The judicial response to rent controls in Europe: Protecting property rights against state's intervention?

This essay examines, from a legal and economic perspective, the judicial response to rent controls in the EU focusing on three courts that operate at the fundamental rights and constitutional level: the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), the German Federal Constitutional Court (BVerfGE), and the Italian Constitutional Court. Based on an analysis of a sample of judicial decisions rendered over time, a convergent trend emerges: these Courts have recognized and effectively protected the landlord's property rights against rent controls that were disproportionate and could not ensure a reasonable return on investment. This trend is prominent in the jurisprudence of the ECtHR: the Strasbourg Court has contributed to reshaping the distribution of power between tenants and landlords, encouraging the transition of Eastern and Southern European Countries to the common European housing market.

The fading guardian: clinical relevance of TP53 null mutation in high-grade serous ovarian cancers.

Background: we evaluated the concordance between immunohistochemical p53 staining and TP53 mutations in a series of HGSOC. Moreover, we searched for prognostic differences between p53 overexpression and null expression groups.

Methods: patients affected by HGSOC were included.

Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma with hematologic signs and PD-L1 over-expression.

Lymphoplasmacyte-rich meningioma (LPRM) is one of the rarest variants of grade I meningiomas. It can be clinically associated with prominent peripheral blood abnormalities, anemia, and/or various gammopathy, which usually disappear after surgical removal of the tumor. We document a case of right frontal LPRM in a 72-year-old male who presented general cognitive decadence.

The spectrum of subclonal TP53 mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A next generation sequencing retrospective study.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematological disorder with complex clinical and biological behavior. TP53 mutational status and cytogenetic assessment of the deletion of the corresponding locus (17p13.1) are considered the most relevant biomarkers associated with pharmaco-predictive response, chemo-refractoriness, and worse prognosis in CLL patients.

Proteomic Analysis of -Nitrosation Sites During Somatic Embryogenesis in Brazilian Pine, (Bertol.) Kuntze.

Cysteine -nitrosation is a redox-based post-translational modification that mediates nitric oxide (NO) regulation of various aspects of plant growth, development and stress responses. Despite its importance, studies exploring protein signaling pathways that are regulated by -nitrosation during somatic embryogenesis have not been performed. In the present study, endogenous cysteine -nitrosation site and -nitrosated proteins were identified by iodo-TMT labeling during somatic embryogenesis in Brazilian pine, an endangered native conifer of South America.

MiR-146b-5p regulates IL-23 receptor complex expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells express the interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) chain, but the expression of the complementary IL-12Rβ1 chain requires cell stimulation via surface CD40 molecules (and not via the B-cell receptor [BCR]). This stimulation induces the expression of a heterodimeric functional IL-23R complex and the secretion of IL-23, initiating an autocrine loop that drives leukemic cell expansion. Based on the observation in 224 untreated Binet stage A patients that the cases with the lowest miR-146b-5p concentrations had the shortest time to first treatment (TTFT), we hypothesized that miR-146b-5p could negatively regulate IL-12Rβ1 side chain expression and clonal expansion.

Institutions matter: The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the political trust of young Europeans.

In this paper, we study the short-run evolution of political trust during the recent covid-19 pandemic using survey data for a sample of young individuals living in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. In particular, we analyze whether pre-pandemic perceptions and experiences of citizens about various dimensions of local governments and institutional quality had any mediating effect on the evolution of political trust after the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic. The results show a relative increase in political trust of about 9% in regions with high institutional quality (75th percentile) compared with regions with low institutional quality (25th percentile) over the period 2019-2020.

Polyamine- and Amino Acid-Related Metabolism: The Roles of Arginine and Ornithine are Associated with the Embryogenic Potential.

The mechanisms that control polyamine (PA) metabolism in plant cell lines with different embryogenic potential are not well understood. This study involved the use of two Araucaria angustifolia cell lines, one of which was defined as being blocked, in that the cells were incapable of developing somatic embryos, and the other as being responsive, as the cells could generate somatic embryos. Cellular PA metabolism was modulated by using 5 mM arginine (Arg) or ornithine (Orn) at two time points during cell growth.

Microenvironmental regulation of the IL-23R/IL-23 axis overrides chronic lymphocytic leukemia indolence.

Although the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) requires the cooperation of the microenvironment, the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms involved are still unclear. We investigated the interleukin (IL)-23 receptor (IL-23R)/IL-23 axis and found that circulating cells from early-stage CLL patients with shorter time-to-treatment, but not of those with a more benign course, expressed a defective form of the IL-23R complex lacking the IL-12Rβ1 chain. However, cells from both patient groups expressed the complete IL-23R complex in tissue infiltrates and could be induced to express the IL-12Rβ1 chain when cocultured with activated T cells or CD40L cells.

Central nervous system involvement in mycosis fungoides: relevance of tcr gene testing in cerebrospinal fluid.

Introduction: Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is a rare malignant T-cell lymphoma, involving mainly the skin. In 50%-75% of cases, it can involve organs other than skin, with a 11%-14% Central Nervous System involvement (CNS).

Case Report: A 82-year-old woman presented to our Department with a 15-years history of MF with skin lesions.

Low percentage of KRAS mutations revealed by locked nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction: implications for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is frequently characterized by the presence of mutations of the KRAS oncogene, which are generally associated with a poor response to treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) monoclonal antibodies. With the methods currently used, a case is classified as KRAS-mutated when approximately 20% of the cells bear an activating KRAS mutation. These considerations raise the question of whether cells with a mutated KRAS can be found in mCRC cases classified as KRAS wild-type when more sensitive methods are used.

Follicular mucinosis: a clinicopathologic, histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular study comparing the primary benign form and the mycosis fungoides-associated follicular mucinosis.

Objectives: To determine (i) whether primary (idiopathic) follicular mucinosis (PFM) and lymphoma-associated follicular mucinosis (LAFM) are distinct or related entities and whether there are reliable criteria that allow the two forms to be distinguished, (ii) the histochemical properties and consequently the type of mucin that accumulates in the follicle in PFM and LAFM, and (iii) whether there is any difference between the staining properties of mucin in patients with PFM and LAFM.

Methods: Thirty-one patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised 20 patients with no associated mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome (PFM) and group 2 was made up of the other 11 patients who had clinicopathological evidence of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (LAFM).

Highly homologous T-cell receptor beta sequences support a common target for autoreactive T cells in most patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Deficiency of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored molecules on blood cells accounts for most features of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) but not for the expansion of PNH (GPI(-)) clone(s). A plausible model is that PNH clones expand by escaping negative selection exerted by autoreactive T cells against normal (GPI(+)) hematopoiesis. By a systematic analysis of T-cell receptor beta (TCR-beta) clonotypes of the CD8+ CD57+ T-cell population, frequently deranged in PNH, we show recurrent clonotypes in PNH patients but not in healthy controls: 11 of 16 patients shared at least 1 of 5 clonotypes, and a set of closely related clonotypes was present in 9 patients.

The CD5+ B-cell.

In the last two decades, many efforts have been made to better understand the biology of B-lymphoproliferative disorders through the knowledge of physiology and function of the postulated normal counterpart. The follicular mantle B-cells express a typical CD23+ IgM+ IgD+ phenotype and surround the germinal center area in secondary lymphoid organs. CD5+ B-cells with FM phenotype can be isolated from different sources and all share similar morphologic, phenotypic and functional features (small cells, scanty nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, unmutated VH genes, response to polyclonal activators but not to T independent antigens, production of "natural" antibodies).

Communication as a teamwork tool in peritoneal dialysis.

The growing complexity of the problems which have to be faced in providing a peritoneal dialysis service, such as giving assistance over a territory, consideration of the needs of the individual and the greater emphasis on the prevention of complications, makes multidisciplinary teamwork necessary, with the interaction of various skills. In order to succeed, teamwork requires the identification of clear objectives which are shared by all the members of the team. The various skills can best be exploited by defining roles and agreeing common aims and objectives so that the team can provide the patient with holistic treatment, which recognises the needs of the individual rather than the needs of the illness.

Functional and clinical relevance of CD44 variant isoform expression on B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

Background And Objective: Recent studies have shown that expression of adhesion molecules of the Ig superfamily, of integrins and of selectins allows definition of high vs low risk B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The proteoglycan CD44 is an adhesion molecule that may be expressed as a standard form of 85-95 KD or as several variant isoforms. The presence of certain CD44 variant (v) isoforms on neoplastic cells indicates poor prognosis in epithelial and lymphoid malignancies, as it is associated with tumor progression and metastasis.

[Fatty acid composition of the cervical mucus obtained during ovulation and at the term of pregnancy].

Background: Aim of this work is to evaluate the different fatty acid composition of cervical mucus obtained during ovulation and at the term of pregnancy.

Methods: The fatty acid composition in cervical mucus was determined in 14 non pregnant women during expected ovulation (cervical score > 10) and in 12 at term pregnant women. Following extraction, (acidification and transesterification), the identification and quantification of fatty acids was performed by gas-chromatographic analysis, with the aid of a specific software.

Adhesion molecule expression on B-cells from acute and chronic lymphoid leukemias.

Adhesion molecule expression on acute and chronic lymphoid leukemia cells of B lineage (B-ALL and B-CLL) may subserve several functions. Adhesion of leukemic cells to endothelial cells and to extracellular matrix components is relevant to homing, trafficking and spread of the malignant cells, and thus to clinical presentation, course and disease prognosis. Adhesive interactions between malignant cells and accessory cells, particularly stromal cells in the bone marrow environment, may support growth of the malignant cells via cytokine-delivered messages.

TUIP for infravesically obstructed BPH patients: a review of 300 cases.

Our experience is described in the treatment of BPH by prostatic incision. Three hundred patients were treated from 1989 to 1993; 285 had obstructive BPH (48 in complete urine retention) and 15 had prostatic carcinoma. One hundred eighty-nine patients were controlled and in 93% the results were satisfactory for disappearance of symptoms.

Adhesion molecule expression on B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells: malignant cell phenotypes define distinct disease subsets.

Expression of surface adhesion molecules of the Ig superfamily (CD54 and CD58), of the integrin family (beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3 chains), of the selectin family (L-selectin), and of the lymphocyte homing receptor (CD44) was analyzed on B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells from 74 patients. The aim of the study was the definition of phenotypically distinct disease subsets and the correlation of adhesion molecule phenotypes with clinical parameters. Expression of CD58 on B-CLL cells defined more advanced disease stages.

Patients' group experiences.

In 11 years of experience with dialysis, we have tried to supply a kind of treatment in our center that takes the patient's physical, psychological, and social needs into account. We have been able to observe how important it is to share the common problems connected with a chronic illness in order to make them appear less dramatic. This led to the idea of organizing a group holiday in which the patients and their families would be able to spend some time together.

Antibodies to adhesion molecules inhibit the lytic function of MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic cells by preventing their activation.

We evaluated the effect of the antibodies to adhesion molecules CD2, CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1), and CD56 (N-CAM) on MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity mediated by polyclonal NK cells and LAK cells or by CD3+ or CD3- cytolytic cell clones against a panel of tumor cell targets selected according to expression or absence of the corresponding ligands. We show that (i) antibodies to CD11a/CD18 and, to a lesser extent, antibodies to CD2 inhibit target cell lysis, whereas anti-CD56 antibodies exert little if any effect; (ii) in a model system using polyclonal NK/LAK cells as effectors and K562 or HL60-R (NK-resistant) cells as targets, inhibition of cytotoxicity occurs without a significant impairment of effector to target cell binding; (iii) the cytotoxic function of CD3+ or CD3- cytotoxic cell clones is inhibited differentially by antibodies to adhesion molecules; (iv) conjugates formed in the presence of antibodies which inhibit target cell lysis display a significant reduction of target to effector cell contact surface; and (v) this may lead to defective activation of effector cells, as indicated by lack of redistribution of the microtubular apparatus. We conclude that (i) MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity is regulated by a number of molecular interactions that span far beyond our present knowledge and that it is strictly dependent on the surface phenotype of the effector cell and of the target cell; (ii) in certain types of effector/target cell interactions, antibodies to adhesion molecules do not prevent conjugate formation but reduce the extent of cell-to-cell surface contact which, in turn, leads to defective activation of the effector cell and, therefore, to inhibition of target cell lysis.

Emergence of a B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia: evidence for the single-cell origin of the two tumors.

A patient is described who presented with a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and later developed a lymphoblastic lymphoma. The cells from the CLL were typical mature B lymphocytes as could be assessed by morphologic, cytochemical, and surface marker analyses. The cells from the lymphoblastic lymphoma were immature B cells that expressed CD10, CD20, and HLA-DR markers, but not surface Ig or cytoplasmic mu chains, and were negative for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT).

Morphological features of cloned lymphocytes expressing gamma/delta T cell receptors.

We have analyzed the morphological characteristics of human T lymphocytes bearing CD3-associated T cell receptor (TcR) gamma and delta chains. BB3 and delta-TCS1 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were used to identify two distinct, nonoverlapping populations of TcR gamma/delta + cells which express the products of V delta 2 and V delta 1 gene segments, respectively. In the peripheral blood, most V delta 1+ (delta TCS-1+) lymphocytes express the non-disulfide-linked form of receptor whereas V delta 2+ (BB3+) cells express the disulfide-linked form.