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Neurotypical individuals have subjective sensitivity differences that may overlap with more heavily studied clinical populations. However, it is not known whether these subjective differences in sensory sensitivity are modality specific, or lead to behavioral shifts. In our experiment, we measured the oral touch sensitivity and food texture awareness differences in two neurotypical groups having either a high or low subjective sensitivity in touch modality. To measure oral touch sensitivity, individuals performed discrimination tasks across three types of stimuli (liquid, semisolid, and solid). Next, they performed two sorting exercises for two texture-centric food products: cookies and crackers. The stimuli that required low oral processing (liquid) were discriminated at higher rates by participants with high subjective sensitivity. Additionally, discrimination strategies between several foods in the same product space were different across the groups, and each group used attributes other than food texture as differentiating characteristics. The results show subjective touch sensitivity influences behavior (sensitivity and awareness). However, we show that the relationship between subjective touch sensitivity and behavior generalizes beyond just touch to other sensory modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habituation, or decreased behavioral response, to odors is created by repeated exposure and several detailed characteristics, whereas adaptation relates to the neural processes that constitute this decrease in a behavioral response. As with all senses, the olfactory system continually encounters an enormous variety of odorants which is why mechanisms must exist to segment them and respond to changes. Although most olfactory habitation studies have focused on animal models, this non-systematic review provides an overview of olfactory habituation and adaptation in humans, and techniques that have been used to measure them. Thus far, psychophysics in combination with modern techniques of neural measurement indicate that habituation to odors, or decrease of intensity, is relatively fast with adaptation occurring more quickly at higher cerebral processes than peripheral adaptation. Similarly, it has been demonstrated that many of the characteristics of habitation apply to human olfaction; yet, evidence for some characteristics such as potentiation of habituation or habituation of dishabituation need more support. Additionally, standard experimental designs should be used to minimize variance across studies, and more research is needed to define peripheral-cerebral feedback loops involved in decreased responsiveness to environmental stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 3 haemochromatosis (HFE3) is a rare genetic iron overload disease which ultimately lead to compromised organs functioning. HFE3 is caused by mutations in transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2) gene that codes for two main isoforms (Tfr2α and Tfr2β). Tfr2α is one of the hepatic regulators of iron inhibitor hepcidin. Tfr2β is an intracellular isoform of the protein involved in the regulation of iron levels in reticuloendothelial cells. It has been recently demonstrated that Tfr2 is also involved in erythropoiesis. This study aims to further investigate Tfr2 erythropoietic role by evaluating the erythropoiesis of two Tfr2 murine models wherein either one or both of Tfr2 isoforms have been selectively silenced (Tfr2 KI and Tfr2 KO). The evaluations were performed in bone marrow and spleen, in 14 days’ and 10 weeks’ old mice, to assess erythropoiesis in young versus adult animals. The lack of Tfr2α leads to macrocytosis with low reticulocyte number and increased hemoglobin values, together with an anticipation of adult BM erythropoiesis and an increased splenic erythropoiesis. On the other hand, lack of Tfr2β (Tfr2 KI mice) causes an increased and immature splenic erythropoiesis. Taken together, these data confirm the role of Tfr2α in modulation of erythropoiesis and of Tfr2β in favoring iron availability for erythropoiesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythromycin ( ERY) is an antibiotic effective against Streptococcus iniae, a microorganism responsible for significant losses in aquaculture. No data are available on the pharmacokinetics and residue depletion of ERY in sea bream. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ERY in this species after a single oral administration at 75 mg kg−1 b.w. and to assess its residue depletion from tissues after prolonged treatment for 10 days. ERY was rapidly absorbed in sea bream ( Cmax = 10.04 μg g−1 and Tmax=1 h), with a half-life of 9.35 h and an AUC0-24 of 56.81 (h μg mL−1). The data obtained and the evaluation of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters allowed us to hypothesize that dosage used in this study should be effective against S. iniae. A rapid reduction in erythromycin concentrations was observed in tissues, with the drug being detectable only during the first day post-treatment. In Europe, the use of ERY in aquaculture is allowed by off-label prescription with a withdrawal time of 500 °C day−1. The absence of ERY residues in tissues already at 24 h post-treatment suggests that ERY in sea bream should not pose human food safety issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the specific functions of sleep have not been completely elucidated, the literature has suggested that sleep is essential for proper homeostasis. Sleep loss is associated with changes in behavioral, neurochemical, cellular, and metabolic function as well as impaired immune response. Using high-resolution microarrays we evaluated the gene expression profiles of healthy male volunteers who underwent 60 h of prolonged wakefulness (PW) followed by 12 h of sleep recovery (SR). Peripheral whole blood was collected at 8 am in the morning before the initiation of PW (Baseline), after the second night of PW, and one night after SR. We identified over 500 genes that were differentially expressed. Notably, these genes were related to DNA damage and repair and stress response, as well as diverse immune system responses, such as natural killer pathways including killer cell lectin-like receptors family, as well as granzymes and T-cell receptors, which play important roles in host defense. These results support the idea that sleep loss can lead to alterations in molecular processes that result in perturbation of cellular immunity, induction of inflammatory responses, and homeostatic imbalance. Moreover, expression of multiple genes was downregulated following PW and upregulated after SR compared with PW, suggesting an attempt of the body to re-establish internal homeostasis. In silico validation of alterations in the expression of CETN3, DNAJC, and CEACAM genes confirmed previous findings related to the molecular effects of sleep deprivation. Thus, the present findings confirm that the effects of sleep loss are not restricted to the brain and can occur intensely in peripheral tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of polymorphism on sleep parameters of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) patients. Methods: Patients were genotyped after a full-night polysomnography using the large Epidemiologic Sleep Study of São Paulo population-based sample. Results: Individuals who carry the APOE ε2 allele showed longer sleep latency, lower sleep efficiency and higher numbers of arousals/hour, when compared to ε3 allele homozygous and carriers of ε4 allele (p<0.05). These findings remained significant even after correction for potential confounders, such as sex, age and African genetic ancestry. Conclusion: The APOE polymorphisms may modulate the effects of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in the sleep architecture of OSAS patients, and that the presence of the ε2 allele may serve as a biological marker for the identification of a subgroup of patients who are more likely to suffer with OSAS detrimental effects on sleep, impacting not only the daily functioning, but also their quality of life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The volatile compounds (VC) of four cultivars of Apium graveolens L. (cv. Black Celery of Trevi, cv. D'Elne, cv. Dorato d'Asti, and cv. Verde Pascal) were determined with HS-SPME and GC/MS. Eleven compounds were identified in cv. Black Celery of Trevi, seventeen compounds in cv. D'Elne and twenty-one compounds in cv. Verde Pascal. The main constituent of these cultivars was limonene. Twenty-one compounds were identified in cv. Dorato d'Asti. The main constituent was γ-terpinene. The cv. Black Celery of Trevi is different with respect to the other cultivars, particularly due to the low amount of γ-terpinene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast Cancer (BC) is estimated to cause 2.3 million yearly new cases worldwide. Efforts towards standardized, quality assured and effective care have led to an increasing complexity and specialization of BC management. This systematic review’s aim is to describe the state-of-the art of available literature investigating the enactment of personalised medicine and patient-centered care models in BC practice and build a framework towards personalised BC care within a patientcentered model. Methods: Databases were searched to retrieve articles reporting on BC management, evaluated in terms of patient-centered and personalised medicine approaches, assessing success factors or limits, in English, from the inception to December 2020. The investigated dimensions for patient-centered care models were audits, communication, informative systems and multidisciplinarity. Concerning Personalised Medicine, investigations were related to molecular boards, genetic testing and shared-clinical decision-making. Results: Out of 1885 records, 25 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. The main success factors are multi-professional collaborations with defined roles and responsibilities, training programs on genomic tools and adequate communication strategy (i.e universal genomic language) to involve patients in the decision-making process. Among detected barriers, delays in genetic testing use were linked to the lack of public reimbursement and of clarity in timing and appropriateness. Conclusions: Both these models are complementary and needed to ensure effective changes in the path of BC patient management. Our framework aims to the transformation of standardized application of evidence-based medicine into a dynamic and personalised care pathway. Key messages: The combination of the two care delivery approaches is scarcely investigated in literature. Our framework would allow to fill such gap and attributes a key role to sharing the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on identifying a new mutation in the L Ferritin Iron-responsive element (IRE) that can cause the hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS). An Italian family affected by HHCS with a 40-year-old male who has hyperferritinemia and anemia had his liver and serum tests evaluated. Data confirmed that HHCS syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder and one of the families in the study carry a new point mutation in the IRE of L ferritin indicating the effect of environmental factors on cataract onset.

Goals Of Work: This study aimed to use an integrated system (Medical Care Continuity (MCC) system) consisting of computer, video telephone, and a high-definition camera to monitor at home chemotherapy side effects in cancer outpatients.Patients and Methods: The system allowed 24 h/day video consultation with an intermediate medical call center with possible connection to a specialized hospital if necessary. All patients were provided with internationally validated and project-oriented questionnaires exploring patients' health status and opinions on usefulness and complexity of study devices. The content of each call was recorded on a computer database. An approximate estimate of avoided hospital admissions was calculated.Main Results: Median duration of experimentation and frequency of patient/doctor contacts were 2.1 months and 4.2 contact per week, respectively. Overall, a 98% positive opinions on the experimental system was reported at the end of the study by all participants, with a 21% conversion rate with respect to the opinions gathered at study entry. Changes in patient management after a medical call were made in 32% of cases. It was calculated that approximately 2.2 per month unnecessary hospital admissions were avoided.Conclusions: The MCC system was well managed by both patients and caregivers. These results show that it has the potential to improve medical assistance by virtue of a constant access to medical advice and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumulus cells ( CCs) have an important role during oocyte growth, competence acquisition, maturation, ovulation and fertilization. In an attempt to isolate potential biomarkers for bovine in vitro fertilization, we identified genes differentially expressed in bovine CCs from oocytes with different competence statuses, through microarray analysis. The model of follicle size, in which competent cumulus-oocyte complexes ( COCs) were recovered from bigger follicles (≥8.0 mm in diameter) and less competent ones from smaller follicles (1-3 mm), was used. We identified 4178 genes that were differentially expressed ( P < 0.05) in the two categories of CCs. The list was further enriched, through the use of a 2.5-fold change in gene expression as a cutoff value, to include 143 up-regulated and 80 down-regulated genes in CCs of competent COCs compared to incompetent COCs. These genes were screened according to their cellular roles, most of which were related to cell cycle, DNA repair, energy metabolism, metabolism of amino acids, cell signaling, meiosis, ovulation and inflammation. Three candidate genes up-regulated ( FGF11, IGFBP4, SPRY1) and three down-regulated ( ARHGAP22, COL18A1 and GPC4) in CCs from COCs of big follicles (≥8.1 mm) were selected for qPCR analysis. The selected genes showed the same expression patterns by qPCR and microarray analysis. These genes may be potential genetic markers that predict oocyte competence in in vitro fertilization routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic uropathogen that can express different types of fimbriae including MR/P that could have a role in the initiation of urinary tract infections (UTIs) through adhesion to the uroepithelium. The aim of this work was to express and purify recombinant MrpA (MR/P fimbriae structural protein) and to evaluate its role as a possible vaccine component. The mrpA gene was cloned into a pET vector and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). MrpA was purified by affinity chromatography. In order to induce an immune response, female mice were immunised with MrpA through transurethral, nasal, and subcutaneous routes. The humoral response in serum and urine was analysed by ELISA. Protection assays were performed challenging mice with P. mirabilis through transurethral and haematogenous UTI models. The immunoadyuvants properties of cholerae toxin (CT) were also analysed in coadministration assays. The immunisation response produced a significative reduction in kidneys infection; although these effects were not seen in the bladder. Regarding antibody response, significative induction of serum IgG was observed in all procedures. Significative IgA response in urine was seen when CT was coadministrated with MrpA in nasal immunisation. The IgG induction in serum could be associated to the significative reduction of kidney infection. MrpA fimbrial protein was able to protect immunised mice against P. mirabilis when mucosal or systemic routes were used. These results encourage using fimbrial protein as antigens against UTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ring chromosome 3 is a rare abnormality with only 10 patients described in the literature. We report a patient with r(3) and ∼6-Mb distal 3p deletion. Single nucleotide polymorphism array, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques revealed that the ring was formed by a break in 3p26.1 and fusion with the subtelomeric region of 3q. The patient presents delayed psychomotor development, growth failure, minor anomalies and other features similar to patients with 3p monosomy. The analysis of 300 metaphase cells using G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization with centromeric probe revealed ring instability resulting in cells with secondary aberrations and with ring loss that could also be related to some phenotypic characteristics such as growth delay. This is the first patient with r(3) studied using molecular techniques that determined the exact breakpoints in order to establish a better karyotype-phenotype correlation. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the topic of risk management in Public Private Partnership (PPP). The analysis of the related literature reveals that risks must be analyzed and managed on a context-specific approach, and that there is a lack of a comprehensive study on the appropriate risk mitigation strategies for each risk embedded in PPP projects. Focusing on the transport sector, based on the results of a Delphi survey, the paper provides guidelines for both public and private parties in defining a list of significant risks in PPP motorway projects, and identifying for them both the effective allocation and the suitable mitigation strategies. Results of the Delphi survey have been compared with the common practices on risk management applied in eight real motorway PPP projects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Erythromycin (ERY) is a drug active against Gram-positive bacteria such as Lactococcus garvieae, a pathogen responsible for an important disease that may cause a substantial decrease in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) production, the species of fish most commonly produced in Italy. In the literature, studies on the kinetics behaviour of ERY in fish are limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ERY in rainbow trout after a single oral treatment with 75 mg kg−1 body weight (b.w.) of ERY and the residue depletion after multiple oral administration of 75 mg kg−1 b.w. day−1 of ERY for 10 days. Blood concentrations of ERY increased up to 20.24 ± 13.32 μg mL−1 at 6 h, then decreased to 5.97 ± 3.89 μg mL−1 at 24 h. The time during which the antibiotic remains in the bloodstream at concentrations exceeding the MIC (T > MIC) and the area under the serum concentration-time curve ( AUC)/ MIC are both pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic ( PK/ PD) predictors of ERY efficacy, and the data obtained allowed us to hypothesize that a dosage of 75 mg kg−1 b.w. day−1 of ERY could treat the lactococcosis in trout. Regarding the study of ERY depletion, rapid elimination was observed in tissue (muscle plus adherent skin); in fact the concentrations were below the limit of quantification in all samples (except two) by day 10 post-treatment. ERY is not licensed in Europe for use in aquaculture, and its use is possible only by off-label prescription with a precautionary withdrawal time of 500 degree-days, as established by Directive 2004/28/EC. From the data obtained in this study, a withdrawal time of 8.90 days was calculated, corresponding, in our experimental conditions, to 117.5 degree-days, a value significantly lower than that established by the European directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet and visible (UV-vis) fluorescence and subtracted shifted Raman spectroscopy have exploited to identify orchil in a fragment from the ninth century Bible de Théodulphe and a parchment fragment sampled from a 16th century map of Auvergne. Orchil is a purple lichen dye widely used since ancient times in place of the more expensive Tyrian purple and therefore known as the 'poor person's purple'. Unlike the latter, orchil has a low lightfastness, and in ancient works, it is often faded. Orchil is a complex mixture of different coloured compounds, and they all share a common structure resulting from phenoxazone with a number of different substituents. In this work, UV-vis fluorescence combined with resonance Raman spectroscopy allowed for the identification of orchil in a fragment from the ninth century Bible de Théodulphe. Raman spectroscopy has been applied also for studying a parchment fragment sampled from a 16th century map of Auvergne. In both cases, subtracted shifted Raman spectroscopy (SSRS) has been exploited for removing the strong fluorescence background. Overall results have been confirmed by liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ QTOF-MS). Both the electronic and vibrational spectral features of ancient orchil showed some interesting differences with respect to those of the standard sample. Taking into account the poor lightfastness of the purple dye, the same investigation has been carried out on photochemically aged orchil reproducing the spectral modification observed on the ancient fragments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We compared the rate of perceived exertion for respiratory (RPE,resp) and leg (RPE,legs) muscles, using a 10-point Borg scale, to their specific power outputs in 10 healthy male subjects during incremental cycle exercise at sea level (SL) and high altitude (HA, 4559m). Respiratory power output was calculated from breath-by-breath esophageal pressure and chest wall volume changes. At HA ventilation was increased at any leg power output by ∼54%. However, for any given ventilation, breathing pattern was unchanged in terms of tidal volume, respiratory rate and operational volumes of the different chest wall compartments. RPE,resp scaled uniquely with total respiratory power output, irrespectively of SL or HA, while RPE,legs for any leg power output was exacerbated at HA. With increasing respective power outputs, the rate of change of RPE,resp exponentially decreased, while that of RPE,legs increased. We conclude that RPE,resp uniquely relates to respiratory power output, while RPE,legs varies depending on muscle metabolic conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently performed long term trials have enhanced the insight into the assessment of progression of COPD. The present review focuses on the initial assessment of COPD in general practice and the assessment of disease progression. Several variables may be used to assess this progression, all of which are associated with significant methodological problems. Finding the appropriate mix of outcome measures to capture all aspects of disease progression is a significant challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A combination of functional measurements reflecting a decrease in maximum flow, a degree of lung hyperinflation, the relationship between maximum inspiratory and expiratory flows, bronchodilator response, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was used to quantify the extent of emphysema, as assessed by high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning.Design: Forced inspiratory and expiratory spirometry, lung volumes, reversibility test, and single-breath diffusing capacity were assessed before and after inhaling albuterol, 200 microg. Relationships between lung function variables and emphysema extent, as determined by HRCT scanning, were tested by univariate and multivariate analyses.Subjects: Thirty-nine COPD outpatients with moderate-to-severe obstruction.Measurements and Results: Emphysema extent, as assessed by HRCT scanning, ranged from 18 to 70%. All of the lung function parameters that were studied, except for the change in FEV1 percent predicted after salbutamol inhalation, correlated significantly with the extent of emphysema (r2 range, 0.19 to 0.44). Functional residual capacity, forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC/forced inspiratory flow at 50% of FVC, DLCO/alveolar volume ratio, and bronchodilator-induced change in FEV1/FVC ratio were the only variables retained by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The multiple regression model explained 71% of the variability of emphysema extent measured by HRCT scanning.Conclusions: The combination of lung function measurements reflecting lung hyperinflation, bronchial collapsibility, lung diffusing capacity, and bronchodilator response provides a good estimate of the extent of emphysema, as evaluated by HRCT scanning. These data suggest that pulmonary function tests are useful in assessing and monitoring parenchymal damage in COPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]