How Well Can We Control Dyslipidemias Through Lifestyle Modifications?

The role for lifestyle modifications to correct dyslipidemia(s) is reviewed. Dietary composition is crucial. Replacing saturated fat with MUFA or n-6 PUFA lowers plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and ameliorates the LDL/HDL ratio. Replacing saturated fat with carbohydrates has diverging effects due to the heterogeneity of carbohydrate foods. Diets rich in refined carbohydrates increase fasting and postprandial triglycerides, whereas the consumption of fiber-rich, low GI foods lowers LDL cholesterol with no detrimental effects on triglycerides. The role of polyphenols is debated: available evidence suggests a lowering effect of polyphenol-rich foods on postprandial triglycerides. As for functional foods, health claims on a cholesterol lowering effect of psyllium, beta-glucans and phytosterols are accepted by regulatory agencies. The importance of alcohol intake, weight reduction, and physical activity is discussed. In conclusion, there is evidence that lifestyle affects plasma lipid. A multifactorial approach including multiple changes with additive effects is the best option. This may also ensure feasibility and durability. The traditional Mediterranean way of life can represent a useful model

The Principle of Subsidiarity and the Multilevel Citizenship: The Future of Social Inclusion

The principle of subsidiarity was formally introduced in the European Union’s legislation framework in 1992 with the Treaty of Maastricht; although already in 1986, the European Single Act authorized Community action only if a specific objective could be better attained at the Community level. However, the subsidiarity principle inspiring the functionalist approach – according to which the best solution is always the most effective – can be found already in the Vedel Report (25 March 1972), aimed at examining the problem of the extension of the powers of the European Parliament. The principle of subsidiary is the reorganization of authority in the European Union (EU), an important policy-creating process in which authority and policy-making influences are shared across multiple levels of government

“It’s about our bodies… we have the right to know this stuff”: a qualitative focus group study on Australian women’s perspectives on breast density

Objective This study aimed to explore Australian women’s current knowledge, perspectives and attitudes about breast density (BD); and information needs to inform effective evidence-based communication strategies. Methods Fourteen online focus group sessions with a total of 78 women in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia aged 40–74 years without a personal diagnosis of breast cancer were conducted. Audio-recorded data was transcribed and analysed thematically. Results Women had a very limited knowledge of BD. Overall, women expressed a preference for more frequent mammograms and/or supplemental screening should they be told they had dense breasts, despite being presented with information on potential downsides of additional testing. The majority of women were supportive of the notion of BD notification, often suggesting they had a ‘right to know’ and they would prefer to be educated and informed about it. Conclusion The potential of being informed and notified of BD is found to be of interest and importance to Australian women of breast screening age despite lacking current knowledge. Practice Implications This study highlights that policy makers and screening services need to consider how to weigh up these views and preferences of women with current evidence surrounding BD in deciding about implementing population-based BD notification

Founder mutation in Lynch syndrome

El síndrome de Lynch es la más frecuente de las neoplasias colorrectales hereditarias. Se origina por mutaciones germinales deletéreas familia-específicas en los genes que codifican proteínas de reparación del ADN: MLH1 (homólogo humano de mutL), MSH2 y MSH6 (homólogo humano de mutS 2 y 6, respectivamente), PMS2 (homólogo humano de PMS1 2) y MUTYH (homólogo humano de la ADN-glycosilasa mutY). La mutación c.2252_2253delAA, p.Lys751Serfs*3 en el exón 19 del gen MLH1 segrega con un haplotipo descripto en la región norte de Italia y cuyo origen fue atribuido a un efecto fundador. Esta mutación co-segrega con características típicas del síndrome de Lynch, incluyendo afectación temprana y múltiples tumores primarios en el mismo individuo, una alta frecuencia de cáncer pancreático, elevada inestabilidad microsatelital y falta de expresión de PMS2. En el presente trabajo se comunica dicha mutación en una paciente argentina con adenocarcinoma endometroide de útero en cuya historia familiar existen antecedentes de cáncer de colon diagnosticado antes de los 50 años en familiares de primer grado, reuniendo los criterios de Ámsterdam I y síndrome de Lynch II. Los polimorfismos presentes en la paciente coinciden con el haplotipo descripto en una región del norte de Italia. El alto grado de patogenicidad asociada a esta mutación hace imprescindible el estudio de todos los integrantes de las familias con cáncer hereditario permitiendo el diagnóstico genético pre-sintomático, la instauración de tratamientos o conductas preventivas y su seguimientoLynch syndrome is the most frequent syndrome in hereditary colorectal cancer, a family-specific deleterious mutations in genes encoding DNA reparation proteins: MLH1 (mutL homolog 1), MSH2, MSH6 (mutS homolog 2 y 6, respectively), PMS2 (PMS1 homolog 2, mismatch repair system component) y MUTYH (mutY DNA glycosylase). The c.2252_2253delAA, p.Lys751Serfs*3 mutation in MLH1 gene segregates with a haplotype reported in the northern region of Italy and whose origin was attributed to a founder effect. This mutation co-segregates with typical characteristics of Lynch syndrome, including early age at onset and multiple primary tumors in the same individual, a high frequency of pancreatic cancer, high microsatellite instability and lack of PMS2 expression. This report describes a mutation in an Argentinian patient with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of uterus. Her first-degree relatives had a history of colon cancer diagnosed before 50 years, fulfilling the Amsterdam Criteria I and Lynch syndrome II. The high pathogenicity associated to this mutation makes necessary the study of all members from families with hereditary cancer, allowing pre-symptomatic genetic diagnosis, early assessment and the instauration of preventive treatments.Fil: Cajal, Andrea. Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Piñero, Tamara Alejandra. Hospital Italiano. Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Verzura, Alicia. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Santino, Juan Pablo. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Solano, Angela Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Argentina. Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno”; ArgentinaFil: Kalfayan, Pablo G.. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Ferro, Fabiana Alejandra. Hospital Italiano; ArgentinaFil: Vaccaro, Carlos A.. Hospital Italiano; Argentin

Impiego dell'elettroforesicapillare per la caratterizzazione di microrganismi: l'analisi di ceppi di Saccharomyces cerevisiae

La possibilità di analizzare e determinare microrganismi, quali batteri e lieviti, in maniera rapida e riproducibile, suscita notevole interesse scientifico data la loro versatilità nel campo della ricerca e dell’industria. Rispetto alle classiche tecniche impiegate in microbiologia, i metodi basati sull’elettroforesi capillare appaiono a tutt'oggi alquanto promettenti poiché in grado non solo di separare con elevata efficienza molecole, ma anche particelle colloidali e quindi cellule. In particolari condizioni, infatti, le cellule microbiche evidenziano in superficie una propria carica netta, grazie alla composizione della loro parete cellulare, e conseguentemente si comportano alla stregua dei colloidi [1,2] il ché rende possibile la loro analisi elettroforetica [2-4]. Nella presente attività di ricerca è stato messo a punto un originale metodo di analisi basato su elettroforesi capillare con rivelazione a diode array applicato alla caratterizzazione di ceppi di lievito Saccharomyces cerevisiae. L'implementazione della metodica ha previsto l'ottimizzazione di una serie di parametri elettroforetici quali ad es. la viscosità del tampone di corsa, il volume di campione e l’intensità del campo elettrico applicato. Successivamente si è focalizzato l’interesse sullo studio del comportamento elettroforetico di diversi ceppi di Saccharomyces cerevisiae cresciuti in terreno liquido YPD (Yeast extract, Peptone, D-glucose). Lo studio ha evidenziato una variabilità significativa dei profili elettroforetici, imputata alle differenti velocità di crescita di ciascun ceppo. In particolare, la crescita del ceppo selvaggio 4LBI3 ha evidenziato, inoltre, che esiste una relazione tra il profilo elettroforetico e la fase di crescita in cui si trova la popolazione cellulare esaminata. L’analisi delle dimensioni cellulari mediante microscopia ottica ha evidenziato infine una correlazione tra il profilo elettroforetico del campione e l’effettiva eterogeneità dimensionale della popolazione cellulare analizzata. I risultati sperimentali ottenuti dimostrano la validità dell’elettroforesi capillare per lo studio delle dinamiche di crescita dei lieviti e ne incoraggiano una futura applicazione per analisi quantitative anche di altre specie microbiche. [1] Radko S.P., Chrambach A., Electrophoresis, (2002) 23: pp. 1957-1972 [2] Rodriguez M.A., Armstrong D.W., J. of Chromatography B, 800, 7 (2004). [3] Armstrong D.W., Girod L.H., Rodriguez M.A. et al., Analy. Chem., 74, 5523 (2002). [4] Armstrong D.W., Schulte G., Schneiderheinze J.M., Westenberg D.J., Anal. Chem., 71, 5465 (1999)

Monitoraggio Ambientale di un'Area Contaminata nella Provincia di Pavia

Lo scopo di tale indagine è stato quello di valutare il livello di contaminazione, l'estensione e l'entità di contaminanti presenti nei suoli superficiali a suo tempo riscontrati mediante il Progetto Pavia. Il monitoraggio ambientale ha interessato un'area di circa 12 ettari che si trova nel comune di Carpiano. Complessivamente sono state identificate 33 aree di campionamento dove sono stati prelevati campioni di suolo sino alla profondità di 30 cm. In ciascun campione di suolo, dopo adeguati trattamenti, è stata valutata la concentrazione di metalli pesanti, metalloidi, macroelementi, sostanza organica, pH, densità apparente, contenuto d'acqua. In alcuni campioni, precisamente 11, si è analizzata la concentrazione di diossine e furani e si è approntato uno studio che ha visto l'utilizzo dei batteri e dei loro prodotti. Lo studio condotto attraverso l'uso dei batteri ha evidenziato anomalie in alcuni punti ad elevata contaminazione. I risultati analitici ottenuti hanno identificato la presenza di una importante contaminazione di metalli pesanti, metalloidi, diossine e furani che interessa un area di alcuni ettari. Tale livello di contaminazione, per la presenza di sostanza organica e per valori ridotti di acidità dei suoli stessi, potrà arrecare danni ingenti all'ambiente.JRC.DDG.H.7-Land management and natural hazard

Selection, affinity maturation, and characterization of a human scFv antibody against CEA protein

BACKGROUND: CEA is a tumor-associated antigen abundantly expressed on several cancer types, including those naturally refractory to chemotherapy. The selection and characterization of human anti-CEA single-chain antibody fragments (scFv) is a first step toward the construction of new anticancer monoclonal antibodies designed for optimal blood clearance and tumor penetration. METHODS: The human MA39 scFv, selected for its ability to recognize a CEA epitope expressed on human colon carcinomas, was first isolated from a large semi-synthetic ETH-2 antibody phage library, panned on human purified CEA protein. Subsequently, by in vitro mutagenesis of a gene encoding for the scFv MA39, a new library was established, and new scFv antibodies with improved affinity towards the CEA cognate epitope were selected and characterized. RESULTS: The scFv MA39 antibody was affinity-maturated by in vitro mutagenesis and the new scFv clone, E8, was isolated, typed for CEA family member recognition and its CEACAM1, 3 and 5 shared epitope characterized for expression in a large panel of human normal and tumor tissues and cells. CONCLUSION: The binding affinity of the scFv E8 is in a range for efficient, in vivo, antigen capture in tumor cells expressing a shared epitope of the CEACAM1, 3 and 5 proteins. This new immunoreagent meets all criteria for a potential anticancer compound: it is human, hence poorly or not at all immunogenic, and it binds selectively and with good affinity to the CEA epitope expressed by metastatic melanoma and colon and lung carcinomas. Furthermore, its small molecular size should provide for efficient tissue penetration, yet give rapid plasma clearance

OpenCoesione experience: citizen is the best communicator!

Communication plays an essential role in scientific projects, especially since it is possible to use social media and web platforms, to reach a wide audience. OpenCoesione is the “open-government” iniziative on cohesion polizie in Italy, a web plat form with navigable data on public programmed resources and expenses, that allows to evaluate how there sources are used. Any citizen can enrich this platform, analysing public projects and documentino the current state with open data. «A Scuola di OpenCoesione» is an innovative experimental project of school teaching of open government strategy of openness and transparency on development policies. The goal of A Scuola di Open Coesione is to involve and sensitize students and teachers to the use of contents and tools to learn and monitor the projects of cohesion policies, to build interdisciplinary educational programs starting from the projects financed on their respective territories and enriching, through crowd sourcing, the information base of OpenCoesione adding information and data that are not currently availableas, for example, geolocation,multimedia materials, the characteristics of the project, the physical performance of the works

Microsporidia as a Potential Threat to the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus)

Lynx pardinus is one of the world’s most endangered felines inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula. The present study was performed to identify the presence of microsporidia due to the mortality increase in lynxes. Samples of urine (n = 124), feces (n = 52), and tissues [spleen (n = 13), brain (n = 9), liver (n = 11), and kidney (n = 10)] from 140 lynxes were studied. The determination of microsporidia was evaluated using Weber’s chromotrope stain and Real Time-PCR. Of the lynxes analyzed, stains showed 10.48% and 50% positivity in urine and feces samples, respectively. PCR confirmed that 7.69% and 65.38% belonged to microsporidia species. The imprints of the tissues showed positive results in the spleen (38.46%), brain (22.22%), and liver (27.27%), but negative results in the kidneys. PCR confirmed positive microsporidia results in 61.53%, 55.55%, 45.45%, and 50%, respectively. Seroprevalence against Encephalitozoon cuniculi was also studied in 138 serum samples with a positivity of 55.8%. For the first time, the results presented different species of microsporidia in the urine, feces, and tissue samples of Lynx pardinus. The high titers of anti-E. cuniculi antibodies in lynx sera confirmed the presence of microsporidia in the lynx environment. New studies are needed to establish the impact of microsporidia infection on the survival of the Iberian lynx

Australian Women’s Intentions and Psychological Outcomes Related to Breast Density Notification and Information

Objective To assess the effect of mammographic breast density notification and information provision on women’s intention to seek supplemental screening and psychological outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants A 3-arm online randomized clinical trial was conducted from August 10 to 31, 2021. Data analysis was conducted from September 1 to October 20, 2021. Participants included Australian residents identifying as female, aged between 40 and 74 years, with no history of breast cancer who were residing in jurisdictions without existing breast density notification with screening mammograms. Interventions Women were randomized to receive 1 of the following hypothetical breast screening test result letters: screening mammogram result letter without breast density messaging (control), screening mammogram result letter with breast density messaging and an existing density information letter taken from a screening service in Australia (intervention 1), and screening mammogram result letter with breast density messaging and a health literacy–sensitive version of the letter adapted for people with lower health literacy (intervention 2). Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were intention to seek supplemental screening; feeling anxious (uneasy, worried, or nervous), informed, or confused; and having breast cancer worry