Monitoring and modeling the invasion of the fast spreading alien Senecio inaequidens DC. in an alpine region

We modeled the distribution of the South African alien Senecio inaequidens DC. in the Aosta Valley, Western Italian Alps, using data extracted from the Regional floristic database and from an intensive field survey carried out in years 2009-2010. The aims of the work were (1) to evaluate whether the species is in the introduction, colonization, or establishment stage of invasion, (2) to detect the environmental factors that drive the invasion process, and (3) to highlight the potential range of distribution of the alien species. The modeling framework was a stepwise generalized linear model (GLM), using gridded presence/absence data and environmental predictors such as topography, climate, land use, and anthropogenic and natural disturbances. GLM were fit both with and without an additional independent variable to take into account current dispersal limitations. S. inaequidens displayed a very fast spread in the Aosta Valley in the years 1990-2010. The species was positively associated with roads and rivers, southern slopes, and negatively with elevation. However, it was found at an elevation of 1600 m, showing the ability to reach higher elevations than those observed for other invasive alien species, and confirming to be pre-adapted to mountain conditions. The difference between the species distribution models, with and without dispersal constraints, suggested that the availability of seed sources still limits the potential distribution of the species, rather than the environmental variables, and that the realized regional niche differs to a great extent from the equilibrium niche. When limitations to the seed source cease (i.e., in the establishment stage), the species will likely invade large areas that are currently characterized by pastures and grasslands with native species of high agricultural importance. The invasion of S. inaequidens should therefore be considered a serious threat, due to its potential to invade mountain regions, and in particular to colonize habitats used for grazing and forage, thus leading to a high risk for cattle and human health. We discuss the relevance of the results both concerning communication with the public and to support local eradication and control activities. The inclusion of S. inaequidens in the "black list" of the regional law for the conservation of alpine flora (L.R. 45/2009) will help to transfer the information and support invasion control, in particular at medium elevations

Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) and elderly population: Prognostic evaluation in acute secondary peritonitis

Introduction. Acute Secondary Peritonitis due to abdominal visceral perforation is characterized by high mortality and morbidity risk. Risk stratification allows prognosis prediction to adopt the best surgical treatment and clinical care support therapy. In Western countries elderly people represent a significant percentage of population Aim. Evaluation of Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) and consideration upon old people. Patients and methods. Retrospective study on 104 patients admitted and operated for \ue2\u80\u9cAcute Secondary Peritonitis due to visceral perforation\ue2\u80\u9d. MPI was scored. In our study we want to demonstrate efficacy of MPI and the possibility to consider older age an independent prognostic factor. Results. Mortality was 25.96%. Greatest sensitivity and specificity for the MPI score as a predictor of mortality was at the score of 20. MPI score of 22. Patients with MPI score 17-21 had 0.46 times lower risk of mortality compared to patients with MPI score >21. In the group of patients with MPI score of >20 the mortality rate was 48.5% for patients older than 80 years old and 12.1% for younger patients (p < 0.005); in the group with MPI score of < 20 mortality rate was respectively 8.4% and 1.4% (p < 0.005). Discussion and conclusions. Data confirm the accuracy of the test. MPI score and age over 80 years old resulted independent predictors of mortality at multivariate analysis

Minimal invasive surgery in craniostenosis

En el presente trabajo se describe la experiencia en craneoestenosis con cirugía mínimamente invasiva, evaluando el diseño y eficacia de un nuevo craneotomo en cadáveres así como su aplicación clínica en un caso de sinostósis sagital con instrumentación endoscópica. Este procedimiento es sin duda un gran recurso en el tratamiento de las craneoestenosis brindando los beneficios de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva, eliminando la necesidad de grandes incisiones, disminuyendo el sangrado quirúrgico, reduciendo estancia hospitalaria y disminuyendo la morbilidad operatoria In this paper, we describe the experience with the use of endoscopic craniofacial procedures, evaluating the design and the efficacy of a new craniotome in cadavers and his clinical application in a case of sagittal synostosis for an endoscopic assisted cranioplasty. This procedure is a great option in the treatment of craniosynostosis, giving the benefits of minimal invasive surgery and eliminating the needing of big incisions, long hospital stay and reducing the postoperative morbidit

Modelling hCDKL5 heterologous expression in bacteria

hCDKL5 refers to the human cyclin-dependent kinase like 5 that is primarily expressed in the brain. Mutations in its coding sequence are often causative of hCDKL5 deficiency disorder, a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder currently lacking a cure. The large-scale recombinant production of hCDKL5 is desirable to boost the translation of preclinical therapeutic approaches into the clinic. However, this is hampered by the intrinsically disordered nature of almost two-thirds of the hCDKL5 sequence, making this region more susceptible to proteolytic attack, and the observed toxicity when the enzyme is accumulated in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic host cells. The bacterium Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAC125 (PhTAC125) is the only prokaryotic host in which the full-length production of hCDKL5 has been demonstrated. To date, a system-level understanding of the metabolic burden imposed by hCDKL5 production is missing, although it would be crucial for upscaling of the production process. Here, we combined experimental data on protein production and nutrients assimilation with metabolic modelling to infer the global consequences of hCDKL5 production in PhTAC125 and to identify potential overproduction targets. Our analyses showed a remarkable accuracy of the model in simulating the recombinant strain phenotype and also identified priority targets for optimised protein production

Alopecia areata is characterized by dysregulation in systemic type 17 and type 2 cytokines, which may contribute to disease‐associated psychological morbidity

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease, causing patchy hair loss that can progress to involve the entire scalp (totalis) or body (universalis). CD8+NKG2D+ T cells dominate hair follicle pathogenesis, but the specific mechanisms driving hair loss are not fully understood. Objectives To provide a detailed insight into the systemic cytokine signature associated with AA, and assess the association between cytokines and depression. Methods: Multiplex analysis of plasma cytokines from AA patients, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients and healthy controls. We also assessed incidence of depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Our analysis identified a systemic inflammatory signature associated with AA, characterised by elevated levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21 and IL-23 indicative of a type 17 immune response. Circulating levels of the type 2 cytokines IL-33, IL-31 and IL-17E/25 are also significantly increased in AA. In comparison to PsA, AA was associated with higher levels of IL-17F, IL-17E and IL-23. We hypothesised that circulating inflammatory cytokines may contribute to wider comorbidities associated with AA. We assessed psychiatric comorbidity in AA using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and found that 18% and 51% of people with AA experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Using linear regression modelling, we identified that levels of IL-22 and IL-17E are positively and significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: Our data highlight changes in both type 17 and 2 cytokines, suggesting that complex systemic cytokine profiles may contribute both to the pathogenesis of AA and to the associated depression