-type mice, tissue ingrowth, and vascularization within the scaffold. Using the periodontal ectopic model in nude mice, we preseeded scaffold compartments with human gingival fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and PDL fibroblasts and found a dense mineralized matrix within the MMW-CH region, with weakly mineralized deposits at the dentin interface. Together, these results support this resorbable trilayer scaffold as a promising candidate for periodontal regeneration