Prevalenza della sclerosi multipla nell'isola d'Elba

OBIETTIVI: Calcolare la prevalenza della Sclerosi Multipla (SM) nell’isola d’Elba dal momento che non ci sono dati disponibili in letteratura. METODI: L'isola d'Elba è l’isola più grande dell'Arcipelago Toscano. Al giorno di prevalenza, ovvero il 31/12/2010, la popolazione residente nell’isola era pari a 31.943 ab. I casi di SM sono stati identificati consultando le cartelle cliniche dell’ospedale e dell’ambulatorio neurologico di riferimento dell’isola. Sono stati arruolati nello studio tutti i pazienti con diagnosi di SM secondo i criteri di McDonald, residenti nell’isola al giorno di prevalenza. Sono stati calcolati i tassi di prevalenza grezzi e specifici (sesso e età) e il tasso standardizzato rispetto alla popolazione italiana del 2001. Gli intervalli di confidenza al 95% dei tassi di prevalenza sono stati calcolati assumendo una distribuzione di Poisson. RISULTATI: Al giorno di prevalenza erano residenti nell’isola 42 soggetti con SM. Di questi il 40,5% era nato fuori dall’isola e 4 pazienti avevano origine sarda. Il rapporto F:M è risultato pari a 2,8 e l’età media dei soggetti era di 49,8±12,6 anni. Per quanto riguarda le forme di malattia, il 16,7% dei pazienti aveva una forma CIS, il 61,9% una RR, il 16,7% una SP e il 4,8% una PP. Il grado di disabilità (EDSS) è risultato correlato (trend crescente) con la forma di malattia: EDSS pari a 1,5 per le forme CIS, 2,0 per le RR e 6,0 per le SP e PP. La durata di malattia, in media, era di 15,0±9,8 anni, con un range tra 0 e 37 anni. Il tasso di prevalenza grezzo è risultato pari a 131,5 (IC 95%: 99,8-177,7) per 100.000 (maschi 70,7; femmine 189,2 per 100.000). Il tasso di prevalenza standardizzato è risultato pari a 131,5 (IC 95%: 91,8-171,2) per 100.000. Il tasso di prevalenza sesso età specifico mostra un picco, per entrambi i sessi, nella classe di età tra 45-54 anni, mentre non ci sono casi prima dei 15 anni. Analizzando il periodo di latenza (ovvero la lunghezza in anni tra esordio dei sintomi e diagnosi di malattia) si osserva un trend negativo, statisticamente significativo, rispetto l’anno di esordio: infatti per i pazienti con esordio più recente, il periodo di latenza è diminuito rispetto a quello dei pazienti con esordio più remoto. CONCLUSIONI: Essendo il primo studio effettuato nell’isola, non è possibile fare confronti con dati precedenti. Il valore di prevalenza osservato dovrebbe essere comunque in linea con l’attuale prevalenza dell’Italia continentale e comunque inferiore a quella stimata in Sardegna (Pugliatti, 2009)

Prevalenza della sclerosi multipla nell'isola d'Elba

Introduzione Le variazioni temporali e geografiche della frequenza di Sclerosi Multipla (SM) sono state molto studiate. Negli ultimi 30 anni, gli studi epidemiologici hanno evidenziato come la distribuzione della SM nei paesi dell’area mediterranea sia più complessa di quanto ritenuto in passato quando era comunemente accettato il modello correlato alla latitudine. Scarsi sono i dati di prevalenza relativi all’Italia centrale e in particolare ad oggi non sono noti dati pubblicati sulla dimensione della SM nella popolazione dell’isola d’Elba. Obiettivi Calcolare la prevalenza della SM nell’isola d’Elba dal momento che non ci sono dati disponibili in letteratura. Metodi L'isola d'Elba è l’isola più grande dell'Arcipelago Toscano. Al giorno di prevalenza, ovvero il 31/12/2010, la popolazione residente nell’isola era pari a 31.943 ab. I casi di SM sono stati identificati consultando le cartelle cliniche dell’ospedale e dell’ambulatorio di riferimento neurologico dell’isola. Sono stati arruolati nello studio tutti i pazienti con diagnosi di SM secondo i criteri di McDonald, residenti nell’isola al giorno di prevalenza. Sono stati calcolati i tassi di prevalenza grezzi e specifici (sesso e età) e il tasso standardizzato rispetto alla popolazione italiana del 2001. Gli intervalli di confidenza al 95% dei tassi di prevalenza sono stati calcolati assumendo una distribuzione di Poisson. Risultati Al giorno di prevalenza erano residenti nell’isola 42 soggetti con SM. Di questi il 40,5% era nato fuori dall’isola, e 4 soggetti avevano origine sarda. Il rapporto F:M è risultato pari a 2,8: infatti il 73,8% era di sesso femminile rispetto al 26,2% di sesso maschile. L’età media dei soggetti era di 49,8±12,6 anni e non si osservano differenze significative tra i sessi riguardo all’età. Per quanto riguarda le forme di malattia, il 16,7% dei pazienti aveva una forma CIS, il 61,9% una RR, il 16,7% una SP e il 4,8% una PP. Il grado di disabilità (EDSS) è risultato correlato (trend crescente) con la forma di malattia: EDSS pari a 1,5 per le forme CIS, 2,0 per le forme RR e 6,0 per le forme SP e PP. La durata di malattia, in media, era di 15,0±9,8 anni, con un range tra 0 e 37 anni. La durata media di malattia è risultata più alta per i maschi (19,3±9,5 anni) rispetto alle femmine (13,6±9,6 anni), ma tale differenza non è statisticamente rilevante. Il tasso di prevalenza grezzo era pari a 131,5 (IC 95%: 99,8-177,7) per 100.000 (maschi 70,7; femmine 189,2 per 100.000). Il tasso di prevalenza standardizzato era pari a 131,5 (IC 95%: 91,8-171,2) per 100.000

Mid-Infrared Plasmonic Platform Based on n-Doped Ge-on-Si: Molecular Sensing with Germanium Nano-Antennas on Si

CMOS-compatible, heavily-doped semiconductor films are very promising for applications in mid-infrared plasmonic devices because the real part of their dielectric function is negative and broadly tunable in this wavelength range. In this work we investigate n-type doped germanium epilayers grown on Si substrates. We design and realize Ge nanoantennas on Si substrates demonstrating the presence of localized plasmon resonances, and exploit them for molecular sensing in the mid-infrared

Morphological distribution of μ chains and cd15 receptors in colorectal polyp and adenocarcinoma specimens.

BACKGROUND: We have recently investigated the localisation of immunoglobulin-producing cells (IPCs) in inflamed intestinal tissue samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and identified two main patterns of B lymphocyte infiltration: one characterised by the moderate strong stromal localisation of small B1 cell-like IgM+/CD79+/CD20-/CD21-/CD23-/CD5 ± IPCs, and the other by the peri-glandular localisation of IPCs with irregular nuclei that had surface markers specific for a B cell subset (IgM and CD79), but quantitative differences in their λ and κ chains. The same patients were also tested for CD15+ receptors, which were localised on inflammatory cell surfaces or in the crypts of the intestinal epithelium. CD15+ receptor distribution in inflamed tissues was limited to the cell structures. The aim of the study was to analyse variations in IPCs and CD15+ cell morphology or distribution in bowel biopsy specimens taken from patients with pre-malignant polyps or adenocarcinomas. METHODS: IPCs were analysed by means of immunofluorescence using polyclonal goat anti-human μ chains. The pre-malignant polyp specimens were tested for B cell surface phenotype λ and κ chains, CD79, CD20, CD21 and CD23 using an immunoperoxidase method. CD15+ cells were evaluated using the immunoperoxidase method and monoclonal anti-CD15 IgM. RESULTS: The study involved 14 patients (four with pre-malignant polyps and 10 with colorectal adenocarcinomas). The distribution of μ chains and CD15 markers varied in all of the biopsies, but delineated normal cell structures in the pre-malignant polyp specimens. B cell surface phenotype analysis of μ chain-positive cells identified a subset of CD79+/CD20-/CD21-/CD23- IPCs. The IPCs in certain areas showed the sporadic disintegration of inflammatory cell membranes or the accumulation of fluorescence in individual cells. IPC membrane disintegration was particularly marked in all of the adenocarcinoma samples, in which the CD15 markers also showed epithelial cell involvement. Furthermore, six of the ten adenocarcinoma samples had atypical and reorganised membranes that expressed an excess of both receptors and isolated small portions of tissue within the tumour. CONCLUSION: The findings of this preliminary morphological study suggest the presence of membrane disintegration and remodelling mechanisms in the tumours. The newly-formed membranes expressed high concentrations of inflammatory cell receptors that can confer adhesive properties

Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Temperature-Dependent Plastic Relaxation of SiGe Layers

Novel architectures for electronics and photonics are expected to be developed using the forthcoming Si 1−x Ge x technology. However, in Si 1−x Ge x -based heterostructures, materials and design issues rely on accurate control of strain and composition of the alloy. The Raman spectroscopy has rapidly emerged as a reliable technique for the quantitative determination of such parameters on a sub-micrometric scale. In this work we present an investigation of the effects of the growth conditions of Si 1−x Ge x graded layers on dislocation nucleation and interaction. In particular, we focus on the crucial role the deposition temperature plays in the dislocation kinetics. The analysis of threading dislocation densities is accompanied by a quantitative measurement of the residual strain in Si1−xGex/Si heterostructures, carried out by means of the Raman scattering. Our approach is effective in studying the physical mechanism governing dislocation multiplication and the sharp transition from a state of brittleness to a state of ductility within a narrow temperature window

Bovine Lactoferrin Prevents Invasive Fungal Infections in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Lactoferrin is a mammalian milk glycoprotein involved in innate immunity. Recent data show that bovine lactoferrin (bLF) prevents late-onset sepsis in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial where preterm VLBW neonates randomly received bLF (100 mg/day; group A1), bLF + Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (10(6) colony-forming units per day; group A2), or placebo (group B) for 6 weeks. Here we analyze the incidence rates of fungal colonization, invasive fungal infection (IFI), and rate of progression from colonization to infection in all groups. RESULTS: This study included 472 neonates whose clinical, nutritional, and demographical characteristics were similar. Overall, the incidence of fungal colonization was comparable (17.6%, 16.6%, and 18.5% in A1, A2, and B, respectively; P = .89 [A1] and .77 [A2]). In contrast, IFIs were significantly decreased in A1 and A2 (0.7% and 2.0%, respectively) compared with B (7.7%; P = .002 [A1] and .02 [A2]), and this was significantly true both in <1000 g (0.9% [A1] and 5.6% [A2], vs 15.0%) and in 1001 to 1500 g infants (0% and 0% vs 3.7%). The progression rate colonization-infection was significantly lower in the bLF groups: 3.7% (A1) and 12% (A2), vs 41.9%; P < .001 (A1) and P = .02 (A2). No IFI-attributable deaths occurred in the treatment groups, versus 2 in placebo. No adverse effects or intolerances occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic oral administration of bLF reduces the incidence of IFI in preterm VLBW neonates. No effect is seen on colonization. The protective effect on IFI is likely due to limitation of ability of fungal colonies to progress toward invasion and systemic disease in colonized infants

Morphological distribution of &#956; chains and cd15 receptors in colorectal polyp and adenocarcinoma specimens

Background: We have recently investigated the localisation of immunoglobulin-producing cells (IPCs) in inflamed intestinal tissue samples from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and identified two main patterns of B lymphocyte infiltration: one characterised by the moderate strong stromal localisation of small B1 cell-like IgM+/CD79+/CD20-/CD21-/CD23-/CD5 \ub1 IPCs, and the other by the peri-glandular localisation of IPCs with irregular nuclei that had surface markers specific for a B cell subset (IgM and CD79), but quantitative differences in their \u3bb and \u3ba chains. The same patients were also tested for CD15+ receptors, which were localised on inflammatory cell surfaces or in the crypts of the intestinal epithelium. CD15+ receptor distribution in inflamed tissues was limited to the cell structures. The aim of the study was to analyse variations in IPCs and CD15+ cell morphology or distribution in bowel biopsy specimens taken from patients with pre-malignant polyps or adenocarcinomas. Methods. IPCs were analysed by means of immunofluorescence using polyclonal goat anti-human \u3bc chains. The pre-malignant polyp specimens were tested for B cell surface phenotype \u3bb and \u3ba chains, CD79, CD20, CD21 and CD23 using an immunoperoxidase method. CD15+ cells were evaluated using the immunoperoxidase method and monoclonal anti-CD15 IgM. Results: The study involved 14 patients (four with pre-malignant polyps and 10 with colorectal adenocarcinomas). The distribution of \u3bc chains and CD15 markers varied in all of the biopsies, but delineated normal cell structures in the pre-malignant polyp specimens. B cell surface phenotype analysis of \u3bc chain-positive cells identified a subset of CD79+/CD20-/CD21-/CD23- IPCs. The IPCs in certain areas showed the sporadic disintegration of inflammatory cell membranes or the accumulation of fluorescence in individual cells. IPC membrane disintegration was particularly marked in all of the adenocarcinoma samples, in which the CD15 markers also showed epithelial cell involvement. Furthermore, six of the ten adenocarcinoma samples had atypical and reorganised membranes that expressed an excess of both receptors and isolated small portions of tissue within the tumour. Conclusion: The findings of this preliminary morphological study suggest the presence of membrane disintegration and remodelling mechanisms in the tumours. The newly-formed membranes expressed high concentrations of inflammatory cell receptors that can confer adhesive propertie

Ordered Arrays of SiGe Islands from Low-Energy PECVD

SiGe islands have been proposed for applications in the fields of microelectronics, optoelectronics and thermoelectrics. Although most of the works in literature are based on MBE, one of the possible advantages of low-energy plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LEPECVD) is a wider range of deposition rates, which in turn results in the possibility of growing islands with a high Ge concentration. We will show that LEPECVD can be effectively used for the controlled growth of ordered arrays of SiGe islands. In order to control the nucleation of the islands, patterned Si (001) substrates were obtained by e-beam lithography (EBL) and dry etching. We realized periodic circular pits with diameters ranging from 80 to 300 nm and depths from 65 to 75 nm. Subsequently, thin films (0.8–3.2 nm) of pure Ge were deposited by LEPECVD, resulting in regular and uniform arrays of Ge-rich islands. LEPECVD allowed the use of a wide range of growth rates (0.01–0.1 nm s−1) and substrates temperatures (600–750°C), so that the Ge content of the islands could be varied. Island morphology was characterized by AFM, while μ-Raman was used to analyze the Ge content inside the islands and the composition differences between islands on patterned and unpatterned areas of the substrate

Is Lactoferrin More Effective in Reducing Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Neonates Fed Formula Than in Those Receiving Mother&apos;s Own Milk? Secondary Analyses of Two Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Lactoferrin is the major antimicrobial protein in human milk. In our randomized controlled trial (RCT) of bovine lactoferrin (BLF) supplementation in preterm neonates, BLF reduced late-onset sepsis (LOS). Mother's own milk (MM) contains higher concentrations of lactoferrin than donor milk or formula, but whether BLF is more effective in infants who receive formula or donor milk is uncertain. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of LOS in preterm infants fed MM and in those fed formula and/or donor milk. Study Design: This is a (A) post hoc subgroup analysis, in our RCT of BLF, of its effects in preterm infants fed MM, with or without formula, versus those fed formula and/or donor milk (no-MM) and (B) post hoc meta-analysis, in our RCT of BLF and in the ELFIN (Enteral Lactoferrin in Neonates) RCT, of the effect of BLF in subgroups not exclusively fed MM. Results (A) Of 472 infants in our RCT, 168 were randomized to placebo and 304 were randomized to BLF. Among MM infants, LOS occurred in 22/133 (16.5%) infants randomized to placebo and in 14/250 (5.6%) randomized to BLF (relative risk or risk ratio (RR): 0.34; relative risk reduction (RRR): 0.66; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for RR: 0.18-0.64; p &lt; 0.0008). Among no-MM infants, LOS occurred in 7/35 (20.0%) randomized to placebo and in 2/54 (3.7%) randomized to BLF (RR: 0.19; RRR: 0.81; 95% CI for RR: 0.16-0.96; p = 0.026). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, there was no interaction between BLF treatment effect and type of feeding (p = 0.628). (B) In 1,891 infants not exclusively fed MM in our RCT of BLF and in the ELFIN RCT, BLF reduced the RR of LOS by 18% (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71-0.96; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Adequately powered studies should address the hypothesis that BLF is more effective in infants fed formula or donor milk than those fed MM. Such studies should evaluate whether a specific threshold of total lactoferrin intake can be identified to protect such patients from LOS