Search

not available

The use of omics technologies in human transfusion medicine has improved our understanding of the red blood cell (RBC) storage lesion(s). Despite significant progress towards understanding the storage lesion(s) of human RBCs, a comparison of basal and post-storage RBC metabolism across multiple species using omics technologies has not yet been reported, and is the focus of this study.Blood was collected in a standard bag system (CPD-SAG-Mannitol) from dogs (n=8), horses, bovines, and donkeys (n=6). All bags were stored at 4°C for up to 42 days (i.e., the end of the shelf life in Italian veterinary clinics) and sampled weekly for metabolomics analyses. In addition, data comparisons to on our ongoing Zoomics project are included to compare this study's results with those of non-human primates and humans.Significant interspecies differences in RBC metabolism were observed at baseline, at the time of donation, with bovine showing significantly higher levels of metabolites in the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway; dogs showing elevated levels of high-energy compounds (especially adenosine triphosphate and S-adenosyl-methionine) and equine (donkey and horse) RBCs showing almost overlapping phenotypes, with the highest levels of free branched chain amino acids, glycolytic metabolites (including 2,3-diphosphoglycerate), higher total glutathione pools, and elevated metabolites of the folate pathway compared to the other species. Strikingly, previously described metabolic markers of the storage lesion(s) in humans followed similar trends across all species, though the rate of accumulation/depletion of metabolites in energy and redox metabolism varied by species, with equine blood showing the lowest degree of storage lesion(s).These results interrogate RBC metabolism across a range of mammalian species and improve our understanding of both human and veterinary blood storage and transfusion.

Objective: To assess whether repeat cervical-length (CL) measurement in women discharged from hospital after their first episode of threatened preterm labor can predict their risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial of maintenance tocolysis, in which CL was measured on transvaginal ultrasound at the time of hospital discharge and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, in women who remained undelivered after their first episode of threatened preterm labor. After univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether CL < 10 mm at the time of hospital discharge or at any follow-up evaluation could predict spontaneous delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation. Results: Of 226 women discharged after a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor, 57 (25.2%) delivered spontaneously prior to 37 weeks' gestation. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth was higher among women with CL < 10 mm at hospital discharge compared to those with CL ≥ 10 mm (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 3.3; 95% CI, 1.2–9.2). Moreover, spontaneous preterm delivery was more common when CL < 10 mm was detected up to 2 weeks (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1–7.3) or up to 4 weeks (aOR, 7.3; 95% CI, 2.3–22.8) post discharge, as compared with when CL was persistently ≥ 10 mm. The association was not significant when considering CL measurements at 8 weeks, and there was insufficient information to assess the effect of measurements obtained at 12 weeks. Conclusions: Women who remain undelivered after their first episode of threatened preterm labor continue to be at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth if their CL is below 10 mm at the time of hospital discharge or at any follow-up visit up to 4 weeks later. CL measurement could be included in the antenatal care of these women in order to stratify their risk of preterm birth, rationalize resource utilization and help clinicians improve pregnancy outcome. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

This paper focuses on the process of structural change triggered by the covid19 shock and on industrial policy, meant as one of the possible tools able to govern this complex economic and social transformation process. With reference to a wide national and international literature, a smart resilient industrial and development strategy is defined and discussed. This strategy has two main goals: a) granting economic and social sustainability; b) offering concrete solutions to those government failures emphasised by Economics and Political Economy literature. This article highlights strengths and weaknesses of the current debate, suggesting the need of rethinking industrial policy governance, implementation and management with the aim of going beyond unproductive ideological positions and offering a contribute to theoretical issues and policy-making problems.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of PAMG-1 test (placental alpha microglobulin-1) in cervicovaginal secretions collected immediately following transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) of women with signs and symptoms of preterm labor (PTL), clinically intact membranes and cervical length between 15 and 30 mm for the prediction of imminent spontaneous delivery (within 7 days of testing), as well as delivery

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of progestogens for maintenance tocolysis in women undelivered after their first preterm labor episode. METHODS: Women with singleton pregnancies between 22 0/7 and 31 6/7 weeks of gestation with arrested preterm labor and a cervical length 25 mm or less at hospital discharge were eligible. Patients with a previous preterm birth were excluded. In a randomized controlled trial conducted in five university hospitals, women were randomized to receive vaginal progesterone (200 mg per day) or intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (341 mg per week) or to an observation groups (control group). The primary outcome was the proportion of women with preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation. A sample size of 160 per group (n=480) was planned to compare vaginal progesterone and 17ahydroxyprogesterone caproate groups with those in the control group. The sample size estimation was based on the hypothesis that the risk of experiencing preterm birth in the control group would be 30% and that 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate or progesterone would decrease this risk to 15%. A P value of ≤.025 was defined as statistically significant. At planned interim analysis (n=254), the trial was stopped for futility. RESULTS: Between July 2010 and June 2015, 257 women were eligible and 254 were subsequently randomly assigned to vaginal progesterone (n=86), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (n=87), or observation (n=81). Nineteen (8%) were excluded from the analysis because they either dropped out or information was missing, leaving 235 women available for analysis. Demographic characteristics were similar across groups. The preterm birth rate did not differ significantly between groups: 23% in the 17a-hydroxyprogesterone caproate group, 39% in the vaginal progesterone group, and 22% in the women in the control group (P=.949 for 17a-hydroxyprogesterone caproate compared with the women in the control group and P=.027 for vaginal progesterone compared with women in the control group). CONCLUSION: The use of progestogens for maintenance tocolysis in women with a short cervix did not reduce the rate of preterm birth.

Tommaso Susini,1 Barbara Berti,1 Carlo Carriero,1 Ketty Tavella,2 Jacopo Nori,3 Ermanno Vanzi,3 Cecilia Molino,1 Mariarosaria Di Tommaso,1 Marco Santini,1 Valeria Saladino,4 Simonetta Bianchi4 1Department of Health Science, Gynecology Section, 2Department of Health Science, Chemotherapy Section, University of Florence, Italy; 3Diagnostic Senology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy; 4Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Florence, Italy Purpose: Anthracyclines and taxanes are considered the standard for neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer, although they are often associated with serious side effects and wide variability of individual response. In this study, we analyzed the value of topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) and transducin-like enhancer of split 3 (TLE3) as predictive markers of response to therapy with anthracyclines and taxanes. Materials and methods: TOP2A and TLE3 protein expressions were evaluated using immunohistochemistry on 28 samples, obtained by core needle biopsy in patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma, subsequently subjected to epirubicin- and paclitaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The immunohistochemical staining was correlated with the clinical response measured by the tumor size reduction evaluated by breast magnetic resonance imaging, prior and after chemotherapy, and by pathologic evaluation of the surgical specimen. Results: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy achieved a size reduction in 26/28 tumors (92.9%), with an average percentage decrease of 45.6%. A downstaging was achieved in 71.4% of the cases of locally advanced carcinoma. TOP2A positivity was correlated with a greater reduction in tumor diameter (P=0.06); negative staining for TLE3 was predictive of a better response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.07). A higher reduction in tumor diameter (P=0.03) was also found for tumors that were concurrently TLE3-negative and TOP2A-positive. Conclusion: TOP2A and TLE3 showed a correlation with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. While TOP2A is a well-known marker of response to anthracyclines-based chemotherapy, TLE3 is a new putative predictor of response to taxanes. Data from the current study suggest that TOP2A and TLE3 warrant further investigation in a larger series as predictors of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast carcinoma. Keywords: breast carcinoma, advanced stage disease, immunohistochemical markers

Background Feline nonflea hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFHD) is a frequent cause of over‐grooming, scratching and skin lesions. Multimodal therapy often is necessary. Hypothesis/Objectives To investigate the efficacy of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA‐um) in maintaining methylprednisolone‐induced remission in NFHD cats. Animals Fifty‐seven NFHD cats with nonseasonal pruritus were enrolled originally, of which 25 completed all study requirements to be eligible for analysis. Methods and materials Cats were randomly assigned to PEA‐um (15 mg/kg per os, once daily; n = 29) or placebo (n = 28) while receiving a 28 day tapering methylprednisolone course. Cats responding favourably to methylprednisolone were then administered only PEA‐um (n = 21) or placebo (n = 23) for another eight weeks, followed by a four week long treatment‐free period. Cats were maintained in the study until relapse or study end, whichever came first. Primary outcome was time to relapse. Secondary outcomes were pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS), SCORing Feline Allergic Dermatitis scale (SCORFAD) and owner Global Assessment Score (GAS). Results Mean relapse time was 40.5 days (±7.8 SE) in PEA‐um treated cats (n = 13) and 22.2 days (±3.7 SE) for placebo (n = 12; P = 0.04). On Day 28, the severity of pruritus was lower in the PEA‐um treated cats compared to placebo (P = 0.03). Mean worsening of pruritus at the final study day was lower in the PEA‐um group compared to placebo (P = 0.04), whereas SCORFAD was not different between groups. Mean owner GAS at the final study day was better in the PEA‐um than the placebo‐treated group (P = 0.05). Conclusion and clinical importance Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide could represent an effective and safe option to delay relapse in NFHD cats., Background – Feline nonflea hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFHD) is a frequent cause of over‐grooming, scratching and skin lesions. Multimodal therapy often is necessary. Hypothesis/Objectives – To investigate the efficacy of ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (PEA‐um) in maintaining methylprednisolone‐induced remission in NFHD cats. Conclusion and clinical importance – Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide could represent an effective and safe option to delay relapse in NFHD cats.

Il perdurare della crisi economica, le strategie delle "nuove potenze industriali" e il definitivo consolidamento sui mercati globali di una lunga lista di paesi cosiddetti emergenti hanno spinto le economie di prima industrializzazione a manifestare un rinnovato, ed esplicito, interesse nei confronti della politica industriale. La "nuova domanda di politica industriale" ha prodotto effetti visibili nei documenti di policy in Europa e Stati Uniti. Tali spinte si affiancano a una nuova animosità nel dibattito scientifico in materia di politiche industriali. Tanti gli aspetti da sottolineare nel tentativo di rispondere alla domanda: come stimolare investimento, pubblici e privati, con interventi che siano veramente innovativi, che sappiano evitare gli errori del passato? A tal fine ci concentriamo su alcuni aspetti a nostro avviso cruciali: (1) il tema della selettività degli interventi; (2) la questione dell'efficacia dell'intervento di policy; (3) il legame fra obiettivi, strumenti e target; (4) il tema delle politiche industriali come politiche per lo sviluppo; (5) il ruolo delle università e delle reti di ricerca.

Primary choriocarcinoma of the uterine cervix is an extremely rare disease. The clinical diagnosis of cervical choriocarcinoma is difficult, because of its rarity and being non-specific abnormal vaginal bleeding the most common symptom. In the present report, the authors present a case of cervical choriocarcinoma, which was initially misdiagnosed as a cesarean section scar ectopic pregnancy. Remission of cervical choriocarcinoma was accomplished with the combination of hysterectomy and chemotherapy.

Feline morbillivirus was detected in urine samples of a 15 year old cat suffering from severe nephropathy. Viral RNA was not detected in blood and faecal samples and also the most common pathogens associated to cat kidney failure were not found. This report describes the first evidence of feline morbillivirus in Europe.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are lysosomal storage disorders characterized by progressive accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various tissues. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for several MPSs is available to date. However, the efficacy of ERT is limited, in particular in compartments such as bone, cartilage, the brain, and the eyes. We selected a rodent model of an MPS, with no central nervous system storage, to study the impact, on systemic features of the disease, of various stable levels of exogenous enzymes produced by adeno-associated viral vector (AAV)-mediated liver gene transfer. Low levels (6% of normal) of circulating enzyme were enough to reduce storage and inflammation in the visceral organs and to ameliorate skull abnormalities; intermediate levels (11% of normal) were required to reduce urinary GAG excretion; and high levels (≥50% of normal) rescued abnormalities of the long bones and motor activity. These data will be instrumental to design appropriate clinical protocols based on either enzyme or gene replacement therapy for MPS and to predict their impact on the pathological features of MPS. © 2010, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2010.

In Italy, the prevalence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae carriage is unknown. Throat swabs from 1970 healthy chil- dren, 6 to 14 years of age, were investigated. Three non-toxi- genic strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae biotype mitis, were isolated from as many healthy children. Molecular char- acterization of the these strains indicates that they have been persisting for at least 25 years and are endemic rather than having been imported from countries with current endemic or epidemic diphtheria. Although non-toxigenic strains of C. diphtheriae occurring in the community are usually thought to be of little or no epidemiological importance, it may be possible to convert a non-toxigenic diphtheria strain into a toxigenic one by lysogenization with a specific temperate bacteriophage. Despite the virtual elimination of diphtheria in Italy, this long-standing circulation of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae poses a potentially significant risk to public health and could result in the re-emergence of diphtheria in our country, even though the high proportion of younger population with protective levels of immunity is probably significant in preventing diphtheria spread. Therefore, it is important to maintain mandatory vaccination in childhood and to offer periodical re-vaccination of adults.

An important goal of most insutrialized countries is to promote its high-technology sectors, such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and telecommunication. These countries fear being left behind in the race for supremacy in each of these fields. An imporetant issue facing any country desiring to compete is the appropriate role of government in these efforts. Many countries have a long tradition of promoting favoured industries in Europe and Asia, such as Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Korea. The USA has less of an explicit attitude toward this policy. Nonetheless, even the USA has engaged in strong government-supported industrial assistance programmes in a reas including aerospace, aircraft, computer chips and flat display screens. Approaches are often less direct than those in Europe and Sia, but they are no less strong.

When entering the job market, nurses choose among different kind of jobs. Each of these jobs is characterized by wage, sector (primary care or hospital) and shift (daytime work or shift). This paper estimates a multisector-job-type random utility model of labor supply on data for Norwegian registered nurses in 2000. The empirical model implies that labor supply is rather inelastic; 10 percent increase in the wage rates for all nurses is estimated to yield 3.3 percent increase in overall labor supply. This modest response shadows for much stronger inter job-type responses. Our approach differs from previous studies in two ways: First, to our knowledge, it is the first time that a model of labour supply for nurses is estimated taking explicitly into account the choices that RN’s have regarding work place and type of job. Second, it differs from previous studies with respect to the measurement of the compensations for different types of work. So far, it has been focused on wage differentials. But there are more attributes of a job than the wage. Based on the estimated random utility model we therefore calculate the expected value of compensation that makes a utility maximizing agent indifferent between types of jobs, here between shift work and daytime work. It turns out that Norwegian nurses working shifts may be willing to work shift relative to daytime work for lower wage than the current one.