Geodetic model of the 2016 Central Italy earthquake sequence inferred from InSAR and GPS data

We investigate a large geodetic data set of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR)and GPS measurements to determine the source parameters for the three main shocks of the 2016Central Italy earthquake sequence on 24 August and 26 and 30 October (Mw6.1, 5.9, and 6.5,respectively). Our preferred model is consistent with the activation of four main coseismic asperitiesbelonging to the SW dipping normal fault system associated with the Mount Gorzano-Mount Vettore-Mount Bove alignment. Additional slip, equivalent to aMw~ 6.1–6.2 earthquake, on a secondary (1) NEdipping antithetic fault and/or (2) on a WNW dipping low-angle fault in the hanging wall of the mainsystem is required to better reproduce the complex deformation pattern associated with the greatestseismic event (theMw6.5 earthquake). The recognition of ancillary faults involved in the sequencesuggests a complex interaction in the activated crustal volume between the main normal faults and thesecondary structures and a partitioning of strain releas

Genetics of essential hypertension : from families to genes

Family studies demonstrated the contribution of genetic factors to the development of primary hypertension. However, the transition from this phenomenologic-biometric approach to the molecular-genetic one is more difficult. This last approach is mainly based on the Mendel paradigm; that is, the dissection of the poligenic complexity of hypertension is brought about on the assumption that the individual genetic variants underlying the development of hypertension must be more frequent in hypertensive patients than in controls and must cosegregate with hypertension in families. The validity of these assumptions was clearly demonstrated in the so-called monogenic form of hypertension. However, because of the network of the feedback mechanisms regulating BP, it is possible that that the same gene variant may have an opposite effect on BP according to the genetic and environmental backgrounds. Independent groups of observations (acute BP response to saline infusion, incidence of hypertension in a population follow-up of 9 yr, age-related changes on BP) discussed in this review suggest a positive answer to this question. Therefore the impact of a given genetic variant on BP level must be evaluated within the context of the appropriate genetic epistatic interactions. A negative finding or a minor genetic effect in a general population may become a major gene effect in a subset of people with the appropriate genetic and environmental backgrounds

Na+, K+-ATPase activity in children with autism spectrum disorder: Searching for the reason(s) of its decrease in blood cells

Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA) activity, which establishes the sodium and potassium gradient across the cell membrane and is instrumental in the propagation of the nerve impulses, is altered in a number of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In the present work, we examined a wide range of biochemical and cellular parameters in the attempt to understand the reason(s) for the severe decrease in NKA activity in erythrocytes of ASD children that we reported previously. NKA activity in leukocytes was found to be decreased independently from alteration in plasma membrane fluidity. The different subunits were evaluated for gene expression in leukocytes and for protein expression in erythrocytes: small differences in gene expression between ASD and typically developing children were not apparently paralleled by differences in protein expression. Moreover, no gross difference in erythrocyte plasma membrane oxidative modifications was detectable, although oxidative stress in blood samples from ASD children was confirmed by increased expression of NRF2 mRNA. Interestingly, gene expression of some NKA subunits correlated with clinical features. Excess inhibitory metals or ouabain-like activities, which might account for NKA activity decrease, were ruled out. Plasma membrane cholesterol, but not phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidlserine, was slighty decreased in erythrocytes from ASD children. Although no compelling results were obtained, our data suggest that alteration in the erytrocyte lipid moiety or subtle oxidative modifications in NKA structure are likely candidates for the observed decrease in NKA activity. These findings are discussed in the light of the relevance of NKA in ASD. Autism Research 2018. \ua9 2018 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary: The activity of the cell membrane enzyme NKA, which is instrumental in the propagation of the nerve impulses, is severely decreased in erythrocytes from ASD children and in other brain disorders, yet no explanation has been provided for this observation. We strived to find a biological/biochemical cause of such alteration, but most queries went unsolved because of the complexity of NKA regulation. As NKA activity is altered in many brain disorders, we stress the relevance of studies aimed at understanding its regulation in ASD

A principal component meta-analysis on multiple anthropometric traits identifies novel loci for body shape

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.Large consortia have revealed hundreds of genetic loci associated with anthropometric traits, one trait at a time. We examined whether genetic variants affect body shape as a composite phenotype that is represented by a combination of anthropometric traits. We developed an approach that calculates averaged PCs (AvPCs) representing body shape derived from six anthropometric traits (body mass index, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio). The first four AvPCs explain >99% of the variability, are heritable, and associate with cardiometabolic outcomes. We performed genome-wide association analyses for each body shape composite phenotype across 65 studies and meta-analysed summary statistics. We identify six novel loci: LEMD2 and CD47 for AvPC1, RPS6KA5/C14orf159 and GANAB for AvPC3, and ARL15 and ANP32 for AvPC4. Our findings highlight the value of using multiple traits to define complex phenotypes for discovery, which are not captured by single-trait analyses, and may shed light onto new pathways

Recent deformation at Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) detected by DinSar and leveling techniques

The Campi Flegrei caldera, a volcanic and densely populated area located to the west of Napoli (Italy), was characterized by rapid ground deformation during 1970-72 and 1982-84, for a total amount of 3.5 m in the city of Pozzuoli. Since 1985 a slow deflation was active, with episodic microcrises of uplifts. A new and consistent uplift event is now going on, beginning in November 2004, as revealed by spatial and terrestrial geodetic techniques. In particular, we adopt almost all the available ENVISAT ASAR data acquired from both ascending and descending orbits during 2002-2006, to generate mean deformation velocity maps and time series with spatial resolution of about 100 m. The maps are computed following the Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) approach (Berardino et al., 2002), that implements an appropriate combination of differential interferograms generated from SAR data pairs (60 SAR images for this work). In addition to satellite observations, we show data from the high precision levelling network of the INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano, consisting in about 320 benchmarks. Levelling measurements are regularly carried out on both the whole network and along the coast line; in case of a bradyseismic crisis, the temporal sampling is strongly increased. Both DInSAR and levelling data evidence the maximum value of the vertical displacement near the city of Pozzuoli. We model the observed deformation by means of 3D pressurized point-source and extended source, performing inversions to constrain their shape and location. The resulting sources are also compared with that inverted for the 1982-84 unrest.UnpublishedWienope

Repeatability of ultrasound examination of the optic nerve sheath diameter in the adult cat: comparison between healthy cats and cats suffering from presumed intracranial hypertension

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to test: (1) the repeatability of ultrasonographic examination of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in the cat; (2) the association between the ONSD and age, sex and body weight in healthy cats; and (3) the difference in the ONSD between healthy cats and those suffering from presumed intracranial hypertension (ICH). Methods: This study had a prospective, blinded, observational cross-sectional study design. Two groups of animals were considered: healthy cats (group A) and cats with a diagnosis of presumed ICH (group B). The ONSD was evaluated, measured and compared between the two groups via an ultrasonographic transpalpebral approach. Repeatability of the procedure was evaluated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Data were statistically compared using the Student’s t-test and linear regression analysis. Results: A strong inter- and intraobserver ICC indicating good repeatability was observed. The interobserver ICC was 0.965 (P '0.05) for the right eye and 0.956 (P '0.05) for the left eye. The intraobserver ICC was 0.988 (P '0.05) and 0.984 (P '0.05) for the right and left eyes, respectively. In healthy cats the mean ± SD ONSD was 1.23 ± 0.11 mm (range 1–1.47 mm) and 1.23 ± 0.10 (range 1–1.4 mm) for right and left eyes, respectively. The ONSD was not related to sex or weight; a weak relationship was observed with age. In group B, the mean ONSD was 1.68 ± 0.13 mm (range 1.5–1.9 mm) and 1.61 ± 0.15 mm (range 1.4–1.9 mm) for the right and left eyes, respectively. In group B, the ONSD was statistically significantly larger than in group A, the healthy cats (P '0.001). Conclusions and relevance: The transpalpebral ultrasonographic technique is a non-invasive, feasible and reproducible method to measure ONSD both in healthy cats and in cats suffering from suspected ICH

Valutazione Del Benessere Psico-Fisico Nell'aderenza Terapeutica Nelle Donne Con Malattia Renale Policistica Autosomica Dominante: Uno Studio Osservazionale

Evaluation Of The Psychophysical Well-Being In The Compliance Of Women With Autosomal Dominant Policystic Kidney Disease: An Observational Study BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is the most common inherited renal disease and affects less than 1 every 400-1,000 people. There are many effective treatments, including blood pressure management, physical activity, low sodium diet and hydration. Therapeutic education is part of a patient's care and treatment. This approach is an essential strategy in order to face the current healthcare scenario, in which the number of people affected by chronic diseases is progressively increasing. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to analyze the effect of therapeutic education in patients with ADPKD, the level of adherence to pharmacological therapy and their compliance to dietetic and lifestyle recommendations as part of a nursing-led education. METHODS: This is a prospective, longitudinal, observational pilot study. The following measurements were used: Kidney Disease Quality of life - Short Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Body Uneasiness Test. At the T0 visit, a nurse selected patients and carried out a personalized educational intervention with the aims of adhering to drug therapies, monitoring blood pressure and dietary behavior (physical activity and water intake). At the T1 visit, patients performed psychological tests. At the T2 visit, the following evaluations were performed: a psychological interview together with the delivery and evaluation of the tests performed, an interview with the nurse to evaluate the adherence to the prescriptions, and a control of parameters such as physical activity, diet, water intake, drug therapy, and blood pressure. RESULTS: Therapeutic education can have a positive impact on patients' health by improving adherence to the pharmacological therapy, diet and lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic education improve the patient's knowledge, treatments and correct behaviors as well as promotes an independent management of the disease. Through an educational intervention, the patient acquires the ability and the awareness to modify the wrong behaviors and to guarantee a balance between his needs and the pathology, thus improving the quality of life