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Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have demonstrated benefit in patients with heart failure, but minimal data exist concerning the use of these medications in amyloid light-chain cardiomyopathy (AL-CM). We performed a retrospective study to assess the safety and efficacy of SGLT2is in AL-CM. We queried our institutional registry and identified 27 patients with AL-CM who received SGLT2is. The safety analysis included all 27 patients and assessed SGLT2i-associated adverse events, hospitalizations and deaths. To decrease confounding, the efficacy analysis included only a subset of patients with stable disease (on stable anti-plasma cell therapy for ≥ 2 months prior to baseline and had achieved at least a hematologic Very Good Partial Response) and compared disease-marker changes in these patients (n = 17) with those of a contemporaneous untreated control cohort from our registry (n = 21). The mean age of the overall population was 68.6 (standard deviation 9.4) years. Of the patients, 7 (14.6%) had diabetes, and 19 (39.6%) had chronic kidney disease. In the safety analysis, the median follow-up time was 10.9 (interquartile range 7.2) months. Two (7.4%) patients discontinued SGLT2is due to hypovolemia and genital irritation, and 6 (22.2%) additional patients temporarily held SGLT2is due to an adverse event that is commonly related to volume depletion. There were 13 hospitalizations, all considered unrelated to SGLT2i use, and no deaths occurred. In the efficacy analysis, SGLT2i-treated patients had more severe disease at baseline than controls, demonstrating significantly higher median troponin-T and loop diuretic dosage (P < 0.05). Compared with controls, SGLT2i treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in loop diuretic dosage (P < 0.001) and NTproBNP levels (P = 0.033) across 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up timepoints. SGLT2i treatment was also associated with a significantly greater reduction in mean arterial pressure at 12 months (P = 0.031) but not at other timepoints. No significant differences were observed in changes in weight, eGFR, troponin-T, proteinuria, or albumin levels. In this small-scale retrospective study, we demonstrate that SGLT2is are well tolerated by most patients with AL-CM, but volume depletion symptoms may limit continuous use. SGLT2is may aid management of congestion in AL-CM, as evidenced by reduced diuretic dosage and NTproBNP levels without adverse renal effects. Larger long-term studies are needed to build on our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonic diverticulosis and diverticular disease are among the most common gastrointestinal disorders encountered in clinical practice. These Italian guidelines focus on the diagnosis and management of diverticulosis and diverticular disease in the adult population, providing practical and evidence-based recommendations for clinicians. Experts from five Italian scientific societies, constituting a multidisciplinary panel, conducted a comprehensive review of meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, and observational studies to formulate 14 PICO questions. The assessment of the quality of the evidence and the formulation of the recommendations were carried out using an adaptation of the GRADE methodology. The guidelines covered the following topics: i) Management of diverticulosis; ii) Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: diagnosis and treatment; iii) Acute diverticulitis: diagnosis and treatment; iv) Management of diverticular disease complications; v) Prevention of recurrent acute diverticulitis; vi) Interventional management of diverticular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thigh lift, first described by Lewis in 1957, consists of thigh recontouring by various strategies. In post-bariatric thigh lift (PBTL), the technical details become fundamental due to both patient comorbidities and increased risk of complications. Moreover, post-bariatric weight loss affects the thighs, resulting in significant tissue redundancy, inner excess, lower thigh deformity, later excess, and buttocks ptosis. With the present paper, a systematic review of PBTL procedures is reported and a comprehensive classification system is proposed, aiming to improve their medical and surgical management. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review was carried out by searching the PubMed (MEDLINE) database from May 2004 to May 2024 using the search string "thighplasty OR thigh lift OR post-bariatric thighplasty OR (thigh lift AND weight loss) OR (thigh lift AND liposuction)". Original studies discussing PBTL with a minimum of three clinical cases were eligible for inclusion. The final synthesis included 17 articles and 496 patients. The articles were published in the last 20 years. Several papers discussed significant PBTL surgical strategies and technical measures. PBTL is challenging because of both technical factors and complex comorbidities of post-bariatric patients. This comprehensive assessment of PBTL may help in choosing the appropriate treatment based on a patient's individual needs. Liposuction-assisted inner thigh lift with combined horizontal-vertical scars and skin-only excision is effective and versatile for most patients. However, select cases may benefit from alternative and more invasive strategies. Artificial intelligence is a topic of growing interest, and it will probably become increasingly relevant in PBTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WNT signaling is central to spatial tissue arrangement and regulating stem cell activity, and it represents the hallmark of gastrointestinal cancers. Although its role in driving intestinal tumors is well characterized, WNT's role in gastric tumorigenesis remains elusive. We have developed mouse models to control the specific expression of an oncogenic form of β-catenin (CTNNB1) in combination with MYC activation in Lgr5 + cells of the gastric antrum. We used multiomics approaches applied in vivo and in organoid models to characterize their cooperation in driving gastric tumorigenesis. We report that constitutive β-catenin stabilization in the stomach has negligible oncogenic effects and requires MYC activation to induce gastric tumor formation. Although physiologically low MYC levels in gastric glands limit β-catenin transcriptional activity, increased MYC expression unleashes the WNT oncogenic transcriptional program, promoting β-catenin enhancer invasion without a direct transcriptional cooperation. MYC activation induces a metabolic rewiring that suppresses lysosomal biogenesis through mTOR and ERK activation and MiT/TFE inhibition. This prevents EPCAM degradation by macropinocytosis, promoting β-catenin chromatin accumulation and activation of WNT oncogenic transcription. Our results uncovered a new signaling framework with important implications for the control of gastric epithelial architecture and WNT-dependent oncogenic transformation. [Display omitted] WNT mutations are a hallmark of gastrointestinal cancer, but low MYC activity represents a barrier for stomach adenoma formation. MYC regulates metabolic processes that allow WNT activation of oncogenic programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloidosis is characterized by extracellular amyloid protein deposition. When amyloidosis intersects with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), it introduces complex diagnostic challenges. This study explored the overlap between primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) and BCC, examining amyloid deposits in BCC, systemic amyloidosis risk in PLCA, and various treatment methods. Two case studies were discussed, followed by a literature review, in which PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were utilized. The search, covering studies from infinity up to January 2024, focused on "cutaneous amyloidosis," "basal cell carcinoma," and related terms. Articles in English detailing the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcomes of cutaneous amyloidosis mimicking BCC were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed by two independent reviewers. This study highlighted two cases exemplifying the complexity of diagnosing BCC and PLCA. The first case (a 64-year-old with a nodule on the cheek) and the second (a 67-year-old with a nodular lesion on the upper lip cheek) were initially suspected as BCC and were later identified as PLCA upon histopathological examination. The diagnosis of amyloidosis within BCC nodules remains a diagnostic challenge. Although their coexistence is relatively prevalent, their local recurrence rates remain debatable. Various diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have been suggested, such as topical creams and phototherapy. However, none have garnered conclusive and consistent evidence to establish reliable clinical application. The findings emphasized the importance of considering alternative pathologies in differential diagnoses. Future research should focus on understanding systemic amyloidosis risks and optimizing care for both conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Crohn's Disease (CD), and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) may have extraintestinal manifestations, including disorders of the urinary tract. The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in IBD patients remains unclear. Assess the prevalence of LUTS in patients with CD or UC, evaluate the variables implicated in any difference in LUTS prevalence between CD or UC, and assess any relationship between disease activity and LUTS LUTS were evaluated in 301 IBD patients through standardised questionnaires: Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS), NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). IBD activity was determined through the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Partial Mayo Score (PMS), and Total Mayo Score (TMS). BFLUTS total score for females was 6 (3–11). Patients with a higher age at diagnosis had worse filling symptoms (p = 0.049) and a worse quality of life (p = 0.005). In males, 67.1% had mild, 28.5% moderate, and 4.4% severe IPSS symptom grades. The overall NIH CPSI prevalence of chronic prostatitis-like symptoms was 26.8%. The questionnaires revealed some significant differences in the subgroups analysed. LUTS should be evaluated in IBD patients by urologic-validated questionnaires for prompt diagnosis and early treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, cosmetic surgery procedures for "ethnic patients" are annually increasing. Ethnic rhinoplasty traditionally represents a difficult challenge for plastic surgeons. Herein, we describe our personal technique to ethnic rhinoplasty to achieve a harmonious nose maintaining the characteristics of individual ethnicity and identity. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed ethnic patients treated with rhinoplasty at our institution between January 2019 and October 2022. We described our personal rhinoplasty technique step by step. At a minimum follow-up time of six months, postoperative pictures were taken, and patients were reassessed, evaluating aspects such as global symmetry and shape and contour of the nose. Finally, patient satisfaction was investigated according to rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation (ROE) questionnaire. A total of 1321 patients were included in the study. They reported a significant satisfactory aesthetic result in nasal image, as indicated by the mean postoperative ROE score (92.12). No cases of nasal contracture were recorded. None of the grafts was extruded or collapsed. Wounds healed without reported major infection. This study demonstrated that our approach is a safe procedure that contributes to improved functional outcomes with a high patient satisfaction rate and a low rate of postoperative complication. The creation of a solid base structure, nasal skin preparation, and an integrated patient approach are key elements of this surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors aimed to investigate life expectancy after adult cardiac surgery. Nationwide study including University and non-University hospitals. Consecutive adult patients who underwent heart valve and coronary artery surgery from a nationwide administrative registry. Surgical procedures on the heart valves and coronary arteries. The authors estimated the 10-year relative survival of adult patients who underwent surgery for heart valve diseases and coronary artery disease taken from a nationwide administrative registry. Overall, data on 415,472 patients were available for this study. Among them, 394,445 (94.9%) survived 90 days after surgery, and their 10-year survival was 58.0% (95% CI 57.8-58.3); the expected survival was 70.1%, and the relative survival was 0.83 (95% CI 0.82-0.83). Patients who underwent surgical repair of the mitral valve and aortic valve had relative survival of 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. Isolated coronary artery bypass grafting had a relative survival of 0.88. Surgical replacement of the heart valves had a relative survival below 0.80. Poor results with relative survival <0.70 were observed after complex cardiac surgery. Relative survival was <0.60 in patients who underwent double- or triple-valve surgery combined with coronary artery surgery. The authors observed markedly lower relative survival among women (0.77, 95% CI 0.77-0.78) compared with men (0.86, 95% CI 0.85-0.86) at 10 years. Such a difference was observed after almost all different procedures. The present findings provided a picture of the real expectation in terms of the late survival of patients after having undergone adult cardiac surgery. This information should be communicated to patients and their relatives before surgery, and it may be relevant in the decision-making process and in planning tertiary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, time series are a widely-exploited methodology to describe phenomena belonging to different fields. In fact, electrical consumption can be explained, from a data analysis perspective, with a time series, as for healthcare, financial index, air pollution or parking occupancy rate. Applying time series to different areas of interest has contributed to the exponential rise in interest by both practitioners and academics. On the other side, especially regarding static data, a new trend is acquiring even more relevance in the data analysis community, namely neural network generative approaches. Generative approaches aim to generate new, fake samples given a dataset of real data by implicitly learning the probability distribution underlining data. In this way, several tasks can be addressed, such as data augmentation, class imbalance, anomaly detection or privacy. However, even if this topic is relatively well-established in the literature related to static data regarding time series, the debate is still open. This paper contributes to this debate by comparing four neural network-based generative approaches for time series belonging to the state-of-the-art methodologies in literature. The comparison has been carried out on five public and private datasets and on different time granularities, with a total number of 13 experimental scenario. Our work aims to provide a wide overview of the performances of the compared methodologies when working in different conditions like seasonality, strong autoregressive components and long or short sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey explores the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies with Water Distribution Systems (WDSs), focusing on large-scale deployments and the role of edge computing (EC). Effective water management increasingly relies on IoT monitoring, resulting in massive deployments and the generation of Big Data. While previous research has examined these topics individually, this work integrates them into a comprehensive analysis. We systematically reviewed 255 studies on IoT in WDS, identifying key challenges such as interoperability, scalability, energy efficiency, network coverage, and reliability. We also examined technologies like LPWAN and the growing use of EC for real-time data processing. In large-scale WDS scenarios, where vast amounts of data are generated, we highlighted the importance of technologies like NB-IoT, SigFox, and LoRaWAN due to their low power consumption and wide coverage. Based on our findings, we provide guidelines for sustainable, large-scale IoT deployment in WDS, emphasizing the need for edge data processing to reduce cloud dependency, improve scalability, and enable smarter cities and digital twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material deprivation and the risk of poverty, exacerbated by recent unexpected events such as the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, are significant social issues that profoundly affect the lives of numerous individuals. In contrast, social robots represent problem-solving innovations that have the potential to contribute to the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals established by the United Nations. This paper investigates the association between the adoption of social robots and the risk of poverty, while also establishing the connection between the diffusion of social robots and the proportion of individuals experiencing material deprivation. The study involves a sample of 28 European countries and utilizes statistical analysis of data collected from 2018 to 2021.By taking into account variables such as average income and the unemployment rate, our findings indicate a negative association between the utilization of social robots and both the risk of poverty and the proportion of individuals living in material deprivation. Therefore, our research offers theoretical and managerial implications, serving as a basis for policymakers and managers to make informed decisions aimed at improving the standard of living for the most marginalized individuals. • Social robots represent problem-solving innovations enhancing life quality. • Social robots may help in facing material deprivation and the risk of poverty. • Social robots contribute to improving the living conditions of marginalized people. • We highlight socio-economic aspects of human-social robot interactions. • The paper highlights the positive impact of "machine substitution" on society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models that predict the future state of certain observations are commonly developed by utilizing heterogeneous data. Most traditional prediction models tend to ignore inconsistencies and imperfections in heterogeneous data, and they are also limited in their ability to consider spatial correlations among monitoring points, as well as predict for the entire study area simultaneously. As a solution, this paper proposes a deep learning method to fuse heterogeneous data collected from multiple monitoring points by exploiting graph convolutional networks (GCNs), thus perform prediction for certain observations. The effectiveness of this approach was evaluated by applying it to a prediction scenario for air quality. As the fundamental idea behind the proposed method, (1) the collected heterogeneous data is fused according to the coordinates of the monitoring points considering its spatial correlations, and (2) the prediction considers global information as opposed to local information. According to an air quality prediction scenario, (1) the fused data obtained by the RBF-based fusion method are reasonable and reliable; (2) the fusion significantly increases predictive model performance; and (3) the STGCN model enhanced by the fusion achieves the highest performance. This approach can be similarly applied in scenarios involving continuous heterogeneous data collected from scattered multiple monitoring points in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Digital technologies enable abusers to extend their spatial and temporal control. • Technology-enabled coercive control is a continuation of harm, not a new form of abuse. • Technology-enabled coercive control is economical, convenient and efficient. This paper examines how domestic violence abusers utilize digital technologies to extend their spatial and temporal control over survivors. By highlighting how digital technologies have become central tools for abusers to threaten, stalk, harass and surveil their partners, we situate technology-enabled coercive control as a continuation of harm perpetrated by domestic violence abusers, rather than a new or distinct form of abuse. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted in Seattle with survivors, advocates, law enforcement officers and prosecutors, we show how digital technologies enable abusers to more efficiently and effectively coercively control survivors anywhere and at any time, including after the relationship has ended. This paper contributes to geographic scholarship analyzing the role of digital technologies in policing and surveillance and advances this literature through a feminist geographic analytic that offers an embodied accounting of the way digital technologies regulate, discipline and govern at the scale of the body and within intimate relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commonly addressed aspect of urban planning involves the integration of nature-based solutions (NBS). Before applying NBS, acquiring stakeholders' viewpoints, e.g., city councils, local governments, and academia, contributes to the successful application and thus to mitigation of global challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, water, and food scarcity. The present study explores how stakeholders across Europe view the role of NBS in urban planning. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns, themes, and concepts within interview transcripts gathered through semi-structured interviews held in Budapest, Cordoba, Ljubljana, Reykjavik, Vienna, and Zurich. The study resulted in 107 distinctive codes categorized into NBS benefits, challenges, opportunities, NBS actors, and regulations. The frequency of codes (Fr) mentioned by the interviewees showed that NBS benefit cooperation (Fr=125) between individuals, while the most challenging issue obstructing NBS implementation was the lack of NBS knowledge (Fr=93). The need for green areas (Fr=42) was identified as an opportunity that could give rise to NBS applications. This study also provides practical recommendations to overcome some barriers when implementing NBS. [Display omitted] • Perceptions of stakeholders were attained for NBS in urban planning. • Semi-structured interviews were conducted in six EU cities. • 107 distinctive codes and 11 categorizes were identified. • NBS promoted cooperation within society. • Lack of knowledge was a challenge for NBS promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) score was developed at the Mayo Clinic to identify high-risk patients for ATTR-CM. However, its performance in populations comprised of minoritized patients is unknown. The Screening for Cardiac Amyloidosis with Nuclear Imaging in Minority Populations (SCAN-MP) study uses nuclear scintigraphy to identify ATTR-CM in Black or Caribbean Hispanic subjects age ≥60 years with heart failure. In the first 342 subjects, we calculated the ATTR-CM score as published with age (60-69 years: 2 points, 70-79 years: 3 points, ≥80 years: 4 points), gender (male: 2 points), hypertension (prior history: -1 point), ejection fraction [EF] (<60%: 1 point), posterior wall thickness [PWT] (≥12 mm: 1 point), and relative wall thickness [RWT] (>0.57: 2 points). Clinical characteristics for ATTR-CM score <6 and ≥6 groups were compared. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between ATTR-CM score and a diagnosis of ATTR-CM on nuclear scintigraphy. ROC curves were constructed, with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) calculated for ATTR-CM score ≥6. In our cohort, 114 (33%) subjects had ATTR-CM score ≥6. Compared to those with ATTR-CM score <6, individuals with ATTR-CM score ≥6 were older (77 vs 69 years) and mostly male (78.1% vs 39.5%), with lower BMI, worse renal function, and higher cardiac biomarkers. On echocardiography, this group also had lower EF (59% vs 62%), greater PWT (1.4 vs 1.1 cm) and RWT (0.62 vs 0.51), larger atrial volumes, more impaired relaxation with elevated filling pressures, and lower TAPSE. On logistic regression, per point increase in ATTR-CM score had an unadjusted OR=2.83, p<0.001, for identification of ATTR-CM, with good calibration by Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2=2.843, p=0.724). ROC curve (Figure 1) for ATTR-CM score is shown, with ATTR-CM score ≥6 having sensitivity 94.1%, specificity 69.8%, PPV 14.0%, NPV 99.6%, at an overall ATTR-CM prevalence of 5%. The ATTR-CM score is a simple, reliable clinical tool that can be accurately used in a Black and Hispanic population to screen for ATTR-CM, with ATTR-CM <6 having high NPV for excluding the disease. Performance characteristics were similar when compared to the original cohort from the Mayo clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal surgical approach for recurrent anterior shoulder instability remains controversial, particularly in the face of glenoid and/or humeral bone loss. The purpose of this study was to use a contingent-behavior questionnaire (CBQ) to determine which factors drive surgeons to perform bony procedures over soft tissue procedures to address recurrent anterior shoulder instability. A CBQ survey presented each respondent with 32 clinical vignettes of recurrent shoulder instability that contained 8 patient factors. The factors included (1) age, (2) sex, (3) hand dominance, (4) number of previous dislocations, (5) activity level, (6) generalized laxity, (7) glenoid bone loss, and (8) glenoid track. The survey was distributed to fellowship-trained surgeons in shoulder/elbow or sports medicine. Respondents were asked to recommend either a soft tissue or bone-based procedure, then specifically recommend a type of procedure. Responses were analyzed using a multinomial-logit regression model that quantified the relative importance of the patient characteristics in choosing bony procedures. Seventy orthopedic surgeons completed the survey, 33 were shoulder/elbow fellowship trained and 37 were sports medicine fellowship trained; 52% were in clinical practice ≥10 years and 48% <10 years; and 95% reported that the shoulder surgery made up at least 25% of their practice. There were 53% from private practice, 33% from academic medicine, and 14% in government settings. Amount of glenoid bone loss was the single most important factor driving surgeons to perform bony procedures over soft tissue procedures, followed by the patient age (19-25 years) and the patient activity level. The number of prior dislocations and glenoid track status did not have a strong influence on respondents' decision making. Twenty-one percent glenoid bone loss was the threshold of bone loss that influenced decision toward a bony procedure. If surgeons performed 10 or more open procedures per year, they were more likely to perform a bony procedure. The factors that drove surgeons to choose bony procedures were the amount of glenoid bone loss with the threshold at 21%, patient age, and their activity demands. Surprisingly, glenoid track status and the number of previous dislocations did not strongly influence surgical treatment decisions. Ten open shoulder procedures a year seems to provide a level of comfort to recommend bony treatment for shoulder instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent congestion in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) remains a management challenge, often requiring high dose diuretics and frequent hospitalizations. Innovative outpatient strategies are needed to effectively manage heart failure (HF) in patients with CA. Ambulatory diuresis has not been well studied in restrictive cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we aimed to examine the outcomes of an ambulatory diuresis clinic in the management of congestion related to CA.Methods and Results: We retrospectively studied patients with CA seen in an outpatient HF disease management clinic for (1) safety outcomes of ambulatory intravenous (IV) diuresis and (2) health care utilization. Forty-four patients with CA were seen in the clinic a total of 203 times over 6 months. Oral diuretics were titrated at 96 (47%) visits. IV diuretics were administered at 56 (28%) visits to 17 patients. There were no episodes of severe acute kidney injury or symptomatic hypotension. There was a significant decrease in emergency department and inpatient visits and associated charges after index visit to the clinic. The proportion of days hospitalized per 1000 patient days of follow-up decreased as early as 30 days (147.3 vs 18.1/1000 patient days of follow-up, P< .001) and persisted through 180 days (33.6 vs 22.9/1000 patient days of follow-up, P< .001) pre- vs post-index visit to the clinic.Conclusions: We demonstrate the feasibility of ambulatory IV diuresis in patients with CA. Our findings also suggest that use of a HF disease management clinic may reduce acute care utilization in patients with CA. Leveraging multidisciplinary outpatient HF clinics may be an effective alternative to hospitalization in patients with HF due to CA, a population who otherwise carries a poor prognosis and contributes to high health care burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenesis of acute diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding remains poorly defined, and few data compare directly risk factors for these complications. to assess differences in clinical features, lifestyles factors and concurrent drug use in patients with acute diverticulitis and those with diverticular bleeding. Data were obtained from the REMAD Registry, an ongoing 5-year prospective, observational, multicenter, cohort study conducted on 1,217 patients. Patient- and clinical- related factors were compared among patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease, patients with previous acute diverticulitis, and patients with previous diverticular bleeding. Age was significantly lower (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34–0.67) and family history of diverticular disease was significantly higher (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.11–2.31) in patients with previous diverticulitis than in patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease, respectively. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was significantly higher in patients with previous diverticular bleeding as compared with both uncomplicated diverticular disease (OR 8.37, 95% CI: 2.60–27.0) and diverticulitis (OR 4.23, 95% CI: 1.11–16.1). This ancillary study from a nationwide Registry showed that some distinctive features identify patients with acute diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. These information might improve the assessment of risk factors for diverticular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no consensus on the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to (1) compare patient-reported outcome scores, (2) define failure and reoperation rates, and (3) quantify the magnitude of patient response across treatment strategies. The MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Scopus databases were searched for studies including physical therapy and operative treatment of massive rotator cuff tears. The criteria of the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies were used to assess study quality. Primary outcome measures were patient-reported outcome scores as well as failure, complication, and reoperation rates. To quantify patient response to treatment, we compared changes in the Constant-Murley score and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score with previously reported minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds. No level I or II studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were found. Physical therapy was associated with a 30% failure rate among the included patients, and another 30% went on to undergo surgery. Partial repair was associated with a 45% retear rate and 10% reoperation rate. Only graft interposition was associated with a weighted average change that exceeded the MCID for both the Constant-Murley score and ASES score. Latissimus tendon transfer techniques using humeral bone tunnel fixation were associated with a 77% failure rate. Superior capsular reconstruction with fascia lata autograft was associated with a weighted average change that exceeded the MCID for the ASES score. Reverse arthroplasty was associated with a 10% prosthesis failure rate and 8% reoperation rate. There is a lack of high-quality comparative studies to guide treatment recommendations. Compared with surgery, physical therapy is associated with less improvement in perceived functional outcomes and a higher clinical failure rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present a new sandwich structure comprising of a grid hemp core and carbon skins. Two typology of hemp cores (7 and 8 mm in thickness) that mainly differ in the density values (0.36 and 0.63 g/cm3) were produced by an ad hoc manufacturing process and adopted to produce the sandwich structures under investigation. Aiming to extend the use of natural fibre composites (NFCs) for applications where high impact resistance is required and to replace common materials used as cores with more eco-friendly ones like the proposed hemp core, low velocity impact (LVI) tests and non-destructive (ND) tests were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic valve calcification is supposed to be a possible cause of embolic stroke or subclinical valve thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We aimed to assess the role of aortic valve calcification in the occurrence of in-hospital clinical complications and survival after TAVR. We retrospectively analyzed preoperative contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography scans of patients who underwent TAVR on the native aortic valve in our center. Calcium volume was calculated for each aortic cusp, above and below the aortic annulus. Outcomes were recorded according to VARC-2 criteria. Overall, 581 patients were included in the study (SapienXT = 192; Sapien3 = 228; CoreValve/EvolutR = 45; Engager = 5; Acurate = 111). Median survival was 4.98 years (interquartile range 4.41–5.54). Logistic regression identified calcium load beneath the right coronary cusp in left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) as significantly associated with stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.3; p = 0.0019) and in-hospital mortality (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.004–1.2; p = 0.04), whereas total calcium volume of the LVOT was associated with both in-hospital and 30 day-mortality (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.01–1.4; p = 0.03, and OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.02–1.43; p = 0.029, respectively). Cox regression identified total calcium of LVOT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18; 95% CI 1.02–1.38; p = 0.026), male sex (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.06–3.32; p = 0.031), baseline creatinine clearance (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.98; p < 0.001), and baseline severe aortic regurgitation (HR 7.48; 95% CI 2.76–20.26; p < 0.001) as risk factors associated with lower survival. LVOT calcification is associated with increased risk of peri-procedural stroke and mortality as well as shorter long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth and young adults require systematic planning, transfer and integration into adult healthcare. A national health care transition (HCT) learning network (LN) shared strategies during monthly calls to improve HCTs using Got Transition™'s Six Core Elements. Among LN participants, we conducted a pre-post mixed-methods evaluation of this evidence-informed process improvement framework. Leaders from seven health systems in the LN recruited 55 participating practice sites (12 primary care, 43 specialty care, 47 pediatric care, and 8 adult care). Got Transition's Current Assessment (CA) of HCT Activities (possible score: 0–32) assessed implementation of HCT process improvements in all 55 sites at baseline (2015–2017) and again after 12–18 months. Pre-post results were compared overall and by type of practice (primary vs. specialty, pediatric vs. adult). In early 2018, health system leaders qualitatively described factors impacting HCT process implementation. Overall, baseline CA scores averaged 10.7, and increased to 17.9 after 12–18 months. Within each clinical setting, scores increased from: 10.8 to 16.5 among 12 primary care sites, 12.8 to 17.1 among 43 specialty sites, 12.4 to 17 among 47 pediatric sites, and 12 to 16.9 among 8 adult sites. All changes reached significance (p < 0.05). Qualitative feedback offered valuable feedback about motivators, facilitators and barriers to HCT process improvement. Participating systems made substantial progress in implementing a structured HCT process consistent with clinical recommendations using the Six Core Elements. The diverse perspectives of participating health systems provide a model for creating sustainable HCT process improvements. • The Six Core Elements result in significant transition process improvements. • Various regions and clinical practice types demonstrate similar progress. • Acquiring the buy-in of local leadership and motivated champions is key. • Involvement of patients and families in process change remains challenging. • Interprofessional collaboration in a learning network likely enhances success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HIV, HCV, tuberculosis and syphilis infection among immigrants assigned to the immigrant centre of the province of Modena. Methods At the time of arrival all immigrant were tested for: HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, Ag p24/HIVAb, HCVAb, RPR, TPPA, Mantoux test (>10 mm diameter of induration was considered to be positive), Chest X-rays. In case of positive samples, second level tests were performed (HbeAg, HBeAb, HDVAb, and baseline management and treatment of the infection detected). Results A total of 304 immigrant people were enrolled in the study. HBsAg positivity was 12.2%, HCVAb 3.3%, HIVAb 1.6%, TPPA + RPR positivity in the 0.7%; 10.2% had a positive Mantoux test; 5.6% had Chest X-rays positive for signs of infection and 6 patients had an active tuberculosis. 83.8% HBsAg were HBeAb positive/HBeAg negative. HDVAb resulted positive in 1 patient (2.7%). Previous HBV infection was detected in 28.6% of cases, isolated HBcAb in 2.3%; 5.6% of patients resulted to be positive to HbsAb alone (probable vaccinated). Conclusion Our study confirms the high prevalence of HBsAg positivity and latent tuberculosis among immigrants, underlying the importance of screening for infections in this special population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Men who had sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are at higher risk of developing sexual transmitted diseases. This study reports two years incidence rate and prevalence of HCV in a cohort of HIV positive MSM. Methods MSM HIV-positive outpatients negative to HCV-Ab at first observation entered a Kaplan–Meier model in order to assess the HCV infection incidence rate. Prevalence analysis was performed with MSM HIV-positive that were on follow-up at 2016. An MSM population HIV-negative served as control. Results 421 patients entered the incidence analysis. The incidence rate of HCV infection among MSM-HIV people was 0.44 per 100 patients-years (19 events). 40 out of 442 (9%) patients were HCV-positive (prevalence analysis); they were mostly genotype 1a and 3 with APRI score <0.7 (87.5%). Univariate analysis between MSM HIV-positive patients and MSM HIV-negative showed significant differences in the prevalence rate (9.0% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001) and median age (39 vs 47, P < 0.001). Conclusion Incidence and prevalence rate of HCV amongst MSM HIV-positive patients is higher than in other settings. Annual HCV-Ab screening for MSM HIV-positive patients should be enforced and early treatment of HCV recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurse practitioners play a pivotal role as members of the perioperative team. This article outlines the evolution of presurgical testing from the vantage of generic testing to one that is tailored to the patient's clinical presentation and the type of surgery to be performed, whether it is high, intermediate, or low risk. Emphasis is placed on indicated testing, screening tools to identify patients at risk for perioperative complications, the optimization of patients before undergoing major cancer surgery, and enhanced recovery after surgery. The goal was to bring awareness to our colleagues that evidence-based practice defines the present role of the nurse practitioner in this setting and evidence will shape its future direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This article addresses the problem of delay mitigation for video streaming applications in congested cellular macro-cells by using a mobile micro-cell mounted on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Small-scale UAVs are at a mature stage of development and can carry lightweight commercial micro-cells with small form factor. The mobile micro-cell is used to offload users from a congested macro-cell to optimize the bandwidth usage of video streaming applications. The paper proposes algorithms and comprehensive design criteria for user offload selection (selecting what users need to be offloaded to the micro-cell) and drone positioning (selecting the position of the UAV that minimizes the network delay). The effectiveness of the proposed criteria is evaluated through extensive performance analysis. We show that the performance increases consistently in terms of bandwidth requests mitigation and average delay reduction under different system configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often associate their symptoms to certain foods. In congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID), recessive mutations in the SI gene (coding for the disaccharidase digesting sucrose and 60% of dietary starch)1 cause clinical features of IBS through colonic accumulation of undigested carbohydrates, triggering bowel symptoms.2 Hence, in a previous study,3 we hypothesized that CSID variants reducing SI enzymatic activity may contribute to development of IBS symptoms. We detected association with increased risk of IBS for 4 rare loss-of-function variants typically found in (homozygous) CSID patients, because carriers (heterozygous) of these rare variants were more common in patients than in controls.1,4 Through a 2-step computational and experimental strategy, the present study aimed to determine whether other (dys-)functional SI variants are associated with risk of IBS in addition to known CSID mutations. We first aimed to identify all SI rare pathogenic variants (SI-RPVs) on the basis of integrated Mendelian Clinically Applicable Pathogenicity (M-CAP) and Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) predictive (clinically relevant) scores; next, we inspected genotype data currently available for 2207 IBS patients from a large ongoing project to compare SI-RPV case frequencies with ethnically matched population frequencies from the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Genetic factors are believed to affect risk for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but there have been no sufficiently powered and adequately sized studies. To identify DNA variants associated with IBS risk, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the large UK Biobank population-based cohort, which includes genotype and health data from 500,000 participants. Methods We studied 7,287,191 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms in individuals who self-reported a doctor’s diagnosis of IBS (cases; n = 9576) compared to the remainder of the cohort (controls; n = 336,499) (mean age of study subjects, 40–69 years). Genome-wide significant findings were further investigated in 2045 patients with IBS from tertiary centers and 7955 population controls from Europe and the United States, and a small general population sample from Sweden (n = 249). Functional annotation of GWAS results was carried out by integrating data from multiple biorepositories to obtain biological insights from the observed associations. Results We identified a genome-wide significant association on chromosome 9q31.2 (single nucleotide polymorphism rs10512344; P = 3.57 × 10 –8 ) in a region previously linked to age at menarche, and 13 additional loci of suggestive significance ( P < 5.0×10 –6 ). Sex-stratified analyses revealed that the variants at 9q31.2 affect risk of IBS in women only ( P = 4.29 × 10 –10 in UK Biobank) and also associate with constipation-predominant IBS in women ( P = .015 in the tertiary cohort) and harder stools in women ( P = .0012 in the population-based sample). Functional annotation of the 9q31.2 locus identified 8 candidate genes, including the elongator complex protein 1 gene ( ELP1 or IKBKAP ), which is mutated in patients with familial dysautonomia. Conclusions In a sufficiently powered GWAS of IBS, we associated variants at the locus 9q31.2 with risk of IBS in women. This observation may provide additional rationale for investigating the role of sex hormones and autonomic dysfunction in IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have a high risk of frailty. We aim to evaluate frailty using the Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI), a multidimensional self-reported questionnaire, and to explore its relationship with autonomy, quality of life (QoL), and disability. All the patients with MS enrolled completed TFI (frail when TFI score ≥ 5 points), the Groningen Activities Restriction Scale to evaluate autonomy, and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 to evaluate QoL. We collected the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, age and gender. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses, hierarchical multiple regression, and ANCOVA. A total of 208 pwMS (mean age 44 years, SD=11; 75% women; 89.4% relapsing-remitting) were enrolled. The mean TFI total score was 5.7 points (SD=3.0; range 0–14), with the 62.5% of participants exhibiting frailty. After controlling for age and gender, the EDSS score was associated with the total (β=0.469; R2=0.255; p <0.001) and the physical (β=0.571; R2=0.349; p <0.001) frailty score, with an explained variance of 25.5% and 34.9%, respectively. No relationships between the EDSS and psychological and social frailty domains were detected. The proportion of frail patients with EDSS ≥ 6.0, EDSS within 3.5–5.5, and EDSS ≤ 3.0 was 91.7%, 83.3%, and 66.0%, respectively. Frail patients exhibited higher autonomy impairment (p = 0.017) and worse QoL (p <0.001). We found a high frequency of frail patients with MS. Frailty is more common in patients with higher disability, but it affects also those with low EDSS. In people with MS frailty could be influenced by factors other than disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggregations between nations may be originated from many reasons: military, political, religious and especially economic. Basing ourselves on neoclassical economic theory and identity theory (i.e. local versus global), the aim of this research is to focus on international economic unions. Thus, we consider as economic polarizations, to investigate the levels of cultural homogeneity within the single polarization, to verify: i) whether in the single aggregation there is, in addition to economic harmonization, also cultural homogeneity and ii), if cultural homogeneity goes hand in hand with the economic success of the aggregation, with the help of Hofstede Model on 5 international economic unions. We also determine the crucial weight of cultural heterogeneity on the success of economic unions. The results also offer relevant theoretical and managerial implications for future aggregations. • Polarizing economic unions with cultural homogeneity. • Recognizing the importance of culture distances in the future of economic unions. • Recognizing the importance of economic parameters in economic unions. • Understanding how cultural heterogeneity may improve and enrich the future economic unions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of diverticular disease has significantly improved in the last decade. Antibiotic treatment is used for symptom relief and prevention of complications. In Italy, the non-absorbable antibiotic rifaximin is one of the most frequently used drugs, and it is perceived as the reference drug to treat symptomatic diverticular disease. Its non-systemic absorption and high faecal concentrations have oriented rifaximin use to the gastrointestinal tract, where rifaximin exerts eubiotic effects representing an additional value to its antibiotic activity. This position paper was commissioned by the Italian Society of Gastroenterology governing board for a panel of experts (RC, GB, BA) to highlight the indications for treatment of diverticular disease. There is a lack of rationale for drug use for the primary prevention of diverticulitis in patients with diverticulosis; thus, rifaximin use should be avoided. The cyclic use of rifaximin, in association with high-fibre intake, is safe and useful for the treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease, even if the cost-efficacy of long-term treatment remains to be determined. The use of rifaximin in the prevention of diverticulitis recurrence is promising, but the low therapeutic advantage needs to be verified. No evidence is available on the efficacy of rifaximin treatment on acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro and nanorobotics represents one of the most challenging sectors of modern robotics. Through batch fabrication of Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), advanced small scale sensing and actuating tasks in a wide area of applications can be performed. Most miniaturized electro-mechanical devices are characterized by low-power and low-memory capacity. The huge number of modular robots introduces the need to explore novel self-reconfiguration algorithms to optimize movement and communication performances in terms of efficiency, parallelism and scalability. Nano-transceivers and nano-antennas operating in the Terahertz Band are already a well acquainted communication paradigm, enforcing nano-wireless networking that can be directly integrated in MEMS microrobots. Several logical topology shape-shifting algorithms are already implemented and tested in literature, along with performance evaluation on nano-wireless use. This article aims to provide an algorithm to reconnect groups of microrobots, along with a novel movement model for microrobotics ensembles introduced to enforce more realistic simulations. Special emphasis is given on the need of novel movement algorithms for swarms of microrobots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of derivatives in financial markets has known an exponential growth in the last decades, especially in risk management and speculation fields: this explains researchers’ interest in answering questions about this kind of contracts. In particular, in this paper we restrict our attention on European vanilla and barrier options , and we propose a statistical procedure to solve efficiently the problem of determining the no arbitrage price of this type of derivatives in an IoT context: starting form an Internet of Things (IoT) data flow, an IoT system takes information from several sources and stores it into a suitable database; this information is used in our estimation problem. Our scheme is based on some strong assumptions about the market model, in particular the completeness of the market , the log-normality of the underlying asset with a constant volatility. We conclude this paper with an application of our framework to a real case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data retrieving, analysis e management are usually known as complex task in financial contexts. In an Internet of Things (IoT) system data-flow processes represent the knowledge base used in mathematical models for credits and financial products. Several sources such as distributed database systems, portals and local information are generally used as input of inferring models. In this paper we describe an overview of software tools, methodologies and strategies in real data-flow system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the national balance sheets of the most advanced economies, despite a recent sharp decline in per capita net wealth, Italian private households present a higher rate among the wealthiest and least indebted in Europe. Recently, the COVID-19 outbreak caused a new leap in households' savings worldwide, particularly in advanced economies and Italy. This study underlines that using advanced analytics tools, household saving behaviour information, and big data analytics may support data-driven decision approaches addressing the management of complex relationships in the financial arena. More specifically, using exploratory and predictive analyses based on big data analytics and machine learning, this study aims to provide extensive customer profiling in the household saving sector in Italy, supporting a data-driven decision-making approach. A profiling of household savings has been defined using the information provided by big data analysis. To proceed in this direction, the hardware and software requirements necessary to perform data processing were considered in the first phase of the study. Data collection was performed according to the so-called extract, transform, load (ETL) process. The contribution of this study lies in the results obtained in terms of data analytics over a dataset that accounts for the purchasing behaviour of almost 20 million postal savers. The clustering algorithm is highly efficient and scales well for large datasets. K-means clustering can be implemented within the MapReduce computational framework. Therefore, the overall procedure proposed here can be easily extended to big data using parallel computing and software implementing MapReduce, such as Hadoop and Spark. • Underlining household saving behaviour with an exploratory analysis • Profiling of household saving on 20 millions of clients in Italy • Creating a novel method to clustering saving market [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is detectable in young subjects with parental history of premature myocardial infarction (PHPMI) or hypertension (PHH). In this study we evaluated if PHPMI and PHH exert a different influence on carotid IMT and if their conjunction produces additive effects. High-resolution B-mode ultrasonographic evaluation of common carotid artery IMT was acquired from 48 subjects without PHPMI and PHH (22 males, 26 females; mean age 22.1±4.9 years; controls), 24 age- (±1 year) and sex-matched subjects with PHH without PHPMI (PHH-positive/PHPMI-negative subjects), 24 age- and sex-matched subjects with PHPMI without PHH (PHH-negative/PHPMI-positive subjects) and 24 age- and sex-matched subjects with both PHPMI and PHH (PHH/PHPMI-positive subjects). Lipid profile, resting blood pressure, smoking behaviour and body mass index (BMI) were also assessed. Carotid IMT was smaller in controls (0.41±0.07mm) compared to PHH-positive/PHPMI-negative subjects (0.47±0.10, p =0.023), to PHH-negative/PHPMI-positive subjects (0.54±0.11, p <0.001) and to PHH/PHPMI-positive subjects (0.52±0.10mm, p <0.001). Carotid IMT was greater in PHH-negative/PHPMI-positive (p =0.006) and in PHH/PHPMI-positive (p =0.031) than in PHH-positive/PHPMI-negative subjects. No difference in carotid IMT was evident between PHH-negative/PHPMI-positive and PHH/PHPMI-positive subjects (p =0.549). In the comparison among subjects using multiple regression analysis, only PHPMI, age and BMI were independently associated with carotid IMT. In healthy young subjects with PHPMI and/or PHH, carotid IMT is increased. PHPMI is a stronger predictor of increased carotid IMT than PHH. PHH in conjunction with PHPMI does not add any further detrimental effect on carotid IMT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Data dissemination and data collection to/from vehicles traveling on city roads are key features to fully enable the advent of Intelligent Transport Systems and Autonomous vehicles. Both Road Side Units and On Board Units need to disseminate different kind of data to vehicles or to collect data sensed by the vehicles themselves and transfer them to road monitoring and control centers. In this work we propose a protocol, named DISCOVER, that disseminates and collects the data of interest in a quite large city area efficiently and timely by using a single network structure, i.e., a multi-hop backbone made up only of vehicles nodes. DISCOVER is distributed and adaptive to the different traffic conditions, i.e., to the different levels of vehicular traffic density. Several numerical results show that it attains very good performance in different type of city maps (New York, Paris, Madrid and Rome) when compared with baseline approaches as well as when compared with a theoretical bound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall induces landslides in several geo-environmental contexts through a variety of triggering mechanisms. In shallow covers of unsaturated silts or loose sands, static liquefaction may occur upon shearing or wetting. The paper proposes simple shear and wetting tests performed on remoulded specimens of air-fall volcanic pyroclastic silty sands from Sarno site (Italy), where huge flowslides occurred. Simple shear wetting tests reproduce the initial stress conditions in the field as well as the stress path of the most common triggering mechanisms which take place during critical rainfalls. The tests are carried out through the Unsaturated Simple Shear apparatus designed at the University of Salerno. First, simple shear tests are performed in dry and saturated conditions and the results compared in terms of shear strength and volumetric response. Then, wetting tests – under constant vertical stress or constant shear stress – are performed. The experimental results are presented and the future research is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collapse of unsaturated soils consists of the reduction in volume upon wetting at constant total stress. Several studies at the macro scale outline the influence of initial void ratio, confining pressure and matric suction on the onset of collapse of standard laboratory specimens. Conversely, few observations at the micro scale are available in the literature, although the influence of the particles arrangement and intergranular bonding has been formerly supposed. The collapse of fine sand derived by a pyroclastic soil of Southern Italy is investigated in this paper at the microscale using the X-ray Computed Tomography. The experimental procedure, formerly tested on similar pyroclastic soils, consists into testing a remoulded specimen (only loaded by its self-weight), which undergoes a reduction of matric suction until the collapse occurs. The laboratory investigation aims to: i) follow the transformation of the particles arrangement; ii) measure the global variations of the specimen in terms of water content, porosity and saturation degree during the wetting stage; iii) measure the local porosity, water content and saturation degree in several representative sub-volumes of the specimen. The experimental evidence outlines that the collapse occurs at very low suction while it is not mandatory to reach the complete saturation, emphasized by the presence of macro-voids at collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of information from IoT data plays a fundamental role in many fields. In this paper we focus our attention on financial data and we use them to describe derivatives in the Black-Scholes model . This model lets us obtain an expression of the price of a derivative in a complete market with no possibility of arbitrage portfolios. Traders can sell amounts of assets even if they do not own them (i.e., short sellings are allowed) and must pay no frictional costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classifying the behaviours of users in the cultural spaces with the aim to infer knowledge about the event fruition is a fascinating challenge. In this paper, starting from real data, we are interested in predicting the user dynamics related to the interaction of a spectator with artworks and with the available technologies. Clustering techniques are preliminary used to find groups that reflect visiting styles. Accordingly with this, we assume that visitors are previously classified. The start-up dynamical process underlying classification can be affected by several errors. Here we adopt a powerful statistical method to predict the visiting style dynamics of spectators. Finally, numerical experiments confirm that it is possible to predict the visitors’ behaviour with good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vestibular apparatus allows to perform audiological and equilibrium human functions and to capture movements with respect to gravity. Damages to the vestibular system causes diseases that can be measured by using Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) test. The test produces a lot of data that has to be collected and analyzed to allow a disease study and classification. We propose a framework that includes algorithms able to perform pathology distribution and classification. It has been tested on electronic patient records loaded from the University Hospital database. The software allows to manage the structure and framework and a blind application of one of the available classification techniques shows a relation among gender and vestibular apparatus disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, in the Internet of Things (IoT) society, the massive use of technological devices available to the people makes possible to collect a lot of data describing tastes, choices and behaviours related to the users of services and tools. These information can be rearranged and interpreted in order to obtain a rating (i.e., evaluation) of the subjects (i.e., users) interacting with specific objects (i.e., items). Generally, reputation systems are widely used to provide ratings to products, services, companies, digital contents and people. Here, we focus on this issue, adopting a Collaborative Reputation System (CRS) to evaluate the visitors’ behaviour in a real cultural event. The results obtained, compared with those obtained by other methods (i.e., classification), have confirmed the reliability and the usefulness of CRSes for deeply understand dynamics related to visiting styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims Very little is known about the access to treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B in the real clinical practice and the characteristics of the patients who do not receive antiviral therapy. Methods HBV-RER is an observational multicenter network that collected data of patients with HBV infection during a 3 years observational period (2009–2012). Results Among 2527 HBsAg positive patients, 1099 were never treated (NT); only 280 were included in the analysis due to different exclusion causes A minority was HBeAg-positive. The median age was 42. At liver biopsy most patients had Metavir score of F0-F1. Univariate analysis between 280 NT patients and the 290 naïve to treatment showed that NT patients were mostly female ( P = 0.002), not Italian ( P = 0.044), younger ( P < 0.001). Metavir score was lower in NT (P0.002), such as the Fib4 score ( P < 0.001). HBV DNA level was significantly higher in NT. At multivariate analysis, independent variables associated with no-treatment were younger age, female gender, Metavir score F0-F1, Fib4 lower than 1.6 and lower blood level of HBV-DNA. Conclusions There is a large number of patients eligible to treatment who do not receive it. A younger age and a less severe disease seem to be associated to deferral of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many healthcare applications, artifacts mask or corrupt important features of Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. In this paper we describe a revised scheme for ECG signal denoising based on a recursive filtering methodology. We suggest a suitable class of kernel functions in order to remove artifacts in the ECG signal, starting from noise frequencies in the Fourier domain. Our approach does not require high computational requirements and this feature offers the possibility of an implementation of the scheme directly on mobile computing devices. The proposed scheme allows local denoising and hence a real time visualization of the signal by means of a strategy based on boundary conditions. Experiments on real datasets have been carried out in order to test, in terms of computation and accuracy, the proposed algorithm. Finally, comparative results with other well-known denoising methods are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]