Th1 and Th17 cells have been considered as effectors in mouse EAE and in the human counterpart, MS. Recently, IL-22, a Th17-related, proinflammatory cytokine, has been associated with a new Th cell subset, defined as Th22, involved in chronic inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis; the role of IL-22 in MS has not yet been elucidated. Here, we report that similar to Th17 cells, the number of Th22 cells increased in the PB and the CSF of RR MS patients, especially during the active phases of the disease. However, as opposed to Th17 cells, the expansion of Th22 cells occurred before the active phases of the disease. Th22 cells were found to be specific for the autoantigen MBP and also expressed high levels of CCR6 and T-bet, as for Th17 cells, indicating that Th22 self-reactive cells could have CNS-homing properties and be pathogenic in active RRMS patients. Conversely to Th17 cells, Th22 cells displayed lower levels of IFNAR1 and were insensitive to IFN-β inhibition. These data suggest that expansion of Th22 cells in MS could be one of the factors that critically influence resistance to IFN-β therapy.

Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance for distinguishing thymomas according to WHO and Masaoka-Koga classifications and in predicting disease-free survival (DFS) by using the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Methods:Forty-one patients were grouped based on WHO (low-risk vs. high-risk) and MasaokaKoga (early vs. advanced) classifications. For prognosis, seven patients with recurrence at followup were grouped separately from healthy subjects. Differences on ADC levels between groups were tested using Student-t testing. Logistic regression models and areas under the ROC curve (AUROC) were estimated. Results:Mean ADC values were different between groups of WHO (low-risk=1.58±0.20×10-3mm2/sec; high-risk=1.21±0.23×10-3mm2/sec; p<0.0001) and Masaoka-Koga (early=1.43±0.26×10-3mm2/sec; advanced=1.31±0.31×10-3mm2/sec; p=0.016) classifications.Mean ADC of type-B3 (1.05±0.17×10-3mm2/sec) was lower than type-B2 (1.32±0.20×10-3mm2/sec; p=0.023). AUROC in discriminating groups was 0.864 for WHO classification (cutpoint=1.309×10-3mm2/sec; accuracy=78.1 %) and 0.730 for Masaoka-Koga classification (cut-point=1.243×10-3mm2/sec; accuracy=73.2 %). Logistic regression models and two-way ANOVA were significant for WHOclassification (odds ratio[OR]=0.93, p=0.007; p<0.001), but not for Masaoka-Koga classification (OR=0.98, p=0.31; p=0.38). ADC levels were significantly associated with DFS recurrence rate being higher for patients with ADC≤1.299× 10-3mm2/sec (p=0.001; AUROC, 0.834; accuracy=78.0 %).Conclusions: ADC helps to differentiate high-risk from lowrisk thymomas and discriminates the more aggressive type-B3. Primary tumour ADC is a prognostic indicator of recurrence. Key Points• DW-MRI is useful in characterizing thymomas and in predicting disease-free survival.• ADC can differentiate low-risk from high-risk thymomas based on different histological composition • The cutoff-ADC-value of 1.309×10-3mm2/sec is proposed as optimal cut-point for this differentiation • The ADC ability in predicting Masaoka-Koga stage is uncertain and needs further validations• ADC has prognostic value on disease-free survival and helps in stratification of risk

With dual-echo chemical-shift MR imaging, SII signal intensity index and CSR chemical-shift ratio have high accuracy to distinguish thymic hyperplasia from tumors, although overlapped CSR chemical-shift ratio values can occur in early adulthood.

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ObjectivesTo assess the use of hyper-accuracy three-dimensional (HA3D TM ; MEDICS, Moncalieri, Turin, Italy) reconstruction based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and superimposed imaging during augmented-reality robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (AR-RARP). ConclusionOur results suggest that a HA3D virtual reconstruction of the prostate based on mpMRI data and real-time superimposed imaging allow performance of an effective AR-RARP. Potentially, this approach translates into better outcomes, as the surgeon can tailor the procedure for each patient.