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Background Although immunotherapies represent an encouraging approach against cancer, to date none translated to the clinical benefit in Glioblastoma (GBM). One aspect contributing to this failure is the highly immunosuppressive GBM microenvironment. Our approach to overcome immunosuppression is to increase anti-tumor immune responses via adenovirus (AdV)-mediated delivery of the MHC-II Transactivator (CIITA) gene. CIITA-induced MHC-II expression is anticipated to convert GBM cells into surrogate antigen presenting cells able to prime T helper cells, therefore promoting CD4+ and CD8+ mediated immunity. Material and Methods We generated AdVs containing wild type CIITA (Ad-CIITA) using a replication-defective serotype5 adenoviral backbone. AdVs containing a mutated, non-functional version of CIITA (Ad-CIITA mutant) and an empty CMV promoter (Ad-null) were used as controls. AdV-mediated MHC-II expression was monitored at mRNA, protein and cell surface level. For the functional assessment of anti-tumor immune responses, we developed an advanced human GBM organoid model system consisting of tumor organoids co-cultured with either human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or isolated CD3+ T cells. T cell mediated tumor cell killing was monitored over time via live cell imaging and flow cytometry. Results We successfully constructed and produced a CIITA-armed AdV that induces MHC-II expression in infected GBM cells, indicating the efficient expression of transcriptionally active CIITA for at least six days post infection. In immunocompetent human GBM organoids, Ad-CIITA infection of tumor cells led to prominent organoid disruption and tumor cell death, an effect that was not observed in the absence of PBMCs or CD3+ T cells. Tumor organoids infected with Ad-CIITA mutant remained intact, demonstrating the implication of cell surface MHC-II molecules in the observed phenotype. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that AdV-mediated delivery of CIITA is a promising strategy to increase T cell mediated immunity against glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical process in the life of patients with diabetes. AIM: Primary aim of the study was to compare the metabolic control between pediatric care and adult care at least 5 years in a group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Secondary aim was to evaluate the presence of complications, associated diseases and psychological-psychiatric disorders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We obtained data from 73 % (69/94) patients (current mean age 34 years) transferred to local adult centers between 1985 and 2005 at a mean age of 23.8 years. Data were collected for HbA1c, diabetic complications and associated diseases. RESULTS: Mean HbA1c did not change during the pediatric, transition and adult period [8.4 ± 1.8 % (68 ± 18 mmol/mol), 8.3 ± 1.4 % (67 ± 15 mmol/mol) and 8.4 ± 1.3 % (68 ± 14 mmol/mol), respectively]. 13 patients dropped out, after 2-12 years since transition, and their HbA1c mean value at transition was 10.4 %. After a mean of 25.9 years of disease, 35/69 patients (50.7 %) showed retinopathy, and 12/69 patients (17.3 %) nephropathy. Thyroid diseases were the most frequent associated diseases (18.3 %), followed by depression (11.2 %) and benign neoplasms (9.8 %). Drug or alcohol addictions were present in four cases (5.6 %). CONCLUSIONS: After a mean follow-up of 8 years metabolic control after transition did not change significantly in patients constantly attending to adult care centre. Patients with diabetes onset between 20 and 40 years ago were free from complications in 50 % of cases when considering retinopathy and in more than 80 % considering nephropathy. Thyroid problems were the most common associated diseases. Poor metabolic control at transition is associated with higher risk of drop-out and psychosocial morbidity. Background: Transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical process in the life of patients with diabetes. Aim: Primary aim of the study was to compare the metabolic control between pediatric care and adult care at least 5 years in a group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Secondary aim was to evaluate the presence of complications, associated diseases and psychological-psychiatric disorders. Subjects and methods: We obtained data from 73 % (69/94) patients (current mean age 34 years) transferred to local adult centers between 1985 and 2005 at a mean age of 23.8 years. Data were collected for HbA1c, diabetic complications and associated diseases. Results: Mean HbA1c did not change during the pediatric, transition and adult period [8.4 ± 1.8 % (68 ± 18 mmol/mol), 8.3 ± 1.4 % (67 ± 15 mmol/mol) and 8.4 ± 1.3 % (68 ± 14 mmol/mol), respectively]. 13 patients dropped out, after 2-12 years since transition, and their HbA1c mean value at transition was 10.4 %. After a mean of 25.9 years of disease, 35/69 patients (50.7 %) showed retinopathy, and 12/69 patients (17.3 %) nephropathy. Thyroid diseases were the most frequent associated diseases (18.3 %), followed by depression (11.2 %) and benign neoplasms (9.8 %). Drug or alcohol addictions were present in four cases (5.6 %). Conclusions: After a mean follow-up of 8 years metabolic control after transition did not change significantly in patients constantly attending to adult care centre. Patients with diabetes onset between 20 and 40 years ago were free from complications in 50 % of cases when considering retinopathy and in more than 80 % considering nephropathy. Thyroid problems were the most common associated diseases. Poor metabolic control at transition is associated with higher risk of drop-out and psychosocial morbidity. © 2014 Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE).

The paper describes the design and testing of a photogrammetric measurement protocol set up to determine the discrepancies between the planned and actual position of computer-guided template-based dental implants. Two moulds with the implants positioned in pre- and post- intervention are produced and separately imaged with a highly redundant block of convergent images; the model with the implants is positioned on a steel frame with control points and with suitable targets attached. The theoretical accuracy of the system is better than 20 micrometers and 0.3–0.4° respectively for positions of implants and directions of implant axes. In order to compare positions and angles between the planned and actual position of an implant, coordinates and axes directions are brought to a common reference system with a Helmert transformation. A procedure for comparison of positions and directions to identify out-of-tolerance discrepancies is presented; a numerical simulation study shows the effectiveness of the procedure in identifying the implants with significant discrepancies between pre- and post- intervention.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are highly prevalent in the community, and share common pathogenic mechanisms. There is also evidence that T2DM may be favored by hepatic fat accumulation; in turn the presence of T2DM is a risk factor for liver disease progression. The treatment of T2DM has considerably changed in the past few years; new drug classes, promoting glucose-lowering through mechanisms different from classical insulin-sensitizing or insulin-secreting action, have been added to continuing lifestyle intervention. Metformin and pioglitazone may be safely used in the presence of liver fat, whereas sulfonylureas and insulin itself have been associated with NAFLD progression and adverse outcome. Drugs acting on the incretin axis and on Na-glucose co-transport at renal tubular level offer new hopes for a tailored treatment able to reduce the burden of hepatic triglyceride accumulation and liver disease progression.

The effectiveness of different programs of physical activity outside randomized studies is difficult to determine. We carried out an audit in two different units where either a supervised physical activity (PA) program or a self-selected PA program was in use in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity. The supervised PA cohort (n = 101) received progressive gym training (120 min, twice a week for 13 weeks) by a dedicated team, with nutritional counseling during resting periods. The self-selected PA cohort (n = 69) was enrolled in a 13-week cognitive-behavioral program (120 min/week, in groups of 12–15 individuals), chaired by an expert team. Body weight and physical fitness (6-min walk test) were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. Outcome measures were attrition, weight loss ≥10 % initial body weight, 10 % increase in 6-min walk test; their association with a PA program was tested by logistic regression analysis. Attrition rate was lower in the supervised PA group (28 vs. 45 % than in the self-selected cohort, P = 0.023). After adjustment for confounders, the supervised PA program was associated with a lower risk of attrition at 1 year (odds ratio 0.45; 95 % confidence interval, 0.21–0.98) at logistic regression analysis. Body weight similarly decreased in both groups (more rapidly in the supervised PA cohort); also physical fitness improved in a similar way, and no differences in achieved targets of body weight (supervised, 31 %; self-selected, 18 %; P = 0.118) or fitness (supervised, 62 %; self-selected, 49 %; P = 0.312) were demonstrated. Different PA programs produce very similar health benefits, but an initially supervised program has lower attrition rates, which might translate into better outcomes in the long term.

Background: Despite intensive training, a few individuals with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) fail to reach the desired metabolic targets. Aim: To evaluate the association between disease-related emotional and cognitive aspects and metabolic control in subjects with T1DM. Subjects and methods: Health locus of control (HLOC), sense of coherence (SOC), and self-esteem were assessed in T1DM subjects using validated questionnaires. Sixty-seven consecutive subjects who did not attain the desired HbA1c target (mean HbA1c, 8.3% [67 mmol/mol]) were compared with 30 cases in satisfactory metabolic control (HbA1c levels

The occurrence of liver disease and raised liver enzymes is common in Type 2 diabetes, and may be multifactorial in origin. Very few studies are available on the exact prevalence of the phenomenon, however. We carried out an observational point-prevalence study of elevated liver enzymes in eight hospital-based Italian diabetes units. Data of 9621 consecutive Type 2 diabetes patients (males, 52.4%; median age, 65 yr) were analyzed, and alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT, AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were related to body mass index (BMI), metabolic control and the presence of the metabolic syndrome. ALT, AST, and GGT levels exceeding the upper limit of normal were present in 16.0%, 8.8%, 23.1%, respectively, the prevalence being higher in males, increasing with obesity class and poor metabolic control, and decreasing with age. Elevated enzymes were systematically associated with most parameters of the metabolic syndrome. After correction for age, gender, BMI, and differences across centers, elevated triglyceride levels/fibrate treatment [odds ratio (OR), 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34- 1.84] and an enlarged waist circumference (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.17-1.85) were the only parameters independently associated with high ALT. In a separate analysis, the presence of metabolic syndrome (Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) was highly predictive of raised liver enzymes. After exclusion of hepatitis B and C positive cases, tested in 2 centers, the prevalence of raised enzymes decreased by approximately 4%, but the association with the metabolic syndrome did not change significantly. In conclusion, the high prevalence of elevated liver enzymes in Type 2 diabetes is in keeping with the well-demonstrated risk of progressive liver disease. A large amount of diabetes patients may require a thorough clinical, laboratory and histological investigation.

Aims/hypothesis To estimate the prevalence and the direct cost of pharmacologically-treated diabetes in Italy. Methods The ARNO observatory database, containing the 20-year medical prescriptions of over 10 million Italian people, was used. Ten-year longitudinal data were available in 22 Local Health Districts (LHD). Subjects were classified as having diabetes when prescribed glucose-lowering drugs (oral agents or insulin) (311,979 individuals in 2006). The direct cost was calculated as the sum of drug use, financial compensation by LHD for the inpatient (hospital DRG) and outpatient activities (consultations, laboratory tests, radiology, etc.), all regulated by government contracts. Individuals with diabetes were compared with pharmacologically-treated subjects without diabetes, pair-matched for age, sex and general practitioner. Results In the 10-year period, the prevalence of pharmacologically-treated diabetes increased from 3.08% to 4.45% (P for trend, pro capita cost totaled €2,589 in 2006 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2,584–2,594), corresponding to a rate ratio vs. no-diabetes of 1.54 (95% CI, 1.50–1.56). The cost of drugs was € 827 (rate ratio, 1.80 vs. no-diabetes; 95% CI, 1.79–1.82), that of service use, € 488 (rate ratio, 1.07 (0.93–1.25). Only 20% of the pharmaceutical cost was due to glucose-lowering drugs, a percentage stable through the years. The cost of any hospital admission, as defined by DRGs, was independent of diabetes, but the overall cost was much higher in diabetes due to much higher admission rates. Cardiovascular complications and renal failure accounted for the large majority of excess hospital cost. Conclusion The direct economic burden of pharmacologically-treated diabetes on the National Health System is very high, due to the growing prevalence of disease and the cost of complications.

The research project 'Moon Mapping' has been established in 2014 between the Italian and Chinese Governments to promote cooperation and exchange between undergraduate students from both countries. The operational phase of the project started in early 2015, and will end in 2017, for a total length of three years. The main aim is to train new scholars to be able to work on different kinds of remotely-sensed data collected over the Moon surface by the Chinese space missions Chang'E-1/2. The project coordination has been assigned to the Italian Space Agency for the Italian side and to the Center of Space Exploration, China Ministry of Education, for the Chinese side. Several Chinese universities and Italian national research institutes and universities have been officially involved in this project. Six main research topics have been identified: (1) map of the solar wind ion; (2) geomorphological map of the Moon; (3) data preprocessing of Chang'E-1 mission; (4) map of element distribution; (5) establishment of 3D digital visualization system; and (6) compilation and publication of a tutorial on joint lunar mapping.

Background and aims: We aimed to determine the direct economic cost of the management of severe hypoglycemia among people with diabetes in Italy. Methods and results: Data of cases with an acceptance diagnosis of hypoglycemia between January 2011 and June 2012 were collected in 46 Emergency Departments (EDs). Emergency care costs were computed by estimating the average cost per ambulance service, ED visit and short-term (

Aims The aim of this consensus paper is to review the available evidence on the association between moderate alcohol use, health and disease and to provide a working document to the scientific and health professional communities. Data synthesis In healthy adults and in the elderly, spontaneous consumption of alcoholic beverages within 30 g ethanol/d for men and 15 g/d for women is to be considered acceptable and do not deserve intervention by the primary care physician or the health professional in charge. Patients with increased risk for specific diseases, for example, women with familiar history of breast cancer, or subjects with familiar history of early cardiovascular disease, or cardiovascular patients should discuss with their physician their drinking habits. No abstainer should be advised to drink for health reasons. Alcohol use must be discouraged in specific physiological or personal situations or in selected age classes (children and adolescents, pregnant and lactating women and recovering alcoholics). Moreover, the possible interactions between alcohol and acute or chronic drug use must be discussed with the primary care physician. Conclusions The choice to consume alcohol should be based on individual considerations, taking into account the influence on health and diet, the risk of alcoholism and abuse, the effect on behaviour and other factors that may vary with age and lifestyle. Moderation in drinking and development of an associated lifestyle culture should be fostered.

Aims Different criteria have been proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (ATPIII) for the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome. Its identification is of particular importance for coronary risk assessment. Methods The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was determined according to the two different proposals in 1569 consecutive subjects with Type 2 diabetes. Results By the WHO proposal, 81% of cases (95% confidence interval, 79–83) were labelled as metabolic syndrome. Microalbuminuria had the highest specificity (99%) and visceral obesity the highest sensitivity (93%). Seventy-eight per cent of patients (95% CI, 76–80) fulfilled the ATPIII criteria for metabolic syndrome, low HDL-cholesterol having the highest specificity (95%), elevated blood pressure having the highest sensitivity. According to both proposals, 1113 patients were positive; 183 were concordantly negative, indicative of a fairly good agreement (k statistics, 0.464). Subjects only positive for the WHO proposal were more frequently males, had a lower BMI and a higher arterial pressure. Only subjects identified by the ATPIII proposal had a significantly higher prevalence of previously detected coronary heart disease. Conclusions Minimum criteria for the metabolic syndrome are met in most patients with Type 2 diabetes. Correct identification of the syndrome is important for an integrated approach to reduce the high costs and the associated disabilities. The ATPIII proposal more clearly identifies the burden of coronary heart disease associated with the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of body mass index (BMI) on agreement between the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the new World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and to investigate the metabolic profile of the resulting subcategories. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study SUBJECTS: A total of 3018 subjects with no previous history of diabetes and fasting glucose

Poor zinc status is common in cirrhosis. Experimental studies proved that zinc supplementation produces metabolic effects, and trends towards improved liver function and nutritional status have previously been reported. We measured liver function by means of dynamic, quantitative tests and biochemical indices of nutrition in response to zinc treatment in patients with cirrhosis. Fifteen patients with advanced cirrhosis were studied before and after long-term oral zinc-sulfate supplementation (200 mg t.i.d. for 2–3 months). Liver function was measured by routine biochemistry, galactose elimination capacity and antipyrine clearance; nutritional assessment included the measurement of daily urinary creatinine excretion, and albumin, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) serum or plasma concentrations. In 10 patients data were correlated with the parameters of glucose metabolism obtained during a frequently-sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test. At baseline, serum zinc was low normal or reduced, and returned to normal range in all patients after supplementation. Liver function improved significantly. All nutritional indices improved as well, but remained on average below normal. IGF-1 increased on average by 30%, but was in the normal range in only 2 cases. Changes in IGF-1 correlated with improved glucose tolerance after i.v. glucose load, namely with the increased non-insulin-mediated glucose uptake. The study confirms that oral zinc produces metabolic effects in zinc-deficient patients with cirrhosis. Improved liver function and nutritional status may increase glucose disposal via increased IGF-1, responsible for the non-insulin-dependent fraction of glucose disappearance.

We evaluated the prevalence of disordered eating behavior in 168 unselected outpatients with type 2 diabetes and the effects on the health related quality of life (HRQL). Subjects in generally good glycemic control, treated by diet or oral hypoglycemic agents (58% M; 63.8 ± SD 10.1 years; BMI, 29.7 ± 5.9 kg/m2) completed self-administered questionnaires for HRQL (SF-36) and eating behavior (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ); Binge Eating Scale (BES)). Data on HRQL were computed as effect-sizes in comparison to population norm. The prevalence of altered TFEQ scales was not different between genders, and varied between 22.1% (disinhibition) and 41.4% (restriction), but only 6.7% had a positive BES score. Age (OR, 0.58 for decade; 95% CI, 0.39 – 0.87), duration of diabetes (OR, 1.33 for 5 years; 1.01 – 1.74) and BMI (OR, 1.11; 1.04 – 1.18) were predictive for the presence of disinhibition. BMI also predicted hunger (OR, 1.16; 1.08 – 1.25). SF36 domains were not different in relation to positive BES. Disinhibition at TFEQ was significantly associated with poor Social Functioning (P = 0.018) and Role-Emotional (P = 0.022), whereas hunger was associated with poor Physical Functioning (P = 0.010), Role-Physical (P = 0.0014), Social Functioning (P = 0.015) and Role-Emotional (P = 0.0001). Metabolic control, duration of diabetes, and the presence of complications were not associated with HRQL. A disordered eating behavior may be present in type 2 diabetes patients, and is associated with poor HRQL. This condition must be considered for an olistic approach to weight control.

Gli interventi sullo stile di vita finalizzati alla modificazione delle abitudini alimentari e all’attività fisica per il controllo delle malattie metaboliche sono abitualmente condotti con didattica frontale, individualmente o a gruppi di pazienti. Abbiamo sentito la necessità di aggiungere al modello tradizionale la didattica dell’e-learning per raggiungere in modo agile e flessibile i soggetti impossibilitati a frequentare il Servizio. E’ così nato “Gulliver”, un programma di Intervento Nutrizionale Elementare su SINFODIA, una piattaforma sviluppata per la gestione e la fruizione di contenuti didattici attraverso il web accessibile con password. “Gulliver” è suddiviso in moduli e lezioni; i pazienti seguono un percorso formativo sulla “scrivania studenti”, mentre il docente-tutor osserva e valuta il processo di apprendimento sulla “scrivania docente” e tiene contatti @mail con gli studenti. Il progetto è in sperimentazione su un coorte di pazienti affetti da Sindrome Metabolica. Sono qui descritte le funzionalità salienti di “Gulliver” e gli spunti di riflessione legati ad un primo periodo di sperimentazione circa l’utilità e la necessità di implementare l’uso di queste metodologie innovative per far fronte al numero sempre crescente di soggetti che necessitano di un intervento comportamentale. English Summary: Interventions aimed at modifying dietary lifestyle and physical activity in subjects with metabolic diseases are usually carried out individually or by means of frontal sessions. We have developed an e-learning program to improve patients’ adherence to treatment, frequently limited by logistics. “Gulliver” is a program of nutritional counseling using SINFODIA, a platform specifically devoted to the learning process, which can be acceded on the web through userid and password. “Gulliver” is divided into modules and lessons; the patients follow a learning pathway on a “student board”, the teacher/tutor supervises and evaluates the learning process on a “teacher board” and interacts with students through @mail. The project is under test in a cohort of subjects with the metabolic syndrome. We describe the main features of “Gulliver”, and put forward a few considerations regarding its use to cope with the needs of the increasing number of subjects requiring behavioral treatment.

Background and aims: Severe hypoglycemia is not rare in diabetes and markedly im- pacts on health resource use. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients attending emergency departments (EDs) following a severe episode of hypoglycemia, the factors associated with the management of events and the final outcome. Methods and results: We carried out a retrospective analysis of cases attending 46 Italian EDs for hypoglycemia from January 2011 to June 2012. A total of 3753 records were retrieved from the databases of the participating centers, part of a network repeatedly involved in collaborative studies; 3516 episodes occurred in subjects with diabetes (median age, 76 years; range, 1 e102). Comorbidities were recorded in 2320 (65.9%) diabetes cases; association with trauma or road accidents in 287 (8.2%) and 47 (1.3%), respectively. Patients were treated with insulin (49.8%), oral agents (31.4%), or combination treatment (15.1%). The event required assistance by the out-of-hospital Emergency services in 1821 cases (51.8%). Following the ED visit, admis- sion to hospital departments was deemed necessary in 1161 cases (33.1%). Diabetes treatment (oral agents: OR, 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37e1.94), increasing age (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.31e1.48) and the number of comorbidities (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.38e1.66) were the main drivers of admission. The in-hospital death rate was 10%, associated with the number of comor- bidities (OR, 1.28; 95%CI, 1.01e1.63). Conclusion: Severe hypoglycemia requiring referral to EDs is associated with a significant work- up of the Emergency services and a remarkable in-hospital death rate in frail individuals with diabetes.

BepiColombo is the fifth Cornerstone mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) foreseen to be launched in August 2014 with the aim of studying in great detail Mercury, the innermost planet of the Solar System. Mercury is very important from the point of view of testing and constraining the dynamical and compositional theories of planetary system formation. In fact, being in close proximity to the Sun, it has been subjected to the most extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperature and large diurnal variation, rotational state changes due to Sun induced tidal deformation, surface alteration during the cooling phase, and chemical surface composition modification by bombardment in early history. Mercury has been studied by the Mariner 10 spacecraft in 1974-75 [1], when less than half of the planetary surface has been imaged at low resolution (scale factor from few hundreds of meters to 1-2 km/px) and its magnetic field and exosphere have been discovered. Since then, the only other satellite reaching Mercury is the NASA MESSENGER, that has very recently realized three flybys with the planet; MESSENGER will be inserted in orbit around Mercury in March 2011. The BepiColombo payload will consist of two modules: the Mercury Planet Orbiter (MPO), realized in Europe, carrying remote sensing and radio science experiments, and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO), realized by JAXA in Japan, carrying field and particle science instrumentation. These two complementary packages will allow to map the entire surface of the planet, to study the geological evolution of the body and its inner structure, i.e. the main MPO tasks, and to study the magnetosphere and its relation with the surface, the exosphere and the interplanetary medium, i.e. MMO targets. The imaging and spectroscopic capability of the MPO modulus will be exploited by the Spectrometers and Imagers for MPO BepiColombo Integrated Observatory SYStem (SIMBIOSYS), an integrated system for imaging and spectroscopic investigation of the Mercury surface [2]. SIMBIOSYS incorporates capabilities to perform 50-110 m spatial resolution global mapping in both stereo mode and color imaging, high spatial resolution imaging (5 m/px scale factor at periherm) in panchromatic and broad-band filters, and imaging spectroscopy in the 400 - 2200 nm spectral range. This global performance is reached using three channels: the STereoscopic imaging Channel, STC [3]; the High Resolution Imaging Channel, HRIC [4]; and the Visible and near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imager, VIHI. STC main scientific objective is the global stereo mapping of the entire surface of Mercury that will permit the generation of a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of Mercury's surface, improving the interpretation of morphological features at different scales and clarifying the stratigraphic relationships between different geological units.

Aims The aim of this case–control study was to compare quality of life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction in adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) treated with either continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI). Methods Consecutive patients aged between 18 and 55 years, and attending diabetes clinics for a routine visit, completed the Diabetes-Specific Quality-of-Life Scale (DSQOLS), the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) and the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Case (CSII) and control subjects (MDI) were recruited in a 1 : 2 ratio. Results Overall, 1341 individuals were enrolled by 62 diabetes clinics; 481 were cases and 860 control subjects. Cases had a longer diabetes duration and were more likely to have eye and renal complications. Age, school education, occupation and HbA 1c were similar. Of control subjects, 90% followed glargine-based MDI regimens and 10% used NPH-based MDI regimens. On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for socioeconomic and clinical characteristics, scores in the following areas of the DSQOLS were higher in cases than control subjects: diet restrictions ( β = 5.96; P < 0.0001), daily hassles ( β = 3.57; P = 0.01) and fears about hypoglycaemia ( β = 3.88; P = 0.006). Treatment with CSII was also associated with a markedly higher DTSQ score ( β = 4.13; P < 0.0001) compared with MDI. Results were similar when CSII was compared separately with glargine- or NPH-based MDI regimens. Conclusions This large, non-randomized, case–control study suggests quality of life gains deriving from greater lifestyle flexibility, less fear of hypoglycaemia, and higher treatment satisfaction, when CSII is compared with either glargine-based or NPH-based MDI regimens. Diabet. Med. 25, 213–220 (2008)

The paper has two main targets: to prove by numerical experiment on simulated data (exact solution a priori known) that the integrated approach gives superior results that can’t be achieved neither by pure (“incorrect”) λ.s. adjustment nor by a λ.s. adjustment of observations corrected by some a priori long wave length gravity model; to find among many strategies for approximate solutions, one which preserves most of the features of the exact one, although with a much simpler numerical structure.

To investigate the effects of a specific program to implement physical activity (fitness program) on weight loss maintenance, activity level and resting energy expenditure (REE).Observational study of subjects completing a behavioral program.In total, 200 overweight/obese subjects (36 males, aged 20-66 years; average BMI, 35.2 kg/m2). Program and measurements:The fitness program consisted of 12 bimonthly sessions, chaired by doctors and dietitians, involving groups of 8-12 subjects. Patients entered the program approximately 9 months after the end of behavioral treatment, during a weight loss maintenance period. The goal was set at a light-to-moderate daily physical activity (brisk walking), quantitatively measured by a pedometer; REE was measured before and after the fitness program by indirect calorimetry in a subset of patients.The fitness program restarted the process of weight loss in over 60% of subjects. At the end of the study, 84% of patients walked at least 5000 steps per day, compared with 24% at the beginning of the study. The probability of losing from 5 to 10% of initial body weight increased by 20% for any 1000 steps/day (OR, 1.20; 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.07-1.35), and that of losing more than 10% by over 30% (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.19-1.49). REE increased significantly by 100 kcal/day (+7.5%), in spite of further weight loss (-1.8%).A specific fitness program in the weight maintenance phase after a behavioral program may significantly improve the long-term control of obesity.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most comprehensive means of medically treating obesity, but only few data have so far been published concerning its long-term effectiveness. We here report our experience of 1068 consecutive patients (868 females) treated with CBT at a university-based obesity centre. The patients were enrolled into three different programmes: a 14-week LEARN programme (672 patients), a 16-week MOB programme for the morbidly obese (259 patients), or a 20-week BINGE programme for subjects affected by binge eating (137 patients). Eighty-five percent of the subjects completed the weekly programmes. The percentage of patients attending the scheduled control visits during the 1-year follow-up gradually decreased, being very low in the BINGE group (10%). The percentage weight loss was an average of 6% during the weekly courses, being higher in the MOB programme; by the end of the weekly sessions, it exceeded 10% of initial body weight in 22% of cases and increased to 36% during the follow-up. The cumulative probability of follow-up was higher among the patients undergoing the MOB and LEARN programmes than among the BINGE patients (p0.0001), and decreased with the increasing severity of obesity. Female gender and a weight loss of10% i.b.w. increased compliance to follow-up. The study further demonstrates the difficulty of achieving compliance to chronic management of obesity and the critical role of binge eating disorder in the medium-term treatment of obesity. Strategies are needed to improve adherence to a follow-up protocol.

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is poor in obese patients and not necessarily related to the severity of disease. In a large proportion of patients psychopathological distress is also present and its role on poor HRQL has never been quantified.In 207 patients entering a University-based weight-reducing programme (38 males, 169 females), a package of self-administered questionnaires was submitted to measure HRQL (Short-Form 36) and psychopathological distress [general: Symptom Check-List 90 (SCL-90); depression: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); binge eating: Binge Eating Scale (BES)]. Several clinical and anthropometric data were also recorded.HRQL, both in its physical and mental component, was significantly reduced in obesity when related to Italian population norms. SCL-90 identified psychopathological distress in 53 patients (26%), the BDI was indicative of depression in 89 cases (43%), whereas high scores of the BES were measured in 88 cases. Logistic regression analysis identified psichopathological distress as the major factor associated with poor HRQL.Psychiatric disturbances significantly contribute to poorly perceived health status. Only a comprehensive treatment including a specific approach to psychiatric symptoms may be effective in improving the perceived health status of obese patients seeking treatment.

The design and the realization of a new DS-CDMA (direct sequence code division multiple access) three arms RAKE receiver for a mobile station is presented. This receiver makes use of a pilot signal for the chip synchronization and for the channel equalization. It has been experimentally characterized by means of a flexible and effective laboratory test bed and the results of a measurement campaign performed at 2.5 Mchip/s with different propagation scenarios and variable number of interferers are reported. Finally some considerations about the performance improvement given by various hardware and software demodulator architectures are given.

DECT is an ETSI standard used world-wide for home, business and public applications. One of the principal characteristics for DECT systems is interworking. In order to verify that, the receivers have been tested emulating the ramp up signals transmitted by several commercially available handsets. The testing has been done in an experimental set-up making use of a "ad hoc" board connected to a DECT tester. The measurement results pointed out severe malfunctions of some receivers depending on the type of received ramp up signals. On the basis of such results proper amendments have been approved both for standardisation and for testing.