The predominant form of somatomedin-C (Sm-C) in human postnatal serum elutes from gel chromatographic columns at an approximate molecular weight of 150,000 daltons (150 K). Nine of 10 infants of 30 weeks gestation or more had elution profiles similar to postnatal sera, while in 7 of 9 infants of 27 weeks or less, the immunoreactive Sm-C eluted predominantly at an apparent molecular weight of 40,000 daltons (40 K). Five infants between 26-32 weeks exhibited a transitional pattern. One 43 week gestation anencephalic infant exhibited only 40 K Sm-C, suggesting that the 150 K proteins which bind Sm-C are acquired in response to growth hormone or other pituitary hormones. Even though the 40 K form of Sm-C is the only form found in mid-gestation fetal serum and in media from in vitro fetal mouse liver explants, it probably does not represent the primary gene product. This is suggested by the observation that 40 K Sm-C also binds 125-I-Sm-C and can be dissociated by acid and, therefore, probably is a complex of Sm-C non-covalently bound to other proteins.

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CoSMEU group (Italian Society of Emergency Medicine Residents): Cascio Michela, Ceschi Ludovica, Di Cristoforo Monica, La Spina Letizia, Malacarne Cecilia, Pons Sofia, Silvestri Giulia.   Emergency Medicine (EM) is a novel specialty in Italy. It exists only since 2009, and CoSMEU (Coordinamento Specializzandi Medicina d’Emergenza-Urgenza) is the national association of EM residents. On behalf of CoSMEU, we conducted an electronic survey open to all the Italian EM residents, with the aim to assess their awareness about the acquisition of technical skills and clinical knowledge during the academic year 2019-2020. Out of 1666 EM residents, 434 (26%) responded to the survey, in representation of all the 33 medical school programs. For 63.6% of them EM was their first-choice program. A high percentage of EM residents have denounced a lack of education and hands-on opportunities to fully complete their training as planned, in the absence of simulation and certifications, and with not-standardized educational programs across the EM schools. Although the Italian EM and specialty are currently facing a crisis, all the EM residents are working hard to support EM system optimization.