The role of intralaminar damages on the delamination evolution in laminated composite structures

Delamination is a major failure mode affecting laminated composite structures. This failure mechanism, if not properly monitored, can lead to uncontrolled cracks growth and premature structural collapse. Thus, predicting delamination propagation is mandatory to determine the structural integrity. At present, delamination has been extensively investigated in laminated composite structures but only a few studies have been performed on how the intralaminar damages influence the interfacial release energy and, consequently, the delamination evolution. In this paper, the well-established SMart-Time XB delamination simulation tool, has been coupled with a Hashin Criteria based User-Material Subroutine (UserMat) to study the role of the intralaminar damages in delamination propagation. A benchmark case based on the mixed-mode I/II Single Leg Bending (SLB) specimen for delamination evolution assessment under quasi-static loading has been investigated. Subsequently, a composite material plate, characterized by an artificial circular delamination, under compression has been considered. This study proved to be valuable by underlining the influence of fibre and matrix breakage on the interlaminar damages evolution. Interestingly, taking into account the effect of intralaminar flaws changes the local energy release rates values on the delamination front and, consequently, the crack shape and evolution.

Qualitative mucin disorders in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a literature review

Background

It is a common opinion that Primary Sjögren Syndrome (pSS) damages the exocrine glands and determines the reduction of secreted saliva, some studies show that there are qualitative anomalies of the mucins produced in saliva, including MUC7, MUC5B, MUC1. The purpose of this study is to trace all the information useful to establish whether there is a qualitative or quantitative defect of the mucins in the pSS.

Material and Methods

We reviewed the literature by looking for publications relevant to the topic in electronic databases. Sixteen articles met the search criteria. The studies were divided into two categories, those that studied the rheological characteristics of the saliva and those that studied the structural and / or metabolism modifications of the muciparous cells in the salivary glands.

Results

in Patients with pSS, xerostomia and the reduction of salivary spinnbarkeit are only partially related to the reduction of the unstimulated salivary flow. In pSS, pathological alterations of mucins’ chemical-physical properties prevail as a cause of the clinical characteristics. Moreover, in pSS there are structural and metabolism changes in salivary glands’ muciparous cells.

Conclusions

There is much evidence that supports the presence of qualitative alterations in the saliva’s rheological properties in Patients with pSS, and these are the main cause, more than the reduction of the unstimulated salivary flow, of the disease clinical characteristics - dry mouth and complications in the oral cavity. Therefore we propose to add to the classification criteria of pSS also a qualitative test of salivary glycoproteins.

Key words:Primary Sjögren's syndrome, mucin, MUC7, MUC5B, MUC1, sulphate oligosaccharides.

Procalcitonin in myocarditis patients: role in aetiology identification and risk stratification

Background

Procalcitonin (PCT) is an established predictor of bacterial infections and sepsis. However, PCT involvement in cardiovascular diseases has been scarcely investigated so far. In particular, no studies at all ever addressed the role of PCT in myocarditis patients.

We aimed at evaluating PCT in myocarditis patients, as a potential biomarker of: a) aetiologic diagnosis; b) prognosis.

Methods

A cohort of 130 consecutive patients with a novel diagnosis of myocarditis confirmed by both endomyocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance were included in the study. Patients with known bacterial infections or bacterial myocarditis were excluded (n=5). PCT concentration was measured on admission in all patients. Prospective follow-up (FU) was performed every 6 months up to 5 years.

Results

Of 125 patients analyzed (mean age 45±15 years, males 62%, mean LVEF 48±15%), 22 (18%) had fulminant myocarditis (FM). The remaining 103 cases had non-fulminant myocarditis (NFM), including infarct-like presentation and non-malignant arrhythmias. Aetiology was viral or virus-negative in 23 and 102 patients, respectively.

The mean PCT value was 0.44±0.18 mcg/ml, with no significant differences between viral and virus-negative myocarditis (0.43±0.19 vs. 0.44±0.18 mcg/ml, p=0.90).

Baseline PCT concentration was significantly higher in FM patients (0.69±0.21 vs. 0.39±0.16 mcg/ml, p=0.07). Consistently, PCT was higher in patients with LVEF <60% (0.51±0.20 vs. 0.30±0.14 mcg/ml, p=0.03) and in those with elevated (>400 pg/mL) NT-proBNP (0.55±0.19 vs. 0.36±0.17 mcg/ml, p=0.03). As for inflammatory biomarkers, patients with high ESR (>20 mm/h) had also higher PCT values (0.56±0.20 vs. 0.37±0.16 mcg/ml, p=0.03). By converse, no association was found between PCT and CRP abnormal values (p>0.05).

At univariate analysis, high PCT (≥0.20 mcg/ml) was predictive of heart failure recurrence (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.18–6.48, p=0.02) or arrhythmic cardiac arrest (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.19–8.71, p=0.02) by discharge, with overall hospitalization prolonged by 10±4 days (p<0.05). Furthermore, patients with high PCT were more prone to myocarditis recurrences (13/80 vs. 4/45, p=0.03) by 5-year FU.

Conclusions

In myocarditis patients, elevated PCT values at presentation are not associated with myocarditis aetiology. Nonetheless, PCT suggests a worse short-term clinical outcome, and also a higher risk of myocarditis recurrences at long-term FU.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

A Lupus Hepatitis Case and its Association with Igm Antibodies against Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster Viruses

The hypothesis for a role of viral infections on the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus has been discussed in many works, particularly that of cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus infections as trigger of autoimmune processes. Here, we describe the case of a young woman affected by systemic lupus erythematosus with marked hepatic involvement presenting IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus and herpes zoster virus in the absence of virus. The meaning of these laboratory findings is discussed.

Spatial distribution of heavy hydrocarbons, PAHs and metals in polluted areas. The case of "Galicia", Spain

The aim of this work is to verify the impact of anthropogenic activities and the effects of accidental events, e.g. oil spills, on the marine environment. For this reason, marine sediments and soil samples were collected in the inner part of Vigo and Pontevedra bays, in the Galicia region, northwest Spain, an area interested by many events of oil spills and also characterized by coastal areas with intense anthropic activities; also Cíes Islands, a natural protected area facing the Vigo bay, was investigated, as background site. PAHs, heavy hydrocarbons and metals were analyzed according to standard methods, in order to satisfy quality assurance and quality check constraints. Total PAHs concentration (Σ₁₆ compounds) were in the range of 25-4000ng/g, and 30-800ng/g for marine sediments and soil samples, respectively. Even some samples from the Cíes Islands, show a contamination with values achieving >200ng/g of PAHs. Although contamination levels have been shown to be strong at several locations in the study area, their ranges are those typical of other estuarine sites, with PAHs and hydrocarbons primarily of pyrolytic origin. This observation was further confirmed by enrichment factors of some metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) that match to those of harbor and shipyard zones of the main industrial and commercial maritime areas.

Brain connectivity networks at the basis of human attention components: An EEG study

The Attention Network Task (ANT) was developed to disentangle the three components of attention identified in the Posner's theoretical model (alerting, orienting and executive control) and to measure the corresponding behavioral efficiency. Several fMRI studies have already provided evidences on the anatomical separability and interdependency of these three networks, and EEG studies have also unveiled the associated brain rhythms. What is still missing is a characterization of the brain circuits subtending the attentional components in terms of directed relationships between the brain areas and their frequency content. Here, we want to exploit the high temporal resolution of the EEG, improving its spatial resolution by means of advanced source localization methods, and to integrate the resulting information by a directed connectivity analysis. The results showed in the present study demonstrate the possibility to associate a specific directed brain circuit to each attention component and to identify synthetic indices able to selectively describe their neurophysiological, spatial and spectral properties.

Aspetti clinico-neuro-radiologici nelle calcificazioni strio-pallido-dentate

Tre pazienti affetti da calcificazioni strio-pallido-dentate, o Morbo di Fahr, di diverse eziologie sono stati sottoposti a studio radiologico mediante TC e TRM. Vengono riportati i risultati, e la sintomatologia clinica presentata dai pazienti.

La discrepanza tra il reperto della TC e della TRM viene descritta, discussa e confrontata con i dati in letteratura.

Recent Advances in Imprinting Disorders

Imprinting disorders (ImpDis) are a group of currently 12 congenital diseases with common underlying (epi)genetic etiologies and overlapping clinical features affecting growth, development and metabolism. In the last years it has emerged that ImpDis are characterized by the same types of mutations and epimutations, i.e. uniparental disomies, copy number variations, epimutations, and point mutations. Each ImpDis is associated with a specific imprinted locus, but the same imprinted region can be involved in different ImpDis. Additionally, even the same aberrant methylation patterns are observed in different phenotypes. As some ImpDis share clinical features, clinical diagnosis is difficult in some cases. The advances in molecular and clinical diagnosis of ImpDis help to circumvent these issues, and they are accompanied by an increasing understanding of the pathomechanism behind them. As these mechanisms have important roles for the etiology of other common conditions, the results in ImpDis research have a wider effect beyond the borders of ImpDis. For patients and their families, the growing knowledge contributes to a more directed genetic counseling of the families and personalized therapeutic approaches.

Serum Levels of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) in a Group of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

In this report we investigate the behaviour of the serum levels of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) in the course of Systemic Sclerosis (SS). This cytokine is produced mainly by T and NK cells, and its possible role in the pathogenesis of SS has not been previously described in the literature. Serum GM-CSF levels were assayed in 10 female patients, ageing from 35 to 70, affected by SS. These patients were not suffering from other disorders and were not being treated with steroids or immunosuppressive drug. A solid phase immunoenzymatic method was used to assess the serum levels of GM-CSF. Reference values were previously determined in a control group of 36 healthy women blood donors (19 premenopausal and 17 postmenopausal) (x̄=20.1 ±12.3 pg/ml). All the patients but one showed significantly increased serum levels of GM-CSF (x̄= 120.9 ±125.5 pg/ml). The highest levels were found in the two oldest patients, who also had the longest clinical history of SS, but a clear correlation with age, disease duration or clinical manifestations was not evident, even if the postmenopausal age group patients showed a higher mean value of GM-CSF (x̄= 148.0±144.1 pg/ml) than that found in the premenopausal age group (x̄= 57.7±1.4 pg/ml) (in contrast with the findings in the control group). The absence of other pathogenic conditions in our patients suggests that the increase in serum levels of GM-CSF might be linked to the fibroblast proliferation which is typical of SS. However, our results do not explain the role played by this factor in the fibroblastic proliferation process and an in vitro study is necessary to clarify this aspect.

Interfacing brain with computer to improve communication and rehabilitation after brain damage

Communication and control of the external environment can be provided via brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to replace a lost function in persons with severe diseases and little or no chance of recovery of motor abilities (ie, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brainstem stroke). BCIs allow to intentionally modulate brain activity, to train specific brain functions, and to control prosthetic devices, and thus, this technology can also improve the outcome of rehabilitation programs in persons who have suffered from a central nervous system injury (ie, stroke leading to motor or cognitive impairment). Overall, the BCI researcher is challenged to interact with people with severe disabilities and professionals in the field of neurorehabilitation. This implies a deep understanding of the disabled condition on the one hand, and it requires extensive knowledge on the physiology and function of the human brain on the other. For these reasons, a multidisciplinary approach and the continuous involvement of BCI users in the design, development, and testing of new systems are desirable. In this chapter, we will focus on noninvasive EEG-based systems and their clinical applications, highlighting crucial issues to foster BCI translation outside laboratories to eventually become a technology usable in real-life realm.

Fetal growth patterns in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

We provide data on fetal growth pattern on the molecular subtypes of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS): IC1 gain of methylation (IC1-GoM), IC2 loss of methylation (IC2-LoM), 11p15.5 paternal uniparental disomy (UPD), and CDKN1C mutation. In this observational study, gestational ages and neonatal growth parameters of 247 BWS patients were compared by calculating gestational age-corrected standard deviation scores (SDS) and proportionality indexes to search for differences among IC1-GoM (n = 21), UPD (n = 87), IC2-LoM (n = 147), and CDKN1C mutation (n = 11) patients. In IC1-GoM subgroup, weight and length are higher than in other subgroups. Body proportionality indexes display the following pattern: highest in IC1-GoM patients, lowest in IC2-LoM/CDKN1C patients, intermediate in UPD ones. Prematurity was significantly more prevalent in the CDKN1C (64%) and IC2-LoM subgroups (37%). Fetal growth patterns are different in the four molecular subtypes of BWS and remarkably consistent with altered gene expression primed by the respective molecular mechanisms. IC1-GoM cases show extreme macrosomia and severe disproportion between weight and length excess. In IC2-LoM/CDKN1C patients, macrosomia is less common and associated with more proportionate weight/length ratios with excess of preterm birth. UPD patients show growth patterns closer to those of IC2-LoM, but manifest a body mass disproportion rather similar to that seen in IC1-GoM cases.

Chemical characterization and spatial distribution of PAHs and heavy hydrocarbons in rural sites of Campania Region, South Italy

In this paper, the behaviour and distribution patterns of heavy hydrocarbons and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) priority pollutants, as listed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, were evaluated in 891 soil samples. The samples were collected in three expected polluted rural sites in Campania (southern Italy) as part of the LIFE11 ECOREMED project, funded by the European Commission, to test innovative agriculture-based soil restoration techniques. These sites have been selected because they have been used for the temporary storage of urban and building waste (Teverola), subject to illicit dumping of unknown material (Trentola-Ducenta), or suspected to be polluted by metals due to agricultural practices (Giugliano). Chemical analysis of soil samples allowed the baseline pollution levels to be determined prior to any intervention. It was found that these areas can be considered contaminated for residential use, in accordance with Italian environmental law (Law Decree 152/2006). Statistical analysis applied to the data proved that average mean concentrations of heavy hydrocarbons could be as high as 140 mg/kg of dry soil with peaks of 700 mg/kg of dry soil, for the Trentola-Ducenta site; the median concentration of analytical results for hydrocarbon (HC) concentration for the Trentola-Ducenta and Giugliano sites was 63 and 73.4 mg/kg dry soil, respectively; for Teverola, the median level was 35 mg/kg dry soil. Some PAHs (usually benzo(a)pyrene) also exceeded the maximum allowed level in all sites. From the principal component analysis applied to PAH concentrations, it emerged that pollutants can be supposed to derive from a single source for the three sites. Diagnostic ratios calculated to determine possible PAH sources suggest petroleum combustion or disposal practice. Our sampling protocol also showed large dishomogeneity in soil pollutant spatial distribution, even at a scale as small as 3.3 m, indicating that variability could emerge at very short spatial scales.

(Epi)genotype-phenotype correlations in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: a paradigm for genomic medicine

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is the commonest overgrowth cancer predisposition disorder and represents a model for human imprinting dysregulation and tumorigenesis. BWS features can variably combine and present a widely variable range of severity in the phenotypic expression. This wide spectrum is paralleled at molecular level by complex (epi)genetic defects on chromosome 11p15.5 leading to disrupted expression of imprinted genes controlling growth and cellular proliferation. In this review, we outline the spectrum of clinical manifestations of BWS analyzing their (epi)genotype-phenotype correlations. The differences observed in the phenotypic profiles of BWS molecular subtypes allow a composite view of this syndrome with implications on clinical care, diagnosis, follow-up, and management, and provide directions for future disease monitoring.

Source apportion of atmospheric particulate matter: a joint Eulerian/Lagrangian approach

PM2.5 samples were collected during an annual monitoring campaign (January 2012-January 2013) in the urban area of Naples, one of the major cities in Southern Italy. Samples were collected by means of a standard gravimetric sampler (Tecora Echo model) and characterized from a chemical point of view by ion chromatography. As a result, 143 samples together with their ionic composition have been collected. We extend traditional source apportionment techniques, usually based on multivariate factor analysis, interpreting the chemical analysis results within a Lagrangian framework. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model (HYSPLIT) model was used, providing linkages to the source regions in the upwind areas. Results were analyzed in order to quantify the relative weight of different source types/areas. Model results suggested that PM concentrations are strongly affected not only by local emissions but also by transboundary emissions, especially from the Eastern and Northern European countries and African Saharan dust episodes.

CXCR4 and CXCR7 transduce through mTOR in human renal cancer cells

Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has improved significantly with the advent of agents targeting the mTOR pathway, such as temsirolimus and everolimus. However, their efficacy is thought to be limited by feedback loops and crosstalk with other pathways leading to the development of drug resistance. As CXCR4-CXCL12-CXCR7 axis has been described to have a crucial role in renal cancer; the crosstalk between the mTOR pathway and the CXCR4-CXCL12-CXCR7 chemokine receptor axis has been investigated in human renal cancer cells. In SN12C and A498, the common CXCR4-CXCR7 ligand, CXCL12, and the exclusive CXCR7 ligand, CXCL11, activated mTOR through P70S6K and 4EBP1 targets. The mTOR activation was specifically inhibited by CXCR4 antagonists (AMD3100, anti-CXCR4-12G5 and Peptide R, a newly developed CXCR4 antagonist) and CXCR7 antagonists (anti-CXCR7-12G8 and CCX771, CXCR7 inhibitor). To investigate the functional role of CXCR4, CXCR7 and mTOR in human renal cancer cells, both migration and wound healing were evaluated. SN12C and A498 cells migrated toward CXCL12 and CXCL11; CXCR4 and CXCR7 inhibitors impaired migration and treatment with mTOR inhibitor, RAD001, further inhibited it. Moreover, CXCL12 and CXCL11 induced wound healing while was impaired by AMD3100, the anti CXCR7 and RAD001. In SN12C and A498 cells, CXCL12 and CXCL11 promoted actin reorganization characterized by thin spikes at the cell periphery, whereas AMD3100 and anti-CXCR7 impaired CXCL12/CXCL11-induced actin polymerization, and RAD001 treatment further reduced it. In addition, when cell growth was evaluated in the presence of CXCL12, CXCL11 and mTOR inhibitors, an additive effect was demonstrated with the CXCR4, CXCR7 antagonists and RAD001. RAD001-resistant SN12C and A498 cells recovered RAD001 sensitivity in the presence of CXCR4 and CXCR7 antagonists. In conclusion, the entire axis CXCR4-CXCL12-CXCR7 regulates mTOR signaling in renal cancer cells offering new therapeutic opportunities and targets to overcome resistance to mTOR inhibitors.

The pharmacological options in the treatment of eating disorders

The eating disorders (DCA) are complex systemic diseases with high social impact, which tend to become chronic with significant medical and psychiatric comorbidities. The literature data showed that there is good evidence to suggest the use of SSRIs, particularly at high doses of fluoxetine, in the treatment of BN reducing both the crisis of binge that the phenomena compensates and reducing the episodes of binge in patients with BED in the short term. Also, the topiramate (an AED) showed a good effectiveness in reducing the frequency and magnitude of episodes of binge with body weight reduction, both in the BN that is in the therapy of BED. To date, modest data support the use of low doses of second-generation antipsychotics in an attempt to reduce the creation of polarized weight and body shapes, the obsessive component, and anxiety in patients with AN. Data in the literature on long-term drug treatment of eating disorders are still very modest. It is essential to remember that the pharmacotherapy has, however, a remarkable efficacy in treating psychiatric disorders that occur in comorbidity with eating disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders and behavior.

Successful Treatment with Agomelatine in NES: A Series of Five Cases

The NES is an emerging disease in eating behavior that combines eating disorders, sleep, mood and stress. In recent years, the NES is becoming more interested in close association with obesity and depression.

In the present study we have followed for 12 weeks 5 patients (2 males and 3 females) with NES and comorbid depression treated with agomelatine (25 mg / day for the first two weeks, then 50 mg / day), an antidepressant similar of melatonin.

At the end of the three months of treatment, it was found an improvement in symptoms characteristic of the NES, as assessed by a reduction an average of the NEQ (from 31 to 22.8), improved mood, mean values ​​reduced by 23, 2 to 13.2 on the HAM-D, weight reduction, an average of 3.6 kg reduction in average weekly awakenings from 12 to 6.4 and the time of snoring and motion detected polysomnography. The serum chemistry values ​​remained stable and there were no reported adverse events.

The present study showed that the treatment with agomelatine has improved the symptoms of NES and mood, decrease of body weight, reduce, albeit not in an optimal manner, the number of awakenings per night with a reduction of movement time and snoring . Of course, these preliminary data need to be confirmed by controlled trials on a larger sample.

Genetic Test for the Channelopaties: Useful or Less Than Useful for Patients? (Part II)

The advanced knowledge about genetic diseases and their mutations has widened the possibility to have a more precise and definitive diagnosis in many patients, but the use of genetic testing is still controversial. Actually, many cardiomyopathies show the availability of genetic testing. The clinical utility of this testing has been widely debated, but it is evident that the use of genetics must be put in a more organic diagnostic pathway that includes the evaluation of risks and benefits for the patient and his relatives, as well as the costs of the procedure. This review aims to clarify the role of genetic in clinics regarding Channelopaties, less frequent but equally important than other Cardiomyopathies because patients can often be asymptomatic until the first fatal manifestation.

Synchronous Onset of Secondary Raynaud's Phenomenon in Monozygotic Twins

The heritability of primary Raynaud's phenomenon has been reported in previous works. In this paper we describe the simultaneous onset of Raynaud's phenomenon, rapidly evolved in acrocyanosis and diagnosed as secondary Raynaud's phenomenon, observed in monozygotic twins. This case supports the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of such disorder. Moreover, the singular synchronism of its appearance is discussed.

Eye-gaze independent EEG-based brain-computer interfaces for communication

The present review systematically examines the literature reporting gaze independent interaction modalities in non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for communication. BCIs measure signals related to specific brain activity and translate them into device control signals. This technology can be used to provide users with severe motor disability (e.g. late stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); acquired brain injury) with an assistive device that does not rely on muscular contraction. Most of the studies on BCIs explored mental tasks and paradigms using visual modality. Considering that in ALS patients the oculomotor control can deteriorate and also other potential users could have impaired visual function, tactile and auditory modalities have been investigated over the past years to seek alternative BCI systems which are independent from vision. In addition, various attentional mechanisms, such as covert attention and feature-directed attention, have been investigated to develop gaze independent visual-based BCI paradigms. Three areas of research were considered in the present review: (i) auditory BCIs, (ii) tactile BCIs and (iii) independent visual BCIs. Out of a total of 130 search results, 34 articles were selected on the basis of pre-defined exclusion criteria. Thirteen articles dealt with independent visual BCIs, 15 reported on auditory BCIs and the last six on tactile BCIs, respectively. From the review of the available literature, it can be concluded that a crucial point is represented by the trade-off between BCI systems/paradigms with high accuracy and speed, but highly demanding in terms of attention and memory load, and systems requiring lower cognitive effort but with a limited amount of communicable information. These issues should be considered as priorities to be explored in future studies to meet users' requirements in a real-life scenario.

Hepatitis C virus-related arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: could they be different aspects of the same disease?

The role played by HCV in the genesis of many autoimmune disorders has been reported in several studies. In particular, the onset of arthritis has been described in about 2-3 percent of HCV infection cases. At present, this HCV-related arthritis is classified as a reactive arthritis, but a real distinction of this form from classical rheumatoid arthritis is often difficult. In this presentation, the Authors distinguish two arthritic forms observed in HCV-related arthritis patients: one, characterized by asymmetrical oligoarticular-involvement, and another, with poly-articular symmetrical involvement. The Authors suggest that the latter can be considered as a form of rheumatoid arthritis, because of the similarity of the main clinical aspects and laboratory findings (rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies) to those of classical rheumatoid arthritis, which make the two forms indistinguishable. Therefore, HCV could be considered the etiologic agent of a limited number of cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

Similar Serum Levels of IL-6 and its Soluble Receptors in Patients with HCV-Related Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study

The high serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its soluble receptors (sIL-6r and sgp 130), described in the course of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), have been linked to the enhanced activity of this cytokine in this disorder. In this study, the serum concentrations of IL-6 and its soluble receptors were determined in a group of patients with HCV-related arthritis (HCVrA), a condition resembling RA in several aspects, and then compared to those found in a sample of subjects affected by RA. Twenty-one patients with HCVrA, 24 patients with RA and 20 healthy subjects (control group) were examined. Different ELISA methods were used for determination of serum concentrations of IL-6, sIL-6r and sgp 130. Increased IL-6 serum levels were found in 15 (71%) of the patients with HCVrA and in 16 (62%) of those with RA. Eight (38%) of the patients with HCVrA and 11 (46%) of those with RA denoted high levels of sIL-6r, while sgp 130 levels were elevated in 21 (76%) of the patients with HCVrA and in 16 (69%) of those with RA. A significant difference between the median values of sIL-6r and sgp 130 levels in the two groups of patients versus controls was found. A mild correlation of these parameters with RF levels was detected in the RA group. Furthermore, in HCVrA patients the serum levels of IL-6, sIL-6r and sgpl30 appeared unrelated to HCV viraemia and to levels of transaminases. The enhanced serum levels of IL-6 in HCVra patients indicate an increased synthesis and hyperactivity of this cytokine in HCVrA, and the substantial similarity of the behaviour of IL-6 and its serum receptors in the two groups of patients suggests common mechanisms with RA, in which the function of IL-6 is central.

22q11.2 Distal Deletion Syndrome: Description of a New Case with Truncus Arteriosus Type 2 and Review

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is mainly characterized by conotruncal congenital heart defects, velopharyngeal insufficiency, hypocalcemia and a characteristic craniofacial appearance. The etiology in the majority of patients is a 3-Mb recurrent deletion in region 22q11.2. Nevertheless, recently some cases of infrequent deletions with various sizes have been reported with a different phenotype. We report on a patient with congenital heart disease (truncus arteriosus type 2) in whom a de novo 1.3-Mb 22q11.2 deletion was detected by array comparative genomic hybridization. The deletion described corresponds to an atypical and distal deletion which spans low copy repeat (LCR) 4 and is associated with breakpoint sites that do not correspond to known LCRs of 22q11.2. We examine the clinical phenotype of our case and compare our findings with those published in the literature. The most prevalent clinical features in this type of deletion are a history of prematurity, pre-natal and post-natal growth retardation, slight facial dysmorphic features, microcephaly and developmental delay, with a speech defect in particular. These are clearly different from those found in the classic 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and we believe that the main differential diagnosis should be with Silver-Russel syndrome. In our case we observe the cardiac phenotype with truncus arteriosus communis usually seen in the classic 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and so far associated with the TBX1 gene. Significantly, however, TBX1 is not included in our patient's deletion. The possible roles of a position effect or other genes are discussed.

Analysis of extracellular superoxide dismutase in fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease of connective tissue characterized by vascular damage, autoantibody production and extensive fibrosis of skin, skeletal muscles, vessels and visceral organs. Fibrosis is a biological process involving inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation leading to fibroblast activation. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), a copper and zinc superoxide dismutase, which is expressed in selected tissues, is secreted into the extracellular space and catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radical to hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. Moreover, SOD3 is associated to inflammatory responses in some experimental models. In this paper we analysed, by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, SOD3 expression and intracellular localization in dermal fibroblasts from both healthy donors and patients affected by diffuse form of SSc. Moreover, we determined SOD3 enzymatic activity in fibroblast culture medium with the xanthine/xanthine oxidase method. Increased expression of SOD3 mRNA was detected in systemic sclerosis fibroblasts (SScF), as compared to control healthy fibroblasts (HF), and SOD3 immunofluorescence staining displayed a characteristic pattern of secretory proteins in both HF and SScF. Superoxide dismutase assay demonstrated that SOD3 enzymatic activity in SScF culture medium is four times more than in HF culture medium. These data suggest that an alteration in SOD3 expression and activity could be associated to SSc fibrosis.

The Plasminogen Activator System in Fibroblasts from Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by excessive fibrosis throughout the body. There are two major subsets of SSc, diffuse cutaneous Systemic sclerosis (dSSc) and limited cutaneous Systemic sclerosis (ISSc). Fibroblasts play a key role in SSc. The expression and function of the urokinase (uPA)-mediated plasminogen activation (PA) system, a well-characterized system of serine-proteases involved in several pathological processes, has been investigated in SSc fibroblasts. The expression of the components of the PA system, including uPA, its type-1 and type-2 inhibitors (PAI-1 and PAI-2) and its receptor (uPAR), was examined by Western blot in fibroblasts from patients affected by limited and diffuse forms of SSc. uPA and PAI-1 secretion increased only in fibroblasts from ISSc lesions compared to normal fibroblasts. PAI-2 levels were decreased in fibroblasts from both SSc forms. Interestingly, fibroblasts from areas not adjacent to the lesions (not-affected) of the diffuse form showed reduced levels of PAI-1 and increased uPAR expression. Adhesion experiments showed reduced adherence to VN of fibroblasts from ISSc lesions and from non-affected areas of the diffuse form, as compared to normal controls. These results suggest a role for uPA and PAI-1 in the ISSc form, likely related to the activation of latent forms of cytokines and to the accumulation of ECM components, whereas a role for uPAR can be hypothesized in the evolvement of the diffuse form, based on its up-regulation in the non-affected areas.

Does spleen volume play a role in patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis?

As the lymphotropism of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has already been ascertained, and in the light of the fact that the immune defense system is an organized network composed of functionally interrelated tissues, this study was carried out to verify the possible involvement of spleen in HCV-related chronic hepatitis. In this cross-sectional study we measured spleen longitudinal diameter by ultrasound, beta2-microglobulin serum levels and splenic artery resistivity index (SARI) by Doppler in 51 patients treated with standard combined (Peg-Interferon plus Ribavirin) antiviral therapy. Thirty-three patients (17 females) completed the regimen and were compared to 31 controls (16 females). The mean basal values of spleen longitudinal diameter were higher in patients with chronic hepatitis than in controls, i.e., 116 mm (9.4) versus 102.7 mm (9.3), P = 0.0001. In the same patients a significant trend towards increased spleen longitudinal diameter was found after antiviral therapy, independently of the stage of HCV-related chronic hepatitis. The median values of the beta2-microglobulin concentrations were not significantly higher in the patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis compared to controls, i.e., 1.3 (0.5-2.6) versus 1 (0.6-1.4), P = 0.16, although during the course of therapy they were significantly increased. SARI values of HCV-related chronic hepatitis patients were different from those of controls, but were unvaried compared to values at the end of treatment. Neither spleen measurements nor serum beta2-microglobulin levels were able to predict therapeutic response to antiviral therapy. A stimulation/expansion of lymphoid tissue was found in patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis. Such evidence raises the question whether physicians should continue to prescribe antiviral therapy in non-responders and supports the use of a new scheme (SLD plus beta2-MG) to diagnose this ongoing, apparently reversible, but nevertheless dangerous immunologic process.

Successful Lamivudine Monotherapy in an Elderly Patient Suffering from HBV-Related Decompensated Cirrhosis Associated with Widespread Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is known to be responsible for both hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations including dermatitis, polyarthralgias and arthritis, pulmonary disease, aplastic anemia, glomerulonephritis and vasculitis. The mechanism of these extrahepatic disorders is thought to be linked to immune complex disease, but their pathogenesis is poorly clarified. Immunosuppressive treatment could promote viral load and impair hepatic disease, also worsening the vasculitis by enhancing viral antigenemia. Lamivudine is a nucleoside analogue approved for treating chronic hepatitis B, that decreases the amount of viral antigens by suppressing HBV replication. Several reports have suggested lamivudine in the treatment of vasculitis associated with HBV infection, but, although significant inhibition of HBV is achieved in the short term, resistance develops in 15–32% annual risk rating. We report an elderly patient whose chronic hepatitis B decompensated cirrhosis with associated refractory hepatic hydrothorax and extensive leukocytoclastic vasculitis was successfully treated with ongoing long-term lamivudine monotherapy.

Rheumatoid factor after antiviral therapy in patients with HCV chronic hepatitis

Positivity of rheumatoid factor (RF) in the course of Hepatitis C virus HCV infection has been described in many papers, with percentages between 30% and 80%, but no data are reported on the behaviour of this parameter during the treatment. In the present retrospective study, 66 patients with HCV infection and positivity for RF were observed between March 2001 and January 2004; they had received combined therapy with Peg-IFN alpha-2b 1.5 mcg/kg/weekly and ribavirin 800-1200 mg/daily (on the basis of body weight). Before treatment, all of them had presented hypertransaminasemia for at least 6 months and high viral load. No patient suffered from other hypersensitivity disorders. The follow-up period lasted for a mean period of 26+/-7 months, after which only 34 (51.5%) revealed normal transaminases activity with negativity of HCV-RNA (long-term responders, LTR), while the remaining 32 (48.5%) were classified as non responders (NR). In both groups significant variations of RF values were observed. Moreover, RF remained positive in 6 (17.6%) of the LTR group and in 17 (53.1%) of the NR group patients. These data suggest a possible inhibiting action of the combined therapy on the exaggerated immune response. This effect appears partially unrelated to the antiviral action of the therapy.

Lack of HCV Replication during the Course of HCV-Associated Arthritis

Viral replication was evaluated by PCR in the serum of 25 subjects with HCV-associated arthritis. Active replication resulted in 16 cases, only 10 of which presenting hypertransaminasemia. A significant correlation appeared between serum Rheumatoid Factor concentrations and viral replication only in 7 patients with hypertransaminasemia. These data suggest that the onset of arthritis in this infection is due to an autoimmune mechanism, not linked to the HCV replication.

Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in patients affected by HCV-related arthritis

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection can induce immunological disorders with different clinical expressions such as arthritis, Sjogren Syndrome and various forms of vasculitis. Retrospectively, the prevalence of anti-Cyclic Citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) in a group of patients affected by HCV-related arthritis with positivity for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and the eventual correlations with RF and/or Anti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) and articular involvement were studied. Thirty patients with arthritis were selected from a population of 380 subjects affected by HCV infection. Each patient was evaluated by clinical examination (23 denoted poliarticular and 7 mono-oligoarticular involvement), by X-graphic aspects of joint involvement (8 patients presented joint erosions), by ANA, RF and anti-CCP positivity. Ten of the HCV-related arthritis patients (33.3 percent) presented positivity for anti-CCP, without significant correlation between such parameter and ANA, RF and articular involvement. Anti-CCP resulted positive in 4 out of the 8 patients with joint erosions, and only in 6 out of the 22 patients without joint erosions. Such frequencies analyzed by chi square resulted with no significant differences. Our patients presented an interesting prevalence of the positivity for anti-CCP. These data are cause to consider the specificity recently attributed to this parameter in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The application of a trajectory classification procedure to interpret air pollution measurements in the urban area of Naples (Southern Italy)

In this work we apply a trajectory classification approach, aiming at identifying the role exerted by meteorology on air quality in the Naples urban area (Southern Italy). Towards that end, the HYSPLIT (HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model was used; backward trajectories were calculated for the period 1995-2004 and classified, based on a combination of the k-means and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) approaches. The robustness of the classification was strengthened using an ensemble approach, based on back-trajectories calculated for different (in the horizontal and vertical directions) arrival points around Naples and different arrival time. Eight clusters were identified, and the effects on air quality were evaluated. We focused on ozone and PM10 concentration, and evaluated to what extent the prevailing meteorological conditions were associated with different levels and temporal profiles of these two pollutants. We found that ozone and PM10 profiles share some similarities since they both load high during anti-cyclonic, subsiding conditions, a common situation during the summer months. During these days stagnation and recirculation effects enhance the concentration of locally emitted air pollutant. We also found that ozone exhibits a marked seasonal cycle, whose maxima appears during the summer season, but the discrimination with respect to the area of origin indicated the presence of a second relative maxima, appearing early during the spring season. PM10 pollution levels often exceed the annual limit of 50 microg/m(3). The days associated with a significant exogenous contribution from the North African countries were identified.

HCV infection and chronic arthritis: Does viral replication matter?

BACKGROUND

HCV infection beside chronic hepatitis can induce immunological disorders with different clinical expressions such as chronic arthritis.

AIM

To study the prevalence of arthritis in HCV-Ab positive patients and verify possible correlation with viral replication, hepatic damage and autoimmunity imbalance.

STUDY DESIGN

Three hundred and eighty patients (196 M and 184 F) affected by HCV infection were examined and 38 (10%) were selected according to the presence of arthritis. Eight of them were excluded because arthritis raised before HCV infection. Each patient, once undergone liver biopsy, was evaluated for: clinical examination (articular evolution), Rx examination, serum expression of hepatic damage (mainly ALT), viral replication, and involvement of autoimmunity (ANA, RF, crioglobulins, AKA, CCP).

RESULTS

Data from patients [Lamprecht P, Gause A, Gross WL. Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Arthritis Rheum 1999; 42:2507-16.] with AKA and CCP positivity were not considered for statistical examination because the clear correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and these parameters. The remaining 20 patients showed hepatic damage 47%, viral replication in 74%, RF 42%, ANA 16%, crioglobulins 42% (RF positive). No correlation was evident between ANA serum concentrations and viral replication; furthermore a significant negative correlation between RF positivity and viral replication only in a subgroup of patients with serologic expression of hepatic damage was found.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support hypothesis that the onset of arthritis and presence of autoimmunity parameters ANA, RF are not related to the viral replication but others mechanism immunological induced by HCV might be considered.

Anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome: a correlation between IgG titre and antibody-induced cell dysfunctions in neuronal cell cultures

Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) of the immunoglobulin (Ig) G isotype have been significantly associated with neurological manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In a previous study we described the direct pathogenic effects of IgG aCL on living neurons in culture. Therefore, we studied the IgG aCL titre as a factor influencing the extent of this effect. Seventeen patients with a history of primary antiphospholipid syndrome were grouped according to their IgG aCL titre into low positive (GPL < or = 40), high positive (40< GPL <100) and very high positive (GPL >100). IgG from these patients were incubated with cerebellar neurons in primary culture for 24h and the effect was evaluated by using the tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay. We found that almost all patients' IgGs reduced cell viability in vitro, but the differences in the extent of the effect were statistically significant only for patients with >40 GPL. Our results reinforce the causal association between increasing level of IgG aCL and clinical features of aPS.

Molecular dynamics analysis of a second phosphate site in the hemoglobins of the seabird, south polar skua. Is there a site-site migratory mechanism along the central cavity?

Hemoglobin function is modulated by several non-heme ligands; among these effectors, organic phosphates generally bind to heterotropic sites with a one-to-one stoichiometry. The phosphate binding site of human hemoglobin is located at the interface between the two beta chains. An additional binding site for polyanions has been studied at the molecular level (Tamburrini, M., A. Riccio, M. Romano, B. Giardina, and G. di Prisco. 2000. Eur. J. Biochem. 267:6089-6098) in the hemoglobins of the south polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki). It is formed by a cluster of six positive charges of both alpha chains (Val-1, Lys-99, Arg-141); the two Lys-99alpha have an essential role in the site structure. The present investigation, carried out on skua deoxyhemoglobins by using a molecular dynamics approach, confirms the structural feasibility of the additional site, possibly having the role of an entry-leaving site, and leads to the proposal of a novel migration pathway for phosphate along the central cavity of hemoglobin from one binding site to the other, occurring according to the hypothesis of a site-site migratory mechanism, which may assign a functional role to the central cavity. The role of Lys-99alpha was further confirmed by molecular dynamics experiments on the mutant Lys-99alpha-->Ala in which, at the end of the simulation, the phosphate was external to the additional site.