Variable-step finite difference schemes for the solution of Sturm-Liouville problems

We discuss the solution of regular and singular Sturm-Liouville problems by means of High Order Finite Difference Schemes. We describe a code to define a discrete problem and its numerical solution by means of linear algebra techniques. Different test problems are proposed to emphasize the behaviour of the proposed algorithm

Trafficking from the Endoplasmic Reticulum to the Golgi complex and gene expression profiling during the cell stress

2009 - 2010The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms regulating the export from the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and the transport to post-ER compartments of secretory proteins represents the basic aim of the present PhD project. To ensure that only properly folded proteins exit the ER and locate to their final destination, a quality control system inspects protein folding within the ER. However, several physiological and pathological conditions generate the accumulation of unfolded proteins within the organelle. The ER reacts to this condition, known as ER stress, by turning on the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), an integrated signal transduction pathway that transforms the unfolding signals into the expression of molecules required to restore protein homeostasis. Notably, the response to the ER stress affects many functions of the secretory pathway and, in particular, the ER-export. Therefore, an essential aim of the present experimental work was to describe the effect of the ER stress on the molecular events that regulate the exit from ER and the trafficking to the Golgi complex. Experimental results suggest that the ER stress response attenuates the ER-to-Golgi trafficking by affecting COPII function. This control occurs by targeting Sec16 protein expression and by modifying Sec23a recycling properties on the ER membrane. The results concerning this part are analyzed and discussed in the chapter III. Since the UPR carries out its function through the regulation of gene expression, we decided to identify new molecular actors of the UPR control by analyzing gene expression profiles in ER stressed cells. In particular, given the increasing importance of microRNAs in the regulation of several signaling transduction pathways, we analyzed the microRNome changes induced by the UPR activation. In parallel, we characterized the proteome signature in the same stress conditions. The results obtained by the study of microRNome and proteome profiles are described in the chapter IV. [edited by author]IX n.s

Near critical, self-similar, blow-up solutions of the generalised Korteweg–de Vries equation:Asymptotics and computations

In this article we give a detailed asymptotic analysis of the near critical self-similar blowup solutions to the Generalised Korteweg–de Vries equation (GKdV). We compare this analysis to some careful numerical calculations. It has been known that for a nonlinearity that has a power larger than the critical value p=5, solitary waves of the GKdV can become unstable and become infinite in finite time, in other words they blow up. Numerical simulations presented in Klein and Peter (2015) indicate that if p&gt;5 the solitary waves travel to the right with an increasing speed, and simultaneously, form a similarity structure as they approach the blow-up time. This structure breaks down at p=5. Based on these observations, we rescale the GKdV equation to give an equation that will be analysed by using asymptotic methods as p→5+. By doing this we resolve the complete structure of these self-similar blow-up solutions and study the singular nature of the solutions in the critical limit. In both the numerics and the asymptotics, we find that the solution has sech-like behaviour near the peak. Moreover, it becomes asymmetric with slow algebraic decay to the left of the peak and much more rapid algebraic decay to the right. The asymptotic expressions agree to high accuracy with the numerical results, performed by adaptive high-order solvers based on collocation or finite difference methods.</p

Antitumor Mechanisms of Lycium barbarum Fruit: An Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Potential

Lycium barbarum, known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a fruit long associated with health benefits, showing a plethora of effects ranging from antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Its potential is attributed to the significant presence of polysaccharides, glycopeptides, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and their derivatives. These compounds effectively ounteract the action of free radicals, positively influencing cellular balance and intracellular signaling, contributing to overall cell health and function acting on multiple molecular pathways. Several fractions extracted from goji berries demonstrate antitumor properties, particularly effective against breast cancer, without showing cytotoxic effects on normal human cells. Hence, the review explored the fundamental traits of bioactive elements in Lycium barbarum and their potential in cancer treatment and, specifically, breast cancer. It focused on elucidating wolfberry’s influenced biochemical pathways, its synergism with anticancer drugs, and its potential to alleviate the side effects associated with existing cancer treatments

Near critical, self-similar, blow-up solutions of the generalised Korteweg–de Vries equation:Asymptotics and computations

In this article we give a detailed asymptotic analysis of the near critical self-similar blowup solutions to the Generalised Korteweg–de Vries equation (GKdV). We compare this analysis to some careful numerical calculations. It has been known that for a nonlinearity that has a power larger than the critical value p=5, solitary waves of the GKdV can become unstable and become infinite in finite time, in other words they blow up. Numerical simulations presented in Klein and Peter (2015) indicate that if p&gt;5 the solitary waves travel to the right with an increasing speed, and simultaneously, form a similarity structure as they approach the blow-up time. This structure breaks down at p=5. Based on these observations, we rescale the GKdV equation to give an equation that will be analysed by using asymptotic methods as p→5+. By doing this we resolve the complete structure of these self-similar blow-up solutions and study the singular nature of the solutions in the critical limit. In both the numerics and the asymptotics, we find that the solution has sech-like behaviour near the peak. Moreover, it becomes asymmetric with slow algebraic decay to the left of the peak and much more rapid algebraic decay to the right. The asymptotic expressions agree to high accuracy with the numerical results, performed by adaptive high-order solvers based on collocation or finite difference methods

A mid-term estimate of 2018/2019 vaccine effectiveness to prevent laboratory confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza cases in Sicily (Italy).

Abstract Influenza season started in Italy during the month of October 2018, approaching the epidemic peak in January 2019. This report aim to explore the mid-term virologic surveillance data of the 2018–2019 influenza season in Sicily and to estimate the effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccine (VE) against A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza viruses. A test-negative design was used to evaluate influenza VE. In Sicily, almost all influenza infections were sustained by influenza type A viruses, of which 62.3% were A(H3N2) and 36.3% A(H1N1)pdm09. A reduction of laboratory confirmed influenza cases in Sicilian population immunized against influenza were observed. In particular, an overall significant protective values were observed for any influenza A viruses (Adj-VE = 44.0%; 95%CI: 11.2–64.7%), especially among 15–64 years old age group (Adj-VE = 59.5%; 95%CI: 0.03–83.1) and among the elderly (Adj-VE = 73.6%; 95% CI: 29.4–90.2)

Antibodies Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a Large Cohort of Vaccinated Subjects and Seropositive Patients

COVID-19 is a current global threat, and the characterization of antibody response is vitally important to update vaccine development and strategies. In this study we assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentrations in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (N = 272) and subjects vaccinated with the BNT162b2 m-RNA COVID-19 vaccine (N = 1256). For each participant, socio-demographic data, COVID-19 vaccination records, serological analyses, and SARS-CoV-2 infection status were collected. IgG antibodies against S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 were detected. Almost all vaccinated subjects (99.8%) showed a seropositivity to anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG and more than 80% of vaccinated subjects had IgG concentrations &gt; 200 AU/mL. In a Tobit multivariable regression analysis, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was statistically significantly associated with increased IgG concentrations (β coef = 266.4; p &lt; 0.001). A statistically significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 IgG concentrations was found with older age (β coef = -1.96 per year increase; p &lt; 0.001), male sex (β coef = -22.3; p &lt; 0.001), and days after immunization (β coef = -1.67 per day increase; p &lt; 0.001). Our findings could support the vaccination campaigns confirming the high immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine under investigation with respect to the natural infection. Further studies will be required for evaluating the role of age and days after immunization in the persistence of vaccine antibodies and protection from the disease

Wastewater-based epidemiology for early warning of SARS-COV-2 circulation: A pilot study conducted in Sicily, Italy

There is increasing evidence of the use of wastewater-based epidemiology to integrate conventional monitoring assessing disease symptoms and signs of viruses in a specific territory. We present the results of SARS-CoV-2 environmental surveillance activity in wastewater samples collected between September 2020 and July 2021 in 9 wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) located in central and western Sicily, serving over 570,000 residents. The presence of SARS-CoV-2, determined in 206 wastewater samples using RT-qPCR assays, was correlated with the notified and geo-referenced cases on the areas served by the WTPs in the same study period. Overall, 51% of wastewater samples were positive. Samples were correlated with 33,807 SARS-CoV-2 cases, reported in 4 epidemic waves, with a cumulative prevalence of 5.9% among Sicilian residents. The results suggest that the daily prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 active cases was statistically significant and higher in areas with SARS-CoV-2 positive wastewater samples. According to these findings, the proposed method achieves a good sensitivity profile (78.3%) in areas with moderate or high viral circulation (≥133 cases/100,000 residents) and may represent a useful tool in the management of epidemics based on an environmental approach, although it is necessary to improve the accuracy of the process