Showing papers by "University of Modena and Reggio Emilia published in 2007"
University of Manchester1, University of Barcelona2, St George's Hospital3, University of Marburg4, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio5, Imperial College London6, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia7, University of Michigan8, Hokkaido University9, University of British Columbia10
TL;DR: It is recommended that spirometry is required for the clinical diagnosis of COPD to avoid misdiagnosis and to ensure proper evaluation of severity of airflow limitation.
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a major public health problem. It is the fourth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in the United States, and is projected to rank fifth in 2020 in burden of disease worldwide, according to a study published by the World Bank/World Health Organization. Yet, COPD remains relatively unknown or ignored by the public as well as public health and government officials. In 1998, in an effort to bring more attention to COPD, its management, and its prevention, a committed group of scientists encouraged the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the World Health Organization to form the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Among the important objectives of GOLD are to increase awareness of COPD and to help the millions of people who suffer from this disease and die prematurely of it or its complications. The first step in the GOLD program was to prepare a consensus report, Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of COPD, published in 2001. The present, newly revised document follows the same format as the original consensus report, but has been updated to reflect the many publications on COPD that have appeared. GOLD national leaders, a network of international experts, have initiated investigations of the causes and prevalence of COPD in their countries, and developed innovative approaches for the dissemination and implementation of COPD management guidelines. We appreciate the enormous amount of work the GOLD national leaders have done on behalf of their patients with COPD. Despite the achievements in the 5 years since the GOLD report was originally published, considerable additional work is ahead of us if we are to control this major public health problem. The GOLD initiative will continue to bring COPD to the attention of governments, public health officials, health care workers, and the general public, but a concerted effort by all involved in health care will be necessary.
17,023 citations
Duke University1, University of Lausanne2, University of Zurich3, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University4, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia5, University College London6, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart7, King's College London8, Murdoch University9, University of Barcelona10, University of Copenhagen11, University of Geneva12, Harvard University13, John Radcliffe Hospital14
TL;DR: Using a whole-genome association strategy, polymorphisms that explain nearly 15% of the variation among individuals in viral load during the asymptomatic set-point period of infection are identified.
Abstract: Understanding why some people establish and maintain effective control of HIV-1 and others do not is a priority in the effort to develop new treatments for HIV/AIDS. Using a whole-genome association strategy, we identified polymorphisms that explain nearly 15% of the variation among individuals in viral load during the asymptomatic set-point period of infection. One of these is found within an endogenous retroviral element and is associated with major histocompatibility allele human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*5701, whereas a second is located near the HLA-C gene. An additional analysis of the time to HIV disease progression implicated two genes, one of which encodes an RNA polymerase I subunit. These findings emphasize the importance of studying human genetic variation as a guide to combating infectious agents.
1,230 citations
TL;DR: Data show that myogenic precursors, distinct from satellite cells, are associated with microvascular walls in the human skeletal muscle, may represent a correlate of embryonic 'mesoangioblasts' present after birth and may be a promising candidate for future cell-therapy protocols in patients.
Abstract: Cells derived from blood vessels of human skeletal muscle can regenerate skeletal muscle, similarly to embryonic mesoangioblasts. However, adult cells do not express endothelial markers, but instead express markers of pericytes, such as NG2 proteoglycan and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and can be prospectively isolated from freshly dissociated ALP(+) cells. Unlike canonical myogenic precursors (satellite cells), pericyte-derived cells express myogenic markers only in differentiated myotubes, which they form spontaneously with high efficiency. When transplanted into severe combined immune deficient-X-linked, mouse muscular dystrophy (scid-mdx) mice, pericyte-derived cells colonize host muscle and generate numerous fibres expressing human dystrophin. Similar cells isolated from Duchenne patients, and engineered to express human mini-dystrophin, also give rise to many dystrophin-positive fibres in vivo. These data show that myogenic precursors, distinct from satellite cells, are associated with microvascular walls in the human skeletal muscle, may represent a correlate of embryonic 'mesoangioblasts' present after birth and may be a promising candidate for future cell-therapy protocols in patients.
961 citations
TL;DR: This study highlights the need to understand more fully the rationale behind the continued use of these devices, as well as the importance of knowing when and how often these devices are used.
Abstract: Summary Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Metabolic syndrome is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events. Objective To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis. Methods We performed a hospital-based case‐control study on 338 adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 334 patients with skin diseases other than psoriasis. Results Metabolic syndrome was significantly more common in psoriatic patients than in controls (30AE1% vs. 20AE6%, odds ratio 1AE65, 95% confidence interval 1AE16‐2AE35; P= 0AE005) after the age of 40 years. Psoriatic patients also had a higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia and abdominal obesity, whereas hyperglycaemia, arterial hypertension and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol plasma levels were similar. Although psoriasis patients were more frequently smokers, the association of psoriasis with metabolic syndrome was independent from smoking. There was no correlation between severity of psoriasis and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Psoriatic patients with metabolic syndrome were older and had a longer disease duration compared with psoriatic patients without metabolic syndrome. Conclusion Psoriatic patients have a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, which can favour cardiovascular events. We suggest psoriatic patients should be encouraged to correct aggressively their modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
615 citations
TL;DR: The term chronic systemic infl ammatory syndrome is proposed to be added to the diagnosis of COPD to stimulate discussion around the frequent complex chronic comorbidities in people with COPD and to provoke a new view of the disease in general.
606 citations
TL;DR: It is speculated that the progression of diastolic dysfunction plays a key role in the development of heart failure symptoms in persons with hypertensive heart disease.
Abstract: Background— Mechanisms purported to contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFnlEF) include diastolic dysfunction, vascular and left ventricular systolic s...
510 citations
TL;DR: New diagnostic models showed no significant improvement compared with the previously proposed confocal microscopy algorithm and seems useful for second level examination of clinically and dermoscopically equivocal lesions.
394 citations
TL;DR: Addition of MR imaging to the screening regimen for high-risk women may enable detection of otherwise unsuspected breast cancers.
Abstract: Purpose: To prospectively compare clinical breast examination (CBE), mammography, ultrasonography (US), and contrast material–enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for screening women at genetic-familial high risk for breast cancer and report interim results, with pathologic findings as standard. Materials and Methods: Institutional review board of each center approved the research; informed written consent was obtained. CBE, mammography, US, and MR imaging were performed for yearly screening of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers, first-degree relatives of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers, or women enrolled because of a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer (three or more events in first- or second-degree relatives in either maternal or paternal line; these included breast cancer in women younger than 60 years, ovarian cancer at any age, and male breast cancer at any age). Results: Two hundred seventy-eight women (mean age, 46 years ± 12 [standard deviation]) were enrolled. Breast cancer was ...
348 citations
TL;DR: In a larger and more homogeneous series than in previous studies, exploratory data suggest that mCRC patients with tumors distinguishable by FISH analysis of EGFR as homogenously disomic or with low chromosome 7 polysomy have a reduced likelihood of response to panitumumab.
Abstract: Purpose In a previous cohort study, we proposed that responsiveness of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) to anti–epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies has a genetic basis, being associated with increased EGFR gene copy number (GCN) as measured by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in individual tumors. The present study was aimed at assessing the predictive role of EGFR GCN, in terms of clinical outcome, in patients treated with panitumumab. Patients and Methods Patients with mCRC refractory to standard therapies were a subset of patients from a phase III trial of panitumumab plus best supportive care (BSC; n = 58) versus BSC alone (n = 34) who were selected on the basis of availability of tumor samples adequate for FISH. Results In patients treated with panitumumab, a mean EGFR GCN of less than 2.5/nucleus or less than 40% of tumor cells displaying chromosome 7 polysomy within the tumor predicted for shorter progression-free survival (PFS; P = .039 and P = .029, respectiv...
317 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that both in vivo and in vitro STAT3 is the key transcription factor responsible for IL-6 activation of hepcidin gene expression in the liver.
301 citations
TL;DR: A strong correlation between serum AMH levels and ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation is demonstrated and for the first time, clinicians may have a reliable serum marker of ovarian response that can be measured independently of the day of the menstrual cycle.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recently, a new marker, the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), has been evaluated as a marker of ovarian response. Serum AMH levels have been measured at frequent time-points during the menstrual cycle, suggesting the complete absence of fluctuation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum AMH measurement on any day of the menstrual cycle could predict ovarian response in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). METHODS: This study included 48 women attending the IVF/ICSI programme. Blood withdrawal for AMH measurement was performed in all the patients independently of the day of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Women in the lowest AMH quartile ( 7 ng/ml). All the cancelled cycles due to absent response were in the group of the lowest AMH quartile, whereas the cancelled cycles due to risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were in the group of the highest AMH quartile. This study demonstrated a strong correlation between serum AMH levels and ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation. CONCLUSION: For the first time, clinicians may have a reliable serum marker of ovarian response that can be measured independently of the day of the menstrual cycle.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that inactivation of two ovarian somatic factors, Wnt4 and Foxl2, produces testis differentiation in XX mice, resulting in the formation of testis tubules and spermatogonia.
Abstract: The discovery that the SRY gene induces male sex in humans and other mammals led to speculation about a possible equivalent for female sex. However, only partial effects have been reported for candidate genes experimentally tested so far. Here we demonstrate that inactivation of two ovarian somatic factors, Wnt4 and Foxl2, produces testis differentiation in XX mice, resulting in the formation of testis tubules and spermatogonia. These genes are thus required to initiate or maintain all major aspects of female sex determination in mammals. The two genes are independently expressed and show complementary roles in ovary morphogenesis. In addition, forced expression of Foxl2 impairs testis tubule differentiation in XY transgenic mice, and germ cell-depleted XX mice lacking Foxl2 and harboring a Kit mutation undergo partial female-to-male sex reversal. The results are all consistent with an anti-testis role for Foxl2. The data suggest that the relative autonomy of the action of Foxl2, Wnt4 and additional ovarian factor(s) in the mouse should facilitate the dissection of their respective contributions to female sex determination.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of rodent brain subtypes is presented by discussing their subunit composition, pharmacology and localisation and, when possible, comparing them with the same subtypes present in the brain of other mammalian species or chick.
French Institute of Health and Medical Research1, University of Pittsburgh2, University of Melbourne3, University of Amsterdam4, Laval University5, University of Leicester6, University of Wisconsin-Madison7, Washington University in St. Louis8, Karolinska University Hospital9, Karolinska Institutet10, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia11, University of Southampton12, University of Paris-Sud13, Athens State University14, Ghent University Hospital15, Brigham and Women's Hospital16, Leiden University Medical Center17
TL;DR: Ass statements according to the literature defining SRA are presented in order to address the important questions and improve the understanding of mechanisms, natural history, and prognosis.
Abstract: The term severe refractory asthma (SRA) in adults applies to patients who remain difficult to control despite extensive re-evaluation of diagnosis and management following an observational period of at least 6 months by a specialist. Factors that influence asthma control should be recognized and adequately addressed prior to confirming the diagnosis of SRA. This report presents statements according to the literature defining SRA in order address the important questions. Phenotyping SRA will improve our understanding of mechanisms, natural history, and prognosis. Female gender, obesity, and smoking are associated with SRA. Atopy is less frequent in SRA, but occupational sensitizers are common inducers of new-onset SRA. Viruses contribute to severe exacerbations and can persist in the airways for long periods. Inflammatory cells are in the airways of the majority of patients with SRA and persist despite steroid therapy. The T(H)2 immune process alone is inadequate to explain SRA. Reduced responsiveness to corticosteroids is common, and epithelial cell and smooth muscle abnormalities are found, contributing to airway narrowing. Large and small airway wall thickening is observed, but parenchymal abnormalities may influence airway limitation. Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators are the mainstay of treatment, but patients with SRA remain uncontrolled, indicating a need for new therapies.
TL;DR: Fecal culture experiments demonstrated that the addition of B. adolescentis MB 239 may increase the folate concentration in the colonic environment.
Abstract: The ability of 76 Bifidobacterium strains to produce folate was investigated. In order to evaluate folic acid productivity, bifidobacteria were cultivated in the folate-free semisynthetic medium SM7. Most of the tested strains needed folate for growth. The production and the extent of vitamin accumulation were not a function of species but were distinctive features of individual strains. Six strains among the 17 that grew without folate produced significantly higher concentrations of vitamin (between 41 and 82 ng ml(-1)). The effects of exogenous folate and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) concentrations on folate production were evaluated. In contrast to most of the other strains, the folate yield of B. adolescentis MB 239 was not negatively affected by either PABA or exogenous folic acid. Folate production by B. adolescentis MB 239 was studied in the pH range of the colonic environment, and a comparison of folate production on raffinose, lactose, and fructo-oligosaccharides, which belong to three important groups of fermentable intestinal carbon sources, was established. Differences in folate biosynthesis by B. adolescentis MB 239 were not observed as a function either of the pH or of the carbon source. Fecal culture experiments demonstrated that the addition of B. adolescentis MB 239 may increase the folate concentration in the colonic environment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the feasibility and dimensional accuracy of two rapid casting (RC) solutions based on 3D printing technology were evaluated, namely investment casting starting from 3D printed starch patterns and the ZCast process for the production of cavities for light-alloys castings.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to verify the feasibility and evaluate the dimensional accuracy of two rapid casting (RC) solutions based on 3D printing technology: investment casting starting from 3D‐printed starch patterns and the ZCast process for the production of cavities for light‐alloys castings.Design/methodology/approach – Starting from the identification and design of a benchmark, technological prototypes were produced with the two RC processes. Measurements on a coordinate measuring machine allowed calculating the dimensional tolerances of the proposed technological chains. The predictive performances of computer aided engineering (CAE) software were verified when applied to the ZCast process modelling.Findings – The research proved that both the investigated RC solutions are effective in obtaining cast technological prototypes in short times and with low costs, with dimensional tolerances that are completely consistent with metal casting processes.Practical implications – The research a...
TL;DR: It is found that AAV2/8 and AAV1/7 and the rhodopsin promoter provide the highest levels of photoreceptor transduction both in and ex vivo and that this may overcome the limitation to therapeutic success observed so far in models of inherited severe photoreceptors.
Abstract: Severe inherited retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis, are caused by mutations in genes preferentially expressed in photoreceptors. While adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer can correct retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) defects in animal models, approaches for the correction of photoreceptor-specific diseases are less efficient. We evaluated the ability of novel AAV serotypes (AAV2/7, AAV2/8, AAV2/9, AAV2rh.43, AAV2rh.64R1, and AAV2hu.29R) in combination with constitutive or photoreceptor-specific promoters to improve photoreceptor transduction, a limiting step in photoreceptor rescue. Based on a qualitative analysis, all AAV serotypes tested efficiently transduce the RPE as well as rod and cone photoreceptors after subretinal administration in mice. Interestingly, AAV2/9 efficiently transduces Muller cells. To compare photoreceptor transduction from different AAVs and promoters in both a qualitative and quantitative manner, we designed a strategy based on the use of a bicistronic construct expressing both enhanced green fluorescent protein and luciferase. We found that AAV2/8 and AAV2/7 mediate six- to eightfold higher levels of in vivo photoreceptor transduction than AAV2/5, considered so far the most efficient AAV serotype for photoreceptor targeting. In addition, following subretinal administration of AAV, the rhodopsin promoter allows significantly higher levels of photoreceptor expression than the other ubiquitous or photoreceptor-specific promoters tested. Finally, we show that AAV2/7, AAV2/8, and AAV2/9 outperform AAV2/5 following ex vivo transduction of retinal progenitor cells differentiated into photoreceptors. We conclude that AAV2/7 or AAV2/8 and the rhodopsin promoter provide the highest levels of photoreceptor transduction both in and ex vivo and that this may overcome the limitation to therapeutic success observed so far in models of inherited severe photoreceptor diseases.
TL;DR: The aim of the present paper is to outline the most recent evidence concerning extrahepatic disorders that are possibly associated with Hepatitis C Virus infection and discuss the most appropriate clinical approaches to be adopted.
TL;DR: Genes involved in hematopoietic and immune system development are targeted at high frequency and enriched in hot spots, suggesting that the CD34(+) gene expression program is instrumental in directing RV integration.
TL;DR: Gene transfer into HSCs is an effective treatment for SCID, although potentially limited by the risk of insertional mutagenesis, andGene-dense regions, promoters, and transcriptionally active genes were preferred retroviral integrations sites (RISs) both in preinfusion transduced CD34(+) cells and in vivo after gene therapy.
Abstract: Gene transfer into HSCs is an effective treatment for SCID, although potentially limited by the risk of insertional mutagenesis. We performed a genome-wide analysis of retroviral vector integrations in genetically corrected HSCs and their multilineage progeny before and up to 47 months after transplantation into 5 patients with adenosine deaminase–deficient SCID. Gene-dense regions, promoters, and transcriptionally active genes were preferred retroviral integrations sites (RISs) both in preinfusion transduced CD34+ cells and in vivo after gene therapy. The occurrence of insertion sites proximal to protooncogenes or genes controlling cell growth and self renewal, including LMO2, was not associated with clonal selection or expansion in vivo. Clonal analysis of long-term repopulating cell progeny in vivo revealed highly polyclonal T cell populations and shared RISs among multiple lineages, demonstrating the engraftment of multipotent HSCs. These data have important implications for the biology of retroviral vectors, the dynamics of genetically modified HSCs, and the safety of gene therapy.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the neural ganglioside GD2 is expressed by MSCs either newly isolated from bone marrow or expanded in tissue culture; this finding was supported by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showing expression of the mRNA forGD2 synthase, an essential enzyme for GD2 biosynthesis.
University of Miami1, University of Hong Kong2, Charité3, University of California, San Francisco4, University of Milan5, Hannover Medical School6, Goethe University Frankfurt7, Université de Montréal8, University of Pittsburgh9, University of Padua10, University of Michigan11, University of Genoa12, University of Tennessee13, Mayo Clinic14, University of Kentucky15, Auckland City Hospital16, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia17, Université catholique de Louvain18, University of Pisa19, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center20, Leipzig University21, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital22, University College London23, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust24, Ghent University25, Royal Adelaide Hospital26, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center27, Toronto General Hospital28, Scripps Health29, University of Alberta30, University of Santiago de Compostela31, Sapienza University of Rome32, University of Hamburg33, University of Iowa34, Virginia Commonwealth University35, University of Melbourne36, University of Udine37, University of Bologna38, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich39, Erasmus University Rotterdam40
TL;DR: Adefovir dipivoxil is effective and safe in wait‐listed or post–liver transplantation chronic hepatitis B patients with lamivudine‐resistant HBV and prevents graft reinfection with or without HBIg.
TL;DR: It is found that AILTs are closer to activated CD4(+), rather than to resting or CD8(+) lymphocytes, and that nuclear factor-kappaB activation is uncommon in AILT, as suggested by frequent exclusively cytoplasmic c-REL localization.
Abstract: Angioimmunoblastic lymphoma (AILT) is the second most common subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and is characterized by dismal prognosis. Thus far, only a few studies have dealt with its molecular pathogenesis. We performed gene expression profile (GEP) analysis of six AILT, six anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL), 28 PTCL-unspecified (PTCL/U), and 20 samples of normal T lymphocytes (including CD4 + , CD8 + , and activated and resting subpopulations), aiming to ( a ) assess the relationship of AILT with other PTCLs, ( b ) establish the relationship between AILT and normal T-cell subsets, and ( c ) recognize the cellular programs deregulated in AILT possibly looking for novel potential therapeutic targets. First, we found that AILT and other PTCLs have rather similar GEP, possibly sharing common oncogenic pathways. Second, we found that AILTs are closer to activated CD4 + , rather than to resting or CD8 + lymphocytes. Furthermore, we found that the molecular signature of follicular T helper cells was significantly overexpressed in AILT, reinforcing the idea that AILT may arise from such cellular counterpart. Finally, we identified several genes deregulated in AILT, including PDGFRA, REL , and VEGF . The expression of several molecules was then studied by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays containing 45 independent AILT cases. Notably, we found that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was expressed not only by reactive cells, but also by neoplastic cells, and that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation is uncommon in AILT, as suggested by frequent exclusively cytoplasmic c-REL localization. Our study provides new relevant information on AILT biology and new candidates for possible therapeutic targets such as PDGFRA (platelet-derived growth factor α) and VEGF. [Cancer Res 2007;67(22):10703–10]
TL;DR: Pharmacological evidence is given that g7-Np are able to cross the Blood Brain Barrier, ensuring, for the first time, a sustained release of the embedded drug, and that these Np are unable to reach all the brain areas here examined.
TL;DR: In this paper, the antioxidant properties of traditional balsamic vinegar as regards its phenolic and flavonoid content comparing it to selected vinegars and red wines have been investigated.
TL;DR: The results suggest that IL-8 increases cell proliferation in NSCLC cell lines via transactivation of the EGFR and that this mechanism involves metalloproteinase activity.
TL;DR: The recognition of the endocrine nature of hemochromatosis suggests intriguing possibilities for new and more effective approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
TL;DR: The data support the need to consider high-risk patients after complete surgical resection for treatment with the best available approach, and show that the incidence of GIST in Northern Italy is comparable to that reported in other European countries.
Abstract: Although the diagnostic criteria and pathogenesis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) have recently been elucidated, knowledge of the epidemiology of this malignancy is still limited. This study examined the incidence of GIST in the province of Modena, including pathologic features and clinical outcome. Gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors identified by the Modena Cancer Registry between 1991 and 2004 were analyzed with an immunohistochemical panel that included staining for CD-117 and PDGFRα. Size, mitotic rate, and other pathologic parameters were recorded. Each tumor was categorized into National Institutes of Health risk categories (very low, low, intermediate, and high risk). One hundred twenty-four cases were classified as GIST. The age-adjusted incidence rate was 6.6 per million. Seventy-five percent of patients were symptomatic; 34% had a previous or concomitant history of cancer. High-risk features were present in 47% of cases. Seventy-eight percent were submitted to radical surgery. After complete resection, the 5-year disease-free survival rates were 94%, 92%, 100%, and 40% for patients at very low, low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. In multivariate analysis, high risk was the main predictor of recurrence. This population-based study shows that the incidence of GIST in Northern Italy is comparable to that reported in other European countries. Survival was favorable in lower risk categories and in most of the resected cases. In our study, resected patients at very low, low, and intermediate risk had a similar outcome. Our data support the need to consider high-risk patients after complete surgical resection for treatment with the best available approach.
TL;DR: High level of permanence of the antibacterial activity of the coated films was demonstrated by repeatedly washing the samples in warm water or by immersion in physiological saline solution at 37 degrees C for 3 days, and the release of silver ions per square meter of coating is very similar to that previously observed for polyamides filled with metallic silver nanoparticles.
TL;DR: A novel technique of warping people's silhouette is proposed to exchange visual information between partially overlapped cameras whenever a camera handover occurs and a multi‐client and multi‐threaded transcoding video server delivers live video streams to operators/remote users in order to check the validity of a received alarm.
Abstract: In-house video surveillance can represent an excellent support for people with some difficulties (e.g. elderly or disabled people) living alone and with a limited autonomy. New hardware technologies and in particular digital cameras are now affordable and they have recently gained credit as tools for (semi-) automatically assuring people's safety. In this paper a multi-camera vision system for detecting and tracking people and recognizing dangerous behaviours and events such as a fall is presented. In such a situation a suitable alarm can be sent, e.g. by means of an SMS. A novel technique of warping people's silhouette is proposed to exchange visual information between partially overlapped cameras whenever a camera handover occurs. Finally, a multi-client and multi-threaded transcoding video server delivers live video streams to opera- tors=remote users in order to check the validity of a received alarm. Semantic and event-based transcoding algorithms are used to optimize the bandwidth usage. A two-room setup has been created in our laboratory to test the performance of the overall system and some of the results obtained are reported.