Olbia. Su Cuguttu 1992: ceramica fine da mensa e da cucina di produzione africana

L'intervento di scavo ha posto in luce un repertorio di materiale ceramico assai vario ed articolato, di notevole interesse cronologico relativamente alla frequentazione ed all'utilizzazione del sito nella media età imperiale, e per le importazioni di vasellame pregiato dall'Africa settentrionale. Nell'insieme si sono distinti reperti vascolari di ceramica sigillata fine da mensa e da cucina di produzione africana, in stretto rapporto associativo - perché fa pensare ad associazioni di strato - con i contenitori anforici (anfore "Tripolitane" ed "Africane"), con le lucerne, e con il vasellame di uso domestico d'importazione ed anche con quello di produzione locale. L'analisi dei reperti, riconducibili ad una tipologia conosciuta, nonostante la frammentarietà del materiale, consente un'esposizione dei dati alquanto puntuale

Le Tombe e l'area circostante

L'esplorazione dell'area esterna all'edificio funerario ha messo in luce i resti sconvolti di nove tombe, tutte riferibili al medesimo contesto culturale, di età romano-imperiale. Tre sepolnure sono del tipo «alla cappuccina», una è una semplice sepoltura terragna, le cinque rimanenti sono di tipologia imprecisata. Le tombe sono apparse tutte rovinate e schiacciate per la pressione del terreno e quelle di cui non si è identificato con sicurezza il tipo della copertura vennero sconvolte dai mezzi meccanici pesanti; è probabile che fosssero o tombe «alla cappuccina» o tombe «a cassone»: poco distanti da esse infatti si sono rinvenuti numerosissimi frammenti di embrici pertinenti alle coperture. Il rinvenimento delle tombe, che fanno parte della vasta necropoli meridionale, oltre a confermare ancora una volta il carattere funerario dell'area, precisa i rapporti tra il centro abitato antico e delimita le aree delle necropoli

Medical devices nomenclature systems: a scoping review

Inventory is a fundamental process throughout the life cycle of medical devices. The maintenance program for each piece of equipment must comply with current regulations that are constantly evolving. The need to set up an evidence based management of the inventory of thousands of medical devices hosted in the Careggi University Hospital (AOUC), in Florence (Italy), has suggested to conceive a method to group medical devices in sub-classes, in order to monitor their performances and maintenance. The starting point to reach this goal is to establish a suitable nomenclature, a complex system of rules, codes, and definitions employed by healthcare systems and organizations to identify sets of medical devices. This paper describes the literature search performed on both Ovid and Scopus databases, that made it possible to identify several classifications and nomenclatures for medical devices. On the basis of this search, only a few works fulfil the requirement of classifying medical devices for management purposes (e.g., inventories, database, and supply chains). The analysis has shown that it is possible to reduce the number of classes into macro groups when applying the Italian National Classification of Medical Devices (CND). Although the CND nomenclature shows inconsistencies for complex groups it is an effective and successful choice, in terms of efficiency and optimization, also considering that it is the basis for the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN)

Water quality evaluation in Mediterranean Lagoons using the Multimetric Phytoplankton Index (MPI): study cases from Sardinia

1 - Water quality in four Sardinian lagoons (western Mediterranean Sea) was assessed using the Multimetric Phytoplankton Index (MPI), which is consistent with the EU Water Framework Directive. The index was developed using data on phytoplankton abundances, species structure and chlorophyll a concentrations in Venice Lagoon, Italy. 2 - The aim of this study was to test the MPI on a larger geographical scale and across a range of lagoon types. Therefore, it was applied to assess water quality in the Cabras, S’Ena Arrubia, Santa Giusta and Calich lagoons in Sardinia. These lagoons are all “choked”, but exhibit a range of sizes and morphometric features. They are directly affected by human activity within the lagoons themselves, such as fisheries, aquaculture and the construction of dams and canals, and are indirectly affected by anthropogenic activities in their catchments, including intensive agriculture, industrial activity and urban development. 3 - The data used in the present study were collected monthly over a period of 4 years (Calich, Santa Giusta and S’Ena Arrubia) to 7 years (Cabras). Samples were collected at three stations at each of the Cabras, Santa Giusta and Calich lagoons, and at two stations at the S’Ena Arrubia Lagoon, providing a total of 220 samples. 4 - The water quality in three of the four lagoons investigated (Cabras, S’Ena Arrubia and Calich) was classified as bad using the MPI. Among these three, water in Cabras Lagoon exhibited the worst condition. Water quality in Santa Giusta Lagoon was classified as poor using the MPI. 5 - Although we present preliminary results that require further verification, the index appears to be a useful tool for assessing the ecological status of typical Mediterranean lagoons

Turris Libisonis: la necropoli meridionale o di san Gavino: intervento di scavo 1979-1980

Questo Quaderno è il quinto contributo a stampa dedicato alla colonia romana di Turris Libisonis dal 1980 ad oggi, a cui si aggiungono i numerosi articoli singoli pubblicati su varie riviste scientifiche. Il presente lavoro si riferisce agli scavi eseguiti fra la primavera del 1979 e il gennaio 1980 e riunisce contributi a carattere molto diverso ma complementari fra di loro: la necropoli meridionale (con analisi dettagliata dell'edificio funerario e dei materiali edilizi), le tombe e l'area circostante, l'esame delle monete e i due importanti studi di Silvio Panciera e di Attilio Mastino sull'epigrafe di M. Allio Celere e sulla damnatio memoriae forse di Commodo, che, partendo dal documento archeologico, spaziano nella dimensione storica, binomio inscindibile in tutte le ricerche che hanno per oggetto Turris Libisonis

Functional characterization of a CDKN1B mutation in a Sardinian kindred with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 4 (MEN4)

Inactivating germline mutations of the CDKN1B gene, encoding for the nuclear cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1 protein, have been reported in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 4 (MEN4), a MEN1-like phenotype without MEN1 mutations. The aim of this study was to in vitro characterize the germline CDKN1B mutation c.374_375delCT (S125X) we detected in a patient with MEN4. The proband was affected by multiglandular primary hyperparathyroidism and gastro-entero-pancreatic tumors. We carried out subcellular localization experiments transfecting into eukaryotic HeLa and GH3 cell lines plasmid vectors expressing the CDKN1B wild type (wt) or mutant cDNA. Western blot studies showed that fusion proteins were expressed at equal levels. The mutated protein was shorter compared to the wt protein and lacked the highly conserved C-terminal domain, which includes the bipartite nuclear localization signal at amino acids 152/153 and 166/168. In HeLa and GH3 cells wt p27 localized in the nucleus whereas the p27_S125X protein was retained in the cytoplasm predicting the loss of tumor suppressive function. The proband's tumoral parathyroid tissue did not show allelic loss, since wt and mutant alleles were both present by sequencing the somatic DNA. Immunohistochemistry showed a complete loss of nuclear p27 expression in the parathyroid adenoma removed by the patient at the second surgery. In conclusion, our study confirms the pathogenic role of the c.374_375delCT CDKN1B germline mutation in a patient with MEN4

Mutational and large deletion study of genes implicated in hereditary forms of primary hyperparathyroidism and correlation with clinical features

The aim of this study was to carry out genetic screening of the MEN1, CDKN1B and AIP genes, both by direct sequencing of the coding region and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay in the largest monocentric series of Italian patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN1) and Familial Isolated Hyperparathyroidism (FIHP). The study also aimed to describe and compare the clinical features of MEN1 mutation-negative and mutation-positive patients during long-term follow-up and to correlate the specific types and locations of MEN1 gene mutations with onset and aggressiveness of the main MEN1 manifestations. A total of 69 index cases followed at the Endocrinology Unit in Pisa over a period of 19 years, including 54 MEN1 and 15 FIHP kindreds were enrolled. Seven index cases with MEN1 but MEN1 mutation-negative, followed at the University Hospital of Cagliari, were also investigated. FIHP were also tested for CDC73 and CaSR gene alterations. MEN1 germline mutations were identified in 90% of the index cases of familial MEN1 (F-MEN1) and in 23% of sporadic cases (S-MEN1). MEN1 and CDC73 mutations accounted for 13% and 7% of the FIHP cohort, respectively. A CDKN1B mutation was identified in one F-MEN1. Two AIP variants of unknown significance were detected in two MEN1-negative S-MEN1. A MEN1 positive test best predicted the onset of all three major MEN1-related manifestations or parathyroid and gastro-entero-pancreatic tumors during follow-up. A comparison between the clinical characteristics of F and S-MEN1 showed a higher prevalence of a single parathyroid disease and pituitary tumors in sporadic compared to familial MEN1 patients. No significant correlation was found between the type and location of MEN1 mutations and the clinical phenotype. Since all MEN1 mutation-positive sporadic patients had a phenotype resembling that of familial MEN1 (multiglandular parathyroid hyperplasia, a prevalence of gastro-entero-pancreatic tumors and/or the classic triad) we might hypothesize that a subset of the sporadic MEN1 mutation-negative patients could represent an incidental coexistence of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism and pituitary tumors or a MEN1 phenocopy, in our cohort, as in most cases described in the literature

Assessing the carcinogenic potential of low-dose exposures to chemical mixtures in the environment: the challenge ahead.

Lifestyle factors are responsible for a considerable portion of cancer incidence worldwide, but credible estimates from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggest that the fraction of cancers attributable to toxic environmental exposures is between 7% and 19%. To explore the hypothesis that low-dose exposures to mixtures of chemicals in the environment may be combining to contribute to environmental carcinogenesis, we reviewed 11 hallmark phenotypes of cancer, multiple priority target sites for disruption in each area and prototypical chemical disruptors for all targets, this included dose-response characterizations, evidence of low-dose effects and cross-hallmark effects for all targets and chemicals. In total, 85 examples of chemicals were reviewed for actions on key pathways/mechanisms related to carcinogenesis. Only 15% (13/85) were found to have evidence of a dose-response threshold, whereas 59% (50/85) exerted low-dose effects. No dose-response information was found for the remaining 26% (22/85). Our analysis suggests that the cumulative effects of individual (non-carcinogenic) chemicals acting on different pathways, and a variety of related systems, organs, tissues and cells could plausibly conspire to produce carcinogenic synergies. Additional basic research on carcinogenesis and research focused on low-dose effects of chemical mixtures needs to be rigorously pursued before the merits of this hypothesis can be further advanced. However, the structure of the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety 'Mode of Action' framework should be revisited as it has inherent weaknesses that are not fully aligned with our current understanding of cancer biology

The Italian long-term ecosystem research (LTER-Italy) network: results, opportunities, and challenges for coastal transitional ecosystems

1 - The Long-Term Ecosystem Research (LTER) network, now a global reality, was founded on a combination of long-term ecological studies, short-term experiments, and comparisons among sites and eco-domains. 2 - The LTER-Italy network was officially established as a formal member of the LTER international network in 2006, following a wider on-going process in Europe; it currently consists of 22 sites representing the main ecosystem typologies of Italy. Four coastal transitional ecosystem sites are included in the LTER-Italy network: on the northern Peninsula, these include the Venice Lagoon and the lagoons of the Po River Delta, which are characterized by a temperate climate and the influence of tides; and in the southern sector, these include the coastal ecosystems of Sardinia and the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, which are characterized by a Mediterranean climate and the absence of sensible tides. 3 - In this paper, we present and discuss three main issues: the LTER-International and LTER-Europe context, emphasising the most practical issues and activities that must be addressed for the effective organization and maintenance of LTER networks; the history, structure, and perspectives of the national LTER-Italy network; and the opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses related to participation of the LTER-Italy network in the study of coastal transitional ecosystems

Assessing the carcinogenic potential of low-dose exposures to chemical mixtures in the environment: the challenge ahead

Lifestyle factors are responsible for a considerable portion of cancer incidence worldwide, but credible estimates from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggest that the fraction of cancers attributable to toxic environmental exposures is between 7% and 19%. To explore the hypothesis that low-dose exposures to mixtures of chemicals in the environment may be combining to contribute to environmental carcinogenesis, we reviewed 11 hallmark phenotypes of cancer, multiple priority target sites for disruption in each area and prototypical chemical disruptors for all targets, this included dose-response characterizations, evidence of low-dose effects and cross-hallmark effects for all targets and chemicals. In total, 85 examples of chemicals were reviewed for actions on key pathways/mechanisms related to carcinogenesis. Only 15% (13/85) were found to have evidence of a dose-response threshold, whereas 59% (50/85) exerted low-dose effects. No dose-response information was found for the remaining 26% (22/85). Our analysis suggests that the cumulative effects of individual (non-carcinogenic) chemicals acting on different pathways, and a variety of related systems, organs, tissues and cells could plausibly conspire to produce carcinogenic synergies. Additional basic research on carcinogenesis and research focused on low-dose effects of chemical mixtures needs to be rigorously pursued before the merits of this hypothesis can be further advanced. However, the structure of the World Health Organization International Programme on Chemical Safety ‘Mode of Action’ framework should be revisited as it has inherent weaknesses that are not fully aligned with our current understanding of cancer biology