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Role of PET and SPECT in the study of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Get PDFAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been defined as a "heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative syndromes characterized by progressive muscle paralysis caused by the degeneration of motor neurons allocated in primary motor cortex, brainstem, and spinal cord." A comprehensive diagnostic workup for ALS usually includes several electrodiagnostic, clinical laboratory and genetic tests. Neuroimaging exams, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and spinal cord myelogram, may also be required. Nuclear medicine, with PET and SPECT, may also play a role in the evaluation of patients with ALS, and provide additional information to the clinicians.This paper aims to offer to the reader a comprehensive review of the different radiotracers for the assessment of the metabolism of glucose (FDG), the measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF), or the evaluation of neurotransmitters, astrocytes, and microglia by means of newer and not yet clinically diffuse radiopharmaceuticals
Variabilit? genetica in popolazioni di Tortrix viridana L. (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) associate alle diverse querce della Sardegna
Get PDFA preliminary analysis of COI and COII gene variability was carried out in Sardinian populations of Tortrix viridana. The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic structure and mitochondrial haplotype variation in populations associated with deciduous (Quercus pubescens) and evergreen (Q. suber and Q ilex) oaks. Forty-four haplotypes out of 87 individuals were found: three haplotypes showed a high frequency (23%, 16% and 10%) and were largely shared among populations. Hierarchical AMOVA showed no significant differentiation grouping populations for geographic areas or oak species, in spite of significant divergences structuring populations for different duration in egg development (early- vs late-hatching). However a high haplotype diversity and a low nucleotide diversity have been observed
Valutazione biologica di inibitori di tirosinasi nei confronti di larve e pupe di Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae)
Get PDFTyrosinase plays an important role in cuticle tanning and sclerotization in insects. Use of selective inhibitors active toward this enzyme could offer the opportunity to elaborate new sustainable biological control techniques. These substances might also act as a synergistic increasing target species susceptibility to pathogen agents or insecticides
Challenges and research issues from the Italian Hearing Voices Network.
No full textThe Association "Rete Italiana Noi e le Voci" (Italian Hearing Voices Network, IHVN) is characterized by the active collaboration between voice hearers, mental health professionals and researchers. Goal of this presentation is to share two network challenges and research issues: (1) Psychiatric drugs: Based on the insights gained from Robert Whitaker\u27s meta-analysis on the development of psychiatric drugs use and its effects, the study on this issue has become a priority in our research agenda. As a matter of fact, the conferences organized in collaboration with mental health services and the National Research Council contributed to the break of a taboo. A users led research on this topic is necessary and urgent. For the next year we are planning a consensus conference about the use of psychiatric drugs withdrawal. (2) Self-help groups: IHVN promotes self-help groups with very positive results for users, mental health professional and family members (in our experience family members needed to be more involved to promote the recovery process). We are committed to find proper resources for the support of the existing groups, to create new ones and to document their outcomes. We hope that Intervoice will join us in these challenges
Pragmatic Ambiguity Detection in Natural Language Requirements
No full textThis paper presents an approach for pragmatic ambiguity detection in natural language requirements. Pragmatic ambiguities depend on the context of a requirement, which includes the background knowledge of the reader: different backgrounds can lead to different interpretations. The presented approach employs a graph-based modelling of the background knowledge of different readers, and uses a shortest-path search algorithm to model the pragmatic interpretation of a require- ment. The comparison of different pragmatic interpretations is used to decide if a requirement is ambiguous or not. The paper also provides a case study on real-world requirements, where we have assessed the effectiveness of the approach
Context Transformations for Goal Models
No full textThis paper proposes a technique to support the requirements engineer in transforming existing models into new models to address the customer\u27s needs. In particular, we identify a set of possible categories of context change that indicate in which direction the original model needs to evolve. Furthermore, we associate a transformation to each category, and we formalise it in terms of graph grammars. Our results are a generalisation of an experimental evaluation based on 10 models retrieved from the literature and 25 scenarios of context change. This work represents a step forward in the formalisation of requirements models since it provides the foundations of a tool to support the automatic transformation of models, and employs graph grammars to provide a formal layer to the approach
I corsi di formazione del Registro .it per i Registrar 2010-2013
No full textIn questa pubblicazione illustriamo in dettaglio l\u27attivita\u27 formativa relativa agli anni 2010-2013 che il Registro .it eroga ai Registrar. In particolare sono esaminate in dettaglio le tematiche affrontate durante i corsi e analizzati i risultati dei questionari di valutazione compilati dai partecipanti. L\u27analisi dei questionari ha messo in evidenza anche i bisogni formativi espressi dai corsisti, che rappresentano una base di partenza da tener presente per la programmazione dei corsi futuri. I corsi di formazione del Registro.it sono ertificati secondo lo standard ISO9001:2008
Special Issue (1956)- Apparatus for measuring the dispersion and absorption of a gas in the microwave region under relatively high pressure conditions. Preliminary experimental results
No full textA hybrid cardiovascular simulator for VAD training.
No full textAim: The use of VAD training is a relevant issue involving physicians, care givers and, to some extent, patients. The aim of this work is the development of a hybrid (hydro-computational) cardiovascular simulator (HCS) as a support to learning of VAD control and of VAD-circulatory system interactions. Methods: The model is a component of a comprehensive platform aimed at VAD training. It consists of the lumped parameter computational circulatory model and the hybrid (hydro-computational) interface based on the impedance transforming idea. The latter enables the atrio-aortic and apical connections of real VADs to the computational circulatory model to train various VAD-HCS interaction scenarios for specific patients\u27 conditions. Furthermore, the HCS can be used locally or remotely to enhance its training possibilities merged into a Learning Management System. Results: The computational circulatory model was verified with clinical and experimental data, then HCS was used for training of care givers and physicians both on specific clinical cases and on predefined hemodynamic pathological conditions. Conclusions: The HCS is flexible enough to be applied to different training needs. Its further development will include the connection with the hybrid respiratory simulator to obtain cardio-respiratory interaction. Acknowledgments: This work was supported by SensorART (N. 248763) EU project
Hypotensive and bradycardic effects of mouth opening: evidence in the human
Get PDFObjective Previous studies in normotensive anesthetized rats (Lapi Arch.Ital.Biol 151:11-23,2013) showed that peripheral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve induced by submaximal mouth opening (mandibular extension, ME) caused prolonged (at least 80min) bradycardia, hypotension and cerebral hemodynamic changes (pial arterioles showed a characteristic response pattern consisting in a significant constriction during ME followed by a dilatation for the entire remaining observation time). Design and method In this study we assessed the in vivo effects of ME on HR, MABP and pial microcirculation in hypertensive rats. Experiments were performed in male Wistar rats weighing 250-300g (n = 8). Hypertension was induced by intraperitoneal daily injection of dexamethasone (0.03mg/kg/day) for 10 days. ME was obtained by inserting an ad hoc developed retractor between the dental arches. HR and MABP were recorded by ECG and a catheter placed in the left femoral artery and measured by a computer-assisted system. Pial arterioles were observed through a closed cranial window implanted above the left parietal cortex and visualized by an in vivo fluorescence microscopy technique to assess vessel diameter changes before (baseline), during 10min ME and thereafter until 160min. Arteriolar diameters were measured with a computer-assisted method (MIP Image program, frame by frame). Results In sham-treated (no ME) hypertensive rats (n=3) HR, MABP and pial microcirculation did not change during whole observation period. Hypertensive rats subjected to ME (n=5) showed a significant decrease of HR and MABP. HR declined by 42bpm, (p<0.01) starting from 60 min after ME up to 160min, while MABP by 18mmHg (p<0.05) starting from 20min after ME up to 100min, compared with baseline. Pial arterioles exhibited a biphasic response: the arteriolar diameter decreased by 2.94μm (p<0.05) during ME, afterwards it significantly increased by 3.46μm (p<0.01) starting from 20min after ME; this vasodilatation lasted for the whole observation period. Conclusions Our results suggest that ME is able to exert profound and prolonged regulatory effects on systemic arterial blood pressure and pial arteriolar tone in hypertensive rats