An updated inventory of the non-native flora of Sardinia (Italy)

<p>We provide an updated inventory of the non-native flora of the Italian island of Sardinia, including accepted names, family, synonyms, biological form, fruit type, introduction pathway and native origin. This inventory was performed by reviewing the available literature and conducting dedicated field surveys across the entire island. The inventory catalogues 931 non-native taxa, including 31 cryptogenic species, 901 species, 14 subspecies, 13 varieties, two forms and one cultivar. We utilised the position on the introduction–invasion continuum concept and meta-population criterion to further label each species. Based on these frameworks, the non-native flora of Sardinia can be divided into 274 casual, 169 naturalised, 19 invasive, 440 exclusively planted and 29 unobserved after 1950. There are 204 archaeophytes and 727 neophytes. The majority of the non-native species (791) were introduced to the island voluntarily, and 140 species were introduced accidentally. The present inventory identifies 72 additional non-native taxa not previously reported in the literature.</p

Differentiation dependent expression in muscle cells of ZT3, a novel zinc finger factor differentially expressed in embryonic and adult tissues.

ZT3, isolated from a murine muscle cell cDNA library by a low-stringency hybridization, encodes a zinc finger domain containing factor with a transcript of 5.0 kb. A 3′ 2.5 kb partial nucleotide sequence contains an ORF of 1.5 kb where 17 canonical C2H2 zinc finger domains organized in tandem were identified. It maps on mouse chromosome 11, close to two mutations which affect skeletal formation. ZT3 expression depends upon differentiation of myogenic cells in culture, since it is upregulated with myogenin and inhibited in scr-transfected C2C12 cells. ZT3 is not expressed in NIH3T3 or C3H10T1/2 fibroblasts, but is induced when fibroblasts are myogenically converted by transfection with the muscle regulatory genes (MRFs). Its expression is also upregulated in the rhabdomyosarcoma cell line RD induced to myogenic differentiation by TPA treatment. In postimplantation embryos, ZT3 is diffusely expressed but higher expression is detectable in the neural tube and encephalic vesicles, in the somites and, at a high level, in the limb buds as they form. During further development ZT3 is expressed in many tissues of neuroectodermal and mesodermal origin, but its expression decreases during fetal development and in the adult it is restricted to skeletal and cardiac muscle and to spleen. This pattern of expression suggests a possible role played by ZT3 in differentiating skeletal muscle. Its expression in other tissues is compatible with the suggestion that members of this class of DNA-binding factors play different roles during post-implantation development and in the adult life

Effectiveness of switching to darunavir/cobicistat in virologically-suppressed HIV-positive patients receiving ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor-based regimen : the &quot;STORE&quot; Study

Objective: This study investigates the effectiveness and tolerability of switching to darunavir/cobicistat (DRV/c)-based antiretroviral regimen (ART) from a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r)-based regimen in virologically suppressed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. DRV trough values were also investigated. Setting: Prospective, multicenter, single-country, non-interventional, cohort study. Methods: This study included patients on a PI/r-based ART for at least twelve months having plasma HIV-1 RNA &lt;50 copies/mL for at least six months. Primary endpoint: HIV-1 RNA &lt;50 copies/mL at 48 \ub1 6 weeks from baseline. A secondary analysis was performed using the time to loss of virological response (TLOVR) algorithm. Biochemical parameters including DRV trough samples were collected as per clinical practice and measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Of 336 patients enrolled, 282 completed the study: 70.8% had plasma HIV-1 RNA &lt;50 copies/mL at 48 weeks; using the TLOVR algorithm, 82.7% maintained virological suppression. Virological failure (VF) was observed in 6 patients (1.8%). Adverse event (AE)-related discontinuations were 4.5%. After 48 weeks, we found a significant improvement in both triglycerides (median, 130.0 mg/dL to 113.5 mg/dL, p=0.0254) and HDL cholesterol (48 to 49 mg/dL, p&lt;0.0001) but no change in other biomarkers. DRV trough concentrations in 56 subjects showed a median value of 2862.5 (1469.5-4439.0) ng/mL, higher in females than in males (4221 ng/mL vs. 2634 ng/mL, p=0.046). Conclusions: In stable HIV-1 positive virologically suppressed patients, the switch to DRV/c-based ART was beneficial in terms of low rates of VF and AEs due to its high tolerability and improvement in triglycerides

La terapia insulinica sottocutanea continua (CSII) in Italia. Terza indagine nazionale

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications

La terapia insulinica sottocutanea continua (CSII) in Italia. Terza indagine nazionale

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications