A unified existence theory for evolution equations and systems under nonlocal conditions

We investigate the effect of nonlocal conditions expressed by linear continuous mappings over the hypotheses which guarantee the existence of global mild solutions for functional-differential equations in a Banach space. A progressive transition from the Volterra integral operator associated to the Cauchy problem, to Fredholm type operators appears when the support of the nonlocal condition increases from zero to the entire interval of the problem. The results are extended to systems of equations in a such way that the system nonlinearities behave independently as much as possible and the support of the nonlocal condition may differ from one variable to another.Comment: 19 page

Aronszajn-Hukuara type theorem for semilinear differential inclusions with nonlocal conditions

In this note we investigate the topological structure of the mild solution set of nonlocal Cauchy problems governed by semilinear differential inclusions in separable Banach spaces. We show that the mild solution set is a compact absolute retract (and then a continuum and $R_\delta$-set). As a particular case, the topological structure of the periodic mild solution set is deduced. An illustrating example is supplied

Countably condensing multimaps and fixed points

In this paper we present a generalization of the Daher's fixed point theorem to countably condensing multimaps. We obtain this result as a consequence of a new M\"onch type theorem for multimaps having weakly closed graph

Hereditary Evolution Processes Under Impulsive Effects

AbstractIn this note, we deal with a model of population dynamics with memory effects subject to instantaneous external actions. We interpret the model as an impulsive Cauchy problem driven by a semilinear differential equation with functional delay. The existence of delayed impulsive solutions to the Cauchy problem leads to the presence of hereditary impulsive dynamics for the model. Furthermore, using the same procedure we study a nonlinear reaction–diffusion model

A Broad Study to Develop Maternity Units Design Knowledge Combining Spatial Analysis and Mothers' and Midwives' Perception of the Birth Environment

Objectives: This article investigates how the physical birth environment is perceived by the users (women and midwives) in different settings, a midwife-led unit and an obstetric-led unit, placed in Italy. Background: In the field of birth architecture research, there is a gap in the description of the spatial and physical characteristics of birth environments that impact users' health, specifically for what concerns the perception by women. Methods: The study focuses on multi-centered mixed methods design, employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods (questionnaire, spatial analysis) and covering different disciplines (architecture, environmental psychology, and midwifery). Results: The results revealed significant differences between the two settings and some associations between perceived and spatial data concerning: calm atmosphere, greater intimacy, spacious birth room, clarity of service points, clarity in finding midwives, sufficient space for labor, noise, privacy, and the birth room adaptability. Conclusions: The findings confirm the importance of the spatial layout and indicate documented knowledge as an input to consider when designing birth spaces in order to promote user well-being

A Qualitative Approach Using Diaries and Interviews

1. Nadia Rania[1][1][⇑][2] 2. Laura Migliorini[1][1] 3. Stefania Rebora[1][1] 4. Paola Cardinali[1][1] 1. 1DISFOR, Department of Education Science, University of Genoa, Italy 1. Nadia Rania, DISFOR, Department of Education Science, University of Genoa, C.so A. Podesta, 2, 16121 Genoa, Italy. Email: nadia.rania{at}unige.it This study compares Italian mothers' and Ecuadorian immigrant mothers' daily family routines. Thirty mothers took part in this investigation: 15 Italians ( M = 37.5 years, with ages ranging from 30 to 42 years) and 15 Ecuadorians ( M = 36.1 years, with ages ranging from 18 to 46 years and having lived in Italy for an average of 15 years), with children ranging in age from 4 to 8 years. The objective is to highlight the differences and similarities between the daily routines and family relations that characterize the lives of each of the two groups of participants. The instruments employed in service of these aims were in-depth interviews and diaries. The results showed similarities regarding the routines of Italian and Ecuadorian families. However, a relevant difference emerged regarding their perceptions of social support. Specifically, Italians receive more social support from their parents than do Ecuadorians, who are supported more by other relatives or by friends. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #corresp-

High-throughput analysis of the RNA-induced silencing complex in myotonic dystrophy type 1 patients identifies the dysregulation of miR-29c and its target ASB2

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a multi-systemic disorder caused by abnormally expanded stretches of CTG DNA triplets in the DMPK gene, leading to mutated-transcript RNA-toxicity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that, after maturation, are loaded onto the RISC effector complex that destabilizes target mRNAs and represses their translation. In DM1 muscle biopsies not only the expression, but also the intracellular localization of specific miRNAs is disrupted, leading to the dysregulation of the relevant mRNA targets. To investigate the functional alterations of the miRNA/target interactions in DM1, we analyzed by RNA-sequencing the RISC-associated RNAs in skeletal muscle biopsies derived from DM1 patients and matched controls. The mRNAs found deregulated in DM1 biopsies were involved in pathways and functions relevant for the disease, such as energetic metabolism, calcium signaling, muscle contraction and p53-dependent apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis of the miRNA/mRNA interactions based on the RISC enrichment profiles, identified 24 miRNA/mRNA correlations. Following validation in 21 independent samples, we focused on the couple miR-29c/ASB2 because of the role of miR-29c in fibrosis (a feature of late-stage DM1 patients) and of ASB2 in the regulation of muscle mass. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct interaction between miR-29c and ASB2. Moreover, decreased miR-29c and increased ASB2 levels were verified also in immortalized myogenic cells and primary fibroblasts, derived from biopsies of DM1 patients and controls. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of CTG expansions rescued normal miR-29c and ASB2 levels, indicating a direct link between the mutant repeats and the miRNA/target expression. In conclusion, functionally relevant miRNA/mRNA interactions were identified in skeletal muscles of DM1 patients, highlighting the dysfunction of miR-29c and ASB2

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonists Have an Anti-apoptotic Effect on Cumulus Cells

Background: Ovaries are sensitive to chemotherapy, which may lead to early depletion of primordial follicle reserve. One strategy for gonadal function preservation is temporary ovarian suppression with Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone agonists (GnRHa) during chemotherapy. To date, GnRHa protective mechanism of action remains not fully elucidated. Methods: We collected 260 immature cumulus cell-oocyte complexes (COC) from 111 women < 38 years old, with a normal ovarian reserve. The COC were randomly assigned to the following groups: (a) control; culture with the addition of (b) GnRHa; (c) cyclophosphamide; (d) cyclophosphamide plus GnRHa. After in vitro treatments, RNA and proteins were extracted from oocytes and cumulus cells (CC), separately. Potential effects of drugs were evaluated on GnRH receptors, apoptosis pathways, ceramide pathway, and glutathione synthesis by quantitative PCR and, whenever possible, by Western blot. Results: Cyclophosphamide triggered activation of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis mediated by BAX in CC. The co-administration of GnRHa inhibited the apoptosis pathway in CC. According to our model, the GnRHa does not directly act on oocytes, which do not express GnRH receptors. Moreover, glutathione synthesis was decreased after GnRHa treatment both in CC and oocytes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the protective mechanisms induced by GnRHa is mediated by an anti-apoptotic effect on CC