Solving linear multiplicative programs via branch-and-bound: a computational experience

In this paper, linear multiplicative programs are approached with a branch-and-bound scheme and a detailed computational study is provided. Several underestimation functions are analyzed and various partitioning criteria are presented. A particular class of linear multiplicative programs, useful to solve some applicative bilevel problems, is considered from a theoretical point of view to emphasize an efficient solution method. Detailed results of the computational study are provided to point out the performances provided by using various underestimation functions and partitioning criteria, thus improving some of the results of the current literature

Iron Pincer Complexes as Catalysts and Intermediates in Alkyl Aryl Kumada Coupling Reactions

Iron-catalyzed alkylaryl Kumada coupling has developed into an efficient synthetic method, yet its mechanism remains vague. Here, we apply a bis(oxazolinylphenyl)amido pincer ligand (Bopa) to stabilize the catalytically active Fe center, resulting in isolation and characterization of well-defined iron complexes whose catalytic roles have been probed and confirmed. Reactivity studies of the iron complexes identify an Fe(II) ate complex, [Fe(Bopa-Ph)(Ph)(2)]-, as the active species for the oxidative addition of alkyl halide. Experiments using radical-probe substrates and DFT computations reveal a bimetallic and radical mechanism for the oxidative addition. The kinetics of the coupling of an alkyl iodide with PhMgCl suggests that formation of the ate complex, rather than oxidative addition, is the turnover-determining step. This work provides insights into iron-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of alkyl halides

Swallowing evaluation with videofluoroscopy in the paediatric population

Paediatric swallowing disorders can have several causes, from prematurity and congenital anomalies to gastro-oesophageal reflux and infective or inflammatory pathologies of the upper digestive tract. In neonates, the swallowing process is reflexive and involuntary. Later in infancy, the oral phase comes under voluntary control, while the pharyngeal phase and oesophageal phases remain involuntary. Swallowing difficulties can severely compromise pulmonary health and nutritional intake of paediatric patients. Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) is a radiographic procedure that provides a dynamic view of the swallowing process and is frequently considered to be definitive evaluation for objective assessment of dysphagia in paediatric patients. This review focuses on the different possible aetiologies of paediatric swallowing disorders and related videofluoroscopic swallowing study procedures and appearances

Influence of Elemental Iodine on Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids: Solution and Solid-State Effects

Ionic liquids doped with I-2, usually resulting in the formation of polyiodide anions, are extensively used as electrolytes and in iodination reactions. Herein, NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction were used to rationalize the structures of imidazolium-based polyiodide ionic liquids in the liquid and solid states. Combined, these studies show that extensive interactions between the imidazolium cation and the resulting polyiodide anion are present, which have the net effect of lengthening, polarizing, and weakening the I-I bonds in the anion. This bond weakening rationalizes the high conductivity and reactivity of ionic liquids doped with I-2

Mitochondrial enzyme GLUD2 plays a critical role in glioblastoma progression

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and malignant primary brain tumor in adults and despite the progress in surgical procedures and therapy options, the overall survival remains very poor. Glutamate and α-KG are fundamental elements necessary to support the growth and proliferation of GBM cells. Glutamate oxidative deamination, catalyzed by GLUD2, is the predominant pathway for the production of α-KG. Methods: GLUD2 emerged from the RNA-seq analysis of 13 GBM patients, performed in our laboratory and a microarray analysis of 77 high-grade gliomas available on the Geo database. Thereafter, we investigated GLUD2 relevance in cancer cell behavior by GLUD2 overexpression and silencing in two different human GBM cell lines. Finally, we overexpressed GLUD2 in-vivo by using zebrafish embryos and monitored the developing central nervous system. Findings: GLUD2 expression was found associated to the histopathological classification, prognosis and survival of GBM patients. Moreover, through in-vitro functional studies, we showed that differences in GLUD2 expression level affected cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation abilities, cell cycle phases, mitochondrial function and ROS production. In support of these findings, we also demonstrated, with in-vivo studies, that GLUD2 overexpression affects glial cell proliferation without affecting neuronal development in zebrafish embryos. Interpretation: We concluded that GLUD2 overexpression inhibited GBM cell growth suggesting a novel potential drug target for control of GBM progression. The possibility to enhance GLUD2 activity in GBM could result in a blocked/reduced proliferation of GBM cells without affecting the survival of the surrounding neurons

The Videofluorographic Swallowing Study in Rheumatologic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Autoimmune connective tissue diseases are a heterogeneous group of pathologies that affect about 10% of world population with chronic evolution in 20%-80%. Inflammation in autoimmune diseases may lead to serious damage to other organs including the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal tract involvement in these patients may also due to both a direct action of antibodies against organs and pharmacological therapies. Dysphagia is one of the most important symptom, and it is caused by failure of the swallowing function and may lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, weight loss, and airway obstruction. The videofluorographic swallowing study is a key diagnostic tool in the detection of swallowing disorders, allowing to make an early diagnosis and to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and pulmonary complications. This technique helps to identify both functional and structural anomalies of the anatomic chain involved in swallowing function. The aim of this review is to systematically analyze the basis of the pathological involvement of the swallowing function for each rheumatological disease and to show the main features of the videofluorographic study that may be encountered in these patients

ANKRd44 gene silencing: A putative role in trastuzumab resistance in HER2-like breast cancer

Trastuzumab is an effective therapeutic treatment for Her2-like breast cancer; despite this most of these tumors develop resistance to therapy due to specific gene mutations or alterations in gene expression. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance to Trastuzumab could be a useful tool in order to identify combinations of drugs that elude resistance and allow a better response for the treated patients. Twelve primary biopsies of Her2+/hormone receptor negative (ER-/PgR-) breast cancer patients were selected based on the specific response to neoadjuvant therapy with Trastuzumab and their whole exome was sequenced leading to the identification of 18 informative gene mutations that discriminate patients selectively based on response to treatment. Among these genes, we focused on the study of the ANKRD44 gene to understand its role in the mechanism of resistance to Trastuzumab. The ANKRD44 gene was silenced in Her2-like breast cancer cell line (BT474), obtaining a partially Trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cell line that constitutively activates the NF-kb protein via the TAK1/AKT pathway. Following this activation an increase in the level of glycolysis in resistant cells is promoted, also confirmed by the up-regulation of the LDHB protein and by an increased TROP2 protein expression, found generally associated with aggressive tumors. These results allow us to consider the ANKRD44 gene as a potential gene involved in Trastuzumab resistance

Role of MDCT virtopsy in valuation of burned bodies and its comparison with traditional autopsy

The objective of virtopsy is not only to improve the objectivity of findings made by traditonal autopsy but also to solve those cases that are difficult to solve with conventional post-mortem examination. Modern cross-sectional imaging and postprocessing techniques can provide strong forensic evidence for use in legal proceedings; particularly we want to show how it can supplement traditional autopsy of burned cadavers, helping finding the primary cause of the death, the presence of foreign bodies and the identification of the corpses

HOW MUCH DANGEROUS IS CT ACCORDING TO PATIENTS AND HOW DOES DOSE BILL AFFECT THEIR PERCEPTION OF IONIZING RADIATION?

In our work, we attempted to assess patients' understanding of relative radiation exposure by asking them to compare the amount of radiation exposure from CT compared to other carcinogenic factors before and after knowing their dose bill