Primary effects of singlet oxygen sensitizers on eggs and embryos of sea urchins.

Photodynamic effects of rose bengal, a well-known singlet oxygen sensitizer, and of haematoporphyrin derivative, the most widely used sensitizer in photodynamic therapy of tumours, could be visualized using sea urchin eggs and embryos. This biological material is a valuable model for the analysis of mechanisms and/or sites of the photodynamic action occurring in any living tissue. Depending on the sensitizer used, singlet oxygen may be identified as the main mediator of the cytotoxic effects observed. Besides observations made on the living, in particular within the context of fertilization ability of the egg cell, gross damages of the cells are morphologically analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The results support the working hypothesis explaining the different susceptibility of healthy and tumour cells for photosensitization as a cell cycle phenomenon.

[A case of paralysis of the right diaphragm with paralysis of the contralateral brachial plexus]. / Un caso di paralisi di emidiaframmatica dx con paralisi del plesso brachiale controlaterale.

We describe a case of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis following a distocic delivery. We think that the rarity of this syndrome in only apparent while, if investigated with fluoroscopy, much more cases can be discovered. Our case is interesting too since the Erb's palsy was contralateral to the diaphragmatic paralysis; that occurs in very few cases.

[Hepatitis B: is the current vaccination policy the correct one everywhere?]. / Epatite B: è ovunque corretta l'attuale strategia vaccinale?

In this study we have tried to examine retrospectively all the babies born to HBsAg + mothers in the past nine years, in order to evaluate which is the real incidence of perinatal transmission of HBsAg, and then if the actual politic to vaccinate only these babies is right and sufficient. The results demonstrate that the perinatal transmission is not a major problem in our country, so we suggest that for improvement of public health is more advised the vaccination of all infants: those born to HBsAg + mothers at the birth, the others in the third month of life.

[Feto-maternal transfusion. Description of a case]. / Trasfusione feto-materna. Descrizione di un caso.

Feto-maternal transfusion is an uncommon cause of neonatal anemia due to the passage of fetal blood in maternal circulation, in an amount greater than 150-180 ml. The onset of anemia may be acute or chronic in relation to the speed of blood loss. The case that we report has intermediate features between the acute and chronic form.