Description of the relationship between NOHL classification in drug-induced sleep endoscopy and initial AHI in patients with moderate to severe OSAS, and evaluation of the results obtained with oral appliance therapy

Descrizione della relazione tra Classificazione NOHL definita durante la Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy e AHI iniziale in pazienti con OSAS da moderato a grave, e valutazione dei risultati ottenuti con dispositivi orali

Effectiveness of a Hydrophilic Curcumin-Based Formulation in Coadjuvating the Therapeutic Effect of Intravitreal Dexamethasone in Subjects With Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose: This study evaluates if the addition of a curcumin formulation with a polyvinylpyrrolidone-hydrophilic carrier (CHC; Diabec®, Alfa Intes, Italy) to intravitreal injections of dexamethasone (DEX-IVT) can affect the morphological retinal characteristics, extending the steroid re-treatment period in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in DME patients, randomly assigned to receive DEX-IVT or DEX-IVT and a CHC. The evaluation of the mean difference of central retinal thickness (CRT) was the primary aim. Secondary aims were the evaluations of best-corrected visual acuity, differences in the predetermined retinal layer thickness, the number/time of re-treatment, and the assessment of safety. Results: A total of 73 DME patients were included (35 in the control group and 38 in the combined therapy group). In both the control and combined therapy groups, the mean CRT change from T0 to the 6 months’ evaluation was significant (p = 0.00). The mean CRT result was significantly different at month 4 (p = 0.01) between the control and combined therapy groups, with a greater reduction in the combined therapy group, in particular, in patients with ≤10 years of diabetes. A trend of CRT reduction in the combined therapy group has been observed also considering patients with subfoveal neuroretinal detachment. In addition, we observed that the reduction of inner retinal layer thickness was greater in the combination group, in comparison with controls. Conclusion: The combination of a CHC to DEX-IVT is a promising therapeutic option in case of DME, in particular, for patients with early-stage diabetes and with an inflammatory phenotype. Further studies will be necessary to confirm these findings

Report of the 12th Liaison Meeting

The 12th Liaison meeting was held in Brussels on 8th and 9th October 2015 to address the following Terms of Reference: TOR 1. Discussion on possible follow-­‐‑up to the main outputs/recommendations of: • The 2015 RCMs -­‐‑ specific recommendations addressed to the Liaison Meeting • PGECON, PGDATA, PGMed – outcomes and recommendations from their 2015 meeting • STECF EWG and STECF Plenary -­‐‑ outcomes and recommendations from their 2015 meetings • Data end users (ICES, STECF, RFMOs – GFCM, IATTC, ICCAT, IOTC, WCPFC, NAFO, SPRFMO, CECAF, WECAFC) TOR2. End user feedback on data transmission and related issues • Discuss feedback received from data end-­‐‑users on data transmission: main issues and possible harmonization of end user feedback to the Commission • JRC data transmission IT platform: experience gained and future steps • Discuss best practices on automatization of data upload by MS: data validation tools used by end users • Discussion on new set-­‐‑up for STECF evaluation of AR2014 & data transmission 2014 used in 2015 – continue like this next year? • Harmonisation and dissemination of DCF metadata: codelists, metiers, nomenclatures, best practices, standards • RCM data calls – overview of how MS responded TOR 3. Regional cooperation • Call for proposals MARE/2014/19 'ʹStrengthening Regional Cooperation in the area of fisheries data collection– state of play'ʹ. Presentation by a representative of the two RCG grants and discussions by LM thereafter. What should be the way forward? • Regional databases • Overview of use of the Regional Databases for RCMs in 2015 and problems identified • Other developments (RDB trainings in 2015, RDB Med&BS development) • Changes for the future – any recommendations from the LM? • Future role of RCMs and DCF-­‐‑related meetings: best practices, coordination, cohesion and common structure in line with emerging needs of DCF TOR 4. EU MAP • Discuss recommendations/ output of RCMs: List of proposed stocks, landing obligation, metiers • Discuss design-­‐‑based sampling in relation to DCF: does it fulfil DCF requirements? TOR 5. Availability of data • Overview of latest developments (DCF Database Feasibility Study and plans for a follow-­‐‑up study to this) TOR 6. AOB • Agree on a list of recommendations relating to DCF (that MS will need to report on in their AR2015) – COM will provide a compilation of proposed recommendations from LM & STECF Plenaries in 2014 as input • Prepare a list of recommended meetings for 2016 as guidance for MS • Review and prioritize DCF-­‐‑related study proposals from RCMs, PGECON, EGs etc • ICES update on workshop on concurrent sampling and plans to re-­‐‑evaluate survey

Unfolding dermatologic spectrum of Behçet’s disease in Italy: real-life data from the International AIDA Network Behçet’s disease Registry

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a heterogeneous multifactorial autoinflammatory disease characterized by a plethora of clinical manifestations. Cutaneous lesions are considered hallmarks of the disease. However, their evolution over time and a thorough description are scarcely reported in non-endemic regions. The aim of this study was to detail BD skin manifestations and their evolution over time in Italy, as well as the dermatological prognostic impact of specific cutaneous features in long-standing disease. Data were collected in a double fashion, both retrospectively and prospectively, from the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) international registry dedicated to BD, between January 2022 and December 2022. A total of 458 Italian patients were included. When assessing skin manifestations course, the constant or sporadic presence or absence of cutaneous involvement between onset and follow-up was considered. Oral ulcers (OU) (88.4%) and genital ulcers (GU) (52.6%), followed by skin involvement (53.7%) represented the most common presenting mucocutaneous manifestations at disease onset. Up to the time of enrolment into the AIDA registry, 411 (93.8%) patients had suffered from OU and 252 (57.9%) from GU; pseudofolliculitis (PF) accounted for the most common skin manifestation (170 patients, 37.1%), followed by erythema nodosum (EN) (102 patients, 22.3%), skin ulcers (9 patients, 2%) and pyoderma gangrenosum (4 patients, 0.9%). A prospective follow-up visit was reported in 261/458 patients; 24/148 (16.2%) subjects with skin involvement as early as BD onset maintained cutaneous lesions for the entire period of observation, while 120 (44.1%) patients suffered from sporadic skin involvement. Conversely, 94/113 (83.2%) with no skin involvement at disease onset did not develop skin lesions thereafter. At follow-up visits, cutaneous involvement was observed in 52 (20%) patients, with a statistically significant association between PF and constant skin involvement (p = 0.031). BD in Italy is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical presentations and skin manifestations in line with what is described in endemic countries. Patients with skin disease at the onset are likely to present persistent cutaneous involvement thereafter; mucocutaneous lesions observed at the onset, especially PF, could represent a warning sign for future persistent skin involvement requiring closer dermatological care

Seagrass beds distribution along the Mediterranean coasts. Mediterranean Sensitive Habitats (MEDISEH) Final Report, DG MARE Specific Contract SI2.600741.

Based on the following Terms of Reference (TOR) of the content of the European Commission DG MARE request Ares (2011)665688: “Compile information supporting the identification and location of nursery areas (juveniles in their first and, if appropriate, second year of life) and spawning aggregations. This information, which is to be collated and archived in formats adequate for GIS rendering, shall refer to all the demersal and small pelagic species in the Mediterranean included in Appendix VII of Council Regulation (EC) No 199/2008 as well as for the species subject to minimum size (Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006-Annex III). In addition, ecological characterisation of these areas, both in terms of biological community (assemblage) and habitats therein, must be provided.” The technical tender form of the Specific Contract 2 (MEDISEH) defined the following objectives: Review of historical and current data on the locations and the status of seagrass beds, coralligenous and mäerl beds in different GSAs (Geographical Sub-Areas amending amending the Resolution GFCM/31/2007/2) all over the Mediterranean basin. Transform the information into a digitilized format within the framework of a geodatabase Review and map of all existing specific Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean area as well as areas that are under any form of national or international regulation. Identify and map suitable areas for Posidonia, coralligenous and mäerl communities by developing habitat distribution models at different spatial scales. Review and map all existing information on historical and current data of nurseries and spawning grounds of certain small pelagic (i.e., Engraulis encrasicolus, Sardina pilchardus, Scomber spp., Trachurus spp.) and demersal species (i.e., Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Aristeus antennatus, Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Nephrops norvegicus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Pagellus erythrinus, Galeus melastomus, Raja clavata, Illex coindetti, Eledone cirrosa) that are included in the Data Collection Framework for the Mediterranean and subjected to minimum landing size based on Council Regulation No 1967/2006-Annex II. Analyze existing survey data and apply spatial analysis techniques in order to identify locations that are more likely to be density hot spot areas or are being more suitable for fish nurseries and spawning grounds for Engraulis encrasicolus, Sardina pilchardus, Scomber spp., Trachurus trachurus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Aristeus antennatus, Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Nephrops norvegicus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Pagellus erythrinus, Galeus melastomus, Raja clavata, Illex coindetti, Eledone cirrosa These areas will also be characterized from an environmental and ecological perspective upon data availability. Integrate and present the aforementioned information through a Web-based GIS viewer with an associated geo-referenced database that will operate as a consulting tool for spatial management and conservation planning. Following the revision of the knowledge base, to identify gaps and suggest future research priorities. In order to meet these objectives, an expert team was composed within the MAREA Consortium from scientists with established expertise in the different topics required, and working in different areas of the Mediterranean basin. The team formed to execute the project includes the main Institutes of EU countries in the Mediterranean, all having solid reputations in the fields covered. The participating Institutes/Entities operate in the Western, Central and Eastern parts of the Mediterranean basin, and this ensures familiarity with the geographical areas that are related to the specific tendering. Moreover, a large number of scientists outside of the MAREA Consortium collaborated on a volunteer basis with data and other input. Details on the list of experts and external collaborators can be found in each Work Package in the present report. For CV details, check the MAREA expert web-site http://www.mareaproject.net

Report of the 12th Liaison Meeting

The 12th Liaison meeting was held in Brussels on 8th and 9th October 2015 to address the following Terms of Reference: TOR 1. Discussion on possible follow-­‐‑up to the main outputs/recommendations of: • The 2015 RCMs -­‐‑ specific recommendations addressed to the Liaison Meeting • PGECON, PGDATA, PGMed – outcomes and recommendations from their 2015 meeting • STECF EWG and STECF Plenary -­‐‑ outcomes and recommendations from their 2015 meetings • Data end users (ICES, STECF, RFMOs – GFCM, IATTC, ICCAT, IOTC, WCPFC, NAFO, SPRFMO, CECAF, WECAFC) TOR2. End user feedback on data transmission and related issues • Discuss feedback received from data end-­‐‑users on data transmission: main issues and possible harmonization of end user feedback to the Commission • JRC data transmission IT platform: experience gained and future steps • Discuss best practices on automatization of data upload by MS: data validation tools used by end users • Discussion on new set-­‐‑up for STECF evaluation of AR2014 & data transmission 2014 used in 2015 – continue like this next year? • Harmonisation and dissemination of DCF metadata: codelists, metiers, nomenclatures, best practices, standards • RCM data calls – overview of how MS responded TOR 3. Regional cooperation • Call for proposals MARE/2014/19 'ʹStrengthening Regional Cooperation in the area of fisheries data collection– state of play'ʹ. Presentation by a representative of the two RCG grants and discussions by LM thereafter. What should be the way forward? • Regional databases • Overview of use of the Regional Databases for RCMs in 2015 and problems identified • Other developments (RDB trainings in 2015, RDB Med&BS development) • Changes for the future – any recommendations from the LM? • Future role of RCMs and DCF-­‐‑related meetings: best practices, coordination, cohesion and common structure in line with emerging needs of DCF TOR 4. EU MAP • Discuss recommendations/ output of RCMs: List of proposed stocks, landing obligation, metiers • Discuss design-­‐‑based sampling in relation to DCF: does it fulfil DCF requirements? TOR 5. Availability of data • Overview of latest developments (DCF Database Feasibility Study and plans for a follow-­‐‑up study to this) TOR 6. AOB • Agree on a list of recommendations relating to DCF (that MS will need to report on in their AR2015) – COM will provide a compilation of proposed recommendations from LM & STECF Plenaries in 2014 as input • Prepare a list of recommended meetings for 2016 as guidance for MS • Review and prioritize DCF-­‐‑related study proposals from RCMs, PGECON, EGs etc • ICES update on workshop on concurrent sampling and plans to re-­‐‑evaluate survey

Mu2e Technical Design Report

The Mu2e experiment at Fermilab will search for charged lepton flavor violation via the coherent conversion process mu- N --> e- N with a sensitivity approximately four orders of magnitude better than the current world's best limits for this process. The experiment's sensitivity offers discovery potential over a wide array of new physics models and probes mass scales well beyond the reach of the LHC. We describe herein the preliminary design of the proposed Mu2e experiment. This document was created in partial fulfillment of the requirements necessary to obtain DOE CD-2 approval.Comment: compressed file, 888 pages, 621 figures, 126 tables; full resolution available at http://mu2e.fnal.gov; corrected typo in background summary, Table 3.

Large-Scale Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Mediterranean Cephalopod Diversity

Species diversity is widely recognized as an important trait of ecosystems’ functioning and resilience. Understanding the causes of diversity patterns and their interaction with the environmental conditions is essential in order to effectively assess and preserve existing diversity. While diversity patterns of most recurrent groups such as fish are commonly studied, other important taxa such as cephalopods have received less attention. In this work we present spatio-temporal trends of cephalopod diversity across the entire Mediterranean Sea during the last 19 years, analysing data from the annual bottom trawl survey MEDITS conducted by 5 different Mediterranean countries using standardized gears and sampling protocols. The influence of local and regional environmental variability in different Mediterranean regions is analysed applying generalized additive models, using species richness and the Shannon Wiener index as diversity descriptors. While the western basin showed a high diversity, our analyses do not support a steady eastward decrease of diversity as proposed in some previous studies. Instead, high Shannon diversity was also found in the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, and high species richness in the eastern Ionian Sea. Overall diversity did not show any consistent trend over the last two decades. Except in the Adriatic Sea, diversity showed a hump-shaped trend with depth in all regions, being highest between 200–400 m depth. Our results indicate that high Chlorophyll a concentrations and warmer temperatures seem to enhance species diversity, and the influence of these parameters is stronger for richness than for Shannon diversityVersión del editor4,411