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• Total Body Irradiation in-vivo dosimetry data over 10 years were analyzed. • Monitor Units' median percentage difference from planned was limited. • Median percentage dose difference at six anatomical locations was inside 10 % range. • The neck region showed the highest dosimetric differences from planned. • In-vivo dosimetry omission impact was evaluated, leading to interesting results. Myeloablative Total Body Irradiation (TBI) used in our Institution, as part of the conditioning scheme for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, is an extended-distance supine technique that has been implemented using a 15 MV LINAC beam, lead lung compensators, PMMA, and water bolus to improve homogeneity. This study reviews in-vivo dosimetry (IVD) over 10 years of treatments, assessing the technique's robustness, accuracy, and efficiency. A 2-lateral opposite fields plan was calculated from planning CT with validated Oncentra TPS (Elekta AB, Sweden). Monitor units (MUs), lung compensators shape and thickness were calculated to deliver the prescription dose (12 Gy in 6 bi-daily fractions or 9.9 Gy in 3 daily fractions) to the patient's abdomen midline at the umbilical level, maintaining lung dose within ±5 % range of prescription. Data from 103 patients, of which more than 87 % were pediatric, were retrieved and analyzed for a total of 537 treatment fractions. The impact of IVD omission was evaluated, supposing doing it only once or in the first two fractions, if necessary. Median ΔMU from planned was −1.2 %. Median percentage dose deviation from prescription in 6 anatomical regions was below 2 %. IVD omission could have resulted in an increase of 7 patients registering at least one anatomical region outside the ±5 % dose range at the end of treatment. It is possible to confirm the implemented technique's robustness and accuracy in delivering the prescribed dose under IVD monitoring. Nevertheless, this technique and associated IVD are time-consuming and IVD omission could be assessed with limited drawbacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide evidence of anthropogenic materials ingestion in seabirds from a remote oceanic area, using regurgitates obtained from black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chicks from Middleton Island (Gulf of Alaska, USA). By means of GPS tracking of breeding adults, we identified foraging grounds where anthropogenic materials were most likely ingested. They were mainly located within the continental shelf of the Gulf of Alaska and near the Alaskan coastline. Anthropogenic cellulose fibers showed a high prevalence (85 % occurrence), whereas synthetic polymers (in the micro- and mesoplastics dimensional range) were less frequent (20 %). Most fibers (60 %) were blue and we confirmed the presence of indigo-dyed cellulosic fibers, characteristic of denim fabrics. In terms of mass, contamination levels were 0.077 μg g−1 wet weight and 0.009 μg g−1 wet weight for anthropogenic microfibers and synthetic polymers, respectively. These results represent the only recent report of contamination by anthropogenic fibers in seabirds from the Gulf of Alaska. [Display omitted] • We screened kittiwake's chick regurgitates from Alaska for anthropogenic fibers. • Cellulosic fibers occurred in 85 % of regurgitates, while synthetic polymers in 20 %. • μ-RAMAN spectroscopy confirmed that some cellulosic microfibers were indigo-dyed. • Regurgitates are an effective tool for monitoring contamination of Arctic food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Internal derangement and osteoarthritis are the most common degenerative temporomandibular joint diseases and initial treatment for such conditions relies on arthrocentesis. Microfragmentation of adipose tissue has been proven in orthopedic literature to represent a more effective method to preserve stem cells, but no application has ever been reported in the temporomandibular joint. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to compare standard treatment conducted by injecting hyaluronic acid after the procedure to the new treatment relying upon microfragmented adipose tissue injection using the Lipogems technology.Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was designed enrolling 20 patients in the control group receiving the standard treatment and 20 patients in the experimental group receiving microfragmented adipose tissue obtained through the Lipogems technology after arthrocentesis. Two main outcomes were defined, pain (visual analogic scale) and function (maximum interincisal opening). Both were measured in the immediate preoperative time, and 10 days, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure.Results: In both groups, pain reduction and mouth opening significantly improved compared with the preoperative situation (P = .001). At 6-month follow-up, there was an almost statistically significant reduction of pain compared with preoperative visual analogic scale (P = .0546) and a statistically significant improvement of mouth opening (P = .0327). Overall, statistical analyses showed that the experimental group had a statistically significant superiority in the success rate of the procedure compared with the control group (P = .018).Conclusions: Preliminary results of this clinical trial show that the injection of microfragmented adipose tissue can significantly improve outcomes of pain and function compared with the standard treatment and encourage to pursue research on this topic. Further studies with a longer follow-up time are needed to evaluate the clinical stability of the achieved improvement in pain and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Few studies have captured the unique ways in which cancer affects the growth and development of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. This paper illustrates the daily life of childhood cancer survivors who are now adolescents and young adults, their post-traumatic growth and follow-up perceptions, adopting a narrative approach. Methods One thousand adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, mean age at diagnosis being 9.26 years old (SD = 4.29) and current mean age of 19.28 (SD = 2.96), were interviewed in depth using a new version of Ecocultural Family Interview–Cancer (EFI-C), which has proved to be a psychometrically reliable instrument. Results Post-traumatic growth was predicted directly by age at diagnosis and, indirectly, by the mediation of the health medical staff–patient relationship during the illness, hospitalization memories, and patient's narrating skills. Positive feelings towards follow-up visits were predicted by the health staff–patient relationship during the illness (Chi-Square = 2.87; df = 3, p-value = 0.41; RMSEA = 0.0001). Conclusion Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors who were older and had established strong relationships with health professionals at the clinic were more able to narrate their experiences, display a positive comprehension of the events with a pragmatic acceptance of the follow-up procedures. Relationships with health professionals should therefore be monitored and improved, both during the cancer treatment and in the off-therapy period. The narrative technique allows adolescent and young adult cancer survivors to reorganize and give shape to their traumatic experience. Highlights • This study examines the simultaneous influences of several relevant factors on PTG. • It adopts a mixed-method approach. • The narrative technique allows to reorganize and give shape to the illness experience. • Strong relationship with health professionals at the clinic is a protective element. • Important clinic indications are given for helping childhood cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several monitoring studies have shown that benzoylecgonine (BE) is the main illicit drug residue commonly measured in the aquatic system worldwide. Few studies have investigated the potential toxicity of this molecule towards invertebrate and vertebrate aquatic non-target organisms focusing on effects at low levels of the biological organization, but no one has assessed the consequences at higher ones. Thus, the present study was aimed at investigating the toxicity of a 48-h exposure to two concentrations of BE, similar to those found in aquatic ecosystems (0.5 μg/L and 1.0 μg/L), on the cladoceran Daphnia magna at different levels of the ecological hierarchy. We relied on a multi-level approach focusing on the effects at biochemical/biomolecular (biomarkers), individual (swimming activity) and population (reproduction) levels. We measured the amount of reactive oxygen species and of the activity of antioxidant (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and detoxifying (GST) enzymes to assess if BE exposure can alter the oxidative status of D. magna specimens, while the lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was measured as a marker of oxidative damage. Moreover, we also measured the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity because it is strictly related to behavioral changes in aquatic organisms. Changes in swimming behavior were investigated by a video tracking analysis, while the consequences on reproduction were assessed by a chronic toxicity test. Our results showed that BE concentrations similar to those found in aquatic ecosystems induced oxidative stress and inhibited AChE activity, affecting swimming behavior and the reproduction of Daphnia magna individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estradiol (E2) is a well-known hormone in vertebrates whereas in invertebrates its unambiguous presence was verified only in some species. Weather this presence is also associated to similarly conserved roles in animal phylogeny is similarly uncertain. Due to their phylogenetic position, echinoderms represent ideal experimental models to provide evolutionary insights into estrogen appearance and function. Therefore, in this research, we investigated if E2 is truly present and has a role in the reproductive biology of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus . Presence of 17β estradiol in body fluids was confirmed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. By immunological methods (RIA) we evaluated the physiological circulating E2 levels of adult specimens and, on the basis of these, we directly administered E2 to study its metabolism and its putative effects on gonad development at physiological doses. Although different E2 tested concentrations, a correspondent dose-dependent increase of hormone levels was not found in both body fluids and gonads, suggesting the presence of potent homeostatic/detoxification mechanisms. These latter do not involve enzymes such as aromatase-like, sulfotransferase-like and acyltransferase-like, whose activities were not affected by E2 administration. Despite the increase of endogenous E2, the treatment did not induce significant variations in none of the considered reproductive parameters. Overall, this research (1) provides definitive evidence of E2 presence in sea urchin tissues and (2) demonstrate that, differently from vertebrates and starfish, E2 does not play a key role in sea urchins reproductive processes. Intra-phylum differences suggest the existence of class-specific hormonal mechanisms and highlight the risk of Phylum generalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have been reported to threaten a wide variety of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater organisms. However, knowledge about the effects of MPs on anuran amphibians, one of the most threatened taxa worldwide, is still limited. To assess the effects of MPs on the growth and survival of the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) and green toad (Bufotes balearicus) , we exposed tadpoles to three different concentrations (1, 7, and 50 mg L−1) of an environmental relevant mixture of microplastics (HPDE, PVC, PS and PES), recording data on their activity level, weight and mortality rates. While the effects of MPs on green toad tadpoles were negligible, Italian agile frog tadpoles were severely affected both in terms of growth and activity level, with high mortality rates even at the lowest MP density (1 mg L−1). Our results suggest that MP contamination of freshwater habitats may contribute to the ongoing decline of anuran amphibians. [Display omitted] • Ingestion of polyester fibers affects the growth and survival of agile frog larvae. • Tadpole feeding efficiency is affected by direct damage or induced satiety. • Polymer type, particle size, morphology and color affect intake by anuran larvae. • Microplastic may contribute to the decline of vulnerable anuran species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A fugacity model reported in the literature was applied to a high-altitude pasture in the Italian Alps. The model takes into account three compartments (digestive tract, blood and fat tissues) in unsteady-state conditions using food as the contamination source. Disregarding biotransformation inside cow tissues, the predicted concentrations of 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in milk were in good agreement with the observed data, especially for congeners known for their resistance to biotransformation (e.g., CB-138 and 153). In contrast, the predicted concentrations were clearly overestimated for congeners with high biotransformation susceptibilities. Therefore data measured in milk and faeces were used to calculate the first-order-biotransformation rate constants in dairy cows. The PCB absorption efficiency observed for pasture conditions was lower than that observed in the cowshed. The final version of the model included biotransformation and observed PCB absorption and was able to predict PCB concentrations in cow milk with mean differences between the predicted and measured data below ±20% for most congeners. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lethal and teratogenic potentials of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) in their amorphous form were investigated by the standardized Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX), a 96-h in vitro whole-embryo toxicity test based on the amphibian Xenopus laevis. Embryos were acutely exposed to 1, 10, 100 and 500mg/L CNP suspensions and evaluated for lethality, malformations and growth inhibition. Larvae were processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses to detect the main affected organs, to look for specific lesions at the subcellular level and to image and track CNPs into tissues. Only the highest CNP suspension resulted in being embryolethal for X. laevis larvae, while malformed larva percentages significantly differed from controls starting from 100mg/L. The stomach and gut were the preferential CNP accumulation sites, on the contrary, the digestive epithelium remained intact. The analyses showed the presence of isolated nanoparticles and/or aggregates in different secondary target organs. CNPs were found in circulating erythrocytes. The research confirms the good tolerance of X. laevis towards pure elemental carbon in its nanoparticulate amorphous form, but highlights the possibility of CNP transfer toward all body areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The seasonal and spatial variability of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in vegetation and cow milk was studied in a high altitude pasture in the Alps (1900 m a.s.l.). PCB contamination in vegetation shows a concentration peak in June, which is mainly interpreted as the consequence of a temporary PCB enrichment of the air layer above the ground due to net emission fluxes from the soil. A three compartment dynamic model was developed to test this hypothesis. The North/South enrichment factor in the vegetation was 1.5–1.6 for penta- and hexa-substituted congeners and 1.7 for hepta- and octa-PCBs, according to the effect of temperature on compounds having higher K oa values. Milk concentrations followed the vegetation seasonal trend. The congener abundance in milk is in agreement with the biotransformation susceptibility, absorption efficiency and residence time of the different congeners in dairy cows. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Laboratory scale leaching tests were carried out in different experimental conditions, with monitoring of gold and silver recovery, the concentration of cyanide used in leaching, solution pH, and precious metal adsorption onto clay. Evidence for the adsorption or re-precipitation of gold from cyanide solutions onto clay minerals is conclusive and indicates that adsorption contributes to the total gold loss from conventional cyanidation. The loss is related to the type of clay, and appears to be affected by the extent of time cyanidation. It was observed that silver adsorption capacity was above 80% and that the degree of adsorption for gold oscillated between 1.68% and 7.49%, depending on the type and characteristics of the evaluated clay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Lymphotropic Polyomavirus (LPV) was isolated from a B-lymphoblastoid cell line of an African green monkey. This virus shares some characteristics with human polyomaviruses, but it is antigenically distinct from BK Virus (BKV) and JC Virus (JCV). Seroepidemiological studies revealed that human sera react in the presence of LPV antigens, and, recently, the viral genome was amplified in the peripheral blood from patients affected with HIV-related leukoencephalopathies. Objectives: The aims of the study were to investigate and compare the presence of LPV DNA with that of JCV and BKV in different biological samples and patient groups. Study design: LPV, JCV and BKV DNA were searched and quantified in peripheral blood and CSF from HIV+ patients and in peripheral blood from healthy subjects. Results: The LPV genome was detected in peripheral blood of both HIV+ patients and healthy subjects, with a prevalence of 7.2% and 4.7% respectively, but not in CSF. However, its presence was less frequent than that of JCV and BKV. Conclusions: The amplification of LPV genome from human peripheral blood confirms the fact that LPV can infect the human population. LPV DNA was amplified from patients affected with HIV-related leukoencephalopathies but also from HIV patients without neurological disorders and from healthy subjects. Therefore, the results do not support the hypothesis of an association between LPV infection and any neurological disease. However, given their high similarity, it is possible that LPV, as well as BKV and JCV, could establish latency in humans and cause disease only in rare circumstances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soils are the main reservoirs of POPs in mountain ecosystems, but the great variability of the concentrations, also at small scale, leaves some uncertainties in the evaluation of environmental burdens and exposure. The role of the aspect of the mountain side and the seasonal variation in the contamination levels was analysed by means of several soil samples taken from central Italian Alps. A greater contamination content was present in northern soils with a mean ratio between the north vs. south normalised concentration of around a factor of 2 (North–South Enrichment Factor). Experimental factors agreed with theoretical calculations based on temperature-specific calculated Ksa values. From May to November consistent differences in normalised concentrations up to 5-fold were observed. A dynamic picture of the POP contamination in high altitudinal soils is derived from the data in this work, with spring-summer half-lives between 60 and 120 days for most of the compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major group of pollutants whose occurrence in the environment is mainly of anthropogenic origin. In this paper, we examine the effect of topographical slope exposure on PAH contamination and seasonal change in PAH concentrations in soils. We collected soil samples on three dates in 2007 (early May, end of July and beginning of November) from south- and north-facing aspects at 1900 m a.s.l. in the central Italian Alps. We found greater PAH contamination in soils from a north-facing slope than in those from a south-facing slope at all seasons. We calculated North¿South Enrichment Factors as the ratio between the concentrations measured in soils from northern and southern aspects. These ratios ranged from 1.4 to 1.9 for lighter PAHs (from 2 to 4 rings). These values are consistent with theoretical calculations based on temperature-specific octanol-air partition coefficients (predicted North-South Enrichment Factors range from 1.6 to 2.0). For heavier PAHs (from 5 to 6 rings), smaller differences were observed between soils from northern and southern aspects, due to the gas/particle distribution of these compounds. We also found consistent differences in normalised PAH concentrations across the three sampling periods. The majority of compounds showed a significant decreasing trend from the beginning of May to the end of July, due to the annual cycles of physical processes (deposition vs. volatilisation) and biological processes (uptake and/or biotransformation). Only a few compounds showed different trends, presumably due to season-specific local emission sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Calcareous nannofossil quantitative analyses were carried out on upper Hauterivian sediments from the Cismon core and results from the uppermost Hauterivian “Faraoni Level” were compared to nannofloral fluctuations in abundance and composition recorded in the S.S. Arceviese road and Palazzo D''Arcevia sections, Umbria-Marche Basin (central Italy). Fragile taxa are generally absent since the preservation is poor in all lithologies analyzed, but dissolution-resistant taxa show remarkable fluctuations. Smear-slide investigations reveal that limestones are characterized by high abundances of nannoconids (principally narrow-canal nannoconids) suggesting oligotrophic conditions throughout the interval investigated. Conversely, nannoconids are rare or absent in black shales, whereas Assipetra infracretacea and Rucinolithus terebrodentarius are prevailing. In addition, high abundances of pentaliths are recorded in limestones through the interval preceding the deposition of the Faraoni Level. This finding possibly suggests a decrease in salinity of surface waters. Different paleoceanographic regimes seem to have triggered repetitive changes in abundance and composition of nannofloral assemblages. Limestones were plausibly deposited under oligotrophic conditions, whilst black shales may suggest increasing primary productivity. Thin section investigations show a drop in abundance of pentaliths and a marked decrease of narrow-canal nannoconids starting definitively before and reaching a minimum in the Faraoni Level. In the black shales bounding the ammonite-rich Guide Bed, A. infracretacea and R. terebrodentarius become dominant. Such nannofloral changes may suggest enhanced primary productivity and more arid conditions associated with dysoxic bottom waters. We stress the fact that nannofloral variations recorded in the Faraoni Level are not exclusive, but match the repetitive nannofloral-lithological fluctuations preceding and following it. Perhaps, the paleoenvironmental changes triggering the Faraoni event were not affecting calcareous phytoplankton or represent the over-reaching of threshold conditions after gradual and progressive modifications in nutrient availability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An unsteady-state fugacity model has been developed and validated as a predictive tool that will be useful in the planning phase of aquatic ecotoxicological tests. The model predicts the compound concentration trends in water and biota in experimental aquaria, with respect to the chemical and experimental conditions. The model has been validated with two echinoderm species, Paracentrotus lividus and Antedon mediterranea after a 28-days exposure to p,p′-DDE or triphenyltin chloride (TPT–Cl), respectively. Differences between the predicted vs. measured concentrations of these compounds in water and biota were generally below a factor of two for both compounds. The model here proposed considers three different compartments, water, animals, and glass, and five loss processes: volatilisation, glass adsorption, abiotic degradation, bioconcentration and biotransformation. In particular, adsorption onto glass materials was introduced into the model by means of two equations (R 2 values of 0.86 and 0.90) relating the adsorption rate constant and glass-water partition coefficient on the base of the physical–chemical properties of the compound (log K ow). The model can be applied during the planning phase of ecotoxicological tests and for understanding the behaviour of the compound at this micro-ecosystem scale after the tests have been performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Calcareous nannofossil assemblages at Site 641C (Galicia Margin, North Atlantic) were investigated in order to determine changes in fertility and temperature of surface waters. Taxa such as Zeughrabdotus spp. <3.5μm, Biscutum constans, Discorhabdus rotatorius and Diazomatolithus lehmanii, which thrived in higher fertility conditions, are particularly abundant across the CM0 interval as opposed to those with oligotrophic affinities such as Watznaueria spp. and Nannoconus spp., which are generally reduced in abundance. The abundances of nannoconids are much lower than those observed in Tethyan sections, indicating higher fertility conditions. Slumpings and low recovery prevent the identification of the onset of the “nannoconid crisis”, but a sharp drop in nannoconid abundances, observed prior to the CM0 interval, correlates with the “nannoconid decline” observed in several Tethys sections.The normalized ratio between low and high fertility taxa (Fertility Index) was used to characterize the nannofossil assemblages in terms of productivity changes. The highest values of the Fertility Index were observed across magnetic chron CM0. The paucity of cold water taxa such as Seribiscutum spp. and Repagulum parvidentatum suggests warm water conditions throughout the deposition of upper Barremian–lower Aptian sediments on the Galicia Margin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thirty mothers of children with leukemia were interviewed about the child''s and family''s daily routines using a version of the Ecocultural Family Interview. Parental narratives were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Four broad dimensions, encompassing 23 subthemes, were identified: child coping (α=0.88), child quality of life (α=0.72), parental coping (α=0.72), and parental trust in the medical care (α=0.73). Two objective variables were drawn from the medical charts (time from the diagnosis, time from central venous catheter [CVC] placement). Regression analyses showed that the number of days from the CVC placement (β=0.46) and child coping (β=0.44) significantly predicted children''s quality of life, which in turn predicted parental trust in the medical care (β=0.31). The methodological implications of our narrative approach are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inter-species correlations could be a useful tool for predicting toxicity and for establishing sensitivity ratios among species. In this paper, quantitative inter-specific chemical activity relationships (QICAR) for aquatic organisms were developed to verify if such an approach could be utilised for estimating toxicological data when no other information is available. Inter-specific toxicity relationships on fish, Daphnia and algae were performed for pesticides considering a large data set (more than 600 compounds) and grouping the data either on a functional (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) or chemical class base. Good correlations were found between several fish species and they were improved by excluding, from the data set, highly specific compounds such as organophosphorus insecticides. Relationship between fish (rainbow trout) and Daphnia was significant for the whole data set, but clearly improves if congeneric classes of pesticides are considered. The most significant results were found for azoles (fungicides) and for all data set of pesticides with the exclusion of organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides. As expected, toxicity on algae does not correlate either with fish or with Daphnia on the whole data set, but excluding the classes acting specifically toward one organism (insecticides and several classes of herbicides), good relationships were found. The analysis of the data permits the conclusion that the specificity in the mode action of pesticides is the key parameter for expecting or not inter-specific relationships. By the relative specificity of action of a group of compounds towards two species, the probability of obtaining a QICAR for this group can be derived. In general, compounds acting with the same level of specificity towards two different species, have a higher probability of showing inter-specific relationships and the lower the specificity of the mode of action of the compounds (e.g. narcotics or less inert chemicals), then the stronger are the relationships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyze cross-sectional images of a subretinal macular lesion, using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in eyes with adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD), to compare thickness of the neurosensory retina over the lesion with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of each eye, and to compare OCT tomograms of AOFVD patients with OCT of Best disease.Design: Observational case series.Methods: This is a retrospective study which took place in a clinical practice. Forty-three patients (72 eyes) with AOFVD and 12 patients (24 eyes) with Best's disease were studied. The observation procedures used were biomicroscopic fundus examination, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The main outcome measures were a description of the typical picture of AOFVD in OCT tomograms, the relationship between the neurosensory retinal thickness over the lesion, the BCVA expressed in decimal terms, and a comparison with description of OCT in Best disease.Results: Of the 43 patients affected by AOFVD, 29 had bilateral macular lesions. Fluorescein angiography showed a central hypofluorescent spot surrounded by an irregular hyperfluorescent ring in 65 of the 72 eyes. Indocyanine green angiography demonstrated a central nonfluorescent spot and a hyperfluorescent area surrounding the central spot in 22 of 27 eyes examined. In all 72 eyes of 43 patients, OCT showed a well-defined central region of thickening in the reflective band representing the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The relationship between the thickness of neurosensory retina over the lesion and BCVA was significant (P =.001, r(2) = 0.61). Optical coherence tomography in all 24 eyes with Best disease showed a well-defined central serous retinal detachment.Conclusion: In the 72 eyes with AOFVD, FA and ICGA presented different features. Instead, OCT tomograms showed a well-defined subretinal thickening of the RPE in all the eyes. The lack of difference in OCT patterns between cases with or without the hypofluorescent spot on angiography was useful for confirming the diagnosis of AOFVD. Moreover, a reduced visual acuity was evident in patients with a thinner neurosensory retinal layer over AOFVD lesion. Finally, OCT images were also useful for distinguishing AOFVD from Best disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of plan complexity parameters in patient-specific quality assurance (QA). Methods Evaluation of 902 clinical VMAT plans, optimized using a 3° control point separation, was achieved by local gamma index analysis (3%, 3 mm) between delivered and calculated dose. Confidence limit (CL) for 93.5% interval (p = 0.065) was evaluated too [1]. All plans were delivered by a 6MV Linac to a biplanar diode array for patient-specific QA. Plan complexity was investigated throughout different parameters: average leaf travel (LT), average in-field leaf travel (LTi) [2] , modulation complexity score applied to VMAT (MCSv) and a multiplicative combination of them (LTMCS) [3]. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed between gamma passing rates, CL and each parameter. Results 98.45% of plans was characterized by a gamma passing rates above 90%, while only 14 plans yielded values under the acceptance threshold. CL resulted to be more restrictive: 95,34% of plans satisfied the passing criteria, while 42 plans presented CL > 1. Nevertheless, gamma passing rates and CL showed a strong correlation (Pearson absolute value above 0.93). Plan complexity parameters underlined a moderate correlation with gamma passing rates, with an absolute value between 0.39 and 0.47. More deeply, a negative correlation was observed with LT, while MCS and LTMCS presented a positive correlation. CL showed similar results characterized by an absolute Pearson factor between 0.47 and 0.51. Results of Pearson analyses are summarized in Table 1. Pearson Coefficient Gamma passing rate CL LT −0.47 (−0.42–−0.52) 0.51 (0.46–0.55) LTi −0.44 (−0.38–−0.48) 0.47 (0.42–0.52) MCSv 0.39 (0.34–0.45) −0.47 (−0.42–−0.52) LTMCS 0.44 (0.39–0.49) −0.51 (−0.46–−0.55) Conclusions Local gamma analysis results underlined a significant correlation with plan complexity parameters, with larger correlations obtained with CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are recognised as an emerging environmental problem that needs to be carefully monitored. So far, MPs have been widely recorded in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Still, few studies have focused on MP occurrence in terrestrial ecosystems, although soils are suspected to be one of the main MP reservoirs. To test a non-invasive method for assessing MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems, we analysed the pellets of a top terrestrial predator, the barn owl (Tyto alba). Sixty pellets were collected from three agricultural areas (20 pellets each) and analysed to assess both barn owl diet and MP content. Thirty-four MPs were confirmed by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) analysis in 33% of the pellets (min-max 1–5 MPs per pellet). Most of the detected items were microfibres (88.2%). Polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile and polyamide were the most abundant polymers. One of the three sites was significantly less contaminated. In the two sites with the highest MP occurrences, barn owl diet was characterised by predation on synanthropic rodents, particularly brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), which may indicate habitat degradation and increased exposure to MPs. Analyses also suggest that Savi's pine vole (Microtus savii) is the prey least at risk of MP contamination, probably due to its strictly herbivorous diet. We argue that the analysis of barn owl pellets may represent a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. [Display omitted] • Barn owls are suitable indicators of MP contamination of terrestrial habitats. • Pellet analysis may be a cost-effective and non-invasive method for monitoring MPs. • Our results suggest the transfer of MPs through the food chain. • Predation on synanthropic rodents increases the ingestion of MPs by barn owls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perioperative accelerated partial breast irradiation with multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy is an alternative to the postoperative option that offers advantages in terms of specificity and comfort for patients as it avoids a second procedure. Since the simulation CT scan is performed 48 hours after the intervention, immediate tissue changes as air gaps can occasionally be observed. To our knowledge, there is no literature published on this regard, so the aim of this study was to assess the impact of significant air gaps when planning and treating multicatheter perioperative breast cancer brachytherapy. Two consecutive cases with air gaps > 6 cc were included. For each case, a planning CT scan was performed 48 hours after the surgical procedure (tumorectomy + catheter insertion). Treatment planning was performed according to the department protocol and administered in an ultra-fractionated scheme: 3 fractions of 745 cGy every 12 hours. A second CT scan was performed right after the last treatment fraction, before the catheter removal. The air gaps have been contoured in both pre and post-treatment CTs and their volumes have been compared. The scans have been fused and the dosimetric differences have been evaluated. A total of 13 catheters have been analyzed in both scans. A volume reduction (-10% and -30% for each case) has been observed in the post-treatment air gap. Of the 13 catheters compared in the CT scans fusion, the catheter position displacement inside CTV was ≤ 1.5 mm in 12 of them (median displacement 1 mm), with one catheter displaced 2.7 mm in the post-treatment CT. Mean CTVD90 and V100 variation in the pre and post-treatment scans were -1.5 and -1.7% respectively. Dose variations in surrounding organs were: Skin Dmax -10 and -3%, Ribs Dmax +15 and +15% and Ipsilateral Lung Dmax +12 and +13%. Dosimetric disparities did not exceed tolerance and coverage limits in any case. With two cases analyzed, the volumetric reduction of the air gaps does not seem to affect the geometry of the implants, with most of the catheters remaining stable in their initial position. Discrete changes in the coverage parameters and doses to OARs fulfill the pre-established constraints. The confirmation of these results as well as the clinical relevance of these changes has to be examined in future studies including more patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that the transect walks (TW) method provide a practical and effective approach to welfare assessment in broiler and turkey farms. This method for turkey welfare assessment is reasonable in terms of time demands within minimal costs. Furthermore, TW approach resembles the routine checks used by farmers. The overall aim of this study was to verify the feasibility of the TW method as potential practical tool for on-farm welfare assessment in turkeys during the fattening period. A total of 14 commercial turkey farms (8 male and 6 female flocks) of the same genetic strain (British United Turkeys [B.U.T.] - Big 6) with similar management standard procedures were evaluated. Bird ages at evaluation ranged from 122 to 138 D and 90 to 103 D old, for males and females, respectively. Two independent assessors walked slowly on randomized longitudinal paths (transects) within each house, while recording the prevalence of birds showing any of the 12 welfare and health indicators considered: immobility, lameness, wounds, small size, featherless, dirtiness, sick, terminally ill, dead, and behavioral indicators, such as, aggression towards mate, interaction with humans and mating. The effect of assessor, gender, and interaction assessor by gender was evaluated by using ANOVA. Reliability of the method was noted by the effect of gender (P < 0.001) for immobility, lameness, wounds, and dirtiness indicators. Male flocks showed higher prevalence of immobility (0.035±0.004% vs. 0.004±0.001%), lameness (2.269±0.108% vs. 1.253±0.051%), wounds (0.288±0.014% vs. 0.127±0.009%), and dirtiness (0.050±0.004% vs. 0.022±0.004%) as compared to female flocks. Differences among assessors were relatively minor, with differences detected only for back and tail wounds, dirtiness, aggression towards mate, and interaction with humans. This study reports advantages and limitations of this method for welfare assessment on-commercial turkey flocks and it is the first description of the Italian welfare profile of turkey's commercial flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe sepsis has a high mortality rate. There is increasing evidence that human mesenchymal stem cells possess immunomodulatory properties in sepsis, particularly those from adipose tissue. We hypothesised that micro-fragmented human fat, obtained with minimal alteration of the stromal vascular niche, attenuates the inflammatory response and improves outcome in a murine model of sepsis.Methods: Micro-fragmented fat, lipoaspirate, or saline was administered intraperitoneally 2 h after caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57Bl/6RJ ketamine-xylazine anaesthetised mice. The primary endpoint was the inflammatory score. Secondary endpoints included survival, physiological, histological, and biological parameters.Results: In CLP mice, micro-fragmented fat administration significantly decreased the median (range) inflammatory score compared with saline [17 (14-20) vs 9 (8-12), P=0.006]. Secondary endpoints were also significantly improved in micro-fragmented fat-treated compared with saline-treated CLP mice. Improvement in inflammatory score and in survival was suppressed when micro-fragmented fat was co-administered with liposomes loaded with clodronate (macrophage toxin) or NS-398 (cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitor), but not with SC-560 (cyclo-oxygenase 1 inhibitor).Conclusions: In a murine model of severe sepsis, micro-fragmented fat improved early inflammatory status and outcome, at least in part, by a cyclo-oxygenase-2-mediated mechanism. The potential therapeutic value of micro-fragmented fat in severe sepsis warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]