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Chemical contaminants such as heavy metals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and drugs, are constantly found in the marine environment determining the interest of the scientific community for their side effects on animal welfare, food safety and security. Few studies have analyzed the effects of mix of contaminants in fish, in terms of molecular and nutritional composition response, beside it is indispensable to think more and more on effect of contaminants along the food web system. In this study, Sparus aurata specimens were exposed for 15days, by diet, to a mixture of carbamazepine (Cbz), polybrominated diphenyl ether-47 (PBDE-47) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2), at two doses (0.375μgg-1 D1; 37.5μgg-1 D2) (T15). After, fish were fed with a control diet, without contaminants mix, for other 15days (T30). The study explored the effect on oxidative stress in the liver, analyzing specific molecular markers and effects on quality, by fatty acid profile and lipid peroxidation. Molecular markers involved in ROS scavenging, such as superoxide dismutase (sod), catalase (cat) and glutathione peroxidase (gpx) were evaluated by gene expression; as markers of quality and lipid peroxidation, the fatty acids (FAs) profile and the level of malondyaldeide (MDA) were assessed. Sod and cat genes underwent to up-regulation after 15days of diet containing contaminants and showed down-regulation after the next 2weeks of detoxification (T30). At T15, the FAs profile showed an increase of the saturated fatty acids (SFA), and a decrease of the polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFA). The MDA levels increased over time, indicating an ongoing radical damage. These results suggest that the effects of the contaminants can be perceived not only at molecular but also at nutritional level and that the molecular and biochemical markers adopted could be differently used to monitor the health of aquatic organisms in the marine environment.

Several studies have shown that ultrasound guidance may contribute to improved safety, effectiveness and accuracy of musculoskeletal interventional procedures performed around the hip if compared to those performed with a landmark-guided technique. Different approaches and injectates can be used for treating hip musculoskeletal disorders. These procedures may involve injections in the hip joint, periarticular bursae, tendons, and peripheral nerves. Intra-articular hip injections are mostly used as a conservative approach for treating patients affected by hip osteoarthritis. Ultrasound-guided injection of the iliopsoas bursa is performed in patients with bursitis and/or tendinopathy, to treat those with painful prosthesis due to iliopsoas impingement, or when the lidocaine test is indicated to identify the iliopsoas as a source of pain. Ultrasound-guided interventions are routinely used in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome having as target the gluteus medius/minimus tendons and/or the trochanteric bursae. Ultrasound-guided fenestration and platelet-rich plasma injection are applied in patients with hamstring tendinopathy with good clinical outcomes. Last but not least, ultrasound-guided perineural injections can be used for peripheral neuropathies or blocks of the sciatic, lateral femoral cutaneous, and pudendal nerves. In this paper, we discuss the evidence and technical tips for musculoskeletal interventional procedures performer around the hip, highlighting the added value of ultrasound as an imaging guidance modality.

Background/Aim: At present, multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTB) are considered best practice in oncology. However, web-based virtualization of MDTB may increase participation in meetings, the number of cases discussed, and adherence to guidelines, deliver better treatment, and eventually improve outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. Patients and Methods: This is an observational study focused on exploring the structuring process and implementing a multi-institutional virtual MDTB in Sicily, Italy. Other endpoints included the analysis of cooperation between participants, adherence to guidelines, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Results: Overall, 126 patients were referred to the virtual MDTB for a total of 302 cases discussed in an 18-month period. Nearly 45% of cases were referred from general hospitals or tertiary centers, 38% from comprehensive cancer centers, and only 17% from academic ones. Most health professional participants (95%) reported eliminating geographical barriers and consequently reducing costs and saving time as key advantages of virtual meetings over face-to-face ones. Using a specifically designed platform for virtual MDTBs was another excellent point, especially to geolocate clinical trials and time-lapse data storage. The majority of referred patients had stage T 3-4 prostate cancer (79%). Overall, 71% of proposals discussed were approved unchanged, while 19% changed after the virtual MDTB discussion. Debated points were mostly radiologic, surgical, medical, or radiation treatment-related issues. In particular, the prescriptive appropriateness of positron emission tomography with 68Ga-prostatic specific membrane antigen, newer drugs, radiation versus surgical approach, stage T3-4 cases, and adjuvant therapy represented the most debated issues. The proposed diagnostic and/or therapeutic options were controlled for adherence to the guidelines and/or updated scientific evidence. Overall, 98% of approved proposals and changes were in line with the guidelines. Overall, most participants felt virtual MDTB was very useful and case discussions led to a major change of strategy in 19% of cases. Conclusion: Virtual MDTBs are a very useful way to achieve best management of prostate cancer while saving time and fostering cooperation.

There are no papers exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the injection-based practice in patients affected by different rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis. The aim was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on injection-based practice trough the Italian country.A survey-based retrospective cross-sectional study.An Italian-language questionnaire was developed by a group of senior researchers and distributed by e-mail to some Rheumatology, Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Units from different geographic areas of Italy. The survey included information about the number of injections performed during COVID-19 pandemic (stratified by injected agents and injected joint), in comparison to the pre-pandemic period, and the possible reasons behind an eventual reduction. Responses were collected and descriptive analysis calculated.Eleven centers of the National Health Service completed the survey. The activities of the injections services significantly decreased across the country with a percentage of reduction of 60% compared to the pre-pandemic period. A significant reduction of both intra-articular and peri-articular injections was registered. Among intra-articular. treatments, the most affected ones were the hyaluronic acid injections, when compared to corticosteroids. A significant decrease of the total amount of peri-articular injections was observed. The strict government restrictions and the fear of patients to become infected represented the most limiting factors.The reported decrease of the injection-based practice in our country during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of chronic musculoskeletal diseases with possible negative consequences in terms of disability and quality of life.

La vergona, come emozione complessa, è riconosciuta nella sua funzione positiva di protezione e tutela dell'identità personale, come l'affetto chiave della psicologia del Sè. Il rapporto tra vergogna e reputazione, viene chiarito nella proiezione della propria immagine sociale nella comunità moderna. Numerose ricerche confermano che provare sentimenti di frustrazione e di umiliazione, in fase comunicativa, conduca ad agire in modo aggressivo, con più facilità. Si tratta di trovare un buon compromesso tra spazio pubblico e privato, tra il Sè dell'individuo e il mondo con il quale viene a patti, lasciando spazio all'emergere spontaneo della creatività e delle proprie emozioni.