13 research outputs found
Pilot study on effectiveness of a virtual game training on executive functions
[Otros] Attention, control inhibition, and visual-spatial
working memory represent the three basic sets of cognitive
processes involving on executive functions (EF). Basic EF are
relevant abilities in daily life that allow to control and monitor
adapted behaviors in order to achieve specific goals. In the
educational field, EF are related to academic achievement,
social functioning, as well as the inhibition of maladaptive
behaviors. Their impairment often leads to an incapacity to
perform multiple and simultaneous mental activities, as well
as to plan and monitor learning. The main aim of cognitive
neuropsychology intervention is to identify effective methods
that allow transferring trained strategies and abilities to daily
life. Accordingly, virtual reality games (VRG) are showing
ecological validity effectiveness in EF training. In this
framework, the aim of this study was to examine the
effectiveness of a VRG cooking-based for improving basic EF
processing. 31 healthy subjects (M=24.3; SD=2.51)
participated to 3 training sessions of 25 minutes each. Each
session involved 6 VRG characterized by different levels of
difficulties. Three traditional measures were administered to
participants pre- and post- VRG: The Corsi test for assessing
visual-spatial working memory, the Dual-task, and the
Flanker task for attention and inhibition control respectively.
The results reported a significant improvement of the three
EF abilities after training, showing the potential effectiveness
of a VRG along with the traditional measures. Future studies
on students with learning disabilities are needed to compare
performance and effectiveness.Chicchi-Giglioli, IA.; Mussoni, S.; Cipresso, P.; MarÃn-Morales, J.; Riva, G.; Alcañiz Raya, ML. (2021). Pilot study on effectiveness of a virtual game training on executive functions. IEEE. 956-960. https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON46332.2021.9453899S95696
ECMO for COVID-19 patients in Europe and Israel
Since March 15th, 2020, 177 centres from Europe and Israel have joined the study, routinely reporting on the ECMO support they provide to COVID-19 patients. The mean annual number of cases treated with ECMO in the participating centres before the pandemic (2019) was 55. The number of COVID-19 patients has increased rapidly each week reaching 1531 treated patients as of September 14th. The greatest number of cases has been reported from France (n = 385), UK (n = 193), Germany (n = 176), Spain (n = 166), and Italy (n = 136) .The mean age of treated patients was 52.6 years (range 16–80), 79% were male. The ECMO configuration used was VV in 91% of cases, VA in 5% and other in 4%. The mean PaO2 before ECMO implantation was 65 mmHg. The mean duration of ECMO support thus far has been 18 days and the mean ICU length of stay of these patients was 33 days. As of the 14th September, overall 841 patients have been weaned from ECMO
support, 601 died during ECMO support, 71 died after withdrawal of ECMO, 79 are still receiving ECMO support and for 10 patients status n.a. . Our preliminary data suggest that patients placed
on ECMO with severe refractory respiratory or cardiac failure secondary to COVID-19 have a reasonable (55%) chance of survival. Further extensive data analysis is expected to provide invaluable information on the demographics, severity of illness, indications and different ECMO management strategies in these patients
Source Apportionment Assessment of Marine Sediment Contamination in a Post-Industrial Area (Bagnoli, Naples)
The area of Bagnoli (Gulf of Naples, central Tyrrhenian Sea) has been heavily exposed to pollution for over a century due to the presence of industrial sites along its coastline. The aim of this study is to analyze contaminant concentrations (i.e., heavy metals and hydrocarbons) in seabed sediments through a statistical multivariate approach. Multivariate methods permit us to describe the pollution dynamics affecting the area and distinguish between anthropogenic and natural pollution sources. Additionally, the association between contamination patterns and the wave climate characteristics of the gulf (i.e., wave period, direction, height, power, and energy) is investigated. The study confirms that the main contamination source in the Bagnoli bay is anthropogenic activities (i.e., former steel plant and sewage discharges) for the majority of investigated pollutants. It also provides evidence, however, for the potential co-existence of multiple anthropogenic and geogenic sources of arsenic and other metals that may be originating also from the water-rock interaction and submarine volcanic emissions in the Phlegraean area
Source Apportionment Assessment of Marine Sediment Contamination in a Post-Industrial Area (Bagnoli, Naples)
The area of Bagnoli (Gulf of Naples, central Tyrrhenian Sea) has been heavily exposed
to pollution for over a century due to the presence of industrial sites along its coastline. The aim
of this study is to analyze contaminant concentrations (i.e., heavy metals and hydrocarbons) in
seabed sediments through a statistical multivariate approach. Multivariate methods permit us to
describe the pollution dynamics aecting the area and distinguish between anthropogenic and natural
pollution sources. Additionally, the association between contamination patterns and the wave climate
characteristics of the gulf (i.e., wave period, direction, height, power, and energy) is investigated.
The study confirms that the main contamination source in the Bagnoli bay is anthropogenic activities
(i.e., former steel plant and sewage discharges) for the majority of investigated pollutants. It also
provides evidence, however, for the potential co-existence of multiple anthropogenic and geogenic
sources of arsenic and other metals that may be originating also from the water-rock interaction and
submarine volcanic emissions in the Phlegraean area
Scarlet Flax Linum grandiflorum (L.) In Vitro Cultures as a New Source of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Lignans
International audienceIn vitro cultures of scarlet flax (Linum grandiflorum L.), an important ornamental flax, have been established as a new possible valuable resource of lignans and neolignans for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory applications. The callogenic potential at different concentrations of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and thidiazuron (TDZ), alone or in combinations, was evaluated using both L. grandiflorum hypocotyl and cotyledon explants. A higher callus induction frequency was observed on NAA than TDZ, especially for hypocotyl explants, with a maximum frequency (i.e., 95.2%) on 1.0 mg/L of NAA. The presence of NAA (1.0 mg/L) in conjunction with TDZ tended to increase the frequency of callogenesis relative to TDZ alone, but never reached the values observed with NAA alone, thereby indicating the lack of synergy between these two plant growth regulators (PGRs). Similarly, in terms of biomass, NAA was more effective than TDZ, with a maximum accumulation of biomass registered for medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L of NAA using hypocotyls as initial explants (DW: 13.1 g). However, for biomass, a synergy between the two PGRs was observed, particularly for cotyledon-derived explants and for the lowest concentrations of TDZ. The influence of these two PGRs on callogenesis and biomass is discussed. The HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of lignans (secoisolariciresinol (SECO) and lariciresinol (LARI) and neolignan (dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol [DCA]) naturally accumulated in their glycoside forms. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities performed for both hypocotyl- and cotyledon-derived cultures were also found maximal (DPPH: 89.5%, FRAP 866: µM TEAC, ABTS: 456 µM TEAC) in hypocotyl-derived callus cultures as compared with callus obtained from cotyledon explants. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activities revealed high inhibition (COX-1: 47.4% and COX-2: 51.1%) for extract of hypocotyl-derived callus cultures at 2.5 mg/L TDZ. The anti-inflammatory action against COX-1 and COX-2 was supported by the IC50 values. This report provides a viable approach for enhanced biomass accumulation and efficient production of (neo)lignans in L. grandiflorum callus cultures
Molecular heterogeneity assessment by next-generation sequencing and response to gefitinib of EGFR mutant advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Cancer molecular heterogeneity might explain the variable response of EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinomas to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We assessed the mutational status of 22 cancer genes by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in poor, intermediate or good responders to first-line gefitinib. Clinical outcome was correlated with Additional Coexisting Mutations (ACMs) and the EGFR Proportion of Mutated Alleles (PMA). Thirteen ACMs were found in 10/17 patients: TP53 (n=6), KRAS (n=2), CTNNB1 (n=2), PIK3CA, SMAD4 and MET (n=1 each). TP53 mutations were exclusive of poor/intermediate responders (66.7% versus 0, p=0.009). Presence of ACMs significantly affected both PFS (median 3.0 versus 12.3 months, p=0.03) and survival (3.6 months versus not reached, p=0.03). TP53 mutation was the strongest negative modifier (median PFS 4.0 versus 14.0 months). Higher EGFR PMA was present in good versus poor/intermediate responders. Median PFS and survival were longer in patients with EGFR PMA 650.36 (12.0 versus 4.0 months, p=0.31; not reached versus 18.0 months, p=0.59). Patients with an EGFR PMA 650.36 and no ACMs fared significantly better (p=0.03), with a trend towards increased survival (p=0.06). Our exploratory data suggest that a quantitative (PMA) and qualitative (ACMs) molecular heterogeneity assessment using NGS might be useful for a better selection of patients