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As current therapies for cardiovascular disease (CVD), predominantly based on lipid lowering, still face an unacceptable residual risk, novel treatment strategies are being explored. Besides lipids, inflammatory processes play a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of the majority of CVD. The first clinical trials targeting the interleukin-1β-inflammasome axis have shown that targeting this pathway is successful in reducing cardiovascular events but did not decrease overall CVD mortality. Hence, novel and improved immunotherapeutics to treat CVD are being awaited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil bacteria (rhizobia) of the genus Bradyrhizobium form symbiotic relationships with peanut root cells and fix atmospheric nitrogen by converting it to nitrogenous compounds. Inoculation of peanut with rhizobia can enhance the plant’s ability to fix nitrogen from the air and thereby reduce the requirement for nitrogen fertiliser. We evaluated three Bradyrhizobium sp. strains for effect on root nodulation and on pod yield of peanut in Argentina soils, using laboratory and field experiments. Of these, strain C-145 was the most effective in laboratory studies. In-furrow inoculation with this strain produced increased nodule number, relative to seed inoculation. However, pod yield was not increased significantly by either type of inoculation. In view of the inconsistent response of peanut to inoculation, we examined the effect of indigenous strains of bradyrhizobia. The high degree of nodulation and nitrogen fixation produced by indigenous rhizobia were sufficient for maximal yield under the field and inoculation conditions used in this study. The data are important for future investigation of alternative inoculant strains and conditions for improving peanut production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster discussion: CL: Gynaecology PD-0656: A contouring atlas on MRI of emerging pelvic female organs at risk for daily practice radiotherapy A. Allajbej, F. Patani, L. Gasparini, F.C. Di Guglielmo, C. Bonfiglio, D. Fasciolo, C. Rosa, M. Trignani, A. Vinciguerra, L. Caravatta, M. Di Tommaso, R. Cianci, R. Basilico, A. Augurio, D. Genovesi. [Extracted from the article]

Poster: Clinical track: Elderly PO-1269: Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for pelvic tumors in elderly patients with colic diverticulosis F.C. Di Guglielmo, D. Fasciolo, F. Patani, L. Gasparini, A. Allajbej, C. Bonfiglio, C. Rosa, L.A. Ursini, M. Trignani, A. Vinciguerra, L. Caravatta, D. Genovesi. [Extracted from the article]

Poster: Clinical track: Upper GI (oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver) PO-1064: Pancreatic cancer SBRT: reaching consensus in a national survey by AIRO Gastrointestinal Group L. Gasparini, F.C. Di Guglielmo, C. Di Carlo, C. Rosa, C. Bonfiglio, S. Marcucci, N. Adorante, P. Franco, M. Lupattelli, M. Nuzzo, D. Genovesi, L. Caravatta. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction Depression is a common disorder in late-life. Structured clinical interviews may be less efficient compared to self-administered questionnaires, but provide more accurate findings in terms of diagnosis. No population-based studies with both these depression assessment instruments have been ever performed. Objectives To estimate the GDS-30 accuracy for depression assessment against the gold standard [Semi-structured Clinical Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID)] in subjects 65+ years in a random sampling of the general population. Methods The sample was collected in a population-based study (GreatAGE) conducted among elderly residents in Castellana, Southeast Italy. It includes 597 participants (57.62% males, mean age 73 years). Depression was assessed through the GDS-30 and the SCID, both double-blinded administered respectively by a trained neuropsychologist and psychiatrist. The GDS-30 screening performances were analyzed using ROC curves. Results According to the gold standard SCID, the rate of depressive disorder was 10.22% (15.81% of women; 6.1% of men) while with GDS-30 instrument 12.06% of the residents met the depression cutoff. Only 36.1% of GDS cases were true positive. At the optimal cutoff score (> 5), GDS had 62% sensitivity and 81% specificity. Using a more conservative cutoff (> 9), the GDS-30 specificity reached 91% while sensitivity dropped to 43%. Conclusions These preliminary results from the first population-based study that compares GDS-30 and SCID showed that the GDS-30 identified adequate levels of screening accuracy (AUC 0.76) compatible with scores established in community settings. Funding PRIN2009E4RM4Z. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The prevalence of Anxiety Disorders (ADs) among the elderly (65 plus) varies across studies, because of differences in diagnostic criteria's definition and the heterogeneity of clinical presentation. Furthermore the comorbidity of anxiety with affective disorders is controversial. Objectives Estimate the prevalence of ADs in 65 years plus subjects in a random sampling of the general population and provide current estimates of comorbidity with affective disorders. Methods The sample was collected in the Great Age study, a population-based study conducted in a random sampling of the elderly residents in Castellana, South-East Italy. It includes 719 participants (56,33% males). Through the SCID-IVTR interview performed by a psychiatrist, ADs diagnosis and classification in subtypes (phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder and AD nos) were assessed. Results The 30,25% of females and 15,30% of males were positive for any DSM-VI disorder. The ADs prevalence was 10,43% (14,97% of women; 6,91% of men; mean age at interview 72 years). Rates prevalence in 65-74 age stratum was 11,78%; 8,1% in 75-84 and 10,26% in the oldest age. The ADs were classified as phobia (1,49%), GAD (2,22%), OCD (0,28%), panic disorder (0,7%), PTSD (0,55%), adjustment disorder (1,67%) and AD nos (3,75%). 21,33% of the ADs had apparently new-onset (Late OnsetADs). Affective disorders occur in 25,33% of ADs. Conclusions The prevalence rates of ADs in late life tend to decline, but remain the most common psychiatric disorders, especially in women. Anxiety co-occurs with affective disorders in similar rate to Late OnsetADs. Founding: PRIN2009E4RM4Z [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]