The PIK3CA and SOX2 genes map at 3q26, a chromosomal region frequently amplified in head and neck cancers, which is associated with poor prognosis. This study explores the clinical significance of ...PIK3CA and SOX2 gene amplification in early tumorigenesis. Gene copy number was analyzed by real-time PCR in 62 laryngeal precancerous lesions and correlated with histopathological grading and laryngeal cancer risk. Amplification of the SOX2 and PIK3CA genes was frequently detected in 19 (31%) and 32 (52%) laryngeal dysplasias, respectively, and co-amplification in 18 (29%) cases. The PIK3CA and SOX2 amplifications were predominant in high-grade dysplasias and significantly associated with laryngeal cancer risk beyond histological criteria. Multivariable Cox analysis further revealed PIK3CA gene amplification as an independent predictor of laryngeal cancer development. Interestingly, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification allowed us to distinguish three cancer risk subgroups, and PIK3CA and SOX2 co-amplification was found the strongest predictor by ROC analysis. Our data demonstrate the clinical relevance of PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification in early laryngeal tumorigenesis. Remarkably, PIK3CA amplification was found to be an independent cancer predictor. Furthermore, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification is emerging as a valuable and easy-to-implement tool for cancer risk assessment in patients with laryngeal precancerous lesions beyond current WHO histological grading.
This paper presents an approach to the update of land-cover maps by classifying Remote Sensing (RS) images in an unsupervised way. The proposed method assumes that: i) an old thematic map is ...available; ii) no ground truth data are available; iii) the source used to generate the available thematic map is unknown. To classify the most recent RS image available on the considered area, the method automatically extracts from the considered land-cover map a "pseudo" training set. First, a preprocessing phase adapts the map to the properties of the RS data. Then, we perform an automatic "pseudo" training set identification to select the most reliable samples from the existing thematic map. Finally, a consistency check is defined to determine whether the inconsistencies between the updated and the original maps are due to real changes on the ground or classification errors. Experimental results obtained by updating the 2012 Corine Land Cover Map (CLC) in Trentino, Italy, using Sentinel 2 (S2) images confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Life cycle assessment of a LiFePO 4 cylindrical battery Botejara-Antúnez, Manuel; Prieto-Fernández, Alejandro; González-Domínguez, Jaime ...
Environmental science and pollution research international,
2024-Mar-01
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Reduction of the environmental impact, energy efficiency and optimization of material resources are basic aspects in the design and sizing of a battery. The objective of this study was to identify ...and characterize the environmental impact associated with the life cycle of a 7.47 Wh 18,650 cylindrical single-cell LiFePO
battery. Life cycle assessment (LCA), the SimaPro 9.1 software package, the Ecoinvent 3.5 database and the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment method were used for this purpose. Environmental impacts were modelled and quantified using the dual midpoint-endpoint approach and the "cradle-to-gate" model. The results showed the electrodes to be the battery components with the highest environmental impact (41.36% of the total), with the negative electrode being the most unfavourable (29.8 mPt). The ageing, calibration and testing process (53.97 mPt) accounts for 97.21% of the total impact associated with the production process's consumption of energy, and 41.20% of the total impact associated with the battery. This new knowledge will allow a more detailed view of the environmental impact of cylindrical cell LiFePO
batteries, favouring the identification of critical points to enhance their sustainable production.
Kids with autism often “see” the world differently than other kids do. They can have unique experiences of vision, hearing, taste, smell, or touch sensations. These sensory changes are often linked ...to behavior problems such as isolation, lack of interest, aggression, anxiety, depression, or lack of attention. We thought it would helpful if we could detect behavior problems that might not be obvious yet but are possible in the future. In our study, we used computer programs, based on a type of artificial intelligence called machine learning, to predict possible behavior problems based on how autistic kids receive sensations in their everyday lifes. Our programs analyze the answers to test questions about the way kids perceive the world through their senses, and these programs can then make reliable predictions of behavior problems before they arise. These early predictions allow families and doctors to be aware of and treat those problems early.
Precedent: Impairments in executive functioning may be associated with compulsive symptoms in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of ...cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and working memory in OCD patients, using emotional and non-emotional paradigms. Method: we reviewed research published in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scopus, Scielo, and ProQuest Psychology databases, from January 2008 to April 2019. The review followed a two-stage process. In the first stage, we selected only studies using neutral stimuli paradigms, while in the second we selected executive-emotional paradigms. Results: The first stage of the review provided 16 final results, while the second stage, with emotional stimuli, provided 3 results. Conclusions: There is some initial evidence for the existence of executive impairments in OCD, as expressed in the performance and/or processing of working memory inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. There is also initial evidence that these latter two could be modulated by the presentation or mental representation of negative valence stimuli or images, as well as the presence of aversive contingencies.
Precedent: Impairments in executive functioning may be associated with compulsive symptoms in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of ...cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and working memory in OCD patients, using emotional and non-emotional paradigms. Method: we reviewed research published in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scopus, Scielo, and ProQuest Psychology databases, from January 2008 to April 2019. The review followed a two-stage process. In the first stage, we selected only studies using neutral stimuli paradigms, while in the second we selected executive-emotional paradigms. Results: The first stage of the review provided 16 final results, while the second stage, with emotional stimuli, provided 3 results. Conclusions: There is some initial evidence for the existence of executive impairments in OCD, as expressed in the performance and/or processing of working memory inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. There is also initial evidence that these latter two could be modulated by the presentation or mental representation of negative valence stimuli or images, as well as the presence of aversive contingencies. Keywords: Obsessive compulsive disorder, inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, emotional. Antecedentes: las alteraciones en el funcionamiento ejecutivo podrian estar asociadas a los sintomas compulsivos del Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo (TOC). El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revision sistematica en flexibilidad cognitiva, control inhibitorio y memoria de trabajo en pacientes con TOC, empleando paradigmas emocionales y no emocionales. Metodo: revisamos investigaciones publicadas en PubMed, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Scopus, Scielo y ProQuest Psychology databases, desde enero de 2008 hasta abril de 2019. La revision siguio un proceso de dos etapas: la primera centrada en estudios con paradigmas ejecutivos neutros y la segunda con paradigmas ejecutivos emocionales. Resultados: la primera etapa de busqueda arrojo un resultado de 16 estudios, mientras que la segunda, con paradigmas emocionales, arrojo tres resultados. Conclusiones: a pesar de la escasa cantidad de investigacion, existen evidencias de alteraciones ejecutivas en TOC que se expresan en la ejecucion o en el procesamiento de memoria de trabajo, control inhibitorio y flexibilidad cognitiva. Tambien hay evidencias de que estos dos ultimos componentes podrian estar modulados por la presentacion o representacion mental de estimulos negativos, asi como por la presencia de contingencias aversivas. Palabras clave: Trastorno Obsesivo Compulsivo, control inhibitorio, memoria de trabajo, flexibilidad cognitiva, emocional.
Display omitted
•Cell-free DNA in liquid biopsy is a good surrogate to tumor biopsies in DLCBL.•It allows disease monitoring and early prediction of relapse.•Cell-free DNA somatic mutations and IgH ...rearrangements provide the best results.
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which is DNA released from cells into the circulation, is one of the most promising non-invasive biomarkers in cancer. This approach could be of interest for the management of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, which is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Then, the aim of this systematic review was to define the utility of cfDNA in this disease. Selected articles were classified in four groups, depending on the aspects of cfDNA studied, i.e. concentration, methylation, IgH gene rearrangements, and somatic mutations. While concentration and methylation of cfDNA need to be further analyzed, IgH gene rearrangements and somatic mutations seem to be the most promising biomarkers to date. Their detection has been shown to allow disease monitoring and early prediction of relapse. Although more efforts and standardization of techniques are needed, studying cfDNA in liquid biopsy may help improve the outcome of DLBCL patients.
A comparison of the pharmacokinetic profiles of netobimin (NTB), albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO) and albendazole sulfone (ABZSO2) was performed in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) with intra-abdominal ...hydatidosis and in healthy gerbils. The infection was developed after peritoneal inoculation of protoscolices of Echinooccus granulosus from sheep. Plasma concentrations of NTB, ABZSO and ABZSO2 were measured by HPLC after oral administration of 50 mg NTB kg(-1). The results showed an incomplete biotransformation of NTB over the experimental time; and this increased in infected animals. ABZSO and ABZSO2 pharmacokinetic profiles were unaffected and were similar in both non-infected and infected animals. Both hepatic and intestinal microsomal sulfoxidase activities were measured. Since infected gerbils induced hepatic activity and decreased intestinal activity, the total activity was not different in infected and non-infected animals. In summary, intra-abdominal hydatid disease affected the pharmacokinetic profile of NTB, but ABZSO and ABZSO2 plasma concentrations were not different in infected and non-infected gerbils.
PDF
