Diverse reductive dehalogenases are associated with Clostridiales-enriched microcosms dechlorinating 1,2-dichloroethane

The achievement of successful biostimulation of active microbiomes for the cleanup of a polluted site is strictly dependent on the knowledge of the key microorganisms equipped with the relevant catabolic genes responsible for the degradation process. In this work, we present the characterization of the bacterial community developed in anaerobic microcosms after biostimulation with the electron donor lactate of groundwater polluted with 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA). Through a multilevel analysis, we have assessed (i) the structural analysis of the bacterial community; (ii) the identification of putative dehalorespiring bacteria; (iii) the characterization of functional genes encoding for putative 1,2-DCA reductive dehalogenases (RDs). Following the biostimulation treatment, the structure of the bacterial community underwent a notable change of the main phylotypes, with the enrichment of representatives of the order Clostridiales. Through PCR targeting conserved regions within known RD genes, four novel variants of RDs previously associated with the reductive dechlorination of 1,2-DCA were identified in the metagenome of the Clostridiales-dominated bacterial community

Language as an identifier sing : educational challenges in the Genovese multicultural context

En el marco de una investigación que se está llevando a cabo en la\ud Universidad de Génova sobre las "lenguas inmigradas" en el contexto\ud escolar genovés, se han detectado nuevas necesidades lingüísticoeducativas,\ud que surgen a partir de la inserción de estudiantes latinoamericanos\ud en muchos colegios de la ciudad. Después de una breve\ud introducción, se describen algunas estrategias de enseñanza desarrolladas\ud para afrontar las exigencias de estos estudiantes, que difieren de\ud las que tienen quienes estudian español como lengua extranjera. Estas\ud estrategias, aplicadas con éxito en los EE.UU (Español para Hablantes\ud Nativos), han sido adaptadas teniendo en cuenta la tipología de\ud ambas lenguas en contacto. Posteriormente, se presentan los resultados\ud parciales de un estudio realizado en el ámbito de la escuela secundaria,\ud basado en el marco del método autobiográfico, que toma en\ud cuenta no solo la etapa de la migración, sino también la fase pre migratoria,\ud y pone el acento en algunos factores sociales, como la visión que\ud los entrevistados tienen de sí mismos y la actitud de la sociedad de\ud acogida ante estos nuevos ciudadanos, dos aspectos que guardan una\ud estrecha relación con el proceso de adaptación social y con la evolución\ud del aprendizaje en general.Within the frame of University of Genoa\ud research project dealing with "Immigrant Languages" in the local\ud scholar context, the research group has detected new linguistic and\ud educational needs, resulting from the school insertion of Latin American\ud students. After a brief introduction, the article describes the\ud development of teaching strategies to address the needs of such students,\ud which are different from those of native-Italian speaking students\ud studying Spanish as a foreign language. These strategies, successfully applied in the USA (Spanish for Native Speakers) have been\ud adapted according to the nature of the two languages in contact. The\ud second part of the article presents some preliminary results of a study\ud carried out in a High School, based on the framework of the autobiographical\ud method, which takes into consideration not only the migration\ud process, but also the pre-migratory phase, and stress the importance\ud of some social factors, such migrants' beliefs about themselves\ud and the attitude of the receiving society, two aspects strongly related\ud to the social adaptation process as well as learning improvements in\ud general

Effect and impact of fluid creep in intensive care unit patients receiving intravenous fluid therapy

LAUREA MAGISTRALELa somministrazione di fluidi è una delle terapie più comuni per i pazienti in terapia inten- siva. Tuttavia, un’eccessiva somministrazione di fluidi aumenta la mortalità dei pazienti, pertanto è consigliabile una corretta gestione dei fluidi somministrati. In questo contesto, per fluid creep si intende la quantità di fluidi endovenosi che i pazienti gravemente malati ricevono come diluente per i farmaci e per mantenere la pervietà dei cateteri, che con- tribuisce in modo significativo alla quantità complessiva di fluidi somministrati. Abbiamo condotto un’analisi retrospettiva monocentrica utilizzando il database MargheritaTre con l’obiettivo di identificare le variabili associate a un elevata somministrazione di fluid creep e abbiamo sviluppato un modello predittivo che stima il rischio del paziente in terapia intensiva di ricevere un elevato scorrimento dei fluidi; questo studio è stato condotto con- siderando due aspetti: prima lo scorrimento ricevuto nelle prime 24 ore di ammissione in terapia intensiva e poi lo scorrimento totale ricevuto dai pazienti durante la prima settimana di ricovero. Lo studio comprende 4786 pazienti che hanno ricevuto una media di 1,6 litri di fluidi nelle prime 24 ore e una media di 2,4 litri durante la prima setti- mana di ricovero. I risultati mostrano un’associazione significativa tra AKI sviluppato nelle prime 24 ore(P-value 0.015), sodio (P-value 0.029 ), bicarbonato (P-value 0.036), insufficienza respiratoria (P-value < 0.001), assenza di comorbidità (P-value < 0.001), dis- tubi dell’equilibrio metabolico (P-value 0.002), tumore senza metastasi (P-value 0.017), coma cerebrale (P-value 0.02), trauma (P-value 0.01), terapia anticoagulante (P-value 0.02), vasculopatia (P-value 0.03), tipo di chirurgia (P-value 0.04), shock settico (P-value < 0.001), trattamento intensivo (P-value < 0.01), creep nelle prime 24 ore (P-value < 0.001), frequenza cardiaca (P-value 0.028), anomalie del tratta respiratorio (P-value < 0.01), schock misto (P-value 0.003), trattamento intensivo (P-value 0.024), BPCO (P- value 0.025), AKI a diuresi non conservativa (P-value 0.029), shock ipovolemico (P-value 0.027), malattia polmonare cronica lieve (P-value 0.045) and vasculopatia cerebrale (P- value 0.048). I migliori risultati della predizione di machine learning per il primo giorno e per la prima settimana hanno mostrato rispettivamente un’accuratezza di 0,71 e 0.80 sul set di test nascosto nel prevedere i pazienti a rischio di ricevere un elevato fluid creep. In conclusione, questo studio indaga il ruolo di diverse variabili nell’essere associate a un elevato fluid creep sia durantele prime 24 ore sia durante la prima settimana e mostra un modello promettente per identificare i pazienti a maggior rischio di ricevere elevata fluid creep.The administration of fluids is one of the most common therapies for patients in inten- sive care. However, excessive fluid administration increases patient mortality; therefore, proper management of administered fluids is advisable. In this context, fluid creep refers to the amount of intravenous fluids that critically ill patients receive as a diluent for med- ications and to maintain catheter patency, which significantly contributes to the overall quantity of administered fluids. We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis using the MargheritaTre database with the aim of identifying variables associated with high fluid creep administration and developed a predictive model that estimates the risk of intensive care patients receiving high fluid creep. This study considered two aspects: first, the fluid received in the first 24 hours of intensive care admission, and second, the total fluid received by patients during the first week of hospitalization. The study includes 4786 patients who received an average of 1.6 liters of fluids in the first 24 hours and an average of 2.4 liters during the first week of hospitalization. The results show a significant association with AKI developed within the first 24 hours (P-value 0.015), sodium (P-value 0.029), bicarbonate (P-value 0.036), respiratory failure (P-value < 0.001), absence of comorbidities (P-value < 0.001), metabolic balance disorder (P-value 0.002), tumor without metastasis (P-value 0.017), organic brain coma (P-value 0.02), trauma (P-value 0.01), antiplatelet therapy (P-value 0.02), vasculopathy (P-value 0.03), surgery (P-value 0.04), septic shock (P-value < 0.001), intensive treatment (P- value < 0.01), creep within the first 24 hours (P-value < 0.001), heart rate (P-value 0.028), respiratory abonrmalities (P-value < 0.01), mixed shock (P-value 0.003), intensive treatment (P-value 0.024), COPD (P-value 0.025), AKI with non-conservative diuresis (P- value 0.029), hypovolemic shock (P-value 0.027), mild chronic pulmonary disease (P-value 0.045), and cerebral vasculopathy (P-value 0.048). The best machine learning prediction results for the first day and the first week showed respectively an accuracy of 0.71 and 0.80 on the hidden test set in predicting patients at risk of receiving high fluid creep. In conclusion, this study investigates the role of various variables associated with high fluid creep both during the first 24 hours and during the first week and demonstrates an exemplary model for identifying patients at higher risk of receiving fluid creep

Intercalation of Hydrotalcites with Hexacyanoferrate(II) and (III)-a ThermoRaman Spectroscopic Study

Raman spectroscopy using a hot stage indicates that the intercalation of hexacyanoferrate(II) and (III) in the interlayer space of a Mg,Al hydrotalcites leads to layered solids where the intercalated species is both hexacyanoferrate(II) and (III). Raman spectroscopy shows that depending on the oxidation state of the initial hexacyanoferrate partial oxidation and reduction takes place upon intercalation. For the hexacyanoferrate(III) some partial reduction occurs during synthesis. The symmetry of the hexacyanoferrate decreases from Oh existing for the free anions to D3d in the hexacyanoferrate interlayered hydrotalcite complexes. Hot stage Raman spectroscopy reveals the oxidation of the hexacyanoferrate(II) to hexacyanoferrate(III) in the hydrotalcite interlayer with the removal of the cyanide anions above 250 °C. Thermal treatment causes the loss of CN ions through the observation of a band at 2080 cm-1. The hexacyanoferrate (III) interlayered Mg,Al hydrotalcites decomposes above 150 °C

CMDM: un método conceptual para la especificación de bases multidimensionales

En los últimos años, el área de Data Warehouse y Aplicaciones OLAP ha tenido un desarrollo importante. En este tipo de aplicaciones, se construye una base de datos con visión multidimensional de la realidad. A pesar del amplio desarrollo del área, aún no hay mecanismos de especificación de este tipo de sistemas que permita tener en cuenta la mayor parte de los detalles relevantes de una determinada porción de la realidad. Las especificaciones relacionales [Kim 96] dejan de lado algunos aspectos multidimensionales tales como la dimensionalidad genérica [Cod 93]. Las especificaciones multidimensionales que manejan la dimensionalidad genérica, contemplan los aspectos de carga y/o limpieza de los datos desde datos de un nivel inferior de una forma externa al modelo o directamente, no los contemplan. Pocas propuestas son capaces de permitir la especificación de qué manipulaciones están autorizadas y cuales no, sobre determinado aspecto de la realidad. En este trabajo, se presenta un modelo que permite la especificación detallada de una base de datos multidimensional. Esta especificación se construye mediante un lenguaje gráfico que permite describir las estructuras de datos y algunas restricciones de integridad, y un lenguaje de restricciones de integridad que permite dar una descripción precisa de las relaciones entre los datos

Abnormal liver function tests as predictors of adverse maternal outcomes in women with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether (1) the absolute magnitude of liver function test values, (2) the percentage change in liver function test values over time, or (3) the rate of change in liver function test values over time predicts adverse maternal outcomes in women with preeclampsia. METHODS: We used data from the PIERS (Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of RiSk) study, a prospective multicentre cohort study assessing predictors of adverse maternal outcomes in women with preeclampsia. Women with at least one liver function test performed at the time of hospital admission were included. Liver functions were tested by serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin, total bilirubin, and the international normalized prothrombin time ratio. Parameters investigated were absolute levels, change within 48 hours of hospital admission, change from admission to delivery or outcome, and rate of change from admission to delivery or outcome of each liver function test. The ability of these parameters to predict adverse outcomes was assessed using logistic regression analyses and by calculating the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Of the 2008 women, 1056 (53%) had at least one abnormal liver function test result. The odds of having an adverse maternal outcome were higher in women with any abnormal liver function test than in women with normal results. When test results were stratified into quartiles, women with results in the highest quartile (lowest quartile for albumin) were at higher risk of adverse outcomes than women in the lowest quartile for all parameters (highest for albumin). The absolute magnitude of AST, ALT, and LDH predicted adverse maternal outcomes (AST: ROC AUC 0.73 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.97]; ALT: ROC AUC 0.73 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.79]; LDH: ROC AUC 0.74 [95% CI 0.68 to 0.81]). Neither change of liver function test results, within 48 hours of admission or from admission to delivery or outcome, nor rate of change were predictive. CONCLUSION: We found abnormal liver function test results to be associated with an increased risk for adverse maternal outcomes. Levels of AST, ALT, and LDH were found to be modestly predictive of these outcomes

Evaluation of agri-environmental measures in the Venice Lagoon Watershed. Nitrogen budgets and surplus indicators

One of the main concerns of the environmental scientists and policy makers is related to the environmental compatibility of current agricultural systems and, in particular, to the losses of chemical fertilizers and manure in surface and ground-waters, as a consequence of run-off and leaching phenomena. In most cases European recent agrienvironmental schemes envisaged specific measures for the reduction of fertilizer rates and the control of manure applications, in order to limit the releases of nutrients in surface and ground-waters. Substantial financial resources are invested in those measures and therefore the issue raises interest in monitoring and evaluating their effectiveness. Nutrient balance indicators are often used for quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of the measures in limiting the environmental impact of farming activities. N-surplus is one of the most commonly used indicators. The paper refers the results of a research project aimed at assessing the outcomes of agri-environmental measures implemented in the Venice Lagoon Watershed with an approach based upon the gross nitrogen balance, called "Nboxes". The results of applying the Nboxes procedure to a sample of 550 farms set are presented, evidencing the expectations of greater effectiveness in terms of nitrogen surplus reduction from the measure C.5.1.3a and C.5.1.3b (low input farming and buffer strips). Measures supporting improved irrigation systems, controlled drainage and more rational livestock nutritional programmes and technologies, showed instead only limited potential for tangible contributions to the reduction of nitrogen surplus in cultivated soils

Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteraemia complicating rotavirus gastroenteritis in two infants with glucocorticoid deficiency

Rotavirus gastroenteritis was complicated by Klebsiella Pneumoniae bacteraemia in two infants with glucocorticoid deficient conditions who were treated with 'stress dose' hydrocortisone during their illness. Delayed healing in the context of glucocorticoid administration combined with damage from rotavirus infection may result in increased risk of mucosal invasion by gastrointestinal bacteria and subsequent enteric gram-negative bacteraemia

The Use of Experts’ Judgements to Assess Agri- Environmental Policies in the Venice Lagoon Watershed: a Bayesian Network Approach

Expert elicitation processes are increasingly applied in environmental management, to deal with complex phenomena characterised by lack or scarcity of data. Information obtained from carefully defined elicitation protocols can overcome uncertainty limits and support decision-making processes. The work illustrates the potentials of an innovative methodological framework, built upon the integrated use of specific tools, such as cognitive maps and Bayesian networks (BNs). The methodology was applied to the Venice Lagoon Watershed (VLW) case study, to assess agri-environmental measures, adopted to reduce nitrogen diffuse pollution of water. The framework consisted of two main phases, both built upon processes eliciting judgments from experts. The first phase aimed at gaining a clear understanding of the problem, categorising the main factors of the system into a shared cognitive map, built during an interactive group elicitation exercise. The second phase focused on the construction of a BN, representing the probabilities of relationships between the variables of the system and assessing the effects of different measures on the environment. The Conditional Probability Tables (CPTs) underlying each node of the BN was populated with probabilities elicited through specific questionnaires. To minimize the elements of bias in the estimation of the experts, both processes of engagement of the experts were formalised, choosing the most indicated tools and procedures, into carefully designed protocols. The results of the research highlighted the potential of the methodology to incorporate the uncertainty in multidisciplinary and participatory contexts, for ex-ante and ex-post policy assessments. This methodology allows the integration of the available knowledge and of the uncertainty that characterise it, giving the possibility of knowledge updating whenever new information become available