THC:CBD Observational Study Data: Evolution of Resistant MS Spasticity and Associated Symptoms

Background: The prospective observational MObility ImproVEment (MOVE) 2 study is collecting real-life clinical outcomes data on patients with treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity treated with THC:CBD oromucosal spray in routine clinical practice. The MOVE 2 study has been ongoing in Italy, involving more than 30 MS centres across the country, since 2013. Methods: Web-based real-time data collection techniques are combined with traditional patients' diaries to capture a wide spectrum of outcomes associated with this innovative cannabis-based medication. After surpassing the recruitment threshold of 300 patients, an interim analysis was performed to determine whether the data collected to date align with those from MOVE 2-Germany and the largest phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT) of THC:CBD oromucosal spray. Results: In the Italian cohort, THC:CBD oromucosal spray was added mainly to oral baclofen. Similar to MOVE 2-Germany, during 3 months' observation, treatment discontinuations were limited and patients recorded meaningful improvements on the patient-based 0-10 numerical rating scale and physician-rated modified Ashworth scale at mean daily doses that were about one-third lower than those used in the RCT. Also, similar to MOVE 2-Germany, the proportion of patients reporting adverse events was about one-third of the rate recorded in the RCT. Conclusions: While MOVE 2-Italy continues, this interim analysis has enabled us to better define the place in therapy of THC:CBD oromucosal spray within the context of daily management of our patients with MS spasticity

Syringa vulgaris is a new host for Cucumber mosaic virus

Virus-like symptoms consisting of light mosaic, chlorotic spots and oak chlorotic line patterns were observed on lilac plants (Syringa vulgaris L.) growing in a public garden in Imola (Emilia Romagna region, Italy). The causal agent was identified as cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) on the basis of biological, serological and nucleotide sequence properties of partial coat protein and movement protein genes, and the isolate was designated SYV. The CMV-SYV isolate caused mosaic symptoms on indicator plants of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi-nc, N. rustica and Cucumis sativus, while symptoms of local necrotic spots or pin points were observed on inoculated leaves of Vigna unguiculata and Vicia faba. To assess genetic differences between CMV-SYV and other known CMV isolates, phylogenetic analyses were carried out using 16 nucleotide sequences of coat protein and movement protein genes, including for SYV. The CMV-SYV isolate was most related to CMV subgroup IA isolates, and had 85.1-100% nucleotide sequence similarity to subgroup I isolates. This is the first report of CMV infecting S. vulgaris

Estrategias de gestión y comunicación de los líderes intermedios en la aplicación de los ECTS

Background of INCASI Project H2020-MSCA-RISE-2015 GA 691004. WP1: CompilationLos datos que se utilizan en este artículo proceden de una investigación sobre el Proceso de Bolonia llevada a cabo en diez titulaciones de una sola universidad; seis de ellas forman parte del proyecto piloto para incorporar los European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). En este trabajo, nos centramos en cómo los líderes intermedios de las titulaciones piloto estudiadas ponen en marcha la implementación de los ECTS siguiendo estrategias diferenciadas de gestión, generación de consenso y comunicación. Asimismo, se examinan las respuestas que el profesorado de las mismas titulaciones da, en términos de valoración de la gestión, las actitudes ante la reforma y el grado de información percibido. El análisis nos permite identificar algunas oportunidades y constricciones -derivadas de las formas de gestión consideradas legítimas por los miembros de esta institución universitaria- ante las que se sitúa la acción de los líderes intermedios.This paper uses data obtained from a research project about the Bologna Process, carried out in ten degree programmes at one university; six of these degrees are part of a pilot project to implement the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). In this article, we examine how middle managers in these pilot degrees employ various strategies of management, consensus generation and communication while carrying out the implementation of ECTS. In addition, we examine the responses from academics pertaining to management evaluation, attitudes regarding the reform, and the perceived amount of information. This analysis allows us to identify a number of opportunities and constrictions - derived from management forms considered legitimate by the members of this university - that middle managers have to take into account

Dolphin Morbillivirus in Eurasian Otters, Italy

We report biomolecular evidence of dolphin morbillivirus in 4 wild Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) from southern Italy; 2 animals showed simultaneous immunohistochemical reactivity against morbilliviral antigen. These cases add further concern and support to the progressively expanding host range of dolphin morbillivirus in the western Mediterranean Sea

Population development and landscape preference of reintroduced wild ungulates: successful rewilding in Southern Italy

Background: In the past decades, the abandonment of traditional land use practices has determined landscape changes inducing reforestation dynamics. This phenomenon can be contrasted with rewilding practices, i.e., the reintroduction of animals that may promote the recovery of landscape diversity. In this study, we explore the dynamics of expansion of two reintroduced populations of wild ungulates, Italian roe deer (Capreolus capreolus italicus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus), assessing their contribution in the recovery of landscape diversity. Methods: By using direct and indirect information on the two species, collected by nocturnal and diurnal surveys and camera trapping, we modelled a habitat suitability map, and estimated the density and distribution of the populations. We also performed a land use changes analysis, combining the presence of wild ungulates and livestock. Results and discussion: We demonstrated that deer dispersed gradually from their release location, increasing in population size, and this occurred in the entire study area. Moreover, we show that areas with lower grazing density are significantly affected by forest encroachment. A possible interpretation of this result could be that wild grazers (roe deer and red deer) prefer semi-open areas surrounded by the forest. This, in association with other factors, such as domestic grazing, could be one of the main responsible in maintaining landscape mosaic typical of the Apennine mountain, confirming the value of grazers as a landscape management tool. Moreover, we show the possibility to conserve through reintroduction the vulnerable C.c. italicus

Temperature-Driven Changes of the Graphene Edge Structure on Ni(111): Substrate vs Hydrogen Passivation

Atomic-scale description of the structure of graphene edges on Ni(111), both during and post growth, is obtained by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in combination with density functional theory (DFT). During growth, at 470 \ub0C, fast STM images (250 ms/image) evidence graphene flakes anchored to the substrate, with the edges exhibiting zigzag or Klein structure depending on the orientation. If growth is frozen, the flake edges hydrogenate and detach from the substrate, with hydrogen reconstructing the Klein edges

Complete Molecular Response due to nilotinib as III line treatment in a patient with CML and F317L point mutation of the Bcr-Abl kinase domain

In 1997, a forty-three years old woman was diagnosed with CML and treated with alfa-Interferon, achieving complete haematological response (CHR). Three years later, patient was switched to hydroxiurea due to thyroid toxicity. For logistic reasons, therapy with imatinib 400 mg/die was initiated only in 2003, obtaining complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and suboptimal molecular response in twelve months. CCyR and CHR were then lost three years later. Doubling imatinib dose to 800 mg/die gave no positive results. Mutational analysis performed in September 2007 showed F317L point mutation of the Bcr-Abl kinase domain. In October 2007 dasatinib was started and in April 2008 CCyR was reached with suboptimal molecular response. In March 2009 Bcr-Abl transcript progressively increased, and in August 2009 cytogenetic analysis showed loss of CCyR. Therapy with nilotinib 800 mg/die was started, and in October 2009 the patient obtained complete molecular response (CMR). Bcr-Abl kinase-domain point mutations, acquired during first line therapy, are a common cause of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. While several Bcr-Abl mutations have been identified, involvement of codon 317 has been reported in the literature following treatment with imatinib and dasatinib

Recommendations for observational studies of comorbidity in multiple sclerosis

Objective: To reach consensus about the most relevant comorbidities to study in multiple sclerosis (MS) with respect to incidence, prevalence, and effect on outcomes; review datasets that may support studies of comorbidity in MS; and identify MS outcomes that should be prioritized in such studies. Methods: We held an international workshop to meet these objectives, informed by a systematic review of the incidence and prevalence of comorbidity in MS, and an international survey regarding research priorities for comorbidity. Results: We recommend establishing age- and sex-specific incidence and prevalence estimates for 5 comorbidities (depression, anxiety, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes); evaluating the effect of 7 comorbidities (depression, anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic lung disease, and autoimmune diseases) on disability, quality of life, brain atrophy and other imaging parameters, health care utilization, employment, and mortality, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disease duration as potential confounders; harmonizing study designs across jurisdictions; and conducting such studies worldwide. Ultimately, clinical trials of treating comorbidity in MS are needed. Conclusion: Our recommendations will help address knowledge gaps regarding the incidence, prevalence, and effect of comorbidity on outcomes in MS

Spatial genetic structure in the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) meta-population from its core range in Italy

We characterized the genetic structure of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) meta-population living in the core of its Italian distribution range providing results from 191 fresh spraints, collected from 24 watercourses included in Southern Italy. Furthermore, according to ecological corridors and barriers, we discuss the likely ways of movement and possible evolutionary fate of these populations. We genotyped 136 samples using 11 Lut microsatellite nuclear markers amplified from faecal dna. Microsatellites were moderately variable (Ho = 0.45; He = 0.46), with a total number of alleles and average number of alleles per locus in the meta-population of 50 and 4.54, respectively. No significant heterozygosity excess was observed in meta-population suggesting no recent population bottlenecks. Bayesian clustering discriminated a sub-structuring of the meta-population in five putative clusters, indicating that local populations are genetically differentiated: three of these seem to be identifiable with geographically defined sub-populations (from the Cilento, Agri and Basento river basins). The fourth is represented by multiple sub-populations with admixed genotype, that include genotypes from the Lao, Sinni and Abatemaco river basins, living in a landscape with the higher environmental permeability. Landscape genetic analysis could provide evidence of an unexpected ecological corridor: the seacoast, highlighted, for the first time as a new way for the dispersion of the South-Italian otters. Deepening the knowledge of these perspectives is crucial to identify solid strategies aimed at the future health of the populations of the Italian otters, by restoring dispersal corridors and managing the watercourses