Methodological approach for the automatic discrimination of pictorial materials using fused hyperspectral imaging data from the visible to mid-infrared range coupled with machine learning methods

Hyperspectral imaging represents a powerful tool for the study of artwork's materials since it permits to obtain simultaneously information about the spectral behavior of the materials and their spatial distribution. By combining hyperspectral images performed on several spectral intervals (visible, near infrared and mid-infrared ranges) through chemometric methods it is possible to clearly identify most of the materials used in painting (i.e., pigments, dyes, varnishes, and binders). Moreover, in the last decade, the development of machine learning algorithms coupled with comprehensive and continuously updated databases opens new perspective on the automatic recognition of pictorial materials. In this work, we propose a novel procedure to support the automatic discrimination of pictorial materials consisting in a mid-level data fusion on imaging datasets coming from two commercial hyperspectral cameras, in the 400-1000 nm and 1000-2500 nm spectral ranges, respectively, and a MAcroscopic Fourier Transform InfRared scanning in reflection mode (MA-rFTIR), in the 7000 to 350 cm-1 (1428 nm - 28 μm) spectral range. The automatic recognition of 102 pictorial mock-ups from the fused data is performed by testing the performance of ECOC-SVM (error-correcting output coding and support vector machine) model obtaining a good predictive result with only few pixels that are confused with other classes. The methodology described in this paper demonstrates that an accurate paint layer multiclass recognition is feasible, and the use of chemometric approaches solves some challenges involving the study of materials.

Microbial communities in paddy soils: differences in abundance and functionality between rhizosphere and pore water, the influence of different soil organic carbon, sulfate fertilization and cultivation time, and contribution to arsenic mobility and speciation

Abiotic factors and rhizosphere microbial populations influence arsenic accumulation in rice grains. Although mineral and organic surfaces are keystones in element cycling, localization of specific microbial reactions in the root/soil/pore water system is still unclear. Here, we tested if original unplanted soil, rhizosphere soil and pore water represented distinct ecological microniches for arsenic-, sulfur- and iron-cycling microorganisms and compared the influence of relevant factors such as soil type, sulfate fertilization and cultivation time. In rice open-air-mesocosms with two paddy soils (2.0% and 4.7% organic carbon), Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated minor effects of cultivation time and sulfate fertilization that decreased Archaea-driven microbial networks and incremented sulfate-reducing and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. Different compartments, characterized by different bacterial and archaeal compositions, had the strongest effect, with higher microbial abundances, bacterial biodiversity and interconnections in the rhizosphere vs pore water. Within each compartment, a significant soil type effect was observed. Higher percentage contributions of rhizosphere dissimilatory arsenate- and iron-reducing, arsenite-oxidizing, and, surprisingly, dissimilatory sulfate-reducing bacteria, as well as pore water iron-oxidizing bacteria in the lower organic carbon soil, supported previous chemistry-based interpretations of a more active S-cycling, a higher percentage of thioarsenates and lower arsenic mobility by sorption to mixed Fe(II)Fe(III)-minerals in this soil.

What if sharing music as a language is the key to meeting halfway? Absolute pitch, pitch discrimination and Autism Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND

Absolute pitch is the ability to identify a given note in the absence of a reference note. The prevalence of absolute pitch in autism is between 5% and 11% and autism involves notably enhanced abilities in pitch discrimination.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the evidence about the role and the meaning of these special skills in autism.

METHODS

Systematic electronic database searches were conducted using Pubmed, Scopus, Psycinfo, and Web of Science. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRI-SMA) guideline was followed, and, after thorough screening by two independent reviewers, 17 articles remained eligible for inclusion in this study.

RESULTS

We have two different groups of results. Eight case-control studies discuss pitch discrimination and autism. The second group included four case reports about autistic individuals with absolute pitch and five case-control studies. These results strongly suggest that music elicits special attention for children with autism, and taken together, this evidence supports a major frequency of AP in autistic children.

CONCLUSION

Based on this evidence, future perspectives could include studies aiming to detect absolute pitch at an early age and to use this special skill to stimulate joint attention, as well as socio-communicative skills.

Alternating Wet-Dry Cycles Rather than Sulfate Fertilization Control Pathways of Methanogenesis and Methane Turnover in Rice Straw-Amended Paddy Soil

Alternate wet-drying (AWD) and sulfate fertilization have been considered as effective methods for lowering CH₄ emissions from paddy soils. However, there is a clear knowledge gap between field studies that focus on the quantification of emissions and laboratory studies that investigate mechanisms. To elucidate mechanisms of CH₄ production and oxidation under field conditions, rice was planted in straw-amended mesocosms with or without sulfate fertilization under continuously flooded conditions (FL) or two wet-dry cycles. CO₂ and CH₄ concentrations in soil air and their natural C isotope compositions were measured at stem elongation, booting, and flowering stages. CH₄ concentration reached 51 mg C L^-1 at the flowering stage under FL, while it decreased to 0.04 mg C L^-1 under AWD. Relative ¹³C enrichment in CH₄ and depletion in CO₂ under AWD indicated CH₄ oxidation. Ample organic substrate supply may have reduced competition between sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea, and therefore, it explains the absence of a decrease in CH₄ concentrations in sulfate treatments. ¹³C enrichment in CO₂ over time (6 and 7‰ with and without sulfate fertilizers, respectively) under FL indicates continuous contribution of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis to CH₄ production with ongoing rice growth. Overall, AWD could more efficiently reduce CH₄ production than sulfate fertilization in rice straw-amended paddy soils.

Cadmium transfer in contaminated soil-rice systems: Insights from solid-state speciation analysis and stable isotope fractionation

Initial Cadmium (Cd) isotope fractionation studies in cereals ascribed the retention of Cd and its light isotopes to the binding of Cd to sulfur (S). To better understand the relation of Cd binding to S and Cd isotope fractionation in soils and plants, we combined isotope and XAS speciation analyses in soil-rice systems that were rich in Cd and S. The systems included distinct water management (flooded vs. non-flooded) and rice accessions with (excluder) and without (non-excluder) functional membrane transporter OsHMA3 that transports Cd into root vacuoles. Initially, 13% of Cd in the soil was bound to S. Through soil flooding, the proportion of Cd bound to S increased to 100%. Soil flooding enriched the rice plants towards heavy isotopes (δ^114/110Cd = -0.37 to -0.39%) compared to the plants that grew on non-flooded soils (δ^114/110Cd = -0.45 to -0.56%) suggesting that preferentially light Cd isotopes precipitated into Cd sulfides. Isotope compositions in CaCl₂ root extracts indicated that the root surface contributed to the isotope shift between soil and plant during soil flooding. In rice roots, Cd was fully bound to S in all treatments. The roots in the excluder rice strongly retained Cd and its lights isotopes while heavy isotopes were transported to the shoots (Δ^114/110Cd_shoot-root 0.16-0.19‰). The non-excluder rice accumulated Cd in shoots and the apparent difference in isotope composition between roots and shoots was smaller than that of the excluder rice (Δ^114/110Cd_shoot-root -0.02 to 0.08‰). We ascribe the retention of light Cd isotopes in the roots of the excluder rice to the membrane transport of Cd by OsHMA3 and/or chelating Cd-S complexes in the vacuole. Cd-S was the major binding form in flooded soils and rice roots and partly contributed to the immobilization of Cd and its light isotopes in soil-rice systems.

Redox Dependence of Thioarsenate Occurrence in Paddy Soils and the Rice Rhizosphere

In flooded paddy soils, inorganic and methylated thioarsenates contribute substantially to arsenic speciation besides the much-better-investigated oxyarsenic species, and thioarsenate uptake into rice plants has recently been shown. To better understand their fate when soil redox conditions change, that is, from flooding to drainage to reflooding, batch incubations and unplanted microcosm experiments were conducted with two paddy soils covering redox potentials from E_H -260 to +200 mV. Further, occurrence of thioarsenates in the oxygenated rice rhizosphere was investigated using planted rhizobox experiments. Soil flooding resulted in rapid formation of inorganic thioarsenates with a dominance of trithioarsenate. Maximum thiolation of inorganic oxyarsenic species was 57% at E_H -130 mV and oxidation caused nearly complete dethiolation. Only monothioarsenate formed again upon reflooding and was the major inorganic thioarsenate detected in the rhizosphere. Maximum thiolation of mono- and dimethylated oxyarsenates was about 70% and 100%, respectively, below E_H 0 mV. Dithiolated species dominated over monothiolated species below E_H -100 mV. Among all thioarsenates, dimethylated monothioarsenate showed the least transformation upon prolonged oxidation. It also was the major thiolated arsenic species in the rhizosphere with concentrations comparable to its precursor dimethylated oxyarsenate, which is especially critical since dimethylated monothioarsenate is highly carcinogenic.

Mycotoxins and Related Fungi in Italian Paddy Rice During the Growing Season and Storage

Mycotoxigenic fungi and relative mycotoxins contamination were monitored in Italian paddy rice samples both in field during the growing season and the first five months of storage. Three experimental fields, nine rice varieties and three sowing densities were considered; then, different lots of paddy rice were stored in warehouses at different temperature regimes. Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus spp. were found to be the fungi most likely to produce mycotoxins throughout the growing season. In particular, A. flavus and A. niger were found only rarely both in field and in post-harvest, while A. versicolor was always present although in low concentrations. Penicillium spp. strains were isolated sporadically and were found to be irrelevant in Italian rice fungal contamination. Sterigmatocystin (STC) was the main mycotoxin found in Italian rice, while aflatoxin (AFB₁), deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) were rarely detected. Contamination generally increased from post-flowering to ripening; considering rice varieties, significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were found in fungal contamination and STC production; no differences were observed between sowing densities. During storage, an increase in STC content was observed in higher temperature regimes, while all the other considered mycotoxins remained unchanged. These results indicated that contamination by STC, an emerging mycotoxin not legislatively regulated by the European Union, can be relevant in rice.

LIF/Raman/XRF non-invasive microanalysis of frescoes from St. Alexander catacombs in Rome

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray (XRF) fluorescence were used to study two frescoes at the S. Alexander catacombs complex, in Rome. LIF analysis has shown the presence of a transparent protective material probably deposited in previous restoration treatments and allowed to clearly distinguish the areas undergoing the current restoration process from the ones which still have to be treated. Raman and XRF analysis allowed to non-destructively characterizing most of the pictorial materials used for the artworks, including calcite (CaCO₃), red ochre (Fe₂O₃), minium (Pb₃O₄), yellow ochre (α-FeOOH) and others. Therefore, thanks to the complementarity of the above-mentioned techniques, it was possible to obtain a detailed characterization of the studied frescoes. Finally, the whole ensemble of results constituted a valid tool to effectively plan the restoration of the frescoes.

Total As and As Speciation in Italian Rice as Related to Producing Areas and Paddy Soils Properties

Rice and rice-based foodstuffs are important pathways for inorganic As dietary intake. This work shows a detailed picture of As content and speciation in Italian rice, which contributes to more than one-half of the European production, and addresses the role of soil chemistry and agronomic management on As concentration in rice grain, in view of ameliorative strategies. The mean total As content in Italian white rice was 155 ± 65 μg kg^-1 with significant differences among producing areas, while the mean inorganic As was 102 ± 26 μg kg^-1, largely below the E.U. limit of 200 μg kg^-1 for white rice, although part of the production would not be suitable for baby food production, which requires less than 100 μg kg^-1 of inorganic As. The differences in As content and speciation in rice among the studied areas resulted from the complex interactions of soil, plant, and anthropic factors. Among others, Si nutrition seemed to play a key role in regulating As transfer from soil to plant.

Role of DWI assessing nodal involvement and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the staging of axillary lymph nodes and the restaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAD) in advanced breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MRI examinations of forty-two patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer addressed to NAD and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were reviewed. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) of each visible node in DWI in the pathologic axilla (PA) and healthy axilla (HA) were measured at the time of diagnosis (t0) and after chemotherapy (t1); mean values of the ADC were calculated. Patients were classified as responders (R), non-responders (NR), macrometastasis (MA), micrometastasis (Mi).

RESULTS

Mean ADC was 0.92 ± 0.07 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t0 and 0.97 ± 0.06 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t1 (p = 0.284) in PA, 0.89 ± 0.06 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t0 and 0.92 ± 0.06 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t1 (p = 0.403) in HA, 0.95 ± 0.111 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t0 and 0.95 ± 0.14 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t1 (p = 0.954) in R group, 0.90 ± 0.09 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t0 and 0.97 ± 0.07 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t1 (p = 0.085) in NR group, 0.86 ± 0.10 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t0 and 0.99 ± 0.09 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t1 (p = 0.055) in MA, and 0.99 ± 0.23 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t0 and 0.95 ± 0.15 x 10-3 mm2/sec at t1 in Mi (p = 0.667).

CONCLUSIONS

Mean ADC between PA and HA, R and NR, MA and Mi did not significantly differ at t0 and t1 (p > 0.05). Variation in mean ADC between t0 and t1 was not significant in all groups (p > 0.05), except for a trend toward significance (p = 0.055) in MA. DWI has a potential role in restaging of macrometastatic axillary nodes after NAD.

An integrated, multisensor system for the continuous monitoring of water dynamics in rice fields under different irrigation regimes

The cultivation of rice, one of the most important staple crops worldwide, has very high water requirements. A variety of irrigation practices are applied, whose pros and cons, both in terms of water productivity and of their effects on the environment, are not completely understood yet. The continuous monitoring of irrigation and rainfall inputs, as well as of soil water dynamics, is a very important factor in the analysis of these practices. At the same time, however, it represents a challenging and costly task because of the complexity of the processes involved, of the difference in nature and magnitude of the driving variables and of the high variety of field conditions. In this paper, we present the prototype of an integrated, multisensor system for the continuous monitoring of water dynamics in rice fields under different irrigation regimes. The system consists of the following: (1) flow measurement devices for the monitoring of irrigation supply and tailwater drainage; (2) piezometers for groundwater level monitoring; (3) level gauges for monitoring the flooding depth; (4) multilevel tensiometers and moisture sensor clusters to monitor soil water status; (5) eddy covariance station for the estimation of evapotranspiration fluxes and (6) wireless transmission devices and software interface for data transfer, storage and control from remote computer. The system is modular and it is replicable in different field conditions. It was successfully applied over a 2-year period in three experimental plots in Northern Italy, each one with a different water management strategy. In the paper, we present information concerning the different instruments selected, their interconnections and their integration in a common remote control scheme. We also provide considerations and figures on the material and labour costs of the installation and management of the system.

Evaluation of the trade-offs encountered in planning and treating locally advanced head and neck cancer: intensity-modulated radiation therapy vs dual-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy

OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the practical trade-offs between intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and dual-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy (DA-VMAT) for locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

For 15 locally advanced HNC data sets, nine-field step-and-shoot IMRT plans and two full-rotation DA-VMAT treatment plans were created in the Pinnacle(3) v. 9.0 (Philips Medical Systems, Fitchburg, WI) treatment planning environment and then delivered on a Clinac iX (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) to a cylindrical detector array. The treatment planning goals were organised into four groups based on their importance: (1) spinal cord, brainstem, optical structures; (2) planning target volumes; (3) parotids, mandible, larynx and brachial plexus; and (4) normal tissues.

RESULTS

Compared with IMRT, DA-VMAT plans were of equal plan quality (p>0.05 for each group), able to be delivered in a shorter time (3.1 min vs 8.3 min, p<0.0001), delivered fewer monitor units (on average 28% fewer, p<0.0001) and produced similar delivery accuracy (p>0.05 at γ(2%/2mm) and γ(3%/3mm)). However, the VMAT plans took more planning time (28.9 min vs 7.7 min per cycle, p<0.0001) and required more data for a three-dimensional dose (20 times more, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nine-field step-and-shoot IMRT and DA-VMAT are both capable of meeting the majority of planning goals for locally advanced HNC. The main trade-offs between the techniques are shorter treatment time for DA-VMAT but longer planning time and the additional resources required for implementation of a new technology. Based on this study, our clinic has incorporated DA-VMAT for locally advanced HNC.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

DA-VMAT is a suitable alternative to IMRT for locally advanced HNC.

High mobility group box 1 is a novel substrate of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a cytokine with a key role in tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. Previous studies have shown that topical application of HMGB1 to skin wounds of mouse models of diabetes enhanced vessel density and accelerated wound healing, suggesting that diabetes may affect endogenous HMGB1 functions. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV/CD26) is a protease whose activity is increased in diabetes and whose inhibition improves glucose tolerance. Since HMGB1 contains potential DPP-IV cleavage sites, we determined whether HMGB1 may be a substrate for DPP-IV and whether DPP-IV-mediated cleavage may alter the biological activity of HMGB1.

METHODS

Reversed phase HPLC, mass spectrometry and western blot analyses were performed to analyse and identify HMGB1 peptides generated following DPP-IV digestion. HMGB1 angiogenic functions in the presence of DPP-IV were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. HMGB1 protein was detected in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients before and after treatment with DPP-IV inhibitors.

RESULTS

DPP-IV cleaved HMGB1 at its N-terminal region and affected its angiogenic functions. Specifically, DPP-IV inhibited HMGB1-induced endothelial cell migration and capillary-like structure formation, as well as HMGB1-mediated vascular network formation in Matrigel implants in mice. We had previously found that HMGB1 promoted endothelial cell migration through activation of extracellular regulated kinase signalling pathway. Here we showed that such an effect was abolished in the presence of DPP-IV. Finally, the N-terminal truncated form of HMGB1 was detected in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients, in whom DPP-IV inhibitors enhanced the levels of full-length HMGB1.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

DPP-IV cleaves HMGB1 and, via this mechanism, inhibits HMGB1 angiogenic activity. Treatment with DPP-IV inhibitors may enhance HMGB1 activity in diabetic patients, thereby improving angiogenesis in this condition.

[Clinicopathologic characteristics of low grade primary gastric non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: experience from a single center]

AIM

To report the clinicopathological data and the treatment outcomes in patients with primary gastric low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of 16 consecutive patients (median age 46 and range 28-75 years) who presented to our department with histopathological diagnosis of primary gastric low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We analyzed clinical manifestations, endoscopic features, pathological features,Helicobacter pylori infection and treatment.

RESULTS

Common symptoms included abdominal pain (87.5%),vomiting (62.5%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (25%). Endoscopic appearances were mainly ulcers and ulcerations (93.75%).Endoscopic biopsy confirmation rate reached 87.5% when biopsies were repeated. Helicobacter pylori detection rate was 75%. A total of 9 patients received surgeries. Three patients had chemotherapy and 8 patients had Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. The range of follow-up was 2-74 months with a median of 27 months. A complete remission was obtained in 12 cases, whereas 1 patient died and 3 were lost of view.

CONCLUSION

Eradication therapy may be offered as an initial treatment option in patients with low-grade gastric lymphoma.

Different farming and water regimes in Italian rice fields affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal soil communities

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) comprise one of the main components of soil microbiota in most agroecosystems. These obligate mutualistic symbionts colonize the roots of most plants, including crop plants. Many papers have indicated that different crop management practices could affect AMF communities and their root colonization. However, there is little knowledge available on the influence of conventional and low-input agriculture on root colonization and AMF molecular diversity in rice fields. Two different agroecosystems (continuous conventional high-input rice monocropping and organic farming with a five-year crop rotation) and two different water management regimes have been considered in this study. Both morphological and molecular analyses were performed. The soil mycorrhizal potential, estimated using clover trap cultures, was high and similar in the two agroecosystems. The diversity of the AMF community in the soil, calculated by means of PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) and 18S rDNA sequencing on clover trap cultures roots, was higher for the organic cultivation. The rice roots cultivated in the conventional agrosystem or under permanent flooding showed no AMF colonization, while the rice plants grown under the organic agriculture system showed typical mycorrhization patterns. Considered together, our data suggest that a high-input cropping system and conventional flooding depress AMF colonization in rice roots and that organic managements could help maintain a higher diversity of AMF communities in soil.

Extra-mammary findings in breast MRI

OBJECTIVES

Incidental extra-mammary findings in breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be benign in nature, but may also represent a metastasis or another important lesion. We aimed to analyse the prevalence and clinical relevance of these unexpected findings.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 1535 breast MRIs was conducted. Only axial sequences were reassessed. Confirmation examinations were obtained in all cases.

RESULTS

285 patients had a confirmed incidental finding, which were located in the liver (51.9%), lung (11.2%), bone (7%), mediastinal lymph nodes (4.2%) or consisted of pleural/pericardial effusion (15.4%). 20.4% of incidental findings were confirmed to be malignant. Positive predictive value for MRI to detect a metastatic lesion was high if located within the bone (89%), lymph nodes (83%) and lung (59%), while it was low if located within the liver (9%) or if it consisted of pleural/pericardial effusion (6%). The axial enhanced sequence showed superior sensitivity to unenhanced images in detecting metastatic lesions, especially if only smaller (≤10 mm.) lesions were considered.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of metastatic incidental extra-mammary findings is not negligible. Particular attention should be to incidental findings located within the lung, bone and mediastinal lymph nodes.

[Association of Sjögren's syndrome and Plummer Vinson syndrome]

Dysphagia is a common complaint of patients with Sjogren's syndrome, but its mechanism remains a subject of controversy. The association of Sjogren's syndrome with Plummer-Vinson syndrome remains uncommon. We report a 56-year-old women who presented both disorders. The diagnosis of the Plummer-Vinson syndrome was based on the classic triad of dysphagia, iron-deficiency anaemia and oesophageal webs. The diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome was based on the presence of three Fox criteria. This association should incite us to search for common immuno-genetic pathogenic factors between these two syndromes.

Pathological and molecular characteristics distinguishing contralateral metastatic from new primary breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer patients have a cumulative lifetime risk of 2%-15% of developing a contralateral metastatic or ex novo primary cancer. From prognostic and therapeutic viewpoints, it is important to differentiate metastatic from second primary. To distinguish these entities, we investigated whether the pattern of X chromosome inactivation could determine whether the two tumors derived from different progenitor cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clonality of bilateral breast cancer was evaluated through the X-inactivation analysis using the human androgen receptor gene (HUMARA) polymorphism and the histopathologic and molecular results were compared. A different or an identical pattern of X inactivation was considered as indicator of a second primary cancer or not informative, respectively. We considered morphological indicators of a new primary cancer the absence of concordance in the histological type or a better histological differentiation.

RESULTS

Ten patients with bilateral breast cancer were evaluated. Morphological criteria indicated that eight were second primary, a conclusion confirmed by the X-inactivation analysis. Two cases classified as recurrence according to morphological criteria were classified as second tumor by molecular analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the HUMARA clonality assay can improve the histological parameters in differentiating metastatic cancer from second primary cancer.

The effect of endophyte infection on persistence of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) populations in two climatically contrasting Italian locations

Endophytic fungi may reportedly improve summer persistence in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). The objective of this study was assessing whether endophytes contributed to better persistence in 2 climatically contrasting Italian locations (Sanluri, Mediterranean climate, 382 mm average rainfall; Lodi, subcontinental climate, 802 mm average rainfall). Twelve populations from Sardinia were evaluated for 4 years in each site with or without nitrogen application. The populations hosted either of 2 endophyte forms (long-conidia, Neotyphodium coenophialum; short-conidia, FaTG-2 group) and belonged to the European race of fescue (hosting N. coenophialum) or the Mediterranean race (hosting FaTG-2). Three European-race commercial varieties (hosting N. coenophialum) were included as controls. The evaluated material was present both in the endophyte-infected and the endophyte-free (after chemical treatment) status. Stand persistence was recorded at the end of each year. The effect of the endophyte presence on persistence was nil in the Mediterranean site and slightly positive in the subcontinental location. Populations of the 2 geographic races had contrasting behaviour in the 2 sites irrespective of their endophyte status. The Mediterranean-race populations persisted well in the Mediterranean environment but not in the subcontinental one, and the reverse occurred for the European-race germplasm (including the controls). The results suggest that Mediterranean conditions may be too extreme for any enhancement of persistence to be solely provided by the endophyte, and highlight the overwhelming importance of the physiological adaptation of the grass germplasm to target environment.

Persistence of morphologically diverse lucerne under continuous stocking and intensive grazing

Grazing tolerance of lucerne is an attribute of growing interest worldwide. A breeding method relying on direct selection for persistence under continuous stocking and intensive grazing was here applied to germplasm first selected for the presence of positive traits, hoping to combine an effective selection procedure with the advantages of a favourable morphology. Progenies belonging to diversified plant ‘models’, previously synthesised, were evaluated under sheep grazing in 2 trials in northern Italy with reference to a tolerant and an intolerant check variety. The reliability of the assessment according to recommended standard procedures was ensured by the recorded difference in persistence of the 2 checks. Two semi-prostrate models proved very tolerant to grazing, and another, semi-erect model proved partly tolerant. When the spring biomass was measured before grazing imposition, the grazing-tolerant models showed lower values than the other models and the checks, but they featured the highest biomass after the grazing seasons in both trials, owing to their outstanding tolerance. The best germplasm will be used to develop grazing-tolerant varieties. The most tolerant models displayed a long cold-season rest. Nonetheless, they could also be of interest in areas with relatively mild winters, for instance in mixtures with winter-active annual species, or in intercropping situations. Based on reported evidence, germplasm selected under intensive grazing and continuous stocking is expected to retain its tolerance under more rational management systems.

Combining drought tolerance and responsiveness to summer moisture availability in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) germplasm grown in Mediterranean environments

Drought-tolerant cocksfoot cultivars capable of exploiting off-season moisture could be useful for the Mediterranean region. This study aimed to assess drought tolerance and responsiveness to summer irrigation in 2 sets of materials, namely, 8 populations including Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean ssp. glomerata cultivars and 2 Mediterranean ssp. hispanica natural populations, and 28 half-sib progenies issued by previous phenotypic selection of Mediterranean parent germplasm under summer irrigation. Dry matter (DM) yield under rainfed and summer-irrigated conditions was observed in summer and the following cool season and it was related to plant survival at the end of summer, concentration of soluble sugars and total nitrogen before and at full imposition of the summer treatments, and leaf-extension rate at early treatment imposition. The results indicated that: (i) a complete vegetative arrest under stress is a prerequisite for summer survival in Mediterranean environments; (ii) selected Mediterranean material may exhibit a level of responsiveness to moisture availability in summer that is comparable, in some cases, with that of non-Mediterranean germplasm; (iii) responsiveness to summer irrigation may not exert a detrimental effect on the subsequent cool-season regrowth in selected Mediterranean germplasm, whereas a detrimental effect is evident in unselected ssp. hispanica material; (iv) DM yield responses under rainfed and irrigated conditions are genetically compatible, as shown by the moderate positive genetic correlation (rg = 0.51); (v) the selection for responsiveness to summer irrigation in Mediterranean germplasm of ssp. glomerata or ssp. hispanica can be effective; and (vi) Mediterranean germplasm accumulates soluble sugars during the dry period, but the value of this or other physiological traits as an indirect selection criterion within adapted Mediterranean germplasm is questionable.

Biological and clinical role of p73 in neuroblastoma

The p73 gene is a p53 homologue localized at 1p36.3, a chromosomal region frequently deleted in neuroblastoma. p73 was originally considered an oncosuppressor gene. However, it was soon realized that its mode of action did not resemble that of a classic anti-oncogene. The recent discovery of N-terminal truncated isoforms, with oncogenic properties, showed that p73 has a 'two in one' structure. Indeed, the full-length variants are strong inducers of apoptosis while the truncated isoforms inhibit the pro-apoptotic activity of p53 and of the full-length p73. This review summarizes some aspects of p73 biology with particular reference to its possible role in neuroblastoma.

Magnetic resonance imaging in breast cancer recurrence

PURPOSE

To determine the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting breast cancer recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty women conservatively treated for breast cancer underwent MRI and confirmation on histology and cytology of suspected local recurrence. In these patients both clinical and mammographic/ultrasound features of local recurrence were nonspecific or suspicious. All patients were examined at least 1 year after completion of radiation treatment. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging was performed with a 1.5 T unit using a dedicated bilateral breast coil. Qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. Statistical analysis was also performed with the Student T-test.

RESULTS

Breast cancer recurrence was confirmed on histology in 22 patients. MRI identified all the 22 breast recurrent cancers. False-positive contrast enhancement was seen in only two patients. In four patients recurrence was classified as multifocal. In one patient the tumor was detected in the contralateral breast. MRI showed 95% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, 88.8% specificity with 5% false-positives and 100% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic MRI appears a valuable technique for differentiation of post-treatment changes from recurrent carcinoma and for guiding the histological confirmation. Its high negative predictive value may have an impact on follow-up of treated breast.

Expression of DeltaNp73 is a molecular marker for adverse outcome in neuroblastoma patients

The p73 gene is a p53 homologue which induces apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation. Although p73 maps at 1p36.3 and is frequently deleted in neuroblastoma (NB), it does not act as a classic oncosuppressor gene. In developing sympathetic neurons of mice, p73 is predominantly expressed as a truncated anti-apoptotic isoform (DeltaNp73), which antagonizes both p53 and the full-length p73 protein (TAp73). This suggests that p73 may be part of a complex tumor-control mechanism. To determine the role of DeltaNp73 in NB we analyzed the pattern of expression of this gene in vivo and evaluated the prognostic significance of its expression. Our results indicate that DeltaNp73 expression is associated with reduced apoptosis in a NB tumor tissue. Expression of this variant in NB patients significantly correlates with age at diagnosis and VMA urinary excretion. Moreover it is strongly associated with reduced survival (HR=7.93; P<0.001) and progression-free survival (HR=5.3; P<0.001) and its role in predicting a poorer outcome is independent from age, primary tumor site, stage and MYCN amplification (OS: HR=5.24, P=0.012; PFS: HR=4.36, P=0.005). In conclusion our data seem to indicate that DeltaNp73 is a crucial gene in neuroblastoma pathogenesis.