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Abstract Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In tumor cells the MCPyV large T antigen (LT-Ag) is frequently found truncated and this is considered a major tumor-specific signature. The role of MCPyV in other, non-MCC tumours, is little known. Viral DNA and/or tumour-specific mutations have been sometimes detected in different tumours, but such data are not unequivocal and the involvement of the virus in the tumorigenesis is not clear. In a previous study, we demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of MCPyV DNA in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) porocarcinoma tissues compared to the normal skin. In the present study, we investigated the presence of truncating mutations in MCPyV LT-Ag coding region in porocarcinoma specimens. Using several overlapped PCR primer pairs, the complete LT-Ag sequence from two biopsies were obtained. No truncating mutations were detected. The lack of truncating mutations in LT-Ag sequence does not seem to support the role of MCPyV in porocarcinoma oncogenesis. However, an oncogenetic mechanism, different from that proposed for MCC and not associated with the LT-Ag mutations/deletions, cannot be excluded. Further studies of more sequences coding for LT-Ag would be needed to verify this hypothesis.

Folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma is a cutaneous malformation composed of a cystic folliculosebaceous structure associated with mesenchymal elements, generally consisting of fibrous stroma, adipocytes and small vascular channels. We report the case of a 55-year-old female patient with a cutaneous nodule of the right nasal wing. Microscopically, the lesion showed a dilated hair follicle with multiple sebaceous glands, surrounded by a mesenchymal component composed of fibromyxoid stroma, spindle cells, mature-appearing adipocytes and collagen bundles, resembling spindle cell lipoma, associated with an additional neural component, consisting of small nerve bundles. In folliculosebaceous cystic hamartoma, the association of spindle cell lipomatous and neural components has not previously reported.

Over the past several decades, the study of Spitz neoplasms has flourished, with expanded conceptualization and refined terminology, providing a framework for the assessment and classification of Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz Tumors, and Spitz melanoma. Cancer genomics have generated concepts such as driver and passenger genes and clonal evolution, which can be applied to Spitz tumors. Herein, we provide a historical perspective, followed by a summary of current knowledge and clinical approaches for these challenging tumors.

An active break is an alternative short “lesson” (lasting about 15 min) aimed at improving body awareness, physiological activation, and emotional feelings. Their purpose is to reactivate attentional capability, activate musculoskeletal system, reduce anxiety states, increase self-esteem, and improve individual resilience and classroom climate. The Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service (SIAN) (Prevention Department of Provincial Healthcare Company—ASP Catania) has experimented the “Active Breaks and healthy snack” project in the province’s schools to show how it is possible and pleasant to make small lasting changes to daily habits in order to counteract sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy nutrition; “class well-being” can be increased through classroom active games using “Active Breaks”. In order to monitor and evaluate the progress of the project, specific pre- and post-questionnaires was submitted to the teachers to verify the new knowledge acquired among teaching staff. At the end of the school day, the sixteen-item “Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale” (PACES) questionnaire was given to students and a satisfaction questionnaire was given to the teachers. The preliminary results confirm that it is easier to achieve lifestyle changes in the age groups 3–10, rather than in adolescents (11–14); therefore, it is believed that active breaks in association with the promotion of healthy snacks should preferably be started from kindergarten and primary school. Considering that the project involves children and parents, once the methodology is acquired, it is important to be implemented at home in order to promote the empowerment of the whole family and healthy lifestyles over long periods of time.