Influence of copper source and dietary inclusion level on growth performance of weaned pigs and expression of trace element related genes in the small intestine

Copper is routinely supplemented to weanling pig diets at concentrations above nutritional requirements to enhance growth performance. We hypothesised that this effect depends on the source of Cu and its dietary concentration. We tested this in weaned pigs (26 d of age) over a 35-d period using a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two Cu-sources (CuSO4 and Cu2O, monovalent copper oxide, CoRouge®) and three supplementary dietary Cu-levels (15, 80 and 160 mg Cu/kg) as respective factors. Increasing Cu level linearly increased (P < 0.001) final BW and daily gain. These effects tended (P = 0.09) to be greater with Cu2O than CuSO4. Feed conversion ratio decreased linearly (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary Cu content, independent of Cu source. Plasma Cu, Zn and Fe levels were unaffected, whereas liver Cu content increased quadratically (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary Cu content, with a larger increase (P < 0.001) with CuSO4 than Cu2O. Bile Cu content increased quadratically (P = 0.025) with increasing Cu content, irrespective of Cu source. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that increasing Cu content quadratically (P = 0.009) increased duodenal but not ileal metallothionein 1A (MT1A) mRNA, with greater effect (P = 0.010) of CuSO4. Regardless of the Cu source, increasing Cu dose linearly increased (P = 0.006) duodenal DMT1/SLC11A2 mRNA but decreased ZIP4/SLC39A4 mRNA in duodenum (P < 0.001) and ileum (P < 0.005). ZnT10/SLC30A10 mRNA was significantly (P = 0.021) and numerically (P = 0.061) greater with Cu2O compared to CuSO4, in duodenum and ileum, respectively. Copper content quadratically modulated duodenal but not ileal transferrin receptor (P = 0.029) and ferric reductase CYBRD1 mRNA (P = 0.022). In hypothalamus, high Cu dose (P = 0.024) and Cu2O as source (P = 0.028) reduced corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA. Low versus high CuSO4 increased corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor (CRHR2) mRNA, while low Cu2O had the opposite effect (P = 0.009). In conclusion, incremental Cu intake enhanced growth performance, with a tendency for a greater effect of Cu2O. The lower increase in duodenal MT1A mRNA and liver Cu content indicates that less Cu from Cu2O was absorbed by gut and sequestered in liver. Thus, high Cu absorption is not essential for its growth-promoting effect and dietary Cu may affect intestinal Fe and Zn absorption via the active, transcellular route. The effects on hypothalamic CRH and CRHR2 expression indicate a role for the hypothalamus in mediating the effects of Cu on growth performance.

Defining priorities in the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare for rare bone disease patients: a dialogic approach

The Italian patient association for Multiple Osteochondromas, Ollier Disease, and Maffucci Syndrome, Associazione Conto Alla Rovescia-ACAR Aps, conducted a mixed-methods study at its 2023 annual conference. The study included the Open Dialogue Approach and a feedback survey to identify the main priorities in the transitioning process from paediatric to adult healthcare for patients with Multiple Osteochondromas, Ollier Disease, and Maffucci Syndrome. The common needs identified by patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals were coordination and continuity of care, patient empowerment and communication, social and practical support, and transition planning and support. This experience fostered a sense of collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, helping to build trust and create a shared vision for improving the quality of care for these patients. Furthermore, it could be considered a starting point for other patient associations interested in using different approaches to identify the needs of their members and actively involve all stakeholders.

The importance of rotation to teach secure half-hitch sequences in surgery

Background

Knot security of half-knot (H) sequences varies with rotation, but half-knots risk destabilisation.

Objectives

To investigate the rotation of half-hitch (S) sequences on knot security.

Materials and Methods

The loop and knot security of symmetrical and asymmetrical sliding and blocking half-hitch sequences was measured using a tensiometer.

Results

Loop security of symmetrical sliding half-hitch sequences is much higher than asymmetrical sequences, increasing from 6+2 to 21+2 and from 27+6 to 48+5 Newton (N) for 2 and 4 half-hitches respectively (both P<0.0001). Symmetrical sliding sequences are more compact and remain in the same plane, squeezing the passive thread, while asymmetrical sequences rotate loosely around the passive end. Blocking sequences are superior when asymmetrical since changing the passive end acts like changing rotation, transforming the asymmetrical sliding into a symmetrical blocking half-hitch on the new passive thread. The knot security of 2 sliding and 1 blocking half-hitch doubles from 52+3 to 98+2 N for the worst (asymmetric sliding and symmetric blocking, SSaSsb) or best rotation sequences (SSsSab). Adding a second asymmetric blocking half-hitch (Sab) increases security further to 105+3 N. The overall knot security of four-throw, correctly rotated, half-hitch (SSsSabSab) or half-knot (H2H1sH1s, H2H2a and H2H2s) sequences is similar for four suture diameters.

Conclusion

Rotation affects the security of half-hitch sequences, which should be symmetrical when sliding, and asymmetrical when blocking.

What is new?

Half-hitch sequences are clinically superior to half-knot sequences. They do not risk destabilisation, and loop security improves approximation of tissues under traction, permitting tight knots.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and Radiotherapy: Lung Toxicity Results of an Interim Analysis in Prospective Pilot Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive intrathoracic malignancy with an overall poor prognosis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery and then radiotherapy is the standard of care in early-stage disease. Our study aim is to evaluate the feasibility and toxicity of the novel adjuvant RT in accelerated hypofractionation. We report the lung toxicity preliminary results of the first patients entreated.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Starting in 2017, 29 MPM patients were enrolled in the trial (IRST trial 163). All patients were treated with accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy using a helical 3-D CRT and IMRT system and intensity-modulated arc therapy. We conducted a prospective mono-institutional clinical trial enrolling cyto-histological proven, MPM patients. The major exclusion criteria were: previous thorax radiotherapy, contralateral mediastinum involvement (N3) and/or M1, interstitial pneumopathy, active pneumonitis, and fissural disease. The prescription dose was 30 Gy in five daily fractions, while an inhomogeneous dose escalation to 40 Gy was prescribed based solely upon the presence of gross residual tumor. All patients were treated in a 3-D CRT and IMRT system. Patients underwent functional lung study before to start radiotherapy treatment, 2 months and 6 months after the end of the treatment. The organs at risk dose-volume histograms were converted to a 2-Gy equivalent dose, and we closely adhered to the dose constraints of the literature data. We in particular analyzed lung toxicity of the first 20 patients.

RESULTS

No G3/G4 lung toxicity was found. We reported 65.0% G1 pneumonitis and 10% G2 as acute lung toxicity. The majority of the G1 patients had only mild symptoms and pneumonitis was described only for radiologic features with no need for medical therapy. Other respiratory toxicities were G1-G2 cough in 50% of the patients; G1 dyspnea occurred in 65% of the patients and G2 in the 15%. The total lung mean dose was 18 Gy (range 13 Gy-23 Gy), and the contralateral lung mean dose was 2 Gy (range 1 Gy-2 Gy). The median value of Forced Expired Volume in one second (FEV1) recorded was 75.5% (range: 46%-137%) before the treatment was started, the median value of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) at baseline was 74 (range 46-123) with progressive decreasing values through time. DLCO has also been reported with a progressive decrease over time after radiotherapy treatment. No case of respiratory failure was reported after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of the intact lung with pleural intensity-modulated arc irradiation is a novel treatment strategy that appears to be safe, feasible, and without a high grade of lung toxicity. More investigations are mandatory. The protocol is ongoing.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy plus Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Recurrent Glioblastoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Hypoxia is thought to play a role in tumor development, angiogenesis and growth, and resistance to chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy and radiotherapy (RT) in a large number of human cancers. Brain tumors, especially highly aggressive GBM with its necrotic tissue, are more likely to be affected by hypoxia. The median partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) of high-grade gliomas in patients under anesthesia was approximately 5-7 mmHg, with a significant proportion of PO2 values <2.5 mmHg. The radiosensitivity of brain tumors could potentially be increased by performing hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) before the RT session. We propose an innovative approach to improve the efficacy of accelerated hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (HSRT) after HBO (HBO-RT) for the treatment of recurrent HGG (rHGG). The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the disease control rate (DCR) at 3 months. The secondary Objectives are: - Safety assessment (acute and late toxicity). - Overall Survival (OS), - Progression Free Survival (PFS).

MATERIALS/METHODS

We enrolled 14 patients (aged >18 years) with rHGG detected using MRI. A total dose of 15-25 Gy was administered in daily 5-Gy fractions for 3-5 consecutive days after daily HBO.

RESULTS

Median follow-up from re-irradiation was 22.8 months (range: 2.0-24.2 months). The disease control rate 3-months after HBO-RT was 50% (23.0-76.9). Six- and 12-month Progression-free survival was 35.7% (95% CI: 13-59.4) and 10.7% (95% CI: 0.8-35.4), respectively. Median overall survival of HBO-RT was 10.7 months (95% CI: 6.6-24.2). No acute or late neurologic toxicity >grade (G)2 was observed.

CONCLUSION

HSRT combined to HBO seems effective and safe in the treatment of rHGG.

Correspondence in reference to the previously published manuscript: Reduction of cycles of bendamustine plus rituximab therapy in the cases with good response for indolent B-cell lymphomas

Takezaki et al. analyzed the outcome of 57 patients with indolent lymphomas treated with Bendamustine plus Rituximab (BR) according to the number of cycles received, showing that patients who discontinued BR after four cycles had similar outcomes compared to patients who received five or six cycles. Considering the similarities but also the differences between indolent lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we enriched the results obtained with a cohort of CLL patients treated with BR starting from the experience of the Lazio region group on CLL. Out of 115 patients, 97 (84%) received 4-6 cycles of BR, while 18 (16%) received 1-3 cycles. The outcome of the group of patients who received at least 4 cycles was superior in terms of response rate (ORR 96% vs. ORR 83%, p = 0.041; CR 58% vs. CR 28%, p = 0.052 respectively) and PFS [median PFS 52.6 (40.3-64.9) versus 26.2 (19.3-33.0) months, p < 0.001]. The number of patients undergoing 4 cycles of BR (4-cycles group) and 5-6 cycles (over-4-cycles group) was 9 and 88, respectively. Compared to analysis conducted by the Japanese group in indolent lymphomas, in CLL we did not observe any difference between the outcome of the 4-cycles group and the over-4-cycles group in terms of ORR (89% vs. 97%, p = 0.268) and in survival [median PFS 40.8 (13.7-67.8) versus 52.6 (38.7-66.5) months, p = 0.117]. Moreover, we observed that patients who achieved a clinical CR showed overlapping outcomes with patients who received more than 4 cycles [CR vs. non-CR median PFS not reached vs. 11.0 months; over-4-cycles group median PFS 52.6 months (40.3-64.9); p < 0.001]. Nowadays chemoimmunotherapy with BR is reserved to fit elderly CLL patients, and there are many chemo-free treatment options available; therefore, discontinuation after 4 cycles may be permissible in patients who obtained a CR in order to limit toxicity as much as possible.

[Postural effect of vestibular galvanic stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease and camptocormia: Case series]

The objective of this paper is to explore the postural effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) in camptocormia. It is a retrospective case series of 7 Parkinson disease and camptocormia patients. Binaural monopolar GVS was administered. Main outcome variable was trunk forward flexion (TFF), assessed pre and immediately post GVS, and one month after. The TFF was assessed in the standing position, with open and closed eyes. The Berg balance scale was assessed before and 1 month after GVS. The TFF immediately after the GVS showed a reduction of 2.3 cm (p = 0.091) in the first reading, and after a 1-min stance (p = 0.025). Four of 5 patients maintained or even improved this effect a month after (p = 0.082). No changes in Berg balance scale were observed. Our results suggest an acute improvement in posture after one session of GVS, which significantly decreased TFF. Most of the results had a marginal significance due to small sample size.

Effect of the physicochemical properties of zinc oxide sources on their bioavailability in broilers

1. The bioavailability of a trace mineral source is related to its intestinal solubility (bioaccessibility), which in turn is determined by its physicochemical properties. It is still not clear which characteristics are more relevant in affecting solubility and bioavailability of mineral sources. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a common feed additive used to supplement zinc in the diet of monogastric animals. However, different sources have shown variable responses on animal bioavailability.2. This study hypothesised that different sources of feed grade ZnO have various physicochemical features that lead to distinct bioavailability values. Feed grade ZnO samples collected from the feed industry worldwide were characterised for their physicochemical features and tested in broilers to allow bioavailability determined.3. A total of 135 male Cobb broiler chickens were fed a standard starter diet from day 1 after hatching up to d 7. At d 8, animals were allocated in individual cages and fed one of the following dietary treatments during 15 days: a basal diet with 23.5 ppm of zinc and seven test diets with supplemented ZnO or zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) at 6 or 12 ppm.4. Different sources of ZnO showed an effect of solubility in the stomach and supplementation influenced total Zn levels in the ileum. The bioavailability of the different sources varied from 49% to 160% in relation to ZnSO₄. Aggregate size of particles seems to explain most of the variability in the bioavailability of the different sources tested in broilers. In conclusion, physicochemical properties of ZnO can partly explain the variability observed in terms of biological value.

Study of cellular toxicity in vitro of two resins for orthodontic use

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work is to compare cellular toxicity in vitro of two resins for orthodontic use: an auto-polymerizable composite and a photo-polymerizable composite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Samples were obtained by joining a couple of steel orthodontic brackets by using auto-polymerizing or photo-polymerizing resin. We used a halogen lamp, a mini LED lamp and a fast LED lamp used for orthodontics cure for 40 seconds. The 3T3 Swiss cellular line of fibroblasts was used. The samples obtained were used to determine the cellular toxicity in vitro using the Neutral Red Up-take (NRU) and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.

RESULTS

Toxicity of the extract appraised at a low level at MTT and NRU assays. There were statistically relevant differences between the toxicity induced by the auto-polymerizing material and the toxicity induced by the photo-polymerizing composite material, polymerized with the blue-light lamp (p < 0.001) and with the mini LED lamp (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

From the data collected in this study, we can conclude that both resins show a low level of cytotoxicity that, in the case of photochemical polymerizing resin, depends on the characteristics of the lamp.

Evaluation of the periodontal healing of the second mandibular molar distal site following insertion of PRF in the third molar post extraction alveolus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal healing of the distal sites of the mandibular second molars, comparing the extraction therapy of the third molar with and without PRF adjunct into the postextraction alveolus. The study sample was composed by 40 consecutive patients who underwent extraction of mandibular third molars. Patients were divided in two groups: the last 20 participants who have only been subjected to extraction (spontaneous healing group, SHG) and the first 20 patients who had PRF adjunct (PRF group, PG). Healing was evaluated by analyzing the variations in terms of PPD (Probing Pocket Depth), REC (Recession), CAL (Level of Clinical Attachment), BoP (Bleeding on Probing) and GI (Gingival Index) from Baseline to further follow-ups at 1 month and 3 months. The disto-vestibular (DV) and disto-lingual (DL) PPD values of the second mandibular molar were measured at Baseline and after three months in the two groups. Patients of the PG group showed lower PPD values at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively: DV: 3.6±1.09 - DL: 3.5±1.15 and DV: 2.5±0.83 - DL: 2.6±1.09, respectively. Patients belonging to the SHG also showed lower PPD values, reporting respectively the following DV values after 3 months: 2.7±0.86 - DL: 2.75±0. 85. However, there was no statistically significant difference comparing the results obtained in PG and SHG groups at 1 and 3 months (p>0.05). The insertion of PRF inside the post-extraction alveolus of the mandibular third molar leads to limited improvement in terms of periodontal healing, compared to extraction therapy only.

Electroclinical findings and long-term outcomes in epileptic patients with inv dup (15)

OBJECTIVE

To define the electroclinical phenotype and long-term outcomes in a cohort of patients with inv dup (15) syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The electroclinical data of 45 patients (25 males) affected by inv dup (15) and seizures were retrospectively analysed, and long-term follow-up of epilepsy was evaluated.

RESULTS

Epilepsy onset was marked by generalized seizures in 53% of patients, epileptic spasms in 51%, focal seizures in 26%, atypical absences in 11% and epileptic falls in 9%. The epileptic syndromes defined were: generalized epilepsy (26.7%), focal epilepsy (22.3%), epileptic encephalopathy with epileptic spasms as the only seizure type (17.7%) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (33.3%). Drug-resistant epilepsy was detected in 55.5% of patients. There was a significant higher prevalence of seizure-free patients in those with seizure onset after the age of 5 years and with focal epilepsy, with respect to those with earlier epilepsy onset because most of these later developed an epileptic encephalopathy (69.2% vs 34.4%; P = .03), usually Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in type. In fact, among patients with early-onset epilepsy, those presenting with epileptic spasms as the only seizure type associated with classical hypsarrhythmia achieved seizure freedom (P < .001) compared to patients with spasms and other seizure types associated with modified hypsarrhythmia.

CONCLUSIONS

Epilepsy in inv dup (15) leads to a more severe burden of disease. Frequently, these patients show drug resistance, in particular when epilepsy onset is before the age of five and features epileptic encephalopathy.

Pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies: Postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate complications, morbidity and oncologic outcomes of pelvic exenteration as treatment for gynecologic malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 35 patients underwent pelvic exenteration, due to recurrence of gynecological cancer. Surgical outcomes, early and late postoperative complications, and recurrence/survival outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 53.8 years. Anterior exenteration was done in 20 patients, while 15 were total exenterations. Ileal conduit was done in 24 patients, while 8 received a neobladder and 3 a cutaneous ureterostomy. Postoperative complications were divided in 2groups, early (<30 days) and late complications (>30 days). A total of 25 patients (71.4%) had one or more early complications; 16 (45.7%) had fever due to a urinary tract infection, pyelonephritis or intra-abdominal collection; 2 (5.7%) developed a vesicovaginal fistula; 4 (11.4%) a rectovaginal fistula; 3 (8.5%) acute kidney failure and one (2.85%) uronephrosis. Regarding to late complications, 8patients (22.8%) had fever. Six (17%) presented with uronephrosis, and 5 (14.2%) with ureteral-pouch stricture. Five patients (14.2%) had acute renal insufficiency, 3 (8,6%) rectovaginal fistula and one (2.85%) urinary fistula. Mean follow up time was 20.3 month (2-60). A total of 22patients (62.8%) were free of disease. Another 13 (37.1%) patients relapsed. Only 4 (11.4%) patients died after pelvic exenteration due to underlying disease.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic exenteration has a high rate of complications and morbidity, but can be the last curative opportunity in patients with recurrent or persistent gynecologic malignancies. This procedure should be performed by multidisciplinary, experienced teams in a tertiary medical center.

The role of counter-anions in the kinetics and chirality of porphyrin J-aggregates

Kinetics of the growth of TPPS₄ porphyrin J-aggregates slow down in the order H₂SO₄ > HCl > HBr > HNO₃ > HClO₄, in agreement with the Hofmeister series. The rate constants and the extent of chirality correlate with the structure-making or breaking abilities of the different anions with respect to the hydrogen bonding network of the solvent.

Midazolam vs diazepam in prolonged seizures in children: A pharmacoeconomic approach

OBJECTIVE

A previous European cost-utility study reported that use of buccal midazolam in the community setting for the treatment of prolonged seizures (ie, seizures lasting ≥5 minutes) in children was associated with an overall €12 507 399 reduction in annual costs charged to the Italian national health service compared with rectal diazepam. We re-evaluated these findings by applying a more conservative approach.

METHODS

The Italian Delphi panel reconvened to apply a more conservative assessment of available reports. A decision-tree model was used, allowing for different treatment pathways depending on whether or not a caregiver administers treatment, an ambulance is required for transport of the child to hospital, and an inpatient stay is required. Direct medical costs were derived from Italian healthcare system data. Estimates of the annual number of prolonged tonic-clonic seizures expected in the country were based on studies which assessed seizure duration using video-EEG recordings and medical records.

RESULTS

Although drug acquisition costs were greater for buccal midazolam than for rectal diazepam, the acquisition cost difference was outweighed by larger cost savings resulting mostly from a reduction in hospital admissions. Assuming that 1.2% of tonic and/or clonic seizures occurring in children and adolescents over a 12-month period are prolonged, the annual nationwide reduction in costs from preferring buccal midazolam to rectal diazepam was estimated at €3 577 587.9.

CONCLUSIONS

In this more conservative revised analysis, the high cost of buccal midazolam is still counteracted by greater cost savings compared with rectal diazepam, but cost reduction was less than previously estimated.

High dose irradiation after pleurectomy/decortication or biopsy for pleural mesothelioma treatment

PURPOSE

The role played by radiation therapy after pleurectomy/decortication or surgical biopsy in malignant pleural mesothelioma is uncertain. We treated patients with accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy using helical tomotherapy and intensity-modulated arc therapy in an attempt to keep lung toxicity to a minimum. The present study reports the feasibility and toxicity of this approach.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2008 and 2012, 36 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma underwent accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy to the hemithorax after pleurectomy/decortication (19 patients) or biopsy (17 patients). The prescription dose was 25Gy in five fractions over 5 consecutive days.

RESULTS

We observed three patients with G3 pneumonitis, five cases of grade 2 dyspnea and six cases of grade 2 cough. The median follow-up was 37 months (range: 3-54 months). The median overall survival for patients who underwent pleurectomy/decortication followed by radiotherapy was 21.6 months [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 15.5-24.1] compared to 19.4 months for patients not submitted to surgery.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of intact lung with pleural intensity-modulated arc irradiation in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma proved safe and feasible, with an acceptable rate of pneumonitis. Survival rates were encouraging for both biopsy-only and pleurectomy/decortication groups. We are currently conducting a phase II dose escalation trial in a similar patient setting to prospectively evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on toxicity, disease-free survival and overall survival.

Effect of zinc cations on the kinetics of supramolecular assembly and the chirality of porphyrin J-aggregates

Dilute aqueous solutions of anionic meso-4-sulfonatophenyl-porphyrin (TPPS) extract zinc(ii) ions from glass or quartz surfaces at room temperature and efficiently form the corresponding metal complex (ZnTPPS). The partial or complete formation of ZnTPPS has been probed by UV/Vis spectroscopy and both static and time-resolved fluorescence. The source of zinc(ii) ions has been clearly identified through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The presence of increasing amounts of ZnTPPS slows down the rate of TPPS J-aggregate formation in acid solution. This influences the nucleation step and has a profound impact on the onset of chirality in these species. This evidence indicates the important role of this adventitious metal ion in the interpretation of various spectroscopic and kinetic data for the self-assembly of the TPPS porphyrin and provides some insights into controversial findings on their chirality. The use of this metal derivative as the starting compound for in situ formation of monomeric TPPS is suggested.

Smart biosensors for multiplexed and fully integrated point-of-care diagnostics

Point-of-care diagnostics (PoC) and personalised medicine are highly valuable for the improvement of world health. Smartphone PoC platforms which precisely diagnose diseases and track their development through the detection of several bioanalytes represent one of the newest and most exciting advancements towards mass-screening applications. Here we focus on recent advances in both multiplexed and smartphone integrated PoC sensors.

A hybrid living/organic electrochemical transistor based on the Physarum polycephalum cell endowed with both sensing and memristive properties

A hybrid bio-organic electrochemical transistor was developed by interfacing an organic semiconductor, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate), with the Physarum polycephalum cell. The system shows unprecedented performances since it could be operated both as a transistor, in a three-terminal configuration, and as a memristive device in a two terminal configuration mode. This is quite a remarkable achievement since, in the transistor mode, it can be used as a very sensitive bio-sensor directly monitoring biochemical processes occurring in the cell, while, as a memristive device, it represents one of the very first examples of a bio-hybrid system demonstrating such a property. Our system combines memory and sensing in the same system, possibly interfacing unconventional computing. The system was studied by a full electrical characterization using a series of different gate electrodes, namely made of Ag, Au and Pt, which typically show different operation modes in organic electrochemical transistors. Our experiment demonstrates that a remarkable sensing capability could potentially be implemented. We envisage that this system could be classified as a Bio-Organic Sensing/Memristive Device (BOSMD), where the dual functionality allows merging of the sensing and memory properties, paving the way to new and unexplored opportunities in bioelectronics.

Real-time monitoring of self-assembling worm-like micelle formation by organic transistors

OECT (Fig. a) for monitoring micelle formation in a spherical (red points – Fig. b) and a wormlike (blue points – Fig. b) regime solutions.

Induction Chemotherapy to Weekly Paclitaxel Concurrent with Curative Radiotherapy in Stage IV (M0) Unresectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Dose Escalation Study

The purpose was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of weekly paclitaxel with concurrent, daily irradiation in patients with unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma previously submitted to induction chemotherapy. Patients with stage IV, and unresectable tumor and/or node/s were enrolled. Nine male patients were submitted to a course of paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 day 1 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 day 2 given every 3 weeks for three courses. Curative radiotherapy (RT) started 3 weeks after the last cycle of chemotherapy with the goal of delivering a total dose of 66-70 Gy. During RT weekly paclitaxel was administered for 6 courses if feasible; paclitaxel was given according to a dose escalation schema in cohorts of three patients. Dose level A, 30 mg/m2; dose level B, 40 mg/m2; dose level C, 50 mg/m2. During weekly paclitaxel the major toxicity was mucositis that required a treatment break in two of three patients in dose level C; mucositis grade 4 required interruption of paclitaxel administration in all these patients. RT can be given in a continuous fashion with weekly paclitaxel after induction chemotherapy. The MTD of weekly paclitaxel was 40 mg/m2.

High incidence of post-transplant cytomegalovirus reactivations in myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation after treatment with bortezomib-based regimens: a survey from the Rome transplant network

The incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivations in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is relatively low. However, the recent increased use of novel agents, such as bortezomib and/or immunomodulators, before transplant, has led to an increasing incidence of Herpesviridae family virus infections. The aim of the study was to establish the incidence of post-engraftment symptomatic CMV reactivations in MM patients receiving ASCT, and to compare this incidence with that of patients treated with novel agents or with conventional chemotherapy before transplant. The study was a survey of 80 consecutive patients who underwent ASCT after treatment with novel agents (Group A). These patients were compared with a cohort of 89 patients treated with VAD regimen (vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) before ASCT (Group B). Overall, 7 patients (4.1%) received an antiviral treatment for a symptomatic CMV reactivation and 1 died. The incidence of CMV reactivations was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (7.5% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.048). When compared with Group B, the CMV reactivations observed in Group A were significantly more frequent in patients who received bortezomib, whether or not associated with immunomodulators (9.4% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.019), but not in those treated with immunomodulators only (3.7% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.396). These results suggest that MM patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens are at higher risk of developing a symptomatic CMV reactivation after ASCT.

Manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review

This systematic review aimed at investigating the role of therapeutic exercise and/or manual therapy in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Two independent reviewers (AR, CV) searched PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, PEDro and Scopus databases and a third one (SP) was consulted in case of disagreement. The research criteria were publication period (from May 2007 to April 2012) and publication language (English or Italian). Ten randomized controlled trials matched inclusion criteria, eight of which concerning therapeutic exercise and two manual therapy. Few good quality studies were found. At mid- and long-term follow-up land-based exercises showed insufficient evidence of effectiveness with respect to pain and quality of life, but positive results were found for physical function. Water exercises significantly reduced fall risk when combined with functional exercises. Programs containing progressive and gradual exposure of difficult activities, education and exercises promoted better outcomes, higher adherence to home program and increased amount of physical activity, especially walking. Manual therapy seemed to reduce pain and decrease disability at short-term. Less use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was statistically significant at long-term follow-up in patients treated with manual therapy. The relationship between clinical results and radiological grade of OA was not investigated. Encouraging results were found in recent literature for manual therapy and functional training. Further research is needed to elucidate this issue through high-quality trials, especially addressing the aspects that have not been thoroughly explored yet, for instance type, amount and scheduling of conservative treatment.