Modeling dual reflux-pressure swing adsorption processes: Numerical solution based on the finite volume method

Even if the suitability of Finite Volume discretization methods for Pressure Swing Adsorption modelling is well-established, when simulating the peculiar process called Dual Reflux-Pressure Swing Adsorption, simulations relying only on Finite Difference discretization methods are available in literature. Therefore, a detailed single-bed model of the Dual Reflux-Pressure Swing Adsorption process, the solution of which is based on the Finite Volume discretization method, is proposed in this work and validated against experimental data. Details of the system representation, the numerical schemes and the implementation of the boundary conditions are given. Moreover, a comparison between the performances and limitations of the Finite Volume and Finite Difference discretization methods when simulating a Dual Reflux-Pressure Swing Adsorption process are discussed through two case studies, leading to conclude that Finite Volume Method is the most effective approach for simulating this specific separation process

A child with bullous skin lesions. Linear IgA dermatosis.

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Cultura locale dello sviluppo nell’area Costa del Vesuvio.

Il lavoro descrive i risultati di una ricerca-azione piuttosto ampia che ha visto il coinvolgimento di studenti, docenti, amministratori pubblici, imprenditori, sindacalisti e associazioni datoriali. Con essa si è avviata una conoscenza della cultura locale di sviluppo (rilevata attraverso un'analisi delle parole chiave usate dagli intervistati) e sulla quale si è intervenuto (attraverso una serie di incontri con i soggetti intervistati) con l'ambizione di sostenerne gli indicatori di sviluppo

Follow-up and quality of life of patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes treated with Anakinra

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life and long-term follow-up of patients enrolled in the Italian registry of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). STUDY DESIGN: Since 2004, 20 patients with CAPS were enrolled in a common registry from different Italian Centers of Pediatric Rheumatology; 14 patients were treated with Anakinra in an open fashion. Both treated and untreated patients were routinely followed according to standard of care. The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-PF 50) was used to assess the health-related quality of life. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 37.5 months. In all treated patients, a complete and persistent control of the inflammatory manifestations was observed with no further progression of the disease. At enrollment in the registry, patients showed a poorer health-related quality of life than healthy children in both physical and the psychosocial summary scores. Treatment was associated with a dramatic and sustained amelioration of a variety of measures of poor quality of life, particularly in those concerning the global health perception, bodily pain-discomfort, and other physical domains. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term IL-1 blockade produces a significant and persistent improvement in the clinical manifestations associated with the disease and on the overall quality of life

Serum amyloid protein A concentration in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome patients treated with interleukin-1 beta antagonist

Objective: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are a group of chronic, relapsing autoinflammatory disorders which may be complicated by systemic AA amyloidosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum amyloid protein A (SAA) level in CAPS patients treated with Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) antagonist and to correlate its level with treatment response. Methods: All patients of CAPS Italian Register treated with IL-1β inhibitor were enrolled. SAA levels before starting therapy, and at last visit were evaluated. Patients were then divided in complete responders and partial responders. Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. SAA level before starting therapy was increased (median 118.5 mg/L, IQR 96.4-252.8; normal value < 6.4 mg/L), while at last visit SAA was significantly reduced (median 4.3 mg/L, IQR 2.3-12.7) (p < 0.001). However 12 patients still presented SAA levels beyond normal range, 10/25 patients (40%) showed a complete response to treatment. Conversely, 15 patients presented only a partial response, of which 12 for increased SAA value and 3 for increased CRP value. Patients with partial response had SAA values significantly higher than patients with complete response (median 12.6 mg/L; IQR 8.3-20.0 vs. 2.7 mg/L; IQR 1.6-4.1, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results confirm the long term efficacy of anti IL-1β treatment in CAPS and the decrease of SAA levels; however 48% of patients still presented SAA elevation despite treatment. The real risk of these patients in developing amyloidosis is not clear but the persistent increase of SAA needs a close follow-up

Serum amyloid protein A concentration in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes patients treated with interleukin-1 beta antagonist

Objective: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are a group of chronic, relapsing autoinflammatory disorders which may be complicated by systemic AA amyloidosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum amyloid protein A (SAA) level in CAPS patients treated with Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) antagonist and to correlate its level with treatment response. Methods: All patients of CAPS Italian Register treated with IL-1β inhibitor were enrolled. SAA levels before starting therapy, and at last visit were evaluated. Patients were then divided in complete responders and partial responders. Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. SAA level before starting therapy was increased (median 118.5 mg/L, IQR 96.4-252.8; normal value &lt; 6.4 mg/L), while at last visit SAA was significantly reduced (median 4.3 mg/L, IQR 2.3-12.7) (p &lt; 0.001). However 12 patients still presented SAA levels beyond normal range, 10/25 patients (40%) showed a complete response to treatment. Conversely, 15 patients presented only a partial response, of which 12 for increased SAA value and 3 for increased CRP value. Patients with partial response had SAA values significantly higher than patients with complete response (median 12.6 mg/L; IQR 8.3-20.0 vs. 2.7 mg/L; IQR 1.6-4.1, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Our results confirm the long term efficacy of anti IL-1β treatment in CAPS and the decrease of SAA levels; however 48% of patients still presented SAA elevation despite treatment. The real risk of these patients in developing amyloidosis is not clear but the persistent increase of SAA needs a close follow-up