OSCILLOMETRY IN EQUINE ASTHMA

The present project investigated the use of oscillometry as a mean for the diagnosis of equine asthma, evaluating two different Techniques: the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) and the Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT). The aim of the first study was to evaluate whether the IOS could be sensitive enough to discriminate amongst healthy and asthmatic horses in different clinical conditions. Seven severely asthmatic (SEA) horses in disease exacerbation, 7 asthmatic horses in clinical remission and 7 control horses from a cohort of experimental age-matched animals underwent IOS testing. Only data at 3, 5 and 7Hz with coherence >0.85 at 3Hz and >0.9 at 5 and 7Hz were considered in the study. Mean, inspiratory and expiratory resistance (R) and reactance (X) and the difference between inspiratory and expiratory X (\u394X) were calculated at each frequency. The three groups were compared using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett\u2019s multiple comparison test or Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn\u2019s multiple comparison test. Significant differences were found between SEA horses in exacerbation and control horses for all R parameters at 3Hz. For X, significant differences were present between exacerbation horses and control horses at each frequency for mean, inspiratory and expiratory parameters. Between controls and remission horses differences were present for X7 and for inspiratory X3, X5 and X7. Regarding Delta X, values in exacerbation horses were significantly higher than remission or control horses. Results indicate that, as reported in humans during tidal expiratory flow limitation (EFL), X during the expiratory phase is more negative than during inspiration in exacerbated horses. Difference in inspiratory X appears to be promising to discriminate between healthy horse and SEA horses in clinical remission. The aim of the second study was to evaluate the application of a FOT device specially designed for horses and his ability in discriminate between healthy subjects, SEA horses in exacerbation and moderate asthmatic horses (MEA). 4 SEA horses, 4 MEA horses and 4 controls from a clinical population were selected, age-matched. Data of FOT measurement at 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Hz were considered in the study. Mean, inspiratory and expiratory resistance (R) and reactance (X) and the difference between inspiratory and expiratory X (\u394X) were calculated at each frequency. The three groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn\u2019s multiple comparison test. Statistical comparison showed significant differences between SEA and control group for R at 3Hz and for R at 2 Hz in expiration phase. Regarding X, several differences were found between controls and SEA horse at frequencies ranging from 2 to 6 Hz in all the phases of the breath. Finally, comparison for \u394X showed that values in SEA horses were significantly higher than MEA or control horses, indicating that in SEA horses in exacerbation the reactance during expiratory phase is worse than during inspiration. No differences were found between controls and MEA horses. Results showed that the new FOT device was able to discriminate between healthy and SEA horses. EFL in SEA horses was identified also by this system. Further studies are required in order to increase the sensitivity in discriminate between healthy and MEA horses

Multimodal Batch-Wise Change Detection

We address the problem of detecting distribution changes in a novel batch-wise and multimodal setup. This setup is characterized by a stationary condition where batches are drawn from potentially different modalities among a set of distributions in Rd represented in the training set. Existing change detection (CD) algorithms assume that there is a unique-possibly multipeaked-distribution characterizing stationary conditions, and in batch-wise multimodal context exhibit either low detection power or poor control of false positives. We present MultiModal QuantTree (MMQT), a novel CD algorithm that uses a single histogram to model the batch-wise multimodal stationary conditions. During testing, MMQT automatically identifies which modality has generated the incoming batch and detects changes by means of a modality-specific statistic. We leverage the theoretical properties of QuantTree to: 1) automatically estimate the number of modalities in a training set and 2) derive a principled calibration procedure that guarantees false-positive control. Our experiments show that MMQT achieves high detection power and accurate control over false positives in synthetic and real-world multimodal CD problems. Moreover, we show the potential of MMQT in Stream Learning applications, where it proves effective at detecting concept drifts and the emergence of novel classes by solely monitoring the input distribution

Ruling factors in cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation: Activity and selectivity of pt-mo catalysts

To obtain selective hydrogenation catalysts with low noble metal content, two carbon-supported Mo-Pt bimetallic catalysts have been synthesized from two different molybdenum precursors, i.e., Na2MoO4 and (NH4)6Mo7O24. The results obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with the presence and strength of acid sites clarified the different catalytic behavior toward cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation. After impregnating the carbon support with Mo precursors, each sample was used either as is or treated at 400 °C in N2 flow, as support for Pt nanoparticles (NPs). The heating treatment before Pt deposition had a positive effect on the catalytic performance. Indeed, TEM analyses showed very homogeneously dispersed Pt NPs only when they were deposited on the heat-treated Mo/C supports, and XPS analyses revealed an increase in both the exposure and reduction of Pt, which was probably tuned by different MoO3/MoO2 ratios. Moreover, the different acid properties of the catalysts resulted in different selectivity

SH-wave reflection seismic survey at the Patigno landslide: integration with a previously acquired P-wave seismic profile

Seismic investigation on landslide is hampered by several factors that could prevent the use of the reflection seismic method to characterize the subsurface architecture (Jongmans and Garambois, 2007). Moreover, acquisition and processing of reflection seismic data are more time consuming compared with other geophysical techniques such as refraction seismic and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), leading inevitably to higher costs. Notwithstanding these difficulties, recently some attempts to delineate the deep slip surface of large landslides have been carried out using P-wave reflection seismic surveys (Apuani et al., 2012; Stucchi and Mazzotti, 2009; Stucchi et al., 2014;). P-wave reflection seismic method is effective in imaging the slip surface at a depth sufficiently greater than the seismic wavelength, whereas, for very shallow horizons, it suffers from the limited resolution that can be obtained by the use of compressional waves. In this regards, SH-waves can be used to overcome this limitation (Deidda and Balia, 2001; Guy, 2006; Pugin et al., 2006,), but they require a specifically-designed energy source for waves generation, geophones measuring horizontal components of particles motion and an accurate choice of acquisition parameters. On the contrary, due to attenuation, the depth of investigation for SHwaves can be lower than for P-waves (Pugin et al., 2006). Therefore the geological understanding of a mass movement can take advantage of a combined use of both these geophysical methodologies. This is the case of the Patigno landslide, a great landslide located in the upper basin of Magra River, in the Northern Appennines, Italy (Fig.1), where a P-wave study carried out in the last years (Stucchi et al., 2014) was able to image the deepest discontinuity of the landslide body at around 40-50 m depth, but no description of the shallower layers can be inferred. Because these surface layers are the slip surfaces of quick reactivation movements of the landslide, an SH high-resolution reflection seismic survey was planned along the previous P-wave profile (Fig.1). This new survey associated to the P-wave investigation allows a more robust description of the landslide body, from the deepest discontinuity up to the very shallow portions of the landslide. This work describes the planning, acquisition and processing of the SH reflection seismic survey, and also gives a possible combined interpretation of both P and SH seismic images

Use Of Molecular Epidemiology To Monitor The Nosocomial Dissemination Of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus In A University Hospital From 1991 To 2001.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been the cause of major outbreaks and epidemics among hospitalized patients, with high mortality and morbidity rates. We studied the genomic diversity of MRSA strains isolated from patients with nosocomial infection in a University Hospital from 1991 to 2001. The study consisted of two periods: period I, from 1991 to 1993 and period II from 1995 to 2001. DNA was typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and the similarity among the MRSA strains was determined by cluster analysis. During period I, 73 strains presented five distinctive DNA profiles: A, B, C, D, and E. Profile A was the most frequent DNA pattern and was identified in 55 (75.3%) strains; three closely related and four possibly related profiles were also identified. During period II, 80 (68.8%) of 117 strains showed the same endemic profile A identified during period I, 18 (13.7%) closely related profiles and 18 (13.7%) possibly related profiles and, only one strain presented an unrelated profile. Cluster analysis showed a 96% coefficient of similarity between profile A from period I and profile A from period II, which were considered to be from the same clone. The molecular monitoring of MRSA strains permitted the determination of the clonal dissemination and the maintenance of a dominant endemic strain during a 10-year period and the presence of closely and possibly related patterns for endemic profile A. However, further studies are necessary to improve the understanding of the dissemination of the endemic profile in this hospital.371345-5

Biodegradable All-Polymer Field-Effect Transistors Printed on Mater-Bi

The growing demand of disposable electronics raises serious concerns for the corresponding increase in the amount of electronic waste, with severe environmental impact. Organic and flexible electronics have been proposed long ago as a more sustainable and energy-efficient technological platform with respect to established ones. Yet, such technology is leading to a drastic increase of plastic waste if common approaches for flexible substrates are followed. In this scenario, biodegradable solutions can significantly limit the environmental impact, actively contributing to eliminate the waste streams (plastic or electronic) associated with disposal of devices. However, achieving suitably scalable processes to pattern mechanically robust organic electronics onto largely available biodegradable substrates is still an open challenge. In this work, all-organic and highly flexible field-effect transistors, inkjet printed onto the biodegradable and compostable commercial substrate Mater-Bi, are demonstrated. Because of the thermal instability of Mater-Bi, no annealing steps are applied, producing devices with limited carrier mobility, yet showing correct n-type behavior and robustness to bending and crumpling. The degradation behavior of the final system shows unaltered biodegradability level according to ISO 14851. These results represent a promising step toward sustainable flexible and large-area electronics, combining energy and materials efficient processes with largely available biodegradable substrates

Yeasts and moulds contaminants of food ice cubes and their survival in different drinks

Aims: To evaluate the levels of unicellular and filamentous fungi in ice cubes produced at different levels and to determine their survival in alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Methods and Results: Sixty samples of ice cubes collected from home level (HL) productions, bars and pubs (BP) and industrial manufacturing plants (MP) were investigated for the presence and cell density of yeasts and moulds. Moulds were detected in almost all samples, while yeasts developed from the majority of HL and MP samples. Representative colonies of microfungi were subjected to phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The identification was carried out by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the region spanning the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) and the 5·8S rRNA gene. The process of yeast identification was concluded by sequencing the D1/D2 region of the 26S rRNA gene. The fungal biodiversity associated with food ice was represented by nine yeast and nine mould species. Strains belonging to Candida parapsilosis and Cryptococcus curvatus, both opportunistic human pathogens, and Penicillium glabrum, an ubiquitous mould in the ice samples analysed, were selected to evaluate the effectiveness of the ice cubes to transfer pathogenic microfungi to consumers, after addition to alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. All strains retained their viability. Conclusions: The survival test indicated that the most common mode of consumption of ice cubes, through its direct addition to drinks and beverages, did not reduce the viability of microfungi. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study evidenced the presence of microfungi in food ice and ascertained their survival in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

Treatment of Hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection with direct-acting antiviral agents

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 is responsible for 30.1% of chronic hepatitis C infection cases worldwide. In the era of directacting antivirals, these patients have become one of the most challenging to treat, due to fewer effective drug options, higher risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and lower sustained virological response (SVR) rates. Currently there are 4 recommended drugs for the treatment of HCV genotype 3: pegylated interferon (PegIFN), sofosbuvir (SOF), daclatasvir (DCV) and ribavirin (RBV). Treatment with PegIFN, SOF and RBV for 12 weeks has an overall SVR rate of 83-100%, without significant differences among cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. However, this therapeutic regimen has several contra-indications and can cause significant adverse events, which can reduce adherence and impair SVR rates. SOF plus RBV for 24 weeks is another treatment option, with SVR rates of 82-96% among patients without cirrhosis and 62-92% among those with cirrhosis. Finally, SOF plus DCV provides 94-97% SVR rates in non-cirrhotic patients, but 59-69% in those with cirrhosis. The addition of RBV to the regimen of SOF plus DCV increases the SVR rates in cirrhotic patients above 80%, and extending treatment to 24 weeks raises SVR to 90%. The ideal duration of therapy is still under investigation. For cirrhotic patients, the optimal duration, or even the best regimen, is still uncertain. Further studies are necessary to clarify the best regimen to treat HCV genotype 3 infection491

Gold-Silver Catalysts: Ruling Factors for Establishing Synergism

DPU and SOL immobilisation have been used to prepare 1 %AuAg/TiO2 with internal ratio 1 : 1 and 4 : 1 which have been studied as fresh, calcined in air at 300 \ub0C and reduced at 550 \ub0C in H2. TEM-EDS, XPS, UV-Vis and CO-DRIFT allowed to characterize the samples in terms of particle size, particle composition, exposure and oxidation state of metals. Correlating these characteristics to the catalytic behaviour we concluded that only Au-rich catalysts show synergistic effect, silver in bimetallic systems appears more resistant to oxidation than in monometallic one, thermal treatment enhances the SMSI thus producing (regardless to the post-treatment) almost the same amount of Au\u3b4+ and also Ag\u3b4+. Catalysts prepared by DPU (calcined in air or reduced in H2) are more active than SOL (fresh or calcined) probably due to the higher presence of gold at the surface

Hepatitis C virus in monozygotic twins

É relatado o caso de paciente grávida, com hepatite C crônica que deu à luz dois gêmeos monozigóticos. Um recém-nascido apresentou positividade para o RNA do vírus da hepatite C (RNA-VHC), no sangue venoso, coletado de veia periférica doze horas após o parto. O outro recém-nascido apresentou-se negativo para o RNA-VHC logo após o nascimento, porém tornou-se RNA-VHC positivo na amostra coletada aos três meses de idade. Os resultados permitem supor que um dos gêmeos provavelmente foi contaminado no período intra-uterino, enquanto o outro adquiriu a infecção no período perinatal. Ambos foram negativos para a presença do RNA-VHC e para os anticorpos anti-HCV em todas as amostras séricas coletadas após os nove meses de idade. Os exames laboratoriais dos gêmeos não mostraram a presença de infecção crônica pelo VHC durante o acompanhamento de 29 meses .A case of a pregnant patient with chronic hepatitis C who gave birth to monozygotic twins that were infected with HCV is reported. One of the newborns was positive for HCV-RNA in blood sample collected 12 hours after delivery. The other newborn was negative for HCV-RNA at birth, but was detected HCV viremia at three months of age. The results have led to the conclusion that one of the twins was probably contaminated in the intrauterine period, while the other acquired the infection in the perinatal period. Both were negative for HCV-RNA and for anti-HCV in the serum samples collected at nine months of age. The report describes the changes in the laboratory tests conducted in mother and twins until 29 months after delivery