Schizophrenia and vitamin D related genes could have been subject to latitude-driven adaptation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Many natural phenomena are directly or indirectly related to latitude. Living at different latitudes, indeed, has its consequences with being exposed to different climates, diets, light/dark cycles, etc. In humans, one of the best known examples of genetic traits following a latitudinal gradient is skin pigmentation. Nevertheless, also several diseases show latitudinal clinals such as hypertension, cancer, dismetabolic conditions, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and many more.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We investigated, for the first time on a wide genomic scale, the latitude-driven adaptation phenomena. In particular, we selected a set of genes showing signs of latitude-dependent population differentiation. The biological characterization of these genes showed enrichment for neural-related processes. In light of this, we investigated whether genes associated to neuropsychiatric diseases were enriched by Latitude-Related Genes (LRGs). We found a strong enrichment of LRGs in the set of genes associated to schizophrenia. In an attempt to try to explain this possible link between latitude and schizophrenia, we investigated their associations with vitamin D. We found in a set of vitamin D related genes a significant enrichment of both LRGs and of genes involved in schizophrenia.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results suggest a latitude-driven adaptation for both schizophrenia and vitamin D related genes. In addition we confirm, at a molecular level, the link between schizophrenia and vitamin D. Finally, we discuss a model in which schizophrenia is, at least partly, a maladaptive by-product of latitude dependent adaptive changes in vitamin D metabolism.</p

Tailored treatment of intestinal angiodysplasia in elderly

Background: Angiodysplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon, but not rare, cause of bleeding and severe anemia in elderly. Different treatments exist for this kind of pathology. Methods: The aim of this work was to study 40 patients treated for intestinal angiodysplasia with two different kind of endoscopic treatments: argon plasma coagulation (APC) and bipolar electrocoagulation (BEC). Results: Age of patients was similar in both groups (76,2 ± 10.8 years vs 74,8 ± 8,7 years, P = 0,005). Angiodysplasia treated were located in small bowel, right colon, left colon, transverse colon and cecum. We analysed number of treatment, recurrence, hospital discharge, needs of blood transfusions before and after endoscopic treatment. Number of treatment was the same in both groups (1,2 ± 0,2 vs 1,1 ± 0,1, P < 0,001). We had more recurrence in patients treated with BEC (4/20 vs 2/20, P < 0,001). Hospital discharge was comparable in both groups (5,3 ± 3,1 days vs 5,4 ± 2,8 years, P < 0.001) Conclusions: Treatment of angiodysplasia in elderly is not easy. Different kinds of treatment could be adopted. APC and BEC are both safe and effective. The choice of a treatment should consider several factors: age, comorbidity, source of bleeding. In conclusion we think that treatment of bleeding for angiodysplasia in elder population should be a tailored treatment. © 2015 Rita Compagna et al., published by De Gruyter Open

Optical absorption modulation by selective codoping of SiGe core-shell nanowires

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unsteady methods applied to a transonic aeronautical gas turbine stage

Abstract The importance of considering the unsteady effects in aeronautical engine design has brought to the implementation of simplified unsteady CFD models to respect the temporal restrictions of design cycles. A comparison among steady, Non-Linear Harmonic (NLH) and Full-Annulus (FA) methods has been carried out analyzing the transonic turbine stage CT3, experimentally studied at von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics. The understanding of the unsteady phenomena is fundamental to increase the engine efficiency and is precluded in steady calculations. As the computational cost of NLH calculations is of the same order of magnitude of steady ones, it represents a valid and competitive option in a turbine design process

Interplay of Quantum Confinement and Strain Effects in Type I to Type II Transition in GeSi Core-Shell Nanocrystals

The electronic properties of hydrogenated, spherical SiGe and GeSi core-shell nanocrystals, with a diameter ranging from 1.8 to 4.0 nm, are studied within density functional theory. Effects induced by quantum confinement and strain on the near band-edge state localization, as well as the band-offset properties between Si and Ge regions, are investigated in detail. On the one hand, we prove that SiGe core-shell nanocrystals always show a type II band-offset alignment, with the HOMO mainly localized on the Ge shell region and the LUMO mainly localized on the Si core region. On the other hand, our results point out that a type II offset cannot be observed in small (diameter less than 3 nm) GeSi core- shell nanocrystals. In these systems, quantum confinement and strain drive the near-band-edge states to be mainly localized on Ge atoms, i.e., in the core region. In larger GeSi core-shell nanocrystals, instead, the formation of a type II offset can be engineered by playing with both core and shell thickness. The factors which determine the band-offset character at the Ge/Si interface are discussed in detail

Nonsurgical management of complex endodontic cases with several periapical lesions: a case series

Abstract Aim Today, thanks to modern technologies as operative microscope, ultrasonic tips, devices to activate irrigation and tridimensional obturation performed with thermo plasticized gutta-percha, excellent results could be obtained. Materials and methods In this study, we present 5 patients with the presence of periapical lesions in molars and incisors with history of pain. Modern endodontic technologies were used. The rationale of using these technologies was to obtain a chemo-mechanical cleansing and obturation of the entire endodontic system and to gain the lesion resolution with a non-surgical approach. Results A success rate of 100% was obtained. Radiographs and clinical examinations were done until 10 years. All the cases highlighted the success achieved in the short and long term through the complete resolution of the lesions and therefore the reconstitution of the lamina dura. Conclusions The positive results highlighted by these clinical cases demonstrate how the use of modern technologies is essential to avoid iatrogenic damage and to gain safe and reproducible results

IG-File: un nuovo strumento per l’ottimizzazione della detersione canalare e per la misurazione del diametro apicale

RiassuntoObiettivoLo scopo del lavoro è la descrizione di un nuovo tipo di file, con design innovativo, ideato sia per l’attivazione sonica degli irriganti durante la fase di detersione sia per la misurazione del diametro apicale.Materiali e metodiPer valutare l’efficacia delle Sonic-Tip è stato condotto un test alla MicroCT. È stata selezionata una radice di un premolare superiore che presentava canali laterali; dopo la preparazione chemio-meccanica del canale radicolare sono stati effettuati due lavaggi endocanalari con una soluzione radiopaca: il primo lavaggio è avvenuto erogando passivamente la soluzione radiopaca nel canale con un ago di piccolo calibro a 2mm dalla lunghezza di lavoro; il secondo lavaggio è avvenuto erogando passivamente la soluzione radiopaca all’interno del canale a 2mm dalla lunghezza di lavoro, la quale poi è stata attivata con la Sonic-Tip numero 20. Dopo ogni lavaggio la radice è stata osservata alla MicroCT.RisultatiI risultati dimostrano come sia stato possibile, grazie all’attivazione sonica dell’irrigante all’interno dello spazio endodontico, far penetrare la soluzione nei canali laterali.Discussione e conclusioniDetersione, sagomatura e otturazione tridimensionale dello spazio endodontico sono le tre fasi principali della terapia endodontica. La detersione è raggiunta congiuntamente tramite l’azione meccanica degli strumenti e l’azione chimica delle soluzioni irriganti. Quindi, le soluzioni irriganti devono avere azioni differenziate: dovrebbero rimuovere il substrato organico, avere un effetto battericida e infine rimuovere lo strato di materiale inorganico prodotto dalla limatura degli strumenti (smear layer). A tutt’oggi non vi sono soluzioni irriganti che ottengono tutti e tre questi risultati. Da molti studi si evince come l’attivazione sonica o ultrasonica degli irriganti, all’interno di canali radicolari ben sagomati, assuma un ruolo strategico nella detersione di tutte le complessità dello spazio endodontico. Altra fase fondamentale della terapia endodontica è l’otturazione tridimensionale del sistema dei canali radicolari con guttaperca termoplasticizzata. Prima di procedere alla fase di otturazione è fondamentale conoscere il diametro apicale del canale preparato, in modo da scegliere i materiali da otturazione più idonei (coni di guttaperca, portatori di calore, otturatori thermafil), ottimizzare le forze di condensazione ed evitare fenomeni di overfilling.SummaryObjectiveThe purpose of this article is to describe a new file featuring a unique design created for both the sonic activation of irrigants during cleaning and measuring the apical diameter.Materials and methodsTo assess the effectiveness of Sonic-Tips, a MicroCT scan was performed on an upper premolar root with lateral canals. After a chemio-mechanical (cleaning and shaping process) preparation of the root canal, the same root canal was irrigated twice with a radiopaque solution. The first irrigation was done by injecting the radiopaque solution passively in the root canal through a small gauge needle, 2mm from working length. The second irrigation again was done by delivering the radiopaque solution passively in the root canal through a small gauge needle, 2mm from working length, but in the latter case a Sonic-Tip number 20 was activated. After each cleaning (irrigation) the root was observed under MicroCT scan.ResultsThe results demonstrate how Sonic-Tips enabled flushing and made it possible for the irrigant to penetrate into lateral canals.Discussion and conclusionsCleaning, shaping and three-dimensional obturation are the three main phases of the endodontic treatement. The goal of proper cleaning of a complex root canal is not easily achieved. From previous studies, it is clearly evident how “Sonic and Ultrasonic activation of irrigants” plays a strategic role in the cleaning of a well-shaped complex root canal. Another key stage of the endodontic treatment is the “three-dimensional filling” of root canals with thermoplastic guttapercha cones. Before the filling phase, it is essential to know the accurate apical diameter of the canal, in order to choose the suitable filling material (gutta percha points, Thermafil obturators or heat carriers), followed by applying optimal condensation pressure in order to prevent overfilling

Coupled Electric and Hydraulic Control of a PRS Turbine in a Real Transport Water Network

Although many devices have recently been proposed for pressure regulation and energy harvesting in water distribution and transport networks, very few applications are still documented in the scientific literature. A new in-line Banki turbine with positive outflow pressure and a mobile regulating flap, named PRS, was installed and tested in a real water transport network for pressure and discharge regulation. The PRS turbine was directly connected to a 55 kW asynchronous generator with variable rotational velocity, coupled to an inverter. The start-up tests showed how automatic adjustment of the flap position and the impeller velocity variation are able to change the characteristic curve of the PRS according to the flow delivered by the water manager or to the pressure set-point assigned downstream or upstream of the system, still keeping good efficiency values in hydropower production

Uremic lung: The “calcified cauliflower” sign in the end stage renal disease

AbstractMetastatic pulmonary calcification (MPC) is a rare pathological condition consisting of lung calcium salt deposits which commonly occurs in patients affected by chronic kidney disease probably for some abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism. CT represents the technique of choice for detecting MPC findings including ground glass opacities and partially calcified nodules or consolidations. We present a case of MCP in a patient affected by hepato-renal autosomic-dominant polycystic disease; chest CT revealed extensive lobar-segmental parenchymal calcification with a peculiar cauliflower shape which we called “calcified cauliflower” sign. The “calcified cauliflower” sign can be reported as a new CT pattern of uremic lung that needs to be identified for a correct diagnosis and patient management