Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. Landrace "Carciofo Ortano" as a Source of Bioactive Compounds.

The preservation of agricultural biodiversity and socioeconomic development are relevant both to enhance domestic production and to support innovation. In the search for new biomolecules, we have focused on the "Carciofo Ortano" landrace, growth in the northern part of the Lazio region. Artichoke cultivation generates substantial by-products, including leaves, stems, and roots, which could serve as valuable sources of biomolecules and prebiotic dietary fiber. To valorize the leaf waste of the "Carciofo Ortano" landrace, a multidisciplinary approach was applied. Chemical analysis using HPLC-DAD identified mono-O- and di-O-caffeoylquinic acids and the sesquiterpene cynaropicrin in all artichoke leaf extracts. SPME-GC/MS analyses detected aliphatic alcohols in the fresh leaf samples. Antiproliferative and cytotoxic studies on cancer (SH-SY5Y, MCF-7, MDA) and normal (MCF-10A) human cell lines revealed that leaf extracts induced a selective dose and time-dependent biological effect. While showing slight activity against environmental bacterial strains, artichoke leaf extracts exhibited significant antifungal activity against the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata. Overall, the results highlight the potential of "Carciofo Ortano" cultivation by-products as a rich source of biomolecules with versatile applications in humans, animals, and the environment.

Cutaneous Disorders Masking Celiac Disease: Case Report and Mini Review with Proposal for a Practical Clinical Approach.

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated systemic gluten-related disorder characterized by a wide spectrum of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations, including damage to cutaneous and connective tissue. We report a rare case of chronic severe dermatitis involving connective tissue and cutaneous vascular vessels as the main clinical presentation of undiagnosed seronegative gluten disorder. A gluten-free diet dramatically improved the intestinal and cutaneous clinical damage in the patient. Pitfalls and the steps of differential diagnosis are described. We also review the literature regarding studies of CD and connective tissue diseases to extend the knowledge of these rare associations. We propose a practical diagnostic approach in suspected CD in autoimmune cutaneous disorders.

The Never-Ending Presence of Phytophthora Species in Italian Nurseries.

Plant trade coupled with climate change has led to the increased spread of well-known and new Phytophthora species, a group of fungus-like organisms placed in the Kingdom Chromista. Their presence in plant nurseries is of particular concern because they are responsible for many plant diseases, with high environmental, economic and social impacts. This paper offers a brief overview of the current status of Phytophthora species in European plant nurseries. Focus was placed on Italian sites. Despite the increasing awareness of the risk of Phytophthora spread and the management strategies applied for controlling it, the complexity of the Phytophthora community in the horticulture industry is increasing over time. Since the survey carried out by Jung et al. (2016), new Phytophthora taxa and Phytophthora-host associations were identified. Phytophthorahydropathica, P. crassamura, P. pseudocryptogea and P. meadii were reported for the first time in European plant nurseries, while P. pistaciae, P. mediterranea and P. heterospora were isolated from Italian ornamental nurseries. Knowledge of Phytophthora diversity in plant nurseries and the potential damage caused by them will help to contribute to the development of early detection methods and sustainable management strategies to control Phytophthora spread in the future.

Case report: lenvatinib in neoadjuvant setting in a patient affected by invasive poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

We report a case of an elderly woman presenting with a huge cervical mass invading the tracheal lumen. Diagnosed as invasive poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, after an endotracheal biopsy, stenting and radiotherapy, it was judged eligible for total thyroidectomy, but surgery was delayed due to pulmonary thromboembolism. The patient was therefore treated with lenvatinib with a neoadjuvant intent until hemodynamic stability was obtained. Thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy were then performed and the postdose scan revealed an area of modest uptake in the anterior part of the neck. The patient is now in a good clinical status and she continues her follow-up program without any adjuvant therapy.

Abdominal Ectopic Thyroid Tissue: The Man From Istanbul.

Thyroid ectopia is a rare finding below the diaphragm. It is characterized by normal thyroid parenchyma in unusual locations with preserved thyroid marker immunoreactivity. In this article, we present the first known case of thyroid tissue in the periappendiceal fat and discuss possible ethiopathogenic theories.

Multiple, Synchronous Lesions of Differing Histology Within the Same Testis: Ultrasonographic and Pathologic Correlations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe ultrasound (US) and pathologic findings in 11 patients with multiple, synchronous lesions of different histology within the same testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed US and pathologic findings in 11 patients with multiple, synchronous lesions of different histology within the same testis. Lesions were classified as separate or adjacent one to another and attempt was made to predict tumor type on their US textures. Pathologic review assessed presence of normal tissue between adjacent lesions and of Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ in surrounding parenchyma. Nine cases were from files specifically dedicated to testicular tumors and estimated prevalence was calculated. RESULTS: Two nodules were seen in nine patients and 3 in remaining two. Nine had tumors of different histology; two had one malignancy and one focal benign lesion. Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ was seen in 7/11 cases. In dedicated archives, these lesions had 1.83% prevalence. CONCLUSION: Multiple focal lesions identified at imaging within the testis are not always of the same histology. This can be suspected in some cases basing on US texture. Recognition that lesions are multiple and an indication of their locations within the testis is the most important role of imaging and may help pathologists correctly sample the specimen to establish nature of each of them. Presence of multiple lesions is regarded as a contraindication to testicular sparing surgery. In two of our patients, one lesion was benign. Then, when the procedure is indicated all lesions have to be sampled and assessed by pathologists before deciding between conservative or radical technique.

Induction of the apoptotic pathway by oxidative stress in spontaneous preterm birth: Single nucleotide polymorphisms, maternal lifestyle factors and health status.

The purpose of the present study was to search for associations between spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the apoptotic pathway as triggered by oxidative stress, maternal lifestyle and health status. SNP genotyping [rs7560 for c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), rs9517320 for mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 3 (MST3), rs1049216 for caspase 3 (CASP3)] in the placenta and maternal blood of 300 controls with at-term birth and 43 cases of sPTB was performed. No association was identified in genotype frequencies or combinations of foetal/maternal genotypes between single SNPs and sPTB. The risk of sPTB was significantly reduced by physical activity and significantly increased by current hypertensive diseases, premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or preterm PROM (P-PROM) and previous sPTB. The TT/GA genotype of JNK/CASP3 in maternal blood and maternal health status (current hypertensive diseases, current PROM/P-PROM, previous sPTB) were independently associated with sPTB. The present findings suggested that, independently of other maternal factors, pregnant women carrying the TT/GA genotype of JNK/CASP3 were more susceptible to sPTB than women bearing the GT/GA (our reference) genotype; that the apoptotic pathway triggered by oxidative stress was involved; and that genetic and non-genetic factors contributed to sPTB. Knowledge of these aspects may aid to improve the management of pregnancies by indicating the lifestyle to be adopted on the basis of sPTB susceptibility.

Atypical hemodynamic pattern in fetuses with hypercoiled umbilical cord and growth restriction.

OBJECTIVES: To describe fetal and uterine hemodynamics in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetuses with hypercoiled umbilical cord. METHODS: 102 pregnant women with IUGR fetuses were enrolled in the study. In these cases, hemodynamic indices and Doppler waveform profiles were evaluated. RESULTS: In seven of the enrolled cases of IUGR, we found an anomalous umbilical coiling. They showed normal impedance to flow in utero-placental district and abnormal venous umbilical cord pulsatility with flow velocity higher than the umbilical artery. The ductus venosus showed a reduction of the forward flow and/or a reverse flow during atrial contractions. Two of these seven patients had early onset IUGR and a particular deteriorating hemodynamic profile with "brain sparing", severe reverse flow in the ductus venosus, increased reverse flow in the inferior vena cava during atrial contraction and absent flow during the diastole in the umbilical arteries. Five patients had late onset of IUGR and three of these did not demonstrate these worsening hemodynamic alterations until term. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with fetal IUGR and hypercoiling without signs of placental insufficiency, we observed an "atypical" feto-maternal hemodynamic pattern. These IUGR fetuses with hypercoiling and fetal venous system hemodynamic alteration can be at high hypoxic risk.

Comparison of the conventional cervical smear and liquid-based cytology: results of a controlled, prospective study in the Abruzzo Region of Italy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare conventional cervical testing (CCT) and liquid-based cytology (LBC) within a randomized trial performed during 2001-2002 in the Abruzzo Region of Italy, including a cost-outcome comparative analysis. STUDY DESIGN: Study subjects were recruited in the framework of a controlled, randomized study organized in the Abruzzo Region. Women aged 2 6-64 years were randomized to an active arm (LBC) or control arm (CC1). The particip ating laboratories had no previous ex perience with LBC. RESULTS: The inadequacy rate was 4.3% in CCT and 1.3% in the LBC arm (D < 0.001). Atypical squamous cells of undetermined sign ifi cance and atypical glands of undetermined significance reports were more frequent at CCT vs. LBC. A small, insignificant excess of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or high grade squamous epithelial lesions+ reports was observed in the LBC arm. The cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) detection rate was not statistically different in the 2 arms (CCT=0.54%, LBC= 0.66%, p = 0.28). In the overall series positive predictive value was slightly but not significantly higher in the LBC arm. LBC increased costs by 4.2% per both screened women and CIN2+ detected. CONCLUSION: The study reflects the introductory phase of LBC in laboratories without prior LBC experience. In this setting LBC reduced the inadequacy rate and decreased reading and was at least as sensitive as and more specific than CCT. Utilization of LBC in organized screening programs will be based on local feasibility, considering that the high cost of LBC is only partially compensated for by other benefits, such as residual cellular material, available for molecular testing, including human papillomavirus testing.