CompSafeNano project: NanoInformatics approaches for safe-by-design nanomaterials.

The CompSafeNano project, a Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) project funded under the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, aims to advance the safety and innovation potential of nanomaterials (NMs) by integrating cutting-edge nanoinformatics, computational modelling, and predictive toxicology to enable design of safer NMs at the earliest stage of materials development. The project leverages Safe-by-Design (SbD) principles to ensure the development of inherently safer NMs, enhancing both regulatory compliance and international collaboration. By building on established nanoinformatics frameworks, such as those developed in the H2020-funded projects NanoSolveIT and NanoCommons, CompSafeNano addresses critical challenges in nanosafety through development and integration of innovative methodologies, including advanced models, approaches including machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive models and 1st-principles computational modelling of NMs properties, interactions and effects on living systems.

Impact of Short-Chain Perfluoropropylene Oxide Acids on Biochemical and Behavioural Parameters in (Savigny, 1826).

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that pose a growing threat to environmental and human health. Soil acts as a long-term reservoir for PFAS, potentially impacting soil biodiversity and ecosystem function. Earthworms, as keystone species in soil ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure.

Impact of Legacy Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) on GABA Receptor-Mediated Currents in Neuron-Like Neuroblastoma Cells: Insights into Neurotoxic Mechanisms and Health Implications.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are persistent environmental pollutants, raising concerns due to their widespread presence and disruptive biological effects. These compounds are highly stable, allowing them to bioaccumulate in the environment and living organisms, potentially impacting critical physiological functions such as hormonal balance, immune response, and increasing cancer risk. Despite regulatory restrictions, their pervasive nature necessitates further research into their potential effects on cellular and neuronal function.

The Metallothionein System in Is Iron-Inducible.

Metallothioneins are multifunctional proteins implicated in various cellular processes. They have been used as biomarkers of heavy metal exposure and contamination due to their intrinsic ability to bind heavy metals and their transcriptional response to both physiological and noxious metal ions such as cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg). In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of iron and reactive oxygen species (ROSs) in the induction of the metallothionein system (Mtt) in the ciliate protozoan .

Treatment of fever and associated symptoms in the emergency department: which drug to choose?

Objective: Fever is a frequent cause of admission to the Emergency Department (ED) worldwide. Although it can be caused by a wide range of conditions, the most effective treatment based on its etiology is still undetermined.

Patients And Methods: This prospective, single-center, observational study enrolled adult patients who accessed the ED for fever.

Efficacy of bezlotoxumab in preventing the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection: an Italian multicenter cohort study.

Objectives: Bezlotoxumab (BEZ) is a promising tool for preventing the recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). The aim of the study was to emulate, in a real-world setting, the MODIFY trials in a cohort of participants with multiple risk factors for rCDI treated with BEZ in addition to the standard of care (SoC) versus SoC alone.

Methods: A multicenter cohort study was conducted including 442 patients with Clostridioides difficile infection from 2018 to 2022, collected from 18 Italian centers.

Carbon nanomaterial functionalization with pesticide-detoxifying carboxylesterase.

Four carbon materials, spent coffee-ground biochar, carbon black, short CNTs, and nitrogen-doped few-layer graphene (N-graphene) were tested for their functionalization with a commercial carboxylesterase. Their robustness to variations in time and key physicochemical parameters (temperature and pH) was analysed. In general, carbon nanomaterials showed better performance than biochar, both in terms of binding capacity and resilience in harsh conditions, at statistically significant levels.

Ecotoxicological effects of silver nanoparticles in marine mussels.

As the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is becoming more prevalent, it is becoming increasingly necessary to understand the toxicological effects they can have on different ecosystems. In the marine bioindicator species M. galloprovincialis Lam we predicted toxicity and bioaccumulation of 5 nm alkane-coated and 50 nm uncoated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) along with silver nitrate as a function of the actual dose level.

miRNAs as Key Players in the Management of Cutaneous Melanoma.

The number of treatment options for melanoma patients has grown in the past few years, leading to considerable improvements in both overall and progression-free survival. Targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors have opened a new era in the management of melanoma patients. Despite the clinical advances, further research efforts are needed to identify other "druggable" targets and new biomarkers to improve the stratification of melanoma patients who could really benefit from targeted and immunotherapies.

SVR12 Higher than 97% in GT3 Cirrhotic Patients with Evidence of Portal Hypertension Treated with SOF/VEL without Ribavirin: A Nation-Wide Cohort Study.

In clinical trials, a sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) pangenotypic single-tablet regimen was associated with high sustained virological response (SVR) rates at 12 weeks (SVR12) after the end of treatment, regardless of genotype and fibrosis stage. No real-life data on genotype 3 (GT3) cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension are available. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SOF/VEL in GT3 cirrhotics with portal hypertension.

Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma Associated With Dental Implants.

Unlabelled: Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a nonneoplastic lesion of the oral mucosa arising on the buccal or lingual attached gingiva or alveolar mucosa and the crest of the edentulous alveolar ridge and contains numerous giant cells. This case series describes 3 cases regarding the clinical and surgical management of PGCG associated with dental implants.

Materials And Methods: This case series presents 3 patients, mean age 36 years, who showed a pedunculated painless lesion associated with dental implants that radiographically appeared as an osseous rarefaction corresponding the implants.

Regional point prevalence study of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals in Liguria, Italy.

Background: Given the importance of monitoring healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and the consumption of antibiotics, a regional point prevalence survey was conducted in Liguria between March and April 2016.

Aim: To measure the overall prevalence of HCAI and describe the use of antibiotics in all public hospitals.

Methods: Data on risk factors and use of antibiotics were collected for each hospitalized patient.

Evaluation of the Sealing Capability of the Implant Healing Screw by Using Real Time Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis: Internal Hexagon Versus Cone Morse.

Background: Implant sealing capability is a crucial issue in assessment of implant success and peri-implant marginal bone loss. Clinical studies demonstrated presence of viable bacteria in the internal part of functioning implants during tissue healing. For this study, a volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission test was developed to evaluate the existing "seal" between implant and healing screw.

Genetic polymorphisms of IL28b gene as predictors of response to dual therapy in genotypes 1 and 4-HCV and HIV/HCV-infected patients.

We describe the genotypes and allele distribution of interleukin 28B (IL28B) rs12979860 and rs8099917 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) G1-4 infected patients, to assess predictive ability and to determine whether the combined determination of two IL28B SNPs might improve sustained virologic response (SVR) prediction of both in HCV mono- and HIV/HCV co-infected patients. IL28B SNPs were genotyped in 269 patients, 181 mono- and 88 co-infected, treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Data stratified by HCV mono- and HCV/HIV co-infected patients showed that 58% and 31% of the rs12979860CC carriers and 49% and 21% of the rs8099917TT carriers had SVR.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura in a patient with bowel bypass syndrome.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common vasculitis being characterized by the classic tetrad of nonthrombocytopenic palpable purpura, arthritis or arthralgias, gastrointestinal and renal involvement. Antigen-antibody (IgA) complexes activate the alternative complement pathway, resulting in inflammation and small vessels vasculitis. We present the case of a 53 years old Italian woman with HSP who was previously hospitalized for purpura skin lesions of the lower legs and diarrhea; a skin biopsy showed a leukocytoclastic vasculitis with perivascular accumulation of neutrophils and mononuclear cells.

Nutritional treatment of chronic liver failure.

The liver plays a central role in the regulation of nutrition by trafficking the metabolism of nutrients, their distribution and appropriate use. Accordingly, protein-energy malnutrition is common in patients with advanced liver disease, and it is a significant prognostic factor, affecting survival, the success of liver transplantation and quality of life. Clinical guidelines for the assessment and treatment of malnutrition have been issued by International societies, suggesting that nutritional therapy should be instituted in all patients where requirements are not adequately met by diet.

Are behavioural approaches feasible and effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes? A propensity score analysis vs. prescriptive diet.

Background And Aims: Lifestyle changes are considered first line treatment in type 2 diabetes, but very few data are available in the "real world" of diabetes units. We aimed to measure the effectiveness of moderate and high intensity interventions on weight loss, metabolic control and insulin use. We report a prospective cohort study, carried out in 822 consecutive subjects with type 2 diabetes, first seen in a 4-year period in a diabetes unit of an academy hospital.

[Correlations between splenectomy and allergic symptoms. Preliminary results of a study concerning IL-4 and IgE serum level].

The Authors, studying the condition of immunodepression observed in patients who underwent splenectomy for traumatic lesion, noticed that a significant part of them complained of allergic symptoms. These seemed to appear only in subjects whose Th2 lymphocytes functionality was preserved--as witnessed by normal or increased IL-4 serum level--showing an increased level of IgE too, thus confirming the role of Th2 lymphocytes in stimulating IgE synthesis. On the contrary splenectomized patients with functional harm of the Th2 lymphocytes--proved by low IL-4 serum level--did not show increase of haematic IgE level nor allergic manifestations.

[Subtotal colectomy in the treatment of neoplastic left colon obstruction].

Introduction: Subtotal colectomy and ileo-sigmoid or ileo-rectal anastomosis is a treatment wort of considering in patients affected by colonic neoplastic obstruction, as it shows low morbidity and mortality, and good results.

Case Report: A case of bowel obstruction due to a stenotizing neoplasm of sigmoid colon is reported. The obstruction causes severe dilation before the stricture), particularly accentuated in the cecum, which showed very reduced wall thickness and initial signs of ischaemia.

[Complications in the treatment of cholangiolithiasis. Personal experience].

Bile ducts lithiasis is a very common disease all over the world. In Italy prevalence is about 5 millions cases: 11% of the population. Choledocholithiasis concurrent with gallbladder stones frequency is estimated from 4 to 20%.

[Evaluation of operative risk in emergency treatment of neoplastic left colon obstruction: personal experience].

Aim Of The Study: To analyse the risk factors in the treatment of intestinal obstruction due to colorectal carcinoma. The treatment of neoplastic obstruction of the right colon until the splenic flexure is well defined: right hemicolectomy, enlarged right hemicolectomy. Otherwise the treatment of the obstruction due to left colon carcinoma beyond left flexure is not standardized.

[Reintervention in abdominal surgery. Personal experience in emergency].

The Authors, regarding their emergency surgical experience, examine the need of reintervention in abdominal surgery at a distance (operations carried out not less than 30 days after previous procedure), a controversial situation, usually dealt with empirical approach. Such a feature is not rare in the experience of a surgeon; nevertheless still few are the studies concerning the severity of the disease and related complications requiring surgery. Occasionally it is really difficult--quite impossible- in these often complex clinical conditions, to identify the aetiology and even to perform a pre-operative diagnosis.

[Chronic abdominal pain and peritoneal mesothelioma: case report].

Chronic abdominal pain syndrome is becoming increasingly important. The main symptom is persistent abdominal pain, which may vary intensely and be associated with constipation and episodes of vomiting, evolving towards sub- or total occlusion of the bowel. A 65-year old man presented with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, with environmental asbestos exposure and chronic abdominal pain for more than one year.

[Mixed medullary and follicular carcinoma of the thyroid: report of one case].

Introduction: Mixed medullary-follicular carcinoma of the thyroid with pleomorphic pattern is an uncommon malignant epithelial tumor characterized by clinical and immunohistochemical features of both follicular and parafollicular thyroidal C cells.

Material And Methods: We describe a rare case of this type of tumor observed in a 56 year old woman, undergone total thyroidectomy for suspected thyroid carcinoma, without lymph node metastasis. Preoperative basal calcitonin levels were in the limits, while thyroglobulin resulted increased.

Acute onset of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with serious gastrointestinal haemorrhage: diagnosis and surgical treatment (case report).

The authors report a rare case of acute onset of gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The patient, a man aged 49 years, was admitted to the surgical department for the evaluation of an increased anemia and weakness. Physical examination disclosed mild epigastric tenderness in response to palpation but no palpable mass.