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Objectives Lower limb deformities in children need careful orthopedic evaluation to distinguish physiological forms from pathological ones. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare hereditary condition caused by PHEX gene mutations where tibial varum can be the first sign. Case presentation We report a family presenting with severe tibial varum, harbouring a rare PHEX intron mutation, c.1586+6T>C. This is the first clinical description available in literature for this variant. Despite the previous prediction of a mild phenotype in functional study, our patients showed important bone deformities, rickets and impaired growth since infancy followed by severe bone pain, hearing loss and reduced life quality in adulthood. Burosumab therapy improved biochemical and radiological findings in children and ameliorated quality of life in adults. Conclusions This case demonstrated c.1586+6T>C causes a severe XLH phenotype, responsive to Burosumab. Familial genetic screening, enlarged to intronic region analysis, when XLH is suspected, allows precocious diagnosis to start timely the appropriate treatment.

The Licklider Transport Protocol (LTP) is the "convergence layer" of choice in Interplanetary networks based on Delay-/Disruption-Tolerant architecture. It was designed for long-delay scheduled-intermittent links, offering either a reliable or an unreliable service, with "red" and "green" parts, respectively. The aim of this article is to present multicolor LTP, an LTP version consisting in a series of enhancements of which the most significant are the use of monochrome sessions, the introduction of an additional orange color offering a "notified" service, and the definition of default link colors. After a thorough examination of basic LTP mechanisms for all color variants, this article discusses two scenarios where orange seems particularly appealing: video streaming and optical interplanetary links. Numerical results offer further insight into the complex LTP mechanisms and also highlight the difference between LTP retransmissions and bundle protocol retransmissions, the latter benefitting from routing reprocessing. Multicolor LTP has already been implemented as an interplanetary overlay network (ION) plug-in and its enhancements have been proposed to Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems Space Internetworking Services Delay-/Disruption-Tolerant Networking working group for a possible inclusion in the next version of LTP specifications (LTPv2).

Introdução: o Brasil demorou a implementar uma política de testagem ampliada para COVID-19 no qual pode ter afetado o acesso da população mais vulnerável aos serviços de testagem. Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados à realização de testes moleculares para o diagnóstico da COVID-19. Método: estudo transversal de dados secundários do painel COVID-19 do estado do Espírito Santo. Foram incluídas fichas de notificação de suspeita de COVID-19 entre 11 de setembro de 2020 a 02 de março de 2021. Empregou-se regressão logística hierárquica para estimativa de razão de chances (odds ratio, OR) com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 419.771 fichas de notificação. A prevalência da realização do teste molecular para COVID-19 foi 81,1 % (IC95% 81,0%;81,2%). Idosos (OR= 2,70 – IC95% 2,56-2,85), profissional da saúde (OR=1,43 – IC95% 1,36-1,50), doença cardiovascular crônica (OR=1,13 – IC95% 1,09-1,17), diabetes mellitus (OR=1,07 – IC95% 1,01-1,14) e hospitalização (OR=5,95 – IC95% 4,53;7,82) apresentaram maior chance de ter realizado o teste molecular. Sexo masculino (OR=0,96 – IC95% 0,94-0,98), cor da pele preta (OR= 0,75 – IC95% 0,73-0,78), cor da pele amarela (OR=0,74 – IC95% 0,71-0,77), residir na região norte de saúde (OR=0,37 – IC95% 0,36-0,39) e a população em situação de rua (OR=0,76 – IC95% 0,67-0,85) apresentaram a menor chance de ter realizado o teste molecular. Conclusão: Fatores sociais, econômicos e o risco de agravamento da doença foram associados a realização do teste molecular para COVID-19 no estado do Espírito Santo. É necessário ações que garantam o acesso da população mais vulnerável ao teste molecular.

BACKGROUND: Among Brazilian initiatives to scale up TB preventive therapy (TPT) are the adoption of the 3HP regimen (12 weekly doses of rifapentine and isoniazid [INH]) in 2021 and the implementation in 2018 of the TPT surveillance information system. Since then, 63% of the 76,000 eligible individuals notified completed TPT. Recommended regimens in this period were 6H, 9H (6 or 9 months of INH) and 4R (4 months of rifampicin).OBJECTIVE: To analyse the factors associated with TPT non-completion.METHODS: We analysed the cohort of TPT notifications from 2018 to 2020. Robust variance Poisson regression model was used to verify the association of TPT non-completion with sociodemographic, clinical and epidemiological variables.RESULTS: Of the 39,973 TPT notified in the study period, 8,534 (21.5%) were non-completed, of which 7,858 (92.1%) were lost to follow-up. Age 15–60 years (relative risk [RR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.20–1.35), TPT with isoniazid (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.19–1.64) and Black/mixed race (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09–1.25) were associated with a higher risk of non-completion.CONCLUSION: Individuals in situations of social and financial vulnerability such as being Black/pardo race, younger and on longer TPT regimens were more likely to be associated with TPT incompletion.

Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is the main post-harvest pest of Vigna unguiculata. The objective was to evaluate the fumigant activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its major components linalool and estragole, on C. maculatus, through the evaluation of toxicity, oviposition inhibition, instantaneous rate of population growth (ri) and insect development. The experimental units were composed of 0.8 L flasks treated with concentrations of 1.2 to 3.6 μL L-1 of O. basilicum essential oil, linalool, and estragole, applied on filter paper discs with a microsyringe. Each treatment had four replicates with adult insects exposed for 48 h. C. maculatus development rate was evaluated through a daily count o emerged adults. Oviposition was evaluated at the concentrations (LC50, LC25, LC10, and LC1). The LC50 and LC95 of O. basilicum essencial oil, linalool, and estragole were 1.79 and 4.36 μL L-1 of air, 1.68 and 3.35 μL L-1 of air, and 1.51 and 2.87 μL L-1 air, respectively. The increase in essential oil concentrations reduced the ri, rate of development, oviposition and number of eggs of C. maculatus, thus having potential to control this pest.

While existing approaches to workplace stratification illuminate how relational and demographic processes impact workplace inequalities, little research has sought to disaggregate the experiences of professional women at the intersection of race and ethnicity. This study explores how workplace demography intersects with relationships among women to shape the experiences of women of color in professional careers. Relying on a mixed methods study of barriers to advancement among women lawyers, we find that the presence of women in an organization has little to no effect on the token pressures women of color experience in predominantly White-male organizations. We conclude increasing women’s overall representation is necessary but insufficient for addressing the challenges women of color face navigating professional careers.

Background and purpose: Clinical outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been thoroughly investigated, but a further analysis on main signs and symptoms and their risk factors still needs attention. The objective of this study was to group together and describe based on similarity the most common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in MS patients and identify all factors associated with their manifestation. Method: Logistic and linear regression models were run to recognize factors associated with each pooled group of symptoms and their total number. Results: From March 2020 to November 2021, data were collected from 1354 MS patients with confirmed infection of COVID-19. Ageusia and anosmia was less frequent in older people (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; p=0.005) and more in smoker patients (OR 1.39; p=0.049). Smoke was also associated with an incremental number of symptoms (OR 1.24; p=0.031), substance abuse (drugs or alcohol), conjunctivitis and rash (OR 5.20; p=0.042) and the presence of at least one comorbidity with shortness of breath, tachycardia or chest pain (OR 1.24; p=0.008). Some disease-modifying therapies were associated with greater frequencies of certain COVID-19 symptoms (association between anti-CD20 therapies and increment in the number of concomitant symptoms: OR 1.29; p=0.05). Differences in frequencies between the three waves were found for flu-like symptoms (G1, p=0.024), joint or muscle pain (G2, p=0.013) and ageusia and anosmia (G5, p < 0.001). All cases should be referred to variants up to Delta. Conclusion: Several factors along with the choice of specific therapeutic approaches might have a different impact on the occurrence of some COVID-19 symptoms.

UNLABELLED: Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are lethal, incurable brain tumors frequently driven by clonal mutations in histone genes. They often harbor a range of additional genetic alterations that correlate with different ages, anatomic locations, and tumor subtypes. We developed models representing 16 pHGG subtypes driven by different combinations of alterations targeted to specific brain regions. Tumors developed with varying latencies and cell lines derived from these models engrafted in syngeneic, immunocompetent mice with high penetrance. Targeted drug screening revealed unexpected selective vulnerabilities-H3.3G34R/PDGFRAC235Y to FGFR inhibition, H3.3K27M/PDGFRAWT to PDGFRA inhibition, and H3.3K27M/PDGFRAWT and H3.3K27M/PPM1DΔC/PIK3CAE545K to combined inhibition of MEK and PIK3CA. Moreover, H3.3K27M tumors with PIK3CA, NF1, and FGFR1 mutations were more invasive and harbored distinct additional phenotypes, such as exophytic spread, cranial nerve invasion, and spinal dissemination. Collectively, these models reveal that different partner alterations produce distinct effects on pHGG cellular composition, latency, invasiveness, and treatment sensitivity. SIGNIFICANCE: Histone-mutant pediatric gliomas are a highly heterogeneous tumor entity. Different histone mutations correlate with different ages of onset, survival outcomes, brain regions, and partner alterations. We have developed models of histone-mutant gliomas that reflect this anatomic and genetic heterogeneity and provide evidence of subtype-specific biology and therapeutic targeting. See related commentary by Lubanszky and Hawkins, p. 1516. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1501.

IntroductionBrain perfusion-weighted images obtained through dynamic contrast studies play a critical and clinical role in diagnosis and treatment decisions. However, due to the patient's limited exposure to radiation, computed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suffers from low contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs). Denoising MRI images is a critical task in many e-health applications for disease detection. The challenge in this research field is to define novel algorithms and strategies capable of improving accuracy and performance in terms of image vision quality and computational cost to process data. Using MRI statistical information, the authors present a method for improving image quality by combining a total variation-based denoising algorithm with histogram matching (HM) techniques.MethodsThe total variation is the Rudin–Osher–Fatemi total variation (TV-ROF) minimization approach, TV-L2, using the isotropic TV setting for the bounded variation (BV) component. The dual-stage approach is tested against two implementations of the TV-L2: the split Bregman (SB) algorithm and a fixed-point (FP) iterations scheme. In terms of HM, the study explores approximate matching and the exact histogram matching from Coltuc.ResultsAs measured by the structural similarity index (SIMM), the results indicate that in the more realistic study scenarios, the FP with an HM pairing is one of the best options, with an improvement of up to 12.2% over the one without an HM.DiscussionThe findings can be used to evaluate and investigate more advanced machine learning-based approaches for developing novel denoising algorithms that infer information from ad hoc MRI histograms. The proposed methods are adapted to medical image denoising since they account for the preference of the medical expert: a single parameter can be used to balance the preservation of (expert-dependent) relevant details against the degree of noise reduction.

The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), entomopathogenic fungi, and chemical insecticides are the main strategies to manage the eucalypts pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore. The objective of this study was to isolate and to identify entomopathogenic fungi, collected from Bemisia tabaci Gennadius adults in soybean and tomato crops, and from soil samples in eucalypts, soybean, and native forest areas to evaluate their potential to manage G. brimblecombei. Twelve Beauveria and Cordyceps isolates were selected and compared with the commercial products Boveril Beauveria bassiana Bals. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Metarril Metarhizium anisopliae Metschn. (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), and Octane Cordyceps fumosorosea Wize (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and their respective strains. The fungal isolates were diluted in 0.1% aqueous Tween 80 at a concentration of 1.0 × 108 conidia/ml and sprayed on the G. brimblecombei nymphs with or without lerps. Pest mortality was higher and the TL50 and TL90 lower with the isolates LCBPF 11 C. javanica Frieder. & Bally (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), LCBPF 12 (C. fumosorosea), and LCBPF 67 (C. fumosorosea) from B. tabaci adults. Fungi of the genera Beauveria and Cordyceps developed and caused high mortality of G. brimblecombei nymphs with lerps. The B. bassiana, C. cateniannulata Liang (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), C. fumosorosea, C. javanica, and M. anisopliae isolates showed potential to manage G. brimblecombei. The lerp of this insect enhances entomopathogenic fungus development as a source of inoculum accelerating G. brimblecombei nymph mortality. Entomopathogenic fungi isolated from insects and soils are effective against G. brimblecombei and the presence of the lerp of this insect increases the effectiveness of its control.

Objetivo: avaliar o custo-efetividade de analisadores de leucócitos do tipo ponto de atendimento para o auxílio diagnóstico de infecções de vias aéreas no SUS. Método: trata de um estudo de custo-efetividade usando modelo determinístico desenvolvido a partir de uma árvore de decisão. Resultados: o uso de dispositivos para a realização de testes diagnósticos em ponto de tratamento tem se tornado cada vez mais popular e aceito em todo o mundo diante do aumento da demanda de atendimentos e da necessidade de redução do tempo de retorno dos resultados dos exames para otimização dos desfechos. Após o Roll Back da árvore de decisão, a estratégia mais custo-efetiva foi a de investigação clínica orientada por contagem de leucócitos utilizando o analisador de ponto de atendimento para orientar a prescrição de antibióticos. Conclusão: as evidências sugerem que o uso de analisadores POC para contagem de leucócitos e diferenciais no local de atendimento é uma alternativa custo-efetivo como parte de uma estratégia para auxiliar no diagnóstico e no manejo terapêutico dos casos de infeções respiratórias agudas inespecíficas.

The present work aims to link the redox and cell-centric theories of chronic processes in human biology, focusing on aging. A synthetic overview of cellular redox pathways will be integrated by the concept of hormesis, which disruption leads to several physiopathological processes. The onset of age-related diseases due to the restriction of homeodynamic capacity will be herein considered in a redox fashion. Up-to-date arguments on hormetic agents, such as geroprotectors, dietary interventions, and physical exercise are refining the presented theoretical framework, integrated by insights from extracellular vesicles, microbiota, pollutants, and timing mechanisms. The broad concepts of exposome encompass the redox-based alteration of cellular hormesis for providing meaningful perspectives on redox biogerontology.

Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle 1993 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and neem oil are two control alternatives for the integrated management of defoliating lepidopterans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic toxicity of neem oil compared to the synthetic insecticide deltamethrin, on the endoparasitoid P. elaeisis, in generations F0, F1, F2, and F3. Females of P. elaeisis were exposed to neem solutions at concentrations of 0, 1.87, 3.75, 7.50, 15.00, 30.00, and 60.00 mg ml−1, to determine the dose-response relationship and estimate the neem LC50. The sublethal effects on the parasitoid P. elaeisis in generations F0 to F3 were evaluated with these same concentrations of neem and 0.033 mg ml−1 of deltamethrin. The neem LC50 was estimated at 3.92 mg ml−1. The LC50 for P. elaeisis is 3.83 times lower than that recommended by the neem manufacturer for pest control, demonstrating high acute toxicity to this natural enemy. The chronic toxicity of both the commercial dose and those below it to P. elaeisis caused low sublethal effects. The correct concentration of neem oil in pest control is important, and its use should be performed with caution in integrated pest management programs using the endoparasitoid P. elaeisis to avoid causing interference between the two pest control techniques.

La reserva de productos es un proceso ya conocido, mediante la web la cual es conocido por el uso de las herramientas para desarrollo web como los estándares generados por la W3C, y herramientas para sistemas inteligentes e inclusive análisis de datos. Algunas desventajas comunes son el uso de reservación de productos online consta sobre todo en el analfabetismo digital y la falta de seguridad que incide a que la gran mayoría de usuarios de dichas empresas, no hagan uso de dichas plataformas e incluso de la misma tecnología. Para resolver este problema este articulo introduce en la investigación dos factores importantes, tanto la seguridad como la usabilidad del sistema mediante el uso de código QR en sus reservaciones. Algunas de las herramientas que se utilizan como detalle de funcionamiento y de efectividad en cada uno de los requerimientos de software son a base de lenguajes de programación en software libre y al buen uso de frameworks de desarrollo. Los métodos utilizados dentro de la investigación fueron satisfactorios en el manejo de tecnologías de punta con la web 2.0 y el uso de estándares de calidad dentro de la w3C, más el uso de metodólogas de desarrollo y el ciclo de vida del software.

Background and purpose A rapid response to preventive therapy is of pivotal importance in severely disabled patients with chronic migraine (CM) and diverse preventive treatment failures. This prospective, observational, multicenter real-life study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of galcanezumab in the first 3 months of treatment of CM patients at 14 Italian headache centers. Methods All consecutive adult patients with CM diagnosis with the clinical indication for galcanezumab were considered. We collected patients' baseline characteristics, monthly headache days, monthly painkiller intake, migraine clinical characteristics, and disability scale scores during a 1-month run-in period (baseline) and the first 3 months of therapy. Possible predictive factors of treatment were considered. Results A total of 156 patients (82.4% female, aged 47.3 +/- 12.3 years) were enrolled. The 65 (41.7%) patients with a consecutive >= 50% response rate (RR) in the 3 months of therapy presented a lower body mass index (p = 0.004) and more frequently presented unilateral migraine pain (p = 0.002) and good response to triptans (p = 0.003). Persistent conversion from CM to episodic migraine was observed in 55.8% (87/156) of patients. They more frequently presented a good response to triptans (p = 0.003) and unilateral pain (p = 0.046). At baseline, 131 of 156 (83.9%) patients presented medication overuse (MO). Of these, 61.8% (81/131) no longer displayed MO consistently during the 3 months. These patients were more frequently responders to triptans (p = 0.002) and less frequently suffered from gastrointestinal comorbidity (p = 0.007). Conclusions Unilateral pain, good response to triptans, and normal weight may be associated with a persistent positive response in the first 3 months of therapy with galcanezumab in CM patients.

Background and purpose Some studies have shown that air pollution, often assessed by thin particulate matter with diameter below 2.5 µg/m3 (PM2.5), may contribute to severe COVID‐19 courses, as well as play a role in the onset and evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the impact of air pollution on COVID‐19 has never been explored specifically amongst patients with MS (PwMS). This retrospective observational study aims to explore associations between PM2.5 and COVID‐19 severity amongst PwMS. Methods Data were retrieved from an Italian web‐based platform (MuSC‐19) which includes PwMS with COVID‐19. PM2.5 2016–2018 average concentrations were provided by the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service. Italian patients inserted in the platform from 15 January 2020 to 9 April 2021 with a COVID‐19 positive test were included. Ordered logistic regression models were used to study associations between PM2.5 and COVID‐19 severity. Results In all, 1087 patients, of whom 13% required hospitalization and 2% were admitted to an intensive care unit or died, were included. Based on the multivariate analysis, higher concentrations of PM2.5 increased the risk of worse COVID‐19 course (odds ratio 1.90; p = 0.009). Conclusions Even if several other factors explain the unfavourable course of COVID‐19 in PwMS, the role of air pollutants must be considered and further investigated., Air pollution, often assessed by particulate matter with diameter below 2.5 µg/m3, may contribute to severe COVID‐19 courses. 1087 patients were included, of whom 13% required hospitalization and 2% were admitted to an intensive care unit or died. Even if several other factors explain the unfavourable course of COVID‐19 in patients with multiple sclerosis, the role of air pollutants must be considered and further investigated.

COMPENDIO DE RESÚMENES DEL III TALLER DE INGENIERÍA DE PROCESOS DE LA INDUSTRIA Y LOS SERVICIOS

Background Herbivorous arthropods induce their hosts to form plant structures where they shelter during unfavorable periods. The boll weevil Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) can spend the off-season inside cotton plant structures, known as dry boll, protected from pesticides, natural enemies, and the heat and desiccation of the soil surface, increasing its survival and preserving its reproductive capacity. However, the relationship between the boll weevil and dry boll formation requires further study. The formation and external and internal characteristics of dry boll in cotton plants infested by boll weevils and the emergence and survival of this insect in these structures during infestation were evaluated. Results Plants infested by boll weevil formed almost twice as many dry bolls, which were 2.3 times heavier and with a diameter 1.7 times larger than those formed by non-infested plants. Conclusion Weevils induce the formation of structures in cotton plants to increase their survival during the crop off-season.

Baishuihe Landslide is a large active landslide that threatens shipping transportation in the Three Gorges Reservoir (China). A manual monitoring system has been active since 2003. However, after the realization of some intervention works in 2018-2019, new automatic instruments providing continuous data on displacements, rainfall, reservoir water level, and groundwater table were installed. The data recorded by the new system show that these works led to an effective stabilization improvement since the present displacement rate is lower than that detected before interventions. However, the relevance of the Three Gorges basin and the potential hazard of a possible collapse requires a reliable forecast of the landslide evolution in a time scale from a few hours to a few days. To this aim, a two steps procedure is here proposed. In the first step, after a preliminary preprocessing-denoising of data, carried out by means of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), a Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) procedure is used to provide scalograms of the time series of three quantities, e.g., landslide displacement rate, rainfall and the difference of water level between the piezometer and reservoir water level. In the second step, to evaluate the relationships among the velocity trend and the other significant quantities and obtain a reliable velocity forecast, the images given by binding together two or three scalograms of the mentioned quantities were analyzed with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) tool. Several trials with different combinations of input time series of 2 or 3 quantities were carried out in order to recognize the factors which mainly affect the current displacement evolution. The results show that, after the works, rainfall is an important factor inducing deformation acceleration. The hydrodynamic pressure induced by the difference between the ground water pressure and reservoir water level also plays a dominant role in accelerating the Baishuihe landslide. Furthermore, the coupling of rainfall and hydrodynamic pressure produces displacement velocities higher than what the quantities singularly do. These results provide valuable indications for optimizing the monitoring configuration on the landslide and obtaining velocity forecasts in a few hours/days.

IntroductionThe study describes a hub and spoke network for neuro-rehabilitation recently activated in Sicily, and evaluates the before-after changes yielded, in terms of integrated care.MethodsA set of indicators based on data contained in the administrative database of inpatients of the Regional Health System are presented and discussed. Statistical analysis was conducted both globally and separately for the 9 Sicilian provinces (Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Siracusa, Ragusa, and Trapani).ResultsResults showed an increase in admissions of people residing in the province where the Spokes have been opened: Trapani (+32.4%), Messina (+7.8%) and Palermo (+4.4%); besides a significant increase of patients from healthcare facilities proportion (p = 0.001) and from acute wards (p = 0.029). In addition, we found a decrease of discharge to protected healthcare facilities (p = 0.001) and to acute wards (p < 0.001), as well as an increase of discharges to home (p = 0.018).DiscussionIn conclusion, it would seem that the activation of this network has facilitated the management of these patients, avoiding unnecessary migrations to other provinces and/or regions, and improving the regional care service for neuro-rehabilitation. Future research will be direct to investigate this aspect, focusing on before-after variations in hospitalization rates and origin– destination patient flows.

Levees are linear structures that can be thousands of kilometers long and play a very important role in flood protection. They are usually monitored by traditional direct survey techniques, such as CPTU or coring, or piezometers, which provide high accuracy, but are localized and performed in predetermined locations.As a result, long distances between investigated sections limit the detailed analysis of the entire structure. In addition, predetermined locations may not cover areas of actual potential weakness.Recently, new survey technologies from aerial media (drones) have been successfully applied to obtain a first level of levee investigation in order to identify the location of possible weak areas or potential locations of levee failure, so as to plan further local investigations in those areas.Usually, levee failures are localized in the presence of:(i) concrete structures passing the levee;(ii) large trees, which can be dangerous because their roots are a preferred route for water infiltration and, therefore, potential seepage pipes. In addition, at higher erosion levels of the river bank, large trees can promote bank collapse due to their weight;(iii) sandy soils, which are characterized by high permeability. From previous experience, we have noticed that levee failures have occurred at sections previously vegetated by reeds. Reed canes usually grow on sandy soils and, in addition, are characterized by very deep and large roots, possible routes of localized infiltration through the body of the levee. From these observations comes the idea of using reedbeds as indicators of sandy soils and possible weak levee sections;(iv) sections where unfavorable conditions of the levee body, such as soils with high permeability or the presence of animal burrows crossing the levee or obstructed drains, prevent proper drainage and bring the phreatic surface close to the levee surface.Thus, the idea is to test different innovative UAV-supported survey approaches on the same test area, in combination with local on-site surveys, to compare and combine the obtained results. Firstly, we would test the possibility of using vegetation maps as an indicator of weak sections of the embankment. Up to now, a first drone survey data has been performed and the obtained RGB orthophotos have been elaborated to determine the Green Red Vegetation Index (GRVI), in order to acquire a vegetation cover map of the embankment. The obtained data have been calibrated with on-site surveys conducted by vegetation experts. To facilitate the identification of reedbeds, the campaign has been carried out in winter, when reedbeds are yellowish in color, unlike short grass. In areas identified as reedbed vegetated, the soil has been sampled by coring and fully classified in the geotechnical laboratory to check if reedbed can effectively be an indicator of sandy soils. Further characterization may be carried out in order to investigate the relationship between reedbeds and soil characteristics.The final aim is to develop an innovative method of low-cost aerial monitoring of levee structures that can provide an initial state of information and identify areas in need of further direct investigation in order to define the necessary maintenance works, decreasing associated risks.

The majority of landslide-prone areas spread in mountainous areas with abundant rainfall. However, when high altitudes make areas prone to significant snowfall, the amount of such snowfall, as well as environmental temperature and humidity, should be taken into account to determine its effect on the condition of landslide stability. To pursue this aim, the present study focuses on the quantification of snow accumulation on the slope through approaches based on image analysis and on the prediction of surface displacements of the slope using a two-steps LSTM (Long short-term memory) algorithm. The main LSTM algorithm aims at forecasting the landslide displacement in the future 12 hours using as input the past 5 days data of rainfall, snowfall and movements of the slope, plus the weather prediction of the next day. The necessity of estimation of the trend of the snow condition makes it necessary to implement a secondary LSTM algorithm for estimating if the snow coverage is going to accumulate or melt in next 12 hours, again basing on the past 5 days environmental measurements (temperature and humidity) and a forecast of the future condition of the site. Both the algorithms are trained basing on the historical measurements of temperature, humidity, rainfall, snowfall and landslide displacement. The main code also includes a training based on the surficial movements of the slope measured by a topographical monitoring system. Within this model, the presence and the trend of the snow is evaluated by means of some image-processing algorithms aiming at evaluating the cover square percentage of white content in the RGB image, filtering out noises and false signals. The presented procedure is applied to the case of the Sant’Andrea landslide, located in Perarolo di Cadore (North Italy, Province of Belluno), whose bedrock is composed by dolomitic lithology and folded layers rich in anhydrides and gypsum easily erodible by water infiltration in the subsoil. The two-steps LSTM model implementation achieves the forecasting of the landslide displacements, focusing in particular on the effects of snow melting in the stability condition of the slope.

Thanks to the widespread use of mobile devices, analyses that in the past had to be carried out in specifically designated and equipped laboratories and which required long processing times, may now take place outdoor and in real time. In the marine science, for example, the development of a mobile and compact system for the on-site detection of heavy metals contamination in seawater would be helpful for scientists and society in at least two ways: i) reduction of time and costs associated with these experiments; ii) the implementation of a strategy for outdoor analysis, eventually embeddable in a lab-on-hardware system. This paper falls within the context of machine learning (ML) for utility pattern mining applied on interdisciplinary domains: starting from wellplates images, we provide a novel proof-of-concept (PoC) machine learning-based framework to assist scientists in their daily research on seawater samples, proposing a system which automatically recognise wells in a multiwell firstly and then predicts the degree of fluorescence in each of them, thus showing possible presence of heavy metals.

This study investigated factors influencing success of physician scientists in Academic Medical Centers. These organizations and individuals drive healthcare in the United States. Translation of scientific discovery to medical practice moves at an astoundingly slow and ineffective rate. We must understand what contributes to physician scientist success to speed up translation. Through a lens of dialectic process theory, a grounded theory approach identified emergent factors from lived experiences of 31 individuals, at various experience levels, with MD and PhD degrees. Role balance, autonomy, organizational support, teamwork, life-cycle mentorship, and relational capacity were relevant factors impacting success. Role balance was important for success. Teamwork, organizational support, and life-cycle mentorship helped individuals grow, achieve balance, and respect, but relational capacity emerged as a critical driver for realizing both individual and organizational success. One person cannot execute these complex roles on their own, but development of deep and meaningful relationships through teamwork, collaboration, and life-cycle mentorship are essential for life satisfaction and success.

The coexisting overactive-underactive bladder (COUB) syndrome could be related to the increased urethral resistance caused by severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We aimed to evaluate the clinical and urodynamic findings of patients with COUB and/or detrusor overactivity-underactivity (DOU) in a cohort of patients scheduled for POP surgery and the possible risk factors of COUB after surgery.This retrospective study analyzed all patients who underwent POP repair between 2008 and 2013, excluding women with a history of pelvic floor surgery. Patients were divided into COUB and non-COUB according to baseline symptoms and into DOU and non-DOU based on urodynamic findings. A multivariate model was performed to identify risk factors for COUB symptoms after surgery.A total of 533 women underwent POP surgery. Preoperatively, patients with COUB had more severe anterior compartment prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging system Aa point, P = 0.008) and more frequently had overactive bladder compared with controls (P = 0.023). The rate of COUB decreased significantly after surgery. Preoperative opening detrusor pressure resulted as the only independent predictor of postoperative COUB symptoms (P = 0.034).POP is a valid pathogenetic model for COUB development. POP repair induced a significant decrease in COUB symptoms with low opening detrusor pressure resulting as the only independent predictor of postoperative COUB.

El cambio climático afecta a las interacciones entre los sistemas hídricos, los ecosistemas y la atmósfera. También aumenta el riesgo de la presencia de microorganismos que afectan a los sistemas que utilizan estos recursos. El impacto de la población sobre los recursos hídricos se ha hecho más evidente en los últimos años, destacando la estrecha relación entre los niveles de componentes inorgánicos así como la contaminación microbiológica del agua y la salud de la comunidad. La caracterización de las variables que dan cuenta de la contaminación del agua es un proceso complejo. En este trabajo se propone la cuantificación de nitritos y fósforo como marcadores químicos y la detección de coliformes fecales, adenovirus humanos genómicos y/o picobirnavirus y enterovirus humanos infecciosos como marcadores microbiológicos para la prevención de infecciones de origen hídrico en individuos expuestos a matrices acuosas superficiales por actividades recreativas.