Narrow-band noise due to the moving vortex lattice in superconducting niobium

We report measurements of voltage noise due to vortex motion in Niobium, a conventional low-Tc superconductor. A coherent oscillation leading to narrow band noise (NBN) is evidenced. Its characteristic frequency is a linear function of the overcritical transport current in the flux-flow regime, and hence scales as the main velocity of the vortex flow. The associated length scale is not the intervortex distance but the width of the sample, indicating temporal coherence at a large scale. NBN is also observed in the non linear part of the V(I) at the onset of depinning, in apparent disagreement with a stochastic creep motion of flux bundles. NBN exists in the peak effect region, showing that long range temporal correlations are preserved in this regime.Comment: accepted for publication in Phys Rev

Age and Cytokine Gene Variants Modulate the Immunogenicity and Protective Effect of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-Based Vaccination

: The introduction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in late 2020 substantially changed the pandemic picture, inducing effective protection in the population. However, individual variability was observed with different levels of cellular response and neutralizing antibodies. We report data on the impact of age, gender, and 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytokine genes on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers measured 31 and 105 days after administration of the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine to 122 healthy subjects from the health care staff of the Palermo University Hospital, Italy. The higher titers at 31 days were measured in the younger subjects and in subjects bearing T-positive genotypes of IL-1R1 rs2234650 or the GG homozygous genotype of IL-6 rs1800795 SNP. T-positive genotypes are also significantly more common in subjects with higher titers at day 105. In addition, in this group of subjects, the frequency of the CT genotype of IL-4 rs2243250 is higher among those vaccinated with higher titers. Moreover, these SNPs and TNFA rs1800629 are differently distributed in a group of subjects that were found infected by SARS-CoV-2 at day 105 of evaluation. Finally, subjects that were found to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 at day 105 were significantly older than the uninfected subjects. Taken together, these data seem to suggest that age and polymorphisms of key cytokines, which regulate inflammation and humoral immune response, might influence the magnitude of the antibody response to vaccination with BNT162B2, prompting speculation about the possible benefit of a genetic background-based assessment of a personalized approach to the anti-COVID vaccination schedule

The occurrence of postoperative vertigo after CI

Background. The incidence of postoperative vertigo after cochlear implantation (CI) varies a lot in the literature. The aim of this work was to investigate both subjective complaints of vertigo before and after cochlear implantation and related it to to the preoperative vestibular function, the surgical procedure and to the position of CI at the postoperative neuroradiological study. Methods. Retrospective cohort study of adult CI series operated by the same surgeon (DZ) over the last 3 years. (N= 107). Sixty-six subjects (38 F; 28 M), aged from 21 to 78 years old were included in the study, lasting 83 CI. The outcomes of the pre-operative vestibular assessment were extracted from the database of the Vestibular Disorders Unit of the tertiary referral University Hospital of Milano from 1992 to 2018 (N=557). Post-operative presence/absence of vestibular disorders was analyzed and related to the preoperative vestibular examination and to the flat-panel computed tomography (FPCT) findings. Results: The patients were divided by age and by the presence of vestibular response of the operated ear measured by videoculography, caloric testing and video-impulse test. Sensorial analysis by static posturography was also included. The incidence of postoperative vertigo was higher in patients > 65 years old (36.3% vs 20.4%, p=0.03). Postoperative vertigo did not result related to the surgical procedure. The results are discussed with the review of the literature. Conclusion: Our results confirm the importance of vestibular testing in CI recipients, in order to better counsel the patient on the foreseeable post-operative course and to identify those patients who will need a vestibular rehabilitation

The Ferroxidase Hephaestin in Lung Cancer: Pathological Significance and Prognostic Value

Hephaestin (HEPH) belongs to a group of exocytoplasmic ferroxidases which contribute to cellular iron homeostasis by favouring its export. Down-regulation of HEPH expression, possibly by stimulating cell proliferation due to an increase in iron availability, has shown to correlate with poor survival in breast cancer. The lung is particularly sensitive to iron-induced oxidative stress, given the high oxygen tension present, however, HEPH distribution in lung cancer and its influence on prognosis have not been investigated yet. In this study we explored the prognostic value of HEPH and its expression pattern in the most prevalent histotypes of lung cancers, namely lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In silico analyses, based on UALCAN, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier plotter bioinformatics, revealed a significant correlation between higher levels of HEPH expression and favorable prognosis, in both cancer histotypes. Moreover, TIMER web platform showed a statistically significant association between HEPH expression and cell elements belonging to the tumor microenvironment identified as endothelial cells and a subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, further confirmed by double immunohistochemical labeling with cell type specific markers. Taken together, these data shed a light on the complex mechanisms of local iron handling lung cancer can exploit to support tumorigenesis

Polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-1\u3b2 cytokines in ascending aortic aneurysms as genetic modifiers and predictive and prognostic biomarkers

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that polymorphisms involved in immune genes can affect the risk, pathogenesis, and outcome of thoracic ascending aortic aneurysms (TAAA). Here, we explored the potential associations of five functional promoter polymorphisms in interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1B, IL-1A, IL-18, and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)A genes with TAAA. Methods: 144 TAAA patients and 150 age/gender matched controls were typed using KASPar assays. Effects on telomere length and levels of TAAA related histopathological and serological markers were analyzed. Results: Significant associations with TAAA risk were obtained for IL-6 rs1800795G>C and IL-1B rs16944C>T SNPs. In addition, the combined rs1800795C/rs16944T genotype showed a synergic effect on TAAA pathogenesis and outcome. The combined rs1800795C/rs16944T genotype was significantly associated with: (a) higher serum levels of both cytokines and MMP-9 and-2; (b) a significant CD3+CD4+CD8+ CD68+CD20+ cell infiltration in aorta aneurysm tissues; (c) a significant shorter telomere length and alterations in telomerase activity. Finally, it significantly correlated with TAAA aorta tissue alterations, including elastic fragmentation, medial cell apoptosis, cystic medial changes, and MMP-9 levels. Conclusions: the combined rs1800795C/rs16944T genotype appears to modulate TAAA risk, pathogenesis, and outcome, and consequently can represent a potential predictive and prognostic TAAA biomarker for individual management, implementation of innovative treatments, and selection of the more proper surgical timing and approaches

Comparison of intrascalar location of straight vs perimodiolar electrode array by flat-panel computerized tomography

Introduction, One of the fields of technological advancement in cochlear implants (CI) pursued by all manufacturers is the development of less traumatic electrodes that can conform to the anatomy of the cochlea, and possibly enhance the outcomes. Recently, a slim precurved perimodiolar electrode with an insertion guidance sleeve has been designed in order to facilitate the insertion and to avoid the inter-scalar dislodgement that frequently occurs at the first basal turn. Aim of this study was to evaluate the intracochlear position of different Nucleus electrode arrays in aduld and pediatric CI recipients by means of flat-panel volume computerized tomography (FPCT). Methods, Fifty-six CI recipients (37 females, 19 males), 1 to 80 years of age, operated by the same surgeon with the same technique, were included. All underwent FPCT with a C-arm angiographic system including a digital flat panel detector 30 x 40 cm, with a source-to-image-receptor distance of 120cm. The imaging assessment was performed the day after surgery in all cases. Sequential and simultaneous CI were included and a total of 68 ears have been analyzed. The primary objective was to identify the scalar location of the array (completely in scala tympani vs. partially dislodged in scala vestibuli) and the site of dislocation. Secondarily, we measured the medial-lateral position within the scala, the insertion depth (mm and angles). The FPCT findings were also contrasted with the type of cochleostomy (round window (RW), extended RW, promontorial) and with the residual hearing preservation. Results, Fifty-nine ears were implanted with a perimodiolar electrode, either Nucleus CI532 (n=45) or a CI412 / CI512 Contour Advance (n=14), while 9 received a straight one (Nucleus CI422/CI522). A RW approach was performed more frequently (41 out of 45 = 91.1 %) with CI532 than with the other arrays (10 out of 23 = 43.5%). Inferior and/or anterior cochleostomy were never performed. The CI532 showed the most consistent and reliable intrascalar position, close to the modiolus and in the scala tympani. Scala vestibuli dislodgement was observed in (14.3%) of the Contour Advance electrodes and in (6.7%) of the CI532. Pre-operative residual hearing was preserved within 10 dB HL in 62% of the cases. Conclusions: the CI532 electrode array achieved the most consistent and reliable perimodiolar location by FPCT; in our small series it appeared to be dislodged in the scala tympani in the minority of cases

Pathological implications of Th1/Th2 cytokine genetic variants in Beh\ue7et's disease: Data from a pilot study in a Sicilian population

Cytokines act as pleiotropic polypeptides able to regulate inflammatory/immune responses and to provide important signals in physiological and pathological processes. Several cytokines (Th1, Th2, and Th17) seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of Beh\ue7et's disease, a chronic immune-mediated disease characterized by oral and genital lesions and ocular inflammation. Its individual susceptibility seems to be modulated by genetic variants in genes codifying these cytokines. Th1 and Th17 seem to be involved in the disease's active phases, and Th2 seems to affect the development or severity of the disease; however, contrasting data are reported. In this study, some genetic variants of the Th1/Th2 cytokine genes were investigated in Sicilian patients and age- and gender-matched controls. Three very significant associations with Beh\ue7et's disease were detected, and combined genotypes associated with increased disease risk were identified. Results obtained point to the key role of Th1/Th2 cytokine genetic variants in disease susceptibility

The signature of longevity in Sicily

Ageing is a natural and physiological condition that is the result of compromised stress response, homeostatic imbalance and increased risk of developing diseases. However, if aging with good health and functions (successful ageing) and aging with disease and disability (unsuccessful ageing) depends on a combination of “positive features”, including genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic characteristics in combination with favourable environment, economic status and social involvement. In our study, we summarize some key points for the identification of a longevity signature, with a particular focus on long-living Sicilian individuals and centenarians. Analysing three different Sicilian cohorts (young, people with no centenarian parents and long-living individuals (LLI) aged >90) we found APOE e3e3 in our LLIs and no presence of e4. Regarding FOXO rs2802292 G-allele (G>T) we did not observe an association with longevity, probably because of the small sample of centenarians studied. Regarding haematological and anthropometric results, it is still difficult to point specific longevity features and so far, we cannot specify a single one. On the other hand, we believe that the synergy among genetics and environment might create successful interaction to achieve and obtain effective longevity

Genetic and epigenetic factors of takotsubo syndrome: A systematic review

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), recognized as stress’s cardiomyopathy, or as left ventricular apical balloon syndrome in recent years, is a rare pathology, described for the first time by Japanese researchers in 1990. TTS is characterized by an interindividual heterogeneity in onset and progression, and by strong predominance in postmenopausal women. The clear causes of these TTS features are uncertain, given the limited understanding of this intriguing syndrome until now. However, the increasing frequency of TTS cases in recent years, and particularly correlated to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, leads us to the imperative necessity both of a complete knowledge of TTS pathophysiology for identifying biomarkers facilitating its management, and of targets for specific and effective treatments. The suspect of a genetic basis in TTS pathogenesis has been evidenced. Accordingly, familial forms of TTS have been described. However, a systematic and comprehensive characterization of the genetic or epigenetic factors significantly associated with TTS is lacking. Thus, we here conducted a systematic review of the literature before June 2021, to contribute to the identification of potential genetic and epigenetic factors associated with TTS. Interesting data were evidenced, but few in number and with diverse limitations. Consequently, we concluded that further work is needed to address the gaps discussed, and clear evidence may arrive by using multi-omics investigations

MR Imaging in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Time to Talk

SUMMARY: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as acute hearing loss of the sensorineural type of at least 30 dB over 3 contiguous frequencies that occurs within a 72-hour period. Although many different causative factors have been proposed, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is still considered "idiopathic" in 71%–85% of cases, and treatments are empiric, not based on etiology. MR imaging implemented with a 3D FLAIR sequence has provided new insights into the etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Herein, we review the current management trends for patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss, from the initial clinical diagnosis to therapeutic strategies and diagnostic work-up. We focused primarily on MR imaging assessment and discuss the relevance that MR imaging findings might have for patient management, pointing out different perspectives for future clinical research