Automated Analysis of MUTEX Algorithms with FASE

In this paper we study the liveness of several MUTEX solutions by representing them as processes in PAFAS s, a CCS-like process algebra with a specific operator for modelling non-blocking reading behaviours. Verification is carried out using the tool FASE, exploiting a correspondence between violations of the liveness property and a special kind of cycles (called catastrophic cycles) in some transition system. We also compare our approach with others in the literature. The aim of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, we want to demonstrate the applicability of FASE to some concrete, meaningful examples; on the other hand, we want to study the impact of introducing non-blocking behaviours in modelling concurrent systems.Comment: In Proceedings GandALF 2011, arXiv:1106.081

Virtualization of foods: applications and perspectives toward optimizing food systems

Food production cannot be decoupled from human and planetary wellbeing. Meeting safety, nutritional, sensorial, and even price requirements entails applying an integral view of food products and their manufacturing and distribution processes. Virtualization of food commodities and products, i.e., their digital representation, offers opportunities to study, simulate, and predict the contributions of internal (e.g., composition and structure) and external factors (e.g., processing conditions) to food quality, safety, stability, and sustainability. Building virtual versions of foods requires a holistic supporting framework composed of instrumental and computational techniques. The development of virtual foods has been bolstered by advanced tools for collecting data, informing and validating modelling, e.g., micro-computed tomography, to accurately assess native food structures, multi-omics approaches, to acquire vast information on composition and biochemical processes, and nondestructive and real-time sensing, to facilitate mapping and tracking changes in food quality and safety in real-world situations. Comprehensive modeling techniques (including heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, kinetics) built upon physic laws provide the base for realistic simulations and predictions of food processes that a virtual food might undergo. Despite the potential gaps in knowledge, increasing the adoption of food virtualization (data-based, physics-based or hybrid) in manufacturing and food systems evaluation can facilitate the optimal use of resources, the rational design of functional characteristics, and even inform the customization of composition and structural components for better product development. This mini-review focuses on critical steps for developing and applying virtual foods, their future trends, and needs

Linear and Non-Linear Kinetics in the Synthesis and Degradation of Acrylamide in Foods and Model Systems

Isothermal acrylamide formation in foods and asparagine-glucose model systems has ubiquitous features. On a time scale of about 60 min, at temperatures in the approximate range of 120−160

Specific issues concerning the management of patients on the waiting list and after liver transplantation

The present document is a second contribution collecting the recommendations of an expert panel of transplant hepatologists appointed by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) concerning the management of certain aspects of liver transplantation, including: the issue of prompt referral; the management of difficult candidates; malnutrition; living related liver transplants; hepatocellular carcinoma; and the role of direct acting antiviral agents before and after transplantation. The statements on each topic were approved by participants at the AISF Transplant Hepatology Expert Meeting organized by the Permanent Liver Transplant Commission in Mondello on 12-13 May 2017. They are graded according to the GRADE grading system

Alpha-SMA expression in hepatic stellate cells and quantitative analysis of hepatic fibrosis in cirrhosis and in recurrent chronic hepatitis after liver transplantation

Background. The alpha isotype of actin expressed by hepatic stellate cells reflects their activation to myofibroblast-like cell and has been directly related to experimental liver fibrogenesis, and indirectly to human fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Aims. To evaluate the changes in distribution and percentage of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive hepatic stellate cells and the correlation with the degree of the fibrosis in cirrhotic livers, as well as in patients with recurrent HCV chronic hepatitis after liver transplantation. Methods. Human liver biopsies were divided in four groups: (1) normal livers obtained from cadaveric liver donors (n = 35), (2) cirrhosis post-HBV hepatitis (n = 11), (3) cirrhosis post-HCV hepatitis (n = 10), and (4) post-transplant recurrent HCV chronic hepatitis (n = 13). Samples were stained with anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibody by immunoperoxidase method and semi-quantitatively evaluated. Liver fibrosis was assessed from specimens stained with Masson's trichrome and quantified by computer image analysis. Results. The percentage of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive hepatic stellate cells was significantly higher in the HBV cirrhosis, HCV cirrhosis and post-transplant HCV recurrent hepatitis groups (36.1 +/- 15.2, 23.8 +/- 19.7 and 27.8 +/- 16.4%, respectively) compared to the liver donor group (2.9 +/- 4.0%). The alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive hepatic stellate cells to fibrous tissue ratio were significantly higher in the post-transplant recurrent HCV hepatitis group (2.36 +/- 1.12) compared to both the donor livers and the HCV cirrhosis groups (0.74 +/- 1.09 and 1.03 +/- 0.91, respectively). The alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive hepatic stellate cell percentage and fibrosis correlated positively in the post-transplant recurrent HCV hepatitis group and negatively in the HCV cirrhosis group. No difference in the immunohistochemical and morphometrical variables was found between the HCV cirrhosis and HBV cirrhosis groups. Conclusions. These results indirectly confirm that, in vivo, alpha-smooth muscle actin expression is a reliable marker of hepatic stellate cells activation which precedes fibrous tissue deposition even in the setting of recurrent HCV chronic hepatitis after liver transplantation, and it could be useful to identify the earliest stages of hepatic fibrosis and monitoring the efficacy of the therapy. In the presence of advanced cirrhosis other factors, rather than alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive hepatic stellate cells, may sustain fibrosis deposition. (c) 2005 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Mechanisms of microbial photoinactivation by curcumin’s micellar delivery

Introduction: Microbial photoinactivation using UV light can be enhanced by the addition of food-grade photosensitizers (PSs), such as curcumin. Micellization of curcumin can improve its stability and antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms that contribute to the photoinactivation of Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Listeria innocua by curcumin-loaded surfactant solutions produced with Surfynol 465 (S465) or Tween 80 (T80) below, near, and above their critical micelle concentration (CMC).Methods: Stock curcumin-surfactant solutions were produced with S465 or T80 (5 mM sodium citrate buffer, pH 3.5). Mixtures of each bacterial suspension (initial inoculum = 6 LogCFU/mL), 1 µM curcumin, and surfactants were irradiated with UV-A light (λ = 365 nm) for 5 min. Microbial recovery after treatments was assessed by monitoring the growth of the treated E. coli O157: H7 or L. innocua using an oCelloscope™. The growth curves were characterized using a modified logistic model.Results and Discussion: Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria showed less and slower recovery when treated with curcumin-S465 (near or at CMC) than curcumin-T80 solutions after irradiation. FLIM micrographs suggested that curcumin was preferentially localized at the cell membrane when S465 was present, as evidenced by its longer lifetimes in samples treated with curcumin-S465 solutions. Washing after treatment resulted in the removal of loosely bound or unbound S465-curcumin micelles; hence, both E. coli O157: H7 and L. innocua recovery was faster. This suggested that curcumin partitioning has a significant role in microbial photoinactivation, possibly due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) closer to/within the membrane. The permeability of the membrane of E. coli O157: H7, as inferred from the Live/Dead cell assay, increased when S465 was present, suggesting that S465 can also facilitate inactivation by disrupting the membrane and by favoring the localization of curcumin adjacent to the cell membrane. Therefore, a synergistic antimicrobial effect is observed when curcumin is present alongside S465 at concentrations below or near its CMC due to the disruption of the cell membrane by S465

Phase 1/2 study of weekly carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone in newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible myeloma

This multicentre, open-label phase 1/2 trial determined safety and efficacy of weekly carfilzomib plus cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (wKCyd) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients aged ≥65 years or transplant ineligible. Patients received wKCyd for up to nine 28-day cycles, followed by maintenance with carfilzomib until progression/intolerance. The phase 1 portion used a 3+3 dose-escalation scheme to determine the maximum tolerated dose of weekly carfilzomib: 12 patients received wKCyd with carfilzomib doses of 45, 56 and 70 mg/m 2. The recommended phase 2 dose was established at 70 mg/m 2 and 54 patients (phase 1 and 2) received weekly carfilzomib 70 mg/m 2: 85% of them achieved ≥partial response (PR), 66% ≥very good PR, 30%≥near-complete response (CR) and 15% CR. Responses improved in 40 patients who started maintenance: 98% achieved ≥PR, including 29% CR and 10% stringent CR. After a median follow-up of 18 months, the 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 53.2% and 81%, respectively. The most frequent grade 3-5 toxicities were neutropenia (22%) and cardiopulmonary adverse events (9%). This is the first study of weekly carfilzomib plus an alkylating agent in elderly patients with NDMM. wKCyd was effective, with an acceptable risk/benefit ratio, and thus can be a valid option in this setting

The Italian data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in transplanted patients support an organ specific immune response in liver recipients

Introduction: The study of immune response to SARSCoV-2 infection in different solid organ transplant settings represents an opportunity for clarifying the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system. In our nationwide registry study from Italy, we specifically evaluated, during the first wave pandemic, i.e., in non-vaccinated patients, COVID-19 prevalence of infection, mortality, and lethality in liver transplant recipients (LTRs), using non-liver solid transplant recipients (NL-SOTRs) and the Italian general population (GP) as comparators. Methods: Case collection started from February 21 to June 22, 2020, using the data from the National Institute of Health and National Transplant Center, whereas the data analysis was performed on September 30, 2020.To compare the sex- and age-adjusted distribution of infection, mortality, and lethality in LTRs, NL-SOTRs, and Italian GP we applied an indirect standardization method to determine the standardized rate. Results: Among the 43,983 Italian SOTRs with a functioning graft, LTRs accounted for 14,168 patients, of whom 89 were SARS-CoV-2 infected. In the 29,815 NL-SOTRs, 361 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were observed. The geographical distribution of the disease was highly variable across the different Italian regions. The standardized rate of infection, mortality, and lethality rates in LTRs resulted lower compared to NL-SOTRs [1.02 (95%CI 0.81-1.23) vs. 2.01 (95%CI 1.8-2.2); 1.0 (95%CI 0.5-1.5) vs. 4.5 (95%CI 3.6-5.3); 1.6 (95%CI 0.7-2.4) vs. 2.8 (95%CI 2.2-3.3), respectively] and comparable to the Italian GP. Discussion: According to the most recent studies on SOTRs and SARS-CoV-2 infection, our data strongly suggest that, in contrast to what was observed in NL-SOTRs receiving a similar immunosuppressive therapy, LTRs have the same risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, mortality, and lethality observed in the general population. These results suggest an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in LTRS that is different from NL-SOTRs, probably related to the ability of the grafted liver to induce immunotolerance

Italian consensus conference on guidelines for conservative treatment on lower limb muscle injuries in athlete.

Provide the state of the art concerning (1) biology and aetiology, (2) classification, (3) clinical assessment and (4) conservative treatment of lower limb muscle injuries (MI) in athletes. Seventy international experts with different medical backgrounds participated in the consensus conference. They discussed and approved a consensus composed of four sections which are presented in these documents. This paper represents a synthesis of the consensus conference, the following four sections are discussed: (i) The biology and aetiology of MIs. A definition of MI was formulated and some key points concerning physiology and pathogenesis of MIs were discussed. (ii) The MI classification. A classification of MIs was proposed. (iii) The MI clinical assessment, in which were discussed anamnesis, inspection and clinical examination and are provided the relative guidelines. (iv) The MI conservative treatment, in which are provided the guidelines for conservative treatment based on the severity of the lesion. Furthermore, instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment were discussed. Knowledge of the aetiology and biology of MIs is an essential prerequisite in order to plan and conduct a rehabilitation plan. Another important aspect is the use of a rational MI classification on prognostic values. We propose a classification based on radiological investigations performed by ultrasonography and MRI strongly linked to prognostic factors. Furthermore, the consensus conference results will able to provide fundamental guidelines for diagnostic and rehabilitation practice, also considering instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment of MI. Expert opinion, level IV