Exploring Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Aquatic Fauna of Lake Trasimeno (Italy): Insights from a Low-Anthropized Area.

This study investigated the concentrations and profiles of 19 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the muscle and liver of four freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno (Italy): Anguilla anguilla (European eel), Carassius auratus (goldfish), Perca fluviatilis (European perch), and Procambarus clarkii (red swamp crayfish). In livers, the amount of PFASs ranged from 3.1 to 10 µg kg-1, significantly higher than that in muscle (0.032-1.7 µg kg-1). The predominant PFASs were perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and long-chain carboxylic acids (C8-C14). Short-chain compounds (C4-C5), as well as the long-chain sulfonic acids (C9-C12), were not quantified. The contamination patterns were similar among species with few differences, suggesting the influence of species-specific accumulation. The PFAS concentrations in livers were comparable among species, while in muscle, the higher values were measured in European eel, followed by goldfish, European perch, and red swamp crayfish. The levels were generally lower than those reported for fish from Northern Italian lakes and rivers. The concentrations of regulated PFASs were lower than the maximum limits set by Regulation EU 2023/915 and did not exceed the Environmental Quality Standards (PFOS in biota). This study provides the first valuable insights on PFASs in freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno.

Italian recommendations on enzymatic debridement in burn surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Nexobrid®, a bromelain-based type of enzymatic debridement, has become more prevalent in recent years. We present the recommendations on enzymatic debridement (Nexobrid®)'s role based on the practice knowledge of expert Italian users. METHODS: The Italian recommendations, endorsed by SIUST (Italian Society of Burn Surgery), on using enzymatic debridement to remove eschars for burn treatment were defined. The definition followed a process to evaluate the level of agreement (a measure of consensus) among selected experts, representing Italian burn centers, concerning defined clinical aspects of enzymatic debridement. The consensus involved a multi-phase process based on the Delphi method. RESULTS: The consensus panel included experts from Italy with a combined experience of 1068 burn patients treated with enzymatic debridement. At the end of round 3 of the Delphi method, the panel reached 100% consensus on 26 out of 27 statements. The panel achieved full, strong consensus (all respondents strongly agreed on the statement) on 24 out of 27 statements. DISCUSSION: The statements provided by the Italian consensus panel represent a "ready to use" set of recommendations for enzymatic debridement in burn surgery that both draw from and complete the existing scientific literature on the topic. These recommendations are specific to the Italian experience and are neither static nor definitive. As such, they will be updated periodically as further quality evidence becomes available.

Heavy metal spatial and temporal trends (2008-2018) in clams and mussel from Adriatic Sea (Italy): Possible definition of forecasting models.

In 2008-2018, 1458 georeferenced samples of clams and 343 of mussels were harvested in Italy from classified areas along Marche coast and analyzed within food-safety monitoring plans. Pb, Cd, V, Ni, Cr, and As median levels (mg kg-1) were 0.09, 0.08, 0.29, 0.77, 0.35, and 2.35 in clams and 0.16, 0.15, 0.46, 0.48, 0.25, and 3.34 in mussels. The reported levels were comparable with the published ones, and Hg always fell below LOQ (0.025 mg kg-1). Pb and Cd datasets, based on quarterly results, show a decreasing trend in clams and constant baseline value for mussels. Time-trends and forecasting models represent an asset to predict emerging food safety/security risks. The metal levels in mussels and clams from the same area allow environmental safety assessment and thus enable the evaluation of contaminants in both water column and sediment. Monitoring of elements that are not regulated may help in preserving food and environmental safety.

Arsenic Speciation in Fish Products and Seafood as a Prerequisite for Proper Risk Assessment.

The Boi Cerbus lagoon, facing a mining and industrial site in Sardinia (Italy), is an important fishing area for the local population. Previous studies showed high concentrations of total arsenic (Astot) in fish, molluscs and crustaceans sampled in the lagoon, and a possible exceeding of the provisional tolerable weekly intake set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives by some local consumer groups. However, the percentage of inorganic As (Asinorg) should be known for a correct assessment of potential risk, as its toxicity is much higher than that of the organic forms. Eighty samples of 14 different species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans, sampled in the Boi Cerbus lagoon in 3 different seasons (winter, spring and summer), were analysed for Astot by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Asinorg by high performance liquid chromatography-ICP-MS. All the data obtained from the analysis were statistically processed to evaluate significant differences based on season, taxon and habitat, in preparation for a subsequent risk assessment.

Burn scar lipofilling: immunohistochemical and clinical outcomes.

Over the past years, lipofilling has been used for many pathologies and sequelae; recently, its use has also widened for burn outcomes. A total of 93 burn scars were assessed (from September 2011 to February 2012). Half of scar area was treated through injection of adipose tissue harvested from subcutaneous fat and processed in accordance with the Coleman technique. Biopsy specimens were taken before treatment and at 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Histologic and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted. In the samples examined, a marked improvement was observed, which can be seen in 3 months, but most of all, documented at 6 months. In addition, from a clinical point of view, an improvement has been documented, both functional and aesthetic. Lipofilling for burn scar complete and improve the results of standard surgical procedures, with long-term care setting and long-acting results.

A phosphatidylcholine hyaluronic acid chitin-nanofibrils complex for a fast skin remodeling and a rejuvenating look.

BACKGROUND: The reduction of mortality worldwide has led older individuals to seek intervention modalities to improve their appearance and reverse signs of aging. OBJECTIVE: We formulated a medical device as innovative block-polymer nanoparticles based on phosphatidylcholine, hyaluronan, and chitin nanofibrils entrapping amino acids, vitamins, and melatonin. METHODS: Viability and collagen synthesis were controlled on fibroblasts ex vivo culture while adenosine triphosphate production was evaluated on keratinocytes culture. Subjective and objective evaluations were performed in vivo on selected volunteer patients. RESULTS: In accordance with our previous studies, both the in vitro and in vivo obtained results demonstrate the efficacy of the injected block-polymer nanoparticles in reducing skin wrinkling and ameliorating the signs of aging.

Chromosomal aberration of the 11q23 locus in acute leukemia and frequency of MLL gene translocation: results in 378 adult patients.

Structural abnormality of the 11q23 band (11q23+) bearing the MLL gene translocation (MLL+) is a recurrent chromosome change observed in 3% to 7% of acute lymphoblastic leukemias and in 3% to 4% of acute myeloblastic leukemias. The resolution of conventional cytogenetics (CC) in detecting 11q23 rearrangement is limited when the translocative partner has a telomeric location; furthermore, CC can barely discriminate between true 11q23+/MLL+ and rearrangements clustering within the 11q22 to approximately 25 region without MLL involvement (MLL-). We characterized a series of 378 consecutive patients with adult acute leukemia by using CC, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and multiplex karyotyping (M-FISH) analysis. Our aim was to define the frequency of cryptic MLL+ cases and the frequency of MLL+ within 11q22 to approximately 25+ cases. As expected, FISH was more sensitive than CC in detecting MLL+ cases, but rather unexpectedly, 9 (45%) of 20 patients with 11q22 to approximately 25+ were MLL-. A better characterization of 11q22 to approximately 25+/MLL- leukemias is relevant for the identification of new, recurrent translocations. Moreover, these cases should be readily distinguishable from 11q23+/MLL+ cases. We recommend that karyotypic analysis always be complemented by molecular or FISH methods to unravel MLL rearrangements.