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In environmental biotechnology applications for wastewater treatment, bacterial-based bioprocesses are mostly implemented; on the contrary, the application of fungal-based bioprocesses, is still challenging under non-sterile conditions. In a previous laboratory-scale study, we showed that when specific tannins are used as the sole carbon source, fungi can play a key role in the microbial community, under non-sterile conditions and in the long term. In a previous study, an engineered ecosystem, based on fungal tannin biodegradation, was successfully tested in a laboratory-scale bioreactor under non-sterile conditions. In the present study, a kinetic and stoichiometric characterisation of the biomass developed therein was performed through the application of respirometric techniques applied to the biomass collected from the above-mentioned reactor. To this aim, a respirometric set-up was specifically adapted to obtain valuable information from tannin-degrading fungal biofilms. A mathematical model was also developed and applied to describe both the respirometric profiles and the experimental data collected from the laboratory-scale tests performed in the bioreactor. The microbial growth was described through a Monod-type kinetic equation as a first approach. Substrate inhibition, decay rate and tannin hydrolysis process were included to better describe the behaviour of immobilised biomass selected in the tannin-degrading bioreactor. The model was implemented in AQUASIM using the specific tool Biofilm Compartment to simulate the attached fungal biofilm. Biofilm features and transport parameters were either measured or assumed from the literature. Key kinetic and stoichiometric unknown parameters were successfully estimated, overcoming critical steps for scaling-up a novel fungal-based technology for tannins biodegradation.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients had a higher risk of developing low bone mineral density (BMD) or osteoporosis. RA patients on classic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (c-DMARD) therapy showed significantly lower BMD than controls, while no significant differences in most parameters were found between RA patients receiving biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b-DMARDs) and controls. The 3D analysis allowed us to find changes in the trabecular and cortical compartments.To evaluate cortical and trabecular bone involvement of the hip in RA patients by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and 3D analysis. The secondary end-point was to evaluate bone involvement in patients treated with classic (c-DMARD) or biological (b-DMARD) disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapies and the effect of the duration of the disease and corticosteroid therapy on 3D parameters.A cross-sectional study of 105 RA patients and 100 subjects as a control group (CG) matched by age, sex, and BMI was carried out. BMD was measured by DXA of the bilateral femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH). The 3D analyses including trabecular and cortical BMD were performed on hip scans with the 3D-Shaper software.FN and TH BMD and trabecular and cortical vBMD were significantly lower in RA patients. The c-DMARD (n = 75) group showed significantly lower trabecular and cortical vBMD than the CG. Despite the lower values, the b-DMARD group (n = 30) showed no significant differences in most parameters compared with the CG. The trabecular and cortical 3D parameters were significantly lower in the group with an RA disease duration of 1 to 5 years than in the CG, and the trabecular vBMD was significantly lower in the group with a duration of corticosteroid therapy of 1 to 5 years than in the CG, while no significant differences were found by standard DXA in the same period.RA patients had a higher risk of developing low BMD or osteoporosis than controls. RA patients receiving c-DMARD therapy showed significantly lower BMD than controls, while no significant differences in most parameters were found between RA patients receiving b-DMARDs and controls. 3D-DXA allowed us to find changes in trabecular and cortical bone compartments in RA patients.

The removal of soluble organic matter from mature landfill leachate by means of biological, chemical, and combined biological-chemical methods was investigated in this study. Aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with activated sludge was used as the biological treatment to remove ammonium. The chemical treatments included ozone (O3), ozone + hydrogen peroxide (O3 + H2O2), Fenton’s reagents (H2O2 + Fe2+), and ozone + Fenton’s reagents (O3 + H2O2 + Fe2+). Results indicated that the SBR achieved approximately 25% Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal with an initial COD of 1276 mg/L. Ozonation of raw leachate achieved 16% COD removal after 240 min of treatment while O3 + H2O2 achieved 33% COD removal of raw leachate with 900 mg/L H2O2 in 120 min. Moreover, Fenton’s process also achieved 33% COD removal from raw leachate. Results suggest that the biological treatment followed by chemical treatments had the most efficient COD removal. After biological stabilization, ozonation removed 52% of the COD within 240 min. The Fenton’s process achieved 67% COD removal using equal doses of H2O2 and Fe2+. However, Fenton’s reagents in conjunction with O3 removed 69% and 72% COD in 120 min and 240 min, respectively. The dosage test also revealed that the 2:1 ratio of H2O2 and Fe2+ had the best COD removal. Therefore, these results indicate that the combination of biological and post-chemical treatment methods effectively remove organic pollutants from mature landfill leachate.

Coastal areas are more and more exposed to the effects of climatic change. Intense local rainfalls increases the frequency of flash floods and/or flow-like subaerial and afterward submarine landslides. The overall phenomenon of flash flood is complex and involves different phases strongly connected: heavy precipitations in a short period of time, soil erosion, fan deltas forming at mouth and hyperpycnal flows and/or landslides occurrence. Such interrelated phases were separately modelled for simulation purposes by different computational models: Partial Differential Equations methods for weather forecasts and sediment production estimation and Cellular Automata for soil erosion by rainfall and subaerial sediment transport and deposit. Our aim is to complete the model for the last phase of final sediment outcome. This research starts from the results of the previous models and introduces the processes concerning the demolition of fan deltas by sea waves during a sea-storm and the subsequent transport of and sediments in suspension by current at the sea-storm end and their deposition and eventual flowing on the sea bed. A first reduced implementation of the new model SCIDDICA-ss2/w&c1 was applied on the partial reconstruction of the 2016 Bagnara case regarding the meteorological conditions and the flattening of Sfalassa’s fan delta.

Objetivo: Valorar la asociación de las mediciónes tridimensionales (3D) derivadas de la absorciometría de rayos X de energía dual (DXA) lumbar con las fracturas osteoporóticas en las vértebras dorsales. Material y métodos: Analizamos retrospectivamente 32 mujeres postmenopáusicas: 16 con fracturas incidentes en las vértebras dorsales y 16 controles sin ningún tipo de fractura. Las DXA lumbares se adquirieron en la visita inicial (es decir, antes del evento de fractura) y se midió la densidad mineral ósea de área (DMOa) en las vértebras L1 a L4. Las mediciónes 3D derivadas de la DXA se evaluaron utilizando un software de modelado 3D (3DSHAPER). La densidad mineral ósea volumétrica (DMOv) se calculó en el hueso trabecular, cortical e integral. También se midió el grosor cortical y la DMO superficial (DMOs) cortical. Las diferencias en las mediciónes derivadas de la DXA entre los grupos de fracturados y controles se evaluaron utilizando una prueba t de Student no pareada. También se calculó la razón de probabilidades (OR) y el área bajo la curva característica operativa del receptor (AUC). Resultados: En el presente estudio casocontrol ajustado por edad no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de fracturados y controles en términos de peso (ρ=0,44), altura (ρ=0,25) y DMOa (ρ=0,11). Sin embargo, sí se encontraron diferencias significativas (ρ

Objetivo: El diagnóstico de osteoporosis se ha fundamentado en la medición de la densidad mineral ósea, si bien esta variable tiene una capacidad limitada en la discriminación de pacientes con o sin fracturas. La aplicación del análisis de elementos finitos (FE) sobre imágenes volumétricas de tomografía computarizada ha mejorado la clasificación de sujetos hasta 90%, aunque la dosis de radiación, complejidad y coste no aconsejan su práctica regular. Nuestro objetivo es aplicar el análisis FE a modelos tridimensionales con absorciometría radiológica dual (3DDXA), para clasificar pacientes con fractura osteoporótica de fémur proximal y sin fractura. Material y métodos: Se selecciónó una cohorte de 111 pacientes con osteoporosis densitométrica: 62 con fractura y 49 sin ella. Se utilizaron modelos FE sujetoespecíficos para el impacto, como la simulación estática de la caída lateral. Las simulaciónes de impacto permiten identificar la región crítica en el 95% de los casos, y la respuesta mecánica a una fuerza lateral máxima. Se realizó un análisis mediante un clasificador discriminativo (Support Vector Machine) por tipo de fractura, tejido y género, utilizando las mediciónes DXA y parámetros biomecánicos. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron una sensibilidad de clasificación del 100%, y una tasa de falsos negativos de 0% para los casos de fractura de cuello para el hueso trabecular en las mujeres. Se identifica la variable tensión principal mayor (MPS) como el mejor parámetro para la clasificación. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que el uso de modelos 3DDXA podría ayudar a discriminar mejor a los pacientes con elevado riesgo de fracturarse. Objetive: The diagnosis of osteoporosis has been based on the measurement of bone mineral density, although this variable has a limited capacity in discriminating patients with or without fractures. The application of finite element analysis (FE) on computed tomography volumetric images has improved the classification of subjects by up to 90%, although the radiation dose, complexity, and cost do not favor their regular practice. Our objective is to apply FE analysis to threedimensional models with dualenergy xray absorptiometry (3DDXA), to classify patients who present osteoporotic fracture of the proximal femur and those without fracture. Material and methods: A cohort of 111 patients with densitometric osteoporosis was selected: 62 with fracture and 49 without it. Subjectspecific FE models for impact were used, such as static simulation of lateral fall. Impact simulations allow identifying the critical region in 95% of cases, and the mechanical response to maximum lateral force. An analysis was performed using a discriminative classifier (Support Vector Machine) by fracture type, tissue and gender, using DXA measurements and biomechanical parameters. Results: The results showed a classification sensitivity of 100%, and a false negative rate of 0% for cases of neck fracture for trabecular bone in women. The variable major main stress (MPS) is identified as the best parameter for the classification. Conclusion: The results suggest that using 3DDXA models help in order to better discriminate patients with raised fracture risk. Este estudio ha sido posible gracias al soporte a la investigación que ha supuesto la beca FEIOMM y ayuda financiera del MINECO (RYC-2015-18888).

A global sensitivity analysis of a multiscale computational model of microvascular flow is presented. A total of 140 simulations have been completed and analyzed varying 6 input parameters and considering their effects on 7 output variables. Interestingly, the vascular network topology has been found as a determinant factor for both vasculature-related and interstitium-related quantities. Regarding the firsts, the vascular network topology has obtained a score of 5.5/6 and 6/6 for average and spatial distribution respectively (where 6 is the maximum and 1 is the minimum). On the other hand, considering interstitium-related quantities, the score is 4/6 and 5/6 for average and spatial distribution respectively. These results suggest that the network topology has a significant influence on the outcome of the computational analysis.

Introduction Le syndrome douloureux regional complexe (SDRC) est une affection douloureuse qui depasse l’evolution clinique prevue et entraine souvent une alteration significative de la fonction motrice. L’osteopenie locale et l’alteration du metabolisme osseux sont des complications majeures du SDRC. La DXA peut etre utile pour la determination non invasive et precise de la demineralisation des os et du risque de fracture chez ces patients. Objectif Evaluer l’utilite clinique de la DXA regionale chez les patients atteints du SDRC. Methodes Trente-neuf patients atteints de SDRC ont ete inclus (25 femmes et 14 hommes, tranche d’âges 22–87 ans – moyenne 53 ans). Tous ont beneficie d’une scintigraphie osseuse (3 phases, pour evaluer la phase d’hyperemie ainsi que le metabolisme osseux) et d’un scan corporel total DXA. Des scintigraphies des mains ont ete incluses chez les patients dont les membres superieurs etaient atteints. Le corps entier a ete analyse suivant les indications de la Societe internationale de densitometrie clinique (ISCD). Une analyse personnalisee de la region affectee a egalement ete effectuee. Nous avons utilise les donnees normales controlaterales du malade pour determiner la presence d’une asymetrie pathologique due a l’osteoporose regionale (masse minerale osseuse ≥ 3 % pour les membres inferieurs et ≥ 10 % pour les membres superieurs. Les variations de la masse minerale osseuse entre 5 et 10 % ont ete considerees comme probables). Une evaluation clinique a ete aussi realisee. Nous avons compare la concordance entre les trois methodes d’analyse : la scintigraphie, la DXA et l’evaluation clinique. Resultats La prevalence etait plus elevee chez les femmes (64,1 % – 25/39 –) que chez les hommes (35,8 %). Les membres superieurs etaient les plus touches. Diagnostic de concordance entre DXA et scintigraphie osseuse : 32/39 (82 %). Diagnostic de concordance entre parametres cliniques et DXA : 32/39 (82,1 %). Concordance diagnostique entre les parametres cliniques et la scintigraphie : 29/39 (74,3 %). La masse minerale osseuse mesuree par DXA a une sensibilite de 84 % et une specificite de 83 % (test de Fisher, p = 0,01). Des differences plus elevees entre les personnes affectees et non affectees ont ete trouvees au membre superieur par rapport au membre inferieur, la plus elevee au bras gauche. Conclusion La DXA focale est utile pour l’evaluation de la perte osseuse regionale causee par le SDRC et permet egalement de la quantifier.

A number of bacteria and fungi are known to degrade tannins. In this study, the efficiency of the white-rot fungus, Bjerkandera adusta MUT 2295, was evaluated for the treatment of a synthetic solution prepared with tannic acid. Tests were performed in continuously fed, bench-scale, packed-bed reactors, operated under non-sterile conditions with biomass immobilized within PolyUrethane Foam cubes (PUFs). The main parameters monitored to evaluate the process efficiency were: soluble Chemical Oxygen Demand (sCOD), Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal, and activities. of Tannase and Lignin Peroxidase. At the end of the process, additional parameters were evaluated, including the increase of fungal dry weight and the presence of ergosterol. The reactor was operative for 210 days, with maximum sCOD and TOC removal of 81% and 73%, respectively. The reduction of sCOD and TOC were positively correlated with the detection of Tannase and Lignin Peroxidase (LiP) activities. Increases in biomass within the PUF cubes was associated with increases in ergosterol concentrations. This study proved that the fungal-based system tested was efficient for the degradation of tannic acid over a period of time, and under non-sterile conditions.

A retrospective case-control study assessing the association of DXA-derived 3D measurements with osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures was performed. Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density was the measurement that best discriminates between fracture and control groups. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of DXA-derived 3D measurements at the lumbar spine with osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures. We retrospectively analyzed a database of 74 postmenopausal women: 37 subjects with incident vertebral fractures and 37 age-matched controls without any type of fracture. DXA scans at the lumbar spine were acquired at baseline (i.e., before the fracture event for subjects in the fracture group), and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured. DXA-derived 3D measurements, such as volumetric BMD (vBMD), were assessed using a DXA-based 3D modeling software (3D-SHAPER). vBMD was computed at the trabecular, cortical, and integral bone. Cortical thickness and cortical surface BMD were also measured. Differences in DXA-derived measurements between fracture and control groups were evaluated using unpaired t test. Odds ratio (OR) and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were also computed. Subgroup analyses according to fractured vertebra were performed. aBMD of fracture group was 9.3% lower compared with control group (p

Effects of osteoporosis drugs on proximal femur cortical and trabecular bone were studied using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-based 3D modeling method. Changes observed in this head-to-head study were consistent with those obtained using computed tomography in the literature. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of osteoporosis drugs on cortical and trabecular bone at the proximal femur using DXA-based 3D modeling. We retrospectively analyzed 155 patients stratified by treatments: naive of treatment (NAIVE), alendronate (AL), denosumab (DMAB), and teriparatide (TPTD). DXA scans were performed at baseline and after treatment, and areal bone mineral density at spine and femur were measured. A software algorithm (3D-SHAPER) was used to derive 3D models from hip DXA scans and compute: trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD (vBMD), cortical thickness (Cth), and cortical surface BMD (cortical sBMD). Changes from baseline were normalized at 24 months and evaluated in terms or percentage. After 24 months, a non-significant decrease was observed for trabecular vBMD, Cortical sBMD, Cth, and cortical vBMD (− 2.3, − 0.8, − 0.3, and − 0.5%) in the NAIVE group. Under AL and DMAB, significant increases were observed in trabecular vBMD (3.8 and 7.3%), cortical vBMD (1.4 and 2.0%), and cortical sBMD (1.5 and 3.6%). An increase in Cth was observed in patients under DMAB (1.8%). Under TPTD, a significant increase in Trabecular vBMD was observed (5.9%) associated with a non-significant increase of Cth (+ 1%) concomitant with a decrease in cortical vBMD (− 1.1%). Results obtained in this head-to-head study are consistent with those obtained using computed tomography in the literature. DXA-based modeling techniques could complement standard DXA examination to monitor treatment effects on trabecular and cortical compartments.

Tannins are polyphenolic compounds produced by plants that are used in the vegetable tanning of leather at industrial scale. Quebracho tannin and Tara tannin are intensively used by the tanning industry and are two of the most recalcitrant compounds that can be found in tannery wastewaters. In this study two reactors fed with Quebracho tannin and Tara tannin, respectively, were inoculated with polyurethane foam cubes colonized with a fungal strain biofilm of Aspergillus tubingensis MUT 990. A stable biofilm was maintained in the reactor fed with Quebracho tannin during 180 days of operation. Instead, biofilm got detached from the foam cubes during the start-up of the reactor fed with Tara tannin and a bacterial-based suspended culture was developed and preserved along the operational period (226 days). Soluble chemical oxygen demand removals up to 53% and 90% and maximum elimination capacities of 9.1 g sCOD m−3 h−1 and 37.9 g sCOD m−3 h−1 of Quebracho and Tara tannins, respectively, were achieved in the reactors without the addition of co-substrates. Next generation sequencing analysis for bacteria and fungi showed that a fungal consortium was developed in the reactor fed with Quebracho tannin while fungi were outcompeted by bacteria in the reactor fed with Tara tannin. Furthermore, Quebracho and Tara tannins were successfully co-treated in a single reactor where both fungi and bacteria were preserved.

The objective of the study was to assess longitudinal effects of different osteoporosis treatments on TBS and aBMD at lumbar spine.We analyzed 390 patients (men: 72; women: 318; age40 years; mean follow-up of 20 months and BMI37 kg/m(2)). We stratified the cohort by treatments: Naive of treatment (Naive, n=67), Calcium and Vitamin D (CaVitD, n=87), Testosterone (Te, n=36), Alendronate (AL, n=88), Risedronate (Ri, n=39), Denosumab (Dmb, n=43) and Teriparatide (PTH, n=30). The follow-up changes from baseline were normalized at 24 months.After 24 months, Naive group TBS decreased by 3.1% (p0.05) whereas a non-significant increase was observed for spine aBMD (Δ=+0.5%). Compared to the Naive group, significant improvement (p0.05) was observed in both TBS and aBMD for Te, AL, Ri, Dmb and PTH groups and in the CaVitD group for TBS. At the end of the follow-up, significant improvement have been observed for aBMD in Te (+4.4%), AL (+4.1%), Ri (+4.8), D (+8.8%) and PTH (+8.8%) groups. Significant improvement was observed only in the AL (+1.4%), Dmb (+2.8%) and PTH (+3.6%) groups for TBS.As expected, TBS of Naive subjects decreased with age. As expected a TBS preservation has been observed under AL and Ri. Te and CaVitD effects on TBS were evaluated for the first time: a similar preservation effect has been observed. A significant TBS increase was observed under Denosumab and PTH. TBS could be a useful tool to monitor treatment effects.

Objectives Given the need for easily managed treatment of osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of two doses of zoledronate, by comparing three groups of patients: those with annual administration, those with biennial administration (one dose in 2 years) and a control group with no administration of zoledronate. Methods We randomized (2:1) 31 patients on antiretroviral therapy with low bone mineral density (BMD) to zoledronate (5 mg administered intravenously; 21 patients) plus diet counselling and to a control group (diet counselling; 10 patients). At week 48, patients treated with zoledronate were randomized again to receive a second dose (two-dose group; n = 12) or to continue with diet counselling only (single-dose group; n = 9). Changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD and bone turnover markers were compared. Results The median percentage change from baseline to week 96 in L1−L4 BMD was −1.74% [interquartile range (IQR) −2.56, 3.60%], 7.90% (IQR 4.20, 16.57%) and 5.22% (IQR 2.02, 7.28%) in the control, two-dose and single-dose groups, respectively (P

First description of rpsJ and mepA mutations associated with tigecycline resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient during antibiotic therapy. Fil: Haim, Maria Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; Argentina Fil: Di Gregorio, Sabrina Noelia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; Argentina Fil: Galanternik, L.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"; Argentina Fil: Lubovich, S.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"; Argentina Fil: Vázquez, M.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"; Argentina Fil: Zaheer, A.. Public Health Agency; Canadá Fil: Golding, G. R.. Public Health Agency; Canadá Fil: Graham, M.. Public Health Agency; Canadá Fil: Van Domselaar, G.. Public Health Agency; Canadá Fil: Cardona, S. T.. Public Health Agency; Canadá Fil: Mollerach, Marta Eugenia. Public Health Agency; Canadá. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Bharat, R.. Public Health Agency; Canadá

Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are ineffective for remediation of old LandFill Leachate (LFL), and innovative approaches to achieve satisfactory removal of this recalcitrant fraction are needed. This study focused on old LFL treatment with a selected fungal strain, Bjerkandera adusta MUT 2295, through batch and continuous tests, using packed-bed bioreactors under non-sterile conditions. To optimize the process performance, diverse types of co-substrates were used, including milled cellulose from beverage cups waste material. Extracellular enzyme production was assayed, in batch tests, as a function of a) cellulose concentration, b) leachate initial Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Soluble COD (sCOD), and c) co-substrate type. Bioreactors were dosed with an initial start-up of glucose (Rg) or cellulose (Rc). An additional glucose dosage was provided in both reactors, leading to significant performance increases. The highest COD and sCOD removals were i) 63% and 53% in Rg and ii) 54% and 51% in Rc.

In Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBR) the biofilm grows protected within small plastic carriers (known as biofilm carriers), which are designed with high internal surface area. The biological wastewater treatment process consists of adding biofilm carriers in aerated or anoxic tanks to support biofilm attachment and growth. Some of the authors conceived, designed and realised an improved carrier (new shape and material) for fungal biofilm development. The improved biofilm carriers were tested in laboratory conditions and good results were obtained. This new biofilm carrier will be used to treat cellulosic (tannery and papermill) wastewaters and is grafted with cellulose fibers for the self-sustainability of the fungal biomass. This will facilitate substrate adhesion, due to biochemical capabilities of the selected strains, which involve secretion of extracellular enzymes, that can break down substrate by combined action of several degradative processes, such as demethylation, oxidative cleavage of the propane side chain, cleavage of ether bonds between monomers etc.

Complex phenomena occurring in natural sciences are usually characterized by a non trivial interplay between microscopic and macroscopic dynamics, which can be successfully captured by the cellular automata (CA) computational paradigm [1] . In this paper we show that some approximation of the classical CA paradigm is needed in order to properly deal with complex dynamical systems. Real phenomena can be efficiently modeled and simulated by introducing a modified CA approach, the CANv2 [2] . In this way one takes into account multiscale dynamics, through approximate infinite and/or infinitesimal dynamical stages, by means of a hybrid network of standard CA components and global operators. The power of the CANv2 approach is fully exploited by discussing three examples borrowed from the realm of natural science: debris flows after a landslide [3] , [4] , [5] , superconductive devices [2] and forest fires spread [6] , [7] . Advantages and limitations of our computational model explicitly arise when examples are discussed.

A method for mapping lava-flow hazard on the SE flank of Mt. Etna (Sicily, Southern Italy) by applying the Cellular Automata model SCIARA -fv is described, together with employed techniques of calibration and validation through a parallel Genetic Algorithm. The study area is partly urbanised; it has repeatedly been affected by lava flows from flank eruptions in historical time, and shows evidence of a dominant SSE-trending fracture system. Moreover, a dormant deep-seated gravitational deformation, associated with a larger volcano-tectonic phenomenon, affects the whole south-eastern flank of the volcano. The Etnean 2001 Mt. Calcarazzi lava-flow event has been selected for model calibration, while validation has been performed by considering the 2002 Linguaglossa and the 1991–93 Valle del Bove events — suitable data for back analysis being available for these recent eruptions. Quantitative evaluation of the simulations, with respect to the real events, has been performed by means of a couple of fitness functions, which consider either the areas affected by the lava flows, or areas and eruption duration. Sensitivity analyses are in progress for thoroughly evaluating the role of parameters, topographic input data, and mesh geometry on model performance; though, preliminary results have already given encouraging responses on model robustness. In order to evaluate lava-flow hazard in the study area, a regular grid of n.340 possible vents, uniformly covering the study area and located at 500 m intervals, has been hypothesised. For each vent, a statistically-significant number of simulations has been planned, by adopting combinations of durations, lava volumes, and effusion-rate functions, selected by considering available volcanological data. Performed simulations have been stored in a GIS environment for successive analyses and map elaboration. Probabilities of activation, empirically based on past behaviour of the volcano, can be assigned to each vent of the grid, by considering its elevation, location with respect to the volcanic edifice, and proximity to its main weakness zones. Similarly, different probabilities can be assigned to the simulated event types (combinations of durations and lava volumes, and to the effusion-rate functions considered). In such a way, an implicit assumption is made that the volcanic style will not dramatically change in the near future. Depending on adopted criteria for probability evaluation, different maps of lava-flow hazard can be compiled, by taking into account both the overlapping of the simulated lava flows and their assumed probabilities, and by finally ranking computed values into few relative classes. The adopted methodology allows to rapidly exploring changes in lava-flow hazard as a function of varying probabilities of occurrence, by simply re-processing the database of the simulations stored in the GIS. For Civil Protection purposes, in case of expected imminent opening of a vent in a given sector of the volcano, re-processing may help in real-time forecasting the presumable affected areas, and thus in better managing the eruptive crisis. Moreover, further simulations can be added to the GIS data base at any time new different event types were recognised to be of interest. In this paper, three examples of maps of lava-flow hazard for the SE flank of Mt. Etna are presented: the first has been realised without assigning any probability to the performed simulations, by simply counting the frequencies of lava flows affecting each site; in the second map, information on past eruptions is taken into account, and probabilities are empirically attributed to each simulation based on location of vents and types of eruption; in the third one, a stronger role is ascribed to the main SSE-trending weakness zone, which crosses the study area between Nicolosi and Trecastagni, associated with the right flank of the above-cited deep-seated deformation. Despite being only preliminary (as based on a sub-set of the overall planned simulations), the maps clearly depict the most hazardous sectors of the volcano, which have been identified by applying the coupled modelling-GIS method here described.

In modelling complex a-centric phenomena which evolve through local interactions within a discrete time-space, cellular automata (CA) represent a valid alternative to standard solution methods based on differential equations. Flow-type phenomena (such as lava flows, pyroclastic flows, earth flows, and debris flows) can be viewed as a-centric dynamical systems, and they can therefore be properly investigated in CA terms. SCIDDICA S4a is the last release of a two-dimensional hexagonal CA model for simulating debris flows characterised by strong inertial effects. S4a has been obtained by progressively enriching an initial simplified model, originally derived for simulating very simple cases of slow-moving flow-type landslides. Using an empirical strategy, in S4a, the inertial character of the flowing mass is translated into CA terms by means of local rules. In particular, in the transition function of the model, the distribution of landslide debris among the cells is obtained through a double cycle of computation. In the first phase, the inertial character of the landslide debris is taken into account by considering indicators of momentum. In the second phase, any remaining debris in the central cell is distributed among the adjacent cells, according to the principle of maximum possible equilibrium. The complexities of the model and of the phenomena to be simulated suggested the need for an automated technique of evaluation for the determination of the best set of global parameters. Accordingly, the model is calibrated using a genetic algorithm and by considering the May 1998 Curti–Sarno (Southern Italy) debris flow. The boundaries of the area affected by the debris flow are simulated well with the model. Errors computed by comparing the simulations with the mapped areal extent of the actual landslide are smaller than those previously obtained without genetic algorithms. As the experiments have been realised in a sequential computing environment, they could be improved by adopting a parallel environment, which allows the performance of a great number of tests in reasonable times.

Cellular Automata (CA) represent a formal frame for dynamical systems, which evolve on the base of local interactions. Some types of landslide, such as debris flows, match well this requirement. The latest hexagonal release (S3–hex) of the deterministic model SCIDDICA, specifically developed for simulating debris flows, is described. For CA simulation purposes, landslides can be viewed as a dynamical system, subdivided into elementary parts, whose state evolves exclusively as a consequence of local interactions within a spatial and temporal discretum. Space is the world of the CA, here constituted by hexagonal cells. The attributes of each cell ("substates") describe physical characteristics. For computational reasons, the natural phenomenon is "decomposed" into a number of elementary processes, whose proper composition makes up the "transition function" of the CA. By simultaneously applying this function to all the cells, the evolution of the phenomenon can be simulated in terms of modifications of the substates. SCIDDICA S3–hex exhibits a great flexibility in modelling debris flows. With respect to the previous releases of the model, the mechanism of progressive erosion of the soil cover has been added to the transition function. Considered substates are: altitude; thickness and energy of landslide debris; depth of erodable soil cover; debris outflows. Considered elementary processes are: mobilisation triggering and effect (T1), debris outflows (I1), update of landslide debris thickness and energy (I2), and energy loss (T2). Simulations of real debris flows, occurred in Campania (Southern Italy) in May 1998 (Sarno) and December 1999 (San Martino V.C. and Cervinara), have been performed for model calibration purposes; some examples of analysis are briefly described. Possible applications of the method are: risk mapping, also based on a statistical approach; evaluating the effects of mitigation actions (e.g. stream deviations, topographic alterations, channelling, embankments, bridges, etc.) on flow development.

Cellular Automata provide an alternative approach to standard numerical methods for modelling some complex natural systems, the behaviour of which can be described in terms of local interactions of their constituent parts. SCIARA is a 2-D Cellular Automata model which simulates lava flows. It was tested on, validated by, and improved on several Etnean lava events such as the 1986–1987 eruption and the first and last phase of the 1991–1993 event. With respect to forecasting the surface covered by the lava flows, the best results were acceptable. The model has been used to determine hazard zones in the inhabited areas of Nicolosi, Pedara, S. Alfio and Zafferana (Sicily, Italy). The main goal of the current work in the Etnean area from Nicolosi to Catania has been the verification of the volcanic hazard effects of an eruptive crisis similar to the event that occurred in 1669. The simulation uses the volcanic data of the 1669 eruption with present-day morphology. Catania has been affected by some historical Etnean events, the most famous one being the 1669 eruption, involving 1 km 3 of lava erupted over the course of 120 days. The simulation of ephemeral vents and the use of different histories within the experiments have been crucial in the determination of a new hazard area for Catania. In fact, during the simulation the city was never affected without the introduction of ephemeral vents, proving the fact that lava tubes played a fundamental role in the 1669 Catania lava crisis.

Given the need for easily managed treatment of osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of two doses of zoledronate, by comparing three groups of patients: those with annual administration, those with biennial administration (one dose in 2 years) and a control group with no administration of zoledronate.We randomized (2:1) 31 patients on antiretroviral therapy with low bone mineral density (BMD) to zoledronate (5 mg administered intravenously; 21 patients) plus diet counselling and to a control group (diet counselling; 10 patients). At week 48, patients treated with zoledronate were randomized again to receive a second dose (two-dose group; n = 12) or to continue with diet counselling only (single-dose group; n = 9). Changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD and bone turnover markers were compared.The median percentage change from baseline to week 96 in L1-L4 BMD was -1.74% [interquartile range (IQR) -2.56, 3.60%], 7.90% (IQR 4.20, 16.57%) and 5.22% (IQR 2.02, 7.28%) in the control, two-dose and single-dose groups, respectively (P 0.01, control vs. two doses; P = 0.02, control vs. single dose; P = 0.18, two doses vs. single dose). Hip BMD changed by a median of 2.12% (IQR -0.12, 3.08%), 5.16% (IQR 3.06, 6.74%) and 4.47% (IQR 1, 5.58%), respectively (P = 0.04, control vs. two doses; P = 0.34, two doses vs. single dose). No differences between the two-dose and single-dose groups were detected in bone markers at week 96.The benefits for BMD of a single dose of zoledronate in 2 years may be comparable to those obtained with two doses of the drug after 96 weeks, although this study is insufficiently powered to exclude a real difference. Future studies should explore whether biennial administration of zoledronate is a useful alternative in the treatment of osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients.

Cellular Automata (CA) represent a computational paradigm for simulating complex fluid-dynamical phenomena, that evolve on the basis of local interactions. Secondary lahars are highly destructive surface flows that originate from the mobilization of pyroclastic deposits by exceptionally heavy rainfalls. CA modelling of rain-induced lahars could be an important tool for risk management in threatened regions. LLUNPIY is a CA model, developed and partially applied on two real events: the 2005 and 2008 secondary lahars of Vascun Valley, Ecuador. Simulations are satisfying: a comparison of 2005 event was performed with the two-dimensional model Titan2D and field data, while results of 2008 event were confronted only with field data. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This paper is an overview of the potential use of composting technology in programmes aimed at organic waste recycling (product-oriented perspective) or decomposition of hazardous materials (process-oriented perspective). This latter approach includes composting as a tool for bioremediation of environmental matrices, such as contaminated soils and sediments. In all above-mentioned cases, biological reactions that characterize composting must be managed carefully to allow putrescible residues to become a humified agricultural fertilizer with no phytotoxic effects, or the degradation of organic pollutants (e.g., aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons or halogenated solvents) to proceed to the highest extent with formation of innocuous end products. Thus, the fundamental aspects of controlling the microbial environment in composting matrices are singled out as a means for better evaluating the range of adverse conditions possibly responsible for hindering the correct evolution of the process within different applications. Key words: biopiles, bioremediation, composting, ex situ soil biotreatments, in-vessel systems, open systems, organo-nitro explosives, organic waste reclamation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, soil composting windrows.

Cellular automata (CA) are based on a regular division of the space in cells. Each cell embeds an identical finite automaton, whose input is given by the states of neighbouring cells. The transition function r of the CA is made of a set of rules, simultaneously applied, step by step, to each cell of the cellular space. Rules are derived by subdividing, in computational terms, the physical phenomenon into a set of independent, elementary processes. By properly combining each elementary result, the behaviour of the phenomenon can be simulated. Debris flows are dense mixtures of sediment and water, which surge down the slopes and along the drainage system, characterised by severe destructive potential. They can be described in terms of local interactions among their elementary portions, and can thus be efficiently modelled through CA. Debris-flows rheologic equations cannot be easily solved without making substantial simplifications. By applying CA, a phenomenological description––able to overcome resource computational limits––can be obtained. On May 1998, hundreds of soil slip-debris flows were triggered by exceptional rains in Campania (Italy), mostly on the slopes of Pizzo dAlvano. Aiming at modelling purposes, the Curti debris flow was selected as a case study, among the whole population of landslides triggered by the event. The general frame of SCIDDICAS2 is inherited from previous releases, recently applied for the simulation of the 1992 Tessina (Italy) earth flow and of the 1984 Mt. Ontake (Japan) debris avalanche. Since its S1 release, the model satisfactorily simulated the Curti–Sarno debris flow. Latest improvements to the transition function led to the S2 release, and to better simulations (presented here). SCIDDICA exhibits a notable flexibility in modelling and simulating flow-like landslides. It could be usefully applied in hazard mapping (also through a statistical approach), and in evaluating the effects of either human works or ‘‘accidents’’ along the path of the flow. � 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Cellular Automata model for soil erosion by water, SCAVATU, was developed. It involves a larger number of states in comparison to the previous models, including altitude, water depth, total head, vegetation density, infiltration, erosion, sediment transport and deposition. The model was applied to the small catchment of the Fiumara Armaconi, Calabria, Southern Italy. First simulations gave encouraging results, even if field erosion data is needed for validation and future calibration and setting of the CA parameters. The model is susceptible to improvement and could represent a valid alternative to classic physically based methods, for the description of complexity through simple local rules.

Simulation of coal combustion in the kinetic regime was developed using the formal support of cellular automata. The phenomenon was described as a process based on local interactions, with discrete time and space, at a mesoscopic scale level. In order to validate the method, simulation results were checked against both experimental data and traditional numerical models. Materials tested included Spherocarb, marine char and pure graphite. Satisfactory agreement was found.

Cellular automata can be applied to modelling the dynamics of spatially extended physical systems, and represent an alternative to the classical PDE approach. In this paper a macroscopic cellular automata model for simulating the bioremediation of contaminated soils is introduced. The choice of macroscopic automata is motivated by the aim to simulate large-scale systems. It is suggested that in some cases, where the basic laws of continuum mechanics cannot be directly applied without adding phenomenological assumptions, and where the equation system is not amenable to analytical solution, direct discrete modelling may represent a convenient alternative to the use of continuum models, followed by numerical discretization. This hypothesis is empirically tested in the bioremediation case. The model describes the bioremediation of contaminated soils, which relies upon the use of indigeneous microorganisms to degrade the contaminant: bioremediation models pose particular challenges as several physical, chemical and biological phenomena interact in a disordered and partially unknown matrix (the soil). The model is hierarchical, and is composed by a fluid dynamical layer, a solute description layer and a biological layer. The model has been tested in a pilot plant, in the case of contamination by phenol. The values of the phenomenological parameters have been determined by the use of genetic algorithms. The model has proven capable to carefully describe experimental results in a wide range of experimental conditions. It has also been run on a MIMD parallel architecture, achieving a high speed-up. It therefore represents an example of application of cellular automata to a real-world problem which has a very high social and economic importance, and where progresses in modelling may greatly improve the effectiveness of the decontamination interventions.

The model SCIARA, based on the "Cellular Automata'' paradigm, is a versatile instrument whose scope is to analyse volcanic risk from lava flows. The possible fields of intervention are: [(a)] Long term forecasting of the flow direction at various eruption rates and points of emission by locating potential risk areas and permitting the creation of detailed maps of risk; (b) The possibility to follow the progress of an event and predict its evolution; (c) The verification of the possible effects of human intervention on real or simulated flows in stream deviation. A risk scenario has been developed for the Etnean territories of the towns of Nicolosi, Pedara and S. Alfio, simulating possible episodes with different vent locations along the fracture opened in the 1989 eruption and successively activated in the 1991-1993 eruption. The main characteristics of lava flows, that might be dangerous to the inhabited areas, have been analysed on the basis of the carried out Cellular Automata. Language: en

Whereas ovarian tumors with overt endocrine manifestations account for less than 5% of all ovarian neoplasms, the incidence of virilizing type tumors in postmenopausal women is even lower since the average age of occurrence is 43 years. Steroid cell tumors not otherwise specified (NOS) are even more rare. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman (age of onset of menopause 43 years) who consulted our service due to a hyperandrogenic syndrome: deepening of the voice, temporal balding, hirsutism and cliteromegaly. Laboratory findings indicated hyperandrogenism in male range. The dexamethasone suppression test did not modify basal values, indicating that adrenal origin was unlikely. Transvaginal ultrasound disclosed multiple microcysts in the left ovary. Abdominal tomography was normal. Suspecting an ovarian tumor, bilateral oophorectomy was performed and a pediculate, 3 cm in diameter, was encountered in the left ovary. Histopathological studies determined it to be a virilizing ovarian tumor NOS. Postoperative recovery was fast; normal hormonal values were reached together with visible clinical improvement. This case is reported because this type of tumor is very infrequent in postmenopausal women, and because in this case it was the functional hormonal test that allowed tumor localization.

In the present study, the quality of effluents from a conventional wastewater treatment plant in Italy has been analyzed. Residual level of contamination by 4-n-nonylphenol, mono- and di-ethoxylated nonylphenols has been recorded in the effluents that resulted to be also phytotoxic and genotoxic. The possibility of exploiting phytoremediation as a sustainable tertiary treatment for the depletion of the priority pollutants and for the reduction in the residual toxicity has been verified at mesocosm scale. The phyto-based treatment has been performed by the exploitation of Phragmites australis by either a bacterial-assisted and not assisted approach. In relation to the bacterial-assisted approach, two new bacterial strains, capable of using the nonylphenols as a sole carbon source, have been isolated. One was identified as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) belonging to the Stenotrophomonas species, and the second one was classified as a Sphingobium species strain. Both strains were independently bioaugmented in the P. australis rhizosphere. In relation to the not assisted approach, the phyto-based process determined 87, 70 and 87 % for 4-n-nonylphenol, mono-ethoxylated nonylphenols and di-ethoxylated nonylphenols, respectively. The toxicological assessment of the process evidenced the complete depletion of either the phytotoxicity or the genotoxicity of the treated effluents. With reference to the bacterial-assisted approach, the PGPR Stenotrophomonas species strain resulted to be capable of significantly increasing the efficiency of the phyto-based process in nonylphenol depletion up to 88 % for the 4-n-nonylphenol, 84 % for the mono-ethoxylated nonylphenol and 71 % for the di-ethoxylated nonylphenol.

The paper discusses Camel, an interactive parallel programming environment based on cellular automata. With Camel users can develop high-performance applications in science and engineering. Examples in geology, traffic planning, image processing, and genetic algorithms show its usefulness.

This paper describes CAMEL (Cellular Automata environMent for systEms modeLing), a scalable software environment based on the cellular automata theory implemented on a Transputer-based parallel computer. Cellular automata were originally defined as a theory to model the basic mechanisms of dynamic systems, permitting a new approach which is in many cases simpler and more efficient than the traditional approach based on partial differential equations. Today, cellular automata become more attractive because they are suitable to be effectively and naturally implemented on parallel computers achieving high performance. CAMEL allows a user to program computational science applications exploiting the computing power offered by highly parallel computers in a transparent way. CAMEL implements a cellular automaton as a SPMD program. A load balancing strategy is used to minimize time costs in case of not uniform intervals for transition steps. In the paper the programming environment and the parallel architecture of CAMEL are presented and some experiments are discussed.

Background Polio is a devastating infectious disease that causes paralysis and severe muscular atrophy. When any of the legs is affected, a low aBMD at the corresponding hip is a common finding in DXA measurement. Objectives to study the influence of polio consequences on volumetric bone density and cortical thickness using the 3D-DXA technology. Methods 22 patients of both sexes suffering post-polio syndromes (mean age 57±uffering pos were scanned using a GE iDXA system and both proximal femurs were reconstructed using the 3D-DXA technology. 3D-DXA is based on the registration of a 3D statistical model of the femoral shape and density onto the 2D DXA image and provides measurements of volumetric BMD (vBMD) and BMCof the trabecular and cortical bone as well as a quantification of the cortical thickness. The measurements at the leg affected by polio were compared by t-test with those at the non-affected leg. Results Trabecular BMC was 22% lower (-1.8 g, p 3 , p 3 , p 3 , p Conclusions A long period of decreased of mechanical charges, low muscle strength, postural imbalance has dramatic consequences on bone development. The analyses performed using the 3D-DXA technology indicates an overall impairment of cortical and trabecular BMD and a significant decrease of the cortical thickness. Disclosure of Interest None declared