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Amyloodiniosis is a disease resulting from infestation by the ectoparasitic dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum (AO) and is a threat for fish species such as European sea bass (ESB, Dicentrarchus labrax), which are farmed in lagoon and land-based rearing sites. During the summer, when temperatures are highest, mortality rates can reach 100%, with serious impacts for the aquaculture industry. As no effective licensed therapies currently exist, this study was undertaken to improve knowledge of the biology of AO and of the host-parasite relationship between the protozoan and ESB, in order to formulate better prophylactic/therapeutic treatments targeting AO. To achieve this, a multi-modal study was performed involving a broad range of analytical modalities, including conventional histology (HIS), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Gills and the oro-pharyngeal cavity were the primary sites of amyloodiniosis, with hyperplasia and cell degeneration more evident in severe infestations (HIS). Plasmacells and macrophages were localised by IHC and correlated with the parasite burden in a time-course experimental challenge. CLSM allowed reconstruction of the 3D morphology of infecting trophonts and suggested a protein composition for its anchoring and feeding structures. These findings provide a potential starting point for the development of new prophylactic/therapeutic controls.

This data article describes data of magnetic stratigraphy and anisotropy of isothermal remanent magnetization (AIRM) from “Magnetic properties of early Pliocene sediments from IODP Site U1467 (Maldives platform) reveal changes in the monsoon system” [1]. Acquisition of isothermal magnetization on pilot samples and anisotropy of isothermal remanent magnetization are reported as raw data; magnetostratigraphic data are reported as characteristic magnetization (ChRM). Keywords: Paleomagnetism, Pliocene magnetic stratigraphy, Anisotropy of isothermal remanent magnetization, Currents strength, Monsoon

A hot stable field-reversed configuration (FRC) has been produced in the C-2 experiment by colliding and merging two high-beta plasmoids preformed by the dynamic version of field-reversed theta-pinch technology. The merging process exhibits the highest poloidal flux amplification obtained in a magnetic confinement system (over tenfold increase). Most of the kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy with total temperature (T(i) + T(e)) exceeding 0.5 keV. The final FRC state exhibits a record FRC lifetime with flux confinement approaching classical values. These findings should have significant implications for fusion research and the physics of magnetic reconnection.

En el artículo reflexionamos sobre la gestión de las sexualidades de las adolescentes mujeres tomando como punto de partida el Sistema Penal Juvenil Uruguayo. Trabajamos con una perspectiva de investigación cualitativa que apuesta a la producción de sentidos por parte de los y las agentes claves, a lo que sumamos los aportes de las epistemologías y las criminologías feministas. Presentamos dos tensiones analíticas, una referida a la sexualización del cuerpo y avasallamiento de la sexualidad. Y otra acerca del tratamiento de la maternidad de las adolescentes vinculado al pecado y el ejercicio de la sexualidad. Finalmente mostramos cómo muchas de las intervenciones se apuntalan en el cuerpo, al configurarse prácticas de control sociopenal destinadas a las sexualidades de las adolescentes mujeres.

Abstract Immunophenotyping is critical to the diagnosis of MS, as it can be difficult to differentiate from other diagnoses including lymphoma using conventional light microscopy.

This research study examined the extent of long-term participation in Girls on the Run (GOTR), an experiential learning program for pre-adolescent girls, and its effect on healthy living and self-esteem. To explore these relationships, an exploratory, mixed-methods study was conducted, which involved open- and closed-ended surveys and interviews. Data collection took place in Seattle, Washington, with former Girls on the Run Puget Sound (GOTRPS) participants who now range in age from 8 to 20 years. Specifically, this study scrutinized the (a) long-term participation of the GOTR program, (b) self-perceptions and perceived behavioral changes as a result of GOTR, and (c) whether or not GOTR values were reinforced in the home. Even though the sample size was small, results concluded positive program impact on girls who participated either once (short-term) or repeatedly (long-term). Correlations on long-term participation revealed a positive and statistical significant correlation (r = 0.350, p = 0.002).

Background: Deferasirox (DFX) is commonly used to reduce the chronic iron overload (IO) in pediatric patients. However, the drug is characterized by a large pharmacokinetic variability and approximately 10% of patients may discontinue the treatment due to toxicities. Therefore, the present retrospective study investigated possible correlations between DFX pharmacokinetics and drug-associated toxicities in 39 children (26 males), aged 2–17 years, who underwent an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: IO was diagnosed by an abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and DFX was started at a median dose of 500 mg/day. DFX plasma concentrations were measured by a high performance liquid chromatographic method with UV detection and they were analysed by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Results: The pharmacometric analysis demonstrated that DFX pharmacokinetics were significantly influenced by lean body mass (bioavailability and absorption constant), body weight (volume of distribution), alanine and aspartate transaminases, direct bilirubin, and serum creatinine (clearance). Predicted DFX minimum plasma concentrations (Ctrough) accounted for 32.4 ± 23.2 mg/L (mean ± SD), and they were significantly correlated with hepatic/renal and hematological toxicities (p-value < 0.0001, T-test and Fisher’s exact tests) when Ctrough threshold values of 7.0 and 11.5 mg/L were chosen, respectively. Conclusions: The population pharmacokinetic model described the interindividual variability and identified Ctrough threshold values that were predictive of hepatic/renal and hematological toxicities associated with DFX.

The growing interest in the impact assessment of cultural heritage has generated a diversity of approaches often focusing mainly on the economic dimension. However, if we consider the cultural heritage as a common and relational good, any activity aimed at promoting its educational, social and economic values needs to produce benefi ts for the community in which the good is located. Therefore, we must necessarily resort to other concepts and tools for measuring the impact of valorisation activities of cultural heritage on community well-being. We must also consider the value for community members. This article illustrates a qualitative research carried out through a case study with the direct involvement of local stakeholders (multi-stakeholder approach). This introductory study is part of a wider research program that the author is currently developing. In accordance with the Quality of Life studies, the main result of the research is the defi nition of elements useful to the impact assessment produced by the valorisation of cultural heritage, in terms of well-being of local communities. Il crescente interesse nella valutazione di impatto del patrimonio culturale ha generato una diversità di approcci, spesso incentrati sulla dimensione economica. Se però si considera il patrimonio culturale come bene comune e relazionale, qualsiasi attività volta a promuovere il suo valore educativo, sociale ed economico deve essere in grado di produrre benefi ci per la comunità in cui il bene si trova. È necessario, dunque, ricorrere a concetti e strumenti in grado di misurare l’impatto delle attività di valorizzazione del patrimonio sul benessere della comunità locale, considerando anche il valore attribuitogli dalla stessa. Questo articolo illustra una ricerca qualitativa realizzata attraverso un caso di studio con il coinvolgimento diretto degli attori locali (approccio multi-stakeholder). Si tratta di uno studio introduttivo ad un percorso di ricerca più ampio e articolato che l’autrice sta sviluppando. In accordo con gli studi sulla Qualità della Vita, il principale risultato della ricerca è la defi nizione di elementi utili alla valutazione dell’impatto prodotto dalla valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale in termini di benessere della comunità locale.

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The prognostic insights of heart failure (HF) with mid-range (40-49%) ejection fraction (HFmrEF) are not fully elucidated. We investigated whether the six-minutes walking test (6MWT) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are predictive of outcome across the spectrum of LV systolic dysfunction and whether the HFmrEF cut-off impacts the risk stratification abilities of these tests. We studied 538 outpatients, aged 70±12 years, 28% females, with stable chronic HF and EF

The transformation of the labour market has caused rapid unavoidable effects on educational and training needs. As a part of the debate on the future of work, learning and skills in the 21st century, this contribution focuses on learning processes in coworking as shared workplaces where it is possible to combine different professional skills in a productive, social and learning environment. In fact, coworking spaces can interpret the changes in our society, offering an alternative perspective on labour based on collaboration and meaningful connections between people, as well as self-directed, self-regulated, and socially integrated educational pathways. Futuro del lavoro ed educazione del XXI secolo. Il coworking come spazio di apprendimento Le trasformazioni in atto nel mondo del lavoro producono effetti rapidi ed ineludibili sulle istanze educative e formative. Attraversando il dibattito sul futuro del lavoro, l’apprendimento e le competenze del XXI secolo, l’articolo si sofferma sui processi formativi che si sviluppano nei coworking, luoghi di lavoro condivisi capaci di coniugare professionalità differenti in un ambiente sociale, produttivo e di apprendimento. Questi sembrando in grado di interpretare i mutamenti in atto nella nostra società, proponendo una visione alternativa di lavoro basata sulla collaborazione e sulle connessioni significative fra le persone, nonché percorsi educativi autodiretti, autoregolati e socialmente integrati.

Low treatment efficacy represents an important unmet need in neuropathic pain patients and there is an urgent need to develop a more effective pharmacotherapy. An increasing number of patients choose complementary medicine to relieve pain. Lavender essential oil (LEO) is approved by the European Medicines Agency as herbal medicine to relieve anxiety and stress. However, the capability of LEO to relieve other nervous system disorders such as neuropathic pain has never been established. Our work aimed to evaluate the antineuropathic properties of lavender on a spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain in mice. An acute oral administration of LEO (100 mg/kg) alleviated SNI-induced mechanical allodynia, evaluated in the von Frey test, with an intensity comparable to the reference drug pregabalin. Investigations into the mechanism of action showed that LEO markedly decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1, ERK2, and JNK1, and decreased the levels of iNOS in the spinal cord; involvement of the endocannabinoid system was also detected using in vitro inhibition of the FAAH and MALG enzymes as well as in vivo experiments with the CB1 antagonist. Conversely, no effect on P38 phosphorylation and NF-kB activation was detected. These antihyperalgesic effects appeared at the same dose able to induce antidepressant-like, anxiolytic-like, and anorexic effects. In addition, gavage with LEO did not significantly alter animals’ gross behavior, motor coordination, or locomotor activity, nor impaired memory functions. Oral administration of LEO could represent a therapeutic approach in the management of neuropathic pain states.

(1) Background: internal jugular vein thrombosis (IJVthr) is a potentially life-threating disease but no comprehensive reviews on etiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and current treatment guidelines are yet available; (2) Methods: we prospectively developed a protocol that defined objectives, search strategy for study identification, criteria for study selection, data extraction, study outcomes, and statistical methodology, according to the PRISMA standard. We performed a computerized search of English-language publications listed in the various electronic databases. We also retrieved relevant reports from other sources, especially by the means of hand search in the Glauco Bassi Library of the University of Ferrara; (3) Results: using the predefined search strategy, we retrieved and screened 1490 titles. Data from randomized control trials were few and limited to the central vein catheterization and to the IJVthr anticoagulation treatment. Systematic reviews were found just for Lemierre syndrome, the risk of pulmonary embolism, and the IJVthr following catheterization. The majority of the information required in our pre-defined objectives comes from perspectives observational studies and case reports. The methodological quality of the included studies was from moderate to good. After title and abstract evaluation, 1251 papers were excluded, leaving 239 manuscripts available. Finally, just 123 studies were eligible for inclusion. We found out the description of 30 different signs, symptoms, and blood biomarkers related to this condition, as well as 24 different reported causes of IJVthr. (4) Conclusions: IJVthr is often an underestimated clinical problem despite being one of the major sources of pulmonary embolism as well as a potential cause of stroke in the case of the upward propagation of the thrombus. More common symptoms are neck pain and headache, whereas swelling, erythema and the palpable cord sign beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle, frequently associated with fever, are the most reported clinical signs. An ultrasound of the neck, even limited to the simple and rapid assessment of the compression maneuver, is a quick, economic, cost-effective, noninvasive tool. High quality studies are currently lacking.

We evaluate the combined usage of two systems, the Integral Quality Monitor (IQM) transmission detector and SoftDiso software, for in vivo dose monitoring by simultaneous detection of delivery and patient setup errors in whole breast irradiation. An Alderson RANDO phantom was adapted with silicon breast prostheses to mimic the female anatomy. Plans with simulated delivery errors were created from a reference left breast plan, and patient setup errors were simulated by moving the phantom. Deviations from reference values recorded by both monitoring systems were measured for all plans and phantom positions. A 2D global gamma analysis was performed in SoftDiso for all phantom displacements. Both IQM signals and SoftDiso R-values are sensitive to small MU variations. However, only IQM is sensitive to jaw position variations. Conversely, IQM is unable to detect patient positioning errors, and the R-value has good sensitivity to phantom displacements. A gamma comparison analysis allows one to determine alert thresholds to detect phantom shifts or relatively large rotations. The combined use of the IQM and SoftDiso allows for fast identification of both delivery and setup errors and substantially reduces the impact of error identification and correction on the treatment workflow.

We compared the follow-up data on loop diuretic use and renal function, as assessed by serum creatinine levels, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), of two groups of consecutive ambulatory HF patients: 1) the clinically-guided group, in which management was clinically driven based on the institutional protocol of the HF Unit of the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department of Pisa (standard of care) and 2) the echo and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) guided group (patients conforming to the protocol of the Network Labs Ultrasound (NEBULA) in HF Study Group: Pisa, Perugia, Pavia; Verona, Auckland, and Veruno), in which therapy was delivered according to the serial assessment of BNP and echocardiography. Patients whose follow-up was based on standard of care had a significant higher prevalence of worsening renal function, that was likely related to higher diuretic dosages, whilst, a better management of renal function was observed in the echo-BNP-guided group. The data is related to “Echo and natriuretic peptide guided therapy improves outcome and reduces worsening renal function in systolic heart failure: An observational study of 1137 outpatients” (A. Simioniuc, E. Carluccio, S. Ghio, A. Rossi, P. Biagioli, G. Reboldi, G.G. Galeotti, F. Lu, C. Zara, G. Whalley, P.G. Temporelli, F.L. Dini, 2016; K.J. Harjai, H.K. Dinshaw, E. Nunez, M. Shah, H. Thompson, T. Turgut, H.O. Ventura, 1999; A. Ahmed, A. Husain, T.E. Love, G. Gambassi, L.J. Dell׳Italia, G.S. Francis, M. Gheorghiade, R.M. Allman, S. Meleth, R.C. Bourge, 2006) [1–3].