102 research outputs found
Fashion Culture: Norell: Master of American Fashion
No full textOn February 14, Jeffrey Banks, co-author of "Norell: Master of American Fashion," Ellin Saltzman, former fashion director and senior vice president at firms such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman, Stan Herman, designer and former president of the CFDA, and Ralph Rucci, couturier, artist and author, came together for a sparkling introduction to Norman Norell — the first American designer to employ couture techniques, refined workmanship, and luxurious fabrics — whose dresses, coats, and suits were deemed by critics to be “the equal of Paris.” This panel discussion was moderated by Patricia Mears, deputy director of MFIT
Murine models of hypomorphic defects of v(d)j recombination
No full textV(D)J recombination is the process by which the subgenic elements of T and B cell receptors are assembled. The Rag1 and Rag2 proteins initiate this process by cleaving the DNA, whereas the Non Homologous End-Joining pathway (that includes Ku70/80, XRCC4, LigIV, DNA-PKcs and Cernunnos)mediates DNA joining. Rag1 and Rag2 null mutations cause SCID with complete lack of T and B lymphocytes in humans. Hypomorphic mutations that reduce, but do not abrogate, V(D)J recombination activity, may lead to Omenn syndrome (OS) or to “leaky SCID”, both of which are characterized by activated, anergic and autologous T cells, whereas severe erythroderma and cholitis are typical of OS only.
Hypomorphic LigIV mutations in humans are associated with increased cellular radiosensitivity, microcephaly, facial dysmorphisms, growth retardation, developmental delay, and a variable degree of immunodeficiency. These disorders define the LIGIV syndrome.
The work presented in this thesis focused on the characterization of two murine models with hypomorphic mutations in Rag1 (rag1S723C/S723C) and LigIV (ligIVR278H/R278H) that recapitulate leaky SCID. A minority of rag1S723C/S723C mice (but none of ligIVR278H/R278H mice) showed features of OS without phenotypic features of OS.
Both mouse models show a severe, but incomplete, block in T and B cell development, with residual generation of single-positive thymocytes. However, peripheral T cells are present and show an activated and anergic phenotype, with a restricted repertoire, reminiscent of human leaky SCID. The impaired in vitro proliferation in response to anti-CD3 is mostly due to increased apoptosis, and can be only partially rescued by addition of costimulatory factors such as anti-CD28 or by exogenous IL-2.
Despite a severe block at the pro to pre-B stage of B cell differentiation and of profound B cell lymphopenia, IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE serum levels are maintained, and a high proportion of immunoglobulin-secreting cells was observed in the spleen of both rag1S723C/S723C and ligIVR278H/R278H mice. Antibody responses to T-dependent and T-independent antigens are impaired, however both hypomorphic mouse models spontaneously produce high amounts of low-affinity antibodies that include self-reactive specificities.
The Rag1 and LigIV hypomorphic mouse models show attempts to organize the thymic medulla and are able, to various degrees, to generate nTregs. However, the expression of aire and of tissue-rectricted antigens, required for the maintenance of the central tolerance, is reduced.
Taken together, these data indicate that the stochastic generation of an autoreactive B cell repertoire, associated with defects in central and peripheral T cell tolerance, are an important component of the immunopathology of immunodeficiencies associated with hypomorphic mutation in the V(D)J recombination process. Therefore using these mouse models, it is now possible to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the phenotypic variability between OS and leaky SCID in humans
Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based supervised exercise programme in individuals with spinal cord injuries: SCI-HOME-ACTIVE study protocol
No full textPhysical activity is essential to a healthy lifestyle for adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Although exercise is recognised as an important tool for improving the well-being and independence of people with SCI, most individuals do not engage in physical exercise. Traditional exercise programmes often require participation in rehabilitation centres or specialised facilities, making them less accessible for individuals with chronic SCI. Many people with SCI live in rural communities and other geographically isolated areas where access to fitness facilities and outdoor recreational areas involves long commutes or expensive transportation, which is one of the most common barriers to exercise reported by people with physical disabilities. Consequently, exercise remains an underused intervention for improving health and function in people with SCI despite its proven effects in reducing pain, fatigue, fall risk and other secondary health conditions. This pilot study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based supervised exercise programme for individuals with chronic SCI. The study will be an interventional and prospective pilot study. People with SCI will participate in a 3-month home-based exercise programme. Primary outcomes will include adherence to the exercise programme, while secondary outcomes will encompass quality of life, functional capacity, musculoskeletal health and clinical parameters. The programme will be structured into 1-hour sessions, held twice weekly for 3 months, conducted online and in small groups. The results of this study could be relevant for future indications of the best setting and strategy to ensure adherence to physical activity
Cardiotocographic findings in the second stage of labor among fetuses delivered with acidemia: a comparison of two classification systems.
No full textBACKGROUND: The RCOG classification system of CTG trace is widely used for the
analysis of the fetal heart rate during the first and second stage of labor.
Other authors proposed specific classification systems for the second stage
traces.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of RCOG and Piquard cardiotocographic
patterns classification systems in predicting fetal acidemia in the second stage
of labor.
STUDY DESIGN: This was a nested retrospective case-control study including
fetuses delivered with metabolic acidemia in the second stage of labor and a
matched group of non-acidemic fetuses as controls. Cases and controls were
selected from the electronic medical records of the University Hospital of
Bologna between 2008 and 2013. The last 60min of the cardiotocograms recorded
during the second stage of labor were independently classified by a senior
consultant and a trainee according to RCOG and Piquard classifications. The
inter-observer agreement and the accuracy of the two classifications in
predicting fetal acidemia were evaluated.
RESULTS: In all, 82 acidemic fetuses and 164 controls were recruited in the study
period. Regarding the CTG traces assessment, the inter-observer agreement was
moderate for both the categorizations (RCOG κ=0.584). Unclassifiable CTG patterns
were more frequent among acidemic fetuses vs controls either at RCOG and at
Piquard evaluation (26.8% vs 7.9%, p<0.001). Both systems yielded a moderate and
comparable ability to predict fetal acidemia (RCOG ROC AUC=0.731; 95% CI
0.660-0.795; Piquard ROC AUC=0.773; 95% CI 0.704-0.833. DeLong z-test=1.186,
p=0.236).
CONCLUSIONS: RCOG and Piquard systems have a moderate accuracy in identifying
acidemic fetuses during the second stage of labor. The occurrence of
unclassifiable findings seems significantly more common among the acidemic
fetuses
MONITORING OF CHANNEL RESERVOIRS THROUGH INSAR MEASUREMENTS
No full textChannel sandstones have a particularly important place among sandstone reservoirs. Their exploitation is especially challenging because of the impact of reservoir heterogeneities, channel connectivity and well position. Understanding which channels are drained or swept during water flooding would greatly improve the possibility to increase oil recovery. Although ground movements induced by pressure sinks generated in the reservoir by production are generally very limited, surface deformation is known to reflect the pressure distribution in the reservoir. Thus, deformation monitoring of onshore reservoirs can provide useful information about which portions of the reservoir are actually being produced or where pressure is supported by water encroachment, or by water injection in the case of oil reservoirs. Standard ground surface monitoring techniques (such as: levelling campaigns, tiltmeters or GPS) are usually time-consuming in providing accurate measures for a limited set of benchmarks. However, the
Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) has proven to be a cost-effective tool to measure
surface displacement with millimetric precision over wide areas. The possibility to measure surface effects due to reservoir exploitation depends chiefly on the depth and extension of the reservoir, magnitude of pressure depletion within the reservoir, formation heterogeneity and geomechanical properties. This paper presents the results of a study aimed at assessing the effects of these parameters on the surface deformation pattern and magnitude for fluvial reservoirs. Since meandering and braided rivers often generate poorly connected reservoir sand bodies of different size and sinuosity, the approach taken was to build a number of geological models representing fluvial depositional environments at different depths. Then production and water flooding in alternating channels was simulated. Eventually, three-dimensional geomechanical models were developed for each reservoir so as to calculate the vertical and horizontal (longitudinal and transversal) components of the displacements. In order to assess whether these displacements could be detected via InSAR, the three different components of displacement were combined to calculate the Line Of Sight (LOS), to simulate the corresponding satellite displacement measurement; the latter was then compared with the sensitivity of the InSAR technique. Results show that, depending on reservoir depth, extension and pressure decline, a correspondence between the distribution of sand bodies within the reservoir and the surface displacement pattern can be established. Conversely, for the typology of reservoir under analysis, geomechanical properties turn out to play a minor role in the clear detection of surface deformations
Validation of the OPportunity for Treatment In ONcology (OPTION) questionnaire measuring continuity of care
No full textIncreasing efforts are ongoing to deliver effective cancer care through integrated networks of services. Measuring patients' experience of care is essential to identify problematic areas that require organisational adjustments. The aim of the present study was to examine the validity of OPTION questionnaire, designed to measure patient's perceived continuity of care across different phases of their care pathway. The study was carried at the Institute for Cancer Treatment and Research, Meldola and the oncology departments of the Local Health Authority of Romagna, Italy. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify factors underlying patients' perception of continuity of care. Factor scores were compared between patients with or without a care coordinator using Mann-Whitney test. The study sample consisted of 214 patients with breast or colorectal cancer, with a mean age of 62.3 years. Most patients identified the oncologist as their care coordinator. Five factors were extracted using PCA: (1) "trustful relationship with health care staff," (2) "information on care pathway," (3) "information on changes related to the illness," (4) "feelings of abandonment" and (5) "collaboration among health care professionals." The scores of factors 2 and 3 were significantly higher among those with a care coordinator. The OPTION questionnaire is a reliable instrument that can help clinicians and administrative stakeholder target efforts and resources in the pursuit of quality of care
L'applicazione di un sistema di sorveglianza prospettica delle infezioni nosocomiali nelle unità di terapia intensiva (SPIN-UTI) per valutare l'efficacia di un protocollo di medicazione con clorexidina per la riduzione delle infezione del torrente ematico
No full textIl controllo delle Infezioni del Torrente Ematico (Blood stream infections: BSI) nelle Unità di Terapia Intensiva (UTI) rappresenta ad oggi una delle sfide più importanti nell'ambito della riduzione delle infezioni correlate alle pratiche assistenziali (ICPA). Nella letteratura scientifica sono pubblicati numerosi lavori che riportano la possibilità d'implementare sistemi di controllo per raggiungere e mantenere tassi d'infezione pari a 0 per 1000 giorni catetere. In una delle due Unità di Terapia Intensiva dell'Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona è stato effettuato dal Servizio Epidemiologico uno studio sperimentale per il contenimento delle BSI mediante l'applicazione di una medicazione in gel contenente Clorexidina che ha permesso di azzerare, seppur per periodo ancora ridotti, le infezioni. Tuttavia appare utile implementare, assieme a tali nuovi dispositivi, degli strumenti validati di sorveglianza delle infezioni da CVC prima, durante e dopo l'avvio del protocollo per valutarne accuratamente i progressi. OBIETTIVI Il presente studio ha l'obiettivo
di utilizzare un sistema validato di sorveglianza prospettica delle BSI come lo SPIN-UTI (Sorveglianza Prospettica delle Infezioni Nosocomiali nelle Unità di Terapia Intensiva del GISIO) per monitorare l'efficacia di un intervento di riduzione delle BSI centrato sull'introduzione di una medicazione contenente clorexidina gluconato (CHG) già sperimentata in una delle due UTI dell'AOUI di Verona
Effects of osteoblast-derived extracellular vesicles on aggressiveness, redox status and mitochondrial bioenergetics of MNNG/HOS osteosarcoma cells
No full textOsteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy. The crosstalk between osteosarcoma and the surrounding tumour microenvironment (TME) drives key events that lead to metastasization, one of the main obstacles for definitive cure of most malignancies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid bilayer nanoparticles used by cells for intercellular communication, are emerging as critical biological mediators that permit the interplay between neoplasms and the tumour microenvironment, modulating re-wiring of energy metabolism and redox homeostatic processes. We previously showed that EVs derived from the human osteosarcoma cells influence bone cells, including osteoblasts. We here investigated whether the opposite could also be true, studying how osteoblast-derived EVs (OB-EVs) could alter tumour phenotype, mitochondrial energy metabolism, redox status and oxidative damage in MNNG/HOS osteosarcoma cells.These were treated with EVs obtained from mouse primary osteoblasts, and the following endpoints were investigated: i) cell viability and proliferation; ii) apoptosis; iii) migration and invasive capacity; iv) stemness features; v) mitochondrial function and energy metabolism; vi) redox status, antioxidant capacity and oxidative molecular damage. OB-EVs decreased MNNG/HOS metabolic activity and viability, which however was not accompanied by impaired proliferation nor by increased apoptosis, with respect to control. In addition, OB-EV-treated cells exhibited a significant reduction of motility and in vitro invasion as compared to untreated cells. Although the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine reverted the cytotoxic effect of OB-EVs, no evidence of oxidative stress was observed in treated cells. However, the redox balance of glutathione was significantly shifted towards a pro-oxidant state, even though the major antioxidant enzymatic protection did not respond to the pro-oxidant challenge. We did not find strong evidence of mitochondrial involvement or major energy metabolic switches induced by OB-EVs, but a trend of reduction in seahorse assay basal respiration was observed, suggesting that OB-EVs could represent a mild metabolic challenge for osteosarcoma cells. In summary, our findings suggest that OB-EVs could serve as important means through which TME and osteosarcoma core cross-communicate. For the first time, we proved that OB-EVs reduced osteosarcoma cells’ aggressiveness and viability through redox-dependent signalling pathways, even though mitochondrial dynamics and energy metabolism did not appear as processes critically needed to respond to OB-EVs
L’INTRODUZIONE DELLA CHECK-LIST OPERATORIA IN UN’AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA UNIVERSITARIA INTEGRATA
No full textIl Ministero della Salute italiano ha recepito le indicazioni dell’OMS sulla diffusione della
Checklist di Sala Operatoria (S.O.), avviandone l’implementazione a livello locale e incoraggiando-
ne l’adattamento alle peculiarità del contesto.
Questo studio è stato svolto con l’obiettivo di analizzare l’aderenza alla compilazione della Checklist di S.O. presso l’Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI) di Verona (dove è stata introdotta nell’agosto 2011) e di valutare l’adeguatezza dell’adattamento al contesto del nuovo Polo Chirurgico
ANALISI EPIDEMIOLOGICA DEI VIAGGIATORI E DELLE MISURE PREVENTIVE DA ESSI ADOTTATE IN UN PERIODO DI 5 ANNI PRESSO UN AMBULATORIO DI MEDICINA DEI VIAGGI DELLA PROVINCIA DI VERONA
No full textBackground Il numero dei viaggiatori con destinazioni tropicali o subtropicali è in continuo aumento negli
ultimi 15 anni. Indipendentemente dal motivo del viaggio, la prevenzione delle malattie di importazione nei
viaggiatori è di primaria importanza. Strumenti preventivi come il counseling, la vaccinazione e la
chemioprofilassi rivestono un ruolo primario nella lotta alle patologie d'importazione. La conoscenza delle
principali destinazioni, delle caratteristiche demografiche e cliniche dei viaggiatori e della loro adesione alle
misure di prevenzione può aiutare il medico dei servizi di Medicina dei Viaggi ad effettuare un intervento
tarato sulle specificità del singolo viaggiatore. Obiettivi Analizzare le caratteristiche demografiche e le misure
preventive adottate dai viaggiatori (anche in relazione alla destinazione, al motivo del viaggio e alle patologie
pre-esistenti) che si sono rivolti all'ambulatorio di Medicina dei Viaggi presso il Centro per le Malattie Tropicali
dell'Ospedale 'Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria', Negrar Verona, Italia. Materiali e metodi Sono state raccolte le
schede anamnestiche di 4.587 viaggiatori che si sono rivolti spontaneamente presso l'Ambulatorio di Medicina
dei Viaggi tra il 1 Gennaio 2008 e il 31 dicembre 2012. I dati sono stati inseriti ed elaborati con il software Epi
Info (EpiInfo, CDC di Atlanta, versione 7.0). Risultati La popolazione studiata ha una lieve prevalenza di maschi
(52%), con un'età media di 36 anni (range 0-78 anni). La durata media del viaggio è stata di 16 giorni (range 2-
1440 giorni) e il continente più visitato è stato quello africano (62% dei viaggiatori totali) seguito dal Sud
America (17%). Il motivo più frequente del viaggio è stato il turismo (2786 viaggiatori, 60%), seguito dal
volontariato (502 viaggiatori, 10,9%), dal lavoro (447 viaggiatori, 9,7%) e dalla visita ad amici e parenti degli
immigrati (VFR, 191 viaggiatori, 4,1%, probabilmente sottostimata a causa di errori di classificazione). Molti
viaggiatori (1041 soggetti, 23%) stavano assumendo almeno un farmaco al momento della partenza. A 4183
viaggiatori (91,2%) è stato somministrato almeno un vaccino, dei quali l'anti-tifo è risultato il più prescritto
(2625 viaggiatori, il 53%). Nel gruppo dei VFR, il vaccino più somministrato è stato la febbre gialla (150
soggetti, 78,5%). La profilassi antimalarica è stata consigliato a 2619 i viaggiatori diretti verso l'Africa sub-
sahariana, dei quali 1.174 l'hanno rifiutata (44,9%). Conclusioni - L'Africa è il continente maggiormente visitato.
- I vaccini sono generalmente ben accettati dai viaggiatori. - Elevati costi per i vaccini ne limitano la richiesta da
parte dei VFR. - La profilassi anti-malarica è stata rifiutata (generalmente per paura di effetti collaterali) da
molti viaggiatori: una maggiore sensibilizzazione al problema è necessaria per aumentare l'adesione alla
chemioprofilassi per coloro che si recano in aree a rischio di contagio
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