cAMP and Pyk2 interact to regulate prostate cell proliferation and function.

In cultured prostate cancer cells cAMP blocks proliferation and induces neuroendocrine differentiation. Pyk2 expression inversely correlates with malignancy of prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between cAMP and Pyk2 in the prostate. EPN cells, a line derived from human normal prostate expressing Pyk2, and EPN-PKM3 cells, an EPN clone bearing a Pyk2 kinase-negative mutant, were adopted as model system. cAMP inhibited cell growth in both prostate cell lines, and activated Pyk2, but not ERK1/2, in EPN cells. cAMP treatment, abolished the activation of AKT1, an important component of the pro-survival pathway, in the EPN cells but not in EPN-PKM3 cells. Finally, upon cAMP treatment, EPN and EPN-PKM3 cells exhibited different expression patterns of HOX genes, an important network controlling cell identity. These data demonstrated for the first time that Pyk2 and cAMP interact in regulating prostate cell functions and in "keeping" prostate identity

Association Between Infectious Agents and Lesions in Post-Weaned Piglets and Fattening Heavy Pigs With Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC)

Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC) is a multifactorial syndrome that causes health problems in growing pigs and economic losses to farmers. The etiological factors involved can be bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasmas. However, environmental stressors associated with farm management can influence the status of the animal's health. The role and impact of different microorganisms in the development of the disease can be complex, and these are not fully understood. The severity of lesions are a consequence of synergism and combination of different factors. The aim of this study was to systematically analyse samples, conferred to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (IZSLER, Brescia), with a standardized diagnostic protocol in case of suspected PRDC. During necropsy, the lungs and carcasses were analyzed to determine the severity and extension of lesions. Gross lung lesions were classified according to a pre-established scheme adapted from literature. Furthermore, pulmonary, pleural, and nasal lesions were scored to determine their severity and extension. Finally, the presence of infectious agents was investigated to identify the microorganisms involved in the cases studied. During the years 2014–2016, 1,658 samples of lungs and carcasses with PRDC from 863 farms were analyzed; among them 931 and 727 samples were from weaned piglets and fattening pigs, respectively. The most frequently observed lesions were characteristic of catarrhal bronchopneumonia, broncho-interstitial pneumonia, pleuropneumonia, and pleuritis. Some pathogens identified were correlated to specific lesions, whereas other pathogens to various lesions. These underline the need for the establishment of control and treatment programmes for individual farms

Tracheostomy in critically ill patients with SARS 2 COVID-19 infection: a prospective observational multi-center study of short- and long-term outcomes

Background: We report the characteristics, timing, and factors related to the decision to perform a tracheostomy in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to eight Italian intensive care units (ICUs). Materials and methods: Prospective observational cohort study of patients with COVID-19 disease on mechanical ventilation. Long-term functional impairment (up to 180 days' post-hospital discharge) was assessed using the Karnofsky scale. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed differences in survival and freedom from tracheostomy in relation to ICU stay. Cox regression model was used to assess which variables impacted on tracheostomy as a categorical outcome. Results: A total of 248 patients were recruited in the eight participating ICUs. Patients undergoing tracheostomy (n = 128) had longer ICU (25 (18-36) vs. 10 (7-16), P = 0.001) and hospital (37 (26.5-50) vs. 19 (8.5-34.5) P = 0.02) stays. ICU and hospital mortality of patients tracheostomized was 34% and 37%, respectively. Cumulative survival Kaplan-Meier analysis documented improved survival rates in patients undergoing tracheostomy (Log-Rank, Mantel-Cox = 4.8, P = 0.028). Median Karnofsky scale values improved over time but were similar between survivors receiving or not receiving tracheostomy. No healthcare worker involved in the tracheostomy procedure developed COVID-19 infection during the study period. Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 infection who underwent tracheostomy had a better cumulative survival but similar long-term functional outcomes at 30, 60, and 180 days after hospital discharge

Changes in fatty acids sebum composition during human menstrual cycle: possible relationships with fertile period

Changes in fatty acids sebum composition during human menstrual cycle: possible relationships with fertile perio