Computational horizons in cancer (CHIC) : developing meta- and hyper-multiscale models and repositories for in Silico Oncology - a brief technical outline of the project

This paper briefly outlines the aim, the objectives, the architecture and the main building blocks of the ongoing large scale integrating transatlantic research project CHIC (http://chic-vph.eu/)

Genetic Basis of Myocarditis: Myth or Reality?

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Factors associated with pain complaints in a clinical sample of postmenopausal women.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationships occurring between pain complaints and postmenopausal status, and to look at the correlation between such complaints and other symptoms commonly related to the climacterium. A clinical sample of 99 consecutive postmenopausal patients requiring medical help were studied: 36 complained of muscle-skeletal pains whereas 33 presented with headache limiting daily activity. Climacteric syndrome, level of distress, coping style and bone mineral density were assessed with appropriate questionnaires and instruments. Neither bone mineral density, nor body mass index nor time since menopause were associated with either headaches or muscle-skeletal pains. According to the logistic regression being younger, being without a job, suffering from insomnia and having a lower ability in self-support by the means of comforting ideas predicts suffering from headache. A high level of distress and an avoidance behavior to problem facing predict the presence of pain complaints. In such cases the ineffectiveness of the coping mechanism (i.e. avoid the problem) could be the reason for the increased level of psychological distress. These findings indicate that complaining of pains or headache is not dependent upon postmenopausal status. Individual coping strategies and their effectiveness seem the main reasons for the presence of disabling musculoskeletal pains or headache

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PAIN COMPLAINTS IN A CLINICAL-SAMPLE OF POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationships occurring between pain complaints and postmenopausal status, and to look at the correlation between such complaints and other symptoms commonly related to the climacterium A clinical sample of 99 consecutive postmenopausal patients requiring medical help were studied: 36 complained of muscle-skeletal pains whereas 33 presented with headache limiting daily activity Climacteric syndrome, level of distress, coping style and bone mineral density were assessed with appropriate questionnaires and instruments. Neither bone mineral density, nor body mass index nor time since menopause were associated with either headaches or muscle-skeletal pains. According to the logistic regression being younger, being without a job, suffering from insomnia and having a lower ability in self-support by the means of comforting ideas predicts suffering from headache. A high level of distress and an avoidance behavior to problem facing predict the presence of pain complaints. In such cases the ineffectiveness of the coping mechanism (i.e. avoid the problem) could be the reason for the increased level of psychological distress. These findings indicate that complaining of pains or headache is not dependent upon postmenopausal status. Individual coping strategies and their effectiveness seem the main reasons for the presence of disabling musculoskeletal pains or headache

Oli E.V. d'Oliva del Lazio: Studi di Caratterizzazione chimica-2

In the aim of put light on the role of geographic origin in the productive methodologies of virgin olive oils of Latium regio, where some DOPs have been assigned, were carried out some studies with the technical aid of the Chemical Laboratories of C.C.I.A.A. of Rome, the last of whom is reported here, whereas the first was conducted on the products of years 2004-5 with almost the same experimental design [1]. Ninety samples were analysed for acidity, peroxide number, sensory analysis, u.v. spectrum, fatty acids composition, together to tocopherols and polyphenols levels. Here we show the data relative to acidity, peroxide numbers and sensory analysis, according to the 2568/91/EC Rules, whereas tocopherols quantitation was according to a yet published method [1] and that of biophenols according to the NGD C 89-2007 method. The purpose was to put in evidence composition profiles and other features of the analysed oils able to make correlations with: e.g.,production origin or methodologies, keeping in mind, moreover, the nutritional relevance of the minor components. All samples resulted, based on the obtained values of free acidity and peroxides, well corresponding to the law requirements for an extra-virgin olive oil, with some exception for the sensory analyses data (12% of total samples). Total tocopherols were present between 98,60 mg/Kg and 291,8 mg/Kg, (mean±s.d.: 205,11 ± 39,1 mg/Kg, being alpha-tocopherol > 90%). Total biophenols were between 113 and 474 mg/Kg (mean ±s.d.:216 ± 55 mg/Kg), among them different secoiridoid structures and their derivatives, some flavonoids and phenolic acids were the main representative. All the analytical data were submitted to statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA).Some significant correlations were found: free acidity and peroxide values inversely related with total biophenols. Since biophenols and tocopherols could act as typicity markers for the different oils, the same were divided according the original geographical areas of production, that is: Sabina (44), Frosinone (13), Latina (11), Tuscia (9), Canino (8), Terre Tiburtine (4 samples). Statistically significant differencies (p < 0.05) were found between the biophenols or tocopherols levels, and the above areas. Hence a specific territorial variability of antioxidant micronutrient levels in the oils is clearly consequent, Other significant correlations between sensory profiles and cultivars. were found. Previous researches from our laboratories have regarded composition and stability of some cold pressed seed oils with high PUFA levels, mainly linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. So, some linseed oils were analysed for tocopherols and biophenols, [2] finding generally much lower polyphenols levels than in olive oils and tocopherols profiles very different (gamma-tocopherol as main compound, but one was rich in the alpha-form). Other studies carried out on cold pressed sunflower, soybean, maize oils or others with regard to air and temperature stability gave very different result starting to the oil type. In a sunflower oil, we found unexpected amounts of t-PUFA by 13C nmr analysis [3] References [1] Bono S., et al., Atti del VI Congr. Naz. di Chimica degli Alimenti, Alba, 7/11/2006, 386-9. [2] Casini A., et al.: Atti del VII Congr. Naz. di Chimica degli Alimenti, Perugia, 23-6/6/2008 (ISBN 978-8886993-28-9); [3] A.Casini et al.: 1996, Riv.Sci.Alim. 25(4),329-4

Minimally invasive approach to incisional hernia in elective and emergency surgery: a SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery and new technologies) and ISHAWS (Italian Society of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery) online survey

Minimally invasive abdominal wall surgery is growing worldwide, with a constant and fast improvement of surgical techniques and surgeons’ confidence in treating both primary and incisional hernias (IH). The Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery and new technologies (SICE) and the ISHAWS (Italian Society of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery) worked together to investigate state of the art in IH treatment in elective and emergency settings in Italy. An online open survey was designed, and Italian surgeons interested in abdominal wall surgery were invited to fill out a 20-point questionnaire on IH surgical procedures performed in their departments. Surgeons were asked to express their points of view on specific questions about technical and clinical variables in IH treatment. Preferred approach in elective IH surgery was minimally invasive (59.7%). Open surgery was the preferred approach in 40.3% of the responses. In emergency settings, open surgery was the preferred approach (65.4%); however, 34.5% of the involved surgeons declare to prefer the laparoscopic/endoscopic approach. Most respondents opted for conversion to open surgery in case of relevant surgical field contamination, with a non-mesh repair of abdominal wall defects. Among those that used the laparoscopic approach in the emergent setting, the majority (74%) used the size of the defect of 5&nbsp;cm as a decisional cut-off. The spread of minimally invasive approaches to IH repair in emergency surgery in Italy is gaining relevance. Code-sharing through scientific societies can improve clinical practice in different departments and promote a tailored approach to IH surgery