Second Data Release from the European Pulsar Timing Array: Challenging the Ultralight Dark Matter Paradigm.

Pulsar Timing Array experiments probe the presence of possible scalar or pseudoscalar ultralight dark matter particles through decade-long timing of an ensemble of galactic millisecond radio pulsars. With the second data release of the European Pulsar Timing Array, we focus on the most robust scenario, in which dark matter interacts only gravitationally with ordinary baryonic matter. Our results show that ultralight particles with masses 10^{-24.0} eV≲m≲10^{-23.3} eV cannot constitute 100% of the measured local dark matter density, but can have at most local density ρ≲0.3 GeV/cm^{3}.

Humeral shaft butterfly fractures managed with intramedullary nail: could the third fragment features predict the fracture healing time?

To assess the impact of the radiological features of the third fragment on the outcome of humeral shaft fractures type 12-B managed with endomedullary nails. We retrospectively evaluated a series of 80 patients, divided into 3 groups, according to the fracture healing time: within 6 months (group-A), between 6 and 12 months (group-B) or fracture non-union after 12 months (group-C). In 26 patients out of 80 the fracture healing was observed at 6 months follow-up; in 47 out of 80 at 12 months after trauma and in 7 out of 80 no fracture healing was observed at 12 months follow-up. Regression analysis showed that the third fragment displacement and angulation are the most important features that affect the fracture healing. The mean third fragment dislocation (cut-off: 12 mm) is the main parameter to influence the fracture healing within or in more than six months.

Sonographers' self-reported visualization of normal postmenopausal ovaries on transvaginal ultrasound is not reliable: results of expert review of archived images from UKCTOCS.

OBJECTIVE: In the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS), self-reported visualization rate (VR) of the ovaries by the sonographer on annual transvaginal sonographic (TVS) examinations was a key quality control (QC) metric. The objective of this study was to assess self-reported VR using expert review of a random sample of archived images of TVS examinations from UKCTOCS, and then to develop software for measuring VR automatically. METHODS: A single expert reviewed images archived from 1000 TVS examinations selected randomly from 68 931 TVS scans performed in UKCTOCS between 2008 and 2011 with ovaries reported as 'seen and normal'. Software was developed to identify the exact images used by the sonographer to measure the ovaries. This was achieved by measuring caliper dimensions in the image and matching them to those recorded by the sonographer. A logistic regression classifier to determine visualization was trained and validated using ovarian dimensions and visualization data reported by the expert. RESULTS: The expert reviewer confirmed visualization of both ovaries (VR-Both) in 50.2% (502/1000) of the examinations. The software identified the measurement image in 534 exams, which were split 2:1:1 providing training, validation and test data. Classifier mean accuracy on validation data was 70.9% (95% CI, 70.0-71.8%). Analysis of test data (133 exams) provided a sensitivity of 90.5% (95% CI, 80.9-95.8%) and specificity of 47.5% (95% CI, 34.5-60.8%) in detecting expert confirmed visualization of both ovaries. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, in a significant proportion of TVS annual screens, the sonographers may have mistaken other structures for normal ovaries. It is uncertain whether or not this affected the sensitivity and stage at detection of ovarian cancer in the ultrasound arm of UKCTOCS, but we conclude that QC metrics based on self-reported visualization of normal ovaries are unreliable. The classifier shows some potential for addressing this problem, though further research is needed. © 2017 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Utility of Graduated Compression Stockings in Prevention of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) following their first proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in preventing PTS. METHOD: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov were electronically searched from inception to January 2015 for studies investigating the effect of GCS in preventing PTS. All randomised control trials were considered for inclusion if they compared the efficacy of GCS (30-40 mmHg at the ankle) with either placebo or no stockings in adults with new proximal lower limb DVT. Methodological assessment, using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. The effect of GCS was expressed as the risk difference (RD). RESULTS: A total of 686 articles were screened. Three randomised controlled trials inclusive of 1,177 patients were eligible for inclusion. PTS developed in 49-70% of control patients at 5 years. High statistical heterogeneity was observed between trials (all PTS: I(2) = 0.94; severe PTS: I(2) = 0.79). The risk difference in PTS incidence between control and GCS arms varied from 0% to 39% between trials. In trials with a higher baseline prevalence of PTS, a visual trend towards more benefit with GCS was noted. CONCLUSION: Uncertainty because of sampling variability and heterogeneity was too high to conclude in favour or against an effect of wearing compression stockings in preventing PTS. An effect may be present for higher values of baseline risk. Further evidence is needed. Article history.

One-shot platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is non-inferior to extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of supraspinatus tendinosis.

PURPOSE: Supraspinatus tendinosis (ST) refers to the intratendinous degeneration of the supraspinatus tendon. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the possible conservative treatments for supraspinatus tendinosis. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single ultrasound-guided PRP injection in the treatment of supraspinatus tendinosis and to assess its non-inferiority to the widely used shockwave therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two amateur athletes (35 male, mean age: 43.75 ± 10.82, range 21-58 years old) with ST were finally included in the study. All the patients underwent clinical evaluation at baseline, (T0) and at 1-month (T1), 3-month (T2) and 6-month (T3) follow-up using the following clinical scales: the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS), Constant Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH). A T0 and T3 ultrasound examination was also performed. The findings observed in the recruited patients were compared to the clinical results observed in a retrospective control group made up of 70 patients (32 male, mean age = 41.29 ± 13.85, range 20-65 years old) treated by extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). RESULTS: VAS, DASH and Constant scores significantly improved from T0 to T1; the improvement in clinical scores was kept until T3. No local nor systemic adverse events were observed. An improvement in the tendon structure was observed on ultrasound examination. PRP showed a non-statistical inferiority, in terms of efficacy and safety, compared to ESWT. CONCLUSION: The PRP one-shot injection is a valid conservative treatment to reduce pain, and improve both quality of life and functional scores in patients with supraspinatus tendinosis. Furthermore, the PRP intratendinous one-shot injection showed a non-inferiority in terms of efficacy at the 6-month follow-up, compared to ESWT.

[Ergonomics, hygiene and rationality: the "electric house" of Monza (1930)]. / Ergonomia, igiene e razionalità: la "casa elettrica" di Monza (1930).

The "Electric House" of Monza is seen as one of the early example of rationalist architecture produced in Italy. Sponsored by the Italian Edison General Company for Electricity and produced by the Group 7, it was built for the "IV International Triennial Exhibition of Decorative and Modern Industry Arts", held in Monza in 1930. It was conceived as an environment in which the designers showed their interest towards new concepts of rationalist hygiene. Special care was taken to select the environments in relation to the surrounding nature and the needs of life of the house inhabitants: new materials more comfortable, hygienic and rational were inserted. In the kitchen, for example, the architect P. Bottoni, created a space in which the housewife's work was marked by lower energy expenditure, thanks to a careful study of the actions and movements according to the principles of taylorism, here applied to domestic work.

The longitudinal outcome of canine (K9) myxomatous mitral valve disease (LOOK-Mitral) registry: Baseline treatment characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the medical treatment prescribed or modified by veterinary cardiologists at the enrollment visit in dogs included in the longitudinal outcome of canine (K9) myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) registry (LOOK-mitral registry) and to evaluate the influence of the EPIC trial and other selected variables on cardiologist prescription habits. ANIMALS: The medical records of 6,102 dogs enrolled in the LOOK_mitral registry between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and 6,016 dogs were included. RESULTS: A medical treatment was prescribed by a cardiologist to 2,599 dogs (15% Stage-B1, 90% Stage-B2 and to all dogs in Stage-C). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (Ace-i) were the treatment most commonly prescribed for dogs in Stage-B1 (n = 352, 9%). The combination of pimobendan and an Ace-i was the most common treatment in Stage-B2 dogs (n = 367, 41%). Furosemide, an Ace-i, and pimobendan was the most common cardiac medical treatment prescribed for ACVIM Stage-C dogs (n = 704, 57%). Within each stage, dogs with larger left atrial and left ventricular dimensions were more likely to receive Ace-i, pimobendan or spironolactone. There was a four-fold increase in pimobendan prescription in Stage-B2 dogs after the publication of the EPIC trial. Moreover, a 15% reduction in Ace-i prescription and a 30% reduction in spironolactone prescription occurred after EPIC. In 974 dogs, a medical treatment was prescribed by the referring veterinarian. This was not changed (12%), modified (74%), or discontinued (14%) by the cardiologist. CONCLUSIONS: The EPIC trial and the echocardiographic assessment of left atrial and ventricular dimensions influence cardiologists' prescription habits.

Gut microbiota as a candidate for lifespan extension: an ecological/evolutionary perspective targeted on living organisms as metaorganisms.

An emerging central concept in evolutionary biology suggests that symbiosis is a universal characteristic of living organisms that can help in understanding complex traits and phenotypes. During evolution, an integrative circuitry fundamental for survival has been established between commensal gut microbiota and host. On the basis of recent knowledge in worms, flies, and humans, an important role of the gut microbiota in aging and longevity is emerging. The complex bacterial community that populates the gut and that represents an evolutionary adapted ecosystem correlated with nutrition appears to limit the accumulation of pathobionts and infections in all taxa, being able of affecting the efficiency of the host immune system and exerting systemic metabolic effects. There is an urgent need to disentangle the underpinning molecular mechanisms, which could shed light on the basic mechanisms of aging in an ecological perspective. Thus, it appears possible to extend healthy aging and lifespan by targeting the host as a metaorganism by manipulating the complex symbiotic ecosystem of gut microbiota, as well as other possible ecosystems of the body.

[Work and medicine in Manuali Hoepli series]. / Il lavoro e la medicina nei Manuali Hoepli.

The Authors analyse the Italian, technical series called Manuali Hoepli, devoted to promote technical knowledge in the second half of XIXth century. Johann Ulrich (Ulrico) Hoepli (1847-1935) came from Switzerland to Milan in 1870, and translated into Italian some volumes edited by Macmillan in London (from Science Primers series). During his life, he printed 2000 Manuali Hoepli. Some of them were devoted to Occupational Medicine. Five volumes are presented: Magrini's one was devoted to technical devices to prevent industrial accidents; Allevi's Manual was printed when Milan Clinica del Lavoro was preparing; Altarelli and Bortolotto's manuals show us the fascist way of social medicine.

The Longitudinal Outcome Of Canine (K9) myxomatous mitral valve disease (LOOK-Mitral registry): Baseline characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: The Longitudinal Outcome Of Canine (K9) myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) registry (LOOK-Mitral registry) was established to describe the natural history and predictors of outcome in dogs affected by MMVD. This study was intended to describe the baseline characteristics of dogs in the LOOK-mitral registry. ANIMALS: Dogs with echocardiographic evidence of MMVD were prospectively enrolled by thirteen referral centers. RESULTS: A total of 6102 dogs with MMVD were included. The median age was 10 years (1-19 years), and mixed breed was the most common breed (n = 1,360, 22%). Concomitant diseases were reported in 2459 dogs with chronic respiratory diseases occurring most frequently (14%), followed by the presence of azotemia (6%) and orthopedic diseases (5%). Regarding disease severity, 65% of dogs were in ACVIM Stage-B1, 15% in Stage-B2, and 20% in Stage-C. Dogs in Stage-B1 were younger (p<0.001) than dogs in other stages. Murmur intensity, heart rate during physical examination, and radiographic vertebral heart score were positively associated with the stage. Dogs in Stage-C were more likely to have tachypnea (p<0.001), dyspnea (p<0.001), cough (p<0.001), syncopal episodes (p<0.001), and tachyarrhythmias (p<0.001) compared to dogs in Stage-B1 and B2. Echocardiographic indices of left atrial and ventricular size were positively correlated with the ACVIM stage. Interestingly, 4% of dogs that weighed <20 kg had an increased normalized end-systolic left ventricle internal diameter (>1.26). CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to a better understanding of the clinical characteristics of dogs affected by MMVD and provides new findings that may be of clinical relevance.

Predictors of reoccurrence of congestive signs within 180 days after successful treatment of the first episode of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

INTRODUCTION: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cause of left-sided congestive heart failure in dogs. We sought to identify predictors of first reoccurrence of congestive signs (CS) within 180 days in dogs with MMVD and clinically stable heart failure. ANIMALS: A total of 445 dogs affected by stable American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)-Stage-C MMVD were included, 106 in the reoccurrence group (RG) and 339 in no reoccurrence group (NRG). Patients were considered "stable" if medical treatment had been unchanged for at least 4 weeks since the first identification of CS. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with stable ACVIM-Stage-C MMVD included in a registry of dogs affected by MMVD were reviewed. Follow-up was required for inclusion in this investigation. Logistic regression was used to identify clinical and echocardiographic variables that independently predict first reoccurrence of CS. RESULTS: Baseline left atrial-aortic ratio (p=0.022, OR: 1.89, 90% CI: 1.20-2.98), left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDd_N) (p=0.014, OR: 2.84, 90% CI: 1.41-5.77), peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow (p=0.049, OR: 1.81, 90% CI: 1.10-3.00) and furosemide daily dosage (p=0.039, OR: 1.19, 90% CI: 1.04-1.37) were associated with reoccurrence of CS in univariable analyses. The LVIDd_N (p=0.014) remained significant in the multivariable analysis, but the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.57. CONCLUSION: This study failed to identify accurate predictors of reoccurrence of CS. However, dogs with larger value of LVIDd_N are more likely to have reoccurrence of CS within 180 days.

[1894-1906: new ideas and practice against industrial accidents in Italy]. / 1894-1906: nuove idee e prassi antinfortunistiche in Italia.

In October 1894 was held in Milan the III Congrés International des Accidents du Travail et des Assurances Sociales. 747 delegates participated, coming from 16 nations. In this Congress the theme of a special medical assistance in the industrial accidents was approached for the first time in Italy. In March, 1895 also the Milanese trade union office dealt him with the matter, organizing a specific congress. The trade union movement realized the necessity to approach the problem of industrial accidents. 170 delegates participated to the Congress. The 1895 Congress also represented the occasion for the dawning feminist movement to come into contact with the working class. In 1896 the Association for the Medical Assistance in the Industrial Accidents in Milan was founded. The Association started up a clinical institute. At the end of the XIXth century, with prevention and therapeutic interventions the problem of industrial accidents was faced.

Theoretical investigation of the anticorrugation effects on the tribological properties of the Xe/Cu interface.

We present a molecular dynamics study of the slip time and static friction for a slab of Xe deposited on a slab of Cu. To put in evidence the role played by the phonon field of the two blocks, we compare results obtained with a substrate formed by fixed atoms with one formed by mobile atoms. In the last case the scattering between Xe and Cu mobile atoms is inelastic and there is an exchange of momentum and energy between the two blocks which produces disorder in the interface plane. This disorder favors a decrease of the static friction and a consequent increase of the slip time. We describe the interaction between Xe and Cu with a phenomenological multi-ion potential which gives rise to an anticorrugation of the charge distribution and reproduces very well the ab initio density functional calculations. Our model potential is a linear superposition of a corrugating potential and an anticorrugating one. For this reason we can study the static friction by passing from an anticorrugated to a fully corrugated system. We also investigate the slip time and we compare our results with recent experimental data measured with the quartz crystal microbalance technique.

Age-related toxic effects and recovery from okadaic acid treatment in Enchytraeus crypticus (Annelida: Oligochaeta).

The effects of 48 h okadaic acid (OA) treatment and the ability to recover the induced toxicological injuries were examined in Enchytraeus crypticus of different ages (25 days and 3 months). The results demonstrated that the older worms are more sensitive to the toxin and show less capacity to recover. After 48 h OA treatment, the structural organization of the chloragogenous tissue appeared modified and associated with an immune response involving a higher number of circulating coelomocytes immunoreactive to anti-IL-6 antibody. The toxin effects were more evident in 3-month-old animals compared to specimens aged 25 days. Regarding the morpho-functional recovery from the induced modifications, first signs of recuperation were observed in younger worms at 48 h, and recovery was almost complete within 1 week. In older animals, the morphology of the chloragogenous tissue had not been restored, while a reduction in coelomocyte number was found after 1 week.

Thermal effects in static friction: thermolubricity.

We present a molecular dynamics analysis of the static friction between two thick slabs. The upper block is formed by N2 molecules and the lower block by Pb atoms. We study the effects of the temperature as well as the effects produced by the structure of the surface of the lower block on the static friction. To put in evidence the temperature effects we will compare the results obtained with the lower block formed by still atoms with those obtained when the atoms are allowed to vibrate (e.g., with phonons). To investigate the importance of the geometry of the surface of the lower block we apply the external force in different directions, with respect to a chosen crystallographic direction of the substrate. We show that the interaction between the lattice dynamics of the two blocks is responsible for the strong dependence of the static friction on the temperature. The lattice dynamics interaction between the two blocks strongly reduces the static friction, with respect to the case of the rigid substrate. This is due to the large momentum transfer between atoms and the N2 molecules which disorders the molecules of the interface layer. A further disorder is introduced by the temperature. We perform calculations at T = 20K which is a temperature below the melting, which for our slab is at 50K . We found that because of the disorder the static friction becomes independent of the direction of the external applied force. The very low value of the static friction seems to indicate that we are in a regime of thermolubricity similar to that observed in dynamical friction.

Methods for estimating complier average causal effects for cost-effectiveness analysis.

In randomized controlled trials with treatment non-compliance, instrumental variable approaches are used to estimate complier average causal effects. We extend these approaches to cost-effectiveness analyses, where methods need to recognize the correlation between cost and health outcomes. We propose a Bayesian full likelihood approach, which jointly models the effects of random assignment on treatment received and the outcomes, and a three-stage least squares method, which acknowledges the correlation between the end points and the endogeneity of the treatment received. This investigation is motivated by the REFLUX study, which exemplifies the setting where compliance differs between the randomized controlled trial and routine practice. A simulation is used to compare the methods' performance. We find that failure to model the correlation between the outcomes and treatment received correctly can result in poor confidence interval coverage and biased estimates. By contrast, Bayesian full likelihood and three-stage least squares methods provide unbiased estimates with good coverage.

IL-6 immunoreactivity changes during aging in the polychaete Ophryotrocha labronica (Polychaeta: Dorvilleidae).

IL-6 is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine thought to play a role in age physiology, even if its possible modulation by aging mechanisms has not been fully defined. In this paper, the morpho-functional modifications and IL-6 immunoreactivity during aging in a simple invertebrate model, Ophryotrocha labronica, are reported. The comparison between newly-hatched, juveniles, young adult and 3-month-old females showed significant differences in the nervous and genital systems. There is evidence of nerve cell loss and a decline in oocyte growth and maturation at the gonad level. Immunohistochemistry reveals a different distribution of IL-6-like molecules, and a decreased number of reactive nerve cells in the central nervous system of aged O. labronica associated to the induced morphological modifications.

The influence of the season and market class of broiler chickens on breast meat quality traits.

The influence of the season and market class of broiler chickens on breast meat quality traits was determined on a total of 18 flocks reared and processed under commercial conditions. According to the Italian poultry production system the following classes of birds were considered: light size (1.2 kg of carcass weight; n = 90) and medium size (1.8 kg of carcass weight; n = 90), represented by females slaughtered at 40 and 52 d old, respectively, whereas heavy size were 57-d-old male broilers (2.4 kg of carcass weight; n = 90). After slaughter, 15 carcasses per flock (n = 270) were randomly collected during winter (n = 135) and summer (n = 135) seasons and used at 24 h postmortem to determine breast (pectoralis major) meat color (lightness, redness, and yellowness), pH, drip and cook loss, as well as Allo-Kramer (AK) shear values. Furthermore, pectoralis minor muscles were used to determine lipid, protein, moisture, and ash content. Finally, because the flocks included white- and yellow-skinned broilers, the color of the carcass skin was measured to assess the relationship between skin and raw breast meat color. With regard to the season, breast meat from birds slaughtered during summer exhibited a paler and less red color, lower pH, higher drip and cook losses, lower AK-shear, and a higher content of moisture and a lower content of protein and ash. In respect to medium and heavy birds, light broilers produced breast meat with higher values of redness, lower pH and cook loss, higher AK-shear values, and a higher content of moisture and ash. Finally, a positive correlation (r = +0.92; P < or = 0.001) between skin and breast meat yellowness was found. These results indicate that during summer, broiler breast meat undergoes a depression of its functionality and quality. Moreover, the market class of birds also determined some differences in breast meat quality attributes.

Cytokines and invertebrates: TGF-beta and PDGF.

The review outlines the presence and function of TGF-beta and PDGF family members in invertebrates. TGF-beta and PDGF play an important role in development, in immune and neuroendocrine responses and in the wound repair by activating the classical transduction pathways. Generally speaking, these cytokines appear very early in evolution and conserve their functions.