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Alzheimer's disease is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder and its burden on patients, families, and society grows significantly with lifespan. Early modifications of risk-enhancing lifestyles and treatment initiation expand personal autonomy and reduce management costs. Many clinical trials with potentially disease-modifying drugs are devoted to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prodromal-to-Alzheimer's disease. The identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis may thus be crucial for early intervention and identification of high-risk subjects, the most appropriate target of new drugs as soon as they will be discovered. INTERCEPTOR is a strategic project by the Italian Ministry of Health and the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), aiming to validate the best combination (highly accurate, non-invasive, available on the whole national territory and financially sustainable) of biomarkers and organizational model for early diagnosis. 500 MCI subjects will be enrolled at baseline and followed-up for 3 years for at least 400 of them in order to define a "hub & spoke" nationwide model with recruiting (spokes) centers for MCI identification and expert (hubs) centers for risk diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of Sudoscan as possible marker of disease progression and disease onset in a cohort of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis (hATTR amyloidosis) polyneuropathy patients and carriers. Patients and methods: We regularly performed different clinical scales, nerve conductions studies (NCS), and Sudoscan on a cohort of hATTR amyloidosis patients and carriers from a single centre of central Italy, a non-endemic area, in the last 2 years. Results: About 18 hATTR amyloidosis patients and 8 asymptomatic carriers were enrolled. All patients had a neuropathy affecting large fibres, small fibres or both. Two subjects developed symptoms and neurophysiological alterations during follow-up. Sudoscan data from hand and feet inversely correlated with neuropathy severity and with disease duration. Moreover, global disease status, expressed by Kumamoto scale also inversely correlated with Sudoscan values. Conclusions: We confirmed that Sudoscan is a reliable marker of disease progression in late-onset hATTR amyloidosis patients and we suggest its possible utility in early detection of disease in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we presented a single electroencephalographic (EEG) marker for a neurophysiological assessment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients already diagnosed by current guidelines. The ability of the EEG marker to classify 127 AD individuals and 121 matched cognitively intact normal elderly (Nold) individuals was tested. Furthermore, its relationship to AD patients' cognitive status and structural brain integrity was examined. Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) freeware estimated cortical sources of resting state eyes-closed EEG rhythms. The EEG marker was defined as the ratio between the activity of parieto-occipital cortical sources of delta (2-4 Hz) and low-frequency alpha (8-10.5 Hz) rhythms. Results showed 77.2% of sensitivity in the recognition of the AD individuals; 65% of specificity in the recognition of the Nold individuals; and 0.75 of area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. Compared to the AD subgroup with the EEG maker within one standard deviation of the Nold mean (EEG-), the AD subgroup with EEG+ showed lower global cognitive status, as revealed by Mini-Mental State Evaluation score, and more abnormal values of white-matter and cerebrospinal fluid normalized volumes, as revealed by structural magnetic resonance imaging. We posit that cognitive and functional status being equal, AD patients with EEG+ should receive special clinical attention due to a neurophysiological "frailty". EEG+ label can be also used in clinical trials (i) to form homogeneous groups of AD patients diagnosed by current guidelines and (ii) as end-point to evaluate intervention effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to validate the Italian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), comparing five different groups of individuals (healthy young and elderly, sleep apnoea syndrome patients, depressed patients, individuals with dementia) by both questionnaire scores and polysomnographic measures. Fifty individuals (10 for each group) participated in the study. Each of them filled in the PSQI and slept for two consecutive nights in the sleep laboratory. The PSQI showed an overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach's α) of 0.835, indicating a high degree of internal consistency. The mean PSQI global score showed significant differences between groups, with an impaired overall quality of sleep in patients' groups with respect to both the healthy groups. Results also indicated that the best cut-off score (differentiating 'good' from 'bad' sleepers) is 5. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index is a useful, valid and reliable tool for the assessment of sleep quality, with an overall efficiency comparable to the mother language version and differentiate 'good' from 'bad' sleepers. The Italian version of the questionnaire provides a good and reliable differentiation between normal and pathological groups, with higher scores reported by people characterized by impaired objectively evaluated sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the effects of breakwaters on the Rimini coastal environment over the last half century. Sediment cores of 50 cm thick were collected in various seasons from 2002 to 2005 and were subsampled at surface and subsurface levels at 20 inshore and offshore stations in order to take account of various freshwater and wastewater inputs. A 240-cm sediment core was collected in the most impacted area in order to reconstruct the evolution of the marine ecosystem since the time of the breakwaters' construction. Sediment grain size, physico-chemical parameters, nutrients and inorganic and organic contaminants were determined. The breakwaters have stopped coastal erosion but have given rise to a worsening of environmental quality. No impacts were detected outside the breakwaters. The integrated approach, using biogeochemical markers to reconstruct spatial and historical environmental trends within the sheltered area, proved to be very useful in highlighting its capacity for recovery and providing indications for coastal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Located at a distance of approximately 3200 km from Iceland, where the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, Italy was affected by volcanic ash transported by middle altitude air masses across Europe. Volcanic emissions from the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in April 2010 were detected in Rimini (44° 2′ 28" N, 12° 34′ 3" E) (Italy) by means of in-situ measurements (sampling of bulk depositions). Sampling was carried out during the period April–August 2010, and the following parameters were determined: grain size, TSP, mineralogy, particle morphology and chemical content in terms of Br−, Cl−, F−, , Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Tb, Te, Ti, Tl, U, V, Y, Zn and Zr. Information from the Hysplit-NOAA back trajectory helped to identify the origin of the air mass. The results obtained from the observations are in good agreement with similar studies carried out by other European scientists, confirming that the Eyjafjallajökull ash plume also had a surface impact in Italy. The findings of our study support observations made by researchers of the CNR-IMAA Atmospheric Observatory at the EARLINET station in Southern Italy and enlarge the geographical area known to have been affected by fallout from the April–May 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes a decision-support system based on landscape ecology and focused on the study of ecosystems' health. System capabilities are illustrated with three cases of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM), in the Adriatic Sea (Italy): the lagoon of Venice and the Rimini and Ancona coastal areas. Indicators and indices are developed with a focus on sub-regional and local problems in coastal management, with a multi-scale approach based on landscape and seascape ecology. Land-use changes of the coastal areas were detected by analyzing two sets of satellite images. Indices combining satellite imagery, socio-economic and environmental indicators, and landscape and seascape maps were created, showing ecological changes, habitat loss and gaps in conservation policy. The approach used provides means for the identification of conflicts and for the assessment of sustainability. Results show that the lagoon of Venice plays an important role in mitigating and compensating the impacts of human activities, and needs to be protected and restored. The Rimini area shows high ecological footprint and development-intensity and low biocapacity. The Ancona area needs the protection of its natural coastal space from potential sources of anthropogenic impacts to maintain its sustainability. A model of environment changes is critical for formulating effective environmental policies and management strategies. The developed decision-support system provides a suitability map per each area analyzed, which can be used in order to maximize different policy objectives and reduce coastal conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents study on the trace element distribution in the air and atmospheric depositions around the Murano glass-making district in Venice, Italy. Study reveals that the atmospheric concentrations of cadmium, selenium and zinc were 1-2 orders of magnitude greater on the island than in the nearest urban areas. It finds out that the atmospheric deposition fluxes of all elements were also high. Results suggest the necessity of remedial action in the Lagoon of Venice.

Studies have revealed the potential risks to which human health and ecosystems are exposed in the Venice Lagoon, due to the atmospheric deposition of persistent pollutants such as trace metals and organic compounds. A total of 77 atmospheric bulk deposition samples were collected monthly from April 2002 to December 2004, from three sites located in the cities of Mestre and Venice, and inside the industrial area of Porto Marghera. Samples were analyzed by HRGC/HRMS for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. Spatial variations of atmospheric fallout were investigated, and source identification was attempted using diagnostic ratios and multivariate statistical analysis. Different conditions were recorded, with three anthropic signatures: i) industrial, mainly affected by local industrial sources and diesel engine emissions, ii) urban, mostly influenced by high traffic density, especially petrol car emissions and iii) lagoonal, characterized by diesel emissions from boat engines and oil burning, with random transport of industrial emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2000 to 2002, sediment contamination by Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn was analysed in the Pialassa Baiona salt marsh, which receives petrochemical wastewaters from the industrial district of Ravenna (Italy). The recent contamination levels were compared with data of previous studies carried out in 1982, in order to assess whether environmental policies and remedial measures reduced sediment pollution. Sedimentary profiles of Cu and Pb were homogeneous along the uppermost 0–10 cm horizon, which corresponded to the sedimentation in the last 30 years. Concentrations of Zn attained a peak (up to 800 mg kg−1 dry weight) in the 0–4 cm sediment horizon, which was assumed to correspond to the last 10–15 years. A wide-spread contamination by Hg was detected in the salt marsh as well as in the main channel with peaks up to 20–40 mg kg−1 dry weight. Nonetheless, recent sediments resulted less contaminated, since Hg discharge from industrial plants ceased about 20 years ago. Contamination levels by Hg values were two orders of magnitude higher than the international sediment quality standards. Cadmium, which was analysed for the first time in 2000–2002, attained a peak in the surface layers (1–2.5 mg kg−1 d.w.), with a progressive decline along the sediment column. Through comparison with pre-industrial values detected in the deeper sediment horizons (before 1920), Hg showed the highest enrichment factor, up to 300 times. Cd and Zn concentrations in recent sediments were from 2 to 10 times higher than background values. In terms of possible adverse effects, Hg posed the highest risk, and Cd and Zn were frequently above the recommended thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric deposition in the lagoon of Venice and river inputs from the watershed were collected and analysed from 1998 to 1999 using the same analytical methods. The input from riverine sources largely prevails (>70%) over that from the atmosphere for As, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, nitrogen and phosphorus. Equivalent amounts of Hg, Pb, PCBs, HCB are discharged into the lagoon from the two sources, whilst atmospheric inputs prevail for Cd, ammonia and dioxins. A comparison with figures of maximum allowable discharges (MAD) for various compounds, recently set by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, showed that total inputs (riverine + atmospheric) of trace metals were below the MAD thresholds only for Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. The total inputs of Cu and Ni, and Cr and Zn were approximately 20 and 40% of the MAD limit, respectively. The total phosphorus input of 284 t was close to the imposed limit, whilst the inorganic nitrogen load alone (>4000 t) was much higher than the MAD for total nitrogen. For those metals (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) and persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) where the MAD states that the load should tend to ‘0’ (no discharge), the measured inputs of 4.8 (As) and 5.1 t (Pb), 151 (Cd) and 39 kg (Hg), 18 g (PCDD/Fs) and 440 mg (Toxicity Equivalents, TEQs, of PCDD/Fs) are by definition ‘above’ the MAD. The principal component analysis (PCA) of loading data and input profiles (markers) of production typologies showed that river and atmosphere contributions can be easily separated and recognised due to their different fingerprints. Riverine inputs were similar to chemical and glass work production markers, whereas atmospheric loadings were mainly influenced by chemical industry (PVC and VCM production), metallurgy and paper-mill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two commercial coating systems, each one consisting of both a primer and an antifouling ("System 1" based on Copper Oxide and "System 2" based on Zinc Oxide), have been analyzed in order to investigate their environmental impacts through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and laboratory tests. A cradle-to-grave analysis has been performed in order to quantify the environmental footprint of each coating solution and to define which element, material, or process mainly affect the environmental impact of such products. Moreover, it was performed a comparison between the different products to determine the most environmentally sustainable choice. In addition to LCA, several incubations of coated metal samples, by means of an innovative incubation system developed by the authors, have also been performed in marine water (Gulf of Naples, Mediterranean Sea, Italy), as critical environment favoring metal corrosion and biofouling generation. The life cycle analysis has showed that the production phase presents the highest environmental impact in almost all categories, mainly due to the use of chemical compounds. Moreover, after the laboratory tests, strong biotoxicity and contaminant diffusion, contributing to the marine toxicity potential, have been observed for both the commercial paints. As a final remark, there are straightforward indications of a strong need for anti-Microbial-Induced-Corrosion commercial coatings to substitute the toxic compounds with others in order to develop a greener solution. • The environmental impacts of two commercial coating systems have been detected. • LCA analysis and laboratory tests on coated metal samples have been performed. • Samples were incubated in seawater by means of an innovative incubation system. • Results highlight a strong need for commercial coatings to develop greener solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to determine whether the cortical sources of eyes-closed resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms were abnormal in persons with dyslexia. Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) was used to estimate the cortical EEG sources. Results suggests that dyslexia might be due to abnormal physiologic oscillatory mechanisms on cortical networks related on peculiar semantic, phonological, and lessical processes.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of Giordano Bruno's conception of mathematics. Specifically, it intends to highlight two aspects of this conception that have been neglected in previous studies. First, Bruno's conception of mathematics changed over time and in parallel with another concept that was central to his thought: the concept of infinity. Specifically, Bruno undertook a reform of mathematics in order to accommodate the concept of the infinitely small or "minimum," which was introduced at a later stage. Second, contrary to what Héléne Védrine claimed, Bruno believed that mathematical objects were mind-dependent. To chart the parallel development of the conceptions of mathematics and infinity, a seven-year time span is considered, from the publication of Bruno's first Italian dialogue (La cena de le ceneri, 1584) to the publication of one of his last Latin works (De minimo, 1591).

Meta-analyses show that serum copper non-bound-to-ceruloplasmin (non-Cp-Cu) is higher in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). ATP7B gene variants associate with AD, modulating the size of non-Cp-Cu pool. However, a dedicated genetic study comparing AD patients after stratification for a copper biomarker to demonstrate the existence of a copper subtype of AD has not yet been carried out. An independent patient sample of 287 AD patients was assessed for non-Cp-Cu serum concentrations, rs1801243, rs1061472, and rs732774 ATP7B genetic variants and the APOE4 genotype. Patients were stratified into two groups based on a non-Cp-Cu cutoff (1.9 μM). Single-locus and haplotype-group analyses were performed to define their frequencies in dependence of the non-Cp-Cu group. The two AD subgroups did not differ regarding age, sex, MMSE score, or APOE4 frequency allele, while they did differ regarding non-Cp-Cu concentrations in serum, allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of rs1061472 A > G and rs732774 C > T after multiple testing corrections. AD patients with a GG genotype had a 1.76-fold higher risk of having a non-Cp-Cu higher than 1.9 μmol/L (p = 0.029), and those with a TT genotype for rs732774 C > T of 1.8-fold (p = 0.018). After 100,000 permutations for multiple testing corrections, the haplotype containing the AC alleles appeared more frequently in AD patients with normal non-Cp-Cu [43 vs. 33 %; Pm = 0.03], while the haplotype containing the GT risk alleles appeared more frequently in the higher non-Cp-Cu AD (66 vs. 55 %; Pm = 0.01). Genetic heterogeneity sustains a copper AD metabolic subtype; non-Cp-Cu is a marker of this copper AD.

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels widely expressed throughout the mammalian brain, including bulbar and spinal motor neurons. They are involved in neuroprotection and in control of release of many neurotransmitters, including glutamate. Previous data raised the hypothesis that rare variants in the region coding the intracellular loop subunits of nAChRs might represent one of several genetic risk factors for SALS. The aim of present study was to replicate the study in an independent cohort of ALS patients. We analysed 718 sporadic ALS patients from five Italian ALS centres and 1300 ethnically matched controls. We focused primarily on CHRNA4, encoding α4 subunit, since most mutations were previously detected in this gene. We observed a significant association between CHRNA4 mutations and ALS (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.4080-6.0453; p = 0.0056). Most mutations detected in patients were not present in the dbSNP134 and in 3500 ethnically matched control chromosomes and affected evolutionary conserved amino acid residues. In conclusion, the present data confirm that CHRNA4 variants are overrepresented in SALS strengthening the hypothesis can they act as predisposing genetic factors for SALS.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. The causes of AD are very complex but there is general agreement about the existence of a link between Alzheimer's disease and oxidative stress. The Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) act to detoxify products of oxidation that cause damage to macromolecules. Particular attention has been focused on GST genes because polymorphisms are important determinants of disease risk. To evaluate if GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTP1, and GSTT1 genes are associated with LOAD we screened a case-control population (n=311). Differences in genotype distributions between AD patients and controls were found only for the GSTM1 null genotype (P<0.001). In addition, a logistic regression analysis also conferred a positive association between the GSTM1 null genotype and LOAD after adjustment for age and gender (OR=2.09; 95%CI=1.31-3.35). The GSTM1 enzyme detoxifies substances such as exogenous and endogenous metabolites and plays a regulatory role in cellular signaling. Previous studies have highlighted that GSTM1 has a role in neurodegenerative disorders, but no data have associated the GSTM1 gene with AD risk. Our outcome suggests that the GSTM1 null genotype is a risk factor for AD in Italian patients., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Glutathione S-transferases are multifunctional enzymes involved in cellular detoxification. A genetic linkage was found between Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and the chromosome 10q, where the GSTO1 and GSTO2 genes are located, leading to the hypothesis that GST Omega class (GSTO) genes may be an AD risk factor. Since it is still controversial, we decided to explore GSTO polymorphisms in Italian cohorts. We analyzed 119 AD patients and 114 healthy controls for the GSTO gene polymorphisms. In particular we investigated two common polymorphisms (GSTO1*A140D, GSTO2*N142D) and two uncommon variants (GSTO1*E155del, GSTO1*E208K) to find loci associated with AD risk. Detection of GSTO1*A140D and GSTO2*N142D was performed by PCR-RFLP, while GSTO1*E155del and GSTO1*E208K were detected using confronting two-pair primer and allele specific PCR, respectively. While GSTO1*A140D, GSTO1*E208K and GSTO2*N142D polymorphisms did not show significant outcomes, the GSTO1*E155del polymorphism is associated with AD [P=0.003; adjusted OR=3.70 (1.57-8.75)]. Our results suggest that GSTO1-1 plays a role in AD since the GSTO1*del155 variant is involved in changes in GSTO1-1 activities decreasing in enzyme stability. Specifically, three hypotheses may explain the role of GSTO1-1 in the pathophysiology of AD: the antioxidant activity of GSTO1-1 may protect brain tissue against oxidative stress; GSTO1-1 activity regulate interleukin-1β activation and its genetic variation may act to modulate inflammation in AD; GSTO1-1 is involved in the arsenic biotransformation pathway and gene polymorphisms may be implicated in the modulation of arsenic neurotoxicity. In conclusion, we hypothesized that GSTO1*E155del is an uncommon genetic variant associated with AD risk., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This article is based on a consensus conference, which took place in Certosa di Pontignano, Siena (Italy) on March 7-9, 2008, intended to update the previous safety guidelines for the application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in research and clinical settings. Over the past decade the scientific and medical community has had the opportunity to evaluate the safety record of research studies and clinical applications of TMS and repetitive TMS (rTMS). In these years the number of applications of conventional TMS has grown impressively, new paradigms of stimulation have been developed (e.g., patterned repetitive TMS) and technical advances have led to new device designs and to the real-time integration of TMS with electroencephalography (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thousands of healthy subjects and patients with various neurological and psychiatric diseases have undergone TMS allowing a better assessment of relative risks. The occurrence of seizures (i.e., the most serious TMS-related acute adverse effect) has been extremely rare, with most of the few new cases receiving rTMS exceeding previous guidelines, often in patients under treatment with drugs which potentially lower the seizure threshold. The present updated guidelines review issues of risk and safety of conventional TMS protocols, address the undesired effects and risks of emerging TMS interventions, the applications of TMS in patients with implanted electrodes in the central nervous system, and safety aspects of TMS in neuroimaging environments. We cover recommended limits of stimulation parameters and other important precautions, monitoring of subjects, expertise of the rTMS team, and ethical issues. While all the recommendations here are expert based, they utilize published data to the extent possible.

Objective: Purposes of this study are: (1) to evaluate attitudes, beliefs and experiences towards dementia among relatives of Italian familial cases; (2) to perform a cross-cultural comparison between Italian and American samples; (3) to identify predictors of intentions to undergo hypothetical genetic testing., Methods: Participants were 134 relatives of patients affected by familial forms of dementia. We administered tests measuring health psychological styles, social variables, illness perceptions, intentions regarding genetic testing, and perceptions of the pros and cons of genetic testing., Results: Respondents had a poor Alzheimer's disease knowledge and a low perceived dementia threat. When compared to Americans, Italians reported greater willingness to undergo genetic testing and perceived a different subset of benefits and risks. The strongest predictors of test intention were decisional balance, homemaker status and two beliefs concerning dementia causes., Conclusions: Italians had a poor knowledge of the disease and a low awareness of personal risk of developing dementia. As compared to Americans, they expressed higher intentions to undergo genetic testing and they have a different perception of benefits and risks., Practice Implications: Understanding of cultural differences in knowledge, attitudes and perception of the disease is important to design optimal health services and education programs for dementia.

Objective: To assess the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on picture naming in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD)., Design: Experimental study. Patients with AD underwent rTMS in real and control conditions during picture-naming tasks., Setting: San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli Scientific Institute in Brescia, Italy. Patients Fifteen patients with probable AD. Intervention High-frequency rTMS was applied to the left and right DLPFC during object and action naming., Main Outcome Measures: Language ability was assessed by accuracy of verbal response during online rTMS., Results: Stimulation to the left and right DLPFC improved accuracy in action naming., Conclusions: These findings indicate that rTMS to the DLPFC, which speeds up action naming in normal controls, improves performance in patients with AD. While the mechanisms of rTMS-induced naming facilitation in these patients are unknown, the procedure may be worth testing as a novel approach to the treatment of language dysfunction.

Objectives: Validation of an Italian version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (I-TICS)., Methods: Telephone administration of the I-TICS within 6 weeks of face-to-face testing with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), in Probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and healthy controls. Two hundred and seven consecutive outpatients with cognitive impairment were recruited from Dementia Clinic of University Campus BioMedico. Of these, 45 probable AD patients with complete data were analyzed. Other dementias, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and patients with incomplete data were excluded. The control sample consisted of 64 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. For diagnosis, an extensive clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, brain imaging, EEG, neuropsychological battery and a depression scale were used. For I-TICS validation, telephone I-TICS and face-to-face MMSE were administered., Results: The I-TICS correlated highly and linearly with the MMSE (Pearson's r=0.904). Conversion equations are provided. Sensitivity and specificity were similar between tests (area under curve=0.894 for the I-TICS; 0.966 for the MMSE). I-TICS sensitivity was 84% and specificity 86% at a cut-off score of 28. No significant difference in accuracy with the MMSE was present. Total agreement between I-TICS and MMSE was 'substantial' at 86% (Cohen's K=0.717). Repeated testing in a subset of patients showed a disease progression related decrease of 4.2 points/year (t=2.664; p=0.018) in I-TICS scores., Conclusion: The I-TICS is a valid instrument in clinical and research screening and monitoring of AD. Potential applications in other dementias and MCI are worth further studies., (Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background and Aims: Substantial evidence supports the hypothesis that impairment of mitochondrial function and increased oxidative damage are involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) plays a major role in protecting the mitochondrion from oxidative damage due to superoxide radicals and other excited oxygen species. Recent studies have indicated that MnSOD mRNA levels are significantly increased in the lymphocytes of AD patients, supporting the role of oxidative alterations in the pathogenetic mechanism underlying this neurodegeneration. A potentially functional amino acid polymorphism (Ala-9Val) has been described in the signal sequence of enzymes associated with decreased defense capacity against oxidative stress. The object of this study was to investigate the association between this polymorphism of the MnSOD gene and AD in the Italian population., Methods: The Ala-9Val polymorphism was genotyped by PCR amplification and SSCP analysis in 227 AD patients and 198 healthy controls., Results: No significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies between cases and controls, even after stratification for APOE carrier status, were observed., Conclusions: Our data suggest that the Ala-9Val polymorphism in the MnSOD gene is not associated with genetic susceptibility in AD patients.

Atmospheric bulk deposition of major and trace elements was measured at Venice from November 1995 to October 1997. Collection was carried out using polyethylene bulk passive samplers, samples being collected bi-weekly. In order to highlight the contribution of the atmosphere to water chemistry and particle budgets in the Lagoon of Venice, the geochemical composition (Si, Al, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, As) of dissolved and insoluble bulk fractions was determined by AAS + ICP mass spectrometry. Great sample variability was found, with almost two orders of magnitude between maximum and minimum values for several metals. All fluxes in 1995/96 were 30% lower than in 1996/97, ranging from -3% (Ca) to -57% (Li), except for Zn, Cd and As. On the contrary, the solubility of all elements decreased during 1996/97. Partitioning between soluble and insoluble phases shows that Al, Cr, Fe and Si are mainly in the insoluble form, whereas for As, Ca, Cu, Mg, Na, Ni, K, Pb and Zn the dissolved fraction represents 50-90% of total input. The amount of particle load affects partitioning between dissolved and particulate, especially for Al and Pb. Seasonal variability was evident. The lowest pH values (approximately 5.2) were recorded in winter, causing an increase of solubility for all metals except for As, which showed the highest solubility in summer.