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Abstract Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease, associated with multiple comorbidities and psychological and psychiatric disorders. The quality of life of patients with this disease is severely compromised, especially in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Secukinumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody, was the first anti-interleukin (IL)-17 biologic approved for treating psoriasis. Secukinumab demonstrated long-lasting efficacy and a good safety profile in individuals with plaque psoriasis, and it is associated with an improvement in health-related quality of life. While there is evidence that early treatment with systemic therapy can affect disease progression and improve long-term outcomes in other autoimmune diseases, evidence is limited in psoriasis, especially in real-world settings. This review provides an overview of studies describing the effectiveness of secukinumab in the treatment of psoriasis summarizing the literature and focusing on real-world evidence and early intervention.

Abstract Background Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐17 and ‐23 represent the ultimate therapeutic strategy in treating psoriasis patients, but scientific literature still does not provide conclusive results regarding the possible influence of previous biological therapies on real‐life therapeutic response. Objectives The objective of our work was to investigate any putative difference in the achievement and maintenance of PASI 75, 90 and 100, as well as the probability to achieve absolute PASI ≤ 1 and ≤3, between 305 bio‐naïve and bio‐experienced patients treated with anti‐IL mAbs. Methods A comparison between previous biologic and clinical factors, including relative and absolute PASI, was carried out through chi square test. Survival curves for the achievement of PASI 75, 90 and 100 and their differences were evaluated, performing a multivariate analysis (confidence interval 95%; p

Abstract Electronic Energy Transfer (EET) between chromophores is fundamental in many natural light-harvesting complexes, serving as a critical step for solar energy funneling in photosynthetic plants and bacteria. The complicated role of the environment in mediating this process in natural architectures has been addressed by recent scanning tunneling microscope experiments involving EET between two molecules supported on a solid substrate. These measurements demonstrated that EET in such conditions has peculiar features, such as a steep dependence on the donor-acceptor distance, reminiscent of a short-range mechanism more than of a Förster-like process. By using state of the art hybrid ab initio/electromagnetic modeling, here we provide a comprehensive theoretical analysis of tip-enhanced EET. In particular, we show that this process can be understood as a complex interplay of electromagnetic-based molecular plasmonic processes, whose result may effectively mimic short range effects. Therefore, the established identification of an exponential decay with Dexter-like effects does not hold for tip-enhanced EET, and accurate electromagnetic modeling is needed to identify the EET mechanism.

(1) Background/Objectives: Nail psoriasis (NP) is a chronic and difficult-to-treat disease, which causes significant social stigma and impairs the patients’ quality of life. Moreover, nail psoriasis is a true therapeutic challenge for clinicians. The presence of nail psoriasis can be part of a severe form of psoriasis and can have predictive value for the development of psoriatic arthritis. Our real-world-evidence multicenter study aims to evaluate the efficacy of bimekizumab in nail psoriasis. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of a multicenter observational study included 834 patients affected by moderate-to-severe psoriasis, in 33 Dermatologic Units in Italy, treated with bimekizumab from December 2022 to September 2023. Clinimetric assessments were based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Physician’s Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F) for the severity of nail psoriasis at 0, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. (3) Results: Psoriatic nail involvement was present in 27.95% of patients. The percentage of patients who achieved a complete clearance of NP in terms of PGA-F 0 was 31.7%, 57%, and 88.5% at week 4, 16, and 36, respectively. PASI 100 was achieved by 32.03% of patients at week 4, by 61.8% at week 16, and by 78.92% of patients at week 36. The mean baseline PASI was 16.24. The mean DLQI values for the entire group of patients at baseline, at week 4, at week 16, and at week 36 were 14.62, 3.02, 0.83, and 0.5, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Therapies that promote the healing of both the skin and nails in a short time can also ensure a lower risk of subsequently developing arthritis which is disabling over time. Bimekizumab proved to be particularly effective to treat NP, with a fast response in terms of complete clearance, with over 88.5% of patients free from NP after 36 weeks. The findings of our real-world study showed that patients with moderate-to-severe PsO and concomitant NP had significantly faster and more substantial improvements in NP up to 36 weeks with respect to previous research findings. Considering the rapid healing of the nail, the dual inhibition of IL17 A and F might have a great value in re-establishing the dysregulation of keratin 17 at the nail level.

Abstract Molecular polaritons are hybrid light-matter states that emerge when a molecular transition strongly interacts with photons in a resonator. At optical frequencies, this interaction unlocks a way to explore and control new chemical phenomena at the nanoscale. Achieving such control at ultrafast timescales, however, is an outstanding challenge, as it requires a deep understanding of the dynamics of the collectively coupled molecular excitation and the light modes. Here, we investigate the dynamics of collective polariton states, realized by coupling molecular photoswitches to optically anisotropic plasmonic nanoantennas. Pump-probe experiments reveal an ultrafast collapse of polaritons to pure molecular transition triggered by femtosecond-pulse excitation at room temperature. Through a synergistic combination of experiments and quantum mechanical modelling, we show that the response of the system is governed by intramolecular dynamics, occurring one order of magnitude faster with respect to the uncoupled excited molecule relaxation to the ground state.

Abstract Background After decades of use, methotrexate displays an established safety and efficacy profile in both in-hospital and outpatient settings. Despite its widespread use, there is surprisingly little clinical evidence to guide daily practice with methotrexate in dermatology. Objectives To provide guidance for clinicians in daily practice for areas in which there is limited guidance. Methods A Delphi consensus exercise on 23 statements was carried out on the use of methotrexate in dermatological routine settings. Results Consensus was reached on statements that cover six main areas: (1) pre-screening exams and monitoring of therapy; (2) dosing and administration in patients naïve to methotrexate; (3) optimal strategy for patients in remission; (4) use of folic acid; (5) safety; and (6) predictors of toxicity and efficacy. Specific recommendations are provided for all 23 statements. Conclusions In order to optimize methotrexate efficacy, it is essential to optimize treatment using appropriate dosages, carrying out a rapid drug-based step-up on a treat-to-target strategy and preferably using the subcutaneous formulation. To manage safety aspects appropriately, it is essential to evaluate patients’ risk factors and carry out proper monitoring during the course of treatment.

AbstractIt is an open question whether machine-learning (ML) methods can be trusted in areas where dense and localized seismic networks are in operation, and prompt and accurate detection and location of earthquakes are essential to guide decision-making processes that contribute to seismic-risk-mitigation-strategies, even for very low-magnitude events. To address these concerns, we compare the performance of a widely-used ML phase picker, PhaseNet, integrated with several popular earthquake location methods (included in LOC-FLOW), with the results obtained by the workflow adopted since 2012 by the Collalto Seismic Network, installed to monitor natural and potentially induced microearthquakes nearby an underground gas storage. The tested dataset concerns the most populated microseismic sequence observed so far (374 events, ML⩽2.5, August 2021, Refrontolo, NE-Italy), as its unusual productivity raised some criticalities in the combination of automatic routines, and time-consuming manual revision of phase picks adopted by the standard workflow. LOC-FLOW is able to detect the majority of the events listed in the manually revised catalog, demonstrating its ability to efficiently and accurately build earthquake catalogs from continuous seismic data. We highlight both the advantages and limitations of the ML-picker and recommend the use of template-matching-techniques in the final stage of processing to increase the number of events.

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Background: In psoriasis, several studies have indicated sex differences in clinical characteristics, type of treatment, and outcomes. A higher impact of psoriasis on quality of life (QoL) and a lower treatment satisfaction have been reported in women by different authors. Objectives: This article reports the results of a post hoc gender analysis of CANOVA study, aimed at assessing 16/24/52-week effectiveness of biologics in patients with moderate-severe plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: CANOVA was a real-world, multicenter, noninterventional, retro-prospective study conducted in 17 Italian hospital dermatology clinics. Results: Of the 669 eligible patients, 63.8% were men. Demographic and baseline characteristics and duration of disease were rather homogeneous between sexes. Slightly more women had been treated with biologics (50.4% vs. 46.5%) and had received ?2 biologic treatment lines (17.2% vs. 12.4%) before study treatment. The most frequently used biologics were secukinumab, ustekinumab, adalimumab, and ixekizumab in both sexes. At 6 months, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75/90/100 responders were 90.8%/72.3%/45.3% of men and 89.2%/76.6%/48.2% of women. Sustained PASI responders were 79.5% of men and 75.9% of women. Treatment satisfaction was significantly lower in women at enrolment for all subscales, and was still lower at 6 months, no longer significantly. Gender distribution in Dermatology Life Quality Index total score classes showed a significantly greater effect of psoriasis on QoL in women, both at enrolment and at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: In conclusion, this gender analysis confirms in both genders the efficacy of biologics in psoriasis. However, women reported a greater impact of the disease on QoL and lower treatment satisfaction.

Background Lidocaine hydrochloride is frequently used for management of painful wounds. This prospective, multicentre study examined the effects of 5% lidocaine cream on wound pain relief. Material and methods The study included 78 patients with painful wounds treated with 5% Lidocaine cream for two weeks in two Italian Hospitals. Patients’ perception of pain was recorded by, using the 5-point Visual Rate Scale and the 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale. All medications and adverse events were evaluated in a daily diary. The primary outcome of the study was establishing the wound pain relief based on the results of 5-VRS and pain intensity based on the 11-NPRS testing from baseline to the end of treatment. Clinical aspects and adverse events were also collected. Results Seventy-eight patients had a median age of 67.5 years (range 18-96 years). 62.8% were women. The wounds included traumatic wounds (n = 39), venous ulcers (n = 25), post-surgical wounds (n = 6) pyoderma gangrenosum (n = 6), vasculitis (n = 1) and pressure ulcer (n = 1). The intensity of pain significantly decreased from the baseline level established at the beginning of treatment (mean score 6.7 − 1.90) - to the level at end of treatment (3.0 − 2.23-; p

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by intense itching and inflammatory eczematous lesions. Biological disease-modifying drugs, such as dupilumab are recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe AD, refractory to systemic immunosuppressive therapies. Disease monitoring is performed by clinical scores. Since 1970, however, the use of ultrasound and particularly high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), has identified alterations in dermal echogenicity, called the subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB), that correlates with disease severity and response to treatment. We enrolled 18 patients with moderate-to-severe AD, divided into two groups: twelve patients in the dupilumab treatment (Group A) and six patients in standard treatment, from February 2019 to November 2019. We performed ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) evaluation of lesional and non-lesional skin, focusing on SLEB average thicknesses measurement, epidermal thickness, and vascular signal in correlation with objective disease scores (EASI, IGA), patient’s reported scores (Sleep Quality NRS and Itch NRS), and TEWL and corneometry at baseline (T0), after 1 month (T1) and 2 months (T2). The SLEB average thickness measurement, vascular signal, and epidermal thickness showed a statistically significant reduction in lesional skin of the biological treatment group and no significant reduction in non-lesional skin in both groups. In the lesional skin of the standard treatment group, only epidermal thickness showed a statistically significant reduction. Our study demonstrates that SLEB measurement, vascular signals, and epidermal thickness could be used as objective parameters in monitoring the AD treatment response, while the presence of SLEB in non-lesional skin could be used as a marker of subclinical inflammation and could predict development of clinical lesions, suggesting a pro-active therapy. Further follow-up and research are needed to clarify the association of SLEB decrease/disappearance with a reduction of flares/prolongment of the disease remission time.

Dermal hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are used for nasolabial fold correction, but no study is still available on the use of ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) with 70 MHz probes for the evaluation of HA distribution and wrinkle amelioration. We selected 13 patients who received HA filler, evaluated before (Time (T) 0) and after injection (T1), and after 24 weeks (T2). The dermal thickness and distribution of HA were registered, as well as the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and wrinkle 3D fullness. The UHFUS dermal thickness was increased by 11% for both sides at T1 and by 7.4% and 6.8% for the right and left side, respectively, at T2 (p < 0.01). The 3D wrinkle fullness showed a T1 increase (+0.59 cc and +0.79 cc for the right and left side, respectively) with a T2 maintenance of 45% of the T1 fullness (p-value < 0.001). The only clinical score significantly modified was WSRS, with a reduction of 56% at T1 and of 47.1% at T2 (p-value < 0.001). Our study then demonstrated the efficacy of UHFUS in the assessment of nasolabial fold correction, representing also the first multi-modal evaluation of HA persistence and its visual subsequent aesthetic results.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatological disease, whose pathogenesis is still poorly clarified. Because of the lack of validated criteria for diagnosis and response, PG treatment is still challenging and should be differentiated in the inflammatory and non-inflammatory phases. Our study aimed to provide a new semi-quantitative approach for PG diagnosis and monitoring, identifying ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) early biomarkers associated with the transition between the two phases. We enrolled 13 patients affected by painful PG lesions evaluated during the inflammatory phase (T0) and during the non-inflammatory phase (T1): pain was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); clinical features were recorded through digital photography; epidermis and dermis ultrasound (US) characteristics were evaluated by UHFUS examination with a 70 MHz probe (Vevo MD® FUJIFILM VisualSonics). In T1 UHFUS examination, the presence of hyperechoic oval structures was lower compared to T0 (p value < 0.05). An hyperechogenic structure within the oval structure, suggestive of a hair tract, was evident in T0 and absent in T1 (p value < 0.05). In T0, blood vessels appear as U-shaped and V-shaped anechoic structures with a predominance of U-shaped vessels (p value < 0.05) compared to the more regular distribution found in T1. Finding early biomarkers of the transition from the inflammatory to the non-inflammatory phase could provide new insight in terms of therapeutic decision making and response monitoring. The differences found by this study suggest a potential use of UHFUS for the development of an objective standardized staging method. Further investigations will be necessary to confirm our preliminary results, thus providing a turning point in PG early detection, differential diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Psoriatic onychopathy is one of the clinical presentations of psoriasis and a well-known risk factor for the development of psoriatic arthritis. High-frequency ultrasounds (HFUS > 20 MHz) have recently been used to evaluate the nail apparatus of healthy and psoriatic subjects. The aim of our study was to detect by means of ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHFUS 70–100 MHz) alterations of the nail bed and matrix in patients with psoriatic onychopathy and to monitor these parameters during the treatment with monoclonal antibody (mAb). We enrolled 10 patients with psoriatic onychopathy and naive to previous biologic therapies. Patients were evaluated at baseline, after 1 month and after 3 months from the beginning of mAb therapy by a complete clinical assessment and US evaluation. A UHFUS examination with a 70 MHz probe was performed on the thumbnail (I), the index fingernail (II) and the nail with greater clinical impairment (W). The following measurements were analyzed: nail plate thickness (A), nail bed thickness (B), nail insertion length (C), nail matrix length (D) and nail matrix thickness (E). Among the various parameters analyzed, some measures showed a statistically significant decrease with p-value < 0.05 (t0 WA = 0.52 mm vs. t2 WA = 0.42 mm; t0 WB = 2.8 mm vs. t2 WB = 2.4 mm; t0 WE = 0.76 mm vs. t2 WE = 0.64 mm; t0 IIA = 0.49 mm vs. t2 IIA = 0.39 mm). In conclusion, UHFUS could represent a viable imaging technique for the real-time evaluation and monitoring of psoriatic onychopathy, thus supporting the clinical parameters and revealing any subclinical signs of early drug response.

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease which can also involve joints. It is often associated with burdensome comorbidities which negatively impact prognosis and quality of life (QoL). Biologic agents have been shown to be effective in controlling disease progression, but their use is associated with higher costs compared with traditional systemic treatments. The economic analysis of the CANOVA (EffeCtiveness of biologic treAtmeNts for plaque psOriasis in Italy: an obserVAtional longitudinal study of real-life clinical practice) study aims to assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of biologics in a real-world context in Italy. Methods The annualised overall direct costs of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis management, the annualised cost of biologic drugs and the cost per responder in the Italian National Health System perspective were assessed. More specifically, the cost per response and cost per sustained response of the most prescribed biologic therapies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis within the CANOVA study were assessed using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) at several score levels (75, 90 and 100%). Results The most frequently used biologic therapies for plaque psoriasis were secukinumab, ustekinumab, adalimumab originator, and ixekizumab. Cost of biologics was the driver of expenditure, accounting for about 98% of total costs. Adalimumab originator was the biologic with the lowest cost per responder ratio (range: €7848 - €31,378), followed by secukinumab (range: €9015 - €33,419). Ustekinumab (range: €11,689 – €39,280) and ixekizumab (range: €11,092 – €34,289) ranked respectively third and fourth, in terms of cost-effectiveness ratio. As concerns the cost per sustained response analysis, secukinumab showed the lowest value observed (€21,375) over the other options, because of its high response rate (86% vs. 60–80%), which was achieved early in time. Conclusion Biologic therapy is a valuable asset for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Concomitant assessment of treatment costs against the expected therapeutic response over time can provide physicians and payers additional insights which can complement the traditional risk-benefit profile assessment and drive treatment decisions.

Background: To assess skin involvement in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) by comparing results obtained from modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), durometry and ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS). Methods: SSc patients were enrolled along with healthy controls (HC), assessing disease-specific characteristics. Five regions of interest were investigated in the non-dominant upper limb. Each patient underwent a rheumatological evaluation of the mRSS, dermatological measurement with a durometer, and radiological UHFUS assessment with a 70 MHz probe calculating the mean grayscale value (MGV). Results: Forty-seven SSc patients (87.2% female, mean age 56.4 years) and 15 HC comparable for age and sex were enrolled. Durometry showed a positive correlation with mRSS in most regions of interest (p = 0.025, ρ = 0.34 in mean). When performing UHFUS, SSc patients had a significantly thicker epidermal layer (p < 0.001) and lower epidermal MGV (p = 0.01) than HC in almost all the different regions of interest. Lower values of dermal MGV were found at the distal and intermediate phalanx (p < 0.01). No relationships were found between UHFUS results either with mRSS or durometry. Conclusions: UHFUS is an emergent tool for skin assessment in SSc, showing significant alterations concerning skin thickness and echogenicity when compared with HC. The lack of correlations between UHFUS and both mRSS and durometry suggests that these are not equivalent techniques but may represent complementary methods for a full non-invasive skin evaluation in SSc.

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, severe inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent episodes of flares. Characteristics of patients experiencing a flare are hardly described in a real-life setting. The aim of the study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients experiencing a flare of GPP. Methods: Multicenter retrospective observational study on consecutive patients experiencing a flare of GPP between 2018 and 2022. Disease severity and quality of life were assessed by Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Area, Body Surface Area (BSA), and Severity Index (GPPASI), and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire, respectively. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of itch and pain, triggers, complications, comorbidities, pharmacological therapies, and outcome were collected. Results: A total of 66 patients, 45 (68.2%) females, mean age 58.1 ± 14.9 years, were included. The GPPASI, BSA, and DLQI were 22.9 ± 13.5 (mean ± standard deviation), 47.9 ± 29.1, and 21.0 ± 5.0, respectively. The VAS of itch and pain were 6.2 ± 3.3 and 6.2 ± 3.0, respectively. Fever (>38 °C) and leukocytosis (WBC > 12 × 109/L) were found in 26 (39.4%) and 39 (59.1%) patients, respectively. Precipitating triggers were identified in 24 (36.3%) and included infections (15.9%), drugs (10.6%), stressful life events (7.6%), and corticosteroids withdrawal (3.0%). Fourteen (21.2%) patients were hospitalized because of complications including infections in 9 (13.6%) leading to death in one case and hepatitis in 3 (4.5%). Conclusions: GPP flares can be severe and cause severe pain and itch with significant impact on the quality of life. In about one-third of patients the flare may have a persistent course and, with complications, lead to hospitalization.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is an uncommon angioproliferative benign disorder. A 24- year-old Caucasian female patient presented with multiple itchy reddish pearly nodule.

A very rare variant of MPD is the Pigmented Mammary Paget Disease (PMPD), first described by Culberson et al. in 1956. It is very difficult to distinguish this variant from melanoma both clinically and dermoscopically. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Correct diagnosis is crucial for surgical treatment, which is different for these two diseases. We report the case of a 92-year-old woman, who presented an asymptomatic pigmented lesion of the right nipple and areola. The lesion was arisen for about 6 months and was suspected for melanoma because of clinical and dersmoscopic characteristics. Incisional biopsy revealed tumor cells, that proliferate in the major mammary ducts, and tumor cells in the overlying epidermis of the nipple, thus diagnosing pigmented mammary Paget disease (PMPD). The patient underwent radical mastectomy.

Abstract Background Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) is a standard typing technique used to associate a sequence type (ST) to a bacterial isolate. When the output of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of a sample is available the ST can be assigned directly processing the read-set. Current approaches employ reads mapping (SRST2) against the MLST loci, k-mer distribution (stringMLST), selective assembly (GRAbB) or whole genome assembly (BIGSdb) followed by BLASTn sequence query. Here we present STRAIN (ST Reduced Assembly IdentificatioN), an R package that implements a hybrid strategy between assembly and mapping of the reads to assign the ST to an isolate starting from its read-sets. Results Analysis of 540 publicly accessible Illumina read sets showed STRAIN to be more accurate at correct allele assignment and new alleles identification compared to SRTS2, stringMLST and GRAbB. STRAIN assigned correctly 3666 out of 3780 alleles (capability to identify correct alleles 97%) and, when presented with samples containing new alleles, identified them in 3730 out of 3780 STs (capability to identify new alleles 98.7%) of the cases. On the same dataset the other tested tools achieved lower capability to identify correct alleles (from 28.5 to 96.9%) and lower capability to identify new alleles (from 1.1 to 97.1%). Conclusions STRAIN is a new accurate method to assign the alleles and ST to an isolate by processing the raw reads output of WGS. STRAIN is also able to retrieve new allele sequences if present. Capability to identify correct and new STs/alleles, evaluated on a benchmark dataset, are higher than other existing methods. STRAIN is designed for single allele typing as well as MLST. Its implementation in R makes allele and ST assignment simple, direct and prompt to be integrated in wider pipeline of downstream bioinformatics analyses.

Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo are monitoring the sky and collecting gravitational-wave strain data with sufficient sensitivity to detect signals routinely. In this paper we describe the data recorded by these instruments during their first and second observing runs. The main data products are gravitational-wave strain time series sampled at 16384 Hz. The datasets that include this strain measurement can be freely accessed through the Gravitational Wave Open Science Center at http://gw-openscience.org, together with data-quality information essential for the analysis of LIGO and Virgo data, documentation, tutorials, and supporting software.

Seismic monitoring in areas where induced earthquakes could occur is a challenging topic for seismologists due to the generally very low signal to noise ratio. Therefore, the seismological community is devoting several efforts to the development of high-quality networks around the areas where fluid injection and storage and geothermal activities take place, also following the national induced seismicity monitoring guidelines. The use of advanced data mining strategies, such as template matching filters, auto-similarity search, and deep-learning approaches, has recently further fostered such monitoring, enhancing the seismic catalogs and lowering the magnitude of completeness of these areas. In this framework, we carried out an experiment where a small-aperture seismic array was installed within the dense seismic network used for monitoring the gas reservoir of Collalto, in North Italy. The continuous velocimetric data, acquired for 25 days, were analysed through the application of the optimized auto-similarity search technique FAST. The array was conceived as a cost-effective network, aimed at integrating, right above the gas storage site, the permanent high-resolution Collalto Seismic Network. The analysis allowed to detect micro-events down to magnitude Ml = −0.4 within a distance of ~15 km from the array. Our results confirmed that the system based on the array installation and the FAST data analysis might contribute to lowering the magnitude of completeness around the site of about 0.7 units.

Anti-interleukin-17 agents have recently been developed for the treatment of psoriasis. This study evaluated the tolerance and effectiveness of anti-interleukin-17 agents for psoriasis in elderly patients in daily practice. A multicentre, retrospective study was performed, involving psoriatic patients aged ≥65 years who had received an anti-interleukin-17 agent, including secukinumab, ixekizumab or brodalumab. A total of 114 patients were included: 72 received secukinumab, 35 ixekizumab, and 7 brodalumab. Treatment was stopped in 32 patients (28.9%), because of relapses in 14 patients (41.2%), primary failures in 11 patients (32.4%), or adverse events in 7 patients (20.6%). The 3 most frequently reported adverse events were injection site reactions (n = 4), oral candidiasis (n = 3), and influenza-like illness (n = 3). Regarding effectiveness, 80 patients (70%) reached a Physician Global Assessment score of 0/1, 6 months after treatment initiation. In conclusion, anti-interleukin-17 therapy appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for psoriasis treatment in patients aged ≥ 65 years.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of ubiquitously expressed zinc-dependent enzymes with proteolitic activities. They are expressed in physiological situations and pathological conditions involving inflammatory processes including epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), neuronal injury, and cancer. There is also evidence that MMPs regulate inflammation in tumor microenvironment, which plays an important role in healing tissue processes. Looking at both inflammatory and neuronal damages, MMP9 is involved in both processes and their modulation seems to be regulated by two proteins: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). However other important genes are involved in molecular regulation of transcription factors, protein-kinase B (AKT), and p65. In addition, Triticum vulgare extract (TVE) modulated the biological markers associated with inflammatory processes, including p65 protein. While there are no evidence that TVE might be involved in the biological modulation of other inflammatory marker as AKT, we would like to assess whether TVE is able to (1) modulate phosphorylation of AKT (pAKT) as an early marker of inflammatory process in vitro and (2) affect MMP9 protein expression in an in vitro model. The BV-2 cells (microglial of mouse) have been used as an in vitro model to simulate both inflammatory and neuronal injury pathologies. Here, MMP9 seems to be involved in cellular migration through inflammatory marker activation. We simulate an inflammatory preclinical model treating BV-2 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce proinflammatory activation affecting pAKT and p65 proteins. TVE is revealed to restore the native expression of AKT and p65. Additionally, TVE extract modulates also the protein concentration of MMP9. Nevertheless, immunofluorescence confocal analyses revealed that both AKT and MMP9 are regulated together, synchronously. This work seems to demonstrate that two important genes can be used to monitor the beginning of an inflammatory process, AKT and MMP9, in which TVE seems able to modulate their expression of inflammation-associated molecules.

Entomological approaches currently available for assessing host parasitization require dissection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or waiting for adult emergence. The first two methods are relatively fast but destructive, whereas the third one allows the emergence of the parasitoid but it is time consuming. In this framework, new diagnostic imaging tools may contribute to solve the lack of an accurate, rapid, and non-invasive approach to evaluate the parasitization of soft-bodied insects by their endoparasitoids. In this study, ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) technology, which is currently used in medical and preclinical fields, was adopted to assess the parasitization of the invasive polyphagous Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), testing 2nd and 3rd instar larvae. Parasitization assays were carried out with the solitary koinobiont endophagous parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Opiinae). The efficacy of UHFUS-based echoentomography was compared with the classical method of dissecting the larval host under a stereomicroscope. Our results showed that the UHFUS diagnostic capability was statistically comparable with that of dissection, both on C. capitata 2nd and 3rd larvae. Overall, UHFUS-based echoentomography may be further considered as a fast, non-invasive, and effective approach to evaluate the parasitoid’s ability to successfully oviposit in soft-bodied hosts.

Background: The aims of this review are to analyze the current literature regarding the characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms of itch in chronic wounds, to assess the impact on quality of life and delayed-healing, to focus on the best strategies of prevention and treatment, to highlight the importance of on-going research in order to fully understand the pathophysiology, and to improve the management of target therapies. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. We included a total of 11 articles written in English with relevant information on the pathophysiology of itch in chronic wounds and on management strategies. Results: Itch in chronic wounds was found to be correlated with xerosis, larger wound areas, necrotic tissue and amount of exudate, peripheral tissue edema, sclerosis, granulation tissue, contact dermatitis, and bacterial burden, as well as with lower quality of life. Conclusions: Although there are several aspecific pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, there appears to be no validated prevention or management strategy for itch in chronic wounds. Further studies are needed to clarify the association and pathophysiology of itch in chronic wounds, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical treatments on perilesional skin to reduce itch, to characterize multidimensional sensations of itch in chronic wounds, to identify specific cytokine and chemokine expressions that are correlated to a tailored-based approach, and to develop practical guidelines.

Marco Romanelli1, Valentina Dini1, Peter Vowden2, Magnus S Ågren31Department of Dermatology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; 2Vascular Unit, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, United Kingdom; 3Department of Surgery K, Bispebjerg Hospitals, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, DenmarkAbstract: Amelogenins are extracellular matrix proteins that, under physiological conditions, self-assemble into globular aggregates up to micron-sizes. Studies with periodontal fibroblasts indicate that attachment to these structures increases the endogenous secretion of multiple growth factors and cell proliferation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies indicate that cutaneous wounds benefit from treatment with amelogenins. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving patients with hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers (VLUs) (ie, ulcers with a surface area ≥10 cm2 and duration of ≥6 months) showed that the application of amelogenin (Xelma®, Molnlycke Health Care, Gothenburg, Sweden) as an adjunct treatment to compression results in significant reduction in ulcer size, improvement in the state of ulcers, reduced pain, and a larger proportion of ulcers with low levels of exudate, compared with treatment with compression alone. Amelogenin therapy was also shown to be safe to use in that there were no significant differences in adverse events noted between patients treated with amelogenin plus compression and those treated with compression alone. Case study evaluations indicate that the benefits of amelogenin therapy demonstrated in the RCT are being repeated in “real life” situations and that amelogenin therapy may also have a role to play in the treatment of other wound types such as diabetic foot ulcers.Keywords: extracellular matrix, amelogenin, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pyoderma gangrenosum

Wound assessment is usually performed in hospitals or specialized labs. However, since patients spend most of their time at home, a remote real time wound monitoring would help providing a better care and improving the healing rate. This review describes the advances in sensors and biosensors for monitoring the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), temperature and pH in wounds. These three parameters can be used as qualitative biomarkers to assess the wound status and the effectiveness of therapy. CRP biosensors can be classified in: (a) field effect transistors, (b) optical immunosensors based on surface plasmon resonance, total internal reflection, fluorescence and chemiluminescence, (c) electrochemical sensors based on potentiometry, amperometry, and electrochemical impedance, and (d) piezoresistive sensors, such as quartz crystal microbalances and microcantilevers. The last section reports the most recent developments for wearable non-invasive temperature and pH sensors suitable for wound monitoring.

Following the Ml 5.9 earthquake that struck the Emilia area in northern Italy on May 20, 2012, at 02:03:53 UTC, and in co-operation with the personnel of the Municipality of Ferrara and the University of Ferrara, a team of seismologists of the Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS; National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics) deployed a temporary seismographic network. This consisted of eight portable seismological stations, to record the local earthquakes that occurred during the seismic sequence. The OGS intervention was integrated into the broader action of the emergency response to the earthquake sequence, which was promoted by the National Department of Civil Protection and the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV; National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) [Moretti et al. 2012, this volume]. The aim of the OGS intervention was on the one hand to extend the seismic monitoring area towards the East, to include Ferrara and its surroundings, to be ready in case of migration of the seismicity in that direction, and on the other hand to evaluate the seismic response at the instrumented sites. Some days later, another team of researchers coordinated by the University of Potenza carried out some investigations at a number of sites, and in particular at three of the sites instrumented by the OGS temporary network. […]