115 research outputs found
INTRODUCTION OF THE BETA-ISOZYME OF PROTEIN KINASE-C ACCELERATES INDUCED-DIFFERENTIATION OF MURINE ERYTHROLEUKEMIA-CELLS
No full textUsing ncRNAs as Tools in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment—The Way towards Personalized Medicine to Improve Patients’ Health
No full textAlthough the first discovery of a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) dates back to 1958, only in recent years has the complexity of the transcriptome started to be elucidated. However, its components are still under investigation and their identification is one of the challenges that scientists are presently facing. In addition, their function is still far from being fully understood. The non-coding portion of the genome is indeed the largest, both quantitatively and qualitatively. A large fraction of these ncRNAs have a regulatory role either in coding mRNAs or in other ncRNAs, creating an intracellular network of crossed interactions (competing endogenous RNA networks, or ceRNET) that fine-tune the gene expression in both health and disease. The alteration of the equilibrium among such interactions can be enough to cause a transition from health to disease, but the opposite is equally true, leading to the possibility of intervening based on these mechanisms to cure human conditions. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on these mechanisms, illustrating how they can be used for disease treatment, the current challenges and pitfalls, and the roles of environmental and lifestyle-related contributing factors, in addition to the ethical, legal, and social issues arising from their (improper) use
Routing in Scalable Delay-Tolerant Space Networks with Graph Neural Networks
No full textSpace networks are challenged by long propagation delays and prolonged link disruptions, which require Delay- Tolerant Networking (DTN) mechanisms. Contact Graph Routing (CGR) exploits the a priori available topology knowledge derived from the predictable trajectories to compute optimal end-to end routes. However, state-of-the-art CGR is limited in the scalability and stability of the computation effort, which is critical in resource-constrained spacecraft. To overcome this issue, this paper presents GAUSS: a graph neural network-based routing for scalable delay-tolerant space networks. By harvesting recent advances in Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), we can improve the scalability of CGR by a factor of two while narrowing the variability down to one-third in realistic cislunar and near-Earth systems
Thermal Analysis of Ex-Vivo Liver RF Ablation through Numerical Modeling and Fiber Bragg Gratings Validation
No full textRadio frequency ablation is a well-established technique in clinical practice for the treatment of tumors. Standardized protocols, new electrode technologies, and impedance feedback generators have already made this technique very advantageous for both patient and doctors, providing minimal invasiveness and localized treatment. Treatment planning can further enhance this technique, creating a customized solution for each patient. Numerical methods are very helpful in predicting treatment outcomes. However, their use as a reference requires a high degree of accuracy. Aim of this paper is to combine the use of numerical simulations with experimental measurements based on fiber optic sensors. To do this, tests on ex-vivo porcine liver have been carried out using a bipolar probe. The results of simulations have been compared with punctual temperature data provided by optical fibers and with experimental outcomes showing a good agreement
Numerical Modeling of Monopolar Radio Frequency Ablation and Experimental Validation Through Fiber Bragg Gratings Sensors
No full textRadiofrequency ablation is increasingly being used for the treatment of tumors due to its efficacy combined with minimal invasiveness. Nevertheless, one of its main limitations is still the size of ablation margins. Different strategies are under investigation to overcome this constraint, and, among these, saline infusion ablation seems to be one of the most promising solutions. In this context, numerical simulations can be fundamental to predict the outcomes of these innovative methods, reducing the number of necessary experiments. This work investigates the efficacy of a monopolar radio frequency probe through numerical and experimental approaches. Experiments were carried out on an ex-vivo bovine liver, measuring the temperature rise through fiber Bragg grating sensors. Recorded temperature profiles and ablation margins were compared with numerical simulation results showing good agreement. The combination of temperature monitoring during the ablation process and numerical simulations can be extremely helpful for refining existing therapeutic outcomes, minimizing the risk of collateral damage to adjacent anatomical structures. Moreover, assessing numerical simulation models can lead to the design of new electrode geometries, improving radiofrequency ablation outcomes
Characterizing properties of approximate solutions for optimization problems
No full textoptimization
Effects of geographic area, feedstock, temperature, and operating time on microbial communities of six full-scale biogas plants
No full textThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different animal feedings operated in two distinct PDO (protected designation of origin) cheese production areas (Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano) on the microbiome of six full-scale biogas plants, by means of Illumina sequencing and qPCR techniques. The effects of feedstock (cattle slurry manure, energy crops, agro-industrial by-products), temperature (mesophilic/thermophilic), and operating time were also examined, as were the relationships between the predominant bacterial and archaeal taxa and process parameters. The different feedstocks and temperatures strongly affected the microbiomes. A more biodiverse archaeal population was highlighted in Parmigiano Reggiano area plants, suggesting an influence of the different animal feedings. Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta showed an opposite distribution among anaerobic plants, with the former found to be related to ammonium concentration. The Methanoculleus genus was more abundant in the thermophilic digester whereas representation of the Thermotogales order correlated with hydraulic retention time
Radiomics in hepatic metastasis by colorectal cancer
No full textWe uploaded the images of the manuscript Granata V, Fusco R, Barretta ML, Picone C, Avallone A, Belli A, Patrone R, Ferrante M, Cozzi D, Grassi R, Grassi R, Izzo F, Petrillo A. Radiomics in hepatic metastasis by colorectal cancer. Infect Agent Cancer. 2021 Jun 2;16(1):39. doi: 10.1186/s13027-021-00379-y. PMID: 34078424; PMCID: PMC8173908
A constitucionalidade do Conselho Nacional de Justiça e seus poderes
No full textA presente resenha versa sobre o Conselho Nacional de Justiça e seus principais pontos polêmicos, bem como o poder a ele conferido pela Constituição Federal (EC n. 45/2004 e EC n. 61/2009). Tem como escopo a análise de temas de grande discussão na doutrina e na jurisprudência como a constitucionalidade do CNJ, seus limites constitucionais de atuação e o seu poder normativo. Esta tarefa parte da contextualização histórica do Conselho Nacional de Justiça, apresentando o caminho legislativo e político percorrido para aprovação da “Reforma do Judiciário”, que o instituiu. Abordou-se, a seguir, sua composição democratizada e seu funcionamento como órgão integrante do Poder Judiciário, destacando-se o papel do Ministro Corregedor e suas relevantes funções, sendo relacionadas as metas e atribuições a cargo do CNJ, como órgão de controle administrativo, financeiro e disciplinar, estabelecidas pelo legislador constituinte. Após, visualizou-se, à luz da doutrina e da jurisprudência pátria, a discussão acerca da interferência na separação e independência de Poderes tendo em vista a criação do Conselho Nacional de Justiça. Violação que não restou configurada, pois que foi confirmada sua natureza de órgão meramente administrativo, bem como sua constitucionalidade perante o STF (ADI 3367), destacando seus principais argumentos e votos proferidos no julgamento. Tratou-se, ainda, dos limites de atuação do Conselho Nacional de Justiça frente aos Tribunais locais, destacando a abrangência da análise e revisão da Suprema Corte, atuando como órgão de cúpula, nas decisões do Conselho, colacionando as principais decisões a respeito. Por fim, estudou-se o poder normativo do CNJ relacionando a jurisprudência mais atual e apresentando os principais posicionamentos doutrinários. Analisou-se, também, as duas principais Ações Diretas acerca do tema que questionavam a publicação de Resoluções do Conselho Nacional de Justiça que supostamente teria extrapolado sua competência constitucional normativa ao editá-lasThe present review deals with the National Council of Justice and its main controversial points, as well as the power conferred upon it by the Constitution (EC n. 45/2004 and EC. n. 61/2009). Is scoped to the analysis of issues of great discussion in doctrine and jurisprudence as the constitutionality of the CNJ, their constitutional limits of performance and its normative power. This task of the historical context of the National Council of Justice by the legislative and political path traversed for approval of the "Judicial Reform", which instituted. Was addressed, then, democratized its composition and functioning as an integral organ of the Judiciary, highlighting the role of the Minister Corregidor and its relevant functions, being related assignments and objectives in charge of CNJ, as an organ of administrative control, and financial discipline, established by the constitutional legislator. After, visualized in the light of the doctrine and jurisprudence homeland, the discussion about the interference in the separation and independence of powers in order to create the National Council of Justice. Violation configured not left because it was confirmed their nature as merely administrative body, as well as its constitutionality before the Supreme Court (ADI 3367), highlighting its main arguments and votes in the trial. Also treated the limits of operation of the National Council of Justice against local courts, highlighting the scope of the analysis and review of the Supreme Court, acting as an umbrella body, the decisions of the Council colacionando major decisions about. Finally, we studied the normative power of the CNJ relating the most current case law and presenting the main doctrinal positions. Analyzed also the two main Direct Actions on the subject that questioned the publication of Resolutions of the National Council of Justice that allegedly extrapolated their normative constitutional authority to edit the
Management of Low-Risk Thyroid Cancers: Is Active Surveillance a Valid Option? A Systematic Review of the Literature.
No full textThyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, representing 2.9% of all new cancers in the United States. It has an excellent prognosis, with a five-year relative survival rate of 98.3%.Differentiated Thyroid Carcinomas (DTCs) are the most diagnosed thyroid tumors and are characterized by a slow growth rate and indolent course. For years, the only approach to treatment was thyroidectomy. Active surveillance (AS) has recently emerged as an alternative approach; it involves regular observation aimed at recognizing the minority of patients who will clinically progress and would likely benefit from rescue surgery. To better clarify the indications for active surveillance for low-risk thyroid cancers, we reviewed the current management of low-risk DTCs with a systematic search performed according to a PRISMA flowchart in electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE) for studies published before May 2021. Fourteen publications were included for final analysis, with a total number of 4830 patients under AS. A total of 451/4830 (9.4%) patients experienced an increase in maximum diameter by >3 mm; 609/4830 (12.6%) patients underwent delayed surgery after AS; metastatic spread to cervical lymph nodes was present in 88/4213 (2.1%) patients; 4/3589 (0.1%) patients had metastatic disease outside of cervical lymph nodes. Finally, no subject had a documented mortality due to thyroid cancer during AS. Currently, the American Thyroid Association guidelines do not support AS as the first-line treatment in patients with PMC; however, they consider AS to be an effective alternative, particularly in patients with high surgical risk or poor life expectancy due to comorbid conditions. Thus, AS could be an alternative to immediate surgery for patients with very-low-risk tumors showing no cytologic evidence of aggressive disease, for high-risk surgical candidates, for those with concurrent comorbidities requiring urgent intervention, and for patients with a relatively short life expectancy
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