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Reproductive strategies for specific populations are closely related to environmental factors. Consequently, they are fundamental for conservation plans and the management of threatened habitats like salt marshes. From this viewpoint, germination strategy under different temperatures and salt conditions, voltammetric parameters and molecular analysis were performed and compared in six Halocnemum populations (four of H. cruciatum and two of H. strobilaceum) growing on Mediterranean (Balearic, Tyrrenic and Adriatic) and Red Sea coasts to establish the relation to environmental variables. Significant interpopulation differences were found in all the evaluated parameters. The Mediterranean populations showed a variable opportunistic germination strategy that was directly related to the drought period length at the studied sites. Consequently, potential environmental predictors of seed response were identified. The most noteworthy were bioclimate, soil texture, continentality index, winter temperatures and summer precipitations. Additionally, voltammetric parameters were evidenced as indicators of maternal plant stress levels and, thus, as potential determinants of future seed responses. The phylogenetic analyses showed a split into two species that did not correspond to germination response. The phylogeographic analyses showed interpopulation differences in haplotype composition for H. cruciatum, but not for H. strobilaceum. In conclusion, the tight connection between seed responses and the ecological parameters of natural populations as an adaptation for successful seedling emergence was proved regardless of its phylogenetic relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to study the relationships among forest communities dominated by Pinus nigra s.l. in the Apennine-Balkan biogeographical province. The opportunity to deepen this argument was offered by Pinus nigra natural communities present in the central Apennines (Gran Sasso d'Italia). The data collected on the vegetation were elaborated with the phytosociological method, although in the choice of the higher order syntaxa, it was considered appropriate to broaden the approach to different tectonic, palaeobotanical, palaeogeographic and biogeographic analysis factors, to define the classes and reference orders. This led to the recognition that the black pine forests of the study area, together with those of the central-southern limestone Apennines, should be included in the class Erico-Pinetea Horvat 1959. For the territory investigated, we describe the new association Junipero hemisphaericae–Pinetum nigrae and the new order Junipero communis–Pinetalia nigrae ordo nov. hoc loco, of which the southern Balkan alliance Fraxino orni-Pinion nigrae Em 1978 is considered the alliance typus. In this context, the new alliance Junipero hemisphaericae–Pinion nigrae (typus: Junipero hemisphaericae–Pinetum nigrae) represents the central-southern Apennine vicariant. The new order Junipero communis-Pinetalia nigrae represents the vicariant of the order Erico-Pinetalia Horvat 1959 in the central-southern Apennine-Balkan mountain ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Worldwide Bioclimatic Classification System according to Rivas-Martínez (WBCS) is a bioclimatic classification that is widely used in vegetation science, geobotany, and landscape ecology. To date, only one complete WBCS map has been produced for Italy at the national scale. Here, we define two major updates to the WBCS map of Italy: improvements to the surface spatial accuracy for the climate, especially for precipitation; and detailed mapping of the Submediterraneity Index and its levels, which mainly characterize the ecotone area between the Mediterranean and the Temperate macrobioclimates. Finally, all WBCS units (i.e. macrobioclimates, bioclimatic variants, bioclimates, continentality types, bioclimatic belts) and the Submediterraneity Index are mapped on a scale of 1:2,500,000. These maps and the bioclimatic indices and monthly climatic surfaces are available here as raster data-sets (resolution, 900 m) and are useful for accurate bioclimatic diagnosis for the entire Italian territory. They will also support vegetation–environment relationship analysis, ecological modeling, and applied studies of climate change at the national scale. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this contribution new data concerning the distribution of native vascular flora in Italy are presented. It includes new records, exclusions, and confirmations to the Italian administrative regions for taxa in the genera Asplenium, Bolboschoenus, Botrychium, Chamaerops, Crocus, Galeopsis, Grafia, Helosciadium, Hieracium, Juniperus, Leucanthemum, Lolium, Medicago, Phalaris, Piptatherum, Potamogeton, Salicornia, Salvia, Seseli, Silene, Spiraea, Torilis and Vicia. Rhaponticoides calabrica is proposed as synonym novum of R. centaurium. Furthermore, new combinations in the genera Galatella and Lactuca are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide bioclimatic classification system (WBCS) of Rivas-Martínez was applied to the Italian territory and surrounding areas between latitudes 35°47′–46°60′ N and longitudes 5°92′–21°39′ E. The ‘WorldClim’ precipitation and temperature dataset was used as the source data. Application of the WBCS in a geographic information system allowed the production of macrobioclimates, bioclimates, ombrotypes, continentality, compensated thermicity index and ombro-evaporal index maps at a scale of 1:5,500,000, and a map of thermotypes at a scale of 1:2,250,000. Moreover, the isobioclimates of Italy are identified and quantified in terms of areas. These maps are available here as raster datasets (1 km spatial resolution) and are useful for: (i) rapid bioclimatic diagnosis of the Italian territories; and (ii) vegetation–environment relationship modeling at the national scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of the SIT-REM project is the design and the development of an interoperable web-GIS environment for the information retrieval and data editing/updating of the geobotanical and wildlife map of Marche Region. The vegetation, plant landscape and faunistic analysis allow the realization of a regional information system for wildlife-geobotanical data. A main characteristic of the SIT-REM is its flexibility and interoperability, in particular, its ability to be easily updated with the insertion of new types of environmental, faunal or socio-economic data and to generate analyses at any geographical (from regional to local) or quantitative level of detail. Different query levels obtain the latter: spatial queries, hybrid query builder and WMSs usable by means of a GIS. SIT-REM has been available online for more than a year and its use over this period has produced extensive data about users' experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the main environmental factors on seed germination of Anthyllis barba-jovis L. were analysed. This work is part of a broader investigation aimed at the reintroduction of this species on Mount Conero, Ancona (central Italy), where it is at present extinct. The seeds were collected from the Gargano headland (southern Adriatic coast). Experimental analyses were carried out to determine: (i) dormancy levels of seeds collected in successive years, and also collected from the soil seed bank; (ii) effects of usual pre-treatments for overriding the physical dormancy of the seeds; (iii) optimal temperature range for maximum germination; (iv) effects of fire on seed germination; and (v) effects of NaCl on germination and on early stages of seedling development. Our results confirm that A. barba-jovis seeds have a physical dormancy due to their teguments, which are water-impermeable. This barrier persists in naked seeds that remain in the soil. Regularly water-drenched seeds show a high germinative ability. The optimal seed germination temperature is 20°C, with germination decreasing progressively at lower temperatures, and falling drastically over 20°C. Fire and high temperatures positively affected germination. The seeds were shown to be strongly resistant to salt stress, thus enabling the plants to colonize a habitat suitable for halophytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the vegetation processes and plant associations. Classification of the vegetation system; Methods to detect multispecies responses along environmental gradients; Interpretation of plant communities in vegetation.

A unique case of eccrine porocarcinoma with pulmonary lymphangitis and pericardial involvement is reported. The clinical course was aggressive, leading to the death of the patient a few months after diagnosis. Certain pathologial markers of clinical aggressiveness were retrospectively investigated: p53 and Ki-67 expression were determined by means of immunohistochemistry. Angiogenesis was assessed by determination of intratumor microvessel density at the vascular ‘hot spot’ with the anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody and quantitative analysis using computerized image analyzer. Both primary tumor and metastatic lymph node presented immunostaining for p53 and Ki-67, with a higher degree of vascularization in the secondary lesions compared to the primary tumor. Our findings suggest a correlation between tumor vascularization and clinicopathological parameters of aggressiveness in malignant eccrine porocarcinoma. Taking into account the disappointing results of current treatments for metastatic eccrine porocarcinoma, the assay of microvessel density may be helpful in selecting the patients of high risk for recurrence or death who may benefit of anti-angiogenic therapies.Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the successful treatment of a patient with a thymoma and pure red-cell aplasia with octreotide and prednisone. The patient, a 56-year-old woman, presented with cough and dyspnea. A computed tomograph (CT) scan showed a large mass in the upper anterior mediastinum. A biopsy revealed mixed thymoma. The patient was given cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone. Treatment was discontinued after severe anemia developed. A bone marrow aspirate revealed severe erythroblastopenia, which is consistent with pure red-cell aplasia. Chemotherapy was continued with the addition of octreotide. After 15 months of treatment, the patient was in complete remission.

We investigated 17 polymorphisms in 11 genes (TS, MTHFR, ERCC1, XRCC1, XRCC3, XPD, GSTT1, GSTP1, GSTM1, ABCC1, ABCC2) for their association with the toxicity of fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer patients enrolled in a prospective randomized trial of adjuvant chemotherapy. The TOSCA Italian adjuvant trial was conducted in high-risk stage II-III colorectal cancer patients treated with 6 or 3 months of either FOLFOX-4 or XELOX adjuvant chemotherapy. In the concomitant ancillary pharmacogenetic study, the primary endpoint was the association of polymorphisms with grade 3-4 CTCAE toxicity events (grade 2-4 for neurotoxicity). In 517 analyzed patients, grade ≥ 3 neutropenia and grade ≥ 2 neurotoxicity events occurred in 150 (29%) and in 132 patients (24.8%), respectively. Diarrhea grade ≥ 3 events occurred in 34 (6.5%) patients. None of the studied polymorphisms showed clinically relevant association with toxicity. Hopefully, genome-wide association studies will identify new and more promising genetic variants to be tested in future studies.

Aim: To report our experience on implementation and preliminary results of a decision-making model based on the recommendations of an Interdisciplinary Oncological Care Group developed for the management of colorectal cancer., Patients and Methods: The multidisciplinary team identified a reference guideline using appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation (AGREE) tool based on a sequential assessment of the guideline quality. Thereafter, internal guidelines with diagnostic and therapeutic management for early, locally advanced and metastatic colonic and rectal cancer were drafted; organizational aspects, responsibility matrices, protocol actions for each area of specialty involved and indicators for performing audits were also defined., Results: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) UK guideline was the reference for drafting the internal guideline document; from February to November 2013, 125 patients with colorectal cancer were discussed by and taken under the care of the Interdisciplinary Oncological Care Group. The first audit performed in December 2013 revealed optimal adherence to the internal guideline, mainly in terms of uniformity and accuracy of perioperative staging, coordination and timing of multi-modal therapies. To date, all patients under observation are within the diagnostic and therapeutic course, no patient came out from the multidisciplinary "path" and only in 14% of cases have the first recommendations proposed been changed. The selected indicators appear effective and reliable, while at the moment, it is not yet possible to assess the impact of the multidisciplinary team on clinical outcome., Conclusion: Although having a short observation period, our model seems capable of determining optimal uniformity of diagnostic and therapeutic management, to a high degree of patient satisfaction. A longer observation period is necessary in order to confirm these observations and for assessing the impact on clinical outcome.

Paralytic ileus is a temporary arrest of intestinal peristalsis. We report on two patients with breast cancer who developed paralytic ileus following treatment with capecitabine. The pathophysiology of this disorder and its possible connection to capecitabine are described with the aim of promoting the early recognition of the clinical picture so that unnecessary surgery can be avoided.

High serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are a poor prognostic factor for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We have previously shown that low-dose interleukin (IL)-2 and 13-cis retinoic acid (RA) decreased VEGF and improved the immune function of patients with advanced tumors treated with chemotherapy. The primary end point of this study was to verify whether IL-2 and RA decreased serum VEGF in NSCLC patients showing a clinical benefit from chemotherapy. The secondary end point was the evaluation of clinical outcome. We treated 38 patients with advanced NSCLC who had a complete or partial response or disease stability to chemotherapy and had a median serum VEGF level of 508 ng/mL; as maintenance therapy, they received subcutaneous IL-2 (1.8 x 10(6) IU) and oral RA. Matched controls (n = 87) were selected from a large cohort of patients with a similar disease status, including clinical benefit from chemotherapy. The most common adverse events were mild cutaneous skin rash and fever. Serum VEGF decreased to a mean level of 152 ng/mL (P = 0.0002). A statistically significant improvement in immune function was observed (lymphocyte and natural killer cell numbers and CD4+/CD8+ ratio) with respect to baseline values and controls. An improvement in the clinical outcome was also observed compared with controls. These data show that the administration of low-dose subcutaneous IL-2 and oral RA to patients with advanced NSCLC showing a clinical benefit from chemotherapy is feasible with a low-toxicity profile, decreases VEGF, and seems to improve progression-free and overall survival.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin (L-OHP) fractionated over two days with bimonthly 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV), as first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC) patients., Patients and Methods: Fifty-four patients with inoperable MCC (median age, 60 years) were entered into the study. Outpatient treatment consisted of L-OHP 50 mg/m2 and LV 200 mg/m2 administered in a 2-hour i.v. infusion, followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus and 5-FU 600 mg/m2 in a 22-hour continuous infusion, on days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks., Results: A total of 488 courses of chemotherapy were administered. Responses were as follows: 3 complete responses (5.6%) and 24 partial responses (44.4%) giving an overall response rate of 50% (95% CI: 36% to 64%). Median time to progression and overall survival were 10.3 and 19.2 months, respectively. Grade 3-4 neutropoenia, leucopoenia, thrombocythopoenia and anaemia occurred in 33%, 9%, 2% and 2% of patients, respectively, while peripheral neuropathy occurred in 10% of patients., Conclusion: The fractionated bimonthly schedule of L-OHP plus de Gramont gave a less than anticipated neurological toxicity profile, while maintaining expected efficacy.