Monitoring plastic pellet pollution in coastal environments through handheld Raman spectroscopy: Data from the Mediterranean coasts (Southern Italy)

This paper examines the distribution and chemical properties of beached plastic pellets along the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts of Southern Italy. Three locations have been sampled: Agnone Bagni (SR) and Paradiso (ME) on the Ionian coast of Sicily, Baia del Tono in Milazzo (ME) on the Sicilian Tyrrhenian coast, and Pizzo Calabro (VV) in Calabria on the Tyrrhenian coast. Variations in shape, size, compactness, color, and other physical features, correlated with residence times and transport, has been highlighted. Raman spectroscopy, used in a portable configuration, enabled rapid identification of polymer types, demonstrating its utility for on-site plastic pollutant monitoring. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the predominant polymers. Principal component analysis of the spectra determined the optimal chemometric classification of pellets by composition, avoiding interference or distortion. In conclusion, the study provided preliminary insights into pellet abundance, composition, weathering extent, and distribution across these shorelines, underscoring the importance of regular beach monitoring.

Characterization of an undocumented CO2 hydrothermal vent system in the Mediterranean Sea: Implications for ocean acidification forecasting

A previously undocumented shallow water hydrothermal field from Sicily (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) is here described, based on a multidisciplinary investigation. The field, covering an area of nearly 8000 m2 and a depth from the surface to -5 m, was explored in June 2021 to characterise the main physico-chemical features of the water column, describe the bottom topography and features, and identify the main megabenthic and nektonic species. Twenty sites were investigated to characterise the carbonate system. Values of pH ranged between 7.84 and 8.04, ΩCa between 3.68 and 5.24 and ΩAr from 2.41 to 3.44. Geochemical analyses of hydrothermal gases revealed a dominance of CO2 (98.1%) together with small amounts of oxygen and reactive gases. Helium isotope ratios (R/Ra = 2.51) and δ13CCO2 suggest an inorganic origin of hydrothermal degassing of CO2 and the ascent of heat and deep-seated magmatic fluids to the surface. Visual census of fishes and megabenthos (mainly sessile organisms) allowed the identification of 64 species, four of which are protected by the SPA/BIO Protocol and two by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The macroalgae Halopteris scoparia and Jania rubens and the sponge Sarcotragus sp. were the dominant taxa in the area, while among fishes Coris julis and Chromis chromis were the most abundant species. This preliminary investigation of San Giorgio vent field suggests that the site could be of interest and suitable for future experimental studies of ocean acidification.

Intracranial dural based marginal zone MALT-type B-cell lymphoma: a case - Based update and literature review

OBJECTIVES

Dural based Marginal Zone MALT-type B-Cell Lymphoma (MZBCL) is an intracranial tumor that can mimicking meningioma both from a clinical and a radiological point of view. A standard treatment protocol is still lacking. Aim of the present work is to provide an update of the present literature regarding this rare neoplasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report the case of a patient with a dural-based lesion mimicking a meningioma of the tentorium. After surgical treatment, the diagnosis was of MZBCL. A literature review is performed to highlight the typical characteristics of this rare intracranial lesion and to define the best therapeutic approach.

RESULTS

Literature review included 38 articles describing 126 cases of intracranial dural-based MZBCL. No clinical trial has been found. Clinical and histopathological features are properly collected to provide a guide for future cases. Different treatment options have been attempted. Combination of surgery with adjuvant radiation therapy is the most used option.

CONCLUSIONS

MZBCL should be considered in differential diagnosis for dural-based intracranial lesion. Surgery followed by radiation therapy is the most reported treatment. As a consequence of the rarity of this disease, of its indolent progression and of the lack of adequate follow-up, it is not possible to define it is the best treatment option.

MRI-derived radiomics to guide post-operative management of glioblastoma: Implication for personalized radiation treatment volume delineation

Background

The glioblastoma's bad prognosis is primarily due to intra-tumor heterogeneity, demonstrated from several studies that collected molecular biology, cytogenetic data and more recently radiomic features for a better prognostic stratification. The GLIFA project (GLIoblastoma Feature Analysis) is a multicentric project planned to investigate the role of radiomic analysis in GB management, to verify if radiomic features in the tissue around the resection cavity may guide the radiation target volume delineation.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyze from three centers radiomic features extracted from 90 patients with total or near total resection, who completed the standard adjuvant treatment and for whom we had post-operative images available for features extraction. The Manual segmentation was performed on post gadolinium T1w MRI sequence by 2 radiation oncologists and reviewed by a neuroradiologist, both with at least 10 years of experience. The Regions of interest (ROI) considered for the analysis were: the surgical cavity ± post-surgical residual mass (CTV_cavity); the CTV a margin of 1.5 cm added to CTV_cavity and the volume resulting from subtracting the CTV_cavity from the CTV was defined as CTV_Ring. Radiomic analysis and modeling were conducted in RStudio. Z-score normalization was applied to each radiomic feature. A radiomic model was generated using features extracted from the Ring to perform a binary classification and predict the PFS at 6 months. A 3-fold cross-validation repeated five times was implemented for internal validation of the model.

Results

Two-hundred and seventy ROIs were contoured. The proposed radiomic model was given by the best fitting logistic regression model, and included the following 3 features: F_cm_merged.contrast, F_cm_merged.info.corr.2, F_rlm_merged.rlnu. A good agreement between model predicted probabilities and observed outcome probabilities was obtained (p-value of 0.49 by Hosmer and Lemeshow statistical test). The ROC curve of the model reported an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68-0.88).

Conclusion

This is the first hypothesis-generating study which applies a radiomic analysis focusing on healthy tissue ring around the surgical cavity on post-operative MRI. This study provides a preliminary model for a decision support tool for a customization of the radiation target volume in GB patients in order to achieve a margin reduction strategy.

P02.11.B An hypothesis generating study of MRI-Derived Radiomics on tumor and microenvironment tissue heterogeneity to guide post-operative management of glioblastoma: toward personalized radiation treatment volume delineation

Background

The glioblastoma’s bad prognosis is primarily due to intra-tumor heterogeneity, demonstrated from several studies that collected molecular biology, cytogenetic data and more recently radiomic features for a better prognostic stratification.The GLIFA project (GLIoblastoma Feature Analysis) is a multicentric project planned to investigated the role of radiomic analysis in GBM management, to verify if radiomic features in the tissue around the resection cavity which may guide the radiation target volume delineation.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively analyze from three centers radiomic features extracted from 90 patients with total or near total resection, who completed the standard adjuvant treatment and for whom we had post-operative images available for features extraction.The Manual segmentation was performed on post gadolinium T1w MRI sequence by 2 radiation oncologist reviewed by a neuroradiologist, both with at least 10 years of experience. The Region of interest (ROI) considered for the analysis were: the surgical cavity +/- post-surgical residual mass (CTV_cavity); the CTV a margin of 1.5 cm added to CTV_cavity and the volume resulting from subtracting the CTV_cavity from the CTV was defined as CTV_Ring. Radiomic analysis and modelling were conducted in RStudio. Z-score normalization was applied to each radiomic feature. A radiomic model was generated using the 226 features extracted from the Ring to perform a binary classification and predict the PFS at 6 months (statistical, morphological and textural features). A 3-fold cross-validation repeated five times was implemented for internal validation of the model.

Results

Two-hundred and seventy ROIs were contoured. The proposed radiomic model was given by the best fitting logistic regression model, and included the following 3 features: F_cm_merged.contrast, F_cm_merged.info.corr.2, F_rlm_merged.rlnu. A good agreement between model predicted probabilities and observed outcome probabilities was obtained (p-value of 0.49 by Hosmer and Lemeshow statistical test). The ROC curve of the model reported an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68 - 0.88).

Conclusion

This is the first hypothesis-generating study who applies a radiomic analysis focusing on healthy tissue ring around the surgical cavity on post-operative MRI. This study provides a preliminary model for a decision support tool for a customization of the radiation target volume in GBM patients in order to achieve a margin reduction strategy.

Multielement and chemometric analysis for the traceability of the Pachino Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cherry tomatoes

To prevent PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) cherry tomato of Pachino (Sicily, Italy) from frauds, an alternative method, which includes chemometric treatments, was proposed. The content of 32 inorganic elements (macro-micronutrients and lanthanides) present in 16 PGI and 24 not PGI cherry tomato samples cv Naomy, and in 16 PGI and 8 not PGI soil samples, was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). To identify the elements able to differentiate PGI and not PGI cherry tomato samples, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) were performed. The first two principal components (PC1-PC2) explain a total variance of 71,41% between PGI and not PGI group, whereas CDA showed Zn, Cd, Mn and Ca as inorganic markers able to correctly classify the 100% of samples. Furthermore, with a translocation factor (K), evaluated in soil/plant chain, the comparison of absorption trends for PGI and not PGI samples was realized.

Lumbo-sacral pedicular aplasia diagnosis and treatment: a systematic literature review and case report

Aplasia of the lumbar pedicle is a rare condition, frequently associated with low back pain. Its recognition is fundamental in the definition of the correct treatment. We performed a literature review in order to clarify how to best diagnose and treat this rare anatomical condition. A comprehensive literature search for studies published through October 2020 was performed, using the following algorithm: "aplasia" OR "aplastic" OR "hypoplasia" OR "hypoplastic" OR "absent" OR absence" AND "pedicle" AND "lumbar" OR "sacral" OR "lumbosacral". References from reviewed papers were further evaluated for the inclusion of other relevant studies. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review for a total of 24 adult patients. Another case of left L5 pedicle aplasia treated at our hospital has been described and included in the present review. This anatomical condition may be suspected in plain x-Ray, but CT scan 3D reconstructions may help to confirm the diagnosis in equivocal cases. Low-back pain and radiculopathy are the main signs and symptoms. The treatment was described in 14 cases. Eight patients underwent surgical intervention. In cases with spondylolisthesis, fusion surgery was performed with different techniques, obtaining an excellent clinical outcome. Pedicular aplasia is a rare condition that must be recognized in patients with a low back. When it is associated with spondylolisthesis, fusion surgery should be the preferred option.

COVID-19 and the Additional Radiological Risk during the Lockdown Period in the Province of Naples City (South Italy)

The lockdown restrictions, as a first solution to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, have affected everyone's life and habits, including the time spent at home. The latter factor has drawn attention to indoor air quality and the impact on human health, particularly for chemical pollutants. This study investigated how the increasing time indoor influenced exposure to natural radioactive substances, such as radon gas. To calculate the radiological risk, we considered the most consolidated indices used for radiation protection: annual effective dose, excess lifetime cancer risk, and the lung cancer case. Furthermore, two different exposure times were considered: pre-lockdown and post-lockdown. The lockdown increased the indoor exposure time by 4% and, consequently, the radiological risk factors by 9%. Furthermore, the reference value of 300 Bq/m3, considered acceptable for human radiation protection, may need to be lowered further in the case of conditions similar to those of the lockdown period.

Indoor Radon Concentration and Risk Assessment in 27 Districts of a Public Healthcare Company in Naples, South Italy

Radon is a major source of ionizing radiation exposure for the general population. It is known that exposure to radon is a risk factor for the onset of lung cancer. In this study, the results of a radon survey conducted in all districts of a Public Healthcare in Italy, are reported. Measurements of indoor radon were performed using nuclear track detectors, CR-39. The entire survey was conducted according to a well-established quality assurance program. The annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk were also calculated. Results show that the radon concentrations varied from 7 ± 1 Bq/m3 and 5148 ± 772 Bq/m3, with a geometric mean of 67 Bq/m3 and geometric standard deviation of 2.5. The annual effective dose to workers was found to be 1.6 mSv/y and comparable with the worldwide average. In Italy, following the transposition of the European Directive 59/2013, great attention was paid to the radon risk in workplaces. The interest of the workers of the monitored sites was very high and this, certainly contributed to the high return rate of the detectors after exposure and therefore, to the presence of few missing data. Although it was not possible to study the factors affecting radon concentrations, certainly the main advantage of this study is that it was the first in which an entire public health company was monitored in regards to all the premises on the underground and ground floor.

Fingerprint of PGI Mantova Cucumis melo by ICP-MS and Chemometric Analysis

Background and Objectives:

In this work, yellow and green varieties of Cucumis melo fruits belonging to different cultivars were studied. In detail, three Sicilian cultivars of winter melons tutelated by TAP (Traditional agro-alimentary products) labels were considered, whereas asun protected the Calabrian winter melon was studied too. With the aim to compare the selective uptakes of inorganic elements among winter and summer fruits, the “PGI Melone Mantovano” was investigated. The purpose of this work was to apply the obtained results i) to guarantee the quality and healthiness of fruits, ii) to producers defend, iii) to help the customers in safe food purchase.

Method:

All samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and the obtained results, subsequently, were subjected to Cluster analysis (CA), Principal component analysis (PCA) and Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA).

Results:

CA results were generally in agreement with samples origin, whereas the PCA elaboration has confirmed the presence of a strong relation between fruit origins and trace element contents. In particular, two principal components justified the 57.32% of the total variance (PC1= 40.95%, PC2= 16.37%). Finally, the CDA approach has provided several functions with high discrimination power, confirmed by the correct classification of all samples (100%).

Conclusions:

CA, PCA and CDA could represent an integrated to label to discriminate the origin of agri-food products and, thus, protect and guarantee their healthiness.

Natural Radioactivity of the Crystalline Basement Rocks of the Peloritani Mountains (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy): Measurements and Radiological Hazard

Crystalline rocks can produce dangerous radiation levels on the basis of their content in radioisotopes. Here, we report radiological data from 10 metamorphic and igneous rock samples collected from the crystalline basement of the Peloritani Mountains (southern Italy). In order to evaluate the radiological properties of these rocks, the gamma radiation and the radon emanation have been measured. Moreover, since some of these rocks are employed as building materials, we assess the potential hazard for population connected to their use. Gamma spectroscopy was used to measure the 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentration, whereas the radon emanation was investigated by using a RAD 7 detector. The results show 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentration values ranging from (17 ± 4) to (56 ± 8) Bq kg-1, (14 ± 3) to (77 ± 14) Bq kg-1 and (167 ± 84) to (1760 ± 242) Bq kg-1, respectively. Values of the annual effective dose equivalent outdoor range from 0.035 to 0.152 mSv y-1, whereas the gamma index is in the range of 0.22-0.98. The 222Rn emanation coefficient and the 222Rn surface exhalation rate vary from (0.63 ± 0.3) to (8.27 ± 1.6)% and from (0.12 ± 0.03) to (2.75 ± 0.17) Bq m-2 h-1, respectively. The indoor radon derived from the building use of these rocks induces an approximate contribution to the annual effective dose ranging from 8 to 176 μSv y-1. All the obtained results suggest that the crystalline rocks from the Peloritani Mountains are not harmful for the residential population, even though they induce annual effective doses due to terrestrial gamma radiation above the worldwide average values. Moreover, their use as building materials does not produce significant health hazards connected to the indoor radon exposure.

Trans-sulcal versus trans-parenchymal approach in supratentorial cavernomas. A multicentric experience

OBJECTIVES

Cavernous malformations (CM) are low-flow vascular lesions that can cause significant symptoms and neurological deficits. Different intraoperative surgical approaches have been developed. Aim of the present investigation is the comparison between the trans-sulcal approach (TS) and the trans-parenchymal neuronavigation-assisted approach (TPN) in a surgical series from two neurosurgical centers. The technique and clinical outcomes are discussed, with a specific focus on seizure outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical and radiological data from two neurosurgical centers ("A. Gemelli" Hospital in Rome and A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza in Turin) were retrospectively reviewed in order to evaluate the different outcome of TS and TPN approach for cavernous malformation treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 177 patients underwent surgical intervention for supratentorial CM, 130 patients with TPN approach and 47 with TS approach. TS approach was associated with higher rate of seizure in early post-operative period both in epileptic patients (p < 0,001) and in patients without history of seizures before surgery (p = 0,002). Moreover, length of incision (p < 0,001), area of craniotomy (p < 0,001) and corticectomy (p < 0,001) were bigger in TS than in TPN approach. Brain contusion (p < 0,001) and fluid collection (p < 0,001) were more likely to be discovered after TS approach.

CONCLUSIONS

TPN is a valuable approach for resection of CM. Minor complications are significantly lower in TPN approach when compared with TS approach. In addition, it is associated with lower rate of early post-operative seizure and shorter length of stay.

Parietal interhemispheric transfalcine transtentorial approach for posterior incisural space lesions: from the lab to the operative room

The operative approach to the posterior incisural space is challenging because of its deep location, the surrounding eloquent areas, and the intimate relationship with the deep veins. Several approaches have been proposed to manage the lesions in this region: supratentorial, infratentorial and a combination of them. Brain retraction, injury to the occipital lobe and corpus callosum, and venous bleeding are the principle drawbacks of these routes. We performed anatomical dissection study using 10 embalmed human cadaver specimens injected with colored latex exploring a different route, parietal interhemispheric transfalcine transtentorial (PITT). Then we used a PITT approach on two patients with posterior incisural space (PIS) lesions. The PITT approach led to successful and safe complete removal of PIS lesions in our cases. No complications were reported. The present approach could be a valuable option in case of PIS lesions, especially those associated with downward displacement of the deep venous complex; thanks to the gravity it reduce the complications related to the occipital lobe retraction and manipulation. Moreover, cutting the superior-anterior edge of the tentorium, the sub-tentorial space could be reached.

Feasibility and Accuracy of Transduodenal Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Solid Lesions Using a 19-Gauge Flexible Needle: A Multicenter Study

Background/Aims

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the go-to method for obtaining samples from gastrointestinal tract and pancreatic lesions. When the transduodenal approach is utilized, the use of a more flexible needle, such as a nitinol 19-gauge (G) needle, has been recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 19-G flexible aspiration needles in obtaining samples from solid lesions through a transduodenal approach.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from eight Italian endoscopy centers. Consecutive patients with solid lesions who underwent transduodenal EUS-FNA with a 19-G flexible needle were included.

Results

A total of 201 patients were enrolled. According to histology, EUS, radiology and 12 months of follow-up, 151 patients had malignant lesions and 50 patients had benign lesions. EUS-FNA was feasible in all cases. An adequate histologic sample was obtained in all except eight cases (96.1%). The sensitivity of EUS-FNA was 92.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.8%–95.7%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 90.5%–100%). The positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI, 93.4%–100%), and the negative predictive value was 74% (95% CI, 62.8%–82.7%). The diagnostic accuracy was 93.5% (95% CI, 89.2%–96.5%).

Conclusions

The transduodenal approach for obtaining samples from solid lesions using a 19-G flexible needle seems feasible and accurate.

The post-surgical era of GBM: How molecular biology has impacted on our clinical management. A review

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common glioma in adults, with incidence increasing by 3% per year. According to the World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, GBM is considered a grade IV tumor due to its malignant behavior. The aim of this review is to summarize the main biological aspects of GBM. In particular, we focused our attention on those alterations which have been proven to have an impact on patients' outcome, mainly in terms of overall survival (OS), or on the tumor response to therapies. We have also analyzed the cellular biology and the interactions between GBM and the surrounding environment.

New Eye Lens Dose Limit: Status of Knowledge in Campania Hospitals

The International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) in 2011 recommended the lowering of the annual eye lens dose limit from 150 mSv/year to 20 mSv/year in order to reduce the risk of X-ray-induced lens opacity in medical staff. The purpose of this study was to assess the status of knowledge of the new eye lens dose limit and of the radioprotection culture among operators. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to physicians, X-ray technicians, and nurses working in five hospitals of the Campania region, Italy. A total of 64 questionnaires were collected in the hospital departments in which procedures involving ionizing radiation were routinely performed. The data analyzed yielded the following results: 12 operators affirmed to know the new eye lens dose limit, 53 operators routinely wore lead aprons, and 23 operators used lead glasses. Four workers performed eye lens dosimetry through specific dosimeters. A significant lack of knowledge of the reduced eye lens dose limit suggests the need to implement radioprotection-training programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of health care in the workplace and at reducing the risk of radio-induced effects to the eye lens.

Modern Iron Ooids of Hydrothermal Origin as a Proxy for Ancient Deposits

We constrained the origin and genetic environment of modern iron ooids (sand-sized grains with a core and external cortex of concentric laminae) providing new tools for the interpretation of their fossil counterparts as well as the analogous particles discovered on Mars. Here, we report an exceptional, unique finding of a still active deposit of submillimetric iron ooids, under formation at the seabed at a depth of 80 m over an area characterized by intense hydrothermal activity off Panarea, a volcanic island north of Sicily (Italy). An integrated analysis, carried out by X-ray Powder Diffraction, Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy reveals that Panarea ooids are deposited at the seafloor as concentric laminae of primary goethite around existing nuclei. The process is rapid, and driven by hydrothermal fluids as iron source. A sub-spherical, laminated structure resulted from constant agitation and by degassing of CO₂-dominated fluids through seafloor sediments. Our investigations point the hydrothermal processes as responsible for the generation of the Panarea ooids, which are neither diagenetic nor reworked. The presence of ooids at the seawater-sediments interface, in fact, highlights how their development and growth is still ongoing. The proposed results show a new process responsible for ooids formation and gain a new insight into the genesis of iron ooids deposits that are distributed at global scale in both modern and past sediments.

Frequency of allergic sensitization to Can f 5 in North East Italy. An analysis of 1403 ISACs 112 (Component Resolved Diagnosis) collected retrospectively

Summary

Recent studies have shown the increasing relevance of allergic sensitization to Can f 5, a prostatic kallicrein expressed in the prostate and detectable only in male dogs. The aim of the present study was to establish the frequency, level of sensitization and association with other dog allergens of Can f 5, as assessed by Component Resolved Diagnosis (CRD- ISAC 112, ThermoFisher Scientific, Uppsala, Sweden), in North East Italy. A total of 1403 CRD ISAC 112 were examined retrospectively. Five-hundred twenty subjects (37 %) had a positive IgE response to at least one of the available animal allergens. Among these 520 subjects, 268 (51.5 %) showed at least one sensitization to dog allergens. Among dog-sensitized individuals, 183 (69.02%) showed IgE against Can f 5, and 106 (57.92%) were sensitized exclusively against Can f 5. The average Can f 5 specific IgE was 8.810 ISU-E, with 77.6 % of individuals showing medium or high values of specific IgE according to manufacturer's specifications. In conclusions, our data confirmed that there is a high number of sensitized patients to Can f 5, which have a high degree of allergic sensitization. These results should be taken into account by allergists managing dog allergic patients. In fact, clinical consequences of this sensitization regard respiratory allergy (burden of rhinitis/asthma), systemic reactions (anaphylaxis during sexual intercourse from cross-reaction with human prostatic antigen), allergen immunotherapy-AIT (likely ineffective in patients with exclusive sensitization), and preventive measures (possibility to own a female dog and a likely reduction of allergen passive transport). Further studies are needed to better explore these aspects in "real life".

Modeling interaction between gp120 HIV protein and CCR5 receptor

The study of the process of HIV entry into the host cell and the creation of biomimetic nanosystems that are able to selectively bind viral particles and proteins is a high priority research area for the development of novel diagnostic tools and treatment of HIV infection. Recently, we described multilayer nanoparticles (nanotraps) with heparin surface and cationic peptides comprising the N-terminal tail (Nt) and the second extracellular loop (ECL2) of CCR5 receptor, which could bind with high affinity some inflammatory chemokines, in particular, Rantes. Because of the similarity of the binding determinants in CCR5 structure, both for chemokines and gp120 HIV protein, here we expand this approach to the study of the interactions of these biomimetic nanosystems and their components with the peptide representing the V3 loop of the activated form of gp120. According to surface plasmon resonance results, a conformational rearrangement is involved in the process of V3 and CCR5 fragments binding. As in the case of Rantes, ECL2 peptide showed much higher affinity to V3 peptide than Nt (K_D  = 3.72 × 10^-8 and 1.10 × 10^-6  M, respectively). Heparin-covered nanoparticles bearing CCR5 peptides effectively bound V3 as well. The presence of both heparin and the peptides in the structure of the nanotraps was shown to be crucial for the interaction with the V3 loop. Thus, short cationic peptides ECL2 and Nt proved to be excellent candidates for the design of CCR5 receptor mimetics.

Organic pollution in PGI and non-PGI lemons and related soils from Italy and Turkey

In this work 67 organic contaminants in Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and non-PGI Interdonato Lemon pulps, peels, leave and related soils were evaluated by GC/MS-MS. It is possible to highlight that in Italian pulps and peels the residues were under LODs (0.10-10.30 ng·g^-1), whereas the leaves showed piperonyl butoxide in 33% of samples (11.76 ± 1.24 ng·g^-1) and cypermethrins in 33% of samples (Cypermethrin I, 6.12 ± 0.35 ng·g^-1; Cypermethrin II, 8.67 ± 0.48 ng·g^-1; Cypermethrin III, 8.90 ± 1.52 ng·g^-1; Cypermethrin IV, 12.25 ± 2.46 ng·g^-1). Turkish samples were mainly contaminated by piperonyl butoxide: it was revealed in the 33% of pulps (3.35 ± 1.03 ng·g^-1), in 100% of peels (23.46 ± 17.69 ng·g^-1) and in 100% of leaves (1302.44 ± 527.40 ng·g^-1). In both soils a different contamination was detected. This study confirms that the European brand (PGI) of Interdonato Lemon Messina is a valuable instrument for the consumer protection.

Discrimination of the Sicilian Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L., CV. Muscaredda) According to the Provenance by Testing Unsupervised and Supervised Chemometrics

Different multivariate techniques were tested in an attempt to build up a statistical model for predicting the origin of prickly pears (Opuntia ficus-indica L., cv. Muscaredda) from several localities within the Sicilian region. Specifically, two areas known for producing fruits marked respectively by TAP (traditional agri-food product) and PDO (protected designation of origin) brands, and three sites producing non-branded fruits, were considered. A validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method allowed to obtain elemental fingerprints of prickly pears, which were subsequently elaborated by unsupervised tools, such as hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), and supervised techniques, such as stepwise-canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). With the exception of HCA, which was not enough powerful to correctly cluster all selected samples, PCA successfully investigated the effect of subregional provenance on prickly pears, thus, differentiating labeled products from the non-labeled counterpart. Also, stepwise CDA and PLS-DA allowed to build up reliable models able to correctly classify 100% of fruits on the basis of the production areas, by exploiting a restricted pool of metals. Both statistical models, including unsupervised (PCA) and supervised techniques (stepwise CDA or PLS-DA), may guarantee the provenance of prickly pears protected by quality labels and safeguard producers and consumers. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Based on elemental analysis and chemometrics, the reliable traceability models herein proposed, could be applied to commercial Sicilian prickly pears protected by TAP and PDO logos to guarantee their provenance and, at the same time, to safeguard producers and consumers.

Cytokines in the Nasal Washes of Children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis

Although respiratory syncytial (RS) virus is the major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, the factors that regulate the associated lung inflammation have not been defined. The levels of interleukin (IL)10, IL-12, and interferon (IFN) were determined in the nasal wash samples from 20 infants with a clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis, seven with confirmed RS virus infections and 9 control children without respiratory illnesses. IL-10 levels were significantly higher in acute nasal wash samples (1–4 d post-hospitalization) from RS virus- infected infants than in convalescent samples from these children (14–21 d post-hospitalization), from children with other forms of bronchiolitis and from control children. In contrast, only one RS virus-infected infant had detectable IL-12 in an acute nasal wash sample. IFN activity was not detected in any samples from RS virus-infected children. RS virus infection stimulates IL-10 expression but not IL-12 and IFN, possibly contributing to an ineffective cell-mediated immune response.

Inhaled Tobramycin in Children with Acute Bacterial Rhinopharyngitis

Antibiotic abuse for treating rhinopharyngitis induces the occurrence of resistant bacteria. As topical drugs might reduce this phenomenon, the aims of our study were to evaluate inhaled tobramycin in children with acute bacterial rhinopharyngitis and to compare it with oral amoxicillin/clavulanate. The trial was conducted as randomized, parallel group and double blind. Children, aged 3–6 years, with acute bacterial rhinopharyngitis were treated with 15 mg of aerosolized tobramycin (Group A) or 50 mg/Kg of amoxicillin/clavulanate (Group B) twice daily for 10 days. The following parameters were assessed: nasal obstruction, mucopurulent rhinorrhea, post-nasal drip, adenoidal hypertrophy, tympanic inflammation, tympanogramm, rhinomanometry and cultures. Of 416 patients screened, 311 children (178 females and 133 males), median age 4.5 years, completed the study: 156 in Group A and 155 in Group B. Both treatments improved all parameters (p<0.01 for all). Intergroup analysis showed that inhaled tobramycin induced a better improvement versus amoxicillin/clavulanate concerning nasal obstruction (p<0.05), adenoidal hypertrophy (p<0.01), tympanic inflammation (p<0.01), rhinomanometry (p<0.01) and cultures (p<0.05). In conclusion, inhaled tobramycin may represent a valid treatment for acute bacterial rhinopharyngitis in children, as it is effective, safe, economic and simple to use.

Exceptional discovery of a shallow-water hydrothermal site in the SW area of Basiluzzo islet (Aeolian archipelago, South Tyrrhenian Sea): An environment to preserve

The geological, biological and geochemical features of a particular field of hydrothermal vents, discovered in the Panarea Volcanic Complex during a research survey carried out in 2015, are described for the first time. The site, located at 70–80 m depth off the South-western coast of the islet of Basiluzzo, was named Smoking Land for the presence of a large number of wide and high active chimneys and was characterized in terms of dissolved benthic fluxes, associated macrofauna and megafauna communities and preliminary mineralogy and geochemistry of chimney structures. On the whole field, a total of 39 chimneys, different in size and shape, were closely observed and described; 14 of them showed emission of low temperature hydrothermal fluids of marine origin characterized by acidified chemical conditions. The CTD and benthic chamber measurements highlighted that the Smoking Land is able to form a sea water bottom layer characterized by variable acidity and high DIC and trace elements concentrations; these characteristics weaken moving away from the chimney mouths. The SEM-EDS analysis of the collected solid samples revealed a chimney structure principally composed by amorphous and low crystalline Fe-oxyhydroxides of hydrothermal origins. The ROV explorations revealed a wide coverage of red algae (Peyssonnelia spp.) colonized by the green algae Flabiella petiolata and by suspension feeders, mainly sponges, but also bryozoans, and tubicolous polychaetes. Although novent-exclusive species were identified, the benthic communities found in association to the chimneys included more taxa than those observed in the surrounding no-vent rocky areas. These first findings evidence a submarine dynamic habitat where geological, chemical and biological processes are intimately connected, making the Smoking Land an important site in terms of marine heritage that should be safeguarded and protected.

Mast Cells and Arachidonic Acid Cascade in Inflammation

Prostaglandin D2 PGD2 is a major cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid produced by mast cells and it is released following allergen challenge in diseases, such as allergic diseases. PGD2 may act as a neuromodulator and as an allergic and inflammatory mediator. In allergic diseases, activated mast cell synthesizes prostaglandin D2 (first cyclo-oxygenate mediator) which has bronchoconstrictive and vasodilating effects and attracts several leukocytes. It has been found that activated mast cells, challenged with physiological and non- physiological secretagogues, release elevated histamine and tryptase and chymase, leukotrienes B4, C4 and D4, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, PGD2, Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), heparin, and high-molecular-weight neutrophil chemotactic factor and cytokines/chemokines. PGD2 exerts its biological activity through the DP and CRTH2 receptors and their cDNA cloning which were characterized 15 years ago. In this report, we revisited the biological effects of arachidonic acid compounds released by activated mast cells in allergic and inflammatory states.

Ferrous iron- and ammonium-rich diffuse vents support habitat-specific communities in a shallow hydrothermal field off the Basiluzzo Islet (Aeolian Volcanic Archipelago)

Ammonium- and Fe(II)-rich fluid flows, known from deep-sea hydrothermal systems, have been extensively studied in the last decades and are considered as sites with high microbial diversity and activity. Their shallow-submarine counterparts, despite their easier accessibility, have so far been under-investigated, and as a consequence, much less is known about microbial communities inhabiting these ecosystems. A field of shallow expulsion of hydrothermal fluids has been discovered at depths of 170-400 meters off the base of the Basiluzzo Islet (Aeolian Volcanic Archipelago, Southern Tyrrhenian Sea). This area consists predominantly of both actively diffusing and inactive 1-3 meters-high structures in the form of vertical pinnacles, steeples and mounds covered by a thick orange to brown crust deposits hosting rich benthic fauna. Integrated morphological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses revealed that, above all, these crusts are formed by ferrihydrite-type Fe³⁺ oxyhydroxides. Two cruises in 2013 allowed us to monitor and sampled this novel ecosystem, certainly interesting in terms of shallow-water iron-rich site. The main objective of this work was to characterize the composition of extant communities of iron microbial mats in relation to the environmental setting and the observed patterns of macrofaunal colonization. We demonstrated that iron-rich deposits contain complex and stratified microbial communities with a high proportion of prokaryotes akin to ammonium- and iron-oxidizing chemoautotrophs, belonging to Thaumarchaeota, Nitrospira, and Zetaproteobacteria. Colonizers of iron-rich mounds, while composed of the common macrobenthic grazers, predators, filter-feeders, and tube-dwellers with no representatives of vent endemic fauna, differed from the surrounding populations. Thus, it is very likely that reduced electron donors (Fe²⁺ and NH₄⁺ ) are important energy sources in supporting primary production in microbial mats, which form a habitat-specific trophic base of the whole Basiluzzo hydrothermal ecosystem, including macrobenthic fauna.

Immunoglobulin-A Profile in Breast Milk from Mothers Delivering Full Term and Preterm Infants

Recent advances in the care of low-birth-weight and preterm neonates have stimulated research into the best dietetic program to improve their survival and short/long term outcome. Some components of human milk that cannot be included in artificial formulas may be critical for survival. Of these, immunoglobulins are important, and in particular secretory immunoglobulins A (sIgA). The concentration of secretory IgA was measured by immunoblotting (an immunoelectrophoretic technique having high specificity and reliability) in milk from mothers delivering at term (TM) or prematurely (PM). In both groups, IgA concentrations were high very early on but quickly decreased during the first week of lactation. The early IgA mean concentration was higher in PM than in TM but, because of high variability in PM milk, the difference rarely reached statistical significance. This variability during lactation reflects the important role of human milk in supplying immunological factors to cope with the gastrointestinal absorption of high molecular weight proteins in the first days of life. Immunological protection is particularly critical for a preterm baby, so it is important to promote feeding with its own mother's milk if possible, paying strict attention to the timing of milk collection.

Escherichia Coli Specific Secretory IgA and Cytokines in Human Milk from Mothers of Different Ethnic Groups Resident in Northern Italy

Breast milk supplies many bioactive components. Neonates protection from pathogenic bacteria is mainly attributable to secretory IgA antibodies present in human milk in an amount depending on previous antigenic exposure. To bring new details into the field of immunological memory in secretory immunity, we evaluated the production of s-IgA specific for E. coli (E. coli s-IgA), and of proinflammatory (IL-6 and IL-8) or anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in the milk of mothers of different ethnic groups exposed in the past to poor conditions, but nowadays living in Italy in adequate conditions. Mothers from Italy, Africa, Asia and Eastern European Countries were included in the study. Anti- E. coli s-IgA, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were determined by ELISA. Breast milk of all the foreign mothers presented higher levels of E. coli s-IgA than Italians, and for Asian and African mothers were significative (p=0.031 and p=0.015, respectively). Milk from women of Eastern European Countries revealed the highest IL-8 levels (p=0.026), while milk from Asian women presented the greatest concentration of IL-6 (p=0.04); however, the Africans reported the lowest concentrations of IL-10 (p=0.045). Since all the mothers had been living in Italy for some time, we believe that the presence of high levels of E. coli s-IgA, supported by high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine, is part of a persisting immunological secretory memory.

Neonatal Eating Epilepsy: Pathophysiological and Pharmacologic Aspects

We report a case of neonatal Eating Epilepsy. The baby was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Chieti after delivery, with respiratory distress syndrome. In the first day of life the baby had an episode of arterial desaturation and cyanosis with EEG alterations. After laboratory and instrumental investigations we found a correlation between EEG abnormalities and GER. So we administered a combination of anticonvulsive and antacid therapy and, considering the total improvement of EEG, we diagnosed a neonatal form of “eating epilepsy”.

Excessively High Magnetic Resonance Signal in Preterm Infants and Neuropsychobehavioural Follow-up at 2 Years

The diffuse excessive high-signal intensity (DEHSI) findings in the T2 weighted scans of white matter (WM), besides the corresponding low signal in the T1 weighted images, are usually more evident around the periventricular regions. It is not clear whether the DEHSI should be considered as a diffuse WM injury rather than a sign of delayed maturation of the WM. Eighty nine preterm infants at the full-term equivalent age (FEA) were studied using conventional Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging of the brain. Based on the MR findings, the infants studied were divided into three groups: the control group presenting normal WM, the DEHSI group and the group with other WM lesions. Ten newborns were not included in the statistical analysis because they presented evidence of precedent germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) which cannot be considered as WM lesions. Seventy nine infants were enrolled in a program of neuropsychobehavioural study follow-up until 24 months of age. Each infant was evaluated for those variables which mostly affect the occurrence of neuropsychomotor disability. In the DEHSI infant group, significantly lower mean pH and mean base excess (BE) values were found in comparison to controls, while the mean birth weight (BW) was significantly higher. No significant difference was observed between the mean 1st minute Apgar Score, mean birth gestational age (GA) and assisted ventilation mean duration of controls and DEHSI groups. Finally, no significant difference between the parameters studied was found by comparing the WM lesion infants group to the DEHSI infants one. Our observations, together with follow-up studies, even up to school age, confirm that DEHSI has a clinical significance and cannot be considered as a simple indicator of delayed WM maturation.

A Case of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, Defect of Cholesterol Biosynthesis

We report the case of a child with Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. The pregnancy was complicated by prenatal growth retardation. The baby was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Chieti when she was five months old. She showed postnatal growth retardation, trouble sucking and swallowing, microcefaly and multiple major and minor malformations, including characteristic facial features and 2–3 syndactyly of the toes. We found correlations between multiple congenital malformations, failure to thrive and low plasmatic cholesterol measurement.

Intracerebral Diffusion of Paramagnetic Cationic Liposomes Containing Gd(DTPA)2- Followed by MRI Spectroscopy: Assessment of Patternc Diffusion and Time Steadiness of a Non-Viral Vector Model

Cationic liposomes are generally considered as the non-viral counterparts of the more common viral vectors used in several gene therapy protocols, but their use as delivery vehicles is limited by their efficiency even if they display a lower toxicity. However, cationic liposomes are promising delivery systems in cell biology due to their ability to incorporate small molecules into their inner aqueous spheres and to deliver them into cells. Additionally, on the external surface they can bind therapeutic molecules such as nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, plasmids, etc. through electrostatic interactions. The aim of this work was to study the diffusion properties of such vehicles in vivo with a non-invasive technique and to monitor their tissue migration in order to collect information to be further used in gene therapy procedures. For this purpose, cationic liposomes containing the paramagnetic contrast agent Gd(DTPA)2- (Gd(III)-diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid) were investigated because of their extended paramagnetic persistency in vivo, compared to the use of the contrast agent alone, and they were used to monitor the diffusion of such vehicles in an animal model (rat model). In particular, these vectors were injected into the rat brain through a stereotactic frame in a preformed cavity mimicking the lesion which had originated after surgical removal of the primary tumor. For the purpose of comparison, the same injection procedure was also applied to a control series of animals without a preformed brain lesion. Pattern diffusion and steadiness of the reported paramagnetic cationic liposomes were studied by means of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which allowed us to monitor their diffusion and assess their intracerebral time availability up to 24 hours.

Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticle exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis gills and digestive gland

Despite the wide use of nanoscale materials in several fields, some aspects of the nanoparticle behavior have to be still investigated. In this work, we faced the aspect of environmental effects of increasing concentrations of TiO2NPs using the Mytilus galloprovincialis as an animal model and carrying out a multidisciplinary approach to better explain the results. Bioaccumulation suggested that the gills and digestive gland are the most sensitive organs to TiO2NP exposure. Histological observations have evidenced an altered tissue organization and a consistent infiltration of hemocytes, as a consequence of the immune system activation, even though an increase in lipid peroxidation is uncertain and DNA damage became relevant only at high exposure dose (10 mg/L) or for longer exposure time (96 h). However, the over expression of SOD1 mRNA strengthen the concept that the toxicity of TiO2NPs could occur indirectly by ROS production. TEM analysis showed the presence of multilamellar bodies, RER fragmentation, and cytoplasmic vacuolization within relevant presence of dense granules, residual bodies, and lipid inclusions. These findings support the evidence of an initial inflammatory response by the cells of the target organs leading to apoptosis. In conclusion, we can state that certainly the exposure to TiO2NPs has affected our animal model from cellular to molecular levels. Interestingly, the same responses are caused by lower TiO2NP concentration and longer exposure time as well as higher doses and shorter exposure. We do not know if some of the conditions detected are reversible, then further studies are required to clarify this aspect.