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Abstract Neuropsychological evidence of memory impairment represents the main feature of the clinical onset of typical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Logical Memory (LM) are two tests both assessing verbal episodic memory, widely used in clinical practice. Our aim was to investigate the added value of their combined use in predicting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers positivity in a retrospective consecutive series of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). 169 MCI patients were included. For all of them neuropsychological assessment and CSF analysis were available. According to CSF A/T/(N) profile, 109 were defined as MCI due to AD (A+T+), and 60 were non-AD MCI (A−T−). Logistic regression model and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to evaluate the discriminatory power of single and combined sub-measures between AD and non-AD patients. The combination of RAVLT-del with LM could acceptably discriminate the two groups (AUC: 0.69, CI 95% 0.617–0.761, sens: 0.75, spec. 0.58, p

IntroductionCanine lymphoma (cL) is one of the most frequent cancers in dogs. The T-cell lymphoma (TcL) is not the most common phenotype but presents an aggressive behavior. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules which can circulate freely in blood or be associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs). The dysregulation of certain miRNAs has been identified in numerous types of human cancers and they have been largely investigated as possible tumors biomarkers in human medicine, while research in veterinary oncology is still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the expression patterns of free circulating and EV-associated miRNAs in dogs with T-cell lymhoma (TcL) and healthy dogs.MethodsEight dogs with TcL were selected as the lymphoma group (LG) and eight dogs were included as controls (Ctrl). Plasma samples were collected at the time of the diagnosis and EVs isolated with ultracentrifugation. miRNAs were extracted from both the circulating EVs and the plasma supernatant, obtaining EV-associated and free-miRNAs. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of 88 target miRNAs.ResultsTen and seven differentially expressed miRNAs between LG and Ctrl were detected in EV-associated and free-miRNAs, respectively. Among EV-associated and free-miRNAs, only has-miR-222-3p was overexpressed in both conditions.DiscussionAll the differentially expressed miRNAs detected in this study, have been already described as dysregulated in other human or canine cancers. The EV-associated miRNAs, which appear to be more stable and better conserved than free-miRNAs, could be investigated in further larger studies to better assess their use as possible biomarkers for TcL.

Tumor cells can induce important cellular and molecular modifications in the tissue or host where they grow. The idea that the host and tumor interact with each other has led to the concept of a tumor microenvironment, composed of immune cells, stromal cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix, representing a unique environment participating and, in some cases, promoting cancer progression. The study of the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly focusing on the role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), is highly relevant in oncology due to the prognostic and therapeutic significance of TILs in various tumors and their identification as targets for therapeutic intervention. Canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a common tumor; however, its immune microenvironment remains poorly understood. This retrospective study aimed to characterize the histological and immunohistochemical features of 56 cases of canine splenic HSA, focusing particularly on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We assessed the correlations between the lymphocytic response, the macroscopic and histological characteristics of the tumor, and the survival data. Our study demonstrated that FoxP3 distribution was associated with tumor-related death and survival, while the CD20 count was associated with metastasis. This study provides an in-depth characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment in canine splenic HSA and describes potential prognostic factors.

The school-to-work alternance responds to the critical issues linked to the mismatch between school learning and labour market needs, aiming to enhance adolescents’ employability. However, recent studies have shown that in Italy, school-to-work transition pathways are diversified at the territorial level, reflecting regional disparities in opportunities that risk increasing inequalities. In this regard, this paper presents the main evidence emerging from an analysis on multilevel governance of the Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (PCTOs), which are mandatory for Italian students in their last three years of upper secondary schooling. This focus is part of the national research project “Evaluating the School-Work Alternance: a longitudinal study in Italian upper secondary schools”, that aims to evaluate this policy. This part of the study, conducted through semi-structured qualitative interviews at the national, regional, and local level with stakeholders of public institutions, has examined PCTO implementation strategies, pointing out the transition mechanisms between the school and labour market, as well as roles, activities, and way of coordination between public and private sectors. The different perspectives that emerged underline the complexity of establishing networks that relate central and local governance in education systems. The results of the analysis provide a dynamic portrait of the PCTO in Italy, identifying relevant aspects that could enhance future planning or implementation of this policy.

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a broad range of motor, behavioral and cognitive abnormalities. Catatonia and Parkinson’s disease (PD) may show partially overlapping symptomatology. For this reason, catatonia could be misdiagnosed and overlooked in patients with severe PD, leading to a delay in proper treatment with benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Two cases of women with PD and catatonia who have been admitted and treated with ECT at the University Hospital of Pisa are described here. Both had a history of bipolar disorder and developed withdrawn catatonia, in the context of affective episodes, approximately one year after the diagnosis of PD. In both cases, ECT was needed and successfully led to the remission of catatonic symptoms, without cognitive worsening. Since ECT appears to effectively treat catatonia in patients with PD, clinicians should consider it as a therapeutic option.

Introduction: Canine lymphoma (cL) is one of the most frequent cancers in dogs. The T-cell lymphoma (TcL) is not the most common phenotype but presents an aggressive behavior. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small, single-stranded, noncoding RNA molecules which can circulate freely in blood or be associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs). The dysregulation of certain miRNAs has been identified in numerous types of human cancers and they have been largely investigated as possible tumors biomarkers in human medicine, while research in veterinary oncology is still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the expression patterns of free circulating and EV-associated miRNAs in dogs with T-cell lymhoma (TcL) and healthy dogs. Methods: Eight dogs with TcL were selected as the lymphoma group (LG) and eight dogs were included as controls (Ctrl). Plasma samples were collected at the time of the diagnosis and EVs isolated with ultracentrifugation. miRNAs were extracted from both the circulating EVs and the plasma supernatant, obtaining EV-associated and free-miRNAs. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression of 88 target miRNAs. Results: Ten and seven differentially expressed miRNAs between LG and Ctrl were detected in EV-associated and free-miRNAs, respectively. Among EV-associated and free-miRNAs, only has-miR-222-3p was overexpressed in both conditions. Discussion: All the differentially expressed miRNAs detected in this study, have been already described as dysregulated in other human or canine cancers. The EV-associated miRNAs, which appear to be more stable and better conserved than free-miRNAs, could be investigated in further larger studies to better assess their use as possible biomarkers for TcL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Primary laryngeal neoplasms are rare in cats, with lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma being the most commonly diagnosed tumour types. These tumours are usually highly aggressive, difficult to treat, and have a poor prognosis. Here an undifferentiated laryngeal carcinoma with hyaline bodies in a cat is reported. Case presentation A 13-year-old cat was presented for progressive respiratory signs. Diagnostic procedures revealed a partially obstructive laryngeal mass. Cytology was compatible with a poorly differentiated malignant tumour, with neoplastic cells frequently containing large intracytoplasmic hyaline bodies. After 1 month the patient was euthanised due to a worsening clinical condition and submitted for post-mortem examination, which confirmed the presence of two laryngeal masses. Histopathology confirmed the presence of an undifferentiated neoplasm with marked features of malignancy. Strong immunolabelling for pancytokeratin led to a diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma, however, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations could not elucidate the origin of the large intracytoplasmic hyaline bodies observed in tumour cells, which appeared as non-membrane bound deposits of electron-dense material on transmission electron microscopy. Conclusion This is the first report of primary undifferentiated laryngeal carcinoma in a cat. Our case confirms the clinical features and the short survival that have been reported in other studies describing feline laryngeal tumours. Moreover, for the first time in feline literature, we describe the presence of intracytoplasmic hyaline bodies in neoplastic cells that were compatible with the so-called hyaline granules reported in different human cancers and also in the dog.

Addressing the impacts of climate change and global warming has become an urgent priority for the planet’s well-being. In recent decades the great potential of fungal-based products with characteristics equal to, or even outperforming, classic petroleum-derived products has been acknowledged. These new materials present the added advantage of having a reduced carbon footprint, less environmental impact and contributing to the shift away from a fossil-based economy. This study focused on the production of insulation panels using fungal mycelium and lignocellulosic materials as substrates. The process was optimized, starting with the selection of Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, P. eryngii, Ganoderma carnosum and Fomitopsis pinicola isolates, followed by the evaluation of three grain spawn substrates (millet, wheat and a 1:1 mix of millet and wheat grains) for mycelium propagation, and finishing with the production of various mycelium-based composites using five wood by-products and waste materials (pine sawdust, oak shavings, tree of heaven wood chips, wheat straw and shredded beech wood). The obtained biomaterials were characterized for internal structure by X-ray micro-CT, thermal transmittance using a thermoflowmeter and moisture absorption. The results showed that using a wheat and millet 1:1 (w/w) mix is the best option for spawn production regardless of the fungal isolate. In addition, the performance of the final composites was influenced both by the fungal isolate and the substrate used, with the latter having a stronger effect on the measured properties. The study shows that the most promising sustainable insulating biomaterial was created using T. versicolor grown on wheat straw.

Introduction Correlations between neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/lymphocyte, and monocyte/lymphocyte ratios (NLR, PLR, and MLR, respectively) and psychopathological and clinical variables in the context of mood disorders are increasingly emerging in international scientific literature, being the former one of the most studied. The estimation of suicidal risk associated to affective disorders could benefit from such rapidly and easily available biomarker of inflammation, if significant in this regard. Objectives The present review would like to focus on any existing correlations between NLR and suicidal risk in patients with mood disorders. Methods We sourced articles on the topic found in major scientific literature databases, combining the keywords “neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio”, “NLR”, “mood disorders”, “major depressive disorder”, “bipolar disorder” and “suicide risk”. Results There are congruent findings of significantly higher NLR values in depressed patients attempting suicide than in depressed patients with no suicidal behaviors or healthy controls. In addition, violent means appear typical in this subgroup of depressed suicidal patients, suggesting that patients with higher levels of NLR are at risk of attempting suicide and to be successful in self-harming. Similar results have been found in patients with bipolar disorder, showing a positive correlation between NRL and suicide risk, evaluated by the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Moreover, in patients with a positive family history for suicide attempts, NRL was found to be a significant positive predictor of suicide risk. Conclusions These findings, although limited, support the notion that NLR might be a useful marker for suicide vulnerability in both BD and MDD patients. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by later-life emergent neuropsychiatric symptoms, which represent an at-risk state for incident cognitive decline and dementia. Objectives Our obective was to prospectively evaluate the impact of MBI on global functioning in patients ≥ 50 years with a major depressive episode (MDE) at baseline. Methods We recruited 51 patients ≥ 50 years presenting with a MDE at the outpatient clinic of the 2nd Psychiatric Unit of the University of Pisa. Then we selected those patients who had a follow-up of at least two months and excluded subjects with a neurodegenerative disease. The included patients (N = 25) were subdivided in a subgroup with MBI and a subgroup without MBI. The subgroups have been compared for the difference between baseline and follow-up score in global functioning according Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Comparative analyses were conducted by means of mixed anova. Results There was a significant interaction effect between time and the MBI condition (F[1, 23] = 4.12, p = 0.05 η p 2 = 0.15). Descriptive statistics showed that while patients without MBI showed higher GAF score at follow-up (mean = 65.12) compared to GAF score at baseline (mean = 54.37), patients with MBI showed, on average, the same GAF score at follow-up (mean = 54.44) and at baseline (mean = 54.44). Conclusions In patients with MDE, the presence of MBI is related to a lack of improvement in psychological, social, and occupational functioning in the short-term Disclosure No significant relationships.

Ageism is a stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination against people, based on age. Ageism may impact the quality of life and the care of older people, a problem that can be greater when the older person is “frail.” However, few studies explored the role of frailty as a factor related to ageism. The aim of this study was to assess the association between perceived age discrimination (PAD), i.e., ageism, and multidimensional frailty in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults. We enrolled 1,337 community-dwelling subjects over-65 years that filled out a structured questionnaire to collect psycho-socio-economic and behavioral information. Multidimensional frailty was assessed by the SELFY-Multidimensional Prognostic Index Short-Form (SELFY-MPI-SF). PAD, over the past 5 years, was assessed based on explicit criteria. Overall, 83 out of 1,337 participants (6.2%) reported PAD. These subjects were older, more frequently women, with greater economic difficulties, lower level of cultural fruition, social network and psychological well-being, and a greater degree of frailty compared to their counterparts. After adjustment for age and gender, multidimensional frailty (SELFY-MPI-SF score) and negative affectivity were the two only “predictors” significantly associated with PAD (SELFY -MPI-SF, Odds Ratio: 1.19, 95%CI: 1.029–1.370; PANAS negative: Odds Ratio: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.033–1.099). In conclusion, self-reported frailty and negative affectivity are independently associated with PAD in community-dwelling older people. Interventions to prevent and treat frailty could be useful to reduce ageism and improve the well-being of the older people.

Simple Summary: This retrospective study explores how tumor cells impact the surrounding tissue, creating what is known as the tumor microenvironment. This environment, consisting of various cells and structures, can influence cancer progression. Researchers focus on understanding the role of immune cells, specifically tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), in this environment. In this investigation, 56 cases of canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) were studied to analyze TILs' impact on the tumor's histologic characteristics and how it affects survival. The findings highlight the association between certain immune cell distributions and factors like tumor-related death, survival, and metastasis. Overall, this study delves into the immune environment of canine splenic hemangiosarcoma, offering insights into potential prognostic factors. Tumor cells can induce important cellular and molecular modifications in the tissue or host where they grow. The idea that the host and tumor interact with each other has led to the concept of a tumor microenvironment, composed of immune cells, stromal cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix, representing a unique environment participating and, in some cases, promoting cancer progression. The study of the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly focusing on the role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), is highly relevant in oncology due to the prognostic and therapeutic significance of TILs in various tumors and their identification as targets for therapeutic intervention. Canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a common tumor; however, its immune microenvironment remains poorly understood. This retrospective study aimed to characterize the histological and immunohistochemical features of 56 cases of canine splenic HSA, focusing particularly on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We assessed the correlations between the lymphocytic response, the macroscopic and histological characteristics of the tumor, and the survival data. Our study demonstrated that FoxP3 distribution was associated with tumor-related death and survival, while the CD20 count was associated with metastasis. This study provides an in-depth characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment in canine splenic HSA and describes potential prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benign mammary lesions are infrequent in cats. Among these, the most common is feline fibroadenomatous change, a hyperplastic/dysplastic change associated with hormonal imbalances. Although never thoroughly described in scientific literature, feline fibroadenomas, which share some morphological features with fibroadenomatous change, have been variably included in classification systems. The aim of this study was to characterise feline mammary fibroadenomas from a histological and immunophenotypical point of view in order to allow the standardisation of classification. Nine cases were retrospectively collected from eight female and one male cat with no history of hormonal stimulation. Diagnostic inclusion criteria were defined and immunohistochemistry was performed. Histologically, nodules were composed of neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in arborizing lobular-like structures surrounded by abundant proliferating stroma. In all analysed cases, epithelial elements showed immunolabelling for pancytokeratin, cytokeratin19, and β-catenin. Interestingly, five cases showed multifocal epithelial vimentin positivity. Epithelial nuclear oestrogen receptor positivity was observed in three of the nine samples. In all cases, myoepithelial cells did not extend into the interstitium. Stromal cells expressed vimentin, calponin, and mild β-catenin. The median Ki67 scores were 18% and 8.3% in the epithelial and stromal components, respectively. This study describes, for the first time, the morphological and immunophenotypical features of feline mammary fibroadenoma, highlighting its existence as a separate entity from fibroadenomatous change.