University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

About: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia is a education organization based out in Modena, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 8179 authors who have published 22418 publications receiving 671337 citations. The organization is also known as: Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia & Universita degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia.

The journey from the old to the new AMH assay: how to avoid getting lost in the values.

Abstract: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is set to dominate reproductive endocrinology because of its unique relationship with the ovarian reserve. To date half of the published articles have used the Diagnostic Systems Lab (DSL) assay and the other half the Immunotech (IOT) assay. Unfortunately, these assays utilize two different primary antibodies against AMH and different standards, and consequently the crude values reported can differ substantially, with the IOT assay giving values for AMH that are higher than those obtained with the DSL assay. With the recent consolidation of these two companies by Beckman Coulter, and their sole ownership of the patent to measure mammalian AMH, there is finally a single commercially available assay - the AMH Gen II assay, which will fully replace the DSL and IOT assays. The aim of this article is to briefly focus on the different assays for AMH evaluation in order to give readers hopefully helpful suggestions for a correct interpretation of the AMH measurement. A brief overview on the development and performance characteristics of the new assay, how it relates to previous values and previously developed nomograms and where the future lies for AMH is also provided.

Contact sensitization in 1094 children undergoing patch testing over a 7-year period.

Abstract: Contact sensitization in children is frequent. However, because exposure to sensitizing agents varies rapidly, it is of utmost importance to perform a periodic evaluation of patch test results. Our purpose was to compare our data on contact sensitization in children during the past 7 years to our previous 1988-1994 findings, in order to identify emerging allergens and update our pediatric series. From 1995 to 2001, 1094 consecutive children were examined. Of these, 997 patients were patch tested with our pediatric series, which includes 30 allergens, whereas 97 underwent patch testing with 46 allergens. A total of 570 children proved allergic (52.1%). The highest sensitization rate was observed in children under 3 years of age. No differences between atopic dermatitis patients and nonatopic ones were observed in the sensitization rate. Neomycin, nickel, wool alcohols, thimerosal, and ammoniated mercury gave most of the positive responses. With respect to 1988-1995 data, allergy to substances such as neomycin, nickel, wool alcohols, thimerosal, ammoniated mercury, propolis, potassium dichromate, and thiuram mix proved more frequent. In conclusion, as sensitization rates to different allergens show great variations over time, periodic evaluations of patch test results in children is necessary in order to update the test trays.

ΔNp63α Up-Regulates the Hsp70 Gene in Human Cancer

Abstract: HSP70, a stress response protein, is known to be a determinant of cell death and cell transformation. We show that different isoforms of p63 have different transcriptional activities on hsp70 genes. DeltaNp63alpha, an abundantly expressed isoform of p63, activates (in vitro and in vivo), whereas TAp63gamma down-regulates the expression of hsp70. We further show that the transactivation domain at the NH(2) terminus of p63 represses, whereas the COOH terminus activates hsp70 transcription. In addition, DeltaNp63alpha regulates transcription of the hsp70 gene through its interaction with the CCAAT binding factor and NF-Y transcription factors which are known to form a complex with the CCAAT box located in the hsp70 promoter. Moreover, DeltaNp63alpha expression correlates with HSP70 expression in all head and neck cancer cell lines. Finally, we show colocalization of DeltaNp63alpha and HSP70 in the epithelium and coexpression of both proteins in 41 primary head and neck cancers. Our study provides strong evidence for the physiologic association between DeltaNp63alpha and hsp70 in human cancer, thus further supporting the oncogenic potential of DeltaNp63alpha.

ARIA 2016: Care pathways implementing emerging technologies for predictive medicine in rhinitis and asthma across the life cycle

Abstract: The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative commenced during a World Health Organization workshop in 1999. The initial goals were (1) to propose a new allergic rhinitis classification, (2) to promote the concept of multi-morbidity in asthma and rhinitis and (3) to develop guidelines with all stakeholders that could be used globally for all countries and populations. ARIA-disseminated and implemented in over 70 countries globally-is now focusing on the implementation of emerging technologies for individualized and predictive medicine. MASK [MACVIA (Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un Vieillissement Actif)-ARIA Sentinel NetworK] uses mobile technology to develop care pathways for the management of rhinitis and asthma by a multi-disciplinary group and by patients themselves. An app (Android and iOS) is available in 20 countries and 15 languages. It uses a visual analogue scale to assess symptom control and work productivity as well as a clinical decision support system. It is associated with an inter-operable tablet for physicians and other health care professionals. The scaling up strategy uses the recommendations of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. The aim of the novel ARIA approach is to provide an active and healthy life to rhinitis sufferers, whatever their age, sex or socio-economic status, in order to reduce health and social inequalities incurred by the disease.