L’influenza dell’apprendimento capovolto sui fattori motivazionali degli studenti in matematica: osservazioni e risultati di una prima analisi narrativa

Il presente contributo ha l’obiettivo di indagare la possibile influenza dell’apprendimento capovolto, una metodologia didattica innovativa di ampia diffusione, sui fattori motivazionali nell’insegnamento-apprendimento della matematica. È stata svolta un’analisi dei testi narrativi prodotti da circa 200 studenti di scuola secondaria di secondo grado al termine di una sperimentazione della durata di circa 20 ore. Si è così giunti ad alcune rilevanti conclusioni che sembrano riconoscere nell’apprendimento capovolto una metodologia in grado di creare un ambiente di apprendimento con influenza positiva sui fattori motivazionali

DAX-1 Expression in Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcomas: Another Immunohistochemical Marker Useful in the Diagnosis of Translocation Positive Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of DAX-1 in a series of pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) with known translocation and compare it to Ap2\u3b2, known to be selectively expressed in ARMS. DESIGN: We revised a series of 71 alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas (ARMS), enrolled in the Italian Protocols RMS 79 and 96, and 23 embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMS) as controls. Before investigating Ap2\u3b2 and DAX-1, ARMS were reviewed and reclassified as 48 ARMS and 23 non-ARMS. RESULTS: Translocation positive ARMS showed a characteristic Ap2\u3b2/DAX-1+ staining pattern in 78% of cases, while 76% of classic ERMS were negative for both. Ap2\u3b2 alone was positive in 3.9% of RMS lacking translocation, whereas DAX-1 alone was positive in 25.4%. Conversely, 9% and 6% of translocation positive ARMS were positive only for DAX-1 or Ap2\u3b2, respectively. The 23 non-ARMS shared the same phenotype as ERMS but had a higher frequency of DAX-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: DAX-1 is less specific than Ap2\u3b2, however it is a sensitive marker for translocation positive ARMS and can be helpful in their diagnosis if used in combination with Ap2\u3b2

A set-theoretic generalization of dissipativity with applications in Tube MPC

This paper introduces a framework for analyzing a general class of uncertain nonlinear discrete-time systems with given state-, control-, and disturbance constraints. In particular, we propose a set-theoretic generalization of the concept of dissipativity of systems that are affected by external disturbances. The corresponding theoretical developments build upon set based analysis methods and lay a general theoretical foundation for a rigorous stability analysis of economic tube model predictive controllers. Besides, we discuss practical prodecures for verifying set-dissipativity of constrained linear control systems with convex stage costs.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figure

Clinical Features And Laboratory Patterns In A Cohort Of Consecutive Argentinian Patients With Von Willebrand's Disease

Background and Objectives. von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is a bleeding disorder with variable clinical expression. Our aim was to classify patients with vWD and to determine the phenotype in their relatives. Design and Methods. The types and subtypes, blood group frequency and its relevance, bleeding sites, response to the desmopressin (DDAVP) test, transfusion requirements and clinical features in type 1 and 2A families were determined in 1,885 patients. Results. Our findings were: type 1: 91%, type 2A: 3.1%, severe vWD: 1.3%; type 2N: 1.6%; type low intraplatelet: 2.7%; combined 1+2N: 0.3%. Blood group O prevalence was 70.5%. Bleeding and transfusion requirements were not correlated to blood groups. The most frequent symptoms were: ecchymoses-hematomas and epistaxis and, in females over 13 years, also menorrhagia. Normal levels of factor VIII:C were found in 38.4% of the patients. DDAVP was infused in 567 patients with a good response in 80.6%. About 9% of our patients needed transfusion therapy. The diagnosis of von Willebrand’s disease is more likely in subjects belonging to families with type 2A disease than in members of families with type 1 vWD in spite of these being symptomatic. Interpretation and Conclusions. These observations provide a good strategy to identify, classify and treat vWD patients without performing molecular assays.Fil: Woods, Adriana Inés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Meschengieser, S. S.. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Blanco, A. N.. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Salviu, M. J.. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Farias, Cristina Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Kempfer, Ana Catalina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Lazzari, María Ángela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Academia Nacional de Medicina de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Merging bio-optical data from Biogeochemical-Argo floats and models in marine biogeochemistry

In numerical models for marine biogeochemistry, bio-optical data, such as measurements of the light field, may be important descriptors of the dynamics of primary producers and ultimately of oceanic carbon fluxes. However, the paucity of field observations has limited the integration of bio-optical data in such models so far. New autonomous robotic platforms for observing the ocean, i.e., Biogeochemical-Argo floats, have drastically increased the number of vertical profiles of irradiance, photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) and algal chlorophyll concentrations around the globe independently of the season. Such data may be therefore a fruitful resource to improve performances of numerical models for marine biogeochemistry. Here we present a work that integrates into a 1-dimensional model 1314 vertical profiles of PAR acquired by 31 BGC-Argo floats operated in the Mediterranean Sea between 2012 and 2016 to simulate the vertical and temporal variability of algal chlorophyll concentrations. In addition to PAR as input, alternative light and vertical mixing models were considered. We evaluated the models\u2019 skill to reproduce the spatial and temporal variability of deep chlorophyll maxima as observed by BGC-Argo floats. The assumptions used to set up the 1-D model are validated by the high number of co-located in-situ measurements. Our results illustrate the key role of PAR and vertical mixing in shaping the vertical dynamics of primary produces in the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, we demonstrate the importance of modeling the diel cycle to simulate chlorophyll concentrations in stratified waters at the surface

Comparison of the Effects of Valsartan and Felodipine on Plasma Leptin and Insulin Sensitivity in Hypertensive Obese Patients

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FGF23 and Fetuin-A Interaction in the Liver and in the Circulation

Recently it has been demonstrated that Fetuin-A, an anti-inflammatory protein synthesized by the liver, is produced also in bone by an FGF23-regulated pathway. FGF23 has been also demonstrated to induce inflammatory cytokine production in the liver. This study aimed to explore if FGF23 plays a role in the Fetuin-A production in the liver cells too and the possible relationships with FGF23 pro-inflammatory effects.FGF23 and Fetuin-A were studied in liver, kidney and in plasma with immunochemistry, immunoprecipitation, western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation, duolink, ELISA, qrtPCR methodology.FGF23 is produced, but not secreted by the liver cells. In hepatocytes and circulation, FGF23 was present only strictly linked to Fetuin-A, while Fetuin-A was found also in unbounded form. No link was observed in the kidney. FGF23 up to 600 pg/ml stimulates, while, at higher concentrations, reduces Fetuin-A expression.Notably, overall the range of concentrations, FGF23 stimulates Fetuin-A promoter, TNF alpha and IL6 expression.In the nucleus, FGF23 seems to act as a direct transcription factor of Fetuin-A promoter. These results suggest that FGF23 played a direct regulatory role in Fetuin-A expression in liver cells with a biphasic effect: Fetuin-A progressively increases when FGF23 increases up to 400-600 pg/mL, and declines at higher FGF23 concentrations.These results lead us to hypothesize: a) a possible epigenetic post-transcriptional regulation; b) a possible counter-regulatory effect of FGF23 induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha/NF-kappa B mechanism). This study could add an additional key for the interpretation of the possible mechanisms linking FGF23, Fetuin-A and inflammation in CKD patients and suggests a role for FGF23 as transcription factor

Incidência de lesões por pressão relacionadas a dispositivos médicos em unidade de terapia intensiva adulto

Objective: to determine the incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries and associated factors in adult intensive care unit. Method: quantitative, observational, prospective. Data were collected between September and November 2020, in a public hospital. An instrument was used for daily evaluations of the skin under and peri the devices. Results: 1,579 devices were analyzed in 292 evaluations in 47 patients, identifying 233 injuries (14.9%). The incidence of injuries was 6.1%. In 20.9% (n = 61) of the devices used, the injuries were related to the orotracheal tube. Regarding the regions affected by injuries, 10.4% (n = 24) occurred in the ears; 7.8% (n = 18) in the face. Stage 1 injuries were the most frequent (n=147; 63.3%) in the evaluations performed. Conclusion: incidence was 6.1%. The need to maintain surveillance is emphasized, especially in patients with endotracheal tube. Prevention measures should be adopted to reduce the occurrence of these injuries.Objetivo: determinar la incidencia de lesiones por presión relacionadas con dispositivos médicos y los factores asociados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos para adultos. Método: cuantitativo, observacional, prospectivo. Los datos fueron recogidos entre septiembre y noviembre de 2020, en un hospital público. Se utilizó instrumento para evaluaciones diarias de la piel bajo y peri los dispositivos. Resultados: se analizaron 1.579 dispositivos en 292 evaluaciones, en 47 pacientes. Identificándose 233 lesiones (14,9%). La incidencia de lesiones fue del 6,1%. En el 20,9% (n= 61) de los dispositivos utilizados, las lesiones fueron relacionadas al tubo orotraqueal. Con relación a las regiones afectadas por lesiones, 10,4% (n= 24) ocurrieron en las orejas; 7,8% (n= 18), en la cara. Las lesiones etapa 1 fueron las más frecuentes (n=147; 63,3%) en las evaluaciones realizadas. Conclusión: se observó incidencia de 6,1%. Se subraya la necesidad de mantener la vigilancia, en especial en pacientes con tubo endotraqueal. Se deben adoptar medidas preventivas para reducir la aparición de estas lesiones.Objetivo: determinar a incidência de lesões por pressão relacionadas a dispositivos médicos e os fatores associados em unidade de terapia intensiva adulta. Método: quantitativo, observacional, prospectivo. Os dados foram coletados entre setembro e novembro de 2020, em um hospital público. Utilizou-se instrumento para avaliações diárias da pele sob e peri os dispositivos. Resultados: foram analisados 1.579 dispositivos em 292 avaliações, em 47 pacientes. Identificando-se 233 lesões (14,9%). A incidência de lesões foi de 6,1%. Em 20,9% (n= 61) dos dispositivos utilizados, as lesões foram relacionadas ao tubo orotraqueal. Com relação às regiões acometidas por lesões, 10,4% (n= 24) ocorreram nas orelhas; 7,8% (n= 18), na face. As lesões estágio 1 foram as mais frequentes (n=147; 63,3%) nas avaliações realizadas. Conclusão: observou-se incidência de 6,1%. Ressalta-se a necessidade de manter a vigilância, em especial em pacientes com tubo endotraqueal. Medidas de prevenção devem ser adotadas para diminuir a ocorrência destas lesões

Postoperative treatment of intermediate-risk early stage cervical cancer: results of a survey from the Gynecology Study Group in the AIRO Gyn and MITO Groups

This survey investigated prognostic factors, treatment modalities, references followed and radiation oncologists' opinions to prescribe adjuvant therapy in early intermediate-risk cervical cancer. All but one recommended pelvic radiotherapy ± vaginal boost (45%) with or without chemotherapy (20%). 88% believed other prognostic factors could integrate classic risk criteria. 66% considered chemo-radiation indicated in case of lymphovascular invasion and suboptimal node dissection, high grade, size ≥ 4cm, non squamous histology and risk factors combination. This wide heterogeneity of treatments reflects the different guideline options due to the lack of defined indications. The need of integrating the classic prognostic factors with others factors was unanimously expressed by radiation oncologists. The best local and systemic therapy should be established through new studies. These results highlighted the need of a position paper to standardize adjuvant treatment in Italy and to design collaborative studies to clarify the controversial aspects