Reggio Emilia (Northern Italy) Interdisciplinary Uveitis Clinic: What We Have Learned in the Last 20 Years.

PURPOSE: To analyze the referral patterns and the clinical and therapeutic features of patients diagnosed with uveitis in an Italian tertiary referral center to provide a comparison with previously published series from the same center. METHODS: Retrospective retrieval of data on all new referrals to the Ocular Immunology Unit in Reggio Emilia (Italy) between November 2015 and April 2022 and comparison with previously published series from the same center. RESULTS: Among the 1557 patients, the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.27. Anterior uveitis was the most common diagnosis (53.7%), followed by posterior (21.6%), pan- (18.5%), and intermediate (6.2%) uveitis. The most identifiable specific diagnoses were anterior herpetic uveitis (18.4%), Fuchs uveitis (12.8%), and tuberculosis (6.1%). Infectious etiologies were the most frequent (34.1%) and were more diffuse among non-Caucasian patients (p < 0.001), followed by systemic disease-associated uveitis (26.5%), and ocular-specific conditions (20%). Idiopathic uveitis accounted for 19.4% of cases. Fuchs uveitis presented the longest median diagnostic delay (21 months). Immunosuppressants were administered to 25.2% of patients. Antimetabolites, calcineurin inhibitors, and biologicals were prescribed to 18.4%, 3%, and 11.4% of cases, respectively. Compared to our previous reports, we observed a significant increase in foreign-born patients and in infectious uveitis, a decrease in idiopathic conditions, and an increasing use of non-biological and biological steroid-sparing drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of uveitis in Italy have been changing over the last 20 years, very likely due to migration flows. Diagnostic improvements and a more widespread interdisciplinary approach could reduce the incidence of idiopathic uveitis as well as diagnostic delay.

Neonatal Dermatologic Findings in Uruguay: Epidemiology and Predisposing Factors. / Epidemiología y factores predisponentes de los hallazgos dermatológicos en neonatos de Uruguay.

BACKGROUND: The skin is a fundamental organ in the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. The newborn infant experiences physiological changes and often presents benign, transient skin characteristics that vary according to maternal, gestational, and neonatal factors. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the frequency of various dermatologic findings during the first 72hours of life and to identify their association with maternal, gestational, or neonatal factors. METHODS: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study from April to July 2015 and July to November 2017 in the maternity ward of Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. We examined the skin of neonates within 72hours of birth. Proportions and 95% CI were calculated for all findings. Associations between findings and factors were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2811 neonates were included. We observed at least one neonatal skin finding in all of the neonates and found a median (interquartile range) of 8 (6-9) findings (minimum-maximum, 1-16). We observed 42 of the 46 possible characteristics we looked for; 99.9% of the findings were benign and transient. Among the findings were lanugo (98%; 95% CI, 97.7%-98.7%), physiological scaling (79.7%; 95% CI: 78.2%-81.1%), and sebaceous hyperplasia (73.3%; 95% CI: 71.6%-74.9%). Lanugo (P=.001), physiological scaling (P<.001), and erythema toxicum (P=.001) were observed significantly more often in full- and late-term neonates. Sebaceous hyperplasia (P=.001) and transient hyperpigmentation (P<.001) were found more often in newborn males. Erythema toxicum was more common after vaginal births (P=.008). Transient hyperpigmentation (P<.001) and dermal melanocytosis (P<.001) were seen more often in neonates of African descent. CONCLUSIONS: All neonates have skin characteristics that are part of their adaptation to extrauterine life. Most are benign and transient. Maternal age, type of delivery, and certain neonatal factors such as gestational age, birth weight, sex, and ethnicity are associated with specific findings.

LyeTx I, a potent antimicrobial peptide from the venom of the spider Lycosa erythrognatha.

LyeTx I, an antimicrobial peptide isolated from the venom of Lycosa erythrognatha, known as wolf spider, has been synthesised and its structural profile studied by using the CD and NMR techniques. LyeTx I has shown to be active against bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Candida krusei and Cryptococcus neoformans) and able to alter the permeabilisation of L: -alpha-phosphatidylcholine-liposomes (POPC) in a dose-dependent manner. In POPC containing cholesterol or ergosterol, permeabilisation has either decreased about five times or remained unchanged, respectively. These results, along with the observed low haemolytic activity, indicated that antimicrobial membranes, rather than vertebrate membranes seem to be the preferential targets. However, the complexity of biological membranes compared to liposomes must be taken in account. Besides, other membrane components, such as proteins and even specific lipids, cannot be discarded to be important to the preferential action of the LyeTx I to the tested microorganisms. The secondary structure of LyeTx I shows a small random-coil region at the N-terminus followed by an alpha-helix that reached the amidated C-terminus, which might favour the peptide-membrane interaction. The high activity against bacteria together with the moderate activity against fungi and the low haemolytic activity have indicated LyeTx I as a good prototype for developing new antibiotic peptides.

Characterisation of focal liver lesions undetermined at grey-scale US: contrast-enhanced US versus 64-row MDCT and MRI with liver-specific contrast agent.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the characterisation of focal liver lesions in comparison with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with liver-specific contrast agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty-seven focal liver lesions, 91 malignant and 96 benign (mean size 3.2 cm) - proved by biopsy (n=12), histology (n=4), MDCT (n=108), MRI (n=44) MDCT/MRI (n=19) - in 159 patients were studied by CEUS. Two expert radiologists consensually evaluated the contrast-enhancement patterns at CEUS. For each lesion, they assessed: (a) nature (benign, malignant, not assessable), (b) specific diagnosis and (c) need for further radiological evaluation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of CEUS were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 167/187 (89.3%) lesions were correctly assessed as benign or malignant at CEUS, whereas 14/187 (7.5%) lesions remained undetermined and 6/187 (3.2%) were incorrectly assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of CEUS were, respectively, 89%, 89.6%, 89%, 89.6% and 89.3%. The need for further radiological evaluation decreased to 46/187 (24.6%) lesions after CEUS (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, CEUS can be considered an effective alternative to MDCT and MRI and reduce the need for further radiological workup.

Influence of Temperature and Precipitation Anomaly on the Seasonal Emergence of Invasive Bark Beetles in Subtropical South America.

Several invasive bark beetle species have caused major economic and ecological losses in South America. Accurate predictions of beetle emergence times will make control efforts more efficient and effective. To determine whether bark beetle emergence can be predicted by season, temperature, or precipitation, we analyzed trapping records for three introduced pest species of bark beetles in Uruguay. We used trigonometric functions as seasonal predictors in generalized linear models to account for purely seasonal effects, while testing for effects of temperature and precipitation. Results show that all three beetle species had strong but unique seasonal emergence patterns and responded differently to temperature and precipitation. Cyrtogenius luteus (Blandford) emerged in summer and increased with precipitation but was not affected by temperature. Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) emerged in winter and increased with temperature but was not affected by precipitation. Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston) had a primary emergence in spring, and a smaller emergence in early summer, but showed no significant relationship with temperature or precipitation. This study shows that the emergence of these bark beetle species in Uruguay is influenced by seasonality more than by temperature and precipitation fluctuations. It also shows how seasonality can be easily incorporated into models to make more accurate predictions about pest population dynamics.

Prevalence of myocardial bridging and correlation with coronary atherosclerosis studied with 64-slice CT coronary angiography.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of myocardial bridging in patients who underwent multislice computed tomography coronary angiography (MSCT-CA) and to evaluate the correlation between bridged coronary segments and atherosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 277 patients (mean age 60+/-11 years) we consecutively examined with 64-slice MSCT-CA for suspected or known coronary atherosclerosis were retrospectively reviewed for myocardial bridging. Segments proximal and distal to the bridging were evaluated for atherosclerotic plaque, as were the remaining coronary segments. RESULTS: Myocardial bridging was present in 82 patients (30%, mean age 59+/-12). Bridges were of variable length (<1 cm 58%; 1-2 cm 32%; >2 cm 10%) and depth (superficial 69%, intramyocardial 31%) and frequently localised in the mid-distal segment of the left anterior descending artery (95%). Myocardial bridging cannot be considered a significant risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis (odds ratio 0.49) compared with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Coronary segments proximal to the bridge showed no atherosclerotic disease (33%), positive remodelling (27%), <50% stenosis (20%) or >50% stenosis (20%). We identified 12 noncalcified, 32 mixed and 17 calcified plaques. The distal segments were significantly less affected (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MSCT-CA is a reliable, noninvasive method that is able to depict myocardial bridging and associated atherosclerotic plaque in the proximal segments.

Testicular metastasis as isolated recurrence after radical prostatectomy. A first case.

Prostate cancer synchronously or metachronously metastasizing to the testis is a rare finding. We herein report on the first case of a solitary testicular metastasis from an organ-confined prostate cancer, diagnosed 6 months after a radical prostatectomy, without evidence of previous or concomitant biochemical and local recurrence.

Prulifloxacin versus levofloxacin in the treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.

Ninety-six patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and evidence of infection were randomized to receive a 4-week oral course of either prulifloxacin (a new fluoroquinolone) 600 mg or levofloxacin 500 mg once daily. They were evaluated with the Meares-Stamey test and the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) at baseline and one week after therapy completion. Patients with microbiological eradication were evaluated again with the Meares-Stamey test 6 months after therapy completion. The microbiological eradication rate was 72.73% for prulifloxacin and 71.11% for levofloxacin (p=0.86) and the reduction in the NIH-CPSI was 10.75 and 10.73, respectively (p=0.98). Safety was comparable, with 18.18% adverse events for prulifloxacin and 22.22% for levofloxacin (p=0.79). Thus, a 4-week course of prulifloxacin 600 mg once daily is at least as effective and safe as levofloxacin 500 mg once daily in the treatment of CBP.

Characterization of the venom from the Brazilian Brown Spider Loxosceles similis Moenkhaus, 1898 (Araneae, Sicariidae).

Accidents caused by brown spiders (Loxosceles genus) are frequent in Brazil and are associated with dermonecrotic lesions and, eventually, systemic reactions that may be lethal. The major species implicated with human envenoming have been: L. intermedia, L. gaucho and L. laeta. In this study we characterized the venom from Loxosceles similis, a species of spider normally found inside caves. L. similis venom was characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and enzymatic activity (dermonecrosis and haemolysis). The lethal dose to mice and the capacity of commercial anti-serum to neutralize this venom were also analysed. The cross-reactivity with anti-venoms against L. intermedia, L. laeta and L. gaucho were studied. Our results showed that this venom was able to induce severe dermonecrotic lesions and showed the presence of the bacteria Clostridium septicum in association with the fangs. In addition, we have cloned the DNA coding for a dermonecrotic protein (LsD1), using the genomic DNA of L. similis. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a toxin of approximately 31.2 kDa with an estimated pI of 7.37 and sequence similar to LiD1, a protein from the dermonecrotic family of Loxosceles intermedia spider venom, a synanthropic species of medical importance.

MR dacryocystography: comparison with dacryocystography and CT dacryocystography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several techniques have been used to image the nasolacrimal system, providing functional (dacryoscintigraphy) or morphologic (dacryocystography, CT dacryocystography [CTD]) information. Using gadopentetate dimeglumine-diluted solution injected into the lacrimal canaliculus or instilled into the conjunctival sac, we compared the sensitivity of MR dacryocystography (MRD) with that of CTD. METHODS: Eleven healthy volunteers and 25 patients affected by primary epiphora (21 patients) or postsurgical recurrent epiphora (four patients) underwent MRD after the topical administration of contrast media or cannulation of the lacrimal canaliculus. The MR imaging findings were compared with irrigation and CTD data. All patients underwent surgical treatment (dacryocystorhinostomy), which served as a standard of reference for confirming the MRD findings. RESULTS: The topical administration of contrast-enhanced saline solution and the injection of contrast-enhanced saline solution after cannulation were always well tolerated. In healthy volunteers, outflow of contrast media was always revealed by MRD. Eight (32%) of 25 patients with epiphora had stenosis proximal to the lacrimal sac revealed by MRD, whereas 17 (68%) of 25 showed a dilated lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct stenosis, as confirmed by surgical findings. The findings of MRD after the topical administration of contrast medium and MRD after cannulation of the lacrimal canaliculus were comparable with irrigation or CTD data for all patients except one. CONCLUSION: In patients with epiphora, MR imaging performed after the topical administration of diluted contrast material can reveal stenosis of the lacrimal apparatus and can be added to the standard orbital imaging protocol when lacrimal system involvement is suspected.

Effects of a Lasiodora spider venom on Ca2+ and Na+ channels.

The venom of a Brazilian spider, Lasiodora sp (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae), was screened for activity against ion channels using Ca2+ imaging and whole-cell patch clamp in GH3 cells. When tetrodotoxin (TTX) was present to block Na+ channels, the venom abolished the Ca2+ oscillations that are normally present in these cells and reduced the basal level of intracellular Ca2+. Under patch clamp, the venom reduced the L-type Ca2+ channel conductance and caused a positive shift in its voltage dependence of activation. In addition to these effects, when applied without TTX, the venom also caused a slow and noisy increase in intracellular Ca2+. The sensitivity of this second effect to TTX suggested an effect on Na+ channels, which was tested using patch clamp. Control Na+ currents inactivated completely as a single exponential. Treatment with the venom did not affect the amplitude of I(Na), but caused it to divide in two slower exponential components plus a sustained component, all of which were suppressed by TTX. The venom also caused a negative shift in the voltage dependence of activation and steady-state inactivation of I(Na). The observed effects of this venom on whole-cell currents explain the changes it causes in intracellular Ca2+ in GH3 cells and demonstrate that the venom of this spider is a source of toxins active against ion channels.

Static magnetic fields generated by a 0.5 T MRI unit affects in vitro expression of activation markers and interleukin release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the static magnetic field (SMF) generated by a 0.5 T superconducting MRI unit on in vitro activation marker expression and interleukin release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PBMC samples were split into two groups: exposed and sham-exposed under isothermal conditions. PBMC were exposed for 2 h at 24 degrees C to the SMF of a 0.5 T superconducting MRI unit. Immediately after exposure, both samples were cultured for 24 h at 37 degrees C with or without mitogenic stimulation by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). PBMC were examined for expression of CD25, CD69 and CD71 by immunofluorescence analysis and supernatants were assayed to quantify IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-4 by ELISA. RESULTS: The 0.5 T SMF produced, after 24 h of culture, a reduced expression of CD69 from PBMC in vitro, that was enhanced after PHA stimulation. An increased release of IFN-gamma and IL-4 was also found, which was reduced after PHA stimulation. The release of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 was not modified. CONCLUSIONS: The SMF generated by a 0.5 T superconducting MRI unit modified in vitro activation marker expression and interleukin release from human PBMC.

Effects of larval nutrition on the postembryonic development of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera:Pulicidae).

Dry blood from mammals and birds was used as larval diet for the development of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché), in the laboratory. Diets that contained host blood and cornmeal heated at 40 degrees C for 30 min were inadequate for most larvae to form pupae. Development time from 1st instar to adult ranged from 30 to 33 d. Except for the diet containing Mastomys blood, the diets that consisted of blood alone from other hosts air dried at room temperature contained sufficient nutritional value to allow adults to be obtained from > 51.7% of larvae fed these diets. Adults were obtained from > 81% of pupae. Although the Mastomys or mouse blood contributed to better diets than the dog or pigeon blood through shorter developmental time from 1st instar to adults, greater numbers of pupae and adults were obtained from diets that contained dog and mouse blood. Highly significant differences existed between pigeon and Mastomys blood in relation to the number of cocoons formed and between pigeon and dog blood or pigeon and mouse blood in relation to adult emergence. Differences between dog and mouse blood in the larval diet were significant only in relation to mortality that occurred to the pupae.

[Dosimetry "in vivo" with thermoluminescent detectors. 2. Results of the use of 99mTc-sulfocolloid in radioisotope diagnosis of the liver]. / Dosimetria "in vivo" con rivelatori a termoluminescenza Nota 2. Risultati per impiego di 99mTc-solfocolloidale nella radioisotopodiagnostica del fegato.

Absorbed does values detected by thermoluminescence-type minidosimeters implanted in vivo in the dog following the diagnostic administration of 99mTc-sulphocolloid are reported. They are compared with those obtained when colloid 198Au was used in the same way, and with the mathematically calculated data reported in the literature.

[Contribution of radiological and radioisotope technics to the study of lung physiopathology]. / Il contributo delle tecniche radiologiche e radioisotopiche allo studio della fisiopatologia del polmone.

Reference is made to the problems posed by the physiopathology of the senile lung and the manifold effects of structural deformities. A comparison is made between the possibilities offered by radiological techniques and the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of scintiscans obtained after the perfusion of 131I MAA. Examination of the data from healthy subjects of various ages and those from patients with obstructive bronchopathy and emphysema showed that uniform distribution of the isotope can generally be expected in 2/3 of subjects with "senile lung". Uneven borders and occasionally irregular distribution of radioactivity were noted in the remainder.

[Dosimetry in hepato-biliary "in vivo" with thermoluminescent detectors. 3. Results of the use of I 131-rose bengal radioisotope diagnosis]. / Dosimetria "in vivo" con rivelatori a termoluminescenza Nota 3. Risultati per implego di [3]I-rosa bengala nella radioisotopodiagnostica epato-biliare.

Absorbed dose values measured in certain dog organs by in vivo application of RTL minidosimeters followed by i.v. adminstration of rose begal 131I in doses employed on a routine basis in hepatobiliary isotopodiagnosis are reported. The results are compared with those reported in the literature, obtained with a mathematical method.

[Biological effects of ultrasonics used in diagnosis. Experimental studies on the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into rat hepatocytes]. / Effetti biologici degli ultrasuoni impiegati a scopo diagnostico. Ricerche sperimentali sull'incorporazione di timidina tritiata in epatociti di ratto.

In order to evaluate the possible effects of diagnostically employed ultrasounds on DNA turnover, 35 Wistar strain rats were subjected to an ultrasonic frequency band of 2.25 MHz for exposure times varying from 10 to 500 seconds. Upon administration of thymidine tritiate, it was observed that capacity to absorb the substance remained largely normal in those rats exposed for up to 40 seconds, but was diminished where longer exposure times were employed.

[Histoenzymatic changes and dosimetric studies of some organs and areas, using diagnostic radioisotopes. Critical review of a 10-year experiment]. / Modificazioni istoenzimatiche e rilievi dosimetrici su alcuni organi e distretti per impiego di radioisotopi a scopo diagnostico. Resoconto critico di una esperienza decennale.

Ten years experience of dosimetry and study of the histochemical changes brought on by internal irradiation are reviewed. The research is broken down into three stages: 1) identification of enzymatic damage in small laboratory animals; 2) study of the dose really absorbed at various points of critical organs of large animals, 3) the collection of histoenzymatic data resulting from research on large animals treated internally with isotopes commonly used in diagnosis.

[Incidence of hepatic metastases of breast cancer. Scintigraphic study with radiocolloids in 111 patients]. / Sulla incidenza delle metastasi epatiche da cancro della mammella. Studio scintigrafico con radiocolloidi in 111 pazienti

The anatomical and physiological premises of liver scintigraphy with radiocolloids as a useful study in patients suffering from various stages of breast cancer are analysed. A series of 111 cases is then reported. The technique was used on these cases one or more times and revealed the presence of a scintigraphic picture suggesting liver metastasis in 36% of cases (27.5% at first observation). These data proved higher than those previously reported in the literature by other workers. The technique is therefore proposed as a routine investigation in patients suffering from breast cancer.