169 research outputs found
Thermal stress analysis of variable angle tow composite plates through high-order structural models
This work focuses on thermo-elastic analysis of Variable Angle Tow (VAT) composite plates. Emphasis is given to the through-the-thickness 3D stress component distributions as a consequence of constant temperature profiles. High-order structural models are used, in order to take into account the volumetric and the distortion contributions. The last contribute arise from boundary conditions or asymmetric staking sequences. Governing equations of the uncoupled thermo-elastic problem are derived in the domain of the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), which in turn is coupled with a classical finite element method to obtain opportune numerical solutions. The advantage of using CUF lies in the fact that different theories of structures can be implemented automatically and a critical study on the use of standard to high-order plate finite elements can be performed with ease. In this manner we classify models based on their efficiency and depending on the degree of accuracy needed, both in terms of displacements and stresses. Different numerical problems are considered and it is demonstrated that layerwise approximations are needed whenever shear stresses trends are of interest. Boundary Conditions influence more the choice of the adequate expansion theory otherwise
Epigenetic deregulation of micrornas in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma and translational perspectives
Gene expression control mediated by microRNAs and epigenetic remodeling of
chromatin are interconnected processes often involved in feedback regulatory loops, which
strictly guide proper tissue differentiation during embryonal development. Altered
expression of microRNAs is one of the mechanisms leading to pathologic conditions, such
as cancer. Several lines of evidence pointed to epigenetic alterations as responsible for
aberrant microRNA expression in human cancers. Rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma
are pediatric cancers derived from cells presenting features of skeletal muscle and neuronal
precursors, respectively, blocked at different stages of differentiation. Consistently, tumor
cells express tissue markers of origin but are unable to terminally differentiate. Several
microRNAs playing a key role during tissue differentiation are often epigenetically
downregulated in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma and behave as tumor suppressors
when re-expressed. Recently, inhibition of epigenetic modulators in adult tumors has
provided encouraging results causing re-expression of anti-tumor master gene pathways.
Thus, a similar approach could be used to correct the aberrant epigenetic regulation of
microRNAs in rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma. The present review highlights the
current insights on epigenetically deregulated microRNAs in rhabdomyosarcoma and
neuroblastoma and their role in tumorigenesis and developmental pathways. The
translational clinical implications and challenges regarding modulation of epigenetic
chromatin remodeling/microRNAs interconnections are also discusse
Mediterranean ocean colour Level 3 operational multi-sensor processing
The Mediterranean near-real-time multi-sensor processing chain has
been set up and is operational in the framework of the Copernicus Marine
Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS). This work describes the main steps
operationally performed to enable single ocean colour sensors to enter the
multi-sensor processing applied to the Mediterranean Sea by the Ocean Colour
Thematic Assembly Centre within CMEMS. Here, the multi-sensor chain takes
care of reducing the inter-sensor bias before data from different sensors are
merged together. A basin-scale in situ bio-optical dataset is used both to
fine tune the algorithms for the retrieval of phytoplankton chlorophyll and
the attenuation coefficient of light, Kd, and to assess the uncertainty
associated with them. The satellite multi-sensor remote sensing reflectance
spectra agree better with the in situ observations than those of the single
sensors. Here, we demonstrate that the operational multi-sensor processing
chain compares sufficiently well with the historical in situ datasets to also
confidently be used for reprocessing the full data time series.</p
Pediatric Systemic Multi-Inflammatory Diseases in Italy During Sars-Cov-2 Epidemic: From Kawasaki Disease To Kawacovid
Introduction: Italy was affected by the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic after its outbreak in China. With a 4-weeks delay after the peak in adults, we observed an abnormal number of patients with characteristics of a multi-inflammatory disease and similarities with Kawasaki Disease
(KD). Others reported similar cases, defined PIMS-TS or MIS-C.1,2
Objectives: To better characterize clinical features and treatment response of PIMS-TS and to explore its relationship with KD.
Methods: We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicenter study. On April 24th-2020 the Rheumatology Study Group of the Italian Pediatric Society launched a national online survey, to enroll patients diagnosed with KD or with a multisystem inflammatory disease
between February 1st 2020 and May 31st. The population was then divided into two different groups: 1) Classical and incomplete KD, named Kawasaki Disease Group (KDG); 2) KD-like multi-inflammatory syndrome, named KawaCOVID (KCG). An expert panel of pediatric
rheumatologists re-analyzed every single patient to ensure appropriate classification. Data were collected with an online database.
Results: 149 cases were studied, 96 with KDG and 53 with KCG. The two population significantly differed for clinical characteristics (see table 1). Lymphopenia, higher CRP levels, elevated Ferritin and Troponin-T characterized KCG such as lower WBC and platelets (all p values<0,05). KDG received more frequently immunoglobulins (IVIG) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (81,3% vs 66%; p=0.04 and 71,9% vs 43,4%; p=0.001 respectively) as KCG more often received glucocorticoids (56,6% vs 14,6%; p<0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 assay more often resulted positive in KCG than in KDG (75,5% vs 20%; p<0.0001). Short-term follow data on KCG showed minor complications while on KDG a majority of patients had persistence of CAA. Comparing KDG with a KD-Historical Italian cohort (598 patients), no statistical difference was found in terms of clinical manifestations and laboratory data between the two groups
Conclusion: Our study would suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection might determine two distinct inflammatory diseases in children: KD, possibly triggered by SARS-CoV-2, and PIMS-TS. Older age at onset and clinical peculiarities, like the occurrence of myocarditis, characterize this multiinflammatory syndrome. Our patients had an optimal response to treatments and a good outcome, with few complications and no deaths
- …