An extension of unimodular Einsteinian gravity in the context of
F
(
R
) gravities is used to construct a class of anisotropic evolution scenarios. In unimodular GR the determinant of the metric is ...constrained to be a fixed number or a function. However, the metric of a generic anisotropic universe is not compatible with the unimodular constraint, so that a redefinition of the metric, to properly take into account the constraint, need be performed. The unimodular constraint is imposed on
F
(
R
) gravity in the Jordan frame by means of a Lagrangian multiplier, to get the equations of motion. The resulting equations can be viewed as a reconstruction method, which allows to determine what function of the Ricci scalar can realize the desired evolution. For the sake of clarity, some characteristic examples are invoked to show how this reconstruction method works explicitly. The de Sitter spacetime here considered, in the context of unimodular
F
(
R
) gravity, is suitable to describe both the early- and late-time epochs of the universe history.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 health-related quality of life questionnaire is one of the most widely used cancer-specific health-related quality of ...life questionnaires worldwide. General population norm data can facilitate the interpretation of QLQ-C30 data obtained from cancer patients. This study aimed at systematically collecting norm data from the general population to develop European QLQ-C30 norm scores and to generate comparable norm data for individual countries in Europe and North America.
We collected QLQ-C30 data from the general population across 11 European Union (EU) countries, Russia, Turkey, Canada and United States (n ≥ 1000/country). Representative samples were stratified by sex and age groups (18–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and ≥ 70 years). After applying weights based on the United Nations population distribution statistics, we calculated QLQ-C30 domain scores to generate a ‘European QLQ-C30 Norm’ based on the EU countries. Further, we calculated QLQ-C30 norm scores for all 15 individual countries.
A total of 15,386 respondents completed the online survey. For the EU sample, most QLQ-C30 domains showed differences by sex/age, with men scoring somewhat better health than women, while age effects varied across domains. Substantially larger differences were seen in inter-country comparisons, with Austrian and Dutch respondents reporting consistently better health compared with British and Polish respondents.
This study is the first to systematically collect EORTC QLQ-C30 general population norm data across Europe and North America applying a consistent data collection method across 15 countries. These new norm data facilitate valid intra-country as well as inter-country comparisons and QLQ-C30 score interpretation.
•Updated general population norm data for EORTC QLQ-C 30 based on 15,386 persons across 13 European countries, Canada, and USA.•Study strength: all individual country QLQ-C30 norm data collected based on a common sampling strategy and survey design.•New normative data facilitate valid intracountry and especially intercountry comparisons and QLQ-C30 score interpretation.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Soil indicators may be used for assessing both land suitability for restoration and the effectiveness of restoration strategies in restoring ecosystem functioning and services. In this review paper, ...several soil indicators, which can be used to assess the effectiveness of ecological restoration strategies in dryland ecosystems at different spatial and temporal scales, are discussed. The selected indicators represent the different viewpoints of pedology, ecology, hydrology, and land management. Two overall outcomes stem from the review. (i) The success of restoration projects relies on a proper understanding of their ecology, namely the relationships between soil, plants, hydrology, climate, and land management at different scales, which are particularly complex due to the heterogeneous pattern of ecosystems functioning in drylands. (ii) The selection of the most suitable soil indicators follows a clear identification of the different and sometimes competing ecosystem services that the project is aimed at restoring.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
In this article we study the defining ideal of Rees algebras of ideals of star configurations. We characterize when these ideals are of linear type and provide sufficient conditions for them to be of ...fiber type. Our approach is entirely algebraic, and allows us to recover and reinterpret previously known results proved using combinatorial methods.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Tissue engineering-based endodontic therapies, designed to regenerate the dental pulp (DP) in the devitalised endodontic space, have been proposed to improve tooth longevity compared to conventional ...root-filling therapies. Their aim is to restore tooth vitality and major DP functions necessary to maintain tooth health such as immunosurveillance, sensitivity and healing/repair/regenerative capacities. Several formulations based on the use of fibrin, the main component of the blood clot matrix, recently gave valuable results in the regeneration of the human DP. This review describes recent fibrin-based scaffolds designed for that purpose. After having presented the various strategies for DP regeneration, the main fibrin-based scaffolds reported so far for clinical use in endodontics were reviewed. Particular emphasis was given to hydrogel devices that may be improved by incorporation of bioactive molecules that stimulate vascularisation and tissue neoformation or provide antibacterial properties. Data indicate that fibrin-based scaffolds constitute a highly favourable environment for mesenchymal stem cells, which is maintained upon functionalisation. Additional knowledge is needed to understand how fibrin and functionalising agents affect adhesion, survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation of cells incorporated in the scaffold or which will colonise it from neighbouring host tissues. This knowledge is needed to adapt the hydrogel formulation for various clinical conditions.
Abstract
Biomaterial-associated infections are a major healthcare challenge as they are responsible for high disease burden in critically ill patients. In this study, we have developed drug-eluting ...antibacterial catheters to prevent catheter-related infections. Niclosamide (NIC), originally an antiparasitic drug, was incorporated into the polymeric matrix of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) via solvent casting, and catheters were fabricated using hot-melt extrusion technology. The mechanical and physicochemical properties of TPU polymers loaded with NIC were studied. NIC was released in a sustained manner from the catheters and exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Staphylococcus epidermidis
. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy of NIC-loaded catheters was validated in an in vivo biomaterial-associated infection model using a methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant strain of
S. aureus.
The released NIC from the produced catheters reduced bacterial colonization of the catheter as well as of the surrounding tissue. In summary, the NIC-releasing hot-melt extruded catheters prevented implant colonization and reduced the bacterial colonization of peri-catheter tissue by methicillin sensitive as well as resistant
S. aureus
in a biomaterial-associated infection mouse model and has good prospects for preclinical development.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
The use of γ-radiometrics for soil proximal sensing is strongly site specific, because of the influence of parent material mineralogy on the γ-rays emitted from the soil. The work wants to propose a ...non-linear and multivariate computational approach to predict soil textural data and surficial stoniness based on γ-spectroscopy. The γ-spectroscopy survey was performed in heterogeneous soils in terms of parent material, pedogenesis, morphology, coarse material and moisture content. The γ-radiometrics survey was performed by “The Mole” sensor (The Netherlands) and γ-ray spectra were analysed by a Full Spectrum Analysis. 70 experimental points were described and classified according to parent material and surficial stoniness. The 70 experimental sites were also sampled during the γ-ray survey and analysed for soil texture and moisture content. An explorative PCA in the experimental points, based on the γ-ray data and the elevation, showed 3 groups of cases, relating to the three groups of bedrock (i) calcareous flysch, (ii) feldspathic sandstone, and (iii) other lithologies, namely marly-shales, marine and fluvio-lacustrine deposits.
Two machine learning models were used to predict sand, clay and surficial stoniness. The models were Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). An independent validation set of 20 soil samples was used to check the accuracy of the prediction models. Both SVM and ANN showed good prediction accuracy for sand and clay, although SVM showed the lowest errors. Both models showed lower accuracy for stoniness prediction, mainly due to high prediction errors in several sampling points. Probably, the high errors in stoniness prediction were due the strong heterogeneity of rock types and mineralogy. However, prediction model of stoniness spatial variability is very important in order to an adequate farming management.
•7 vineyards, for a total area of 30 ha were surveyed by γ-ray spectroscopy.•The vineyards were characterized by different parent material and soils.•Clay, sand and surficial stoniness maps were predicted using the γ-ray data.•We used a multivariate approach to consider the influence of parent material.•We tested two machine learning methods (SVM and ANN) to predict the maps.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Orexins (OX) and their receptors (OXR) modulate feeding, arousal, stress, and drug abuse. Neural systems that motivate and reinforce drug abuse may also underlie compulsive food seeking and intake. ...Therefore, the effects of GSK1059865 (5-bromo-N-(2S,5S)-1-(3-fluoro-2-methoxybenzoyl)-5-methylpiperidin-2-ylmethyl-pyridin-2-amine), a selective OX(1)R antagonist, JNJ-10397049 (N-(2,4-dibromophenyl)-N'-(4S,5S)-2,2-dimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxan-5-ylurea), a selective OX(2)R antagonist, and SB-649868 (N-((2S)-1-{5-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-ylcarbonyl}-2-piperidinyl)methyl-1-benzofuran-4-carboxamide), a dual OX(1)/OX(2)R antagonist were evaluated in a binge eating (BE) model in female rats. BE of highly palatable food (HPF) was evoked by three cycles of food restriction followed by stress, elicited by exposing rats to HPF, but preventing them from having access to it for 15 min. Pharmacokinetic assessments of all compounds were obtained under the same experimental conditions used for the behavioral experiments. Topiramate was used as the reference compound as it selectively blocks BE in rats and humans. Dose-related thresholds for sleep-inducing effects of the OXR antagonists were measured using polysomnography in parallel experiments. SB-649868 and GSK1059865, but not JNJ-10397049, selectively reduced BE for HPF without affecting standard food pellet intake, at doses that did not induce sleep. These results indicate, for the first time, a major role of OX(1)R mechanisms in BE, suggesting that selective antagonism at OX(1)R could represent a novel pharmacological treatment for BE and possibly other eating disorders with a compulsive component.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Most small-scale soil maps report dominant typological units and allow only a partial appraisal of pedodiversity since territories with similar dominant soils can actually possess different ...pedodiversity. This is particularly true at the national scale, where a great wealth of soil information collected at more detailed scales is generalized.
A methodology was set up, which aimed at preserving pedodiversity in upscaling soil maps by using geomatic techniques and the World Reference Base for soil resources (WRB). The main source of information was the soil system geodatabase of Italy, storing information of soil typological units and soilscapes at the 1:500,000 reference scale. Qualitative aggregation of soil taxa followed upscaling rules aimed at (i) maintaining the information about pedogenetic processes and (ii) grouping soilscapes showing recurrent patterns of soil forming processes. The upscaling methodology can be summarized in seven steps as follows: (1) soil forming processes selection, retrieved from soil typological units stored in the national database; (2) upscaling soil systems and creation of broad soil regions at 1:5,000,000 reference scale; (3) semantic upscaling of typological units to form taxa showing different soil forming processes; (4) ranking and associating soil forming processes; (5) geography upscaling of soil systems geometry to form polygons at 1:1,000,000 reference scale, called subregions; (6) ranking subregions according to their extension; (7) naming subregions by ranking the taxa according to the number of soil typological units.
The soil subregion map reported 47 map unit and 148 taxa, belonging to 22 reference soil group of WRB and showing from one to four qualifiers. Each map unit had from 2 to 18 taxa, for a total of 317 occurrences. Thirty taxa had 3 or more occurrences, while the remaining took place in one or two subregions only. Diversity indices scored a very high Shannon's H′=5.35 on an Hmax=5.76 for the whole country. The value of the Evenness index (E) was 0.93. The map of Shannon's H highlighted that the highest pedodiversity in Italy is preserved in the northernmost part of the Alps, in the coastal plains of Central and Southern Italy, and in some hilly lands of Central Italy. On the other hand, large plains of Northern Italy and mountainous areas of the Central and Southern Italy keep low pedodiversity. The comparison of the results with studies on vegetation diversity and land degradation and desertification suggested the existence of linkages between pedodiversity, biodiversity, and the current and past management of agricultural and forest ecosystems.
Display omitted
•Rules were established to upscale soil maps and aggregate WRB taxa.•A geomatic methodology permitted to preserve pedodiversity in upscaling.•The national soil map allowed calculation and comparison of pedodiversity indices.•The highest pedodiversity was in the Alps, Mediterranean coasts, some hilly lands.•Not all intensively cultivated agricultural lands showed low pedodiversity.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Objectives Disclosing information on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is a delicate process in oncology, although awareness levels have over time increased in people with cancer. However, ...individual characteristics should be considered when communicating difficult information. We conducted a multicentric study to explore the moderating role of coping styles on the relationship between information about cancer, quality of life and psychological distress. Methods In the period between October 2015 and February 2016, 288 patients with a diagnosis of a solid tumor were recruited from seven Italian oncology units. All participants were administered the Distress Thermometer (DT), the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), and the EORTC QLQ 25-item information module (INFO25). We explored the moderating effect of coping style with quality of life (QoL) and distress (DT) as dependent variables and information on cancer treatment as independent variable. Results Low levels of anxious preoccupation significantly moderated the relationship between information on treatment and QoL (R2 6%, p < 0.001), while low and medium levels of hopelessness significantly moderated the relationship between information on treatment and DT (R2 = 14%, p = 0.033). Adaptive coping strategies, such as fighting spirit and fatalism, and borderline strategies such as avoidance, did not play a role in this relationship. Conclusion Taking into account and evaluating coping mechanisms in cancer care is a priority when disclosing information on treatments, in order to tailor communication style to individual features.
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