Optimized and Scalable Precoating-Free Reprogramming of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells into iPSCs

Human disease modeling has been profoundly transformed by the introduction of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), marking the onset of a new era. This ground-breaking development offers a tailored framework for generating pluripotent cells from any individual, effectively enabling the development of cellular models for the study of human physiology and diseases on an unprecedented scale. Although technologies for iPSCs generation have advanced rapidly over the past two decades, protocols for reprogramming patient-derived somatic cells into stem cells still pose a major challenge for the development of automated pipelines capable of generating iPSCs at scales that are cost-effective, reproducible, and easy to implement. Most methods commonly rely on extracellular matrix protein mixtures or synthetic substrates to promote efficient proliferation of iPSCs. Nonetheless, employing these substances entails a laborious and time-consuming process, as the culture surface requires coating treatments before cell seeding. Here we describe a method for reprogramming blood-derived mononucleated cells that eliminates the need to precoat culture surfaces for the entire experimental flow. This procedure is suitable for fresh or frozen purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and allows seeding of reprogrammed cells in a culture medium containing a fragment of laminin-511, regardless of the method of reprogramming employed. Our protocol incorporates a streamlined workflow that optimizes key factors, including cell density, culture medium composition, and iPSC culture propagation techniques. Using a precoating-free approach, we eliminate the time-consuming steps, while our optimized subcloning method improves the scalability of the protocol, making it suitable for large-scale applications. Additionally, the automation-friendly nature of our protocol allows for high-throughput processing, reducing the labor and costs associated with manual handling. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Miniaturized and time efficient precoating-free reprogramming of fresh or frozen PBMCs Alternate Protocol: Erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs) enrichment and reprogramming into iPSCs using Sendai viral vectors Basic Protocol 2: Picking and precoating-free optimized expansion of iPSC clones.

Lack of the transcription factor Nfix causes tachycardia in mice sinus node and rats neonatal cardiomyocytes

AIMS

Nfix is a transcription factor belonging to the Nuclear Factor I (NFI) family comprising four members (Nfia, b, c, x). Nfix plays important roles in the development and function of several organs. In muscle development, Nfix controls the switch from embryonic to fetal myogenesis by promoting fast twitching fibres. In the adult muscle, following injury, lack of Nfix impairs regeneration, inducing higher content of slow-twitching fibres. Nfix is expressed also in the heart, but its function has been never investigated before. We studied Nfix role in this organ.

METHODS

Using Nfix-null and wild type (WT) mice we analyzed: (1) the expression pattern of Nfix during development by qPCR and (2) the functional alterations caused by its absence, by in vivo telemetry and in vitro patch clamp analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Nfix expression start in the heart from E12.5. Adult hearts of Nfix-null mice show a hearts morphology and sarcomeric proteins expression similar to WT. However, Nfix-null animals show tachycardia that derives form an intrinsic higher beating rate of the sinus node (SAN). Molecular and functional analysis revealed that sinoatrial cells of Nfix-null mice express a significantly larger L-type calcium current (Cacna1d + Cacna1c). Interestingly, downregulation of Nfix by sh-RNA in primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes induced a similar increase in their spontaneous beating rate and in ICaL current. In conclusion, our data provide the first demonstration of a role of Nfix that, increasing the L-type calcium current, modulates heart rate.

The emergence of social soft skill needs in the post COVID-19 era

Social soft skills are crucial for workers to perform their tasks, yet it is hard to train people on them and to readapt their skill set when needed. In the present work, we analyze the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on social soft skills in the context of Italian occupations related to 88 economic sectors and 14 age groups. We leverage detailed information coming from ICP (i.e. the Italian equivalent of O*Net), provided by the Italian National Institute for the Analysis of Public Policy, from the microdata for research on the continuous detection of labor force, provided by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), and from ISTAT data on the Italian population. Based on these data, we simulate the impact of COVID-19 on workplace characteristics and working styles that were more severely affected by the lockdown measures and the sanitary dispositions during the pandemic (e.g. physical proximity, face-to-face discussions, working remotely). We then apply matrix completion-a machine-learning technique often used in the context of recommender systems-to predict the average variation in the social soft skills importance levels required for each occupation when working conditions change, as some changes might be persistent in the near future. Professions, sectors, and age groups showing negative average variations are exposed to a deficit in their social soft-skills endowment, which might ultimately lead to lower productivity.

The management of endoscopic retrograde cholangio- pancreatography-related infections risk: results of an italian survey at regional level

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Among the Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) adverse events, an increasingly arising problem is the transmission of Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Bacteria through duodenoscopes. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the current clinical practice of management of ERCP associated infections in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

METHODS

An online survey was developed including 12 questions on management of ERCP associated infections risk. The survey was proposed to all 12 endoscopy centers in Emilia Romagna that perform at least > 200 ERCPs per year.

RESULTS

11 centers completed the survey (92%). Among all risk factors of ERCP infections, hospitalization in intensive care units, immunosuppressant therapies, and previous MDR infections have achieved a 80 % minimum of concurrence by our respondents. The majority of them did not have a formalized document in their hospital describing categories and risk factors helpful in the detection of patients undergoing ERCP with an high-level infective risk (9/11, 82%). Most centers (8/11, 72%) do not perform screening in patients at risk of ERCP infections. Post procedural monitoring is performed by 6 of 11 centers (55%).

CONCLUSION

Our survey showed that, at least at regional level, there is a lack of procedures and protocols related to the management of patients at risk of ERCP infections.

Can Machines Learn Creativity Needs? An Approach Based on Matrix Completion

Technological progress has been recently associated with a crowding-out of cognitive-skill intensive jobs in favour of jobs requiring soft skills, such as ones related to social intelligence, flexibility and creativity. The nature of soft skills makes them hardly replaceable by machine work and among subsets of soft skills, creativity is one of the hardest to define and codify. Therefore, creativity-intensive occupations have been shielded from automation. Given this framework, our study contributes to a nascent field on interdisciplinary research to predict the impact of artificial intelligence on work activities and future jobs using machine learning. In our work, we focus on creativity, starting from its possible definitions, then we get significant insights on creativity patterns and dynamics in the Italian labour market, using a machine learning approach. We make use of the INAPP-ISTAT Survey on Occupations (ICP), where we identify 25 skills associated with creativity. Then, we apply matrix completion—a machine learning technique which is often used by recommender systems—to predict the average importance levels of various creative skills for each profession, showing its excellent prediction capability for the specific problem. We also find that matrix completion typically underestimates the average importance levels of soft skills associated with creativity, especially in the case of professions belonging to the major group of legislators, senior officials and managers, as well as intellectual professionals. Conversely, overestimates are typically obtained for other professions, which may be associated with a higher risk of being automated.

Flora and plant communities across a complex network of heavily modified water bodies: geographical patterns, land use and hydrochemical drivers in a temperate overexploited plain

The decline of freshwater flora due to alteration, reclamation and trophic perturbation of lowland wetlands is among the most relevant issues in biological conservation. The contribution of heavily modified water bodies (HMWBs) in preserving plant diversity is notable, but the underlying ecological mechanisms are not completely explored. To contribute to this debate and expand the knowledge on the role of HMWBs in maintaining wetland biodiversity in overexploited agroecosystems, a canal network of about 1150 km (SE Po valley, N-Italy) was analysed to study the geographical patterns of riparian flora and plant communities, and their land use and hydrochemical drivers. A systematic sampling procedure was adopted by randomly selecting 96 transects (10 m2) along 79 drainage canals. Additionally, 22 transects were sampled for water quality evaluation. Flora was characterised based on species richness and presence of threatened, alien and invasive species. We also studied the contribution of land use and water quality in explaining plant richness and composition. Slope and aspect of canals do not significantly affect plant species composition, whereas the «proximity to protected areas» seems to have a negative influence. Both threatened and alien plants richness decrease approaching protected areas. Among land use types, only agro-zootechnical settlements influence plant species composition, favoring nitrophilous species, as demonstrated by water parameters (the spatial patterns of nitrophilous species mirrored the progressive worsening of canal waters). This work confirms the key role of HMWBs in sustaining plant species diversity in oversimplified landscapes, highlighting complex regulation mechanisms that need further investigations.

Human iPSC modelling of a familial form of atrial fibrillation reveals a gain of function of If and ICaL in patient-derived cardiomyocytes

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmias, whose incidence is likely to increase with the aging of the population. It is considered a progressive condition, frequently observed as a complication of other cardiovascular disorders. However, recent genetic studies revealed the presence of several mutations and variants linked to AF, findings that define AF as a multifactorial disease. Due to the complex genetics and paucity of models, molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation of AF are still poorly understood. Here we investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of a familial form of AF, with particular attention to the identification of putative triggering cellular mechanisms, using patient's derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here we report the clinical case of three siblings with untreatable persistent AF whose whole-exome sequence analysis revealed several mutated genes. To understand the pathophysiology of this multifactorial form of AF we generated three iPSC clones from two of these patients and differentiated these cells towards the cardiac lineage. Electrophysiological characterization of patient-derived CMs (AF-CMs) revealed that they have higher beating rates compared to control (CTRL)-CMs. The analysis showed an increased contribution of the If and ICaL currents. No differences were observed in the repolarizing current IKr and in the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium handling. Paced AF-CMs presented significantly prolonged action potentials and, under stressful conditions, generated both delayed after-depolarizations of bigger amplitude and more ectopic beats than CTRL cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that the common genetic background of the patients induces functional alterations of If and ICaL currents leading to a cardiac substrate more prone to develop arrhythmias under demanding conditions. To our knowledge this is the first report that, using patient-derived CMs differentiated from iPSC, suggests a plausible cellular mechanism underlying this complex familial form of AF.

Exploring patterns of beta-diversity to test the consistency of biogeographical boundaries: A case study across forest plant communities of Italy

AIM

To date, despite their great potential biogeographical regionalization models have been mostly developed on descriptive and empirical bases. This paper aims at applying the beta-diversity framework on a statistically representative data set to analytically test the consistency of the biogeographical regionalization of Italian forests.

LOCATION

Italy.

TAXON

Vascular plants.

METHODS

Forest plant communities were surveyed in 804 plots made in a statistically representative sample of forest communities made by 201 sites of Italian forests across the three biogeographical regions of the country: Alpine, Continental, and Mediterranean. We conducted an ordination analysis and an analysis of beta-diversity, decomposing it into its turnover and nestedness components.

RESULTS

Our results provide only partial support to the consistency of the biogeographical regionalization of Italy. While the differences in forest plant communities support the distinction between the Alpine and the other two regions, differences between Continental and Mediterranean regions had lower statistical support. Pairwise beta-diversity and its turnover component are higher between- than within-biogeographical regions. This suggests that different regional species pools contribute to assembly of local communities and that spatial distance between-regions has a stronger effect than that within-regions.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm a biogeographical structure of the species pools that is captured by the biogeographical regionalization. However, nonsignificant differences between the Mediterranean and Continental biogeographical regions suggest that this biogeographical regionalization is not consistent for forest plant communities. Our results demonstrate that an analytical evaluation of species composition differences among regions using beta-diversity analysis is a promising approach for testing the consistency of biogeographical regionalization models. This approach is recommended to provide support to the biogeographical regionalization used in some environmental conservation polices adopted by EU.

Optical Investigation of Action Potential and Calcium Handling Maturation of hiPSC-Cardiomyocytes on Biomimetic Substrates

Cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) are the most promising human source with preserved genetic background of healthy individuals or patients. This study aimed to establish a systematic procedure for exploring development of hiPSC-CM functional output to predict genetic cardiomyopathy outcomes and identify molecular targets for therapy. Biomimetic substrates with microtopography and physiological stiffness can overcome the immaturity of hiPSC-CM function. We have developed a custom-made apparatus for simultaneous optical measurements of hiPSC-CM action potential and calcium transients to correlate these parameters at specific time points (day 60, 75 and 90 post differentiation) and under inotropic interventions. In later-stages, single hiPSC-CMs revealed prolonged action potential duration, increased calcium transient amplitude and shorter duration that closely resembled those of human adult cardiomyocytes from fresh ventricular tissue of patients. Thus, the major contribution of sarcoplasmic reticulum and positive inotropic response to β-adrenergic stimulation are time-dependent events underlying excitation contraction coupling (ECC) maturation of hiPSC-CM; biomimetic substrates can promote calcium-handling regulation towards adult-like kinetics. Simultaneous optical recordings of long-term cultured hiPSC-CMs on biomimetic substrates favor high-throughput electrophysiological analysis aimed at testing (mechanistic hypothesis on) disease progression and pharmacological interventions in patient-derived hiPSC-CMs.

Epileptiform activity in the mouse visual cortex interferes with cortical processing in connected areas

Epileptiform activity is associated with impairment of brain function even in absence of seizures, as demonstrated by failures in various testing paradigm in presence of hypersynchronous interictal spikes (ISs). Clinical evidence suggests that cognitive deficits might be directly caused by the anomalous activity rather than by its underlying etiology. Indeed, we seek to understand whether ISs interfere with neuronal processing in connected areas not directly participating in the hypersynchronous activity in an acute model of epilepsy. Here we cause focal ISs in the visual cortex of anesthetized mice and we determine that, even if ISs do not invade the opposite hemisphere, the local field potential is subtly disrupted with a modulation of firing probability imposed by the contralateral IS activity. Finally, we find that visual processing is altered depending on the temporal relationship between ISs and stimulus presentation. We conclude that focal ISs interact with normal cortical dynamics far from the epileptic focus, disrupting endogenous oscillatory rhythms and affecting information processing.

Genome-wide association study of immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis in three patient cohorts: comparison with myeloma

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by tissue deposition of amyloid fibers derived from immunoglobulin light chain. AL amyloidosis and multiple myeloma (MM) originate from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. We wanted to characterize germline susceptibility to AL amyloidosis using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 1229 AL amyloidosis patients from Germany, UK and Italy, and 7526 healthy local controls. For comparison with MM, recent GWAS data on 3790 cases were used. For AL amyloidosis, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 10 loci showed evidence of an association at P<10^-5 with homogeneity of results from the 3 sample sets; some of these were previously documented to influence MM risk, including the SNP at the IRF4 binding site. In AL amyloidosis, rs9344 at the splice site of cyclin D1, promoting translocation (11;14), reached the highest significance, P=7.80 × 10^-11; the SNP was only marginally significant in MM. SNP rs79419269 close to gene SMARCD3 involved in chromatin remodeling was also significant (P=5.2 × 10^-8). These data provide evidence for common genetic susceptibility to AL amyloidosis and MM. Cyclin D1 is a more prominent driver in AL amyloidosis than in MM, but the links to aggregation of light chains need to be demonstrated.

Synthesis of oxocarbon-encapsulated gold nanoparticles with blue-shifted localized surface plasmon resonance by pulsed laser ablation in water with CO2 absorbers

Colloidal suspensions of oxocarbon-encapsulated gold nanoparticles have been synthesized in a one-step procedure by pulsed-laser ablation (PLA) at 532 nm of a solid gold target placed in aqueous solution containing CO2 absorbers, but without any stabilizing agent. Multi-wavelength surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy allows the identification of adsorbed amorphous carbon and graphite, Au-carbonyl, Au coordinated CO2-derived bicarbonates/carbonates and hydroxyl groups around the AuNPs core. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy highlight the organic shell structure around the crystalline metal core. The stability of the colloidal solution of nanocomposites (NCs) seems to be driven by solvation forces and is achieved only in neutral or basic pH using monovalent hydroxide counter-ions (NaOH, KOH). The NCs are characterized by a blue shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band typical of metal-ligand stabilization by terminal π-back bonding, attributed to a core charging effect caused by Au-carbonyls. Total organic carbon measurements detect the final content of organic carbon in the colloidal solution of NCs that is about six times higher than the value of the water solution used to perform PLA. The colloidal dispersions of NCs are stable for months and are applied as analytical probes in amino glycoside antibiotic LSPR based sensing.

The Influence of Vegetation and Landscape Structural Connectivity on Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperiidae), Carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae), Syrphids (Diptera: Syrphidae), and Sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) in Northern Italy Farmland

Landscape structure as well as local vegetation influence biodiversity in agroecosystems. A study was performed to evaluate the effect of floristic diversity, vegetation patterns, and landscape structural connectivity on butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea and Hesperiidae), carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae), syrphids (Diptera: Syrphidae), and sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta). Vegetation analysis and insect samplings were carried out in nine sites within an intensively farmed landscape in northern Italy. Plant species richness and the percentage of tree, shrub, and herb cover were determined by means of the phytosociological method of Braun-Blanquet. Landscape structural connectivity was measured as the total length of hedgerow network (LHN) in a radius of 500 m around the center of each sampling transect. Butterflies species richness and abundance were positively associated both to herb cover and to plant species richness, but responded negatively to tree and shrub cover. Shrub cover was strictly correlated to both species richness and activity density of carabids. The species richness of syrphids was positively influenced by herb cover and plant richness, whereas their abundance was dependent on ligneous vegetation and LHN. Rarefaction analysis revealed that sawfly sampling was not robust and no relationship could be drawn with either vegetation parameters or structural connectivity. The specific responses of each insect group to the environmental factors should be considered in order to refine and optimize landscape management interventions targeting specific conservation endpoints.

First Report of the Southern Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita on the Invasive Weed Araujia sericifera in Italy

Moth plant, Araujia sericifera, is native to South America and was exported to many other countries as an ornamental plant. However, it is now considered an invasive, perennial, noxious weed in Italy. Because of the ability of this plant to spread rapidly and invade natural ecosystems, A. sericifera has been included on the Alert list by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). In September 2013, numerous plants of A. sericifera with chlorotic leaves and large root-galls were observed in agricultural fields, gardens, and uncultivated locations in Nocera Inferiore, Salerno Province, Italy. Ten samples were collected from a vegetable farm (40°45'40.8″ N, 14°38'18.4″ E) and nematodes were extracted from soil and root samples using standard procedures (1). Meloidogyne sp. was found in all soil and root samples, with nematode population densities ranging from 420 to 1,270 eggs and J2s/10 cm³ of soil and 84 to 2,200 eggs and J2s/5 g of fresh roots. The morphological identification of the nematode was based on characterization of second-stage juveniles (J2s), males, eggs, and females (2). Measurements of J2s (n = 30) include: mean body length (L) = 403 ± 3.7 μm; L/maximum body width = 27.5 ± 0.3; L/esophageal length = 6.2 ± 0.1; stylet length = 12.8 ± 0.1 μm; L/tail length = 9.5 ± 0.1; tail length = 42.5 ± 0.3 μm. Males (n = 10): L = 1,491 ± 0.04 μm; L/maximum body width = 44.4 ± 0.8; L/esophageal length = 16.1 ± 0.3; stylet length = 22.1 ± 0.7 μm; spicules length = 30.1 ± 0.8 μm. Eggs (n = 30): length = 96.6 ± 1 μm; width = 45.1 ± 0.5 μm; length/width ratio = 2.1. Females (n = 20): L = 909.5 ± 38.4 μm; body width = 588.3 ± 19.3 μm; stylet length = 17.0 ± 0.2 μm. Perineal patterns of females had a high dorsal arch with wavy striae bending toward the lateral lines and the absence of distinct lateral line incisures. All measurements conformed to the description of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood 1949. DNA was extracted from five individual adult females from each sample and morphological identification was confirmed by a sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR)-PCR technique using species-specific primers. The amplified product obtained was 1.2 kb in length, demonstrating proper amplification of the species-specific, length variant SCAR marker (3). Weeds are known to serve as hosts for nematodes in the absence of crop plants and to affect the success of nematode management programs. Meloidogyne spp. have been reported to survive and even thrive on weeds; among them, M. incognita is considered the most economically important agricultural nematode pest worldwide as it causes severe yield losses on many hosts. Thus, the invasive plant A. sericifera can be a potential reservoir for M. incognita in Italy and elsewhere. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. incognita parasitizing A. sericifera. References: (1) K. R. Barker. Page 19 in: An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Vol. II, Methodology. K. R. Barker et al., eds. North Carolina State University Graphics, Raleigh, 1985. (2) J. D. Eisenback et al. A Guide to the Four Most Common Species of Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), with a Pictorial Key. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, 1981. (3) C. Zijlstra et al. Nematology 2:847, 2000.

More targets, more pathways and more clues for mutant p53

Mutations in the transcription factor p53 are among the most common genetic alterations in human cancer, and missense p53 mutations in cancer cells can lead to aggressive phenotypes. So far, only few studies investigated transcriptional reprogramming under mutant p53 expression as a means to identify deregulated targets and pathways. A review of the literature was carried out focusing on mutant p53-dependent transcriptome changes with the aims of (i) verifying whether different p53 mutations can be equivalent for their effects, or whether there is a mutation-specific transcriptional reprogramming of target genes, (ii) understanding what is the main mechanism at the basis of upregulation or downregulation of gene expression under the p53 mutant background, (iii) identifying novel candidate target genes of WT and/or mutant p53 and (iv) defining cellular pathways affected by the mutant p53-dependent gene expression reprogramming. Nearly 600 genes were consistently found upregulated or downregulated upon ectopic expression of mutant p53, regardless of the specific p53 mutation studied. Promoter analysis and the use of ChIP-seq data indicate that, for most genes, the expression changes could be ascribed to a loss both of WT p53 transcriptional activation and repressor functions. Pathway analysis indicated changes in the metabolism/catabolism of amino acids such as aspartate, glutamate, arginine and proline. Novel p53 candidate target genes were also identified, including ARID3B, ARNT2, CLMN, FADS1, FTH1, KPNA2, LPHN2, PARD6B, PDE4C, PIAS2, PRPF40A, PYGL and RHOBTB2, involved in the metabolism, xenobiotic responses and cell differentiation.

Extracellular matrix inhibits structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines in the adult visual cortex

Brain cells are immersed in a complex structure forming the extracellular matrix. The composition of the matrix gradually matures during postnatal development, as the brain circuitry reaches its adult form. The fully developed extracellular environment stabilizes neuronal connectivity and decreases cortical plasticity as highlighted by the demonstration that treatments degrading the matrix are able to restore synaptic plasticity in the adult brain. The mechanisms through which the matrix inhibits cortical plasticity are not fully clarified. Here we show that a prominent component of the matrix, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), restrains morphological changes of dendritic spines in the visual cortex of adult mice. By means of in vivo and in vitro two-photon imaging and electrophysiology, we find that after enzymatic digestion of CSPGs, cortical spines become more motile and express a larger degree of structural and functional plasticity.

Characterization of novel 3'untranslated regions and related polymorphisms of the gene NPPC, encoding for the C-type natriuretic peptide

Elevated plasmatic levels of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) were found in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), but its use as sensitive and specific clinical bio-marker is still controversial. In fact, high levels of CNP were also observed in patients classified in low severity New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes. CNP is encoded by a gene poorly studied (NPPC, natriuretic-precursor peptide C), where the regulatory regions are not well defined and the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) poorly ascertained. In the present work, we focused on the characterization of the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of the gene, using Rapid Amplification of cDNA 3'-End (3' RACE), and we identified two novel transcript isoforms (L-3'UTR; S-3'UTR; accession number JF420840, HQ419060 respectively). Since it could be hypothesized that genetic variations could explain the observed inter-patients differences, we searched for novel SNPs, by the use of High Resolution Melting (HRM). The results showed a complete lack of genetic variations among our series of samples. Moreover, a preliminary evaluation, using literature information and bioinformatic prediction allowed us to predicted the putative relevant microRNAs binding to the novel 3'UTRs that could modulate the post-transcriptional regulation of NPPC and affect the plasmatic levels of CNP. We obtained 750 and 1024 predicted miRNAs targeting the S- and L-3'UTRs, respectively.

[Identification and characterization of microRNA involving in malignant pleural mesothelioma]

One of the research areas of modern medicine is to work on the identification of biological markers, such as biomolecular ones, for neoplastic diseases from occupational origin. MiRNA, short RNA no-codifing sequences, are recently identified such as diagnostic markers in several type of cancer. For this reason, the aim of our study is to analyze the possible role of miRNA in malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive tumor with a strong resistance to conventional therapies and poor prognosis. Total RNA, containing also miRNA, was extracted, and RNA was retro-transcripted with specific primers. Then, miRNA expression was tested using real-time PCR method and particular probes for each miRNA. The RNU6B was used such as housekeeping gene, for data normalization. This work represents the first step for the identification of a specific miRNA pattern for MPM, which will be useful in the diagnosis of MPM and for a personalized therapeutic treatment.

In silico and in vitro analysis of rare germline allelic variants of RET oncogene associated with medullary thyroid cancer

Germline and somatic RET oncogene mutations are found in 98% hereditary and 40% sporadic medullary thyroid carcinomas. Our aim was to analyse by in silico and in vitro assays the transforming activity of six rare RET mutations (T338I, V648I, M918V, A883T, S904F and M848T). Six known RET mutations were used as controls. The in silico analysis showed the highest score value (i.e. 65) for S904F, M848T, M918T and C634R, whereas L790F, G691S, T338I and V648I had 0 score. Intermediate score values were obtained by A883T (score=55), M918V, V804M and Y791F (score=15). The in vitro focus formation assay showed that cells transfected with S904F, M918T, M848T or C634R generated the largest number of focus formation units (FFU). Intermediate numbers of FFU were observed in cells transfected with M918V, V804M, Y791F or A883T, while cells transfected with L790F, G691S, T338I or V648I showed a number of FFU similar to control cells. A positive correlation between the in silico score and in vitro FFU was found (P=0.0005). Only cells transfected with M918T or C634R grew faster and generated higher number of colonies in soft agar than control cells. However, the cells that were transfected with V804M produced an intermediate number of colonies. In conclusion, two of the six rare RET mutations, S904F and M848T possessed a relatively high transforming activity but a low aggressiveness; the other four mutations T338I, V648I, M918V and A883T were low or non-transforming, and their ability to induce tumoural transformation might be related to particular genetic conditions.

Gynaecological endoscopic evaluation of 4% icodextrin solution: a European, multicentre, double-blind, randomized study of the efficacy and safety in the reduction of de novo adhesions after laparoscopic gynaecological surgery

BACKGROUND

Gynaecological laparoscopic surgery outcomes can be compromised by the formation of de novo adhesions. This randomized, double-blind study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of 4% icodextrin solution (Adept(®)) in the reduction of de novo adhesion incidence compared to lactated Ringer's solution (LRS).

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for removal of myomas or endometriotic cysts were treated with randomized solution as an intra-operative irrigant and 1l post-operative instillate. De novo adhesion incidence (number of sites with adhesions), severity and extent were independently scored at a second-look procedure and the efficacy of the two solutions compared. The effect of surgical covariates on adhesion formation was also investigated. Initial exploratory analysis of individual anatomical sites of clinical importance was progressed. RESULTS Of 498 patients randomized, 330 were evaluable (160 LRS--75% myomectomy/25% endometriotic cysts; 170 Adept--79% myomectomy/21% endometriotic cysts). At study completion, 76.2% LRS and 77.6% Adept had ≥ 1 de novo adhesion. The mean (SD) number of de novo adhesions was 2.58 (2.11) for Adept and 2.58 (2.38) for LRS. The treatment effect difference was not significant (P = 0.909). Assessment of surgical covariates identified significant influences on the mean number of de novo adhesions regardless of treatment, including surgery duration (P = 0.048), blood loss in myomectomy patients (P = 0.019), length of uterine incision in myomectomy patients (P < 0.001) and number of suture knots (P < 0.001). There were 15 adverse events considered treatment-related in the LRS patients (7.2%) and 18 in the Adept group (8.3%). Of 17 reported serious adverse events (9 LRS; 8 Adept) none were considered treatment-related.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed the safety of Adept in laparoscopic surgery. The proportion of patients with de novo adhesion formation was considerably higher than previous literature suggested. Overall there was no evidence of a clinical effect but various surgical covariates including surgery duration, blood loss, number and size of incisions, suturing and number of knots were found to influence de novo adhesion formation. The study provides direction for future research into adhesion reduction strategies in site specific surgery.

[Prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesions in gynecological surgery. Consensus paper of an Italian gynecologists' task force on adhesions]

Adhesions are the most frequent complication of abdominopelvic surgery, causing important short- and long-term problems, including infertility, chronic pelvic pain and a lifetime risk of small bowel obstruction. They also complicate future surgery with considerable morbidity and expense, and an important mortality risk. They pose serious quality of life issues for many patients with associated social and healthcare costs. Despite advances in surgical techniques, the healthcare burden of adhesion-related complications has not changed in recent years. Adhesiolysis remains the main treatment although adhesions reform in most patients. There is rising evidence, however, that surgeons can take important steps to reduce the impact of adhesions. A task force of Italian gynecologists with a specialist interest in adhesions having reviewed the current evidence on adhesions and considered the opportunities to reduce adhesions in Italy, have approved a collective consensus position. This consensus paper provides a comprehensive overview of adhesions and their consequences and practical proposals for actions that gynecological surgeons in Italy should take. As well as improvements in surgical technique, developments in adhesion-reduction strategies and new agents offer a realistic possibility of reducing adhesion formation and improving outcomes for patients. They should be adopted particularly in high risk surgery and in patients with adhesiogenic conditions. Patients also need to be better informed of the risks of adhesions.

Laparoscopic excision of endometriosis may require unilateral parametrectomy

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of laparoscopic excision of endometriosis with unilateral parametrectomy on bladder, rectal, and sexual function as well as patient satisfaction.

METHODS

Women who underwent this procedure between February 1, 2006 and November 15, 2007 were enrolled. Patient characteristics, pre- and postoperative findings, and follow-up data were retrospectively collected from a computerized database.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were enrolled in the study. All of the symptoms except dysuria improved after surgery, worsening long after the operation. It seems that all parameters including sexuality, micturition, and defecation are equally important in regards to the final judgement of satisfaction, with a trend towards amelioration long after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral parametrectomy may offer successful results in terms of patient satisfaction despite some impairment in bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The risk of permanent functional impairment is high; therefore, surgeons need to maintain the integrity of the contralateral nerve pathway. This is highly important, because pain relief seems to be partially involved in the final judgement of postoperation satisfaction.

Spin-transfer-torque-assisted domain-wall creep in a Co/Pt multilayer wire

We have studied field- and current-driven domain-wall (DW) creep motion in a perpendicularly magnetized Co/Pt multilayer wire by real-time Kerr microscopy. The application of a dc current of density of approximately < 10(7) A/cm2 assisted only the DW creeping under field in the same direction as the electron flow, a signature of spin-transfer torque effects. We develop a model dealing with both bidirectional spin-transfer effects and Joule heating, with the same dynamical exponent mu=1/4 for both field- and current-driven creep, and use it to quantify the spin-transfer efficiency as 3.6+/-0.6 Oe cm2/MA in our wires, confirming the significant nonadiabatic contribution to the spin torque.

Genetic polymorphisms associated with outcome in multiple myeloma patients receiving high-dose melphalan

High-dose melphalan (HDM) is an essential component in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Few data are available regarding genetic polymorphisms associated with patient outcome or toxicity in this setting. To identify such polymorphisms, we performed a retrospective analysis, genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the arrayed primer extension (APEX) technology in 169 patients having received HDM for MM. We analyzed 209 SNPs in 95 genes involved in drug metabolism, DNA repair, cell cycle and apoptosis. SNPs in ABCB1, CYP3A4 and TP53BP2 were associated with response to VAD induction therapy (P<0.01). SNPs in ALDH2, GSTT2 and BRCA1 were associated with response to HDM (P<0.01). Polymorphisms in CYP1A1, RAD51 and PARP were associated with disease progression whereas polymorphisms in ALDH2 and CYP1A1 were correlated with OS. Polymorphisms in BRCA1, CDKN1A and XRCC1 were associated with the occurrence of severe mucositis after HDM. These results suggest that SNPs of genes involved in drug metabolism or DNA repair could be used to distinguish MM patient subgroups with different toxicity/efficacy profiles.

Species segregation in one-dimensional granular-system simulations

We present one-dimensional molecular dynamics simulations of a two-species, initially uniform, freely evolving granular system. Colliding particles swap their relative position with a 50% probability allowing for the initial spatial ordering of the particles to evolve in time and frictional forces to operate. Unlike one-dimensional systems of identical particles, two-species one-dimensional systems of quasi-elastic particles are ergodic and the particles' velocity distributions tend to evolve towards Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions. Under such conditions, standard fluid equations with merely an additional sink term in the energy equation, reflecting the non-elasticity of the interparticle collisions, provide an excellent means to investigate the system's evolution. According to the predictions of fluid theory we find that the clustering instability is dominated by a non-propagating mode at a wavelength of the order 10 pi L/N epsilon , where N is the total number of particles, L the spatial extent of the system and epsilon the inelasticity coefficient. The typical fluid velocities at the time of inelastic collapse are seen to be supersonic, unless N epsilon<or= 10 pi . Species segregation, driven by the frictional force occurs as a result of the strong temperature gradients within clusters which pushes the light particles towards the clusters' edges and the heavy particles towards the center. Segregation within clusters is complete at the time of inelastic collapse.

The laparoscopic treatment of bladder endometriosis. A retrospective analysis of 21 cases

AIM

Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue, including endometrial glands and stroma, outside the uterine cavity. The incidence of endometriosis in the general population is almost unknown, because it varies between 1% and 50%, depending on the paper considered. In any case, the incidence of bladder endometriosis is generally considered about 1% or less of endometriotic patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative exams and the effectiveness of laparoscopic treatment.

METHODS

We enrolled 21 patients operated laparoscopically for a severe stage of endometriosis, including at least a bladder localization of 10 mL; in 60% of cases a bowel surgery was associated in the cause of a digestive endometriosis. A complete preoperative and follow-up evaluation was carried out for all patients.

RESULTS

The preoperative investigation, especially abdominal sonography, predicted endometriotic bladder invasion in only 38% of cases. Urinary symptomatology was present in only 61.9% of cases. The postoperative follow-up showed the remarkable effectiveness of laparoscopic treatment for the cancellation of pain and to improve the quality of life for patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, the treatment of severe endometriosis is possible and effective by laparoscopy even in the cases where there is a bladder localization and when, in the absence of specific symptomatology, it isn't diagnosed preoperatively.

Application of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis to evaluate acetic acid bacteria in traditional balsamic vinegar

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are fastidious micro-organisms to isolate and cultivate despite of the great number of growth media available. Moreover, conventional techniques used to study AAB populations are time consuming and not completely reliable. In this study, we tested the usefulness of the polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electophoresis (PCR-DGGE) as a rapid and cost effective method for the screening of AAB in traditional balsamic vinegar (TBV). DGGE analysis was applied to 19 AAB strains isolated by agar plating from three different samples of TBV. DGGE was also used for the analysis of PCR products obtained from DNA extracted directly from the TBV samples. A tentative species identification was achieved comparing the PCR-DGGE patterns of the isolated strains and the TBV samples to those of 15 AAB reference strains. The results support that DGGE is functional to monitor vinegar's AAB population.

Retinal functional development is sensitive to environmental enrichment: a role for BDNF

Retina has long been considered less plastic than cortex or hippocampus, the very sites of experience-dependent plasticity. Now, we show that retinal development is responsive to the experience provided by an enriched environment (EE): the maturation of retinal acuity, which is a sensitive index of retinal circuitry development, is strongly accelerated in EE rats. This effect is present also in rats exposed to EE up to P10, that is before eye opening, suggesting that factors sufficient to trigger retinal acuity development are affected by EE during the first days of life. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is precociously expressed in the ganglion cell layer of EE with respect to non-EE rats and reduction of BDNF expression in EE animals counteracts EE effects on retinal acuity. Thus, EE controls the development of retinal circuitry, and this action depends on retinal BDNF expression.