Malignant otitis externa in the antibiotic resistance era: key to successful treatment

Malignant otitis externa in the antibiotic resistance era: key to successful treatment. Objective: Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is a rare aggressive, necrotizing infection of the external auditory canal and the temporal bone. MOE may have a poor prognosis when it is not treated promptly and adequately. It is most commonly reported in males, older individuals, patients with diabetes, or patients that are immunocompromised. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main pathogenic agent involved. This study aimed to evaluate a clinical series of patients with MOE and discuss the current literature on the topic. Methodology: This retrospective study included 8 patients with MOE that were evaluated and treated, medically and/ or surgically, at the University Hospital of Ferrara between January 2012 and December 2016. We retrieved data from medical records on the clinical history, imaging, and treatment. Results: In all cases, a microbiological examination disclosed the presence of P. aeruginosa. The infection was eventually controlled in all cases, after a median of 6 months of therapy. All patients were followed-up for an average of 12 months after infection resolution. Conclusion: Currently, no specific guidelines for MOE treatment are available in the literature. Based on our findings, we proposed a diagnostic and therapeutic flow-chart for managing this infection

microRNAs and Inflammatory Immune Response in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emerged as an international challenge with strong medical and socioeconomic impact. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 is wide, covering asymptomatic or mild cases up to severe and life-threatening complications. Critical courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection are thought to be driven by the so-called “cytokine storm”, derived from an excessive immune response that induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In recent years, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) emerged as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in both inflammatory and infectious diseases. Therefore, the identification of SARS-CoV-2 miRNAs and host miRNAs is an important research topic, investigating the host–virus crosstalk in COVID-19 infection, trying to answer the pressing question of whether miRNA-based therapeutics can be employed to tackle SARS-CoV-2 complications. In this review, we aimed to directly address ncRNA role in SARS-CoV-2-immune system crosstalk upon COVID-19 infection, particularly focusing on inflammatory pathways and cytokine storm syndromes

A microseismic study in a low seismicityarea: the 2001 site-response experimentin the Città di Castello Basin (Italy)

A site response experiment was performed in the basin of Città di Castello (a small town in Central Italy) in May 2001. This study is part of a project on the evaluation of seismic hazard in seismogenic areas funded by the Gruppo Nazionale Difesa dai Terremoti (GNDT). The experiment consisted of a dense fixed transect configuration with most of the stations recording in continuous mode, and several ambient noise measurements both in single station and in array configuration spread over the investigated area. The dense transect was composed of 26 seismic stations in a crosswise configuration with a maximum inter-station distance of 250 m. The stations were deployed in the southern part of the basin, from the eastern bedrock outcrop to the western edge, across the town. About 70 earthquakes were recorded during 10 days of deployment, generally low magnitude or regional events. We located 23 earthquakes and 17 of them were located using the waveform similarity approach at 4 stations outside the target area. These 4 stations were part of a dense temporary seismic network involved in a previous experiment of the same project, aimed at performing a high-resolution picture of the local seismicity. Delay analysis on the recorded waveforms allowed us to infer the basin geometry at depth and estimate the S-wave velocity of sediments. Moreover, we evaluated relative site response along the E-W transect by performing a standard spectral ratio. Amplification factors up to 9 are found inside the basin; at frequencies above 5 Hz stations closer to the edges show higher amplification, whereas stations located in the middle of the basin, where the alluvial sediments are thicker (CD11-CD14), show higher amplification below 5 Hz. We considered the average amplification in two frequency bands (1-5 Hz and 5-10 Hz), representative of the resonance frequency for 2-3 storey buildings and 1 storey houses,respectively. Our results suggest that the potential hazard for 2-3 storey buildings is higher in the center of the basin (amplification factor up to 6), and for 1 storey houses is higher at the edges (amplification factor up to 5)

OeBAS and CYP716C67 catalyze the biosynthesis of health-beneficial triterpenoids in olive (Olea europaea) fruits

center dot The bioactive properties of olive (Olea europaea) fruits and olive oil are largely attributed to terpenoid compounds, including diverse triterpenoids such as oleanolic, maslinic and ursolic acids, erythrodiol, and uvaol. They have applications in the agri-food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Some key steps involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds are still unknown.center dot Genome mining, biochemical analysis, and trait association studies have been used to identify major gene candidates controlling triterpenoid content of olive fruits.center dot Here, we identify and functionally characterize an oxidosqualene cyclase (OeBAS) required for the production of the major triterpene scaffold beta-amyrin, the precursor of erythrodiol, oleanolic and maslinic acids, and a cytochrome P450 (CYP716C67) that mediates 2 alpha oxidation of the oleanane- and ursane-type triterpene scaffolds to produce maslinic and corosolic acids, respectively. To confirm the enzymatic functions of the entire pathway, we have reconstituted the olive biosynthetic pathway for oleanane- and ursane-type triterpenoids in the heterologous host, Nicotiana benthamiana. Finally, we have identified genetic markers associated with oleanolic and maslinic acid fruit content on the chromosomes carrying the OeBAS and CYP716C67 genes.center dot Our results shed light on the biosynthesis of olive triterpenoids and provide new gene targets for germplasm screening and breeding for high triterpenoid content

Microtremor Measurements in the City of Palermo, Italy: Analysis of the Correlation between Local Geology and Damage

This study presents the results of 90 seismic ambient noise measurements in Palermo, the main city of Sicily (Italy). The dataset has been processed using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVNSR) technique and interpreted in terms of local geology, which is characterized by the presence of alluvial sediments of two riverbeds masked by urbanization since the seventeenth century. HVNSRs show significant variations in the study area: when the transition stiff to soft is crossed, a typical spectral peak appears in the HVNSRs, mostly in the frequency band 1–2 Hz, and exceeding a factor of 3 in amplitude. Using available information on subsurface geological structure, we compute theoretical 1D and 2D transfer functions. The resonance frequencies of soft soils obtained by HVNSR are well reproduced by the fundamental frequencies from numerical modeling. The distribution of frequency peaks of HVNSR and their amplitudes are also compared with the local damage caused by historical earthquakes. Previous studies demonstrated that damage variations in Palermo were controlled more by near-surface geology than building vulnerability. A uniform vulnerability is an ideal condition to test statistical methods and their capability in seeking correlation between HVNSR and potential damage due to local geological conditions. We apply two well-established multivariate statistical methodologies (factor analysis and canonical correlation) to the HVNSR dataset and macroseismic data (damage grades of the European macroseismic scale). Through these analyses we quantify the significance of the correlation between the HVNSR peak in the low-medium frequency range (0.5–3 Hz) and the occurrence of the highest damage grades. This approach allows us (1) to estimate the threshold value in the resulting linear combination of the HVNSR amplitudes, which separates zones of light damage from zones of significant damage, and therefore (2) to improve the spatial definition of potentially high hazard zones through a denser grid of microtremor measurements

Molecular evidence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum colonization in preterm infants during respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND: Ureaplasma urealyticum and U. parvum have been associated with respiratory diseases in premature newborns, but their role in the pathogenesis of the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is unclear. The aim of this study was to detect, using molecular techniques, the role of Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma spp. in respiratory secretion and blood specimens of preterm newborns with or without RDS and to evaluate the prevalence of perinatal U. urealyticum or U. parvum infection. The influence of chemotherapy on the clinical course was also evaluated. METHODS: Tracheal aspirate or nasopharingeal fluid samples from 50 preterm babies with (24) or without RDS (26) were analysed for detection of U. urealyticum and U. parvum by culture identification assay and PCR. Sequencing analysis of amplicons allowed us to verify the specificity of methods. Clarithromycin (10 mg kg(-1 )twice a day) was administered in ureaplasma-positive patients who presented clinical signs of RDS. RESULTS: 15/24 neonates with RDS (p < 0.001) and 4/26 without RDS were found PCR-positive for U. urealyticum or U. parvum. Culture identification assay was positive in 5/50 newborns, three of which with RDS. Sequencing analyses confirmed the specificity of these methods. Association of patent ductus arteriosus with ureaplasma colonization was more statistically significant (p = 0.0004) in patients with RDS than in those without RDS. CONCLUSION: Colonization of the lower respiratory tract by Ureaplasma spp. and particularly by U. parvum in preterm newborns was related to RDS. The routine use of molecular methods could be useful to screen candidate babies for etiologic therapy

Task 5 - Potenza - Deliverable D17: Bedrock shaking scenarios

The main goal of this report is the computation of the bedrock seismic scenarios in the Potenza city (Southern Italy) to be used for evaluating damage scenarios (described in PS3-Deliverables D18-D19-D24). This area represents one of the prediction case studies, planned in the framework of Project S3 which aim is the production of ground shaking scenarios for high and moderate magnitude earthquakes. The area around Potenza was affected by several destructive earthquakes in historical time (Table 2.1.1) and a number of individual sources representing the causative faults of single seismic events with magnitude up to 7 were identified. Deeper and smaller faults are present very close to the Potenza city, generating events with M up to 5.7 (1990 Potenza earthquake). Due to the involved source-to-site distances (about 25 km) and to the computation resolution of the simulation techniques, the site is represented by a single point. In total 9 faults were identified and the deterministic shaking scenarios are computed for each of them. The following strategy is adopted to provide ground motions. We compute shaking scenarios at level 1, using a simplified simulation technique (DSM, Pacor et al.; 2005) for all the faults. By these simulations we identify the three faults (F3, F7. and F8) producing the maximum expected shaking at the Potenza city, in terms of peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity and Housner intensity. Based on these results, simulations at level 2, using the broad band technique HIC (Gallovic and Brokeshova, 2007) have been performed at Potenza for F3, F7 and F8 sources. For the Potenza city, we decided to predict the shaking scenarios at level 2, in order to provide suitable estimates of the low frequency ground motion (e.g. velocity time series) and engineering parameters (e.g. Arias intensity) strictly related to the duration of the signals. For each source, we generated hundreds of rupture models varying slip distribution, nucleation points and rupture velocity, and for each model we simulated the acceleration time series by HIC. Then we computed the probability density functions (PDF) of the ground motion parameters (PGA, PGV, PGD, Arias and Housner intensities) and estimated several statistical quantities in order to select families of accelerograms to be used for damage analysis: mean and associated standard deviation, median, 75% percentile, 84% percentile, mode, minimum and maximum. Finally we provided to the engineering Research Unit 6 of this project three sets of 7 accelerograms, having ground motion parameters equal to the statistical requirements computed by the synthetic distributions. The first set includes 7 accelerograms (three components), each of them having PGA equal to the mean, median, mode, 75-percentile, 84-percentile, minimum and maximum values of the PGA distribution. The second set and third sets include 7 accelerograms (horizontal components only), having PGA and Housener Intensity in the neighborhood of the median values of the corresponding distributions. A further comparison of adopted procedure for the predicted ground motion at Potenza was performed with respect to stochastic ground motions generated with EXSIM method (Motazedian and Atkinson; 2005). Even if the scenarios modelling was carried out varying different kinematic parameters, the statistical parameter were quite similar. Finally to provide shaking scenarios in term of macroseismic intensity, we applied a probabilistic empirical approach, developed in Progetto DPC-INGV S1.Progetto INGV-DPC S3 “Scenari di scuotimento in aree di interesse prioritario e/o strategico”Published4.2. TTC - Scenari e mappe di pericolosità sismicaope

Open File Report Task5, Characterization of site effects for the Colfiorito, Città di Castello and Val d’Agri areas: predictability and site transfer functions.

The effect of local site amplification has been recognized as an important factor in ground motion assessment and is nowadays frequently studied. A common approach to evaluate ground shaking is to first estimate ground motion parameters at rock sites and then to correct them introducing site transfer functions derived from experimental data and from numerical modelling. The site transfer functions to be used to modify ground motion evaluated at rock sites can be evaluated starting from strong motion, weak motion and microtremor data. According to the amount and quality of the available data the transfer functions are evaluated for specific sites, in order to be used as a punctual information, or as representative of an average local condition in selected areas. All the available geological and geotechnical data must be collected to put some constraints on the obtained results and to permit numerical modeling to be compared with experimental results. The obtained transfer functions can be introduced in scenario studies convolving rock seismograms by the pulse response of the upper layers for different situations considered as representative of the geology of the studied areas. The capability of describing local site effects is strongly affected by the amount of seismological, geophysical and geotechnical data available. This is particularly true if numerical modelling needs to be performed and if the contribution of non linear soil behaviour has to be taken into account. For the three areas investigated in the framework of the project, the different amount of available data and information guided the performed studies and the obtained results. For Colfiorito test site, the availability of strong motion data recorded during the largest events of the Umbria Marche sequence (1997-98) yields well constrained information for specific sites. For Città di Castello the collection of weak motion and microtremor data allowed to reconstruct the geometry of the sedimentary basin underlying the city and to define zones with homogenous site response where to evaluate site transfer functions in a 1D approximation, including non linear behaviour. For Val D’Agri area, the lack of seismic and geotechnical data did not allow to describe in detail the site response in the sedimentary basin. In this case some sample sites with a known uppermost geological structure were selected as representative of the seismic response of the basin. For them, microtremor data were collected to put some constraint on the transfer functions computed in a 1D approximation. In this case it was not possible to consider the non linear soil behaviour.Gruppo Nazionale per la Difesa dei TerremotiUnpublished1.1. TTC - Monitoraggio sismico del territorio nazionaleope

Multidisciplinary investigations using historical data, specific experimental surveys, numerical simulations and earthquake data to assess seismic hazard in a densely urbanized city: the study case of Palermo

The city of Palermo (southern Italy) was severely damaged in the past by moderate-magnitude earthquakes located tens of kilometres offshore. The historical monumental heritage and the high density of population motivated large efforts for the seismic risk assessment. We present the geological and seismological studies performed in downtown Palermo as a study case to show how the complexity of an urban environment can be approached with multidisciplinary investigations. Downtown Palermo is characterized by sea deposits in the coastal zone and the alluvial deposits of two rivers (Papireto and Kemonia) of about 150 m width, which were buried and filled during the XVII century. The difficulty of surface geological surveys was compensated through an analysis of aerial photos and more than 2000 borehole data organized in the City-GIS of the Department of Geology and Geodesy of the University of Palermo. A previous study on the well-documented historical damage indicated the major role played by the two river valleys and the sea deposits in controlling the damage distribution, above the assumption of a fairly homogeneous vulnerability of the existing buildings in downtown. To test the feasibility of using ambient noise for recognizing the presence of alluvial deposits in a densely urbanized environment, a large microtremor measurement campaign was performed in Palermo across several profiles. The frequency peaks inferred from the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio were compared with numerical simulations to assess the seismic velocity profile and the soil stratigraphy. Moreover, noise data were analyzed through a statistical approach to establish a possible correlation between damage, resonance frequency and amplitude, and geology. After the moderate earthquake of September 6, 2002 (Mw=5.9, 50 km far away), the analysis of the aftershock sequence provided a well documented estimate of the variation of ground motion within the city in the case of linear soil response. Using these aftershocks we computed also synthetic accelerograms of the main shock through Empirical Green’s Functions that provided ground accelerations as large as 50 gals, consistently with the documented EMS-98 intensity. Synthetic accelerograms showed a large variability of horizontal ground motion within the city (a factor of 3 – 4) that confirms the role of local geology in causing an increase of the seismic hazard on sea and alluvial deposits. Finally, we discuss the comparison between the acceleration response spectra calculated for different soil categories and the design elastic spectra provided by EC8

Microtremor Measurements in the City of Palermo, Italy: Analysis of the Correlation with Local Geology and Damage

This study presents the results of 90 seismic ambient noise measurements in Palermo, the main city of Sicily (Italy). The dataset has been processed using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVNSR) technique and interpreted in terms of local geology, which is characterized by the presence of alluvial sediments of two river-beds masked by urbanization since the 17th century. HVNSRs show significant variations in the study area: when the transition stiff-to-soft is crossed, a typical spectral peak appears in the HVNSRs, mostly in the frequency band 1 to 2 Hz, and exceeding a factor of 3 in amplitude. Using available information on sub-surface geological structure we compute theoretical 1- and 2-D transfer functions. The resonance frequencies of soft soils obtained by HVNSR are well reproduced by the fundamental frequencies from numerical modeling. The distribution of frequency peaks of HVNSR and their amplitudes are also compared with the local damage caused by historical earthquakes. Previous studies demonstrated that damage variations in Palermo were controlled more by near-surface geology than building vulnerability. A uniform vulnerability is an ideal condition to test statistical methods and their capability in seeking correlation between HVNSR and potential damage due to local geological conditions. We apply two well-established multivariate statistical methodologies (factor analysis and canonical correlation) to the HVNSR dataset and macroseismic data (damage grades of the European Macroseismic Scale). Through these analyses we quantify the significance of the correlation between the HVNSR peak in the low-medium frequency range (0.5-3 Hz) and the occurrence of the highest damage grades. This approach allows us i) to estimate the threshold value in the resulting linear combination of the HVNSR amplitudes which separates zones of light damage from zones of significant damage, and therefore ii) to improve the spatial definition of potentially high hazard zones through a denser grid of microtremor measurements