Antimicrobial Activity of Grapefruit Seed Extract on Edible Mushrooms Contaminations: Efficacy in Preventing Pseudomonas spp. in Pleurotus eryngii

Pleurotus eryngii is an edible mushroom that suffers significant losses due to fungal contamination and bacteriosis. The Pseudomonadaceae family represents one of the most frequent etiologic agents. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a plant extract that contains different bioactive components, such as naringin, and exhibits a strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Over the last decade, GSE use as an alternative to chemical treatments in the food sector has been tested. However, to our knowledge, its application on mushroom crops has never been investigated. This study focuses on evaluating GSE efficacy in preventing P. eryngii yellowing. GSE antibiotic activity, inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations, and antibiofilm activity against several microorganisms were tested with the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay, the broth microdilution susceptibility test, and the Crystal violet assay, respectively. In vitro, the extract exhibited antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus 6538 and MRSA (wild type), Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, and Pseudomonas spp. (Pseudomonas aeruginosa 9027, P. fluorescens (wild type)). GSE application in vivo, in pre- and post-sprouting stages, effectively prevented bacterial infections and subsequent degradation in the mushroom crops: none of the P. eryngii treated manifested bacteriosis. Our findings support the use of GSE as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical treatments for protecting P. eryngii crops from bacterial contamination, consequently ensuring food safety and preventing financial losses due to spoilage. Furthermore, GSE's potential health benefits due to its content in naringin and other bioactive components present new possibilities for its use as a nutraceutical in food fortification and supplementation.

Legionella spp. Monitoring in the Water Supply Systems of Accommodation Facilities in Sardinia, Italy: A Two-Year Retrospective Analysis

Travel-associated Legionnaires' disease is a significant public health concern worldwide. A high number of cases are reported every year among travellers who stay at guest houses, hotels, and spas. Indeed, hot water systems, showers, and air-conditioning systems can be contaminated by Legionella, which grows at 25-42 °C. Studies have shown that in Sardinia, especially during the summer months, the water circulation in the hotels' pipes is exposed to extremely high temperatures. As a result, this study was conducted to assess the colonization of hotel water systems by Legionella in Sardinia, concerning a recent EU directive 2020/2184 for drinking water with a limit of 1000 CFU /L. Methods. A total of 112 accommodation facilities were analyzed, of which 61.3% were found to be colonized with Legionella, and out of a total of 807 samples, 32.5% were positive for Legionella presence. The results showed a higher number of positive samples in the summer season. This was also associated with the higher concentration presence of >1000 CFU/L in the samples. Consequently, this study confirms that local hotel operators should improve their water safety and prevention plans, especially in spring and summer.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Computational Studies of New Hydrazide Derivatives Containing 1,3,4-Oxadiazole as Antitubercular Agents

To extend our screening for novel antimycobacterial molecules, we have designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated a library of 14 new hydrazide derivatives containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole core. A variety of mycobacterial strains, including some drug-resistant strains, were tested for antimycobacterial activity. Among the compounds tested, five showed high antimycobacterial activity (MIC values of 8 μg/mL) against M. tuberculosis H37Ra attenuated strain, and two derivatives were effective (MIC of 4 µg/mL) against pyrazinamide-resistant strains. Furthermore, the novel compounds were tested against the fungal C. albicans strain, showing no antimycotic activity, and thus demonstrating a good selectivity profile. Notably, they also exhibited low cytotoxicity against human SH-SY5Y cells. The molecular modeling carried out suggested a plausible mechanism of action towards the active site of the InhA enzyme, which confirmed our hypothesis. In conclusion, the active compounds were predicted in silico for ADME properties, and all proved to be potentially orally absorbed in humans.

DNA promoter hypermethylation of melanocyte lineage genes determines melanoma phenotype

Cellular stress contributes to the capacity of melanoma cells to undergo phenotype switching into highly migratory and drug tolerant dedifferentiated states. Such dedifferentiated melanoma cell states are marked by loss of melanocyte specific gene expression and increase of mesenchymal markers. Two crucial transcription factors, MITF and SOX10, important in melanoma development and progression have been implicated in this process. In this study we describe that loss of MITF is associated with a distinct transcriptional program, MITF promoter hypermethylation and poor patient survival in metastatic melanoma. From a comprehensive collection of melanoma cell lines, we observed that MITF methylated cultures were subdivided in two distinct subtypes. Examining mRNA levels of neural crest associated genes we found that one subtype had lost the expression of several lineage genes including SOX10. Intriguingly, SOX10 loss was associated with SOX10 gene promoter hypermethylation and distinct phenotypic and metastatic properties. Depletion of SOX10 in MITF methylated melanoma cells using CRISPR/Cas9 confirmed these findings. In conclusion, this study describes the significance of melanoma state and the underlying functional properties explaining the aggressiveness of such states.

Evaluation of growth potential and growth dynamics of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat fresh fruit

The consumption of fresh or RTE fruits is increasing every year and Listeria monocytogenes has been identified on raw or minimally processed fruits. A food product can become contaminated with L. monocytogenes anywhere along the pathway of food production during planting, harvesting, packaging, distribution and serving. The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological risks associated with consumption of ready- to- eat fruit such as melon, pineapple, coconut and fruit salad. The presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes was also evaluated. Microbiological challenge tests were carried out for the evaluation of the L. monocytogenes growth potential in RTE fruit stored at 4 and 8°C. E. coli counts resulted under the detection limit of 10 CFU g^-1, Salmonella and L. monocytogenes were not detected (absence in 25g). The growth potential values in coconut and melon (δ>0.5) showed the growth capacity of Listeria at the temperatures considered. A low initial load, also derived from good hygiene practices, and correct storage temperatures are essential to reduce bacterial growth in RTE fruit. The challenge test showed how each type of RTE fruit has a different commercial life based on its specific growth potential and that food should be stored at temperatures not higher than 4°C for a short period.

The X-Linked DDX3X RNA Helicase Dictates Translation Reprogramming and Metastasis in Melanoma

The X-linked DDX3X gene encodes an ATP-dependent DEAD-box RNA helicase frequently altered in various human cancers, including melanomas. Despite its important roles in translation and splicing, how DDX3X dysfunction specifically rewires gene expression in melanoma remains completely unknown. Here, we uncover a DDX3X-driven post-transcriptional program that dictates melanoma phenotype and poor disease prognosis. Through an unbiased analysis of translating ribosomes, we identified the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, MITF, as a key DDX3X translational target that directs a proliferative-to-metastatic phenotypic switch in melanoma cells. Mechanistically, DDX3X controls MITF mRNA translation via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) embedded within the 5' UTR. Through this exquisite translation-based regulatory mechanism, DDX3X steers MITF protein levels dictating melanoma metastatic potential in vivo and response to targeted therapy. Together, these findings unravel a post-transcriptional layer of gene regulation that may provide a unique therapeutic vulnerability in aggressive male melanomas.

Combining Eliashberg Theory with Density Functional Theory for the Accurate Prediction of Superconducting Transition Temperatures and Gap Functions

We propose a practical alternative to Eliashberg equations for the ab initio calculation of superconducting transition temperatures and gap functions. Within the recent density functional theory for superconductors, we develop an exchange-correlation functional that retains the accuracy of Migdal's approximation to the many-body electron-phonon self-energy, while having a simple analytic form. Our functional is based on a parametrization of the Eliashberg self-energy for a superconductor with a single Einstein frequency, and enables density functional calculations of experimental excitation gaps. By merging electronic structure methods and Eliashberg theory, the present approach sets a new standard in quality and computational feasibility for the prediction of superconducting properties.

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes in ready to eat salads at different storage temperatures and valuation of virulence genes expression

BACKGROUND

Vegetables are major components of a healthy and balanced diet. However, 25% of foodborne diseases are linked to the consumption of vegetables.

STUDY DESIGN

The aim of this work was to assess the microbiological risks associated with consumption of ready to eat salads (RTE).

METHODS

Microbiological challenge tests were carried out for the evaluation of the L. monocytogenes growth potential in RTE salads stored at different temperatures.

RESULTS

The results indicate that L.monocytogenes was able to grow (δ ≥ 0.5) in all storage conditions considered at the end of shelf life. In order to evaluate the virulence role of L. monocytogenes, the temperature-dependent transcription of major virulence genes was also investigated by RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

The microbiological challenge test allowed us to confirm, as also demonstrated by other authors, that RTE salads are able to support the growth of L. monocytogenes strains (d δ≥ 0.5) stored under different temperatures.

Potential issues of well water in domestic use in a retrospective study from 2014 to 2018

Well water requires chemical, physical-chemical, and microbiological analysis to ensure that the water used for irrigation or for human consumption presents no specific risks. The aim of the present work was to determine the microbiological risk of samples taken from wells in south-central Sardinia. In this survey, 55 water samples were taken from private wells in the period from 2014 to 2018. Quality was assessed through the detection of the parameters required by national law. The analysis of the data showed that only 36.4% of the samples (20 wells) complied with legal limits for water for human consumption. The most isolated species was P. aeruginosa, present in 29.1%; its high concentration and recorded Coliforms suggest that the disinfection of the wells was insufficient or not performed properly if implemented. Such data suggest the need to pay more attention to the waters used not only for human consumption but also for irrigation, since the cultivated vegetables could become a vehicle for potentially pathogenic microorganisms. National legislation sets contamination limits only for water intended for human consumption and not for irrigation water. However, based on these considerations, it appears necessary to develop reference standards for irrigation water.

The Role of PTEN Loss in Immune Escape, Melanoma Prognosis and Therapy Response

Checkpoint blockade therapies have changed the clinical management of metastatic melanoma patients considerably, showing survival benefits. Despite the clinical success, not all patients respond to treatment or they develop resistance. Although there are several treatment predictive biomarkers, understanding therapy resistance and the mechanisms of tumor immune evasion is crucial to increase the frequency of patients benefiting from treatment. The PTEN gene is thought to promote immune evasion and is frequently mutated in cancer and melanoma. Another feature of melanoma tumors that may affect the capacity of escaping T-cell recognition is melanoma cell dedifferentiation characterized by decreased expression of the microphtalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) gene. In this study, we have explored the role of PTEN in prognosis, therapy response, and immune escape in the context of MITF expression using immunostaining and genomic data from a large cohort of metastatic melanoma. We confirmed in our cohort that PTEN alterations promote immune evasion highlighted by decreased frequency of T-cell infiltration in such tumors, resulting in a worse patient survival. More importantly, our results suggest that dedifferentiated PTEN negative melanoma tumors have poor patient outcome, no T-cell infiltration, and transcriptional properties rendering them resistant to targeted- and immuno-therapy.

Tumor genetic heterogeneity analysis of chronic sun-damaged melanoma

Chronic sun‐damaged (CSD) melanoma represents 10%–20% of cutaneous melanomas and is characterized by infrequent BRAF V600E mutations and high mutational load. However, the order of genetic events or the extent of intra‐tumor heterogeneity (ITH) in CSD^high melanoma is still unknown. Ultra‐deep targeted sequencing of 40 cancer‐associated genes was performed in 72 in situ or invasive CMM, including 23 CSD^high cases. In addition, we performed whole exome and RNA sequencing on multiple regions of primary tumor and multiple in‐transit metastases from one CSD^high melanoma patient. We found no significant difference in mutation frequency in melanoma‐related genes or in mutational load between in situ and invasive CSD^high lesions, while this difference was observed in CSD^low lesions. In addition, increased frequency of BRAF V600K, NF1, and TP53 mutations (p < .01, Fisher's exact test) was found in CSD^high melanomas. Sequencing of multiple specimens from one CSD^high patient revealed strikingly limited ITH with >95% shared mutations. Our results provide evidence that CSD^high and CSD^low melanomas are distinct molecular entities that progress via different genetic routes.

Imidazole and 1,2,4-Triazole-based Derivatives Gifted with Antitubercular Activity: Cytotoxicity and Computational Assessment

Background:

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb) is the causative pathogen of Tuberculosis (TB) and outbreaks are more common among immunosuppressed persons infected with HIV. The current treatment regimens are lengthy and toxic, yet the therapy has remained unchanged for many decades, so there is a need to find new structures with selective mechanism of action. Moreover, the increased incidence of severe disseminated infections produced by undiagnosed Multidrug-resistant (MDR), worsen clinical treatment and contribute the spread of the disease.

Objective:

The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of imidazole and triazole moieties for antimycobacterial activity, by synthesizing some 1-(1-(aryl)-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)hydrazono)ethyl- 1H-imidazole and 1H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives 2a-l.

Methods:

The title compounds were obtained via classical organic synthesis. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the method of microdilution and the cytotoxicity assay was performed by MTT method.

Results:

The results indicated that the presence of both the imidazole ring and that of the 2,6- dichlorosubstituted phenyl moiety, is more relevant for inhibitory activity against Mtb than the triazole nucleus and the unsubstituted phenyl ring. Among the series, (E)-1-(2-(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)-2-(2- (2,6-dichlorophenyl)hydrazono)ethyl)-1H-imidazole derivative 2f and (Z)-1-(2-([1,1’-biphenyl]-4-yl)- 2-(2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)hydrazono)ethyl]-1H-imidazole derivatives 2e exhibited a promising antimycobacterial property and the latter also displayed a safe cytotoxic profile.

Conclusion:

The synthesized compounds were studied for their antitubercular activity. Among the series, the compounds 2e and 2f appeared to be the most promising agents and, according to the docking assessment, the compounds could be CYP51 inhibitors. These evidences could be useful for the future development of new antimycobacterial derivatives targeting CYP51 with more specificity for the mycobacterial cell enzyme.

Cost-effectiveness strategies in OSAS management: a short review

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSAS) is an underdiagnosed chronic disease with a high prevalence in adults. It is becoming a significant social problem, since it is associated with a worsening in quality of life and increase in mortality. The cost-effectiveness ratio of diagnostic and therapeutic management of OSAS is a strategic issue to counteract the expected increasing demand of objective testing. OSAS patients with any clinical evidence of comorbidities must be studied using simplified and less expensive systems such as Home Sleep Testing (HST). On the other hand, Sleep Laboratory Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard to manage OSAS patients with comorbidities. It should be pointed out that the use of HST can lead to incorrect diagnosis in poorly selected OSAS subjects. This short review discusses various topics for the proper diagnosis and treatment of OSAS in view of epidemiological factors and results in terms of costs and social benefit of the disease. Whatever the strategy chosen and/or the organisational model adopted for managing OSAS, it cannot and should not take into account only cost-effectiveness. Long-term prospective studies evaluating cost-effectiveness ratios and outcomes of OSAS treatment of hospital management models versus home care models are needed.

Lonomia caterpillar envenoming in French Guiana reversed by the Brazilian antivenom: A successful case of international cooperation for a rare but deadly tropical hazard

In the American continent, larval forms (caterpillars) of the Lonomia genus can cause systemic reactions in human beings. In this Paper, we report the third case of Lonomia envenoming recorded in French Guiana in 25 years, and the first in which specific antivenom was administered. Severe symptoms of the envenoming were observed in our patient including pain; coagulopathy and systemic hemorrhage. They are caused by skin contact with caterpillars. Recovery, however, was quite satisfactory thanks to the international cooperation of the health authorities in both France and Brazil.

Microbiological Quality of the Water used in Agriculture in Sardinia

BACKGROUND

The microbiological quality of the water used in irrigation is crucial for the safety of products, such as fruit and vegetables, especially when destined to be consumed raw. However, the microbiological quality of this water is not defined at a community regulatory level or at a national level.

METHODS

With our present work, we wanted to investigate the microbiological quality of the water used for crop irrigation in various Sardinian provinces. Since in most fields the irrigation water is filtered to remove any impurities, the sample was processed twice - both before and after the filtering process. Furthermore, with the purpose of hypothesising the potential health risks attributable to the consumption of crops from the tested fields, samples of horticultural product were collect. Any eventual seasonal differences in the values of microbial concentration were assessed. Microorganism faecal contamination indicators (Escherichia coli, total coliform and faecal streptococci), but even the presence of the opportunistic pathogen such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa were researched in irrigation water. Total mesophilic counts (TMC) were assessed at 36°C and 22°C. On horticultural products we researched both the indicators of process parameters, such as Escherichia coli, Total mesophilic counts at 30°C, Enterobacteriaceae, Total Psychrophilic counts and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogens, such as Salmonella spp, Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica.

RESULTS

The number of target microorganisms, when present in irrigation water, was very limited: Escherichia coli, total coliform and faecal streptococci, were detected respectively in 48% and 67% of the water samples tested with average concentration values of 0.9, 1.2 and 1.4 log respectively. In fresh vegetable products, the total mesophilic counts (TMC) were found to have average values of 6.6x107 CFU/g. The average values of Enterobacteriaceae totalled 6.1x105 CFU/g; Escherichia coli was detected in only one sample (curly endive) with a value of 180 CFU/g.

CONCLUSION

The data highlights the high quality of the water and how this contributed to achieving satisfactory quality on prime material. However the use of filters, to eliminate impurities, and reservoirs, may represent a crucial issue, if not managed correctly.

A phase II, multicentre trial of decitabine in higher-risk chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a complex clonal hematological disorder classified among myelodysplastic (MDS)/myeloproliferative neoplasms. Prognosis is poor and there is a lack of effective treatments. The hypomethylating agent decitabine has shown activity against MDS and elderly acute myeloid leukemia, but there is little data focusing specifically on its efficacy in CMML. In this prospective, phase 2 Italian study, CMML patients received intravenous decitabine 20 mg/m² per day on Days 1–5 of a 28-day treatment cycle. Response was evaluated after four and six cycles; patients responding at the end of six cycles could continue treatment with decitabine. Forty-three patients were enrolled; >50% were high-risk according to four CMML-specific scoring systems. In the intent-to-treat population (n=42), the overall response rate after six cycles was 47.6%, with seven complete responses (16.6%), eight marrow responses (19%), one partial response (2.4%) and four hematological improvements (9.5%). After a median follow-up of 51.5 months (range: 44.4–57.2), median overall survival was 17 months, with responders having a significantly longer survival than non-responders (P=0.02). Grade 3/4 anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 28.6%, 50% and 38% of patients, respectively. Decitabine appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with high-risk CMML.

Total hip prosthesis complication, periprosthetic infection with external fistulizing due to Enterobacter cloacae complex multiple drugs resistance: A clinical case report

•

The incidence of periprosthetic hip infections his just below 2%, and the Enterobacteriaceae are fairly rare, being the cause of infection in 3–6% of cases.

•

A 76 year old woman with multiple comorbidities underwent surgical implantation of endoprosthesis of the left hip.

•

Multidisciplinary diagnosis of a rare periprosthetic infection.

Introduction

The Enterobacter cloacae is a microorganism found in the intestinal flora of the majority of animals, including humans. Primary infections caused by E. cloacae are rare in immunocompetent patients, but are very common in hospital settings in newborns and immunocompromised patients, and can be aggravated by the insurgence of antibiotic resistance. The incidence of periprosthetic hip infections is just below 2%.

Case presentation

A 76 year old woman with multiple comorbidities underwent surgical implantation of intermediary total hip prosthesis of the left hip, in a different health facility, in February 2014, after the basicervical fracture of the upper femur extremity due to trauma. After an episode of dislocation of the prosthetic implant, in September 2014, she underwent a surgical operation to implant the acetabular component. A month later not in our facility, following a re-hospitalization for the dislocation of the arthroprosthesis, an infection from E. cloacae complex was discovered. After 2 years of chronic infection she came to our attention; the clinical picture featured coxalgia and secreting fistula in the surgical wound. Following a specific antibiotic therapy, carried out intravenously over the course of a month, we decided to intervene removing the left hip arthroprosthesis and placing an antibiotic spacer following the direction deduced from the antibiogram study of August 2016.

Conclusion

The patient was hospitalized in our facility and 2 months later she underwent another operation to remove the antibiotic spacer and to place a new total hip arthroprosthesis. Multiple swabs showed the complete healing from the infection, which was confirmed a couple of months later.

The use of new technologies for nutritional education in primary schools: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was evaluating if the presence of a humanoid robot could improve the efficacy of a game-based, nutritional education intervention.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a controlled, school-based pilot intervention carried out on fourth-grade school children (8-10 years old). A total of 112 children underwent a game-based nutritional educational lesson on the importance of carbohydrates. For one group (n = 58), the lesson was carried out by a nutritional educator, the Master of Taste (MT), whereas for another group, (n = 54) the Master of Taste was supported by a humanoid robot (MT + NAO). A third group of children (n = 33) served as control not receiving any lesson.

METHODS

The intervention efficacy was evaluated by questionnaires administered at the beginning and at the end of each intervention. The nutritional knowledge level was evaluated by the cultural-nutritional awareness factor (AF) score.

RESULTS

A total of 290 questionnaires were analyzed. Both MT and MT + NAO interventions significantly increased nutritional knowledge. At the end of the study, children in the MT and MT + NAO group showed similar AF scores, and the AF scores of both intervention groups were significantly higher than the AF score of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a significant increase in the nutritional knowledge of children involved in a game-based, single-lesson, educational intervention performed by a figure that has a background in food science. However, the presence of a humanoid robot to support this figure's teaching activity did not result in any significant learning improvement.

Exploring the thiazole scaffold for the identification of new agents for the treatment of fluconazole resistant Candida

Cyclohexyliden- and 2-methylcyclohexyliden-hydrazo-4-arylthiazoles were synthesized and tested as antifungal agents. All compounds exhibited minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values comparable with those of fluconazole (FLC). Moreover, some compounds showed fungicidal activity at low concentration. Worth noting five out of nine compounds were active towards Candida albicans 25 FLC resistant isolated from clinical specimens. The cellular toxicity was evaluated and none of the compounds is toxic at the MIC. On the basis of our data we can conclude that these derivatives are promising agents for the treatment of resistant C. albicans.

Each niche has an actor: multiple stem cell niches in the preterm kidney

The preterm kidney cannot be simply considered as a kidney small in size: as compared to the adult kidney, the developing organ of the preterm infant is characterized by marked differences regarding the architecture and cell components. At macroscopy, fine linear demarcations indenting the renal surface characterize the fetal and preterm kidney. At microscopy, multiple major architectural changes differentiate the developing kidney from the adult one: a large capsule with a high cellularity; the branching ureteric bud, extending from the hilum towards the renal capsule; striking morphological differences among superficial (just born) and deep (more mature) glomeruli; persistence of remnants of the metanephric mesenchyme in the hylum; incomplete differentiation of developing proximal and distal tubules. At cellular level, kidneys of preterm infants are characterized by huge amounts of stem/precursor cells showing different degrees of differentiation, admixed with mature cell types. The most striking difference between the preterm and adult kidney is represented by the abundance of stem/progenitor cells in the former. Multiple stem cell niches may be identified in the preterm kidney, including the capsule, the sub-capsular nephrogenic zone, the cap mesenchyme embracing the ureteric bud tips, the cortical and medullary interstitium, and the hilar zone in proximity of the ureteric origin. The sub-capsular area represents the major stem cell niche in the prenatal kidney. It has been defined “blue strip”, due to the scarcity of cytoplasm of the undifferentiated stem/progenitors, which appear as small cells arranged in a solid pattern. All these data taken together, the morphological approach to the analysis of the preterm kidney appears completely different from that typically utilized in kidney biopsies from adult subjects. Such a different structure should be taken into account when evaluating renal function in a preterm infant in clinical practice. Moreover, a better knowledge of molecular biology of the blue strip stem/progenitor cells could be at the basis of a new “endogenous” regenerative medicine, finalized to maintain and protect the nephrogenic potential of preterm infants till the 36th week of post-conceptional age, allowing them to escape oligonephronia and chronic kidney disease later in life.

First-Principles Calculation of the Real-Space Order Parameter and Condensation Energy Density in Phonon-Mediated Superconductors

We show that the superconducting order parameter and condensation energy density of phonon-mediated superconductors can be calculated in real space from first principles density functional theory for superconductors. This method highlights the connection between the chemical bonding structure and the superconducting condensation and reveals new and interesting properties of superconducting materials. Understanding this connection is essential to describe nanostructured superconducting systems where the usual reciprocal space analysis hides the basic physical mechanism. In a first application we present results for MgB2, CaC6 and hole-doped graphane.

Efficacy of anti-TNF alpha in severe and/or refractory Behçet's disease: Multicenter study of 124 patients

OBJECTIVE

To report the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF agents in patients with severe and/or refractory manifestations of Behçet's disease (BD).

METHODS

We performed a multicenter study of main characteristics and outcomes of anti-TNF alpha treatments [mainly infliximab (62%), and adalimumab (30%)] in 124 BD patients [48% of men; median age of 33.5 (28-40) years].

RESULTS

Overall response (i.e. complete and partial) rate was 90.4%. Clinical responses were observed in 96.3%, 88%, 70%, 77.8%, 92.3% and 66.7% of patients with severe and/or refractory ocular, mucocutaneous, joint, gastro-intestinal manifestations, central nervous system manifestations and cardiovascular manifestations, respectively. No significant difference was found with respect to the efficacy of anti-TNF used as monotherapy or in association with an immunosuppressive agent. The incidence of BD flares/patient/year was significantly lower during anti-TNF treatment (0.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 2.4 before the use of anti-TNF, p < 0.0001). The prednisone dose was significantly reduced at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, retinal vasculitis was negatively associated with complete response to anti-TNF (OR = 0.33 [0.12-0.89]; p = 0.03). The efficacy and relapse free survival were similar regardless of the type of anti-TNF agent used. After a median follow-up of 21 [7-36] months, side effects were reported in 28% of patients, including infections (16.3%) and hypersensitivity reactions (4.1%). Serious adverse events were reported in 13% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Anti-TNF alpha therapy is efficient in all severe and refractory BD manifestations. Efficacy appears to be similar regardless of the anti-TNF agent used (infliximab or adalimumab).

Recovery of Staphylococcus aureus in Gray Mugil cephalus Roe (Bottarga): Investigation by an Integrated Cultural/Molecular Approach

In the Mediterranean area, salted and dried roe from the gray Mugil cephalus "bottarga" represent a speciality food with great commercial value. Bottarga is currently produced by a traditional handmade process and, the risk of human bacterial contamination during its manufacturing is still unknown; in this perspective the foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus could potentially contaminate this product due to poor sanitation or bad handling during processing. The aim of this work is: to evaluate the contamination level of foodborne pathogens at different product manufacturing stages and, in addition, to describe a fast and realizable method for the rapid detection of S. aureus in bottarga samples in the field. A cultural procedure was initially used to investigate the occurrence of S. aureus and the other main foodborne pathogens in bottarga samples at the different manufacturing stages (from roe to final product). In addition, a molecular approach was used to rapidly determine the presence of total bacteria, S. aureus, and its potential toxigenicity. Of the 194 specimens analyzed, we identified: Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae. However, some samples resulted as being contaminated with S. aureus (4% in roe and 8.7% in the final product). During the bottarga manufacturing process, we observed an increase in pathogen levels (from 10(2) to 10(5) CFU/g) in contaminated samples, and entA and entB genotypes were identified. Reconstruction experiments suggest that the fresh roe and the bottarga (not completely dried) could represent a risk for the contamination and growth of pathogen bacteria.