Search

Advancements in neonatal critical care continue, enhancing perinatal communication is essential to address the bioethical challenges faced. In perinatal care, various life-limiting or life-threatening conditions that address ethical issues can arise, both during the prenatal and postnatal phases. The diagnosis, prognosis, and potential treatment of these conditions significantly influence the lives of both the unborn child and the newborn, thereby directly impacting parental choices and experiences. This review arises from the necessity to highlight the importance of developing a structured framework concerning the critical components of perinatal care, with a specific focus on the pivotal role of communication. A standardized approach is recommended for counseling at the time of diagnosis of critical fetal conditions, to care for the couple and to support their decision making. Conclusions: In perinatal critical clinical scenarios, it is imperative that healthcare providers communicate to parents using effective communication strategies, with standardized frameworks. Moreover, integrating perinatal palliative care into the treatment pathway for fetuses with limited life expectancy is essential, within referral centers. What is Known: • In perinatal care, different life-limiting or life-threatening conditions that address ethical issues can arise, both during the prenatal and postnatal phases. • The diagnosis, prognosis, and potential treatment of critical fetal and postnatal conditions significantly affect the lives of the child and parents. What is New: • Communication has a pivotal role concerning the critical components of perinatal care. • A standardized approach is recommended for counseling at the time of diagnosis of critical fetal conditions, to care for the couple and to support their decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding markers to detect and identify compounds and components related to an explosive is an important task that could reduce threats of unlawful uses of explosives. The capability of Raman spectroscopy to characterize chemical composition of explosive compounds and the analysis of stable isotope ratios could be useful to identify specific markers to identify the origin of the material used. Using Raman spectrometer directly on-site after the accident scene could be a useful tool for an immediate characterization of the components. In addition, carbon and nitrogen analysis on some fragments collected on the accident scene will then confirm the characterization of the components. The proposed configuration of double technique, coupled with a digital database and algorithms, could be useful to run analysis, with fast response time, in work environment related to emergency situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnancy after bariatric surgery (BS) has an increased risk for small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA), shorter length of gestation, and probably perinatal mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate if biliopancreatic diversion could impair pregnancy outcomes in comparison to other bariatric surgery procedures.Methods: We conducted a cohort retrospective single-center study in 65 women before and after BS. Thirty-one pregnancies occurred before BS, while 109 after BS, amongst which n = 51 after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and n = 58 after non-malabsorptive procedures.Results: The pregnancy outcomes after BS in comparison with those before BS resulted less affected by diabetes, hypertensive disorders, macrosomia, and large-for-gestational-age (LGA), but more complicated by preterm births (14.5 versus 4.0%) and low birth weight (LBW) infants (28.9 versus 0%). Moreover, mean birth weight resulted lower after BS than before BS (p < 0.001). In pregnancies after BPD in comparison to those before BS, the LBW rate (42.5%) resulted a drastic increase (p < 0.001), and mean birth weight (p < 0.001) and mean birth weight centile (p < 0.001) were lower after BPD. When pregnancy outcomes after BPD were compared with those after non-malabsorptive procedures, the rate of congenital anomalies, preterm births, LBW, and SGA resulted an increase (p = 0.002, 0.008, 0.032, and < 0.001, respectively).Conclusions: BPD drastically reduced diabetes, hypertensive disorders, macrosomia, and LGA; however, it was associated with the poorest pregnancy outcomes in comparison to those observed after other BS procedures. On the basis of the present study, we recommend a cautious multidisciplinary selection of severely obese patients for BPD during the fertile age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been investigated in many tumors as predictor of disease aggressiveness and clinical outcome. We searched for relevant articles from 1998 to 2015 about the impact of SNPs in prostate cancer. Particularly, in this article, we review the pathogenetic, prognostic and predictive significance of gene polymorphisms in prostate tumor, providing a brief overview of studies in which the possible role of genetic variants was investigated in clinical settings. Because conflicting results often emerge about the impact of gene polymorphisms in prostate cancer, further larger studies are warranted in order to introduce gene polymorphism into clinical practice as biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimTo present our experience of the use of stereotactic radiosurgery and proton beam therapy to treat posterior uveal melanoma over a 10 year period.Methods and materialsCase notes of patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or Proton beam therapy (PBT) for posterior uveal melanoma were reviewed. Data collected included visual acuity at presentation and final review, local control rates, globe retention and complications. We analysed post-operative visual outcomes and if visual outcomes varied with proximity to the optic nerve or fovea.Results191 patients were included in the study; 85 and 106 patients received Stereotactic radiosurgery and Proton beam therapy, respectively. Mean follow up period was 39 months in the SRS group and 34 months in the PBT group. Both treatments achieved excellent local control rates with eye retention in 98% of the SRS group and 95% in the PBT group. The stereotactic radiosurgery group showed a poorer visual prognosis with 65% losing more than 3 lines of Snellen acuity compared to 45% in the PBT group. 33% of the SRS group and 54% of proton beam patients had a visual acuity of 6/60 or better.ConclusionsStereotactic radiosurgery and proton beam therapy are effective treatments for larger choroidal melanomas or tumours unsuitable for plaque radiotherapy. Our results suggest that patients treated with proton beam therapy retain better vision post-operatively; however, possible confounding factors include age, tumour location and systemic co-morbidities. These factors as well as the patient's preference should be considered when deciding between these two therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:This study aimed to investigate copy number variations (CNVs) of CYP17A1 and androgen receptor (AR) genes in serum cell-free DNA collected before starting abiraterone in 53 consecutive patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).Methods:Serum DNA was isolated and CNVs were analysed for AR and CYP17A1 genes using Taqman copy number assays. The association between CNVs and progression-free/overall survival (PFS/OS) was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.Results:Median PFS of patients with AR gene gain was 2.8 vs 9.5 months of non-gained cases (P<0.0001). Patients with CYP17A1 gene gain had a median PFS of 2.8 months vs 9.2 months in the non-gained patients (P=0.0014). A lower OS was reported in both cases (AR: P<0.0001; CYP17A1: P=0.0085). Multivariate analysis revealed that PSA decline ⩾50%, AR and CYP17A1 CNVs were associated with shorter PFS (P<0.0001, P=0.0004 and P=0.0450, respectively), while performance status, PSA decline ⩾50%, AR CNV and DNA concentration were associated with OS (P=0.0021, P=0.0014, P=0.0026 and P=0.0129, respectively).Conclusions:CNVs of AR and CYP17A1 genes would appear to be associated with outcome of CRPC patients treated with abiraterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMetastasis to choroid is the most common intraocular malignancy, arising most frequently from carcinoma of breast in women and lung in men. Recent case reports have described successful use of intravitreal bevacizumab to achieve local control of such tumours.Materials and methodsFive cases of choroidal metastases from varying primaries: breast, lung, and colon were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab, and tumour response observed and documented with serial photographs and B-scans.ResultsFour of the five tumours were seen to progress despite intravitreal bevacizumab treatment.ConclusionsIntravitreal bevacizumab as the primary treatment of choroidal metastases is not recommended and should not delay more effective alternative treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collections of deletion mutants are important tools for functional genomics in crops. In order to establish an efficient physical γ-ray-based mutagenesis protocol and estimate the frequency of induced chromosome deletion events in apple, we mutagenized a total of 338 leaves of the apple cultivar 'Golden Delicious' with a range of irradiation doses (from 0 to 30 Gy). After in vitro culture and regeneration, a total of 248 plantlets were genotyped by a custom-made 384 SNP-based array suited to identify homozygous regions, corresponding to chromosome deletions produced by the irradiation and/or the in vitro culture treatments. With this approach, we identified nine multi-SNP chromosome deletions corresponding to 3.7 % of all regenerated plantlets and ranging from one to 44 cM (0.1-20.2 Mb). Chromosome deletions were also observed at mildly, not significantly lower frequency in plantlets regenerated from non-irradiated leaves. Our results confirm the possibility to generate apple plants with sizeable deletions of known dimension and location, opening the way to creating a collection of deletions spanning the apple genome useful for functional genomics. The high frequency of deletions apparently caused by somaclonal variation deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strategic value of noble gas capability has been recently recognized by ENEA for the acquisition of data about anthropogenic activities. Within the framework of institutional agreements, a laboratory for measurement of radioactive noble gases is under construction for environmental analysis and for monitoring studies in connection with issues related to the nuclear fuel cycle to distinguish the anthropogenic contributions to the environment. This research is intended to contribute also to the international effort to support the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty verification capability. The present work summarizes the status of implementation of the noble gas laboratory at the ENEA Brasimone research centre that is located in the north-centre part of Italy by the Brasimone lake at about 850 m altitude. The radionuclides of interest are the following four xenon radioisotopes: Xe, Xe, Xe and Xe. The noble gas system under development at ENEA has three separate components: air collection (sampling and adsorption), processing (gas extraction and purification) and measurement (gamma-ray spectrometry analysis). The separation of the sampling equipment from the analysis is seen as necessary for the effectiveness of extensive sampling campaigns, as required in monitoring programs. Refurbishment is currently under way to accommodate a more sensitive acquisition system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome resources for apple ( Malus × domestica Borkh), the main fruit crop of temperate regions, have been developed over the past 10 years, culminating in the sequencing of the 'Golden Delicious' genome. The apple genome sequence anchored to a high-density linkage map provides the apple community with new tools to identify genes and other functional elements that will enable the study of the evolution of plant genome structure, as well as facilitating genomic-assisted breeding. Transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics studies are greatly benefiting from the availability of an annotated genome. In this review, we report on the status of the apple genome and on current molecular and genetic tools available in apple that will improve the efficiency of the process of cultivar development; we discuss how an integrative 'omics' approach could greatly enhance the understanding of biological processes that determine agronomically and economically favorable phenotypes; we review the databases and bioinformatics tools that are available to manage and exploit the large amounts of biological data generated for apple and other plant genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to improve communication between the ophthalmology and histopathology departments at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, by effectively changing the structure and completion of the histopathology request form through the process of a successful audit. This aimed to ensure that comprehensive information was made available to the histopathologist.MethodsAn audit was performed by review of 710 histopathology request forms, completed by the ophthalmology department, over a 1-year period, between July 2005 and June 2006 inclusive. Results were used to re-model the ophthalmic histopathology request form. New forms were circulated and all forms completed over a 3-month period, between January 2008 and March 2008, were reviewed, thus closing the audit loop.ResultsOn the basis of audit results of 710 histopathology request forms, a new histopathology request form was created, which was easier to complete. Review of the 224 new histopathology request forms showed improved percentages of completion of important sections of the form.ConclusionsThrough the audit process we have created a new ophthalmic histopathology request form that is more user-friendly for the ophthalmologist and more consistently provides the necessary information for the ophthalmic histopathologist. This has improved efficiency and effectiveness of communication between the specialities, which should contribute to minimise the chances of medical error and improved turnaround times for the planning and delivery of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo correlate vortex vein invasion with established prognostic factors for uveal melanoma.MethodsEnucleated eyes with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis of uveal melanoma with vortex vein invasion were identified, over a 10-year period. Established uveal melanoma prognostic factors, with tumour genetics were correlated with vortex vein invasion and patient survival.ResultsMicroscopic vortex vein involvement was present in 29 of 244 (11.9%) uveal melanomas. Of 29, 6 (20.7%) tumours had macroscopic evidence of vortex vein invasion. Of 29, 14 (48.3%) tumours also showed evidence of non-vortex vein, ‘direct’ scleral invasion. 23 (79.3%) of 29 melanomas involved only the choroid. The mean maximum diameter of tumours with vortex vein invasion was 15.8 mm and the mean thickness was 9.7 mm. The uveal melanoma was a discrete nodule in 27 of 29 (93.1%) cases. Histologically, 8 of 29 tumours (27.6%) were spindle cell, 19 of 29 (65.5%) were mixed cell, and 2 of 29 (6.9%) were epithelioid cell type. Of 29, 22 (75.9%) uveal melanomas with vortex vein invasion contained extracellular matrix networks and loops. Genetic abnormalities correlated with poor prognosis were seen in 25 of 29 (86.2%) tumours with vortex vein invasion. Liver metastasis was confirmed in 19 of 29 (65.5%) patients with vortex vein invasion. No patients with uveal melanomas showing vortex vein invasion suffered orbital recurrence of disease following enucleation.ConclusionsThe trends show that vortex vein invasion is associated with a choroidal location, large tumour size, spindle cell bias, presence of extracellular matrix loops/networks and genetic markers. A higher proportion of patients with vortex vein invasion progress to develop liver metastasis compared with the general uveal melanoma population.Eye (2009) 23, 1661–1667; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.345; published online 14 November 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using proteomic analysis of the nuclear matrix (NM), we found that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K), a member of the hnRNP family with pleiotropic functions, was differentially expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues. This study aimed to characterise the expression of hnRNP K and its subcellular localisation in PCa, utilising immunohistochemical and quantitative western blot techniques. Furthermore, the hnRNP K expression was studied in human PCa cell lines in order to determine its modulation by bicalutamide, the anti-androgen widely used in PCa therapy. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded tissues showed that hnRNP K was overexpressed in PCa, where it was localised both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Staining of non-tumour tissues showed exclusively nuclear localisation and a less intense or absent signal. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the hnRNP K level within the NM was higher in PCa compared with non-tumour tissues and closely correlated with Gleason score (P=0.008). Higher expression within the NM was significantly (P=0.032) associated with poor prognosis. In two-dimensional western blot analysis hnRNP K presented several isoforms; the one with pI 5.1 was the most differently expressed between non-tumour and PCa tissues. Preliminary results indicate that hnRNP K can be modulated in vitro by a non-steroidal anti-androgen. Taken together, our findings suggest that hnRNP K has potential implications at the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic levels in PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let I be an interval in the real line ℝ. Among the real polynomials that take I to I, we ask which ones do not commute with any increasing bijection of I other than identity. For this purely algebraic problem, the solution involves concepts in topological dynamics. Our main characterizations are in terms of full orbits of critical points and periodic points. Using these, we obtain simpler criterion, namely, that for no nontrivial subinterval K⊂ I, the successive images { f n ( K): n=0,1,2,...} form a pairwise disjoint collection. This problem is of interest in topological dynamics because it is about characterization of polynomials with unique self-topological-conjugacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To establish the reliability, efficacy, and safety of disposable prism tonometry and validate its routine use for screening as well as monitoring of glaucoma. Methodology: Intraocular pressure (IOP) of 400 eyes of 200 consecutive patients who attended the general ophthalmic clinic was checked with both the Goldmann applanation tonometer and a disposable tonometer prism by an experienced examiner after obtaining informed consent. The data were statistically analysed. Results: The mean difference in the IOP between the two types of prisms was 0.1 mmHg (SD+/-1 mmHg). Conclusion: Disposable prism tonometry provides a reliable, effective, and safe alternative to Goldmann reusable prism tonometry for routine screening as well as monitoring of glaucoma with the advantages of eliminating the need for chemical disinfection and therefore eliminating the risk of crossinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of early vigour is crucial for the adaptation of maize (Zea mays L.) to the climatic conditions of central Europe and the northern Mediterranean, where early sowing is an important strategy for avoiding the effect of summer drought. The objectives of this study were to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling cold-related traits and to investigate the relationships among them. A set of 168 F2:4 families of the Lo964 × Lo1016 cross was grown in a sand–vermiculite substrate at 15/13show $132#°show $132#C (day/night) until the one-leaf stage. Twenty QTL were identified for the four shoot and two seed traits examined. Analysis of root weight and digital measurements of the length and diameter of primary and seminal roots led to the identification of 40 QTL. The operating efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII) was related to seedling dry weight at both the phenotypic and genetic level (r=0.46, two matching loci, respectively) but was not related to root traits. Cluster analysis and QTL association revealed that the different root traits were largely independently inherited and that root lengths and diameters were mostly negatively correlated. The major QTL for root traits detected in an earlier study in hydroponics were confirmed in this study. The length of the primary lateral roots was negatively associated with the germination index (r=-0.38, two matching loci). Therefore, we found a large number of independently inherited loci suitable for the improvement of early seedling growth through better seed vigour and/or a higher rate of photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

— The study of surface deformation due to seismic activity is often made using dislocations with uniform slip and simple geometries. A better modeling of coseismic and postseismic surface displacements can be obtained by using dislocations with variable slip and nonregular shapes. This is consistent with the asperity model of fault surfaces, assuming a friction distribution on faults made of locked zones with much higher friction than surrounding zones. In this paper we consider the 1997–1998 Colfiorito seismic sequence. The coseismic surface displacements in the Colfiorito zone are used in order to infer the slip distribution on the fault surface at different stages of the sequence. The displacement field has been modeled varying the slip distribution on the fault, and comparing the deformation observed by SAR and GPS techniques with model results. The slip distribution is calculated by Monte Carlo simulations on a normal fault with the dip angle equal to 40°. A good approximation is obtained by using square asperity units of 1.5×1.5 km2. In the first stage, we employed a simplified model with uniform slip, in which each asperity unit is allowed to slip a constant amount or not to slip at all, and in the second stage, we evaluate the slip distribution in the dislocation area determined by the Monte Carlo inversion: in this case we allow unit cells to undergo different values of slip in order to refine the initial dislocation model. The results show that the 1997 seismic events of the sequence can be modeled by irregular dislocations, obtaining a good fit to the DInSAR and GPS observations. The model also confirms the results of previous studies by a different methodology, defining the distribution of asperities on the fault plane using the fault geometry, the geodetic data and the seismic moment of the 1997–1998 Colfiorito seismic sequence. Furthermore, the analysis of 1997 aftershocks in the seismogenic region shows a strong correlation between most events and the asperity distribution, which can be considered as an independent test of the validity of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A huge late-Quaternary landslide (about 2×106 m3) dammed the Colfiorito basin in central Italy. This landslide was responsible for the formation of the present saddle, which divides the basin from the Chienti river valley. Landslide damming caused persisting lacustrine conditions during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene. High-standing lacustrine episodes are evidenced by two terraces located close to the top of the landslide dam, one of which can be related to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). During this period, the landslide dam was probably overtopped by the imponded lake. Before and during the LGM, the area of the landslide dam was affected by alluvial deposition. The landslide-induced lacustrine environment has played a key role in the history of land use at Colfiorito. The presence of water close to a strategic area located at the divide between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian regions favored its frequentation and settlement during the Upper Palaeolithic (in particular Aurignacian-Early Gravettian), as shown by the numerous archaeological remains contained in the alluvial deposits close to the landslide accumulation. During the Iron Age, the lake represented a unique source of sustenance, as indicated by the presence of peri-lacustrine settlements. In contrast, the land use drastically changed during antiquity with the Roman domination of the region. The necessity to cultivate new lands and particularly the problem of providing a food supply for Rome are the causes of the drainage of the Colfiorito lake by means of a tunnel excavated through the landslide dam. Based on radiocarbon dating, the operation of the Roman tunnel ended during the 5th–7th centuries A.D. (dates related to the deposits filling the tunnel), but the continuation of agricultural vocations in the area did not fade, and a new tunnel, which operated until 2000, was built during the 15th century. Because of the damaged conditions of the 15th century hydraulic works, a third tunnel was built (between 1998 and 2000), which permits the drainage of the Colfiorito area and the continuation of the agricultural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of talc used as nucleating agent (0.5% by weight) in polypropylene (PP) was determined taking into account the particle size d50, particle morphology and BET specific surface areas. These findings were compared to a mineral with similar properties, pyrophyllite. Talc samples with the finest particle sizes induce a significant increase in the starting crystallization temperature of PP and irrespective of the particle size d50, pyrophyllite was found to be less efficient than talc. X-Ray results show that PP oriented crystallization due to talc or pyrophyllite addition, corresponds to an epitaxial growth whereby the mineral c*-axis is merged with the PP b*-axis. Microscopic observations revealed that in the presence of talc, nuclei density of PP increased strongly. In addition, a large number of nuclei was observed to appear everywhere on the talc surface. A PP-talc interface model is proposed by matching the (001) talc plane and the (010) PP plane. In this model, 3% of PP cell accommodation on talc is necessary with a 15° angle between PP chains elongation and the crystallographic directions of talc. Hexagonal rings on talc surface are believed to represent hydrogen bonds with PP methyl groupings. This fine structure relation between talc and PP is discussed, and is used to characterize the differences observed between the efficiency of talc and that of pyrophyllite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we analyse coseismic GPS displacements and DInSAR data to constrain a dislocation model for the three largest earthquakes of the 1997 Umbria-Marche seismic sequence. The first two events, which occurred on September 26 at 00:33 GMT (Mw 5.7) and 09:40 GMT (Mw 6.0) respectively, are investigated using both GPS displacements and DInSAR interferograms. We discuss and compare the results of previous studies which separately modeled a smaller subset of geodetic data. We provide a dislocation model for these two earthquakes which fits well both GPS and DInSAR data and agrees with the results of seismological and geological investigations. The first event consists of a unilateral rupture towards the southeast with a uniform dislocation. The strike, rake and dip angles are those resulting from the CMT solution. The second event consists of an unilateral rupture towards the northwest and a variable slip distribution on the fault plane. The strike and the rake are consistent with the CMT solution, but the dip angle has been slightly modified to improve the simultaneous fit of GPS and DInSAR data. While the second rupture (09:40 GMT) arrived very close to the surface, the fit to geodetic data shows that the first rupture (00:33 GMT) is deeper (2 km), despite the more evident surface geological effects. The analysis of new SAR interferograms allows the identification of a 5–6 cm additional displacement caused by the October 3 (Mw 5.2) and 6 (Mw 5.4) seismic events.We use data from a new DInSAR interferogram to model the displacement field of the Sellano earthquake of October 14, 1997. For this event significant GPS measurements were not available. We tested two different fault plane geometries: a blind, planar fault (top depth = 2.4 km), and a curved (listric) fault reaching the surface. The two models provide a generally similar fit to the data, and show that most of the slip was released at depths greater than 2.4 km along a gently dipping (40°–45°) fault surface. They also show that a unilateral rupture does not allow fitting the interferometric fringes since there is evident surface deformation to the northwest of the hypocenter. Moreover, we suggest that the concentration of high residuals in the southern part of our uniform slip model may in fact indicate a certain slip variability in this area.We conclude that, despite the moderate magnitudes and the lack of significant surface faulting, the space geodetic data allowed to constrain dislocation models giving new insights in the rupture process of the three largest events of the sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of selfing on vigour and heterozygosity was analysed in six independent families obtained by recurrent cycles of self-fertilization and selection until the S3 generation. The heterozygosity level, estimated by means of 11 homologous probes, decreased from the S0 to S3 generations and was partially restored in S2×S2 polycrosses. The decreasing trend was influenced by the inbreeding level of the chosen mother plant in each self generation to advance in subsequent selfing. Plant vigour estimated by Dry Matter Yield (DMY) decreased during inbreeding, and phenotypic selection of S2 individuals seemed to prove effective as the differences in DMY between vigorous and weak plants were maintained in S2×S2 crosses. No correlation between plant vigour and heterozygosity was found between subgroups of vigorous and weak plants selected within the same S2 family. Results are discussed with a view to selecting the best performing and least heterozygous plants during inbreeding to isolate useful genes and linkats in superior partially inbred parental lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A priority task for correct environmental planningis to evaluate Natural Hazards, especially inhighly populated areas. In particular, thoroughinvestigations based on different Earth Sciencetechniques must be addressed for the Seismic HazardAssessment (SHA) in tectonically active areas. Notonly the management but also the multidisciplinaryanalysis of all the SHA-related data sets is bestperformed using a Geographic Information System. In this paper we show how a research-oriented GIS isbuilt and used in a practical case. The GeochemicalGeographic Information System (G2IS) wasdeveloped and applied to the Gargano promontory(southern Italy) in the framework of an EC researchproject, the Geochemical Seismic Zonation (GSZ)Project. This multidisciplinary – multiscalingpowerful tool is described in its structure, updatingprocedures and manipulation techniques. Preliminaryresults are presented on the detection of geochemically active fault zones and theircorrelation with remote sensing data and otherevidences of seismogenic structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abscisic acid (ABA) concentration in leaves of drought-stressed plants is a quantitatively inherited trait. In order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling leaf ABA concentration (L-ABA) in maize, leaf samples were collected from 80 F3:4 families of the cross Os420 (high L-ABA)×IABO78 (low L-ABA) tested under drought conditions in field trials conducted over 2 years. In each year, leaf samples were collected at stem elongation and near anthesis. The genetic map obtained with 106 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) loci covered 1370 cM, which represented approximately 85% of the UMC maize map. Sixteen different QTLs with a LOD>2.0 were revealed in at least one sampling. Across samplings, only four QTLs significantly influenced L-ABA, accounting for 66% of the phenotypic variation and 76% of the genetic variation among families. At these QTLs, the alleles which increased L-ABA were contributed by Os420. The two most important QTLs were mapped on chromosome 2 near csu133 and csu109a. The effects associated with the QTL near csu133 were more pronounced near anthesis. The support intervals of the four primary QTLs for L-ABA did not overlap the presumed map position of mutants impaired in ABA biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 68-year-old woman with dermatochalasis and vision obstruction. It mentions that bepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure which is carried around the world. It mentions that DNA extracted from the paraffin tissue depicted the presence of T-cell clone. It offers information on folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (MF).

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses metastatic breast adenocarcinoma within the supraciliary space.

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses the case study of a 55-year-old woman who receives intra-lesional interferon injection due to her recurrent conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas.

The article offers insight on the implications of failed start of the early origins of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in low-and-middle income countries. Topics discussed include an overview of COPD, the normal lung development, the early life disadvantage factors of the disease, and the increased awareness on the early COPD development.

A letter to the editor citing two cases of treating invasive Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN) with proton beam therapy (PBT) is presented.

The article describes the case of a 51-year-old woman who experienced reactivation of Darier's disease following azathioprine treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED). The women reported the reappearance of a florid, brown papulomatomatous rash on her forehead and chest consistent with reactivation of her Darier's disease. Azathioprine was discontinued and she was given oral acitretin.

Describes the case of a 29-year-old man presented with venous stasis retinopathy. History behind the patient's medical case; Clinical examinations; Management of the patient's condition.

A letter is presented with regards to the inadvertent administration of intralenticular triamcinolone.

Psychiatric comorbidity (prevalence and types) was tested in a naturalistic sample of adult patients with pure migraine without aura, and in two control groups of patients, one experiencing pure tension-type headache and the other combined migraine and tension-type headaches. The study population included 374 patients (158, 110 and 106) from nine Italian secondary and tertiary centres. Psychiatric comorbidity was recorded through structured interview and also screened with the Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview (MINI). Only anxiety and depression were investigated. Psychiatric disorders were reported by 49 patients (14.6%; 10.9% of patients with migraine, 12.8% of those with tension-type headache and 21.4% of those with combined migraine and tension-type headaches). The MINI interview detected a depressive episode in 59.9% of patients with migraine, 68.3% of patients with tension-type headache and 69.6% of patients with combined migraine and tension-type headaches. Depression subtypes were significantly different across groups ( p=0.03). Anxiety (mostly generalised) was reported by 18.4% of patients with migraine, 19.3% of patients with tension-type headache, and 18.4% of patients with combined migraine and tension-type headaches. The values for panic disturbance were 12.7, 5.5 and 14.2, and those for obsessive–compulsive disorders were 2.3, 1.1 and 9.4% ( p=0.009). Based on these results, psychopathology of primary headache can be a reflection of the burden of the disease rather than a hallmark of a specific headache category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]