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Carrara L, Hicks T, Samie L, Taroni F, Castella V. DNA transfer when using gloves in burglary simulations. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 63:102823. [PMID: 36563530 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that DNA can be indirectly transferred from an individual onto a surface. Therefore, the presence of DNA that is compatible with a given person does not necessarily mean that this person has touched the surface on which the DNA was recovered. The present work simulates cases, where DNA is recovered on a door handle and compared to several reference DNA profiles. The DNA profile of the trace shares DNA components with a person of interest (POI). When asked about the DNA results, the POI says he has nothing to do with the incident and has never been at the scene. However, a possibility would be that the DNA came from his recently stolen gloves. Someone else, the alternative offender (AO), could have opened the door wearing his gloves (POI's gloves), and transferred his DNA (POI's DNA). Based on the above-mentioned scenario, 60 burglary simulations experiments were carried out to generate data to assess DNA results given these allegations. The quantity and quality of DNA profiles (NGM SElect) recovered when the POI opened/closed the door bare-handed or when someone else performed the same activity but using POI's gloves, were compared. The gloves were regularly worn during at least three months by their owner during the winter. On the contrary, the AO wore them only for two minutes. Among the traces collected on the door handles, less than 50% of the traces led to interpretable DNA profiles. In 30% of the cases (3/10), when the door was opened/closed with bare hands, the DNA found on the door handle led to a mixed DNA profile with the POI's DNA aligning with the major contributor. For the experiments where the AO opened/closed the door with the POI's gloves, the POI's DNA was compatible with 22% (11/50) of the mixed DNA profile, aligning with the major in 8% of the cases (4/50). The DNA profiles of the offices' occupants were observed on the door handles, but not the AO's. In addition to the results of the experiments, we show two examples of how one can assess results observed in casework. Given the possibility of indirect transfer of minute DNA quantities, this research emphasizes the need to evaluate DNA results given the activities when the POI has a legitimate reason that can explain the presence of their DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Carrara
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Batochime, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - T Hicks
- Fondation pour la Formation Continue Universitaire Lausannoise (UNIL-EPFL) & School of Criminal Justice, Batochime, Dorigny, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Forensic Genetics Unit, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne 100025, Switzerland
| | - L Samie
- Forensic Genetics Unit, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne 100025, Switzerland
| | - F Taroni
- School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, Criminal Justice and Public Administration, University of Lausanne, Batochime, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - V Castella
- Forensic Genetics Unit, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne-Geneva, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne 100025, Switzerland
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2
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Bozza S, Scherz V, Greub G, Taroni F. A probabilistic approach to evaluate salivary microbiome in forensic science when the Defense says: `It is my twin brother'. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 57:102638. [PMID: 34896973 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Salivary microbiota profiles may represent a valid contribution to forensic investigation when standard DNA genotyping methods fail. Starting from questioned and control materials in the form of saliva, the evidence can be expressed by means of a distance between those materials taking into account specific aspects of the microbiota composition. The value of the evidence for forensic discrimination purposes is quantified by means of a Bayes' factor, that allows one to overcome the major limitations and pitfalls of intuition connected to the use of cut-off values as a mean of decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bozza
- Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Department of Economics, 30121 Venice, Italy; Lausanne University Hospital, Institute of Microbiology, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - V Scherz
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - G Greub
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - F Taroni
- Lausanne University Hospital, Institute of Microbiology, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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3
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Sampogna G, Gallioli A, Berrettini A, Zanetti S, Llorens E, Quiróz Y, Gnech M, De Marco E, Minoli D, Taroni F, De Lorenzis E, Montini G, Manzoni G, Bujons Tur A, Montanari E. Mini-PCNL with a semi-closed-circuit vacuum-assisted system in pediatric patients treated by two European tertiary referral centers. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)33345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Taroni F, Bozza S, Hicks T, Garbolino P. More on the question ‘When does absence of evidence constitute evidence of absence?’ How Bayesian confirmation theory can logically support the answer. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 301:e59-e63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Biedermann A, Taroni F, Bozza S, Augsburger M, Aitken C. Critical analysis of forensic cut-offs and legal thresholds: A coherent approach to inference and decision. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:72-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Cortese A, Laurà M, Casali C, Nishino I, Hayashi YK, Magri S, Taroni F, Stuani C, Saveri P, Moggio M, Ripolone M, Prelle A, Pisciotta C, Sagnelli A, Pichiecchio A, Reilly MM, Buratti E, Pareyson D. Altered TDP-43-dependent splicing in HSPB8-related distal hereditary motor neuropathy and myofibrillar myopathy. Eur J Neurol 2017; 25:154-163. [PMID: 29029362 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Mutations in the small heat-shock protein 22 gene (HSPB8) have been associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2L, distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) type IIa and, more recently, distal myopathy/myofibrillar myopathy (MFM) with protein aggregates and TDP-43 inclusions. The aim was to report a novel family with HSPB8K141E -related dHMN/MFM and to investigate, in a patient muscle biopsy, whether the presence of protein aggregates was paralleled by altered TDP-43 function. METHODS We reviewed clinical and genetic data. We assessed TDP-43 expression by qPCR and alternative splicing of four previously validated direct TDP-43 target exons in four genes by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The triplets and their mother presented in the second to third decade of life with progressive weakness affecting distal and proximal lower limb and truncal muscles. Nerve conduction study showed a motor axonal neuropathy. The clinical features, moderately raised creatin kinase levels, selective pattern of muscle involvement on magnetic resonance imaging and pathological changes on muscle biopsy, including the presence of protein aggregates, supported the diagnosis of a contemporary primary muscle involvement. In affected muscle tissue we observed a consistent alteration of TDP-43-dependent splicing in three out of four TDP-43-target transcripts (POLDIP3, FNIP1 and BRD8), as well as a significant decrease of TDP-43 mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the role of mutated HSPB8 as a cause of a combined neuromuscular disorder encompassing dHMN and MFM with protein aggregates. We identified impaired RNA metabolism, secondary to TDP-43 loss of function, as a possible pathological mechanism of HSPB8K141E toxicity, leading to muscle and nerve degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cortese
- C. Mondino National Neurological Institute Foundation, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy.,MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - M Laurà
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - C Casali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - I Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y K Hayashi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Magri
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - F Taroni
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - C Stuani
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - P Saveri
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - M Moggio
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Ripolone
- Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - A Prelle
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale Maggiore, Crema, Italy
| | - C Pisciotta
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - A Sagnelli
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - A Pichiecchio
- C. Mondino National Neurological Institute Foundation, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - M M Reilly
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - E Buratti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - D Pareyson
- Unit of Rare Neurodegenerative and Neurometabolic Diseases, IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Biedermann A, Bozza S, Taroni F, Aitken C. The meaning of justified subjectivism and its role in the reconciliation of recent disagreements over forensic probabilism. Sci Justice 2017; 57:477-483. [PMID: 29173463 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we reply to recent comments in this Special Issue according to which subjective probability is not considered to be a concept fit for use in forensic evaluation and expert reporting. We identify the source of these criticisms to lie in a misunderstanding of subjective probability as unconstrained subjective probability; a lack of constraint that neither corresponds to the way in which we referred to subjective probability in our previous contributions, nor to the way in which probability assignment is understood by current evaluative guidelines (e.g., of ENFSI). Specifically, we explain that we understand subjective probability as a justified assertion, i.e. a conditional assessment based on task-relevant data and information, that may be thought of as a constrained subjective probability. This leads us to emphasise again the general conclusion that there is no gap between justified (or, reasonable) subjective probability and other concepts of probability in terms of its ability to provide assessments that are soundly based on whatever relevant information available. We also note that the challenges an expert faces in reporting probabilities apply equally to all interpretations of probability, not only to subjective probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Biedermann
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland.
| | - S Bozza
- Ca'Foscari University Venice, Department of Economics, Venice 30121, Italy; University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - F Taroni
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - C Aitken
- University of Edinburgh, School of Mathematics and Maxwell Institute, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Hicks T, Biedermann A, de Koeijer JA, Taroni F, Champod C, Evett IW. Reply to Morrison et al. (2016) Refining the relevant population in forensic voice comparison - A response to Hicks et alii (2015) The importance of distinguishing information from evidence/observations when formulating propositions. Sci Justice 2017; 57:401-402. [PMID: 28889871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T Hicks
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne, 1015 Dorigny, Switzerland; Fondation pour la formation continue universitaire lausannoise (UNIL-EPFL), 1015 Dorigny, Switzerland.
| | - A Biedermann
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne, 1015 Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - J A de Koeijer
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, NFI, PO Box 24044, 2490 AA The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - F Taroni
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne, 1015 Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - C Champod
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne, 1015 Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - I W Evett
- Principal Forensic Services Ltd, Office 4, 219 Kensington High Street, London W8 6BD, United Kingdom
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Cereda G, Gill RD, Taroni F. A solution for the rare type match problem when using the DIP-STR marker system. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2017; 34:88-96. [PMID: 29433057 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The rare type match problem is an evaluative challenging situation in which the analysis of a DNA profile reveals the presence of (at least) one allele which is not contained in the reference database. This situation is challenging because an estimate for the frequency of occurrence of the profile in a given population needs sophisticated evaluative procedures. The rare type match problem is very common when the DIP-STR marker system, which has proven itself very useful for dealing with unbalanced DNA mixtures, is used, essentially due to the limited size of the available database. The object-oriented Bayesian network proposed in Cereda et al. [7] to assess the value of the evidence for general scenarios, was not designed to deal with this particular situation. In this paper, the model is extended and partially modified to be able to calculate the full Bayesian likelihood ratio in presence of any (observed and not yet observed) allele of a given profile. The method is based on the approach developed in Cereda [5] for Y-STR data. Alternative solutions, such as the plug-in approximation and an empirical Bayesian methodology are also proposed and compared with the results obtained with the full Bayesian approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cereda
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, Institute of Forensic Science, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland.
| | - R D Gill
- Leiden University, Mathematical Institute, Niels Bohrweg 1, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F Taroni
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, Institute of Forensic Science, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
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11
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Biedermann A, Bozza S, Taroni F, Fürbach M, Li B, Mazzella W. Analysis and evaluation of magnetism of black toners on documents printed by electrophotographic systems. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 267:157-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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De March I, Sironi E, Taroni F. Probabilistic evaluation of n traces with no putative source: A likelihood ratio based approach in an investigative framework. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 266:527-533. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Biedermann A, Bozza S, Taroni F, Aitken C. Reframing the debate: A question of probability, not of likelihood ratio. Sci Justice 2016; 56:392-396. [PMID: 27702458 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Evidential value is measured by a likelihood ratio. This ratio has two components, the probability, or probability density, of the evidence if the prosecution proposition is true and the probability (density) of the evidence if the defence proposition is true. It takes the form of a single value, even if these probabilities are subjective measures of belief of the reporting forensic scientist.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Biedermann
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland.
| | - S Bozza
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland; Ca'Foscari University Venice, Department of Economics, 30121 Venice, Italy
| | - F Taroni
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - C Aitken
- University of Edinburgh, School of Mathematics and Maxwell Institute, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, Scotland
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Maio V, Yuen E, Rabinowitz C, Louis D, Jimbo M, Donatini A, Mall S, Taroni F. Using pharmacy data to identify those with chronic conditions in Emilia Romagna, Italy. J Health Serv Res Policy 2016; 10:232-8. [PMID: 16259690 DOI: 10.1258/135581905774414259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Automated pharmacy data have been used to develop a measure of chronic disease status in the general population. The objectives of this project were to refine and apply a model of chronic disease identification using Italian automated pharmacy data; to describe how this model may identify patterns of morbidity in Emilia Romagna, a large Italian region; and to compare estimated prevalence rates using pharmacy data with those available from a 2000 Emilia Romagna disease surveillance study. Methods: Using the Chronic Disease Score, a list of chronic conditions related to the consumption of drugs under the Italian pharmaceutical dispensing system was created. Clinical review identified medication classes within the Italian National Therapeutic Formulary that were linked to the management of each chronic condition. Algorithms were then tested on pharmaceutical claims data from Emilia Romagna for 2001 to verify the applicability of the classification scheme. Results: Thirty-one chronic condition drug groups (CCDGs) were identified. Applying the model to the pharmacy data, approximately 1.5 million individuals (37.1%) of the population were identified as having one or more of the 31 CCDGs. The 31 CCDGs accounted for 77% (E556 million) of 2001 pharmaceutical expenditures. Cardiovascular diseases, rheumatological conditions, chronic respiratory illness, gastrointestinal diseases and psychiatric diseases were the most frequent chronic conditions. External validation comparing rates of the diseases found through using pharmacy data with those of a 2000 Emilia Romagna disease surveillance study showed similar prevalence of illness. Conclusions: Using Italian automated pharmacy data, a measure of population-based chronic disease status was developed. Applying the model to pharmaceutical claims from Emilia Romagna 2001, a large proportion of the population was identified as having chronic conditions. Pharmacy data may be a valuable alternative to survey data to assess the extent to which large populations are affected by chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Maio
- Department of Health Policy, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia 19107, USA.
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Corrado L, Magri S, Bagarotti A, Carecchio M, Piscosquito G, Pareyson D, Varrasi C, Vecchio D, Zonta A, Cantello R, Taroni F, D'Alfonso S. A novel synonymous mutation in the MPZ gene causing an aberrant splicing pattern and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1b. Neuromuscul Disord 2016; 26:516-20. [PMID: 27344971 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is an inherited peripheral neuropathy with a heterogeneous genetic background. Here, we describe two CMT1B families with a mild sensory-motor neuropathy and a novel synonymous variant (c.309G > T, p.G103G) in exon 3 of the MPZ gene. Next generation sequencing analysis on a 94 CMT gene panel showed no mutations in other disease genes. In vitro splicing assay and mRNA expression analysis indicated that the c.309T variant enhances a cryptic donor splice site at position c.304 resulting in the markedly increased expression of the r.304_448del alternative transcript in patients' cells. This transcript is predicted to encode a truncated P0 protein (p.V102Cfs11*) lacking the transmembrane domain, thus suggesting a possible haploinsufficiency mechanism for this mutation. This is the third reported synonymous MPZ variant associated with CMT1 and affecting splicing. These data confirm the functional impact of synonymous variants on MPZ splicing and their possible role as disease-causing mutations rather than silent polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Corrado
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Amedeo Avogadro University, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), Amedeo Avogadro University, Novara, Italy.
| | - S Magri
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - A Bagarotti
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Amedeo Avogadro University, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - M Carecchio
- Department of Neurology, Amedeo Avogadro University, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - G Piscosquito
- Unit of Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - D Pareyson
- Unit of Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - C Varrasi
- Department of Neurology, Amedeo Avogadro University, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - D Vecchio
- Department of Neurology, Amedeo Avogadro University, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - A Zonta
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Amedeo Avogadro University, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - R Cantello
- Department of Neurology, Amedeo Avogadro University, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - F Taroni
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Disease, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - S D'Alfonso
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Amedeo Avogadro University, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), Amedeo Avogadro University, Novara, Italy
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Taroni F, Biedermann A, Bozza S. Statistical hypothesis testing and common misinterpretations: Should we abandon p-value in forensic science applications? Forensic Sci Int 2015; 259:e32-6. [PMID: 26743713 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many people regard the concept of hypothesis testing as fundamental to inferential statistics. Various schools of thought, in particular frequentist and Bayesian, have promoted radically different solutions for taking a decision about the plausibility of competing hypotheses. Comprehensive philosophical comparisons about their advantages and drawbacks are widely available and continue to span over large debates in the literature. More recently, controversial discussion was initiated by an editorial decision of a scientific journal [1] to refuse any paper submitted for publication containing null hypothesis testing procedures. Since the large majority of papers published in forensic journals propose the evaluation of statistical evidence based on the so called p-values, it is of interest to expose the discussion of this journal's decision within the forensic science community. This paper aims to provide forensic science researchers with a primer on the main concepts and their implications for making informed methodological choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Taroni
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Biedermann
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - S Bozza
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Department of Economics, Venice, Italy.
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Hicks T, Biedermann A, de Koeijer J, Taroni F, Champod C, Evett I. The importance of distinguishing information from evidence/observations when formulating propositions. Sci Justice 2015; 55:520-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Taroni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 33, Bologna 40126, Italy
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Giannì ML, Roggero P, Piemontese P, Morlacchi L, Bracco B, Taroni F, Garavaglia E, Mosca F. Boys who are born preterm show a relative lack of fat-free mass at 5 years of age compared to their peers. Acta Paediatr 2015; 104:e119-23. [PMID: 25382273 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Prematurity is associated with features of metabolic syndrome in young adulthood. We investigated the body composition and blood pressure of children born preterm. METHODS A longitudinal, observational study was conducted with preterm infants who had a birth weight of <1500 g and a gestational age of <32 weeks. Growth and body composition were assessed by air displacement plethysmography at term equivalent age and at school age and were compared to those of 61 healthy, term breastfed subjects. RESULTS A total of 63 preterm infants were enrolled. At term equivalent age, growth and fat-free mass were lower in preterm infants than in term newborns, but fat mass was higher. At 5 years of age, children born preterm were still lighter and shorter than children born at term. When the results were analysed by gender, the fat-free mass index was lower in boys born preterm than in their peers (12.1 ± 1.1 versus 13.0 ± 1.0 kg/h(2) p < 0.005), whereas no difference was detected among girls. Diastolic blood pressure was higher in children born preterm than in children born at term (61.14 ± 7.8 vs 56.69 ± 8.2 mmHg, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION Boys born preterm showed a relative lack of fat-free mass at school age compared to their peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. L. Giannì
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - P. Roggero
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - P. Piemontese
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - L. Morlacchi
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - B. Bracco
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - F. Taroni
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - E. Garavaglia
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - F. Mosca
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health; University of Milan; Milan Italy
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Matilla-Dueñas A, Ashizawa T, Brice A, Magri S, McFarland KN, Pandolfo M, Pulst SM, Riess O, Rubinsztein DC, Schmidt J, Schmidt T, Scoles DR, Stevanin G, Taroni F, Underwood BR, Sánchez I. Consensus paper: pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxias. Cerebellum 2014; 13:269-302. [PMID: 24307138 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0539-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intensive scientific research devoted in the recent years to understand the molecular mechanisms or neurodegeneration in spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are identifying new pathways and targets providing new insights and a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis in these diseases. In this consensus manuscript, the authors discuss their current views on the identified molecular processes causing or modulating the neurodegenerative phenotype in spinocerebellar ataxias with the common opinion of translating the new knowledge acquired into candidate targets for therapy. The following topics are discussed: transcription dysregulation, protein aggregation, autophagy, ion channels, the role of mitochondria, RNA toxicity, modulators of neurodegeneration and current therapeutic approaches. Overall point of consensus includes the common vision of neurodegeneration in SCAs as a multifactorial, progressive and reversible process, at least in early stages. Specific points of consensus include the role of the dysregulation of protein folding, transcription, bioenergetics, calcium handling and eventual cell death with apoptotic features of neurons during SCA disease progression. Unresolved questions include how the dysregulation of these pathways triggers the onset of symptoms and mediates disease progression since this understanding may allow effective treatments of SCAs within the window of reversibility to prevent early neuronal damage. Common opinions also include the need for clinical detection of early neuronal dysfunction, for more basic research to decipher the early neurodegenerative process in SCAs in order to give rise to new concepts for treatment strategies and for the translation of the results to preclinical studies and, thereafter, in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Matilla-Dueñas
- Health Sciences Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Ctra. de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles s/n, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain,
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Nanetti L, Ferraro S, Bertolino N, Piacentini S, Mandelli M, Ghielmetti F, Castaldo A, Gellera C, Nigri A, Taroni F, Bruzzone M, Di Donato S, Grisoli M, Mariotti C. E25 Fmri Signal Changes In Frontal Cortex Correlates With Years-to-disease-onset In A Group Of Young Premanifest Huntington Disease Subjects. J Neurol Psychiatry 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309032.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Taroni F, Marquis R, Schmittbuhl M, Biedermann A, Thiéry A, Bozza S. Bayes factor for investigative assessment of selected handwriting features. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 242:266-273. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Biedermann A, Voisard R, Scoundrianos A, Furrer J, Taroni F, Champod C. Supporting interdisciplinary case studies: development and implementation of a joint learning environment for students in forensic science and criminal law. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2013.868926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Cereda G, Biedermann A, Hall D, Taroni F. An investigation of the potential of DIP-STR markers for DNA mixture analyses. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2014; 11:229-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Smets K, Deconinck T, Baets J, Sieben A, Martin JJ, Smouts I, Wang S, Taroni F, Di Bella D, Van Hecke W, Parizel PM, Jadoul C, De Potter R, Couvreur F, Rugarli E, De Jonghe P. Partial deletion of AFG3L2 causing spinocerebellar ataxia type 28. Neurology 2014; 82:2092-100. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Gittelson S, Biedermann A, Bozza S, Taroni F. Decision analysis for the genotype designation in low-template-DNA profiles. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2014; 9:118-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Taroni F. The fabbrica della penicillina in postwar Italy: an institutionalist approach. Med Secoli 2014; 26:639-662. [PMID: 26054217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on the motives and long-term effects of the momentous decision to build a world-class biomedical research laboratory, the International Center for Chemical Microbiology, at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in Rome, rather than develop domestic production of penicillin to meet the needs of a destitute postwar Italy. An institutionalist approach will provide a richer vision of the intersections of scientific and national political history in postwar Italy and the Cold War. The Center failed in its modernising mission due to an insular mentality producing an 'enclosure effect' against the State, the healthcare system and the pharmaceutical industry. The absence of a scientific base together with an economic policy of 'liberal protectionism' that placed premiums on import tariffs and the licensing of foreign products explains the path dependency of the pharmaceutical industry during the postwar years and its demise in the 1960s.
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Piemontese P, Liotto N, Garbarino F, Morniroli D, Taroni F, Bracco B, Garavaglia E, Mosca F. Effect of prematurity on fat mass distribution and blood pressure at prepubertal age: a follow-up study. Pediatr Med Chir 2013; 35:166-71. [DOI: 10.4081/pmc.2013.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Bassani R, Pareyson D, D'Incerti L, Di Bella D, Taroni F, Salsano E. Pendular nystagmus in hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. J Clin Neurosci 2013; 20:1443-5. [PMID: 23845262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2012.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a 49-year old woman affected by hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. She presented with typical pendular nystagmus that was analyzed with video-oculography which is provided in the supplementary material of the report. The pendular nystagmus was accompanied by upper limb ataxia on the index-to-nose test. The video was partly recorded with a slow-motion technique in order to better demonstrate the ataxia and the pendular nystagmus. The brain MRI demonstrated a characteristic pattern of hypomyelination. Pendular nystagmus is a key clinical sign that contributes to the diagnosis of CNS hypomyelination when a leukodystrophic pattern is observed on brain MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bassani
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Ospedale "G. Salvini", via Forlanini 121, Garbagnate Milanese, Italy; Oto-neurology Service, Fondazione Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy.
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Biedermann A, Hicks T, Voisard R, Taroni F, Champod C, Aitken C, Evett I. E-learning initiatives in forensic interpretation: Report on experiences from current projects and outlook. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 230:2-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Taroni F, Forzenigo L, Tondolo T, Liotto N, Bracco B, Garavaglia E, Garbarino F, Biondetti P, Mosca F. [Intra-abdominal adiposity in preterm infants: an explorative study]. Pediatr Med Chir 2012; 34:283-6. [PMID: 24364134 DOI: 10.4081/pmc.2012.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to compare the total body fat mass and the intra-abdominal adipose tissue between preterm infants assessed at term corrected age and full-term newborns. METHODS An observational explorative study was conducted. 25 preterm and 10 full term infants were evaluated at 0-1 month of corrected and postnatal age, respectively. The total body fat mass was assessed by means of an air displacement plethysmography system (Pea Pod COSMED, USA) and the intra-abdominal adipose tissue by means of magnetic resonance imaging (software program SliceOMatic, Version 4.3,Tomovision, Canada). RESULTS Total body fat mass (g) of preterm and term infants was 633 (+/- 183) and 538 (+/- 203) respectively while intra-abdominal fat mass (g) was 14.2 (+/- 4.9) and 19.9 (+/- 11.4). CONCLUSIONS Preterm infants, although exhibiting a total body fat mass higher than full term infants, do not show an increased intra-abdominal adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Taroni
- NICU, University Departement of Maternal and Pediatric Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - L Forzenigo
- U.O. Radiologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan
| | - T Tondolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biomediche, Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Ospedale San Paolo, Milan, Italy
| | - N Liotto
- NICU, University Departement of Maternal and Pediatric Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - B Bracco
- NICU, University Departement of Maternal and Pediatric Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - E Garavaglia
- NICU, University Departement of Maternal and Pediatric Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - F Garbarino
- NICU, University Departement of Maternal and Pediatric Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - P Biondetti
- U.O. Radiologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan
| | - F Mosca
- NICU, University Departement of Maternal and Pediatric Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Gittelson S, Biedermann A, Bozza S, Taroni F. The database search problem: A question of rational decision making. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 222:186-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Nanetti L, Baratta S, Panzeri M, Tomasello C, Lovati C, Azzollini J, Gellera C, Di Bella D, Taroni F, Mariotti C. Novel and recurrent spastin mutations in a large series of SPG4 Italian families. Neurosci Lett 2012; 528:42-5. [PMID: 22960362 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders, genetically classified according to the identified disease gene or locus. Clinically, HSP are distinguished in pure and complicated forms. Mutations in the spastin gene (SPAST) are responsible for SPG4 and account approximately for 50% of the dominantly inherited paraplegias with a pure HSP phenotype. METHODS Molecular screening of the SPAST gene allowed the identification of 31 Italian mutation carriers, from 19 unrelated families. Genetic testing was performed by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Subjects carrying SPAST mutations were retrospectively evaluated for clinical phenotype and disability score assessment. RESULTS We found 12 recurrent mutations, and 7 novel SPAST mutations. Twenty-eight patients exhibited a pure spastic paraplegia phenotype, while 3 subjects were asymptomatic mutation carriers. Four patients were sporadic cases. Age at onset ranged from 10 to 61 years. Disability score increased with age at examination and disease duration. Patients with onset >38 years presented a faster disease progression, and a higher disability functional index, than the patients with earlier onset (p<0.04). CONCLUSIONS Our study enlarges the number of pathogenic SPAST mutations, and confirms the association with a pure spastic paraplegia phenotype. Age at onset was highly variable and correlates with the rate of disease progression. Future longitudinal clinical studies are needed to confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nanetti
- Unit of Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy.
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Taroni F, Marquis R, Schmittbuhl M, Biedermann A, Thiéry A, Bozza S. The use of the likelihood ratio for evaluative and investigative purposes in comparative forensic handwriting examination. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 214:189-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Biedermann A, Gittelson S, Taroni F. Recent misconceptions about the ‘database search problem’: A probabilistic analysis using Bayesian networks. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 212:51-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2011] [Revised: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Polke JM, Laurá M, Pareyson D, Taroni F, Milani M, Bergamin G, Gibbons VS, Houlden H, Chamley SC, Blake J, Devile C, Sandford R, Sweeney MG, Davis MB, Reilly MM. Recessive axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease due to compound heterozygous mitofusin 2 mutations. Neurology 2011; 77:168-73. [PMID: 21715711 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3182242d4d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in mitofusin 2 (MFN2) are the most common cause of axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT2). Over 50 mutations have been reported, mainly causing autosomal dominant disease, though families with homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations have been described. We present 3 families with early-onset CMT2 associated with compound heterozygous MFN2 mutations. Transcriptional analysis was performed to investigate the effects of the mutations. METHODS Patients were examined clinically and electrophysiologically; parents were also examined where available. Genetic investigations included MFN2 DNA sequencing and dosage analysis by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. MFN2 mRNA transcripts from blood lymphocytes were analyzed in 2 families. RESULTS Compound heterozygosity for MFN2 mutations was associated with early-onset CMT2 of varying severity between pedigrees. Parents, where examined, were unaffected and were heterozygous for the expected mutations. Four novel mutations were detected (one missense, one nonsense, an intragenic deletion of exons 7 + 8, and a 3-base pair deletion), as well as 2 previously reported missense mutations. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated aberrant splicing of the exonic deletion and indicated nonsense-mediated decay of mutant alleles with premature truncating mutations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that MFN2 mutations can cause early-onset CMT2 with apparent recessive inheritance. Novel genetic findings include an intragenic MFN2 deletion and nonsense-mediated decay. Carrier parents were asymptomatic, suggesting that MFN2 null alleles can be nonpathogenic unless coinherited with another mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Polke
- Neurogenetics Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
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Biedermann A, Bozza S, Taroni F. Probabilistic evidential assessment of gunshot residue particle evidence (Part II): Bayesian parameter estimation for experimental count data. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 206:103-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Marchesi C, Milani M, Morbin M, Cesani M, Lauria G, Scaioli V, Piccolo G, Fabrizi GM, Cavallaro T, Taroni F, Pareyson D. Four novel cases of periaxin-related neuropathy and review of the literature. Neurology 2010; 75:1830-8. [PMID: 21079185 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181fd6314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report 4 cases of autosomal recessive hereditary neuropathy associated with novel mutations in the periaxin gene (PRX) with a review of the literature. Periaxin protein is required for the maintenance of peripheral nerve myelin. Patients with PRX mutations have early-onset autosomal recessive demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT4F) or Déjèrine-Sottas neuropathy (DSN). Only 12 different mutations have been described thus far. METHODS Case reports and literature review. RESULTS Four patients from 3 unrelated families (2 siblings and 2 unrelated patients) were affected by an early-onset, slowly progressive demyelinating neuropathy with relevant sensory involvement. All carried novel frameshift or nonsense mutations in the PRX gene. The 2 siblings were compound heterozygotes for 2 PRX null mutations (p.Q547X and p.K808SfsX2), the third patient harbored a homozygous nonsense mutation (p.E682X), and the last patient had a homozygous 2-nt insertion predicting a premature protein truncation (p.S259PfsX55). Electrophysiologic analysis showed a severe slowing of motor nerve conduction velocities (MNCVs, between 3 and 15.3 m/s) with undetectable sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs). Sural nerve biopsy, performed in 2 patients, demonstrated a severe demyelinating neuropathy and onion bulb formations. Interestingly, we observed some variability of disease severity within the same family. CONCLUSIONS These cases and review of the literature indicate that PRX-related neuropathies have early onset but overall slow progression. Typical features are prominent sensory involvement, often with sensory ataxia; a moderate-to-dramatic reduction of MNCVs and almost invariable absence of SNAPs; and pathologic demyelination with classic onion bulbs, and less commonly myelin folding and basal lamina onion bulbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Marchesi
- Unit of Clinic of Central and Peripheral Degenerative Neuropathies, Carlo Besta Neurological Institute IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
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Soliveri P, Mariotti C, Paridi D, Monza D, Tomasello C, Panzeri M, Taroni F, Albanese A, Girotti F. G07 Differences between Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia types 1 and 2 on cognitive and behavioural profile. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2010.222646.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Di Girolamo C, Marta BL, Ciannameo A, Cacciatore F, Balestra GL, Bodini C, Taroni F. [Chagas disease in a non endemic country: a study in the district of Bologna (Italy). Multidisciplinary analysis of the disease in the Latin American migrant population]. Ann Ig 2010; 22:431-445. [PMID: 21384689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitic illness endemic in 21 countries of Central and South America, affecting over 10 million people. Due to the increase of migration flows to Europe, Chagas disease is an emerging public health issue in non endemic countries. In Italy, where no specific policy has yet been developed, the Centre for International Health of the University of Bologna is carrying out the project "Chagas disease in a non endemic country: a study in the district of Bologna". A multidisciplinary and multi-method approach was adopted to estimate the problem and its impact in our territory. A retrospective analysis was performed searching several databases in order to collect information concerning the demographic and epidemiological profile of Latin American migrants coming from endemic countries. At the same time, a preliminary ethnographic research was conducted to start unveiling the main socio-anthropological characteristics of this population, thanks to the involvement of key informants and community associations. According to preliminary findings, Chagas disease is a present and possibly increasing reality in our territory. Due to the particular features of the affected population, socio-cultural variables have to be considered for their impact on the visibility of the condition and on health seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Di Girolamo
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Salute Internationale e Interculturale, Dipartimento di Medicina e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Bologna.
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Mariotti C, Ferruta A, Gellera C, Nespolo C, Fancellu R, Genitrini S, Di Bella D, Panzeri M, Nanetti L, Tomasello C, Taroni F, Foresti G, Astori S. Predictive genetic tests in neurodegenerative disorders: a methodological approach integrating psychological counseling for at-risk individuals and referring clinicians. Eur Neurol 2010; 64:33-41. [PMID: 20588047 DOI: 10.1159/000315033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The identification of the molecular basis of numerous hereditary neurological disorders allowed the feasibility of predictive genetic tests for at-risk family members. In agreement with international guidelines, we tested a protocol for a predictive test to optimize cooperation among specialists, well-being of participants, and organization of clinical activities. The psychiatrist/psychologist did not meet the at-risk subjects, but cooperated with the team, integrating psychological support for participants and clinicians. We enrolled 60 subjects at risk for Huntington disease, and 32 at risk for spinocerebellar ataxias. Seventy-two subjects (78%) continued the visit program; 55 (60%) received the genetic result, and 38 subjects (41%) completed the program. Participation and outcome were similar in both groups. Mean psychological scores were all below significant levels; however, the need for psychological support was recognized for 5 mutation carriers and a non-carrier. Our data provide a methodological example of a simple and safe procedure for a predictive test, and indicate that the clinical conference represents a good setting to handle psychosocial impact associated with disclosure of genetic results in hereditary late-onset disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mariotti
- SOSD Genetics of Neurodegenerative and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy.
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Laurá M, Polke J, Pareyson D, Milani M, Blake J, Taroni F, Gibbons V, Devile C, Sweeney M, Davis M, Reilly M. P60 Variable severity of early onset CMT2 with compound heterozygous MFN2 mutations. Neuromuscul Disord 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(10)70075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gittelson S, Biedermann A, Taroni F. Analysing complex inference problems in forensic science using Bayesian networks: The example of the two-trace transfer problem. Sci Justice 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2009.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Hicks T, Taroni F, Curran J, Buckleton J, Ribaux O, Castella V. Use of DNA profiles for investigation using a simulated national DNA database: Part I. Partial SGM Plus profiles. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2009; 4:232-8. [PMID: 20457051 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2009.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Revised: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 10/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In traditional criminal investigation, uncertainties are often dealt with using a combination of common sense, practical considerations and experience, but rarely with tailored statistical models. For example, in some countries, in order to search for a given profile in the national DNA database, it must have allelic information for six or more of the ten SGM Plus loci for a simple trace. If the profile does not have this amount of information then it cannot be searched in the national DNA database (NDNAD). This requirement (of a result at six or more loci) is not based on a statistical approach, but rather on the feeling that six or more would be sufficient. A statistical approach, however, could be more rigorous and objective and would take into consideration factors such as the probability of adventitious matches relative to the actual database size and/or investigator's requirements in a sensible way. Therefore, this research was undertaken to establish scientific foundations pertaining to the use of partial SGM Plus loci profiles (or similar) for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hicks
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne, Batochime, Lausanne Dorigny, Switzerland.
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Ticozzi N, Silani V, LeClerc AL, Keagle P, Gellera C, Ratti A, Taroni F, Kwiatkowski TJ, McKenna-Yasek DM, Sapp PC, Brown RH, Landers JE. Analysis of FUS gene mutation in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis within an Italian cohort. Neurology 2009; 73:1180-5. [PMID: 19741215 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181bbff05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in the FUS gene on chromosome 16 have been recently discovered as a cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS). This study determined the frequency and identities of FUS gene mutations in a cohort of Italian patients with FALS. METHODS We screened all 15 coding exons of FUS for mutations in 94 Italian patients with FALS. RESULTS We identified 4 distinct missense mutations in 5 patients; 2 were novel. The mutations were not present in 376 healthy Italian controls and thus are likely to be pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that FUS mutations cause approximately 4% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases in the Italian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Giannì ML, Roggero P, Taroni F, Liotto N, Piemontese P, Mosca F. Adiposity in small for gestational age preterm infants assessed at term equivalent age. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2009; 94:F368-72. [PMID: 19457875 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2008.153163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infants classified as small for gestational age are considered to have developed under adverse intrauterine conditions that lead to lack of fat mass accretion. The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that the fat mass in preterm small for gestational age infants assessed at term equivalent age was not different from that of full-term small for gestational age newborns. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Northern Italy. PATIENTS 67 small for gestational age preterm infants and 132 small for gestational age full-term newborns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Growth and body composition, assessed by means of a paediatric air displacement plethysmography system, were measured at term equivalent age in the preterm infants and on the third day of life in the full-term newborns. RESULTS The mean (SD) gestational age of preterm infants was 30.6 (2.3) weeks and their mean (SD) birth weight was 1140 (237) g. At assessment weight was not different between the preterm and full-term infants, whereas the percentage of total body fat mass was higher in the preterm infants (14.3% (SD 4.7%) vs 5.8% (SD 3.5%), p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS Preterm infants, born small for gestational age, appear to be at risk for increased adiposity, which is a risk factor for the development of the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Giannì
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Di Lillo M, Cicchetti A, Lo Scalzo A, Taroni F, Hojat M. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy: preliminary psychometrics and group comparisons in Italian physicians. Acad Med 2009; 84:1198-202. [PMID: 19707057 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0b013e3181b17b3f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the psychometrics of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) among a sample of Italian physicians. METHOD The JSPE was translated into Italian using back-translation procedures to ensure the accuracy of the translation. The translated JSPE was administered to 778 physicians at three hospitals in Rome, Italy in 2002. Individual empathy scores were calculated, as well as descriptive statistics at the item and scale level. Group comparisons of empathy scores were also made among men and women, physicians practicing in medical or surgical specialties, physicians working in different hospitals, and at physicians at various levels of career rank. RESULTS Results are reported for 289 participants who completed the JSPE. Item-total score correlations were all positive and statistically significant. The prominent component of "perspective taking," which is the most important underlying construct of the scale, emerged in the factor analysis of the JSPE and was similar in both Italian and American samples. However, more factors appeared among Italian physicians, indicating that the underlying construct of empathy may be more complex among Italians. Cronbach coefficient alpha was .85. None of the group differences observed among physicians classified by gender, hospital of practice, specialty, or level of career rank reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Findings generally provide support for the construct validity and reliability of the Italian version of the JSPE. Further research is needed to determine whether the lack of statistically significant differences in empathy by gender and specialty is related to cultural peculiarities, the translation of the scale, or sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Di Lillo
- Center for Research in Medical Education and Health Care, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
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Biedermann A, Bozza S, Taroni F. Probabilistic evidential assessment of gunshot residue particle evidence (Part I): likelihood ratio calculation and case pre-assessment using Bayesian networks. Forensic Sci Int 2009; 191:24-35. [PMID: 19592185 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 05/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Well developed experimental procedures currently exist for retrieving and analyzing particle evidence from hands of individuals suspected of being associated with the discharge of a firearm. Although analytical approaches (e.g. automated Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS) microanalysis) allow the determination of the presence of elements typically found in gunshot residue (GSR) particles, such analyses provide no information about a given particle's actual source. Possible origins for which scientists may need to account for are a primary exposure to the discharge of a firearm or a secondary transfer due to a contaminated environment. In order to approach such sources of uncertainty in the context of evidential assessment, this paper studies the construction and practical implementation of graphical probability models (i.e. Bayesian networks). These can assist forensic scientists in making the issue tractable within a probabilistic perspective. The proposed models focus on likelihood ratio calculations at various levels of detail as well as case pre-assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Biedermann
- The University of Lausanne, Ecole des Sciences Criminelles, Institut de Police Scientifique, 1015 Lausanne-Dorigny, Switzerland.
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Corrado L, Ratti A, Gellera C, Buratti E, Castellotti B, Carlomagno Y, Ticozzi N, Mazzini L, Testa L, Taroni F, Baralle FE, Silani V, D'Alfonso S. High frequency ofTARDBPgene mutations in Italian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hum Mutat 2009; 30:688-94. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.20950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Liotto N, Miozzo M, Giannì ML, Taroni F, Morlacchi L, Piemontese P, Roggero P, Mosca F. [Early nutrition: the role of genetics and epigenetics]. Pediatr Med Chir 2009; 31:65-71. [PMID: 19642498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Many adult diseases seem to be associated with early nutrition and the subsequent growth pattern. Epidemiological studies hypotized that babies with intrauterine and/or neonatal growth retardation may be at greater risk of metabolic syndrome later in life. According to the Barker's "thrifty phenotype hypotesis" early malnutrition, whereas inducing physiological compensation by the promotion of early survival, appears to confer greater susceptibility to adults diseases. Epigenetics, that is the interindividual variation in DNA methylation patterns and chromatin remodelling, provide a potential explanation for how environmental factors can modify the risk for development of many common diseases. Beginning from animal models, many studies concerning early nutrition, epigenetic modifications and genes expression have been carried out. Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy, especially in the peri-implantation period, not only causes a prolonged growth retardation but also modifies the programming of biochemical mechanisms related to endocrine-metabolic control. Human studies have demonstrated the role played by IGF-1 as indicator of nutritional status and fetal/postnatal growth retardation. It has been reported that alterations in IGF axis, which predispose to adults diseases, may be due to an alterated epigenetic regulation that can modify IGF expression. Despite the critical inter-relation between early nutrition, growth, development, and subsequent health, there are few data on the influence of early nutrition on the modifications of the epigenetic gear. Furthermore it is hoped for a bigger attention to the early nutrition to prevent the development of diseases later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Liotto
- Institute of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Fondazione IRCCS "Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena," University of Milan, Italy
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