Regularity results for a class of obstacle problems with p,q−p,q-growth conditions

In this paper we prove the local boundedness as well as the local Lipschitz continuity for solutions to a class of obstacle problems of the type $$\min\left\{\int_\Omega {F(x, Dz)}: z\in \mathcal{K}_{\psi}(\Omega)\right\}.$$ Here $\mathcal{K}_{\psi}(\Omega)$ is set of admissible functions $z \in W^{1,p}(\Omega)$ such that $z \ge \psi$ a.e. in $\Omega$, $\psi$ being the obstacle and $\Omega$ being an open bounded set of $\mathbb{R}^n$, $n \ge 2$. The main novelty here is that we are assuming $F(x, Dz)$ satisfying $(p,q)$-growth conditions {and less restrictive assumptions on the obstacle with respect to the existing regularity results}

Structural Lesions of Proteins Connected to Lipid Membrane Damages Caused by Radical Stress: Assessment by Biomimetic Systems and Raman Spectroscopy

Model systems constituted by proteins and unsaturated lipid vesicles were used to gain more insight into the effects of the propagation of an initial radical damage on protein to the lipid compartment. The latter is based on liposome technology and allows measuring the trans unsaturated fatty acid content as a result of free radical stress on proteins. Two kinds of sulfu rcontaining proteins were chosen to connect their chemical reactivity with membrane lipid transformation, serum albumins and metallothioneins. Biomimetic systems based on radiation chemistry were used to mimic the protein exposure to different kinds of free radical stress and Raman spectroscopy to shed light on protein structural changes caused by the free radical attack. Among the amino acid residues, Cys is one of the most sensitive residues towards the attack of free radicals, thus suggesting that metal-Cys clusters are good interceptors of reactive species in metallothioneins, together with disulfides moieties in serum albumins. Met is another important site of the attack, in particular under reductive conditions. Tyr and Phe are sensitive to radical stress too, leading to electron transfer reactions or radical-induced modifications of their structures. Finally, modifications in protein folding take place depending on reactive species attacking the protein

Robotic removal of Müllerian duct remnants in pediatric patients: our experience and a review of the literature.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is a disorder of sexual development, which features a failure of involution of Müllerian structures. An enlarged prostatic utricle is a kind of Müllerian duct remnant (MDR) with a tubular shaped structure communicating with the prostatic urethra. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms when present, preserve fertility and prevent neoplastic degeneration. We describe 3 cases of successful robot assisted-removal of symptomatic MDRs. The first case came to our attention for pseudo-incontinence; the other two for recurrent urinary tract infections. The patients have not presented such symptoms anymore on follow-up. We then reviewed existent literature on authors who have recently investigated the main issues concerning MDRs and have attempted a roboticassisted approach on them. Robot-assisted laparoscopy can be considered a valid, safe and effective minimally-invasive technique for the primary treatment of prostatic utricle

Study of the Synthetic Approach Influence in Ni/CeO2-Based Catalysts for Methane Dry Reforming

This study focuses on the synthetic approach influence in morphostructural features and catalytic performances for Ni/CeO2 catalysts. Incipient wetness impregnation, coprecipitation and nitrate combustion were studied as catalyst preparation approaches, and the materials were then tested at 700 C for methane dry reforming (MDR). The morphostructural properties of the materials were deeply studied using several techniques, such as temperature programmed reduction (TPR), to investigate reducibility and support-metal interaction, N2 physisorption to evaluate the porosity and the surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to estimate Ni dispersion, and temperature programmed oxidation (TPO) to identify the type and amount of coke formed on catalysts’ surface after reaction. From the data obtained, coprecipitation turned out to be the most suitable technique for this application because this catalyst was able to reach 70% of CO2 conversion and 30% methane conversion, with an H2 yield of 15% and 30% yield of CO at the end of the 30 h test. Moreover, it was also the catalyst with the highest metal dispersion, the strongest interaction with the support, and the lowest coke deposition

Photoreforming of Glucose over CuO/TiO2

Hydrogen production has been investigated through the photoreforming of glucose, as model molecule representative for biomass hydrolysis. Different copper-or nickel-loaded titania photocatalysts have been compared. The samples were prepared starting from three titania samples, prepared by precipitation and characterized by pure Anatase with high surface area, or prepared through flame synthesis, i.e., flame pyrolysis and the commercial P25, leading to mixed Rutile and Anatase phases with lower surface area. The metal was added in different loading up to 1 wt % following three procedures that induced different dispersion and reducibility to the catalyst. The highest activity among the bare semiconductors was exhibited by the commercial P25 titania, while the addition of 1 wt % CuO through precipitation with complexes led to the best hydrogen productivity, i.e., 9.7 mol H2/h kgcat. Finally, a basic economic analysis considering only the costs of the catalyst and testing was performed, suggesting CuO promoted samples as promising and almost feasible for this application

Performance validity tests in nonlitigant patients with functional motor disorder

Background: Performance Validity Tests (PVTs) are used in neuropsychological assessments to detect patterns of performance suggesting that the broader evaluation may be an invalid reflection of an individual's abilities. Data on Functional motor disorder (FMD) are currently poor and conflicting. Objectives: We aimed to examine the rate of failure at three different PVTs of non-litigant, non-compensation seeking FMD patients, and we compared their performance to that of healthy controls and controls asked to simulate malingering (healthy simulators). Methods: We enrolled 29 non-litigant, non-compensation seeking patients with a clinical diagnosis of FMD, 29 healthy controls and 29 healthy simulators. Three PVTs, the Coin in the Hand Test (CIH), the Rey 15-item Test (REY) and the Finger Tapping Test (FTT), were employed. Results: FMD Patients showed low rates of failure at the CIH and REY tests (7% and 10%, respectively) and slightly higher at the FTT (15%, n=26) test, which implies a motor task. Their performance was statistically comparable to that of healthy controls but statistically different from that of healthy simulators (p<0.001). 93% of FMD patients, 7% of healthy simulators, and 100% of healthy controls passed at least two of the three tests. Conclusions: PVT performance of non-litigant, non-compensation seeking patients with FMD ranged from 7 to 15%. Patient's performance was comparable to controls and significantly differed from that of simulators. This simple battery of three PVTs could be of practical utility and routinely used in clinical practice

Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis Vaporization Using a CO2 Laser: A Long-Term Single-Center Experience

Background: The validation of laser usage during laparoscopic procedures, notably by Camran Nezhat in the late 1980s, has been significant. Lasers offer precision and depth control in tissue Vaporization without bleeding. Surgical intervention remains central in managing endometriosisassociated pain and infertility, especially for patients unresponsive to hormonal therapy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 200 patients with superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE) who underwent laparoscopic laser vaporization. Surgery was performed using a CO2 laser, and histological confirmation of endometriosis was obtained for all cases. Pain scores and SF-36 questionnaire domains were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Fertility outcomes were evaluated among patients desiring pregnancy. Results: Significant improvements in pain score and SF-36 questionnaire domains were observed postoperatively (p-value < 0.01), indicating enhanced quality of life. Among infertile patients with an active desire for pregnancy, surgical treatment showed an overall pregnancy rate after surgery of 93.7% (p-value < 0.01), including 75.7% natural pregnancies and 24.3% IVF. Laser vaporization enabled precise lesion removal with minimal tissue damage, short operative time, and minimal blood loss. Conclusions: Laparoscopic laser vaporization is an effective treatment for SPE, offering pain relief, improved quality of life, and favorable fertility outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these results in terms of pain control and fertility

Promoting Laparoscopic Anterior Approach for a Very Low Presacral Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor Arising in a Tailgut Cyst

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that develop in the presacral space. As they can potentially conceal primary neuroendocrine tumors, surgical excision is suggested as the treatment of choice. However, specific management guidelines have yet to be developed. A posterior approach is usually preferred for cysts extending to the third sacral vertebral body. Conversely, a transabdominal approach is preferred for lesions extending upward to achieve an optimal view of the surgical field and avoid injuries

Pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine at fixed-dose rate infusion in patients with normal and impaired hepatic function

Background and objectives: Gemcitabine (2,2-difluorodeoxycytidine [dFdC]) can be administered in a standard 30-minute infusion or in a fixed-dose-rate (FDR) infusion to maximize the rate of accumulation of triphosphate, its major intracellular metabolite. The standard 30-minute infusion requires dose adjustment in patients with organ dysfunction, especially in patients with elevated baseline serum bilirubin levels. On the other hand, the FDR infusion is burdened by increased haematological toxicity. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of dFdC and its metabolite difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU) in patients with normal and impaired hepatic function. Patients and methods: In this prospective study, patients with pancreatic or biliary tract carcinoma and normal or impaired hepatic function tests were considered eligible for recruitment. Patients were recruited according to the following criteria: (i) serum bilirubin <1.6 mg/dL and AST and ALT <2 times the upper the limit of normal (ULN) [cohort I]; and (ii) serum bilirubin >1.6 mg/dL and/or AST/ALT >2 times the ULN (cohort II). An FDR infusion of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 was administered on days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks. The pharmacokinetic analysis of gemcitabine and dFdU was performed with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay in cycles 1 and 2. Results: Thirteen patients were enrolled, four in cohort I and nine in cohort II. All patients were assessable for toxicity and pharmacokinetic analysis. The grade and rate of toxicities were similar in both groups, and patients with elevation of bilirubin and/or transaminases did not require dose reduction of gemcitabine. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a reduction of the experimental area under the plasma concentration-time curve for gemcitabine and dFdU in patients with hepatic dysfunction when compared with patients with normal hepatic function. All other pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in the two cohorts. No statistical difference was demonstrated for all parameters evaluated between cycle 1 and cycle 2 in the two groups. Conclusion: Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 can be administered as an FDR infusion in patients with altered hepatic function without causing additional toxicity compared with patients with normal hepatic function