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The policies implemented to improve the liquidity of Spanish municipalities and the introduction of the commercial debt sustainability principle reveal the importance of controlling late payment by public sector. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of the fiscal rule directed to control the average payment periods of public administrations and whether the political environment, socioeconomic characteristics and financial situation influence on the average payment period of municipalities. In order to achieve this goal, an exploratory analysis is carried oud and panel data methodology (2009-2015) is applied. The paper contributes to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the commercial debt sustainability principle and improves the knowledge for the analysis of short-term financial position. (C) 2021 ASEPUC. Publicado por EDITUM - Universidad de Murcia. to control the average payment periods of public administrations and whether the political environment, socioeconomic characteristics and financial situation influence on the average payment period of municipalities. In order to achieve this goal, an exploratory analysis is carried oud and panel data methodology (2009-2015) is applied. The paper contributes to provide evidence of the effectiveness of the commercial debt sustainability principle and improves the knowledge for the analysis of short-term financial position.

The chapter discusses the recent multifaceted developments in public sector financial management and in particular the contribution of the permanent study group (PSG) XII in the debate regarding the reforms and the innovations occurring at all governmental levels and different public sector organizations. Guiding the reader through the journey of the PSG, the chapter outlines the key challenges that future studies dealing with public sector financial management will be called to envisage. In parallel, it focuses on the harmonization of governmental accounting systems towards IPSAS or EPSAS and national accounts in Europe by shedding light on the existing situation and the imminent trends.

Background Goji berries belonging to the Solanaceae family were considered officinal plants because of their health benefits. More recently this fruit has been qualified as superfood for the high nutritional value, low fats and high antioxidant content, therefore its inclusion in the diet is highly recommended. Despite their health-promoting properties, Goji berries represent a threat for allergic consumers. Allergenicity of Goji berries has not been thoroughly studied due to the paucity of investigations performed and the little information available about allergenic proteins. It was reported that nearly 77% of individuals allergic to plant foods reacted towards Goji berries and two bands were recognized by most of allergic individuals putatively attributed to LTPs. Method We report a case of two female patients (mean age 50 ys old) that displayed a severe anaphylactic reaction after ingestion of Goji berries. Conventional in vitro test resulted negative. Prick to prick with fresh Goji berries resulted positive. In order to have more insights in the reactive Goji proteins, we performed a proteomic investigation aiming at identifying the proteins reacting towards allergic patients' sera. Goji berries were homogenized, extracted by adding TrisHCl/NaCl buffer enriched with Urea then purified by size exclusion chromatography and loaded onto SDS-PAGE for electrophorethic separation. Several proteins banding above 100 kDa, in the region of 50-30 kDa and below 25 kDa were displayed long the electrophoretic profile. In order to identify the immunoreactive proteins, immunoblot experiments were accomplished by using allergic sera. Each individual band was excised from the gel, in vitro digested and analyzed by LC-MS/MS followed by software-based protein identification. Online databases (Eudycotiledons and Viridiplantae) were interrogated for searching any match with Goji berries protein sequences (Lycium barbarum). Results Fibrillin proteins and proteins belonging to vicilin family were identified in the reactive bands comprised in the range 30-50Kda, whereas the band (below 25kDa) showing the highest reactivity was attributed to glutelin and legumin proteins. Conclusion These preliminary results could be a useful starting point for future investigation to deepen the knowledge on Goji allergenic proteins and its likely cross reactivity with other proteins of plant-related species.

Goji berries belonging to the Solanaceae family were considered officinal plants in ancient China because of their health benefits. More recently this fruit has been qualified as superfood for the high nutritional value, low fats and high antioxidant content, therefore its inclusion in the diet is highly recommended. Despite their health-promoting properties, Goji berries represent a threat for allergic consumers. Allergenicity of Goji berries has not been thoroughly studied due to the paucity of investigations performed and the little information available about allergenic proteins. It was reported that nearly 77% of individuals allergic to plant foods reacted towards Goji berries and two bands were recognized by most of allergic individuals putatively attributed to LTPs. Cross-reactivity with other proteins belonging to the same botanical family was also demonstrated due to the high homology with other proteins. In this study we report a case of two patients (mean age 50 ys old) that displayed a severe anaphylactic reaction after ingestion of Goji berries. Conventional in vitro test resulted negative. Prick to prick with fresh Goji berries resulted positive. In order to have more insights in the reactive Gojii proteins we performed a proteomic investigation aiming at identifying the proteins reacting towards allergic patients' sera. Gojii berries were homogenized, extracted by adding TrisHCl/NaCl buffer enriched with Urea then purified by size exclusion chromatography and loaded onto SDS-PAGE for electrophorethic separation. Several proteins banding above 100 kDa, in the region of 50-30 kDa and below 25 kDa were displayed long the electrophoretic profile. In order to identify the immunoreactive proteins, immunoblot experiments were accomplished by using allergic sera. Each individual band was excised from the gel, in vitro digested and analyzed by LC-MS/MS followed by software-based protein identification. Online databases (Eudycotiledons and Viridiplantae) were interrogated for searching any match with Gojii berries protein sequences (Lycium barbarum). Finally fibrillin proteins and proteins belonging to vicilin family were identified in the reactive bands comprised in the range 30-50 KDa, whereas the band (below 25kDa) showing the highest reactivity was attributed to glutelin and legumin proteins. These preliminary results could be a useful starting point for future investigation to deepen the knowledge in Gojii allergenic proteins and its likely cross reactivity with other proteins of plant-related species.

Method: The article is based on survey data (N = 2,304) collected in Spain, which are analyzed using multiple regression, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. Results: Two dimensions are identified: the first is the comprehensive use of Internet and the second is the nature of this use, differentiating between a professional use and a recreational and social use of Internet. The article verifies that factors explaining the digital divide are age, education level, and income. Conclusions: The article identifies digitally excluded segments, and the efforts and actions for digital training to eradicate the digital divide should be directed at these groups. The most serious problem is encountered in homeworkers who are mainly woman. NEETs (not in education, employment, or training) are frequent users of Internet, but they only use it for entertainment and to certain extent they are digitally excluded.

INTRODUZIONE: La diffusione su larga scala del consumo di pesce crudo ha contribuito all’incremento di manifestazioni allergiche conseguenti al contatto col parassita del pesce Anisakis. Obiettivo dello studio è stato quello di stimare il rischio di contrarre allergie Anisakis-correlate in lavoratori del comparto ittico e della ristorazione. MATERIALI E METODI: È stato realizzato uno studio cross-sectional per stimare la prevalenza della sensibilizzazione ad Anisakis simplex (As) su un campione di 46 cuochi e/o addetti alla preparazione degli alimenti reclutati nella provincia di Palermo. A tutti i soggetti è stato somministrato un questionario clinico-anamnestico ed è stato effettuato un prelievo ematico per la rilevazione nel siero di IgE speci che anti-As. I livelli di IgE anti-As sono stati determinati tramite immuno uoroscenza (Unicap 100) con valori di siero-conversione pari a >0,35 kU/L. I dati ottenuti sono stati combinati coi dati di una precedente rilevazione similare condotta su un campione di 95 lavoratori del settore ittico nella Sicilia Occidentale. Sono state effettuate analisi descrittive ed è stato testato un modello di regressione logistica, utilizzando il software R, Version 3.3.1 – © 2009-2016 RStudio, Inc. RISULTATI: È stata documentata una siero-prevalenza ad As nel 9,2% (13/141) dei soggetti reclutati. La frequenza di siero- conversione ad As è risultata maggiore nella categoria dei pescatori/marinai (18,4%), seguita dai pescivendoli/addetti pulizia del pesce (13,6%), dai cuochi/addetti preparazione alimenti (6,2%) e dai lavoratori dell’industria del pesce (2,0%) (p-value= 0,05). Per la categoria dei pescatori/marinai è stato stimato un signi cativo eccesso di rischio di sieroconversione ad As (OR: 10,84; IC95%: 1,27 - 92,43) rispetto al riferimento dei lavoratori dell’industria del pesce, mentre per i Cuochi/addetti preparazione alimenti è stato stimato un OR di 3,20 con IC95%: 0,28-36,84. CONCLUSIONI: Un’elevata siero-prevalenza è stata documentata nel campione di soggetti professionalmente esposti ad As. Studi più estesi sono necessari per valutare se sia possibile annoverare le allergie Anisakis-correlate tra le malattie professionali per categorie e mansioni professionali ad elevata frequenza e persistenza di esposizione al parassita in ambito occupazionale.

In this paper, are presented the preliminary results of the A.I.D.A. (Auto Immunity: Diagnosis Assisted by computer) project which is developed in the frame of the cross-border cooperation Italy-Tunisia. According to the main objectives of this project, a database of interpreted Indirect ImmunoFluorescence (IIF) images on HEp 2 cells is being collected thanks to the contribution of Italian and Tunisian experts involved in routine diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. Through exchanging images and double reporting; a Gold Standard database, containing around 1000 double reported IIF images with different patterns including negative tests, has been settled. This Gold Standard database has been used for optimization of a computing solution (CADComputer Aided Detection) and for assessment of its added value in order to be used along with an immunologist as a second reader in detection of auto antibodies for autoimmune disease diagnosis. From the preliminary results obtained, the CAD appeared more powerful than junior immunologists used as second readers and may significantly improve their efficacy.

The accounting systems of all levels of government in Europe have undergone substantial changes during the last 20 years, which have not always been communicated outside country boundaries in a timely manner. This book addresses that shortcoming. With contributions by 25 leading researchers, it discusses in detail the governmental accounting status quo in 14 European countries. The book presents in a concise, thorough and comprehensive way the public sector accounting, budgeting and auditing systems at all levels of government, followed by a comparative analysis of the governmental accounting systems discussed. It also sheds light on the challenges that are likely to be faced by European countries as they move towards adopting the European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS), and offers a valuable reference resource for academics, researchers, students, auditors, public administrators and policy makers.

OBJECTIVES: Positivity of both immunoglobulin A anti-tissue transglutaminase (TTG) and anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA) has a positive predictive value of nearly 100% for celiac disease (CD). The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether patients of any age, with high pretest probability of CD and high titre of anti-TTG and EMA positivity, have a high probability of intestinal damage and may not require the biopsy for final diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 412 consecutively referred patients, age range 10 months to 72 years, who underwent small-bowel biopsy for suspicion of CD and positivity to both anti-TTG and EMA, was performed at 4 Italian centers. Biopsies were evaluated independently by 2 pathologists using Marsh modified classification; in cases of dissimilar results, a third pathologist examined the biopsy. The final histological finding diagnosis was expressed as the prevalent or highest score assigned by the pathologist board. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-six patients (96.1%) had histological findings consistent with CD (grade 2 and 3a, 3b, or 3c of modified Marsh classification). An anti-TTG ratio ≥ 7 was able to identify with the 3 assays used (Celikey, anti-TTG immunoglobulin A, EuTTG) all of the patients with significant mucosal damage (Marsh ≥ 2) independent of age and sex; specificity and positive predictive value were 100%. An anti-TTG ratio >20 was more specific (99.8%) for identification of patients with villous atrophy (Marsh 3 a, b, or c). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with positivity of anti-TTG ≥ 7-fold cutoff, confirmed by positivity to EMA, have a high-degree probability of duodenal damage. In selected conditions, a duodenal biopsy may be avoided and a confirmed greatly positive anti-TTG result could be the basis to prescribe a gluten-free diet.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of autoantibodies distinctive of type 1 AIH (AIH‐1) and type 2 AIH (AIH‐2). The aim of this study was to evaluate the autoantibody profile in a cohort of pediatric and adult AIH patients, using both indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and a new multiplexed line‐blot assay. METHODS: Sera from 63 pediatric and 53 adult AIH patients were tested for antinuclear (ANA), antismooth muscle (SMA), anti‐liver kidney microsome 1 (anti‐LKM1), anti‐liver cytosol 1 (anti‐LC1) autoantibodies using IIF methods; for anti‐LKM1, anti‐LC1, and soluble liver antigen/liver‐pancreas (anti‐SLA/LP) autoantibodies using the line‐blot; for anti‐F‐actin autoantibodies using IIF both on VSM47 cell‐line and on rat intestinal epithelial cells. RESULTS: AIH‐1 was the most common type of AIH in the adult cohort (73.6%), while AIH‐2 was the most common AIH in the pediatric cohort (61.9%). Both in adult and pediatric AIH‐2 anti‐LKM1 were the prevalent autoantibodies. In pediatric AIH‐2 anti‐LC1 autoantibodies were more frequent than in adult AIH‐2 (59 vs. 28.6%), and in 35.9% of cases they were present alone. In 17 patients anti‐LC1 autoantibodies were detected only with the line‐blot assay. The levels of anti‐LKM1 and of anti‐LC1 were not different between adult and pediatric AIH, and the overall agreement between the results obtained with the two IIF methods for F‐actin detection was 98.8% (CI 95%: 94.4–99.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The line‐blot assay showed a higher sensitivity than IIF for anti‐LC1 detection. Anti‐LKM1 and anti‐LC1 autoantibody levels are not different in adults and children. An almost perfect agreement between the two IIF methods for anti‐F‐actin detection has been observed.

Participatory budgeting (PB) is a relatively novel approach to the allocation of funds which allows ordinary citizens to become directly involved in how local government money is spent. This study identifies and examines the features and drivers of PB that incentivize citizen participation and the co-production of public services. Our analysis takes a fresh approach by setting PB initiatives in an innovative frame combining a paradigm of ‘ideal’ types of PB and their diachronic constituent phases. The results provide insights for both scholars and policy makers on the key features and drivers of citizen participation through PB. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Background Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or ‘wheat sensitivity’ (NCWS) is included in the spectrum of gluten-related disorders. No data are available on the prevalence of low bone mass density (BMD) in NCWS. Our study aims to evaluate the prevalence of low BMD in NCWS patients and search for correlations with other clinical characteristics. Methods This prospective observation study included 75 NCWS patients (63 women; median age 36 years) with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms, 65 IBS and 50 celiac controls. Patients were recruited at two Internal Medicine Departments. Elimination diet and double-blind placebo controlled (DBPC) wheat challenge proved the NCWS diagnosis. All subjects underwent BMD assessment by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), duodenal histology, HLA DQ typing, body mass index (BMI) evaluation and assessment for daily calcium intake. Results DBPC cow's milk proteins challenge showed that 30 of the 75 NCWS patients suffered from multiple food sensitivity. Osteopenia and osteoporosis frequency increased from IBS to NCWS and to celiac disease (CD) (P

Coeliac disease (CD) is a permanent inflammatory disease of the small intestine characterized by the destruction of the mucous membrane of this intestinal tract. Coeliac disease represents the most frequent food intolerance and affects about 1% of the population, but it is severely underdiagnosed. Currently available guidelines require CD-specific serology and atrophic histology in duodenal biopsy samples to diagnose CD in adults. In paediatric CD, but recently in adults also, non-invasive diagnostic strategies have become increasingly popular. In order to increase the rates of correct diagnosis of the disease without the use of biopsy, researchers have recently been using approaches based on artificial intelligence techniques. In this work, we present a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS)system for supporting CD diagnosis, developed in the context of the Italy-Malta cross-border project ITAMA. The implemented CDSS has been based on a neural-network-based fuzzy classifier. The system was developed and tested using a Virtual Database and a Real Database acquired during the ITAMA project. Analysis on 10,000 virtual patients shows that the system achieved an accuracy of 99% and a sensitivity of 99%. On 19,415 real patients, of which 109 with a confirmed diagnosis of coeliac disease, the system achieved 99.6% accuracy, 85.7% sensitivity, 99.6% specificity and 96% precision. Such results show that the developed system can be used effectively to support the diagnosis of the CD by reducing the appeal to invasive techniques such as biopsy.