On the intertwining between capacity scaling and TCP congestion control

Recent works advocate the possibility of improving energy efficiency of network devices by modulating switching and transmission capacity according to traffic load. However, addressing the trade-off between energy saving and Quality of Service (QoS) under these approaches is not a trivial task, specially because most of the traffic in the Internet of today is carried by TCP, and is hence adaptive to the available resources. In this paper we present a preliminary investigation of the possible intertwining between capacity scaling approaches and TCP congestion control, and we show how this interaction can affect performance in terms of both energy saving and QoS

Rectal screening of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a proposed workflow

Abstract Objectives Active screening is a crucial element for the prevention of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) transmission in healthcare settings. Here, we proposed a culture-based protocol for rectal swab CPE screening that combines the detection of CPE and the identification of carbapenamase type. Methods The workflow integrates an automatic digital analysis of selective chromogenic media (WASPLab, Copan), with subsequent rapid tests for the confirmation of carbapenemase production (i.e. detection of Klebsiella pneumoniae KPC-specific peak by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry; a multiplex immunochromatographic assay identifying the five commonest carbapenemase types). To in-depth evaluate the performance of this protocol, data about 21 162 rectal swabs submitted for CPE screening at the Microbiology of S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna were analyzed. Results Considering its ability to correctly segregate plates with/without Enterobacteriaceae, WASPLab Image Analysis Software showed globally a sensitivity and a specificity of 100% and 79.4%, respectively. Out of the plates with a bacterial growth (n = 901), 76.9% were found positive for CPE by MALDI-TOF (specific KPC-peak for K. pneumoniae) or by the immunochromatographic assay. Only 2.8% of KPC-positive K. pneumoniae strains were missed by the specific MALDI-TOF MS algorithm, being detected by the immunochromatographic assay. The mean turn-around-time needed from the sample arrival to the final report ranged between 18 to 24 hours, with a significant time saving compared to a manual reading. Conclusions This workflow proved to be fast and reliable, being particularly suitable for KPC-K. pneumoniae endemic areas and for high-throughput laboratories

Network interface power management and TCP congestion control: a troubled marriage

Optimizing the trade-off between power saving and Quality of Service in the current Internet is a challenging research objective, whose difficulty stems also from the dominant presence of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) traffic, and its elastic nature. More specifically, recent works support the possibility of improving energy efficiency of network devices by modulating switching and transmission capacity according to traffic load, whereas TCP traffic is in turn adaptive to the available resources. In a previous work, we have shown that an intertwining exists between capacity scaling approaches and TCP congestion control. In this paper, we investigate the reasons of such intertwining, and we evaluate how and how much the dynamics of the two algorithms affect each other’s performance. More specifically, we will show that such an interaction is essentially due to the relative speed of the two algorithms, which determines the conditions for the successful or unsuccessful coexistence of the two mechanisms

Expression of stathmin in asbestos-like fibers-induced mesothelioma: A preliminary report

Background. Mesothelioma is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, however, recent studies have also linked exposure to "naturally occurring asbestos" fibers with this disease. Fluoroedenite, a silicate mineral found in the southeast of Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), has been identified as a potential risk factor for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this cancer often has a poor prognosis, and current diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are inadequate. Histological subtype, gender, and age at diagnosis are the most significant parameters for mesothelioma. Stathmin, a cytosolic protein that regulates cell growth and migration and is overexpressed in many human malignancies, has not yet been linked to mesothelioma survival or clinical-pathological variables. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of stathmin in ten mesothelioma tissue samples with available clinical and follow-up data. Material and Methods. Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from ten mesothelioma patients were processed for immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate stathmin expression. Results. Our findings suggest that stathmin overexpression is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with mesothelioma. Furthermore, stathmin expression was significantly correlated with the survival time of mesothelioma patients. Conclusion. Our results suggest that stathmin expression may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for mesothelioma. This biomarker could be used to promptly identify patients with poor prognosis and to guide clinicians in the selection of treatment options

The diagnostic usefulness of the combined COMPASS 31 questionnaire and electrochemical skin conductance for diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy.

The study investigated the diagnostic performance for diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) of the combined use of composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS) 31, validated questionnaire for autonomic symptoms of CAN, and electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), proposed for detecting DPN and CAN. One-hundred and two participants with diabetes (age 57 ± 14 years, duration 17 ± 13 years) completed the COMPASS 31 before assessing cardiovascular reflex tests (CARTs), neuropathic symptoms, signs, vibratory perception threshold (VPT), thermal thresholds (TT), and ESC using Sudoscan. Two patterns were evaluated: (a) the combined abnormalities in both tests (COMPASS 31+ESC), and (b) the abnormality in COMPASS 31 and/or ESC (COMPASS 31 and/or ESC). CAN (≥1 abnormal CART) and confirmed CAN (≥2 abnormal CARTs) were present in 28.1% and 12.5%, DPN (two abnormalities among symptoms, signs, VPT, and TT) in 52%, abnormal COMPASS 31 (total weighted score >16.44) in 48% and abnormal ESC (hands ESC <50 μS and/or feet ESC <70 μS) in 47.4%. Both the patterns—COMPASS 31+ESC and COMPASS 31 and/or ESC—were associated with CAN and DPN (P < .01). COMPASS 31 and ESC reached a sensitivity of 75% and 83% for confirmed CAN, and a specificity of 65% and 67% for DPN. When combining the tests, the sensitivity for CAN rose by up to 100% for CAN and the specificity up to 89% for DPN. The combination of the tests can allow a stepwise screening strategy for CAN, by suggesting CAN absence with combined normality, and prompting to CARTs with combined abnormality

Tuberculosis in wild South American sea lions Otaria flavescens stranded in Chubut, Argentina

Pinniped tuberculosis, commonly caused by Mycobacterium pinnipedii, is a zoonotic disease reported in free-living and captive otariid species of the southern hemisphere. Currently, data concerning pinniped tuberculosis in South America are scarce, reinforcing the need for further studies of the disease in free-ranging pinnipeds. In this study, we investigated the presence of tuberculosis in South American sea lions Otaria flavescens (SASLs) stranded along the Chubut coastline (Argentina). Necropsies were performed in 9 SASLs, and tissue samples were collected for histopathology, bacteriology, and molecular diagnosis. Four SASLs showed enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLNs) with multifocal to coalescing granulomas. In these animals, a direct IS6110-PCR amplification confirmed the presence of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex member in TBLNs (n = 4) and lungs (n = 2), but the agent could not be further identified. In one SASL, Mycobacterium murale was isolated from lungs without lesions. This study confirms the presence of tuberculosis in SASLs from Chubut, where tourist activities promote close interaction with the animals, generating a potential risk to human health. Further research is currently focusing on addressing the prevalence of tuberculosis in wild SASLs, to assess the risk for public health and develop management strategies to avoid human infection.Fil: Fiorito, Carla Daniela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Marfil, Maria Jimena. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Falzoni, Elvira María. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Martínez Vivot, Marcela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Zumárraga, Martín José. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Lombardo, Daniel. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Barandiaran, Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentin

Identification, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of poxvirus in skin lesions of southern right whale

Poxvirus skin disease has been reported in several species of cetaceans, principally in odontocetes, and a single report in mysticetes. Southern right whales Eubalaena australis in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, show a variety of skin lesions of unknown etiology, and the number of these lesions has increased in recent years. Samples from dead whales were taken in order to establish the etiology of these lesions. One calf and one adult presented ring-type lesions, characterized by a circumscribed and slightly raised area of skin. Lesions were histologically characterized by the presence of microvesicles and vacuolated cells in the stratum spinosum, along with hyperplasia of the stratum corneum and eosinophilic inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed aggregations of virions with typical poxvirus morphology. PCR of cetacean poxvirus (CPV) DNA polymerase, DNA topoisomerase I and parapoxvirus DNA polymerase gene fragments was done, and confirmed the presence of poxvirus in one sample. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the detected poxvirus belongs to the CPV-2 group. This is the first confirmed report of poxvirus in southern right whales in Argentina.Fil: Fiorito, Carla Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Palacios, Carlos Adolfo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica. Laboratorio de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología ; ArgentinaFil: Golemba, Marcelo Darío. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Pediatría ; ArgentinaFil: Bratanich, Ana Cristina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica. Laboratorio de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Argüelles, María Belén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Fazio, Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Bertellotti, Néstor Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Lombardo, Daniel Marcelo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentin

Una mirada atrás

Treballs de l'alumnat del Grau de Comunicació Audiovisual, Facultat de Biblioteconomia i Documentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Projectes I - Grup7. Curs: 2014-2015, Tutor: Jaume VilasecaDirector: Carla Martínez; Aj. direcció: Enric Bartra ; Productor: Carla Lombardo; Guionista: Carla Lombardo; Director de fotografia: MAria Rodríguez; Camera: Sara Bernal; Aj. Camera: Enric Bartra; Il·luminador: Aina Gutiérrez; Direcció artística: Sara Bernal; Direcció de so: Maria Rodríguez; Muntatge: Sara Bernal; Música: Carla Martínez; Postproducció: Sara Bernal; Equip artístic: Personatge: Pare Gaspar, Actor/Actriu: Enric Bartra; Personatge: Milicià 1, Actor/Actriu: Aina Gutiérrez; Personatge: Milicià 2, Actor/Actriu: Carla Martínez; Personatge: Germana Gaspar, Actor/Actriu: Sara Bernal.[Vídeo] Gaspar Lombardo explica com va viure la Guerra Civil Espanyola quan tenia només 7 anys. Va patir la pèrdua del seu pare a mans de dos miliciansi va veure com propietats i terres de la seva família els hi eren expropiades.[Memòria] En primera instancia, hemos decidido tratar la experiencia que vivió la generación de nuestros abuelos durante la Guerra Civil Española. A partir de aquí, nos hemos acogido al género documental para narrar las vivencias de esos años, con la idea u objetivo principal de mostrar la historia contada en primera persona por alguien que vivió el conflicto bélico o las carencias emocionales y económicas sufridas en la posguerra. Escoger el género documental nos ha permitido expresar con mayor eficacia el hilo argumental del relato. Además, a través de la entrevista hay una conexión más cercana con el público ya que el protagonista y su narración son reales y no están interpretados por un actor. También hemos querido complementar la entrevista con fragmentos ficcionados de las palabras del protagonista, con la intención de causar mayor impacto en el espectador. Después de comparar las historias de los posibles entrevistados, hemos elegido la de Gaspar Lombardo Mata porque es la que mejor plasma la dureza de la Guerra Civil: con solo siete años sufrió la pérdida de su padre en manos de unos milicianos. Debido al contenido dramático y la temática principal, este documental va dirigido al público adulto, ya que relata un hecho muy presente en la sociedad española

A clinical trial of oral hyposensitization in systemic allergy to nickel.

Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy. Some nickel-sensitive patients present systemic (cutaneous and/or digestive) symptoms related to the ingestion of high nickel-content foods, which significantly improve after a specific low nickel-content diet. The etiopathogenetic role of nickel in the genesis of systemic disorders is, furthermore, demonstrated by the relapse of previous contact lesions, appearance of widespread eczema and generalized urticaria-like lesions after oral nickel challenge test. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of a specific oral hyposensitization to nickel in patients with both local contact disorders and systemic symptoms after the ingestion of nickel-containing foods. Inclusion criteria for the recruitment of these patients were (other than a positive patch test) a benefit higher than 80% from a low nickel-content diet and a positive oral challenge with nickel. Based on the previous experiences, our group adopted a therapeutic protocol by using increasing oral doses of nickel sulfate associated to an elimination diet. Results have been excellent: this treatment has been effective in inducing clinical tolerance to nickel-containing foods, with a low incidence of side effects (gastric pyrosis, itching erythema)

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of a family carrying two Xq21.1-21.3 interstitial deletions associated with syndromic hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing impairment is a common pathological manifestation in patients affected by X-linked intellectual disability. A few cases of interstitial deletions at Xq21 with several different phenotypic characteristics have been described, but to date, a complete molecular characterization of the deletions harboring disease-causing genes is still missing. Thus, the aim of this study is to realize a detailed clinical and molecular analysis of a family affected by syndromic X-linked hearing loss with intellectual disability