Mediating factors of a school-based multi-component smoking prevention intervention: the LdP cluster randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors mediating the effects of Luoghi di Prevenzione (LdP) smoking prevention intervention based on social competence and social influence approaches, and characterized by peer-led school-based interventions, out-of-school workshops, school lessons, and by enforcing the school anti-smoking policy. Students aged 14-15 years in 13 secondary schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy (989 students) were randomly assigned to the LdP intervention or a control condition. The baseline and follow-up surveys were carried out before and 18 months after the intervention, respectively.The outcomes were cigarette daily and frequent smoking and smoking at school. Multilevel multiple mediation analyses were carried out in order to study effect mediation. The mediators were normative perception, positive and negative beliefs, refusal skills for smoking, social acceptability perception, risk perception, smoking knowledge and awareness about dangers of second-hand smoking.The intervention effects were explained by the social influence component through the mediator refusal skills for smoking. The programme also showed to significantly increase risk perception and smoking knowledge, even though these mediators had no effect on smoking. Moreover, LdP intervention directly reduced smoking in school areas. Future interventions should maintain and strengthen the LdP social influence component and the part regarding the school anti-smoking policy.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene promoter hypermethylation in semen samples of infertile couples correlates with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

STUDY QUESTION: Is the methylation status of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) promoter region in semen samples associated with 'recurrent spontaneous abortion' (RSA)? SUMMARY ANSWER: MTHFR promoter hypermethylation is more frequent in semen samples from RSA couples than in semen samples from infertile couples with no history of RSA (NRSA) and affects the whole sperm population significantly more often. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Modifications to the MTHFR gene such as polymorphisms and promoter methylations are associated with male infertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION: Retrospective cohort study of semen samples from 20 RSA couples, 147 NRSA couples and 20 fertile men between 2011 and 2012. MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS: DNA from the semen samples of RSA, NRSA and fertile men were analyzed by methylation-specific PCR amplification using primers which anneal to the methylated or unmethylated cytosine-phosphodiester bond guanine (CpG) islands within the promoter region of MTHFR. The specificity of the PCR products was assessed by DNA sequencing. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The methylated MTHFR epigenotype (including samples where it co-existed with unmethylated MTHFR epigenotypes) was detected in 75% of RSA men, 54% of NRSA men and 15% of fertile men. MTHFR methylation was observed in the whole sperm population in semen samples from 55% of RSA men compared with 8% in NRSA men (P < 0.05) and 0% in fertile men (P < 0.05). DNA sequencing analysis was fully concordant with the PCR results and revealed that when MTHFR methylation occurred, CpG islands within the promoter region were 100% methylated (hypermethylation of MTHFR promoter). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The relatively small sample size of RSA infertile couples. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The hypermethylation of the MTHFR gene promoter should be taken into consideration as a novel putative risk factor in RSA etiology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Our institution has received an FAR research grant from the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. No competing interests declared.

How new imaging techniques can aid in defining the cardiovascular profile of the high-risk patient.

Cardiovascular prevention has been developed in the last eight years producing an ever increasing amount of data requiring frequent updating. Studies using angiography to determine change in coronary obstruction have indicated progression, stabilization, or regression of coronary lesions associated with changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins. Moreover, the guidelines on arterial hypertension published in 2007 listed the risk factors affecting prognosis but even by 2009 an update modified not only the list of risks, but even the philosophy behind the thought process which introduced as essential element in the prognosis of hypertension the ascertained existence of a damaged organ. Thus, the documentation of atherosclerotic vascular disease (plaques) and the quantification of its extension in the arterial tree became a determinant in the definition of cardiovascular risk. Magnetic Resonance (MRI) and coronary computed tomography (coro CT) applied to the heart and large vessels are the most promising methods.

Bt-toxin uptake by the non-target herbivore, Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on transgenic oilseed rape in laboratory conditions.

The potential non-target effects of genetically modified crops are some of the more debated topics within applied biotechnologies in agriculture and environmental risk assessment. The objective of the present research was to study the potential Bt-toxin uptake by the non-target herbivore Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding on transgenic oilseed rape plants (Brassica napus cv. 'Westar' lines GT 2-4) expressing the Cry1Ac endotoxin. A specific aim was to replicate our previous experiment in controlled laboratory conditions to avoid or minimize the risk of contamination leading to potential false positive results. The toxin levels in vernalized (V) and not-vernalized (not-V) transgenic oilseed rape plants was also monitored to better clarify the role of physiological processes on Bt-toxin expression. Cry1Ac expression in not-V plants (mean concentration±SE=167.8±5.7 µg kg-1 FW) showed a pattern of large variability, in comparison with V plants whose expression (mean concentration±SE=227.7±1.9 µg kg-1 FW) was significantly more stable. Cry1Ac toxin was detected in three aphid samples reared on V plants with a mean toxin concentration±SE of 4.8±0.6 µg Kg-1 FW and in three out of six samples of aphids reared on not-V plants (mean toxin concentration±SE=7.1±1.2 µg kg-1 FW). The mean Bt-toxin concentration of all the positive aphid samples was 5.9±1.0 µg kg-1 FW. Our results confirmed the findings of our previous experiment and highlighted the potential for Cry1Ac toxin uptake by aphids feeding on transgenic oilseed rape plants.

The management of severe vaginal obstruction from genital chronic graft-versus-host disease: diagnosis, surgical technique and follow-up.

AIM: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the most important systemic late-onset complications of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Gynaecological manifestations are considered relatively rare, and involve lower genital tract skin and mucosa, causing vulvar scarring, vaginal stenosis, affecting the patients' sexual life, and leading to more serious complications as haematocolpos, haematometra and abscesses. Genital GVHD can be treated with topical therapy when mild to moderate disease is present. Surgery is indicated in advanced and complicated cases to restore normal anatomy. The aim of this study is to propose a standard approach for the management of such condition when medical therapy is not effective. METHODS: From May 2000 to January 2002, 8 patients suffering from genital chronic GVHD were operated in our institution. We describe clinical and sonographic presurgical assessment, simple or ultrasonographic guided surgical technique, postsurgical treatment and follow-up. RESULTS: Surgery was completely successful in restoring genital anatomy in all the cases. Mean follow-up was of 17 months (6 to 38 months). Two patients early discontinued the postsurgical treatment. At 1 month complete vaginal patency was found in 6 cases, weak partial adhesions in 1 case, while 1 patient refused follow-up. Eventually, complete vaginal patency was maintained in 2 cases, and partial adhesions were found in 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of clinical examination and endosonography provides a precise assessment of the level of the obstruction. The surgical technique here described is feasible and successful in restoring normal anatomy, while long term results seem related to the compliance towards the postsurgical treatment.

Prognostic value of a history of hypertension in 11,483 patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis. GISSI-2 Investigators. Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della, Sopravvivena nell'Infarto Miocardico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic value of a history of hypertension in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated with thrombolysis. DESIGN: Retrospective adjusted analysis of outcome data of patients with AMI randomly allocated to treatment in a controlled study of alteplase versus streptokinase and heparin versus no heparin. SETTING: A highly representative sample (about 90%) of Italian Coronary Care Units. PATIENTS: Patients with (n = 3306) and without (n = 7406) a history of treated hypertension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality during hospital stay and the next 6 months. RESULTS: Patients with a history of hypertension had a significantly higher mortality, both in hospital and during the next 6 months. The difference persisted also after a multivariate analysis including all major prognostic factors for in-hospital and 6-month mortality, respectively. Left ventricular failure and recurrent ischaemic events (angina and re-infarction) were also significantly more frequent in hypertensives both during their hospital stay and during follow-up study. CONCLUSIONS: A history of hypertension is a negative independent prognostic factor after acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis.

Responses of internal mammary artery graft flow to nitroprusside: a duplex Doppler study in hypertensive hearts.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the response of internal mammary artery (IMA) flow of hypertensive hearts to nitroprusside infusion. METHODS: Fifteen patients were studied with a high-frequency duplex Doppler probe from the supraclavicolar approach. All the patients had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery with an IMA graft into the left anterior descending artery. The investigated patients were normotensives (controls, n = 5) and hypertensive with a normal (group 1, n = 5) or a hypertrophic (group 2, n = 5) left ventricle. Values of the left ventricular mass index were 102 +/- 11 g/m2 in controls, 115 +/- 18 g/m2 in group 1 and 153 +/- 8 g/m2 in group 2. The IMA flow volume was studied at baseline and continuously during nitroprusside infusion. The arterial blood pressure was measured each minute by a cuff sphygmomanometer. In each patient we considered the peak flow volume (percentage increment from baseline) and the flow volume at the end point (the lowest tolerated diastolic blood pressure). RESULTS: Nitroprusside infusion induced a comparable flow-volume increment in controls (38 +/- 27%) and in group 1 (24 +/- 11%). Conversely, the flow-volume increment was trivial in group 2 (6 +/- 6%). At the end point, the flow volume was similar to the baseline value in controls (with diastolic blood pressure 67 +/- 9 mmHg) and in group 1 (diastolic blood pressure 61 +/- 4 mmHg), whereas the flow volume declined significantly from baseline (by 23%) in group 2 at a perfusion pressure of 79 +/- 9 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive patients with a normal left ventricular mass exhibit a coronary flow behaviour similar to that of normotensives in response to a nitroprusside infusion. Conversely, hypertrophic hypertensives show a blunted nitroprusside-induced coronary vasodilator response and are much more vulnerable to coronary flow reductions in the face of hypotension. This dynamic assessment of flow patterns can be obtained non-invasively by duplex Doppler monitoring of IMA graft flow.

Prehospital thrombolysis in rural emergency room and subsequent transport to a coronary care unit: Ravenna Myocardial Infarction (RaMI) trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of thrombolysis in the Emergency Room of a Rural Hospital with no Coronary Care Unit, and subsequent transfer to the Coronary Care Unit of a City Hospital. DESIGN: Prospective study, controlled with two parallel groups of consecutive patients (Group 1: Rural Hospital, Group 2: CCU Ravenna) and administration of Anistreplase 30 intravenous unit. SETTING: Rural Emergency Rooms which transmitted the electrocardiogram by cardiotelephone to the Ravenna Coronary Care Unit (average distance 35 km; range: 17-50 km). PATIENTS: 280 (Group 1: 102 patients, Group 2: 178 patients) with suspected acute myocardial infarction and with no contra-indications to fibrinolysis, within 6 h of onset of symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: time saving, accuracy of diagnosis, adverse events, left ventricular function and survival. RESULTS: the median pain to needle time was 90' in Group 1 and 165' in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Accuracy of diagnosis for acute myocardial infarction was 91% and 100%, respectively. Complications were rare and none occurred during transfer. The creatine phosphokinase peak of Group 1 was lower than Group 2 (1389 vs. 2186 IU/l; P < 0.001). The echocardiographic Wall Motion Abnormality Score Index of Group 1 was lower than Group 2 (3.571 vs. 5.589; P < 0.001). Mortality at 35 days in Group 1 was 7.5% vs. 10.7% in Group 2 (-30%; P = n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: The Emergency Room physician, in close collaboration with the cardiologist, supplied a very high standard of pre-Coronary Care Unit diagnosis and therapy. Administration of Anistreplase in the rural Emergency Room brought about a significant reduction of pain to needle time, a significant improvement in left ventricular function and a reduction in mortality.

Non-invasive assessment of reperfusion of the infarct-related artery during coronary thrombolysis and its relation with left ventricular function.

We monitored ST segment continuously for at least 3 h after the beginning of lytic treatment in 103 patients undergoing early coronary thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction in order to ascertain whether this technique, which has been shown to be useful to assess recanalization of the infarct-related artery, is also able to identify the improvement in left ventricular function associated with successful reperfusion. Global left ventricular function (assessed in the 30 degrees right anterior oblique projection with the area/length method) and infarct zone wall motion (studied with the centerline method) were evaluated at least 4 weeks after the event. Reperfusion was thought to be achieved when ST segment elevation dropped > 50% relative to the most abnormal peak documented at any time in the study. Eighty patients (78%) met the criterium for successful reperfusion (group 1), and 23 (22%) did not (group 2). Both groups had similar clinical and angiographic characteristics. All indexes of global left ventricular function were significantly better in group 1 than in group 2 patients (end-diastolic volume: 176 +/- 51 vs. 209 +/- 76 ml, end-systolic volume: 66 +/- 40 vs. 97 +/- 55 ml, ejection fraction: 65 +/- 13 vs. 57 +/- 11%, respectively, all P < 0.02). Also the severity (-1.6 +/- 1.3 vs. -2.6 +/- 1.01 S.D./chord, respectively, P < 0.001) and the extension of hypokinesia in the infarct zone (number of chords with > 2 S.D.: 13 +/- 16 vs. 28 +/- 17, respectively, P < 0.0001) were less in group 1 than in group 2 patients. Furthermore, in reperfused patients, both global left ventricular function and regional wall motion were better in those admitted < 60 min from onset of pain. In conclusion, patients with rapid ( > 50%) decrease of ST segment elevation have smaller infarct size and better global left ventricular function than patients without electrocardiographic signs of reperfusion as assessed by continuous ST segment monitoring. This suggests that this non-invasive technique is a powerful tool able to identify patients most benefiting from thrombolytic therapy.

Incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus in a district of north Italy.

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and the prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in an area of northeast Italy. We retrospectively examined all patients of 16 years and older of native Italian origin and resident in Ferrara district either admitted to hospital or referred to our outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of SLE determined between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2002. SLE subjects were identified both by a search of hospital discharge code 710.0 according to the international classification of diseases-9 codes, and using a computerized search for this pathology code in the national health care system. Incidence and prevalence rates were calculated as number of cases per 100 000 inhabitants. Population data were based on the 2002 National Census. A total of 299 cases of SLE were identified. After a review of all cases by one experienced investigator, 98 were excluded because did not satisfied the 1982 revised criteria of the American College Rheumatology. Therefore, 201 patients had a definite diagnosis of SLE. The prevalence of SLE in the district was 57.9/100 000. The mean age at diagnosis was 41 years, the average duration of the disease from symptoms onset to diagnosis was 4.8 years and the female/male ratio 9:1. Annual incidence in 2000 was 2.01/100000, in 2001 1.15/100000 and in 2002 2.6/100000. This is the first study dealing with prevalence and incidence of SLE in an Italian district. Data obtained concerning prevalence, incidence, age at diagnoses and female predominance are in agreement with those published in literature.

Isolation and characterization of all eight bisadducts of fulleropyrrolidine derivatives.

We report the isolation and characterization of bisadducts of fulleropyrrolidine derivatives. The compounds were characterized by means of a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including ES-MS, UV-vis, (1)H NMR, and (13)C NMR. The whole series of bisadducts was separated for the first time in the case of the bispyrrolidines, and the determination of their structure was obtained by NMR spectroscopy with the help of HMQC and HMBC techniques.

Antimycobacterial activity of ionic fullerene derivatives.

Positively charged fullerene derivatives, moderately soluble in water:DMSO 9:1, have been tested using three strains of Mycobacterium spp. Some compounds inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a human clinical isolate, particularly virulent and resistant, at doses as low as 5 microg/mL.

[Left atrial enlargement. Electrocardiographic, radiographic and echocardiographic evaluation]. / Ingrandimento atriale sinistro. Valutazione elettrocardiografica, radiografica ed ecocardiografica.

Some ECG criteria and the radiologic method of Westcott are evaluated against echocardiography in the left atrial enlargement. ECG shows generally a very good sensitivity (72%); particularly when the diameter is more than 5 cm. The radiologic findings show significant correlative indexes in normal and in softly enlarged atria. In atria greater than or equal to 5 cm the method is not so precise; the reasons are discussed on an anatomical basis. We acknowledge an important place to the ECG described criteria and to the Westcott method in the depistage of the left atrium enlargement.

Routine coronary angioplasty with autoperfusion balloon catheter: Can prolonged inflations reduce myocardial ischemia and preserve myocardial function?

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is an established technique in the management of patients with angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction. One of the major problems related to PTCA is myocardial ischemia following balloon catheter occlusion of the coronary artery. A new device utilized in an attempt to counteract myocardial ischemia is the perfusion balloon catheter which allows passive transmission of pulsatile blood flow to the distal myocardial bed. Our purpose was to compare immediate results following traditional PTCA and autoperfusion balloon PTCA in two groups randomly assigned to receive one of the two treatments (total patients n. = 158). The results show that coronary angioplasty was successfully performed in 98.87% of patients treated with autoperfusion PTCA and in 97.10% of those treated with conventional PTCA. In the autoperfusion PTCA group we observed a lower incidence (statistically significant) of ST elevation and of minor complications. We conclude that autoperfusion balloon catheter angioplasty may be recommended for its immediate success rate with good patient tolerance and lower incidence of in-hospital complications.