Economic complexity and firm performance in the cultural and creative sector: evidence from Italian provinces

Several studies have detected a positive relationship between the spatial dynamics of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) and their social and economic outcomes. In this article, we draw upon the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) as a proxy to capture the social interactive nature that characterises CCIs and the way this affects firm performance. Our assumption is that more complex locations, endowed with different types of more sophisticated production capabilities, allow CCI firms to perform more strongly. This can depend on the higher opportunities of complex knowledge sharing and cross-fertilisation processes among different types of CCI firms or with non-CCI firms. The focus is on Italy, a country with a long-standing historical tradition in culture and creativity. We draw upon an original panel database at firm and province level (for the period 2010–2016) to compute two different ECIs, one for the CCIs and another one for the rest of the economy. Moreover, we analyse the effects these two types of complexity on the performance of firms within sectors with different levels of cultural and commercial value. We find that economic complexity of CCIs but not economic complexity of the rest of the economy matters for CCI firm performance. However, the effect is relatively weak. The same finding applies to all CCI firms, irrespective of their type of sector. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed

Expert opinion of an Italian working group on the assessment of cognitive, psychological, and neurological outcomes in pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by a defective conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine, potentially leading to Phe accumulation in the brain. Dietary restriction since birth has led to normal cognitive development. However, PKU patients can still develop cognitive or behavioral abnormalities and subtle neurological deficits. Despite the increasing evidence in the field, the assessment of neurocognitive, psychopathological, and neurological follow-up of PKU patients at different ages is still debated. The high interindividual variability in the cognitive outcome of PKU patients makes the specificity of the neurocognitive and behavioral assessment extremely challenging. In the present paper, a multidisciplinary panel of Italian PKU experts discussed different tools available for cognitive, psychopathological, and neurological assessment at different ages based on the existing literature and daily clinical practice. This study aims to provide evidence and a real-life-based framework for a specific clinical assessment of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients affected by PKU

Plasma and dried blood spot lysosphingolipids for the diagnosis of different sphingolipidoses: a comparative study.

Abstract Background Lysosphingolipids, the N-deacylated forms of sphingolipids, have been identified as potential biomarkers of several sphingolipidoses, such as Gaucher, Fabry, Krabbe and Niemann-Pick diseases and in GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses. To date, different methods have been developed to measure various lysosphingolipids (LysoSLs) in plasma. Here, we present a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for a simultaneous quantification of LysoSLs (HexSph, LysoGb3, LysoGM1, LysoGM2, LysoSM and LysoSM509) in dried blood spot (DBS). This LC-MS/MS method was used to compare the levels of LysoSLs in DBS and plasma in both affected patients and healthy controls. Methods Lysosphingolipids were extracted from a 3.2 mm diameter DBS with a mixture of methanol:acetonitrile:water (80:15:5, v/v) containing internal stable isotope standards. Chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column with a gradient of water and acetonitrile both with 0.1% formic acid in a total run time of 4 min. The compounds were detected in the positive ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Results The method was validated on DBS to demonstrate specificity, linearity, lowest limit of quantification, accuracy and precision. The reference ranges were determined in pediatric and adult populations. The elevated levels of LysoSLs were identified in Gaucher disease (HexSph), Fabry disease (LysoGb3), prosaposin deficiency (HexSph and LysoGb3) and Niemann-Pick disease types A/B and C (LysoSM and LysoSM509). The correlation in the levels between DBS and plasma was excellent for LysoGb3 and HexSph but poor for LysoSM and LysoSM509. Conclusions Despite the fact that plasma LysoSLs determination remains the gold standard, our LC-MS/MS method allows a rapid and reliable quantification of lysosphingolipids in DBS. The method is a useful tool for the diagnosis of different sphingolipidoses except for Niemann-Pick type C

Phenotypic characteristics of the p.Asn215Ser (p.N215S) GLA mutation in male and female patients with Fabry disease: A multicenter Fabry Registry study.

BackgroundThe p.Asn215Ser or p.N215S GLA variant has been associated with late-onset cardiac variant of Fabry disease.MethodsTo expand on the scarce phenotype data, we analyzed natural history data from 125 p.N215S patients (66 females, 59 males) enrolled in the Fabry Registry (NCT00196742) and compared it with data from 401 patients (237 females, 164 males) harboring mutations associated with classic Fabry disease. We evaluated interventricular septum thickness (IVST), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT), estimated glomerular filtration rate and severe clinical events.ResultsIn p.N215S males, mildly abnormal mean IVST and LVPWT values were observed in patients aged 25-34 years, and values gradually increased with advancing age. Mean values were similar to those of classic males. In p.N215S females, these abnormalities occurred primarily in patients aged 55-64 years. Severe clinical events in p.N215S patients were mainly cardiac (males 31%, females 8%) while renal and cerebrovascular events were rare. Renal impairment occurred in 17% of p.N215S males (mostly in patients aged 65-74 years), and rarely in females (3%).Conclusionp.N215S is a disease-causing mutation with severe clinical manifestations found primarily in the heart. Cardiac involvement may become as severe as in classic Fabry patients, especially in males

Индекс стабилизации Фабри (FASTEX): инновационный инструмент для оценки клинической стабилизации при болезни Фабри

На сегодняшний день предложены 2 системы количественной оценки бремени гликогеноза с дефицитом α-галактозидазы: индекс оценки степени тяжести Майнца (MSSI) и система балльной оценки тяжести болезни Фабри (DS3). Сделана попытка разработать динамическую математическую модель FASTEX (от англ. FAbry STabilization indEX, индекс стабилизации Фабри) для оценки клинической стабильности состояния. Мультидисциплинарная группа экспертов по болезни Фабри впервые предложила новую шкалу оценки тяжести заболевания по предварительной оценке (от англ. raw score, RS), основанную на 3 доменах (домен нервной системы (боль, цереброваскулярные события), почечный домен (протеинурия, скорость клубочковой фильтрации), сердечный домен (параметры эхокардиографии, электрокардиографии и степень сердечной недостаточности по классификации Нью-Йоркской кардиологической ассоциации)) с небольшим числом пунктов в каждом из них и оценкой клинической стабильности во времени. RS протестирована на 28 пациентах (15 мужчин и 13 женщин) с классической формой болезни Фабри. Получена сильная корреляционная связь предложенной оценки RS и взвешенной оценки (от англ. weighted score, WS) с DS3 и MSSI (r2 = 0,914; 0,949; 0,910 и 0,938 соответственно). Для уточнения RS была рассчитана WS, выражаемая в процентах. WS была основана на относительной клинической значимости каждого пункта в пределах домена, при этом группа экспертов согласовывала присвоение разного веса клинического вреда конкретной системе органов. Для определения динамики тяжести заболевания RS была повторно определена через 1 год. Группа экспертов согласилась с пороговым ограничением в 20 % от исходного уровня в качестве клинической WS для определения клинической стабильности. Модель FASTEX показала хорошую корреляцию с клинической оценкой и клиническим изменением на протяжении времени у всех пациентов. 

Fabry disease and COVID-19: International expert recommendations for management based on real-world experience

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has raised questions about Fabry disease (FD) as an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 symptoms. Available real-world data on 22 patients from an international group of healthcare providers reveals that most patients with FD experience mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms with an additional complication of Fabry pain crises and transient worsening of kidney function in some cases; however, two patients over the age of 55 years with renal or cardiac disease experienced critical COVID-19 complications. These outcomes support the theory that pre-existent tissue injury and inflammation may predispose patients with more advanced FD to a more severe course of COVID-19, while less advanced FD patients do not appear to be more susceptible than the general population. Given these observed risk factors, it is best to reinforce all recommended safety precautions for individuals with advanced FD. Diagnosis of FD should not preclude providing full therapeutic and organ support as needed for patients with FD and severe or critical COVID-19, although a FD-specific safety profile review should always be conducted prior to initiating COVID-19-specific therapies. Continued specific FD therapy with enzyme replacement therapy, chaperone therapy, dialysis, renin–angiotensin blockers or participation to clinical trials during the pandemic is recommended as FD progression will only increase susceptibility to infection. In order to compile outcome data and inform best practices, an international registry for patients affected by Fabry and infected by COVID-19 should be established

Fabry disease and multiple sclerosis misdiagnosis: The role of family history and neurological signs

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by a galactosidase A (a-gal A) deficiency. Central nervous system involvement and chronic white matter lesions are observed in both FD and multiple sclerosis (MS), which can confound the differential diagnosis. We analyzed the GLA gene, which encodes a-gal A, in 86 patients with clinical and neuroradiological findings consistent with MS to determine whether they had FD. We identified four women initially diagnosed with MS who had GLA mutations associated with FD. Our results indicate that family history besides neurological findings should be evaluated in patients with an uncertain diagnosis of MS. Also the involvement of organs outside the central nervous system can support the FD diagnosis

Early diagnosis of peripheral nervous system involvement in Fabry disease and treatment of neuropathic pain: the report of an expert panel

Background: Fabry disease is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by progressive lysosomal accumulation of lipids in a variety of cell types, including neural cells. Small, unmyelinated nerve fibers are particularly affected and small fiber peripheral neuropathy often clinically manifests at young age. Peripheral pain can be chronic and/or occur as provoked attacks of excruciating pain. Manifestations of dysfunction of small autonomic fibers may include, among others, impaired sweating, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and abnormal pain perception. Patients with Fabry disease often remain undiagnosed until severe complications involving the kidney, heart, peripheral nerves and/or brain have arisen. Methods: An international expert panel convened with the goal to provide guidance to clinicians who may encounter unrecognized patients with Fabry disease on how to diagnose these patients early using simple diagnostic tests. A further aim was to offer recommendations to control neuropathic pain. Results: We describe the neuropathy in Fabry disease, focusing on peripheral small fiber dysfunction - the hallmark of early neurologic involvement in this disorder. The clinical course of peripheral pain is summarized, and the importance of medical history-taking, including family history, is highlighted. A thorough physical examination (e. g., angiokeratoma, corneal opacities) and simple non-invasive sensory perception tests could provide clues to the diagnosis of Fabry disease. Reported early clinical benefits of enzyme replacement therapy include reduction of neuropathic pain, and adequate management of residual pain to a tolerable and functional level can substantially improve the quality of life for patients. Conclusions: Our recommendations can assist in diagnosing Fabry small fiber neuropathy early, and offer clinicians guidance in controlling peripheral pain. This is particularly important since management of pain in young patients with Fabry disease appears to be inadequate

Clinical outcomes among young patients with Fabry disease who initiated agalsidase beta treatment before 30 years of age: An analysis from the Fabry registry

Background Clinical manifestations of classic Fabry disease (α-galactosidase A deficiency) usually occur in childhood, while complications involving major organs typically develop in adulthood. Outcomes of Fabry-specific treatment among young patients have not been extensively reported. Our aim was to analyze clinical outcomes among patients aged 5–30 years at initiation of treatment with agalsidase beta using data from the Fabry Registry (NCT00196742, sponsor: Sanofi). Methods Reported GLA variants were predicted to be associated with the classic phenotype or not classified in fabry-database.org. Linear mixed models were conducted to assess changes over ≥2-year follow-up in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) stratified by low (LRI) and high (HRI) renal involvement (defined by proteinuria/albuminuria levels), and changes in interventricular septal thickness (IVST) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) Z-scores stratified by median age at first treatment. Self-reports (‘yes’/‘no’) of abdominal pain, diarrhea, chronic peripheral pain (denoting neuropathic pain), and acute pain crises at baseline were compared with reports after ≥0.5-year and ≥2.5-year follow-up using McNemar's test. Results Male (n = 117) and female patients (n = 59) with LRI initiated treatment at a median age of 19.9 and 23.6 years, respectively, and were followed for a median of 6.3 and 5.0 years, respectively. The eGFR slopes were −1.18 (Pfrom 0 5.5 years and ≥4.5 years, respectively). Older females (treatment initiation at median age 27.5 years) had a slope of LVPWT Z-scores of 0.18/year (n = 12, Pfrom 0 = 0.028), whereas IVST Z-scores remained stable (n = 13, 0.10/year, Pfrom 0 = 0.304) during a median follow-up of ≥3.7 years. These slopes did not significantly differ from slopes of younger females. Reports of chronic peripheral pain and acute pain crises by males, and of diarrhea and acute pain crises by females, significantly reduced after a median follow-up of ≥4.0 years. After a median follow-up of ≥5.4 years, reports of all four symptoms significantly decreased among males, whereas among females only reports of abdominal pain significantly decreased. Conclusions During sustained treatment with agalsidase beta in young Fabry patients with a predicted classic phenotype or with unclassified GLA variants with similar characteristics, the decline in eGFR was modest among male and female patients with LRI. The greater decline in eGFR among older, proteinuric (i.e., HRI) males may suggest a benefit of earlier treatment. Overall, echocardiographic variables remained stable, particularly among males and younger females. Significant reductions in symptom reports occurred primarily among males after longer follow-up and were less noticeable among females. These observed trends are suggestive of an overall improvement after treatment in young patients, but warrant larger longitudinal studies.publishedVersio

Opinion, knowledge, and clinical experience with functional neurological disorders among Italian neurologists: results from an online survey

Background: Functional neurological disorders (FND) are disabling medical conditions commonly seen in neurological practice. Neurologists play an essential role in managing FND, from establishing a diagnosis to coordination of multidisciplinary team-based treatment for patients. With this study, we investigated the knowledge and the clinical experience of Italian neurologists in managing patients with FND. Methods: Members of the Italian Society of Neurology were invited via e-mail to participate in this ad hoc online survey; 492 questionnaires were returned completed. Results: The term "Functional neurological disorders" in reference to FND was used more frequently than other psychological (e.g., psychogenic or conversion), or descriptive terms (e.g., non-organic or stress-related). When speaking with patients, the respondents stated that they preferred explaining symptoms based on abnormal functioning of the nervous system than discussing mental illness and that they would refer their patient to a psychologist rather than to a psychiatrist. Few considered that physiotherapy and psychiatric interventions are useful approaches to treating FND. Some believed that patients simulate their symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, the responses suggest that knowledge about scientific advances in FND is somewhat sparse. A psychiatric-centered view of FND opens the way to an approach in which neurobiological and psychological aspects constitute essential factors of the condition. In this context, professional education could improve understanding of FND and optimize patient management