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Lymph node (LN) metastasis in canine mast cell tumor (MCT) can affect prognosis and postsurgical treatment recommendations; however, routine histological single-section examination may underestimate the incidence of metastases. This prospective study aimed at determining whether longitudinal step-sectioning of the entire LN allows for a more reliable detection of metastases. Dogs with MCT undergoing resection of the primary tumor and regional lymphadenectomy were enrolled. Formalin-fixed LNs were bisected longitudinally, both halves were embedded in paraffin and histological sections prepared at 200 μm steps. The nodal mast cells were classified according to the Weishaar classification. First-section evaluation (FSE; ie, examination of the first section obtained from the blocks) and whole LN step-section evaluation (SSE) were compared. Fifty-eight LNs were included. The median number of sections per LN was 6 (range, 3–28). FSE with toluidine blue (TB) revealed 27 (47%) nonmetastatic (HN0), 14 (24%) premetastatic (HN1), 9 (15%) early metastatic (HN2), and 8 (14%) overtly metastatic (HN3) LNs. SSE with TB resulted in upgrading the LN status in 2 cases (HN2 to HN3; HN0 to HN1). Evaluation of the first section plus an additional step-section resulted in 100% accuracy. Compared with SSE with TB, the accuracy of FSE with HE was 98% for HN3 LNs and 74% for HN2 LNs. FSE appears to reliably allow for the detection of LN metastasis in MCT, although examination of a further parallel section at a 200 μm step may increase the accuracy. A metachromatic stain is recommended for the identification of early metastases.

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a frequent and progressively invasive tumour. Early lesions are difficult to recognize based on the sole clinical examination and may be misinterpreted as non-neoplastic. Mutations of TP53 and epigenetic alterations of specific genes are present in FOSCC and may be early detected. Aim of this prospective study was to investigate the DNA methylation pattern of a 17-gene panel and TP53 mutational status of FOSCC cytological samples obtained by oral brushing. Results were compared with a control group, in order to validate this non-invasive procedure for the screening of FOSCC. In FOSCC, the same analyses were carried out on the corresponding histological sample, if available. Thirty-five FOSCC and 60 controls were included. Mutations of TP53 were detected in 17 FOSCC brushings (48%) and in none of the controls (P

L’articolo propone un’analisi dei piani di ripresa e resilienza di Francia, Germania, Italia, Spagna, Grecia e Portogallo. Per ogni caso di studio si prendono in considerazione vari elementi. Innanzitutto, è oggetto di disamina il contesto economico nel quale è calato il singolo piano, con un approfondimento sull’impatto della pandemia sulle finanze di ciascun Paese. Successivamente, si dà conto delle dimensioni e delle caratteristiche del piano. In particolare, si esaminano la portata finanziaria complessiva del piano, i settori in cui sono concentrate le risorse, la ripartizione dei finanziamenti previsti tra sovvenzioni e prestiti. Si ricostruisce, inoltre, il modello di governance di ogni piano, verificando quale autorità abbia elaborato il piano, quali siano i soggetti responsabili dell’attuazione dei singoli progetti e quale sia il modello di vigilanza e di monitoraggio del piano. In conclusione, si mettono in evidenza analogie e differenze tra i piani di ripresa e resilienza, con particolare attenzione alle riforme previste nell’ambito della pubblica amministrazione, ai modelli di attuazione dei piani, ai meccanismi di coordinamento tra soggetti pubblici e privati interessati e agli strumenti di monitoraggio. Alla luce dell’analisi comparata, infine, si avanzano proposte per l’Italia, specialmente nell’ambito del modello di governance che dovrebbe attuare il piano e monitorarne i progressi. This article examines the recovery and resilience plans introduced in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal. For each case study, various elements are taken into consideration. First, the economic context surrounding the individual plans is examined, analysing the impact of the pandemic on the public finances of each country. Next, the dimensions and characteristics of each plan are outlined, with particular reference to overall financial scope, sectors in which the resources are deployed, and the use made of grants and loans. Furthermore, the governance model of each plan is reconstructed, ascertaining which authority drew up the plan, the subjects responsible for the implementation of individual projects and the plan’s supervisory and monitoring model. In the conclusion, the similarities and differences between the various plans are highlighted, with particular attention being paid to the reforms of the public administration, the models for implementing the plans, the coordination mechanisms between public and private stakeholders, and the monitoring tools. Finally, on the basis of this comparative analysis, proposals are made for Italy, especially in the context of the governance model that is to implement the plan and monitor its progress.

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are often diagnosed by cytology based on the identification of purple intracytoplasmic granules with methanolic Romanowsky stains, including May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG). In clinical practice, aqueous rapid stains (RS) are commonly used, but mast cell granules may not stain properly. Aim of this prospective study was to investigate the frequency of MCT hypogranularity with RS and its potential implications in tumour identification, cytological grading assessment and recognition of nodal metastatic disease. Cytological preparations of canine primary MCTs and metastatic lymph nodes with subsequent histopathological confirmation were included. For each case, good-quality smears were stained with both MGG and RS and comparatively assessed. Eleven of 60 (18.3%) primary MCTs were hypogranular with RS; 9 of them were histologically high-grade tumours and in 3 cases (5%) a definitive MCT diagnosis could not be made. Accuracy in cytological grading assessment (85%) did not differ between RS and MGG. Thirteen of 28 (46.4%) metastatic lymph nodes were hypogranular with RS and 3 independent observers failed to identify nodal MCT metastases in 7% to 18% of RS-stained smears. This study confirms that, in limited cases, RS can be ineffective in staining MCT granules, particularly in high-grade tumours, thus making diagnosis more dependent on experience and quality of preparations. In dubious cases, methanolic stains should be applied. The use of RS is discouraged for the search of nodal metastases, as the identification of isolated mast cells can be more challenging.

Background Osteosarcoma (OSA) should be differentiated from other less frequent primary bone neoplasms, metastatic disease, and tumor-like lesions, as treatment and prognosis can vary accordingly. Hence, a preoperative histologic diagnosis is generally preferred. This requires collection of multiple biopsies under general anesthesia, with possible complications, including pathological fractures. Fine-needle aspiration cytology would allow an earlier diagnosis with a significant reduction of discomfort and morbidity. Hypothesis/Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cytological and histologic biopsies in the diagnosis of canine osteodestructive lesions. Animals Sixty-eight dogs with bone lesions. Methods Retrospective study. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the former diagnosis with the final histologic diagnosis on surgical or post-mortem samples or, in the case of non-neoplastic lesions, with follow-up information. Results The study included 50 primary malignant bone tumors (40 OSAs, 5 chondrosarcomas, 2 fibrosarcomas, and 3 poorly differentiated sarcomas), 6 carcinoma metastases, and 12 non-neoplastic lesions. Accuracy was 83% for cytology (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 80%) and 82.1% for histology (sensitivity, 72.2%; specificity, 100%). Tumor type was correctly identified cytologically and histologically in 50 and 55.5% of cases, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The accuracy of cytology was similar to histology, even in the determination of tumor type. In no case was a benign lesion diagnosed as malignant on cytology. This is the most important error to prevent, as treatment for malignant bone tumors includes aggressive surgery. Being a reliable diagnostic method, cytology should be further considered to aid decisions in the preoperative setting of canine bone lesions.

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is characterized by high local invasiveness and early bone lysis. The late diagnosis largely limits the efficacy of therapy and increases treatment-related morbidity. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the methylation pattern of 10 candidate genes and TP53 mutational status in histologic samples of FOSCC. Results were compared with normal oral mucosa and oral inflammatory lesions, in order to establish a gene panel for FOSCC detection. For 10 cats, the above analyses were also performed on oral brushing samples, in order to explore the utility of these methods for screening purposes. Thirty-one FOSCC, 25 chronic inflammatory lesions and 12 controls were included. TP53 mutations were significantly more frequent in the FOSCC (68%) than in the non-neoplastic oral mucosa (3%; P

Introduction Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are often diagnosed by cytology based on the identification of their characteristic purple intracytoplasmic granules with methanolic Romanowsky stains, including May Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG). In clinical practice, aqueous Romanowsky stains are commonly used because of their rapidity, but the risk exists that mast cell granules may not stain properly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phenomenon of hypogranularity of MCT with rapid staining (RS) in terms of frequency and correlations with tumor characteristics, along with diagnostic and prognostic implications. Materials and Methods A prospective study was carried out on cytologic preparations of histologically-confirmed canine primary MCTs and metastatic lymph nodes. For each case, good-quality smears were stained with both MGG and RS and comparatively assessed. Results Fifteen out of 60 (25%) primary canine MCTs were hypogranular with RS (P=0.002). These were predominantly cutaneous high-grade tumors and in 7 of them (11.7%) a certain diagnosis could not be made with RS. Accuracy in grading assessment was not significantly different compared with MGG (79% vs 83%). Ten of 25 (40%) metastatic lymph nodes were hypogranular with RS (P=0.002); the negative predictive value in the detection of nodal metastases, assessed with three independent observers, was significantly lower (100% vs 73%; P=0.010). Discussion This study confirms that RS can be ineffective in staining MCT granules, especially in biologically aggressive tumors, and can occasionally prevent the achievement of a correct diagnosis. The use of RS is discouraged for the search of nodal metastases, as the identification of isolated mast cells can be particularly challenging.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant oral tumor in cats. The late presentation is one of the factors contributing to the detrimental prognosis of this disease. The immunohistochemical expression of the p53 tumor suppressor protein has been reported in 24% to 65% of feline oral squamous cell carcinomas, but no study has systematically evaluated in this tumor the presence of p53 encoding gene (TP53) mutations. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether p53 immunohistochemistry accurately reflects the mutational status of the TP53 gene in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, the prevalence of p53 dysregulation in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma was compared with that of feline non-neoplastic oral mucosa, in order to investigate the relevance of these dysregulations in cancer development. The association between p53 dysregulations and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and tumor characteristics was further assessed. Twenty-six incisional biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinomas and 10 cases each of lingual eosinophilic granuloma, chronic gingivostomatitis and normal oral mucosa were included in the study. Eighteen squamous cell carcinomas (69%) expressed p53 and 18 had mutations in exons 5–8 of TP53. The agreement between immunohistochemistry and mutation analysis was 77%. None of non-neoplastic oral mucosa samples had a positive immunohistochemical staining, while one case each of eosinophilic granuloma and chronic gingivostomatitis harbored TP53 mutations. Unlike previously hypothesized, p53 dysregulations were not associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. These results suggest an important role of p53 in feline oral tumorigenesis. Additionally, the immunohistochemical detection of p53 expression appears to reflect the presence of TP53 mutations in the majority of cases. It remains to be determined if the screening for p53 dysregulations, alone or in association with other markers, can eventually contribute to the early detection of this devastating disease.

Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic utility of individual cytological criteria and their best combination to differentiate benign from malignant perianal gland proliferative lesions in dogs. Materials and methods Retrospective study of cytological samples of canine perianal gland proliferative lesions that had subsequent histopathological confirmation. Results Seventy-seven perianal gland nodules from 56 dogs were included. Histologically, lesions were diagnosed as hyperplasia (n=2), adenoma (n=53), epithelioma (n=6) and carcinoma (n=16). Of the 28 cytological criteria assessed, 13 showed promise for distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. A diagnostic algorithm with an 87% accuracy (sensitivity, 90.9%; specificity, 85.4%) was developed from these data. Clinical significance Cytological evaluation can provide useful information for presurgical differentiation between benign and malignant hepatoid gland proliferative lesions. The proposed algorithm must be validated and tested for reproducibility in further, preferably larger, series of cases.

Canine splenic lymphoid nodules are currently classified as indolent lymphomas (marginal zone lymphoma [MZL], mantle cell lymphoma [MCL]) or nodular hyperplasia (lymphoid [LNH] or complex [CNH] type). Their differentiation can be difficult on morphology, because of similar histologic appearance and poorly defined diagnostic criteria. Thirty-five surgical samples of splenic lymphoid nodules were reviewed in order to assess the diagnostic contribution of immunophenotyping, proliferative activity and clonality (PARR) in differentiating between hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions. Proliferative activity was evaluated by double immunolabeling for Ki-67 and CD79a, in order to separately assess the proliferative activity of B cells and non-B cells. Definitive diagnoses were MZL ( n = 11), MCL ( n = 4), LNH ( n = 10), and CNH ( n = 10). The overall concordance between histology and PARR was above 90%. Lymphomas had a significantly higher percentage of CD79a-positive areas (mean, 36.30%; P = .0004) and a higher B-cell proliferative activity (median Ki-67 index, 5.49%; P = .0012). The threshold value most accurately predicting a diagnosis of lymphoma was ≥28% of B-cell areas, with a Ki-67 index above 3%. Dogs were monitored for a median follow-up time of 870 days (IQR, 569-1225), and no relapses were documented. Overall median survival time was 1282 days. The combination of histology, immunohistochemistry and PARR can improve the diagnostic accuracy for canine splenic lymphoid nodules, although the long-term behavior of these lesions appears similar.

This experimentation deals with the Adriatic city and the city of Ancona in particular, a city of about 100,000 inhabitants situated along the Adriatic coast in the Marche Region. This choice is related to the deep knowledge that the research group has of the territory and its landscape, which facilitated the collection of data and the understanding of characteristic phenomena. This does not mean that the research results are applicable only to this specific urban context. What we propose is a means of interpreting the city based on morphology, which can act as an intermediary between many other European urban contexts and as a point to begin applying the tool, as well as a basis on which the forum activities may be developed.

In common sense, there is already a widespread awareness that the quality expressed by a city corresponds to a sum of its intrinsic values. These can be grouped synthetically into the presence of memories and pre-existing history, the concentration of economic fluxes, the concentration of political and administrative powers, the variety of educational opportunities, the presence of areas for free time and recreation, and the level of guaranteed safety. Following an increase in the fluxes—both inflow and outflow—that involve the urban environment on a daily basis, one of the factors that profoundly affects the sense of quality perceived by citizens and periodic or occasional users of the urban environment is the degree of ease in using and crossing the city with different types of mobility. Accessibility can therefore be defined as "the ease in meeting one’s needs in locations distributed over space for a subject located in a given area" (Cascetta et al. 2013), and it is playing an increasingly important role in defining the image that the city projects to the external world. Based on these premises, it is clear that the accessibility a city offers its users through its forms, urban furniture, and the system of public transport can directly impact the perception of quality and the sense of well-being for individuals that live in and cross the urban environment (Rode and Floater 2014).

A whey protein concentrate was obtained in acidic conditions, and heat-induced gels were prepared from it at pHs between 3.5 and 4.25. Whey protein concentrate and gels were characterized through solubility assays in different extraction solutions and SDS−PAGE of the soluble protein components. Transmittance at 660 nm of heated protein dispersions and water-holding capacity of gels were also performed. Results show that protein solubility and water-holding capacity of gels decrease when pH approaches the pI, and gels present different electrophoretic patterns. Solubility of the protein components of gels in the presence or absence of denaturing and reducing agents indicates that noncovalent bonds are responsible for the maintenance of gel structure at pHs 3.5−4.0, but in the gel prepared at pH 4.25, disulfide bonds would also be involved in the structure of the gel. Keywords: Gelation of whey proteins; whey proteins; gelation in acidic conditions