Thoracoscopy in pleural effusion –two techniques: awake single-access video-assisted thoracic surgery versus 2-ports video-assisted thoracic surgery under general anesthesia

Awake single access video-assisted thoracic surgery with local anesthesia improves procedure tolerance, reduces postoperative stay and costs. MATERIALS & METHODS: Local anesthesia was made with lidocaine and ropivacaine. We realize one 20 mm incision for the 'single-access', and two incisions for the '2-trocars technique'. RESULTS: Mortality rate was 0% in both groups. Postoperative stay: 3dd ± 4 versus 4dd ± 5, mean operative time: 39 min versus 37 min (p < 0.05). Chest tube duration: 2dd ± 5 versus 3dd ± 6. COMPLICATIONS: 11/95 versus 10/79. CONCLUSION: Awake technique reduce postoperative hospital stay and chest drainage duration, similar complications and recurrence rate. The authors can say that 'awake single-access VATS' is an optimal diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of pleural effusions, but above extends surgical indication to high-risk patients

Prvi nalaz mača srebrenjaka Trachipterus trachypterus Gmelin 1789 (Lampriformes) u Sicillijanskom tjesnacu

On July 7th 2018 a specimen of Mediterranean dealfish (Trachipterus trachypterus Gmelin 1789) was caught in the shallow waters of Selinunte (in the South-Western coast of Sicily) by trammel net. It was a female in maturing phase and the gonadosomatic index resulted as 1.1%. The specimen measured 1638 mm in total length and weighed about 2480 g. The estimated age through growth increments in vertebra was of 41 years. The finding of the Mediterranean dealfish in the Strait of Sicily might be linked to its spawning period during which it approaches the shallow waters. The present specimen represents the first record in the Strait of Sicily.Dana 7. srpnja 2018. uzorak mediteranskog dealfish (Trachipterus Trachypterus Gmelin 1789) je uhvaćen u plitkim vodama primorskog mjesta Marinella di Selinunte (na jugozapadnoj obali Sicilije) s troslojnom mrežom. Bila je to ženka u fazi sazrijevanja, a gonadosomatski indeks rezultirao je 1,1%. Uzorak je izmjeren 1638 mm ukupne duljine i težio je oko 2480 g. Procijenjena dob kroz povećanje rasta kralježaka bila je 41 godinu. Otkrivanje mediteranskog delfish u Sicilijskoj tjesnac mogao bi biti povezan s njegovim razdobljem mrijesta tijekom kojeg se približava plitkim vodama. Sadašnji uzorak predstavlja prvi zapis u Siciliji

Prognostic and Functional Significant of Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) in Breast Cancer Unveiled by Multi-Omics Approaches

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a well-characterized molecular chaperones protein family, classified into six major families, according to their molecular size. A wide range of tumors have been shown to express atypical levels of one or more HSPs, suggesting that they could be used as biomarkers. However, the collective role and the possible coordination of HSP members, as well as the prognostic significance and the functional implications of their deregulated expression in breast cancer (BC) are poorly investigated. Here, we used a systematic multi-omics approach to assess the HSPs expression, the prognostic value, and the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis in BC. By using data mining, we showed that several HSPs were deregulated in BC and significantly correlated with a poor or good prognosis. Functional network analysis of HSPs co-expressed genes and miRNAs highlighted their regulatory effects on several biological pathways involved in cancer progression. In particular, these pathways concerned cell cycle and DNA replication for the HSPs co-expressed genes, and miRNAs up-regulated in poor prognosis and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (ETM), as well as receptors-mediated signaling for the HSPs co-expressed genes upregulated in good prognosis. Furthermore, the proteomic expression of HSPs in a large sample-set of breast cancer tissues revealed much more complexity in their roles in BC and showed that their expression is quite variable among patients and confined into different cellular compartments. In conclusion, integrative analysis of multi-omics data revealed the distinct impact of several HSPs members in BC progression and indicate that collectively they could be useful as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BC management

Hospitalisation among immigrants in Italy

BACKGROUND: Immigration is increasing in Italy. In 2003, 2.6 million foreign citizens lived in the country; 52% were men and the majority were young adults who migrated for work. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in hospitalisation between immigrants and the resident population during the year 2000 in the Lazio region. METHODS: Hospital admissions of immigrants from Less Developed Countries were compared to those of residents. We measured differences in hospitalisation rates and proportions admitted. RESULTS: Adult immigrants have lower hospitalisation rates than residents (134.6 vs. 160.5 per thousand population for acute care; 26.4 vs. 38.3 for day care). However, hospitalisation rates for some specific causes (injuries, particularly for men, infectious diseases, deliveries and induced abortions, ill-defined conditions) were higher for immigrants than for residents. Immigrants under 18 years seem to be generally healthy; causes of admission in this group are similar to those of residents of the same age (respiratory diseases, injuries and poisoning). The only important differences are for infectious and parasitic diseases, with a higher proportion among immigrant youths. CONCLUSION: The low hospitalisation rates for foreigners may suggest that they are a population with good health status. However, critical areas, related to poor living and working conditions and to social vulnerability, have been identified. Under-utilisation of services and low day care rates may be partially due to administrative, linguistic, and cultural barriers. As the presence of foreigners becomes an established phenomenon, it is important to evaluate their epidemiological profile, develop instruments to monitor and fulfil their specific health needs and plan health services for a multi-ethnic population

Serum-epidemiological survey in a group of illegal immigrates for the evaluation of immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases in Italy

Background During the period May 2004 – December 2005 a serum epidemiological survey for preventable diseases through compulsory vaccination in Italy (diphtheria, tetanus, poliovirus, hepatitis B) and rubella in women was performed in a group of adult and illegal immigrants living in Rome, to evaluate the relationship between vaccination coverage and socio-demographic characteristics. Methods It was carried out by Elisa test (for rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis B) and by neutralizing antibody titration (Poliovirus). Both descriptive analyses (calculation of mean, median, standard deviation, percentage) and inferential statistics (hypothesis tests) were used. Results Six hundred and sixty-seven immigrants were invited to participate and 318 of them performed the analysis (participation rate = 47.6 %). The percentages of immunized individuals were: 39.1% for diphtheria (basic immunization 59.3%), 74.8% for tetanus, 74.1% for poliomyelitis, and 94.7% for rubella. Only 2.8% was vaccinated against hepatitis B. Conclusion Most immigrants would need a booster dose for diphtheria and tetanus. Among Eastern European subjects Poliovirus vaccination coverage was lower than 70%, implying that the maintenance of high levels of it is strongly necessary. With regard to rubella, African women had the lowest coverage (87.5%) and their young age exposes to congenital rubella. Over half of immigrants were healthy carriers for HBV

Differential Impact of LPG-and PG-Deficient \u3cem\u3eLeishmania major\u3c/em\u3e Mutants on the Immune Response of Human Dendritic Cells

BACKGROUND: Leishmania major infection induces robust interleukin-12 (IL12) production in human dendritic cells (hDC), ultimately resulting in Th1-mediated immunity and clinical resolution. The surface of Leishmania parasites is covered in a dense glycocalyx consisting of primarily lipophosphoglycan (LPG) and other phosphoglycan-containing molecules (PGs), making these glycoconjugates the likely pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) responsible for IL12 induction. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we explored the role of parasite glycoconjugates on the hDC IL12 response by generating L. major Friedlin V1 mutants defective in LPG alone, (FV1 lpg1-), or generally deficient for all PGs, (FV1 lpg2-). Infection with metacyclic, infective stage, L. major or purified LPG induced high levels of IL12B subunit gene transcripts in hDCs, which was abrogated with FV1 lpg1- infections. In contrast, hDC infections with FV1 lpg2- displayed increased IL12B expression, suggesting other PG-related/LPG2 dependent molecules may act to dampen the immune response. Global transcriptional profiling comparing WT, FV1 lpg1-, FV1 lpg2- infections revealed that FV1 lpg1- mutants entered hDCs in a silent fashion as indicated by repression of gene expression. Transcription factor binding site analysis suggests that LPG recognition by hDCs induces IL-12 in a signaling cascade resulting in Nuclear Factor κ B (NFκB) and Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF) mediated transcription. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that L. major LPG is a major PAMP recognized by hDC to induce IL12-mediated protective immunity and that there is a complex interplay between PG-baring Leishmania surface glycoconjugates that result in modulation of host cellular IL12

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Preoperative data, surgical technique and clinical outcomes

Background: laparoscopic adrenalectomy has become the standard treatment for adrenal lesions. The better clinical outcoms of laparoscopic technique are valid for treatment of small benign masses (< 5-6 cm), instead there are still open questions in literature regarding the correct management of larger lesions (> 6 cm) or in case of potentially malignant adrenal tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a referral surgical department for endocrine surgery. Methods: at the University Hospital Policlinico "P. Giaccone" of Palermo between January 2010 and December 2017 we performed a total of 81 laparoscopic adrenalectomy. We created a retrospective database with analysis of patients data, morphologic and hormonal characteristics of adrenal lesions, surgical procedures and postoperative results with histological diagnosis and complications. Results: Mean size of adrenal neoplasm was 7,5 cm (range 1.5 to 18 cm). The mean operative time was 145 min (range 75-240). In statistical analysis lenght of surgery was correlated to the lesion diameter (p < 0.05) but not with pre-operative features or histological results. 5 intraoperative complications occurred. Among these patients 4 presented bleeding and 1 a diaphagmatic lesion. No conversion to open surgery was necessary and no intraoperative blood transfusion were required. Mean estimated blood loss was 95 ml (range 50-350). There was no capsular disruption during adrenal dissection. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 3-6 days). Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure with low rate of morbidity. An accurate preoperative radiological examination is fundamental to obtain a stringent patients selection. The lesion diameter is related to longer operative time and appeares as the main predictive parameter of intraoperative complications but these results are not statistically significant. On the other side secreting adrenal tumors require more attention in operative management without increased rate of postoperative complications

Performance of Nickel-Iron nanostructured electrodes at different temperatures

In recent years, the whole world has been trying to reduce CO2 emissions through the global decarbonization of energy processes. In this view, the interest towards green hydrogen has drastically increased. One way to produce green hydrogen is by water electrolysis using only electricity from renewable sources. The storage of renewable solar or wind electricity is a major challenge to build a sustainable future energy system. The electrochemical production of hydrogen, through electrolysers, is a viable strategy to take advantage of the surplus electricity coming from renewable energy sources. Its production is pollution-free but is not economically viable. The development of more efficient electrolysers with low-cost electrode materials plays a key role. Catalysts must have such as good electrocatalytic properties, high conductivity, high availability, low cost, and good chemical stability. Nowadays, research is focused on improving the Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AE) to reduce the cost of electrode production. In alkaline environment it was demonstrated that, transition metals, and in particular Nickel or nickel based alloy nanostructured electrodes, have good and stable performances. Furthermore, industrial alkaline electrolysers work at temperatures between 40 and 90°C. Therefore, electrodes must be mechanically and chemically stable at these temperatures. An approach to improve AE performance consists on the fabbrication of nanostructured electrodes because they are characterized by high electrocatalytic activity due to the very high surface area. Starting from the results obtained in a previous work, the nanostructured alloy of NiFe was tested both as cathode and anode at three different temperatures (25 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C). Nanostructured electrodes were obtained through a simple and cheap method, template electrosynthesis, using a polycarbonate membrane as a template. NiFe electrodes morphology was studied by scanning electrode microscopy (SEM) and their composition was evaluated by energy diffraction spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. Later, the electrodes were characterized using various electrochemical techniques: Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Quasi Steady State Polarization (QSSP) and Galvanostatic Step. To evaluate the mid-term behavior of the electrodes, especially at high temperatures, a constant current density was applied for 6 hours. In particular, -50 mA cm-2 for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and 50 mA cm-2 for Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). All the tests were performed in 30% w/w KOH aqueous solution. Temperature increase plays a key role in increasing the efficiency of both anode and cathode reactions. As expected, the best result was obtained at 60 °C. Acknowledgments This research was funded by MUR, CNMS Centro Nazionale per la Mobilità sostenibile grant number CN0000002

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in migrants and ethnic minorities compared with the general population in the European WHO region during the first year of the pandemic. A systematic review

Background: Migrants and ethnic minorities have suffered a disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general population from different perspectives. Our aim was to assess specifically their risk of infection in the 53 countries belonging to the World Health Organization European Region, during the first year of the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42021247326). We searched multiple databases for peer-reviewed literature, published on Medline, Embase, Scisearch, Biosis and Esbiobase in 2020 and preprints from PubMed up to 29/03/2021. We included cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, intervention, case-series, prevalence or ecological studies, reporting the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among migrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities. Results: Among the 1905 records screened, 25 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. We found that migrants and ethnic minorities during the first wave of the pandemic were at increased exposure and risk of infection and were disproportionately represented among COVID-19 cases. However, the impact of COVID-19 on minorities does not seem homogeneous, since some ethnic groups seem to be more at risk than others. Risk factors include high-risk occupations, overcrowded accommodations, geographic distribution, social deprivation, barriers to access to information concerning preventive measures (due to the language barrier or to their marginality), together with biological and genetic susceptibilities. Conclusions: Although mixed methods studies will be required to fully understand the complex interplay between the various biological, social, and cultural factors underlying these findings, the impact of structural determinants of health is evident. Our findings corroborate the need to collect migration and ethnicity-disaggregated data and contribute to advocacy for inclusive policies and programmatic actions tailored to reach migrants and ethnic minorities

Pojava dviju rijetkih vrsta iz reda Lampriformes: britke jedroglavke Lophotus lacepede (Giorna, 1809) i vlasuljke Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) kod sjeverne obale Sicilije, Italija

The bony fish Lophotus lacepede (Giorna, 1809) and Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) are the two species rarely recorded within the Mediterranean basin, usually reported as accidentally captured in depth (mesopelagic) fishing operations. In the current work, we present the first record of L. lacepede and Z. cristatus in fishing catches from southwestern Tyrrhenian Sea. Moreover, in order to improve existent biological/ecological knowledge, some bio-related aspects such as feeding aspect, sexual maturity and age estimate have been discussed.Koštunjičave ribe Lophotus lacepede (Giorna, 1809)i Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819) dvije su vrste koje se rijetko nalaze u Sredozemnom moru i najčešće su zabilježene kao slučajni ulov pri ribolovu dubinskim alatima (mezopelagijal). U ovom radu predstavljamo prvi zapis britke jedroglavke i vlasuljke koje su uhvaćene tijekom ribolova u jugozapadnom dijelu Tirenskog mora. Štoviše, kako bi se poboljšalo postojeće znanje o biologiji i ekologiji, u radu se raspravlja o nekim biološkim određenim aspektima kao što su prehrana, spolna zrelost i procjena starosti