Search

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes in older people. Several tools are recommended to assess muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance, but are not always available in daily practice. Objective The aim of the present study is to evaluate if there is a correlation between the personal perception of physical performance (assessed through a question on personal functional status) and the effective presence of sarcopenia (according to the EWGSOP2 definition) using data from the Longevity Check-up 7 + project. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting The Longevity Check-up 7 + project is an ongoing study started in June 2015 and conducted in unconventional settings (i.e., exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns). Subjects Candidate participants are eligible for enrollment if they are at least 18 years of age and provide written informed consent. For the present study subjects 65 years age old and older have been considered (n = 2901). Methods According to the most recent EWGSOP2 consensus definition, subjects were defined to be affected by probable sarcopenia when handgrip strength was less than 27 kg in male and less than 16 kg in female, respectively. Furthermore, a single question assessed the perceived health status regarding own physical performance: “Do you have any difficulty in walking 400 m?”. Results Using the EWGSOP2 algorithm, 529 (18,9%) participants were identified as affected by probable sarcopenia with a significant higher prevalence among subjects with self-reported difficulty in walking 400 m compared to participant without any difficulty (33.6% versus 13.1%, respectively; p

Abstract Epidemiologic data suggest an increased prevalence of pediatric food allergies and intolerances (FAIs) during the last decades. This changing scenario has led to an increase in the overall healthcare costs, due to a growing demand for diagnostic and treatment services. There is the need to establish Evidence-based practices for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention that could be adopted in the context of public health policies for FAIs are needed. This joint position paper has been prepared by a group of experts in pediatric gastroenterology, allergy and nutrition from the Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and the Italian Society for Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP). The paper is focused on the Diagnostic Therapeutic Care Pathway (DTCP) for pediatric FAIs in Italy.

Abstract Background In this study, we used the novel DeepGestalt technology powered by Face2Gene (FDNA Inc., MA, USA) in suggesting a correct diagnosis based on the facial gestalt of well-known multiple anomaly syndromes. Only molecularly characterized pediatric patients were considered in the present research. Subjects and methods A total of 19 two-dimensional (2D) images of patients affected by several molecularly confirmed craniofacial syndromes (14 monogenic disorders and 5 chromosome diseases) and evaluated at the main involved Institution were analyzed using the Face2Gene CLINIC application (vs.19.1.3). Patients were cataloged into two main analysis groups (A, B) according to the number of clinical evaluations. Specifically, group A contained the patients evaluated more than one time, while in group B were comprised the subjects with a single clinical assesment. The algorithm’s reliability was measured based on its capacity to identify the correct diagnosis as top-1 match, within the top-10 match and top-30 matches, only based on the uploaded image and not any other clinical finding or HPO terms. Failure was represented by the top-0 match. Results The correct diagnosis was suggested respectively in 100% (8/8) and 81% (9/11) of cases of group A and B, globally failing in 16% (3/19). Conclusion The tested tool resulted to be useful in identifying the facial gestalt of a heterogeneous group of syndromic disorders. This study illustrates the first Italian experience with the next generation phenotyping technology, following previous works and providing additional observations.

Abstract BNT162b2 vaccine, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer ha recently approved for use in children aged 5 to 11 years. Recent data show evidence of safety on the administration and serious adverse events have been rarely reported. However, allergic systemic reactions could occur. In some cases, a correct allergic evaluation allows identifying patients at risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction. Risk assessment of allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines is useful to limit contraindications to vaccination and help to safely vaccinate people supposed to be at risk of allergic reactions.

The loss of biodiversity in freshwater environments is becoming an increasing problem globally. As a result, many tools have been developed and improved to reduce this decline. However, there is still a need for the identification and evaluation of precise restoration measures to improve habitats and preserve sentinel freshwater species, such as brown trout. This paper provides an up‐to‐date viewpoint about the life history, habitat characteristics, suitability conditions, and metapopulation dynamic modelling of brown trout, aiming to identify and discuss gaps and propose possible improvements based on collating and reinterpreting literature data. Results suggest that habitat suitability curves for environmental and hydraulic variables possess some degree of universality, for spawning habitat, fry, juvenile and adult trout. Further, an improved method to estimate the amount of suitable area by including the role of stream obstacles (i.e., macro‐roughness with characteristic size in the order of the mean water depth) is proposed and discussed. This approach can be integrated into advanced metapopulation models and will allow experts to evaluate the best measures towards restoring and preserving freshwater riverine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study was conducted to examine the cross-sectional associations between the dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large sample of Italian community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Longevity Check-up 8+ (Lookup 8+) is an ongoing project that started in June 2015. The project is conducted in unconventional settings (e.g., exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns) across Italy with the aim of fostering the adoption of healthy lifestyles in the general population. For the present study, participants were eligible if they were 65+ years and provided written informed consent. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and blood glucose and cholesterol levels were assessed. A 12-item food frequency questionary was used to estimate the dietary intake of PUFAs, which included omega-3 (α-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and omega-6 fatty acids. Results: Data of 4461 older adults (♀56%, mean age: 72.9 years, mean body mass index [BMI]: 26.1 kg/m2, blood glucose: 109 mg/dL, total blood cholesterol: 198.5 mg/dL, ALA: 8.8%, EPA: 16.0%, and DHA: 26.1%) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Multilinear regression results indicated that a high consumption of EPA, DHA, and DHA+EPA was negatively and significantly associated with glucose levels. Furthermore, binary regression analysis indicated that the dietary intake of ALA and omega-6 PUFAs was inversely and significantly associated with the prevalence of diabetes. In contrast, BMI values were positively associated with ALA and omega-6 PUFAs, and negatively with the consumption of EPA and DHA+EPA. Conclusions: Findings of the present study indicate that the dietary intake of PUFAs was cross-sectionally, inversely, and significantly associated with blood glucose levels and the prevalence of diabetes in a large sample of Italian community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good many jurisdictions have criminalized cartel conduct and authorized custodial sentences for offenders in efforts to enhance antitrust enforcement. The authors explore why so few of those jurisdictions have imposed prison sentences on cartelists. Although data problems lead to understating the number of incarcerations, the record is not robust. The authors find that the reasons are varied. Statutory impediments and poor case selection are important factors. Others include poor case management, separation of investigation and prosecutorial responsibilities and judicial reluctance to impose sentences on 'white collar' criminals. In addition, lack of public support and cultural differences in sentencing in general also probably play roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first discovery in 1989, the β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) has gained great attention because it showed the ability to regulate many physiologic and metabolic activities, such as thermogenesis and lipolysis in brown and white adipose tissue, respectively (BAT, WAT), negative inotropic effects in cardiomyocytes, and relaxation of the blood vessels and the urinary bladder. The β3-AR has been suggested as a potential target for cancer treatment, both in adult and pediatric tumors, since under hypoxia its upregulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates stromal cell differentiation, tumor growth and metastases, signifying that its agonism/antagonism could be useful for clinical benefits. Promising results in cancer research have proposed the β3-AR being targeted for the treatment of many conditions, with some drugs, at present, undergoing phase II and III clinical trials. In this review, we report the scientific journey followed by the research from the β3-Ars’ discovery, with focus on the β3-Ars’ role in cancer initiation and progression that elects it an intriguing target for novel antineoplastic approaches. The overview highlights the great potential of the β3-AR, both in physiologic and pathologic conditions, with the intention to display the possible benefits of β3-AR modulation in cancer reality.

Oxygen level is a key regulator of organogenesis and its modification in postnatal life alters the maturation process of organs, including the intestine, which do not completely develop in utero. The β3-adrenoreceptor (β3-AR) is expressed in the colon and has an oxygen-dependent regulatory mechanism. This study shows the effects of the β3-AR agonist BRL37344 in a neonatal model of hyperoxia-driven colonic injury. For the first 14 days after birth, Sprague–Dawley rat pups were exposed to ambient oxygen levels (21%) or hyperoxia (85%) and treated daily with BRL37344 at 1, 3, 6 mg/kg or untreated. At the end of day 14, proximal colon samples were collected for analysis. Hyperoxia deeply influences the proximal colon development by reducing β3-AR-expressing cells (27%), colonic length (26%) and mucin production (47%), and altering the neuronal chemical coding in the myenteric plexus without changes in the neuron number. The administration of BRL37344 at 3 mg/kg, but not at 1 mg/kg, significantly prevented these alterations. Conversely, it was ineffective in preventing hyperoxia-induced body weight loss. BRL37344 at 6 mg/kg was toxic. These findings pave the way for β3-AR pharmacological targeting as a therapeutic option for diseases caused by hyperoxia-impaired development, typical prematurity disorders.

Molecularly thin films are important in material sciences but their use in a wide range of applications requires control over their chemical functionalities, which is difficult to achieve. Here, the authors use decacyclene to form such freestanding and mechanically stable molecular films held together by supramolecular interactions without requiring covalent crosslinking of any kind

Abstract Background The dynamic nature of sarcopenia, including possible transitions between its different stages, is currently unknown. We aimed to explore 12 year transitions through sarcopenia stages and identify factors associated with different sarcopenia trajectories in older adults. Methods We included 3219 participants (aged ≥60 years, 35.8% men, 96.4% community‐dwelling) from the SNAC‐K study. No sarcopenia (normal muscle strength and mass), probable sarcopenia (low muscle strength and normal muscle mass), and sarcopenia (low muscle strength and mass) were assessed at baseline and up to 12 years. Such conditions were defined based on a modified version of the EWGSOP2 criteria with muscle strength evaluated through handgrip or chair stand tests, and muscle mass from calf circumference. We estimated 1, 5, and 10 year transition probabilities through continuous‐time multistage Markov modelling. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical factors associated with the likelihood of different transitions were evaluated with proportional intensity models, and the associations' strength was expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Participants with no sarcopenia had 10‐year probabilities of 17.1% and 5.1% to develop probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia, and a 40.4% chance of not transitioning. Those with probable sarcopenia had similar 5‐year chances of developing sarcopenia (10.3%) and reverting to no sarcopenia (10.7%). Participants with sarcopenia had chances to revert to probable sarcopenia ranging from 8.2% (at 5 years) to 4.7% (at 10 years), and a 70.9% chance of dying after 10 years. Older age (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.14), male sex (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.16–2.91), current smoking (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.16–2.91), and higher number of chronic diseases (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00–1.14) were associated with sarcopenia development, while higher levels of physical activity (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.19–2.84) and cognitive function (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05–1.31 per each 1‐point increase in the Mini‐Mental State Examination) were associated with subsequent higher reversion rates from probable sarcopenia to no sarcopenia (P

Extracellular vesicles have been identified as pivotal mediators of intercellular communication with critical roles in physiological and pathological conditions. Via this route, several molecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites) can be transferred to proximal and distant targets to convey specific information. Extracellular vesicle-associated cargo molecules have been proposed as markers of several disease conditions for their potential of tracking down the generating cell. Indeed, circulating extracellular vesicles may represent biomarkers of dysfunctional cellular quality control systems especially in conditions characterized by the accrual of intracellular misfolded proteins. Furthermore, the identification of extracellular vesicles as tools for the delivery of nucleic acids or other cargo molecules to diseased tissues makes these circulating shuttles possible targets for therapeutic development. The increasing interest in the study of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers resides mainly in the fact that the identification of peripheral levels of extracellular vesicle-associated proteins might reflect molecular events occurring in hardly accessible tissues, such as the brain, thereby serving as a “brain liquid biopsy”. The exploitation of extracellular vesicles for diagnostic and therapeutic purposed might offer unprecedented opportunities to develop personalized approaches. Here, we discuss the bright and dark sides of extracellular vesicles in the setting of two main neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases). A special focus will be placed on the possibility of using extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for the two conditions to enable disease tracking and treatment monitoring.

This paper aims to take stock of the acquisitions achieved by evidence-based research on teaching to read, to compare them with the teaching practices, as they emerge from the school textbooks proposed by the publishing houses in Italy. Moving from the importance recently assumed by scientific research on effective teaching and the need to avoid risks and misunderstandings that can be generated for its use in practice, the evidence acquired about the teaching of reading and writing is presented, recalling the need to focus on the grapheme-phoneme correspondence to be acquired by children in a progressive, systematic and explicit way. It is then pointed out that the textbooks in use propose approaches in clear contrast with this finding. The second part focuses on the experimental researches conducted in Italy in recent years, congruent with the framework previously indicated, which achieve better effectiveness and high motivation in all pupils. Particular attention is paid to the national research conducted recently by the Association S.Ap.I.E.

Abstract Introduction Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach is challenging and still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian pediatricians following the national guidelines. Material and Methods A survey study was designed and carried out by sending an email an open‐ended questionnaire developed by an expert panel of the Scientific Board of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). Questions were designed according to the national intersociety consensus document on treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in newborns and infants. Results Overall, 234 pediatricians were taking part in the study. When diagnosing bronchiolitis, only 44.01% (103/234) of participants correctly followed the national guidelines. All participants (100%) would perform laboratory tests and/or radiological exams. 44.01% administered oxygen (O2) when O2 saturation was minor than 92%. About the therapeutic regimen, marked discrepancies between national guidelines and recorded answers were reported. Indications for hospital admission and discharge criteria were in line with the national guidelines. Conclusions There is a significant practice variation in the management of acute bronchiolitis among Italian physicians. Some wrong attitudes need to be further discouraged, such use of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches. Further research is urgently required to define the best management of patients with bronchiolitis and implement strategies to standardize care and improve the quality of care.

Fasciolosis caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica is one of the most important neglected parasitic diseases of humans and animals. The ability of the parasites to infect and multiply in their intermediate snail hosts, and their adaptation to a wide variety of mammalian definitive hosts contribute to their high transmissibility and distribution. Within the mammalian host, the trauma caused by the immature flukes burrowing through the liver parenchyma is associated with most of the pathogenesis. Similarly, the feeding activity and the physical presence of large flukes in the bile ducts can lead to anemia, inflammation, obstruction and cholangitis. The high frequency of non-synonymous polymorphisms found in Fasciola spp. genes allows for adaptation and invasion of a broad range of hosts. This is also facilitated by parasite’s excretory-secretory (ES) molecules that mediate physiological changes that allows their establishment within the host. ES contains cathepsin peptidases that aid parasite invasion by degrading collagen and fibronectin. In the bile ducts, cathepsin-L is critical to hemoglobin digestion during feeding activities. Other molecules (peroxiredoxin, cathepsin-L and Kunitz-type inhibitor) stimulate a strong immune response polarized toward a Treg/Th2 phenotype that favors fluke’s survival. Helminth defense molecule, fatty acid binding proteins, Fasciola-specific glycans and miRNAs modulate host pro-inflammatory responses, while antioxidant scavenger enzymes work in an orchestrated way to deter host oxidant-mediated damage. Combining these strategies Fasciola spp. survive for decades within their mammalian host, where they reproduce and spread to become one of the most widespread zoonotic worm parasites in the world.

The ageing process of the face involves a level of bone erosion that generates a morphological change in the main features of a person’s face. Consequently, the muscular structures of facial expression also undergo changes in their functionality. Another important factor that can shift bone ageing in one district over the other is altered mimicry due to altered skeletal growth. The study carried out that led to the standardisation of this technique involves the restoration of the bone gap due to physiological bone ageing and bone compensation in those cases where there is an alteration of normal maxillary and mandibular development and growth. The technique involves supraperiosteal bolus infiltrations of 2-phase hyaluronic acid-based gels with very high cohesiveness for maximum volumetric compensation with a small quantity of product. This functional treatment aims to achieve a dynamic and functional modification of each patient’s subjective physiological muscle contraction. The study was substantiated by a team of specialists who highlighted the changes by means of electromyographic and ultrasound examination and photography.

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum synthesizes significant amounts of phospholipids to meet the demands of replication within red blood cells. De novo phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis via the Kennedy pathway is essential, requiring choline that is primarily sourced from host serum lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC). LysoPC also acts as an environmental sensor to regulate parasite sexual differentiation. Despite these critical roles for host lysoPC, the enzyme(s) involved in its breakdown to free choline for PC synthesis are unknown. Here, we show that a parasite glycerophosphodiesterase (PfGDPD) is indispensable for blood stage parasite proliferation. Exogenous choline rescues growth of PfGDPD-null parasites, directly linking PfGDPD function to choline incorporation. Genetic ablation of PfGDPD reduces choline uptake from lysoPC, resulting in depletion of several PC species in the parasite, whilst purified PfGDPD releases choline from glycerophosphocholine in vitro. Our results identify PfGDPD as a choline-releasing glycerophosphodiesterase that mediates a critical step in PC biosynthesis and parasite survival.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are gaining popularity in education while classroom lectures are being deserted, especially after COVID-19 pandemic. Their added value in teaching undergraduate medical students remains to be confirmed.This study evaluated a MOOC devoted to undergraduate medical students in a blended oncology-teaching university program. It was the first to target undergraduate medical students in oncology at its beginning.Students were asked to participate in a survey before and after MOOC to explore interactions between their characteristics and final grades, 65% of the participating students belonged to the rich class. 70% of the students completed the MOOC. Grades distributions were similar before and after MOOC implementation, so MOOC doesn't alter overall results. In addition, there was a positive effect of the MOOC on median grades on the immediate test. The univariate and multivariate analysis showed that socioeconomic status and student's willingness to participate interacted significantly with final results. Particularly, students' motivation and satisfaction were associated with better results; Almost 70% of students asked for blended learning.E-learning is reliable to teach oncology to undergraduate medical students. The success is directly linked to students’ willingness to participate, and can be improved using blended methods including tutorials.

N6- methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification impacts mRNA fate primarily via reader proteins, which dictate processes in development, stress, and disease. Yet little is known about m6A function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which occurs solely during early meiosis. Here, we perform a multifaceted analysis of the m6A reader protein Pho92/Mrb1. Cross-linking immunoprecipitation analysis reveals that Pho92 associates with the 3’end of meiotic mRNAs in both an m6A-dependent and independent manner. Within cells, Pho92 transitions from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and associates with translating ribosomes. In the nucleus Pho92 associates with target loci through its interaction with transcriptional elongator Paf1C. Functionally, we show that Pho92 promotes and links protein synthesis to mRNA decay. As such, the Pho92-mediated m6A-mRNA decay is contingent on active translation and the CCR4-NOT complex. We propose that the m6A reader Pho92 is loaded co-transcriptionally to facilitate protein synthesis and subsequent decay of m6A modified transcripts, and thereby promotes meiosis.

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common brain disorder and, despite the possible use of several therapeutic options, many patients continue to have seizures for their entire lifespan and they need new therapeutic approaches. In the last years the interest on the non-psychoactive compounds present in Cannabis sativa has massively increased, and cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of different types of neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, ischemia, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease. Methods: We investigated the effects of the selected cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD and cannabigerol (CBG) in rat organotypic hippocampal slices exposed to kainate, an in vitro seizure model. Cell death in the cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) hippocampal subregion was quantified by propidium iodide fluorescence. Morphological analysis and tissue organization were examined by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy and microglia activation and polarization was evaluated using flow cytometry and morphology analysis. Results: When present in the incubation medium, cannabidiol reduced dose-dependent CA3 injury induced by kainate. Conversely, incubation with THC exacerbated hippocampal damage. The neuroprotective effects of cannabidiol were blocked by TRPV1, TRPV2, 5-HT1A, and PPARγ antagonists. Confocal microscopy confirmed that CBD but not THC had a significant protective effect against neuronal damage and tissue disorganization caused by kainate. Cannabidiol incubation significantly block the microglia activation from the M0 to M1 phenotype observed in the kainate in-vitro seizure model, pushing toward a transition from M0 to M2. Conclusions: Our results suggest that CBD mitigated neuronal damage induced by kainate and blocked the transition from the M0 to the M1 phenotype.

The work presents the results of a large experimentation carried out in Italy, which aimed to verify the advantages and sustainability of a rigorous phono-syllabic programme (Alfabeto140) compared to programmes that include marked traits of global and ideo-visual methods. The evaluation made use of tools in line with the different evolutionary phases of the reading and writing process, assessing at the pre-test the skills related to the prerequisites of reading and writing, and at the post-test those related to the acquisition of the alphabetical phase. The experimentation shows how the experimental group achieves significantly better results over 7 months of activity than the control group, with a more consistent systematic reduction of the subjects initially at risk for reading and writing difficulties, and an excellent appreciation by the teachers who have tried the programme.

Abstract Background The locations where children get exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and their contribution in spreading the infection are still not fully understood. Aim of the article is to verify the most frequent reasons for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and their role in the secondary transmission of the infection. Methods A case-control study was performed in all SARS-CoV-2 positive children (n = 81) and an equal number of age- and sex- matched controls who were referred to the S. Camillo-Forlanini Pediatric Walk-in Center of Rome. The results of all SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swabs performed in children aged

Abstract Background Canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a life-threatening infection of dogs with a global distribution. Information on the prevalence of D. immitis and associated risk factors for canine heartworm antigen positivity—and thus disease—in Australia is scarce or outdated. The current reference method for D. immitis diagnosis in dogs is via the detection of heartworm antigen in blood using commercially available microwell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Heat treatment of canine plasma prior to testing has been suggested to increase test sensitivity. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs confined to shelters in Queensland, Australia. The impact of heat treatment on antigen test results was also assessed. Methods Blood samples (n = 166) were collected directly from dogs in seven shelters across Queensland (latitudinal span of approx. 1700 km) into EDTA blood collection tubes. A commercially available ELISA (DiroCHEK®) was used to detect canine heartworm antigen in untreated and heat-treated plasma. Whole blood was concurrently tested for the presence of microfilariae and D. immitis DNA using a modified Knott’s test and real-time PCR, respectively. Risk factors (age, gender, source, location) associated with the odds of positivity for canine heartworm were assessed using binary logistic regression models. Results A total of 16 dogs (9.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9–15.2%) were positive for canine heartworm based on combined test results. Heat treatment did not impact on the positivity of D. immitis antigen within samples (Cohen’s kappa = 0.98), but the optical density was significantly increased in paired plasma samples for D. immitis antigen-positive samples (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test, two-tailed P