Search

Influencing behavioral patterns through primary prevention, possibly addressing more risk factors at a time, is the most effective means to tackle cardiovascular diseases. Many interdisciplinary prevention activities have been coordinated by community nurses outside of specialist centers, resulting in a more effective control of risk factors. Our study aims at describing the impact of an 18-month prevention and promotion, interdisciplinary intervention on lifestyle habits and cardiovascular risk. From December 2018 to May 2020, patients were recruited by 4 General Practitioners (GPs) in the Roman neighborhood of Torresina and received nutritional, physical and psychological counselling to learn healthy lifestyles. Until May 2020 patients had to self-manage their new healthy habits, but during this phase the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic broke out. Patients were assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months by a nutritionist, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, the 4 GPs and community nurses, and the cardiovascular risk score (CRS) was estimated at every examination. 76 patients were included, with a mean age of 54,6 years. Mean CRS showed a significant reduction between baseline and 12 months (from 4.9 to 3.8, p < 0.001), but this trend was not maintained at 18 months. As for variables included in the calculation of the cardiovascular risk score, both total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure significantly decreased at 6 months of follow up (respectively, from 211.1 to 192 (p < 0.001) and from 133.1 to 123.1(p < 0.001)). Nontheless, the reduction was maintained in the remaining points in time only for systolic blood pressure. Our interdisciplinary educational intervention in a primary care setting resulted in a CRS improvement at 12 months, but this changes where not maintained at 18 months. Community nurses were facilitators in improving health outcomes and patient's satisfaction in the described primary care setting. Key messages

Background Coping styles are the ways in which people deal with different stressor situations. Coping strategies can be categorized into three types: task-oriented, emotion-oriented, and avoidance-oriented. Several studies showed a strong relationship between coping styles and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate how much the SARS-CoV-2 national lockdown has impacted the coping strategies on behaviors for cardiovascular prevention. Methods 62 participants from Rome were recruited to assess the impact of prevention and promotion of health on Individual Cardiovascular Risk. The Coping Inventory to Stressful Situations (CISS, Endler & Parker, 1990) is a self-report questionnaire that measures the three strategies of coping. Behaviors dealing with cardiovascular prevention were evaluated at the beginning of the observation period, and after 6, 12, and 18 months. During 12 (February 2020) and 18 months (July 2020) the SARS-CoV-2 national lockdown enabled us to inquire into coping strategies in stressful situations and cardiovascular risk factors. Results The Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the existence of a correlation between coping strategies and the variation of cardiovascular risk factors and alcohol consumption at 12 and 18 months. Interestingly, results showed relations between Emotional-oriented (r = 0.26 p < 0.05) and Task-oriented (r = -0.33 p < 0.01) coping styles and Differential Cardiovascular Risk Reduction (DCRR). Furthermore, a positive relation between Task-oriented (r = 0.34 p < 0.01) coping style and Differential Alcohol Consumption (DAC) was observed. Conclusions We found that the DCRR relates to the Emotional- and Task-oriented coping styles, while DAC is associated with the Task-oriented coping style. The strength of our study consists in the territorial and multidisciplinary dimension of the project, the main critical issue is represented by the small size of the patient sample. Key messages A relationship can be described between Differential Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Emotional- and Task-oriented coping styles. There is a relationship between Differential Alcohol Consumption and the Task-oriented coping style.

Early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers (AD) or Parkinsons disease (PD) is needed to slow down or halt the disease at the earliest stage. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers can be a good tool for early diagnosis. However, their use in clinical practice is challenging due to the high variability found between centers in the concentrations of both AD CSF biomarkers (A42, total tau and phosphorylated tau) and PD CSF biomarker (α-synuclein). Such a variability has been partially attributed to different preanalytical procedures between laboratories, thus highlighting the need to establish standardized operating procedures. Here, we merge two previous consensus guidelines for preanalytical confounding factors in order to achieve one exhaustive guideline updated with new evidence for A42, total tau and phosphorylated tau, and α-synuclein. The proposed standardized operating procedures are applicable not only to novel CSF biomarkers in AD and PD, but also to biomarkers for other neurodegenerative disorders. © 2012 Future Medicine Ltd.

Experimental studies suggest that large numbers of chemicals, environmental and industrial pollutants affect the male reproductive system. At present, almost no information is available on the effects of these adverse agents on human reproduction. Recent reports, however, suggest that in the past 50 years male fertility has declined based on qualitative and quantitative measurements of normal sperm. This study identifies‐among the active ingredients and solvents included in pesticide formulations registered in Italy‐the chemical agents with experimental evidence of male reproductive toxicity. Documents produced by international agencies and organizations such as IARC, EPA, WHO, and original papers from the international literature were systematically reviewed. The results indicate that several pesticide products notified in the Italian Registry contain active ingredients and/or solvents severely affecting testicular function and sperm morphology in laboratory animals. Therefore, exposure to reproductive t...

In 2005, the Italian System for Surveillance of Acute Pesticide-Related Illnesses (SIAF) identified 625 cases, among which 520 unintentionally exposed. The majority of these subjects were men (75%) and aged 26-65 years (65%). About 63% of all exposures occurred at work. Severity for these illnesses was low for 94% and moderate for 5%. Four cases were classified as illnesses of high severity. Some 70% of all the reported exposures occurred between May and September. The active ingredients responsible for the largest number of cases were: glyphosate (n. 56), copper sulphate (n. 55), methomyl (n. = 52), metam-sodium (n. 24). Three episodes of collective environmental exposure to soil fumigants involving 23 subjects were also detected.

The survival rate of children and adolescents with cancer has improved dramatically in the last decades so that the prospect of survival in adulthood is today a realistic expectation for about 70% of the treated patients. However, the deleterious impact that chemotherapy and radiotherapy have on the reproductive function and future fertility could compromise the quality of life of the survivors in adulthood. The interest of the scientific community on this topic is increasing and focused on a more accurate evaluation of the reproductive risk among cancer treated children and on the development of less aggressive therapies. In the present review, some information about the long-term effects on the male reproductive function, particularly vulnerable to the cancer therapies, are reported from clinical and experimental studies. Furthermore, the concern about the development of pharmacological treatments and assisted reproductive techniques that might preserve or restore the fertility potential in children being treated with gonadotoxic cancer therapy, is discussed. These new strategies are still under experimentation and deeper knowledges on the functional development of the gonads during infancy, both in human and animals models are required. On the other hand, the future clinical application of these strategies in children rise important ethical and legal problems.

This review is based primarily on the recent epidemiological studies conducted in occupational settings in order to explore the relationship between exposures to chemical agents and the possible effects on male reproductive function. The paper examines evidence of the effects of metals, solvents, pesticides and dioxin. The effects considered are primarily the possible alterations of sperm quality and reduction of fertility. Many studies have identified small groups of workers with exposures to these agents, presenting some alteration in the spermatological or fertility profile, but the results are difficult to replicate in other settings with different individuals and different levels of exposure. From examination of the concentrations of environmental and occupational pollutants in the blood and in the seminal fluid of exposed individuals, it appears that, in general, the concentrations are much lower in the seminal fluid and in sperm cells, making this a less useful marker of exposure.

Because of the expression of inhibitory receptors (KIR) for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I allotypes, a person's natural killer (NK) cells will not recognize and will, therefore, kill cells from individuals lacking his/her KIR epitopes. This study investigated the role of NK cell alloreactivity in human HLA haplotype-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and, specifically, the role of the three major NK specificities, ie, those for HLA-C group 1, HLA-C group 2, and HLA-Bw4 alleles. In 20 of 60 donor-recipient pairs, KIR epitope incompatibility and functional analyses of donor NK cell clones predicted donor NK cells could cause graft-versus-host (GVH)/graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) reactions. NK cell clones of donor origin were obtained from transplanted recipients and tested for lysis of recipient's cryopreserved pretransplant lymphocytes. Despite the absence of GVH disease, we detected high frequencies of NK clones which killed recipient's target cells. Lysis followed the rules of NK cell alloreactivity, being blocked only by the MHC class I KIR epitope which was missing in the recipient. The alloreactive NK clones also killed the allogeneic leukemia. Transplants from these KIR epitope incompatible donors had higher engraftment rates. Therefore, a GVL effector and engraftment facilitating mechanism, which is independent of T-cell-mediated GVH reactions, may be operational in HLA mismatched hematopoietic cell transplants.

We report the case of a 35-year-old man with acquired palmar spiny keratoderma (SK) in association with type IV hyperlipoproteinemia. Cutaneous lesions appeared 11 years before with no history of any previous skin conditions, topical medication or systemic treatment with Vitamin A-derived drugs, x-irradiation, arsenic poisoning or prolonged sun exposure. Family aggregation for SK or other disorders of keratinization was ruled out. Blood chemistries demonstrated hypertriglyceridemia (422 mg/dl) and elevation in plasma concentration of the pre-beta fraction (VLDL) of lipoproteins pattern compatible with a type IV hyperlipoproteinemia. Family aggregation for this metabolic defect was then confirmed. The histologic hallmark of the 'spine' lesion was a compact column of hyperparakeratotic cells (columnar hyperparakeratosis) continuous with a hypogranular layer, without further evidence of dyskeratotic or vacuolated keratinocytes and inflammatory cells in the corresponding dermis. SK represents a well-definite entity which fulfills precise clinico-histologic criteria. However, three main questions are related to SK: differential diagnosis with porokeratosis on histologic examination (columnar hyperparakeratosis or hyperorthokeratosis alone in SK vs. cornoid lamella accompanied by remarkable dermoepidermal changes in porokeratosis); classificative scheme (proper nomenclature to avoid misleading and confounding names); and nosological arrangement (probably two subsets exist: hereditary or benign; and acquired, or idiopathic, which may be paraneoplastic in about 50% of the patients). To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reporting the association between SK and a metabolic impairment although the real connections linking these conditions are still unclear.

Thiram is a dithiocarbamate compound widely used for industrial processes and agriculture. Animal studies reveal that this compound may affect the male reproductive system. Aim of this study was to test, using sensitive testicular parameters, whether thiram directly affects germinal cells. For this purpose, B6C3F1 mice were intraperitoneally injected with thiram in oil (single dose: 75 mg/kg; repeated five daily doses: 25 mg/kg). Although both treatments were toxic, none of the parameters examined, i.e., testis weight, spermatid head number, specific enzyme levels at different times after treatment (14, 28, 35, 56 days) showed significant variations from the controls. On the contrary, in the positive controls (treated with chlorambucil), a marked reduction of sperm head number as well as a decrease of lactate dehydrogenasex and sorbitol dehydrogenase activity levels were evidenced at day 28, with a tendency to recover at day 35. Under these conditions thiram did not cause cytotoxicity on differentiating spermatogonia and on late spermatocyte stages of mice gonads.

A study in two parts was carried out with the aim of developing a formulation of oxatomide for topical dermatological use. During the first part of the study the safety of 4 formulations (cream and gel at 2.5% and 5%) was evaluated by means of the patch-test, while in the second a clinical trial was carried out in order to assess the anti-itching efficacy of the formulation chosen on the basis of the results of the first part (gel 5%). During the double blind study of safety, only one patient out of 33 studied showed a reaction, and with all formulations. In the second part of the study 30 patients (16 F, 14 M) were admitted, aged between 13 and 77 years (mean age 48.2) and suffering from cutaneous diseases with itching. The study was open and each subject applied oxatomide gel at 5% twice a day for 14 days. There was a subsequent follow-up without therapy of 14 days. During the study a significant (p less than 0.01 between times) improvement in lesions was observed, with an average reduction of 61% for itching, 54% for erythema, 60% for excoriations and 59% for lichenification. Acceptability and safety were good. Only one subject suspended treatment due to the onset of burning on the site of application. In the follow-up period the therapeutic results achieved were generally maintained.

3-O-Methyl-D-glucose-resistant mutants were selected from Chinese hamster ovary cells after mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate. A mutant, MegR24, was isolated which was significantly more resistant than the parent to 3-O-methylglucose. Uptake of 50 microM D-glucose by metabolizing MegR24 cells was 2- to 3-fold higher than the parental cells in the absence or presence of 100 mM 3-O-methylglucose. A study of transport of D-[3H]glucose in ATP-depleted cells indicated an apparent Km for D-glucose transport that was 3-fold lower for the mutant (2.7 +/- 0.3 mM) than for the parent (8.9 +/- 1.0 mM). The apparent Km for transport of 3-O-methylglucose by the mutant (10.9 +/- 2.4 mM) was almost 2-fold lower than that of the parent (21.4 +/- 4.7 mM). The Vmax values for transport of D-glucose or 3-O-methylglucose by the mutant and parental cell lines were not significantly different. The MegR24 mutant also exhibited enhanced countertransport of D-[3H]glucose following preloading of ATP-depleted cells with 100 mM 3-O-methylglucose. Simple diffusion of hexoses as measured by L-glucose uptake was not altered in the mutant. These results suggest that the MegR24 hexose carrier has an increased affinity for transport of hexoses and that the resistance to the cytotoxic effects of 3-O-methylglucose exhibited by MegR24 is due to its ability to transport D-glucose 2- to 3-fold more efficiently than the parental strain.

L'un des aspects interessants de l'oogenese de Dytiscus marginalis est la formation, a partir d'une meme oogonie, et au cours de quatre mitoses differentielles, d'un oocyte et de quinze cellules nourricieres. Des la premiere mitose differentielle, le noyau de l'oocyte se caracterise par la presence d'une masse de chromatine qui lui est propre et ne se retrouve done pas dans les cellules nourricieres (Giardina, 1901). Cette masse Feulgen positive de la vesicule germinative se desagrege assez vite et se fragmente de plus en plus au cours de la periode d'accroissement de l'oocyte tandis qu'augmente parallelement la quantite de RNA presente dans son noyau (Urbani, 1950; Urbani & Russo-Caia, 1964; Bier & Ribbert, 1966; Kaori Kato, 1968). Dans l'oogenese d'autres Insectes aussi, on observe des corpuscules extrachromosomiaux dont le comportement ressemble a celui du dytique. Une analyse soigneuse de ces formations au niveau cytochimique et ultrastructural a ete realisee par Lima-De-Faria (1962), Lima-De-Faria & Moses (1966), Bier, Kunz & Ribbert (1967), Lima-De-Faria et al. (1968).

In a brief description of the oogenesis of Dytiscus marginalis, attention is focused on the role and the significance of the Giardina body and the nurse cells, in this organism. A staining technique, with 3H-actinomycin followed by autoradiography, very sensitive for detecting acid-labile DNA has confirmed, with more details, the observations made after Feulgen staining: 1. 1. During the early stages, the Giardina body and the nuclei of the nurse and the follicle cells, bind 3H-actinomycin intensely. 2. 2. At more advanced stages, the nuclei of the nurse and of the follicle cells remain heavily labelled by 3H-actinomycin. Although these structures are the only ones to be Feulgen positive at that stage, after staining with 3H-actinomycin, the germinal vesicle of the oocyte is also labelled, and more weakly, the ooplasma. 3. 3. Feulgen positive granules are visible in the cytoplasm, surrounding the nuclear membrane. They are radioactive after staining with 3H-actinomycin and electron microscopy suggests a passage of nuclear material through the nuclear membrane. These results are discussed in the light of our present knowledge on the role of extra chromosomal DNA and of cytoplasmic DNA.

3-O-Methyl-D-glucose-resistant mutants were selected from Chinese hamster ovary cells after mutagenesis with ethyl methanesulfonate. A mutant, MegR24, was isolated which was significantly more resistant than the parent to 3-O-methylglucose. Uptake of 50 microM D-glucose by metabolizing MegR24 cells was 2- to 3-fold higher than the parental cells in the absence or presence of 100 mM 3-O-methylglucose. A study of transport of D-[3H]glucose in ATP-depleted cells indicated an apparent Km for D-glucose transport that was 3-fold lower for the mutant (2.7 +/- 0.3 mM) than for the parent (8.9 +/- 1.0 mM). The apparent Km for transport of 3-O-methylglucose by the mutant (10.9 +/- 2.4 mM) was almost 2-fold lower than that of the parent (21.4 +/- 4.7 mM). The Vmax values for transport of D-glucose or 3-O-methylglucose by the mutant and parental cell lines were not significantly different. The MegR24 mutant also exhibited enhanced countertransport of D-[3H]glucose following preloading of ATP-depleted cells with 100 mM 3-O-methylglucose. Simple diffusion of hexoses as measured by L-glucose uptake was not altered in the mutant. These results suggest that the MegR24 hexose carrier has an increased affinity for transport of hexoses and that the resistance to the cytotoxic effects of 3-O-methylglucose exhibited by MegR24 is due to its ability to transport D-glucose 2- to 3-fold more efficiently than the parental strain.

The paper describes the most common dermatoses having a venous pathogenesis, with particular reference, because of their incidence, to the cutaneous manifestations of varicose syndrome. The pathophysiological basis, clinical picture and diagnostic investigations of dermatoses in venous diseases are discussed and compared with other cutaneous manifestations of non-venous diseases with which they are easily confused. The great importance of a specialised multidisciplinary approach for the correct management of a patient with these dermatological problems is emphasised.

Applicando il metodo comparativo gli autori hanno studiato l'influenza del nucleo sul tenore in dipeptidasi (substratod–l alanilglicina) degli eritrociti di Vertebrati eterotermi ed omeotermi dai Pesci all'uomo. La mancanza di materiale non ha permesso di comprendere per il momento, nelle osservazioni gli eritrociti dei Ciclostomi. Con il micrometodo diLinderstrom-Lang eHolter si e potuto localizzare l'enzima prevalentemente nel citoplasma degli eritrociti, inoltre si e potuto accertare: Dall'insieme delle ricerche e risultata l'influenza del nucleo e della termoregolazione (dedotta dalle condizione eteroterme e omeoterme degli organismi studiati) sul tenore in dipeptidasi degli eritrociti nucleati e anucleati dei Vertebrati.

The chase is a well-established family of algorithms used to materialize Knowledge Bases (KBs) for tasks like query answering under dependencies or data cleaning. A general problem of chase algorithms is that they might perform redundant computations. To counter this problem, we introduce the notion of Trigger Graphs (TGs), which guide the execution of the rules avoiding redundant computations. We present the results of an extensive theoretical and empirical study that seeks to answer when and how TGs can be computed and what are the benefits of TGs when applied over real-world KBs. Our results include introducing algorithms that compute (minimal) TGs. We implemented our approach in a new engine, called GLog, and our experiments show that it can be significantly more efficient than the chase enabling us to materialize Knowledge Graphs with 17B facts in less than 40 min using a single machine with commodity hardware.

Data on canine circovirus circulation among red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are limited. We report the detection of canine circovirus in a red fox from Italy. The virus was closely related to strains from dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) rather than those from foxes, suggesting a possible transmission between the two species.