Breast Melanoma Metastases: Do We Know Enough? A very Rare Case with a Poor Prognosis: Case Report

The incidence of malignant melanoma (MM) is increasing especially in the western population; in Europe, the incidence is less than 10-20 new cases of melanoma per 100,000 inhabitants..

Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in a cohort of systemic sclerosis patients

Objectives: To assess serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in a cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and to evaluate the influence of IgG subclasses in the main complications of the disease. Methods: The serum level of IgG subclasses was evaluated in 67 SSc patients and 48 healthy controls (HC), matched for sex and age. Serum samples were collected and measured IgG1–4 subclasses by turbidimetry. Results: SSc patients had lower median total IgG [9.88 g/l (IQR 8.18–11.42 g/l) vs. 12.09 g/l (IQR 10.24–13.54 g/l), p < 0.001], IgG1 [5.09 g/l (IQR 4.25–6.38 g/l) vs. 6.03 g/l (IQR 5.39–7.90 g/l), p < 0.001], and IgG3 [0.59 g/l (IQR 0.40–0.77 g/l) vs. 0.80 g/l (IQR 0.46–1 g/l), p < 0.05] serum levels compared to HC. The logistic regression analysis showed IgG3 as the only variable associated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) ≤60% of the predicted [OR 9.734 (CI 95%: 1.312–72.221), p < 0.05] and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) [OR 1.124 (CI 95%: 1.019–1.240), p < 0.05], anti-topoisomerase I [OR 0.060 (CI 95%: 0.007–0.535), p < 0.05], and IgG3 [OR 14.062 (CI 95%: 1.352–146.229), p < 0.05] as variables associated with radiological interstitial lung disease (ILD). Conclusion: SSc patients have reduced levels of total IgG and an altered IgG subclass distribution compared to HC. Moreover, SSc patients show different serum IgG subclasses profiles according to the main involvement of the disease

Application of a Weight of Evidence Approach for Monitoring Complex Environmental Scenarios: the Case-Study of Off-Shore Platforms

Multidisciplinary investigations based on integration of chemical and biological measurements, represent an added value to monitoring and management protocols, and their use is recommended by European Directives to evaluate the environmental status of aquatic ecosystems. However, assessing the overall significance of results obtained in different typologies of studies is often a difficult challenge. The aim of this work was to present a quantitative Weight Of Evidence (WOE) model (Sediqualsoft) to integrate huge amounts of heterogeneous data and to validate this approach in complex monitoring scenarios. Using the case-study of an off-shore platform field in the Adriatic Sea, procedures are presented to elaborate different typologies of data (lines of evidence, LOEs), including chemical characterization of sediments, bioavailability, biomarkers, ecotoxicological bioassays and benthic communities around three platforms. These data are initially evaluated by logical flowcharts and mathematical algorithms, which provide specific hazard indices for each considered LOE, before their different weighting and overall integration in an environmental risk index. The monitoring study selected for the WOE elaboration consisted on chemical analyses of trace metals, aliphatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons carried out on 60 sediment samples; the same samples were also characterized for the status of benthic communities; bioavailability of metals from sediments was assessed in laboratory conditions on the polychaete Hediste diversicolor, while bioaccumulation of inorganic and organic chemicals and biomarker responses were measured in native and transplanted mussels; ecotoxicological properties of sediments were evaluated through a battery of bioassays determining algal growth of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, bioluminescence of the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri, survival of the copepod Acartia tonsa and embryotoxicity of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Overall, almost 7000 analytical results were elaborated and summarized in specific hazard indices. The WOE integration of multiple typologies of data allowed more robust and weighted conclusions compared to the use of individual LOEs, highlighting the feasibility of this procedure for multidisciplinary monitoring and risk assessment approaches. On a practical side, the WOE evidences also suggested a revision of actual monitoring procedures. Overall, the proposed WOE model appeared as a useful tool to summarize large datasets of complex data in integrative indices, and to simplify the interpretation for stakeholders and decision makers, thus supporting a more comprehensive process of "site-oriented" management decisions

La valutazione di un intervento nel campo dei trasporti: gli effetti dell’incentivo Ecobonus

The ex post evaluation is a fundamental step to provide the policy makers with useful information about the implementation of past program. The present study focuses on the use of a method of evaluating causal effects produced by the Ecobonus incentive. It was granted to promote intermodal transport between road and sea. The evaluation method used is based on a counterfactual approach that compares the results generated with the introduction of the incentive scheme with the hypothetical results that would be obtained in the absence of it. It is the first time that the effects of this program are evaluated using a counterfactual framework. The performed analysis evaluates the validity of the incentive in terms of achieved modal transfer. The estimated average net effect was positive and equal to 58 percent of total traffic in the year 2011 on selected routes. The final conclusion is that Ecobonus has promoted the use of sea routes favoring savings in terms of lower environmental costs.The ex post evaluation is a fundamental step to provide the policy makers with useful information about the implementation of past program. The present study focuses on the use of a method of evaluating causal effects produced by the Ecobonus incentive. It was granted to promote intermodal transport between road and sea. The evaluation method used is based on a counterfactual approach that compares the results generated with the introduction of the incentive scheme with the hypothetical results that would be obtained in the absence of it. It is the first time that the effects of this program are evaluated using a counterfactual framework. The performed analysis evaluates the validity of the incentive in terms of achieved modal transfer. The estimated average net effect was positive and equal to 58 percent of total traffic in the year 2011 on selected routes. The final conclusion is that Ecobonus has promoted the use of sea routes favoring savings in terms of lower environmental costs

A new Montanide™ Seppic IMS1313-adjuvanted autogenous vaccine as a useful emergency tool to resolve a Salmonella enterica subsp. ,i>enterica serovar abortus equi abortion outbreak in mares

Background: In Italy, an autogenous registered vaccine, adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide, can be administrated to contrast Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar abortus equi infection, coupled to a specific antimicrobial treatment.Case Description: Here, we report the case of an abortion outbreak by Salmonella abortus equi in Central Italy where mares were vaccinated but immediately developed a strong local reaction, maybe due to the adjuvant. Promptly, another autogenous vaccine, substituting the aluminum hydroxide with a new generation adjuvant (Montanide™ Seppic IMS1313), was produced and administrated. The new formulated vaccine did not cause any adverse outcome and conferred high protection titers against the infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of immunization by a vaccine adjuvanted with Montanide™ Seppic IMS1313 in horses.Conclusion: This approach may be used as a preventive strategy for further outbreaks in association with the application of recommended biosafety principles

Serum Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Subclasses in a Cohort of Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Objectives: To assess serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses in a cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and to evaluate the influence of IgG subclasses in the main complications of the disease. Methods: The serum level of IgG subclasses was evaluated in 67 SSc patients and 48 healthy controls (HC), matched for sex and age. Serum samples were collected and measured IgG1-4 subclasses by turbidimetry. Results: SSc patients had lower median total IgG [9.88 g/l (IQR 8.18-11.42 g/l) vs. 12.09 g/l (IQR 10.24-13.54 g/l), p < 0.001], IgG1 [5.09 g/l (IQR 4.25-6.38 g/l) vs. 6.03 g/l (IQR 5.39-7.90 g/l), p < 0.001], and IgG3 [0.59 g/l (IQR 0.40-0.77 g/l) vs. 0.80 g/l (IQR 0.46-1 g/l), p < 0.05] serum levels compared to HC. The logistic regression analysis showed IgG3 as the only variable associated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) ≤60% of the predicted [OR 9.734 (CI 95%: 1.312-72.221), p < 0.05] and modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) [OR 1.124 (CI 95%: 1.019-1.240), p < 0.05], anti-topoisomerase I [OR 0.060 (CI 95%: 0.007-0.535), p < 0.05], and IgG3 [OR 14.062 (CI 95%: 1.352-146.229), p < 0.05] as variables associated with radiological interstitial lung disease (ILD). Conclusion: SSc patients have reduced levels of total IgG and an altered IgG subclass distribution compared to HC. Moreover, SSc patients show different serum IgG subclasses profiles according to the main involvement of the disease

Integrative miRNA and whole-genome analyses of epicardial adipose tissue in patients with coronary atherosclerosis

Background Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an atypical fat depot surrounding the heart with a putative role in the development of atherosclerosis. Methods and results We profiled genes and miRNAs in perivascular EAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of metabolically healthy patients without coronary artery disease (CAD) vs. metabolic patients with CAD. Compared with SAT, a specific tuning of miRNAs and genes points to EAT as a tissue characterized by a metabolically active and pro-inflammatory profile. Then, we depicted both miRNA and gene signatures of EAT in CAD, featuring a down-regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, nuclear receptor transcriptional activity, and an up-regulation of those involved in antigen presentation, chemokine signalling, and inflammation. Finally, we identified miR-103-3p as candidate modulator of CCL13 in EAT, and a potential biomarker role for the chemokine CCL13 in CAD. Conclusion EAT in CAD is characterized by changes in the regulation of metabolism and inflammation with miR-103-3p/CCL13 pair as novel putative actors in EAT function and CAD

ILC Reference Design Report Volume 1 - Executive Summary

The International Linear Collider (ILC) is a 200-500 GeV center-of-mass high-luminosity linear electron-positron collider, based on 1.3 GHz superconducting radio-frequency (SCRF) accelerating cavities. The ILC has a total footprint of about 31 km and is designed for a peak luminosity of 2x10^34 cm^-2s^-1. This report is the Executive Summary (Volume I) of the four volume Reference Design Report. It gives an overview of the physics at the ILC, the accelerator design and value estimate, the detector concepts, and the next steps towards project realization.The International Linear Collider (ILC) is a 200-500 GeV center-of-mass high-luminosity linear electron-positron collider, based on 1.3 GHz superconducting radio-frequency (SCRF) accelerating cavities. The ILC has a total footprint of about 31 km and is designed for a peak luminosity of 2x10^34 cm^-2s^-1. This report is the Executive Summary (Volume I) of the four volume Reference Design Report. It gives an overview of the physics at the ILC, the accelerator design and value estimate, the detector concepts, and the next steps towards project realization