Erythropoietin is involved in the angiogenic potential of bone marrow macrophages in multiple myeloma

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Relationship Between Hyperglycemia and Infection in Critically Ill Patients

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90178/1/phco.2005.25.7.963.pd

Depression is associated with increased disease activity and higher disability in a large Italian cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Depression is a quite common comorbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is thought to influence its severity. This study aims to estimate, in a large cohort of Italian patients with RA, the prevalence of depression and to investigate the clinical correlates of depression in terms of disease activity and disability

New neuroanatomy learning paradigms for the next generation of trainees: A novel literature-based 3D methodology

Background: An appreciation for complex three-dimensional relationships in neuroanatomy forms a fundamental tenet of neurosurgical education. The value of experience in the cadaver lab is indisputable; however, it is expensive and often inaccessible. The wide availability of 3D technologies has opened new possibilities, although scientific inaccuracy has hitherto limited their use. Objective: In the present study, we aim to describe a novel, literature-based process of scientific 3D modeling for the creation of neuroanatomical models adapted for mobile technology. Methods: A systematic literature review regarding current resources in neuroanatomy education was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The composition of the team and the workflow behind the 3D Head Atlas app are also described. Results: A total of 101 manuscripts were reviewed, and 24 included. Cadaveric dissections improve the learning process, although high costs limit their availability. Digital advancements have partially overcome the limitations of dissection, and have been associated with improved knowledge retention. Nevertheless, 3D models are often inaccurate, poorly adapted to mobile hardware, and expensive. Recent technological advances provide a new way to widely disseminate complex 3D models, with a revolutionary impact on learning. The approach behind the 3D Head Atlas app, based on the synergistic work of scientific and development teams, facilitates the creation of interactive 3D scientific material with high accuracy and wide accessibility. Conclusion: The study of neuroanatomy is intimately related to the evolution of digital technology. Traditional methods (i.e. cadaveric dissections) have undisputed value but high costs. High-fidelity 3D scenarios and mobile devices may revolutionize learning if based on a sound evidence-based approach

Correction to: Bone metabolism in patients with anorexia nervosa and amenorrhoea.

Unfortunately, the sixth author name was incorrectly spelled as "S. Fassio" instead of "A. Fassio" in the original publication

Lysine 63 ubiquitination is involved in the progression of tubular damage in diabetic nephropathy

The purpose of our study was to evaluate how hyperglycemia (HG)influences Lys63 protein ubiquitination and its involvement in tubular damage and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Gene and protein expression of UBE2v1, a ubiquitin-conjugating E2-enzyme variant that mediates Lys63-linked ubiquitination, and Lys63-ubiquitinated proteins increased in HK2 tubular cells under HG. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight/tandemmass spectrometry identified 30 Lys63-ubiquitinated proteins, mainly involved in cellular organization, such as β-actin, whose Lys63 ubiquitination increased under HG, leading to cytoskeleton disorganization. This effect was reversed by the inhibitor of the Ubc13/UBE2v1 complexNSC697923. Western blot analysis confirmed that UBE2v1 silencing in HK2 under HG, restored Lys63-β-actin ubiquitination levels tothebasal condition. Immunohistochemistry on patients with type 2diabetic (T2D) revealed an increase in UBE2v1-and Lys63-ubiquitinatedproteins, particularly in kidneys of patients with DN compared with control kidneys and other non diabetic renal diseases, such as membranous nephropathy. Increased Lys63 ubiquitination both in vivo in patients with DN and in vitro, correlated with a-SMA expression, whereas UBE2v1 silencing reduced HG-induced a-SMA protein levels, returning them to basal expression. In conclusion, UBE2v1- and Lys63-ubiquitinated proteins increase in vitro under HG, as well as in vivo in T2D, is augmented in patients with DN, and may affect cytoskeleton organization and influence epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This process may drive the progression of tubular damage and interstitial fibrosis in patients with DN

Functional and usability assessment of a robotic exoskeleton arm to support activities of daily life

An assistive device for upper limb support was developed and evaluated in terms of usability, user satisfaction and motor performance on six end-users affected by neuro-motor disorders (three spinal cord injury; one multiple sclerosis; two Friedreich's ataxia). The system consisted of a lightweight 3-degrees-of-freedom robotic exoskeleton arm for weight relief, equipped with electromagnetic brakes. Users could autonomously control the brakes using a USB-button or residual electromyogram activations. The system functionally supported all of the potential users in performing reaching and drinking tasks. For three of them, time, smoothness, straightness and repeatability were also comparable to healthy subjects. An overall high level of usability (system usability score, median value of 90/100) and user satisfaction (Tele-healthcare Satisfaction Questionnaire - Wearable Technology, median value of 104/120) were obtained for all subject

Back to the Past. The paleogeography as key to understand the Middle Palaeolithic peopling at Grotta dei Santi (Mt Argentario – Tuscany)

The mobility of hunter-gatherer groups is crucial in understanding Palaeolithic settlement dynamics. The concept of mobility cannot be separated from the space in which it occurs, including landscape components, localization of critical resources and of other sites, and routes between them. Nevertheless, the landscape is not constant in time due to the geomorphological changes that occurred in the long timescale of Prehistory. Here we present a paleogeographic reconstruction of the coastal area around Grotta dei Santi during the Neandertal occupation. A GIS-based approach, combining geological, bathymetric, and sea-level fluctuations data, allows us to reconstruct the landscape around the cave at about 45 ky BP. The cave today opens onto a cliff facing the sea. The Neandertal occupation occurred with a sea-level 74 m lower than present-day. Consequently, the cave faced a vast coastal plain, playing a strategic role due to its position, allowing both proximity and control of essential resources

Paleogeographic reconstruction of the Tuscan coastal area nearby Grotta dei Santi (Monte Argentario, Italy) during the Neandertal occupation

The mobility of hunter-gatherer groups is crucial in understanding Palaeolithic settlement dynamics. The concept of mobility cannot be separated from the space in which it occurs, including landscape components, localization of critical resources and of other sites, and routes between them. Nevertheless, the landscape is not constant in time due to the geomorphological changes that occurred in the long timescale of Prehistory. Here we present a paleogeographic reconstruction of the coastal area around Grotta dei Santi during the Neandertal occupation. A GIS-based approach, combining geological, bathymetric, and sea-level fluctuations data, allows us to reconstruct the landscape around the cave at about 45 ky BP. The cave today opens onto a cliff facing the sea. The Neandertal occupation occurred with a sea-level 74 m lower than present-day. Consequently, the cave faced a vast coastal plain, playing a strategic role due to its position, allowing both proximity and control of essential resources. © 2022 IMEKO TC-4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, MetroArchaeo 2022.All rights reserved

MUNDUS project : MUltimodal neuroprosthesis for daily upper limb support

Background: MUNDUS is an assistive framework for recovering direct interaction capability of severely motor impaired people based on arm reaching and hand functions. It aims at achieving personalization, modularity and maximization of the user’s direct involvement in assistive systems. To this, MUNDUS exploits any residual control of the end-user and can be adapted to the level of severity or to the progression of the disease allowing the user to voluntarily interact with the environment. MUNDUS target pathologies are high-level spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurodegenerative and genetic neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich ataxia, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The system can be alternatively driven by residual voluntary muscular activation, head/eye motion, and brain signals. MUNDUS modularly combines an antigravity lightweight and non-cumbersome exoskeleton, closed-loop controlled Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for arm and hand motion, and potentially a motorized hand orthosis, for grasping interactive objects. Methods: The definition of the requirements and of the interaction tasks were designed by a focus group with experts and a questionnaire with 36 potential end-users. Five end-users (3 SCI and 2 MS) tested the system in the configuration suitable to their specific level of impairment. They performed two exemplary tasks: reaching different points in the working volume and drinking. Three experts evaluated over a 3-level score (from 0, unsuccessful, to 2, completely functional) the execution of each assisted sub-action. Results: The functionality of all modules has been successfully demonstrated. User’s intention was detected with a 100% success. Averaging all subjects and tasks, the minimum evaluation score obtained was 1.13 ± 0.99 for the release of the handle during the drinking task, whilst all the other sub-actions achieved a mean value above 1.6. All users, but one, subjectively perceived the usefulness of the assistance and could easily control the system. Donning time ranged from 6 to 65 minutes, scaled on the configuration complexity. Conclusions: The MUNDUS platform provides functional assistance to daily life activities; the modules integration depends on the user’s need, the functionality of the system have been demonstrated for all the possible configurations, and preliminary assessment of usability and acceptance is promising