1,354,972 research outputs found
Comments to the editor concerning the paper entitled "Preclinical renal cancer chemopreventive efficacy of geraniol by modulation of multiple molecular pathways" Shiekh Tanveer Ahmad et al.
No full textShiekh Tanveer Ahmad et al. (2011) reported in their recent manuscript very interesting results that we would like to compare with our recent findings on the similar topic. The authors reported that “treatment of GOH in rats, having chronic exposure of Fe-NTA (feric nitrilotriacetate) resulted in marked decline” of the “markers of inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis. The present data together with reports available in literature, suggest GOH to be a promising candidate for chemoprevention of renal carcinogenesis” (Ahmad et al., 2011). In our previous studies we have analyzed the anti-inflammatory properties of the geraniol (GOH) although in others models of disease. Our research team is studying since 2008 (Marcuzzi et al., 2008) the mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), due to mutations in the MVK gene coding for the enzyme mevalonate kinase (MK), that causes a shortage of isoprenoids, such as the geraniol, intermediate compounds of pathway, and the cholesterol, its final product. MKD is a rare autosomal recessive inborn disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis, characterized by recurrent inflammatory episodes variably associated with lymphadenopathy, abdominal involvement, arhtralgia, rash, and, in most severe cases, by psychomotor delay (Haas and Hoffmann, 2007). Since MKD is still an orphan drug disease, our interest is the discovery of potential candidates for an ethiologic therapy. In our experience isoprenoids compounds such as GOH are able to limit the inflammatory response in MKD. In our hypothesis the introduction of exogenous isoprenoids could counteract the shortage of isoprenoid intermediates characteristic of MKD. The results of Shiekh Tanveer Ahmad et al. (2011) open an interesting scenario. As mentioned by the authors (Cardozo et al., 2011; Carnesecchi et al., 2004; Kim et al., 2011; Ong et al., 2006; Wiseman et al., 2007; Yu et al., 1995) the GOH is studied for its adjuvants anticancer properties on various types of cancers. In our experience we have tested with success, some anticancer drugs with GOH in our model of MKD (Marcuzzi et al., 2011), such as Tipifarnib®, and we speculate about a potential synergized between these drugs. In summary, we agree with the study by Ahmad et al. (2011) and underline the pivotal role of geraniol to rescue the phenotype inflammation
State, parameters and hidden dynamics estimation with the Deep Kalman Filter: Regularization strategies
No full textIn this paper we present in detail the various regularization strategies adopted for a novel scientific machine learning extension of the well known Kalman Filter (KF) that we call the Deep Kalman Filter (DKF), briefly presented in the conference paper (Chinellato and Marcuzzi 2024) . It is based on a recent scientific machine learning paradigm, called algorithm unfolding/unrolling, that allows to create a neural network from the algebraic structure dictated by an analytical method of scientific computing. We show the interpretable consistency of DKF with the classic KF when this is optimal, and its improvements against the KF with both linear and nonlinear models in general. Indeed, the DKF learns parameters of a quite general reference model, comprising: corrector gains, predictor model parameters and eventual unmodeled dynamics. This goes well beyond the ability of the KF and its known extensions
Nevisia Marcuzzi 1986
No full textNevisia Marcuzzi, 1986, new status (Figs. 25–30, 53) Diastolinus (Nevisia) Marcuzzi 1986: 179, type species: Diastolinus barbudensis Marcuzzi, 1962, monotypy, 1989: 355, 1998b: 153. Remarks. This group was described as a subgenus of Diastolinus, and the name has been seldom used. We recognize it as a genus based on the unique combination of the Xerolinus type of elytral striae and the row of large pits behind the metacoxa, while lacking the extreme morphologies of Platylus and Cenophorus. The patches of long, decumbent setae at the lateral margins of ventrites 1–3 delimited mesad by a bare area is unique as well.Published as part of Ivie, Michael A. & Hart, Charles J., 2016, Redefinition ofDiastolinusMulsant and Rey, with a Review of West Indian Blapstinoid Genera (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Opatrini), pp. 447-481 in The Coleopterists Bulletin 70 (3) on pages 447-481, DOI: 10.1649/0010-065X-70.3.447, http://zenodo.org/record/549614
Comments on ''Geranylgeraniol--a new potential therapeutic approach to bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw" by Ziebart T et al. (2011).
No full texttherapeutic approach to bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw’’ in Oral Oncology, by Ziebart T et al., and would like to compare and discuss these results with our recently published data.1 The design of the two studies is very similar: natural isoprenoids have been used to revert the mevalonate pathway inhibition induced by amino-bisphosphonates (N-BPs). Isoprenoid compounds are hypothesized to enter the mevalonate pathway after the N-BPs block, being metabolized as farnesyl-pyrophosphate and bypass the biochemical inhibition mediate by N-BPs on farnesyl- pyrophosphate synthase, restoring the metabolites flux along the pathway.2,3 Ziebart T. et al. empathized that the isoprenoid geranylgeraniol (GGOH) can antagonize the effects of N-BPs in the processes of osteoclast formation, apoptosis, bone resorption and in tumor cells (i.e. prostate cancer cells, human myeloma cells) as previously described in several studies,4,5 suggesting a therapeutic use of GGOH in bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BP-ONJ). Recently, our group demonstrated that GGOH and several other isoprenoids (farnesol, geranygeraiol, mentol, limonene) are able to revert the pro-inflammatory effect induced by the combination of N-BPs and bacterial lipoplyshaccaride (LPS) or muramyldipeptide (MDP) both in Balb/c mice and in human and murine monocytes. 2,3,6 We also proposed isoprenoid compounds as eligible treatment for the rare and still orphan disease mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD, OMIM: 251170), characterized by genetic defect in the second enzyme of the mevalonate pathway. All this considered we would like to discuss the following issues: – We do agree with Ziebart T. et al.1 about the anti-N-BPs effect of geraniol, emphasizing that this effect is not dependent on the N-BP used on the isoprenoids. Ziebart’ group used ibandronate, pamidronate and zoledronate in their model, whereas we treated Balb/c mice and monocytes with alendronate or pamidronate obtaining comparable and reproducible findings. 2,7 Moreover geranylgeraniol, farnesol, menthol and limonene showed a comparable effect in contrasting N-BP action in our models,3 suggesting a common mechanism of action for these compounds in the context of NBP inhibition. – It is interesting to note that GGOH is able to contrast N-BP effect independently of the cellular model implied (osteoblast or monocytes) and the different outcome of N-BP inhibition. Since the block of the mevalonate pathway affects the prenylation of several signalling molecules involved in cell cycle, differentiation and cell response to extracellular stimulus, probably it results in different defects depending on the cell types. – We suggest Ziebart T. et al.1, to test other isoprenoids in addition to GGOH, such as geraniol, farnesol, menthol or limonene, in order to identify the most effective isoprenoids to treat in combination within aminobisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw. While the dose/effect of the isoprenoid is comparable within Ziebart T. et al. and our models, additionally we would like to emphasize the importance of the timing in isoprenoid administration. – In our animal model the isoprenoid timing necessary to revert the pro-inflammatory action of alendronate or pamidronate was the critical point, because the isoprenoid must be injected the day before and/or after the N-BP.2,7 – Recently we showed that farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI) such as manumycin A, Tipifarnib or Lonafarnib, currently used in clinical trials as anticancer drugs, were able to contrast N-BP effect leading to a redistribution of mevalonate intermediates along its pathway.6 We propose Ziebart T. et al. to evaluate the effects of these pharmacological agents which could be an alternative therapeutic approach in the case of N-BP-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw. In summary, we do agree with the study by Ziebart T. et al., and emphasize the pivotal role of isoprenoid to rescue the phenotype inflammation induced by aminobisphosphonate treatment
Dynamic identification of a concrete bridge with orthotropic plate-type deck
No full textThis paper continues a line of research aimed at the development
of a dynamically-based health condition monitoring of bridge
structures in the area of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. One
subject of this research program has been a two-span highway
bridge with concrete slab supported by closely spaced precast
beams, a constructive typology which is quite diffuse in the
regional highway network. Forced-vibration tests and experimental
modal analysis were used to determine the vibration properties of
the structure. An identification procedure based on dynamic data
allowed to define an accurate orthotropic plate model of the deck
and to improve the description of some constructional details in
the finite-element model of the bridge, such as the boundary
conditions on abutments and the connection between deck and pier.
The usefulness of the combined experimental and analytical process
in identification of structural properties has been proven, and
the procedure can be applied to other structures of the same
typology
Letter to the editor: acute effects of intravenous administration of pamidronate in patients with osteoporosis.
No full textWe read the interesting article “Acute Effects of Intravenous Administration of Pamidronate in Patients with Osteoporosis” in the Journal of Korean Medical Science by Lim et al. (1). We would like to comment and compare these data to a study recently published by our research group (2). The two studies had different initial aims, but still they share the same results in determining the modulatory effect of inflammation of aminobisphosphonates, such as pamidronate. The pamidronate belongs to the family of aminobisphosphonates (N-BPs), currently the major class of drugs used for the treatment of osteoporosis and other diseases characterized by increased bone resorption. The immune modulation exerted by pamidronate has not yet fully been understood (3). In vitro experiments have shown an anti-inflammatory effect of this N-BP; (4, 5) as well as a pro-inflammatory one (6, 7). Moreover contrasting results were obtained when pamidronate was used for the treatment of different inflammatory or immunologic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (8,9) or systemic sclerosis. The aminobiphosphonates act on farnesylpyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) and inhibit the mevalonate pathway, the latter being responsible for production of cholesterol and isoprenoid lipids. In particular we can hypothesize that the inflammatory phenotype is due to lack of enzymes downstream the FPPS, and in particular the lack of geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate (GGPP) could be associated to the activation of caspase-1 and the high IL-1β release. Lim et al. (1) emphasized that in vivo infusion of pamidronate at a therapeutic dose of 30 mg increased production of two inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum. The increase is an acute effect after intravenous injection (1). Recently, our group demonstrated that pamidronate is able to increase the sensitivity to bacterial compounds both in the murine macrophagic cell line (Raw 264.7) and in Balb/c mice, by an incremental release of IL1β. These findings are in agreement with published data concerning inflammatory modulation in alendronate treated-mice (2). Moreover the effect of pamidronate does not depend on its concentration, whereas it may be involved in the increase of susceptibility to pro-inflammatory compounds such as muramildipeptide or lipopolysaccaride (2). In summary, we agree with the study by Lim et al. (1) and we emphasize the pivotal role of pamidronate in the modulation of inflammatory response
Blapstinus simulans subsp. barbadensis Marcuzzi 1962
No full textBlapstinus simulans barbadensis Marcuzzi, 1962 Blapstinus simulans barbadensis Marcuzzi 1962: 36 (type locality: Barbados), 1984: 80 (Barbados). Blapstinus simulans; Peck 2009 (Barbados), 2016: 159 (Barbados records only). Distribution. Barbados. Remarks. Blapstinus simulans Marcuzzi, 1954 was described from Trinidad and is also recorded from Venezuela (Marcuzzi 1977). Exactly why subspecific status was attributed to this taxon from Barbados and why it relates to B. simulans is not clear, but we prefer to maintain the more narrow designation for the Barbados population, rather than follow Peck’ s (2009) unsupported use of B. simulans, until this is studied further. Marcuzzi’ s (1957) statement “ B. simulans barbadensis is presumably an extreme out post towards the Atlantic of a continental group of species (B. brunnipes group) which have no connection at all with the true Antillean species of Blapstinus ” gives us no confidence in what this taxon will eventually prove to be.Published as part of Ivie, Michael A. & Hart, Charles J., 2016, Redefinition ofDiastolinusMulsant and Rey, with a Review of West Indian Blapstinoid Genera (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Opatrini), pp. 447-481 in The Coleopterists Bulletin 70 (3) on pages 447-481, DOI: 10.1649/0010-065X-70.3.447, http://zenodo.org/record/549614
Analisi dei Dati mediante Modelli Matematici - Metodi numerici ed applicazioni a problemi di identificazione di modelli dai dati sperimentali, misura indiretta, predizione e stima dello stato
No full textIn questo libro tratteremo un insieme fondamentale di metodi numerici per l'analisi dei dati, che fanno uso esplicito di modelli matematici esplicativi del fenomeno che ha generato i dati.
In generale, i metodi quantitativi per l'analisi di dati numerici sono algoritmi di calcolo numerico, implementati per essere eseguiti dal processore adatto all'applicazione specifica: dalla workstation al microcontrollore embedded.
Negli ultimi tempi, l'elaborazione numerica dei dati è diventata pervasiva nelle attività quotidiane, sia professionali che personali ("consumer"). Essa è presente in vari tipi di applicazioni, effettuate da microprocessori residenti: in computers utilizzati per progettare beni materiali e strumenti di ogni genere, per effettuare analisi di mercato o test di laboratorio; nei sistemi elettronici di bordo negli aerei, nelle automobili, nelle apparecchiature domestiche, nella telefonia, nei motori di ricerca in internet, nei video-giochi ecc.
In generale, la presenza di un modello matematico di supporto all'algoritmo di elaborazione numerica permette a quest'ultimo di dare un risultato molto più aderente alla situazione specifica in cui esso sta operando. In questo modo si rendono possibili operazioni di predizione, stima, misura indiretta, ovvero la creazione di informazioni specifiche e non direttamente presenti nei dati di partenza.
In questo libro vengono presentati i metodi numerici fondamentali per l'analisi delle sequenze di dati nel dominio del tempo e della frequenza (e cenni ai metodi per l'analisi multi-risoluzione), per la soluzione di problemi di stima (usualmente ai minimi quadrati) di parametri lineari e nonlineari, per l'identificazione di modelli di ordine ridotto da collezioni di dati sperimentali e per la riduzione di modelli di dettaglio per via algebrica, ed un'introduzione ai metodi di regolarizzazione di problemi fortemente mal-condizionati o mal-posti, che sovente appaiono nella risoluzione numerica di problemi inversi.
L'enfasi è posta, in particolare, sul fornire una certa visione dell'utilizzo di alcuni metodi numerici fondamentali in algoritmi più complessi di analisi dei dati e loro applicazioni. In particolare, viene mostrato come pochi metodi numerici fondamentali stiano alla base di molteplici e disparate applicazioni. Il materiale del libro è utilizzato nelle lezioni del corso di Metodi Numerici per l'Analisi dei Dati, tenuto dall'autore ed inserito nel Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Matematica dell'Università di Padova, ma seguito anche da un discreto numero di studenti e dottorandi di ingegneria e delle scienze applicate. Il libro è rivolto a questo contesto multi-disciplinare, che è una parte importante della matematica applicata.
Il libro contiene una breve trattazione teorica, la descrizione in dettaglio degli algoritmi numerici, esempi ed implementazioni dei metodi numerici presentati ed alcune applicazioni, prevalentemente di problemi inversi nella meccanica computazionale, ma anche qualche esempio nel campo socio-economico. Il materiale è proposto in forma cartacea nelle sue parti fondamentali, ed in forma digitale sul web per quanto riguarda approfondimenti, esercizi, spiegazioni (es. mediante filmati), applicazioni ed implementazioni software.
Il materiale sul web è ad accesso riservato al possessore di una copia del libro ed è frequentemente aggiornato: il lettore può quindi seguire i contenuti relativi ad una materia in costante e rapida evoluzione senza dover comprarsi necessariamente "n" edizioni successive del libro. Per accedere al materiale sul web è necessario registrarsi alla pagina web http://www.math.unipd.it/marcuzzi/MNAD.html
Nyctelia kulzeri Marcuzzi
No full textNyctelia kulzeri Marcuzzi (Fig. 19) Nyctelia kulzeri Marcuzzi, 1977: 141; Flores 1997: 9 (list). Diagnosis. See Marcuzzi (1977). Discussion. Kulzer (1963) did not see the type of Nyctelia blapoides described by Fairmaire (1905) and in his redescription of this species, Kulzer (1963) based his observations on misidentified specimens that represented a new species at that time, later described by Marcuzzi (1977) as N. kulzeri without knowing that fact. Recently Flores & Carrara (2006) in describing Nyctelia nevadoensis, presented a comparative note with N. blapoides but such specimens of N. blapoides identified with the key of Kulzer (1963) really belong to N. kulzeri. Using the key of Kulzer (1963) for Nyctelia, specimens of both species N. blapoides and N. kulzeri actually key out at couplet 6 (5) of the group 5 for N. blapoides. Nyctelia kulzeri has pronotum smooth, without punctures, lateral margin arcuate towards anterior, widest at base (Fig. 19); elytra with terminal apophysis semicircular, with 11–13 deep, rugose, transverse grooves, lateral margin sinuate, not crenulated, marked by transverse grooves (Fig. 19); on the other hand, N. blapoides exhibits pronotum with abundant, large and small punctures, lateral margin concave, widest at mid-point (Fig. 18); elytra without terminal apophysis, with 7–9 shallow, almost straight, transverse grooves, lateral margin straight, crenulated, not marked by transverse grooves (Fig. 18). Type material. Holotype: [Neuquén/ Pilmatué/ 12 -V- 64 (pro 1964)] [Holotypus] [Nyctelia / kulzeri / mihi] [Holotypus / Nyctelia / kulzeri / Marcuzzi, 1977] [Museo Genova/ coll. G. Marcuzzi/ (acquisto 2000)] (MSNG). Other material examined. ARGENTINA: Neuquén: Dto. Loncopué: Loncopué, IX- 1959, M. Gentili, (11 IADIZA, 1 MACN), VII- 1959, J. Bertezene, 1 (IADIZA); Dto. Picunches: 14 km N Bajada del Agrio, 11 - I- 2003, G. Flores, 3 (IADIZA). Distribution. Known only from a restricted area of central-western Neuquén province of Argentina, in the Patagonian biogeographic province, Payunia district (Morrone et al., 2002).Published as part of Flores, Gustavo E., 2009, Revision of some types of the South American tribes Nycteliini, Praocini, and Scotobiini (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), with new synonymies, pp. 21-33 in Zootaxa 1985 on pages 31-32, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27464
Diastolinus realinoi Marcuzzi 2002, incertae sedis
No full textDiastolinus realinoi Marcuzzi, 2002, incertae sedis Diastolinus (Diastolinus) realinoi Marcuzzi 2002: 398. Venezuela, Curaçao, Fr. Realino, 1934, on male, [Naturalis, Leiden]. Remarks. Marcuzzi (2002) states he thinks this specimen is really from Cuba, although his logic is at best contorted. At 12 mm, this is a large species, whatever it is. The antenna is not clubbed. The right pro- and mesotarsi are like a female’ s, the left like a male’ s. Repeated requests to Naturalis have gone unanswered.Published as part of Ivie, Michael A. & Hart, Charles J., 2016, Redefinition ofDiastolinusMulsant and Rey, with a Review of West Indian Blapstinoid Genera (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Opatrini), pp. 447-481 in The Coleopterists Bulletin 70 (3) on pages 447-481, DOI: 10.1649/0010-065X-70.3.447, http://zenodo.org/record/549614
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