Coupled temperature and γ-radiation effect on silica-based optical fiber strain sensors based on Rayleigh and Brillouin scatterings.

Coupled temperature and γ-ray influence on Brillouin (PPP-BOTDA) and Rayleigh (TW-COTDR) scatterings are quantified. Aging tests of these distributed strain measuring systems are performed on-line, up to 1 MGy, at room temperature, 80  ∘C, 100  ∘C and 120  ∘C. Brillouin and Rayleigh frequency shifts remain identical regardless of the temperature: 3 MHz (2 MHz) and 7 GHz (3 GHz) for Ge-doped (respectively F-doped) fiber at 1 MGy. Meanwhile, radiation-induced attenuation is diminished because of the higher temperature; hence, the maximal distance range is less deteriorated. These tests help to explain the origin of the Brillouin frequency shift under γ-rays, with an acoustic velocity variation of about 1 m/s in 1 MGy irradiated samples.

Dog allergy: can a prevalent or exclusive sensitization to Can f 5 be considered a lucky or negative event in real life?

Summary: Recent studies have shown the increasing relevance of allergic sensitization to Can f 5 (a prostatic kallikrein), which is an androgen-regulated protein expressed in the prostate and detectable only in male dogs. Can f 5 can be a prevalent or exclusive sensitizing agent in a considerable percentage of dog-allergic patients. Its specific allergenic characteristics are able to induce possible negative as well as positive clinical effects in individuals sensitized to dogs. In the present article we pointed out the possible pros or cons of sensitization to this allergen in real life. Further studies should be carried out to correctly assess some peculiar characteristics of Can f 5, in order to support the most of positive aspects and remedy at best the negative effects.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and ménière syndrome: The role of cerebral venous drainage.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of cerebral venous drainage on the pathogenesis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) and Ménière syndrome (MD). DESIGN: Observational, prospective, cohort study. SETTING: ENT and Cardiology Departments (University of Bari, Policlinico Hospital, Bari, Italy). PARTICIPANTS: We enrolled 59 consecutive patients (32 males, mean age 53.05 + 15.37 years): 40 ISSHL and 19 MD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All patients underwent physical examination, biochemical evaluation (glycemic and lipid profile, viral serology, C reactive protein, etc), audiometric (tonal, vocal, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and auditory brainstem response test) and impedentiometric examination. The pure tone average (PTA) was calculated for the following frequencies: 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 8000. An echo-color Doppler evaluation of the venous cerebral veins, internal jugular (IJV) and vertebral veins (VV) at supine and 90° position was performed. RESULTS: No morphological alterations were found both in patients and controls. There were no signs of stenosis, blocked flow, membranes, etc. We found lower minimum, mean and maximum velocities in distal IJVs (P = .019; P = .013; P = .022; respectively) and left VVs (P = .027; P = .008; P = .001; respectively) in supine (0°) position in both MD and ISSHL patients as compared to controls. The same was for orthostatic position (90°). We found negative correlations between the velocities in extracranial veins and PTA values: therefore, the worst the audiometric performance of the subjects, the lower the velocities in the venous cerebral drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and Ménière syndrome patients showed altered venous flow in IJVs and VVs as compared to controls, independently from posture. This different behavior of venous tone control can influence the ear performance and may have a role in the pathogenesis of both diseases.

Can the presence of cat/dog at home be considered the only criterion of exposure to cat/dog allergens? A likely underestimated bias in clinical practice and in large epidemiological studies.

An important aspect of allergic sensitization to furry animals is the association of dog and cat exposure in early childhood with the incidence of respective allergies later in life. This topic is very controversial, because some authors have found a "facilitating" effect, while others have noticed a "protective" or even no significant effect in individuals living in urban areas. It is likely that some biases could be responsible of these contradictory findings. Cat/dog ownership or their presence in indoor environments are considered usually the main criteria to assess the exposure to these pets in studies' questionnaires. Even in clinical practice "are there animals at home?" is the common query usually done when collecting anamnestic data. In our opinion, these commonly used questions should not be considered the main index of exposure to pet allergens, because they can lead to erroneous interpretation of the clinical significance of positive skin prick tests for pet allergens as well as of the real risk of exposure to allergens of dog/cat in epidemiological studies. Consequently, we suggest a new, more realistic, classification of modalities of exposure to pet allergens in "real life" based on five possible conditions.

What could be the role of molecular-based allergy diagnostics in detecting the risk of developing allergic sensitization to furry animals?

Although this highly refined diagnostic approach has been used in several fields of allergy diagnosis, we noticed the scarcity of data on the role of CDR in detecting current sensitization to the allergens of common pets (cat / dog) and, especially, its potential usefulness in predicting the risk of sensitization to other furry animals. Reported data suggest that cross-reacting mechanisms might play an important role in a significant proportion of allergic sensitizations to furry animals (common pets and unusual / exotic mammals) especially in the absence of any possible direct / indirect contact. In this context an evaluation of specific IgE by using the micro-array technique ImmunoCAP ISAC (Thermofisher Scientific - Immuno-Diagnostics, Sweden) for lipocalins (Can f 1, Can f 2, Equ c 1, Fel d 4, Mus m 1) and albumins (Bos d 6, Can f 3, Equ c 3, Fel d 2) might be very useful to evaluate the possibility of cross-reactions between the allergens of different animals. In fact, allergic sensitization without animal exposure is a relevant risk for patients, because they are not aware about the possibility that even severe respiratory symptoms may develop after an occasional animal contact. This aspect should be taken into account by susceptible individuals before acquiring new pets, after removal of common pets or beginning a contact for working / leisure activity with a common as well as uncommon animal.

Sensitization to cockroach allergens in the urban atopic populations living in Campania district (southern Italy). A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Although cockroach (CR) is an important cause of allergic sensitization worldwide, only a few data are available in Italy and in a previous study we have observed, in Naples area, a low prevalence of CR sensitization. OBJECTIVES: We sought to perform a prospective study for assessing the prevalence of allergic sensitization to CR in a sample of atopic population living in Campania district area (Southern Italy). METHODS: Ten Allergy Units or Centres of Campania district participated in this cross-sectional study. Each centre was required to collect the results of at least 100 allergy consultations in consecutive outpatients referred for actual or suspected respiratory allergy. We registered demographic data, type and duration of respiratory symptoms, pets ownership, possible exposure to CR allergens, results of the skin prick tests (SPTs). RESULTS: A total of 1477 patients were examined, 985 (66.68%) had a SPTs positivity to at least one allergen. In this context, ninety were sensitized to CR, thus the overall sensitization prevalence in subjects with respiratory allergy was 6.09% ranging between 0-11% and only five patients were mono-sensitized. Thirteen patients reported rhinitis (R) + bronchial asthma (A), twenty-one R + A + conjunctivitis (C), thirty-seven R + C, five only A and eleven individuals only R. Sixty-seven patients exhibited persistent and twenty-three intermittent symptoms. Dust mite constituted the first cause of associated sensitization to CR. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of allergic sensitization to CR is not negligible in population living in Campania district and shows a higher trend in comparison to that found recently and some years ago in Naples area. Finally, we suggest atopic individuals and especially those highly sensitized to mite allergens or those living in low-income areas to be tested by SPTs / evaluation of serum specific IgE to CR allergens to exclude the occurrence of CR allergic sensitization.

Sensitization to rodents (mouse/rat) in an urban atopic population without occupational exposure living in Naples, Italy.

BACKGROUND: Until now no data on allergic sensitization to rodents allergens in Western Europe and Italy are available. The aim of this report was to investigate clinical significance and characteristics of IgE-mediated sensitization to mouse/rat (M/Rt) allergens in atopic subjects not occupationally exposed to these animals and living in urban area of Naples. METHODS: In 1765 consecutive outpatients, we selected all subjects with an immediate skin reaction to M/WRt dander clinical history including a carefijul evaluation ofthe modality of exposure, the results of skin-prick tests (SPTs) and specific IgE antibodies were recorded. RESULTS: Among 1185 SPT-positive patients, 22 were sensitized to M/Rt dander (respectively 1.60% and 0.59%). No patient was mono-sensitized Only three of 22 patients reported indoor conditions suggesting presence of rodents allergens at home. All patients exhibited low degree of SPT positivity and low levels of circulating IgE antibodies to M/WRt. Highfrequency of concomitant allergic sensitization to pet (and other animal) dander has been found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that role of allergic sensitization to rodents is negligible in atopic subjects without occupational exposure living in urban area of Naples. However, highly atopic individuals especially those already sensitized to common pet dander should be tested by SPTs/evaluation of serum specific IgE to rodents in the case they could begin an occupational exposure to M/Rt or keeping these animals as pets.

Is there any relationship between allergic sensitization to milk and animal allergens in atopic adults?

No data on the relationship between allergic sensitization to animal dander and milk allergens are available in literature in adults. Considering the high rate of allergic sensitization to mammals in atopic adults living in Naples area, we aimed to evaluate if sensitization to milk allergens could be a risk factor for these subjects. From 755 consecutive outpatients examined between May 1 2009 and December 31 2010, we selected those with an immediate skin reaction to animal dander and milk. A clinical history including evaluation of pet exposure, the results of skin-prick tests (SPTs) and specific IgE antibodies for milk allergens were recorded. Among three hundred sixty SPT-positive patients, 140 were sensitized to animal dander (38.9%) and 9 to milk allergens (6.4%). Among one hundred forty patients sensitized to animals only one was sensitized also to milk allergens; among 9 milk-sensitized individuals 5 were allergic also to animal allergens (only one to cow dander) while 4 were not sensitized to mammals. Our results suggest that relationship between allergic sensitization to milk and animal allergens is negligible in adult atopic individuals living in urban area of Naples and that high rate of sensitization to animals is likely to be due to other mechanisms such as direct/indirect exposure, and allergen cross-reactions.

Is sensitization to furry animals an independent allergic phenotype in nonoccupationally exposed individuals?

BACKGROUND: Patients sensitized to common pets (cat, dog) frequently display an immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated response to allergens from other animals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether individuals sensitized to common pets might be at higher risk of developing allergic sensitization to other mammalian allergens. METHODS: The study population comprised 900 consecutive patients (300 individuals sensitized to different allergens including those of cat and dog [group AL, 300 sensitized to allergens other than those derived from cat and dog [group B], and 300 nonsensitized individuals [group C, controls]). All patients underwent a physical examination, an interview (clinical history, pet ownership, possible exposure data), and skin prick test (SPT) with a standard panel of allergens including cat, dog, horse, rabbit, rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, and cow. RESULTS: A significant difference in allergic sensitization to mammalian allergens was observed in groupA compared with group B (respectively, 244 vs. 17). No sensitization was found in group C. CONCLUSION: Since sensitization to pet allergens increases the risk of developing allergy to other furry animals, we suggest performing SPTs with several mammalian allergens to identify allergic sensitization and thus prevent future exposure in individuals who are highly sensitized and environmentally exposed to common pets.

Effects of sample properties and mass spectroscopic parameters on electrospray ionization mass spectra of size-fractions from a soil humic acid.

Size-fractions from a soil humic acid were separated by preparative size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), desalted, and concentrated by ultrafiltration and vacuum centrifugation without being subjected to any freeze-drying process. After having assessed the lack of formation of any multiple-charged ions by high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS), the size-fractions were used by direct infusion to compare the molecular ion distribution by both atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)- and ESI-MS in negative mode. The weight- (Mw) and number-averaged (Mn) molecular weight obtained by ESI-MS were invariably larger than by APCI-MS for all size-fractions, thereby indicating that ESI is more efficient than APCI to evaluate the molecular mass distribution of humic samples. No substantial difference was observed when concentration and pH of unfreeze-dried humic size-fractions were varied. The negative mode was applied to assess the effect of cone voltage from -20 to -60 V on ESI of the humic size-fractions further separated through an on-line SEC column. The resulting mass spectra and Mw and Mn values suggested that the variation of cone voltage in ESI-MS affects the ionization potential of associated humic molecules more in solution rather than their fragmentation. These findings agree with previous observations which indicated a limitation of ESI in providing consistent mass detection for a complex mixture of heterogeneous humic molecules, especially when they are aggregated by a freeze-drying process.

The risk of bronchospasm in asthmatics undergoing general anaesthesia and/or intravascular administration of radiographic contrast media. physiopatology and clinical/functional evaluation.

It is well known that patients suffering from bronchial asthma undergoing to surgical procedures requiring general anaesthesia (GA) or the administration of water soluble radiographic contrast media (RCM) experience a risk of potentially severe bronchospasm. Nevertheless, little attention has been devoted on the possible preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of this potentially life-threatening event. It has been shown that the most important risk factor for bronchospasm during GA induction and/or the use of RCM is represented by a high degree of bronchial hyperreactivity with airway instability not adequately controlled by long-term anti-inflammatory treatment. The aim of this review is to underline the need for an accurate clinical and functional evaluation of asthmatics (especially those with a relevant degree of asthma severity) undergoing GA or administration of RCM. Guidelines shared by pulmonologists, allergologists, anesthesiologists and radiologists should be produced in the future for a better evaluation and management of these patients. General practitioner plays an important role in managing asthmatic patients in "Real Life". It is likely that "Real Life"--optimally controlled asthmatics could undergo GA/RCM with lower risks especially in emergency conditions when it is not possible to perform any preoperative evaluation.

Bioactivity of humic substances and water extracts from compost made by ligno-cellulose wastes from biorefinery.

The ligno-cellulose residues from biorefinery production of bio-ethanol were used as woody structuring material within an on-farm composting system, with the aim to obtain bioactive water soluble and humic fractions from composted materials. The molecular characterization of initial biomasses and final products revealed a transformation towards more stable compounds during composting and showed the selective incorporation of specific phenolic derivatives of ligno-cellulose in both bulk samples and corresponding extracts. While the use of the stable bulk composts as organic fertilizer resulted in a decrease of nitrogen and phosphorous assimilation in maize tissues, a bio-stimulation was shown by water soluble organic compounds and humic substances in germination tests and pot experiments, respectively. The differential responses obtained in maize seedlings and plants were related to the molecular composition and concentration of the applied water extracts and humic substances, thus suggesting a role of phenols and lignin derivatives in the stimulation of maize roots and shoots and the enhancement of P uptake. The results confirm that ligno-cellulose residues may be effectively recycled as composting additives in order to enrich mature compost in aromatic and lignin compounds. A preliminary knowledge on the molecular characteristics and biological properties of composted materials is an essential requirement to select the most suitable derivatives from composted ligno-cellulose wastes in sustainable agricultural practices.

Spotlight on brodalumab in the treatment of plaque psoriasis: the evidence to date.

The IL-17/IL-23 axis is now understood to influence psoriasis, and the development of novel IL-17 inhibitor medications marks a sea change in the treatment of psoriasis. Brodalumab is a recombinant, fully human immunoglobulin IgG2 monoclonal antibody specifically targeted against IL-17RA. This article discusses the mechanism of action and the efficacy and safety profile of brodalumab presented in the literature. Brodalumab, the latest approved anti-IL-17-class medication, is the only one that exerts its effects on IL-17C as well as on IL-17A and IL-17F, blocking the shared IL-17 receptor A. In this sense, considering the recent evidence, brodalumab could have beneficial effects not only on psoriasis, but also on atopic dermatitis. It could also serve as a therapeutic alternative in patients who develop paradoxical eczematous reactions or atopic-like dermatitis during treatment with other anti-IL-17A (secukinumab, ixekizumab).

Severe respiratory syndrome induced by allergic mono-sensitization to European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) in a older woman.

Although the increase in the rate of hamster ownership, no report of allergic sensitization to common hamster (Cricetus cricetus)-derived allergens as a consequence of domestic exposure has been published in Italy. A 64-year-old woman was referred to our Allergy Centre for the recent onset of conjunctival and severe respiratory symptoms (rhinitis, cough, wheezing and dyspnea). About three months ago she had purchased a common hamster as home pet. Another hamster had lived at patient's home for about four months nine years ago. The results of SPT revealed allergic sensitization to Cricetus cricetus dander only (wheal 6x7 mm, positive control 7x7 mm). Total IgE were 59.3 kU/L. Specific IgE only to Cricetus cricetus epithelia (2.10 kUA/L), were also detected. Spirometry revealed a moderate degree of bronchial obstruction. Some important considerations can be drawn from our report: a) few months of hamster ownership are probably sufficient to induce an allergic sensitization and clinical symptoms, b) older age of sensitization in comparison to other studies, c) rapid remission of clinical symptoms after the removal of hamster d) skin prick tests and/or evaluation of specific IgE for hamster allergens should be performed in all potentially susceptible individuals.

Is bupropion useful in the treatment of post-stroke thalamic apathy? A case report and considerations.

Post-stroke apathy is considered to be one of the clinical consequences of lesions affecting the structures of the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus and limbic system. However, there is no current consensus on the treatment of post-stroke apathy, which mainly depends on the underlying etiology and comorbidities. A 62-year-old man, affected by hemorrhagic stroke in the left thalamus, presented with mood depression, anhedonia, hyporexia and marked apathy. The patient underwent clinical evaluation before and after receiving two different pharmacological therapies: escitalopram and bupropion. Only after treatment with the latter drug did the patient show changes: high motivation and willingness to pursue activities, greater interest in the external environment and social life activities, and an overall reduction of apathy. On the basis of our observations in this case, we hypothesize that the thalamic lesion resulted in disconnection of the fronto-striatal-thalamic circuits, and that loss of the dopaminergic striatal innervation caused the patient's apathetic state. The resolution of the apathetic disorder may be attributable to the action of the dopaminergic drug bupropion on the mesocortical pathway.