[Phenotypic and molecular characterization of Candida species in ICU]. / Caratterizzazione fenotipica e molecolare di Candida isolate in un reparto di Terapia Intensiva.

Two hundred sixty three Candida isolates were obtained from specimens of patients hospitalized in a Intensive Care Unit. Candida albicans was the predominant species, followed by C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. glabrata e C. parapsilosis. For C. albicans isolates, amphotericin B was the more efficient antifungal (2.3% of resistant strains), while voriconazole was the more efficient for C. krusei and C. glabrata, known for their lower susceptibility to fluconazole. RAPD-PCR technique with CDU primer was used for the molecular characterization of 48 C. albicans strains isolated from 10 patients. Genetic similarity at 90% level was observed for some Candida strains isolated from the same patient, indicating a possible colonization from the original strain. Moreover the high similarity coefficient observed between isolates from different patients may indicate an exogenous colonization originating from hospital-endemic strains or inadequate manipulation by health care workers.

[A technique of continent vesicostomy with ileocystoplasty: study of 32 patients]. / Une technique modifiée de cystostomie continente avec iléocystoplastie d'agrandissement : à propos d'une série de 32 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional outcomes and quality of life of adult's disabled motor with neurogenic bladders, who had undergone a continent catheterizable vesicostomy with ileocystoplasty permitting a systematic implantation of the stoma at the umbilicus without closure of the bladder neck. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2006, 32 adults with neurogenic bladder who underwent Mitrofanoff continent catheterizable vesicostomy with ileocystoplasty were evaluated with the "Qualiveen" and a local satisfaction questionnaire. The median age was 42.2 years. The neurological diagnoses were: spinal cord injury (26), spina bifida (two) and multiple sclerosis (four). The cystostomies were conducted with appendix (17) and the ileum according Monti's technique (15). The stomas were conducted in 29 cases at the umbilicus. RESULTS: The 31 patients were followed up for a mean of 21.6 months. The continence rate was 86%. The satisfaction with functional result and aesthetic of the stoma was of 88% and 92%. Capacity to self catheterize increased from 64% to 88%. Thirty-three percent of stoma stenosis was noted and 36% of patients underwent a reintervention including 25% for stenosis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have demonstrated that the ileocystoplasty with umbilical continent vesicostomy fullfill with treatment objective's of patients with neurogenic bladder: restoration of continence and improved quality of life by granting them social life.

Formation of aqueous molecular nematic liquid crystal phase in poly(p-sulfophenylene sulfoterephthalamide).

We report strong experimental evidence on the formation of a molecular lyotropic phase in water of a modified polyaramide, namely a fully sulfonated poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Sulfo2PPTA) that exhibits similar liquid crystalline behaviour in water to its non-sulfonated counterpart (PPTA, commercially known as Kevlar or Twaron) in sulfuric acid.

[Therapeutic use of heparan sulfate in nephrotic syndrome: rational use]. / Uso terapeutico dell'eparansolfato nella sindrome nefrosica: uso razionale.

We report the beneficial effects of heparan sulfate administration in nephrotic syndrome (NS) in reducing the degree of proteinuria, in ameliorating the chylomicron removal defect and the hypercoagulable state and, consequently, in slowing down the progression to uraemia.

Characterization of yeast population and molecular fingerprinting of Candida zeylanoides isolated from goat's milk collected in Sardinia.

The occurrence of yeast microflora in raw goat's milk collected from 62 dairy farms located in different areas of Sardinia was evaluated. Candida zeylanoides was the most frequently occurring species followed by different Basidiomycetous species. In the strains isolated some biochemical characteristics of technological interest were investigated and a predominance of lipolytic yeast species was found. We employed a simple method of DNA extraction that in a minimal time and with low-cost provided a high quality of DNA for RAPD analysis of 32 isolates of C. zeylanoides. The primers M13 and CDU were used and at 40% of similarity, two distinct clusters were observed. The presence of C. krissii species was supposed but further molecular studies are needed to exclude the presence of an as-yet-undescribed species.

beta-Amyloid protein aggregation: its implication in the physiopathology of Alzheimer's disease.

beta-Amyloid protein (A beta), a 39-42 residue peptide resulting from the proteolytic processing of a membrane-bound beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), is one of the major components of the fibrillar deposits observed in Alzheimer patients. A beta fibril formation is a complex process which involves changes in A beta conformation and self-association to form cross-beta pleated sheets, protofibrils, and fibrils. Since the aggregation of soluble A beta peptide into fibrils is viewed as a critical event in the physiopathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), preventing, altering, or reversing fibril formation may thus be of therapeutic value. This review will focus on the current state of knowledge of A beta fibril formation, with special emphasis on physiological and exogenous inhibitors which may have a therapeutic potential.