[Foodborne disease outbreak in El Huecú community, province of Neuquén]. / Brote de enfermedad alimentaria en la localidad de El Huecú, provincia de Neuquén.

In the summer of 2006, an epidemic outbreak of acute gastrointestinal illness related to food consumption occurred in a small town in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. During a popular feast, approximately 800 local residents attended lunch held in the facilities of the Municipal Gymnasium. About three hours later, nearly 150 attendees sought medical assistance at the local hospital due to acute gastroenteritis. A case-control epidemiological investigation was conducted using representative non-probability sampling. The epidemiological investigation showed a common-source foodborne disease outbreak with a case-control ratio of 1:1.8. The main symptoms were abdominal cramps (88%), vomiting (73.5%) and diarrhea (60%). The cake was identified as the source of infection (OR 9.79; IC 95%, 2.66-36.00; p = 0.0001), and unsatisfactory hygienic conditions in food production, conservation and handling steps were identified. Coagulase positive, enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus, subspecies aureus was detected in a piece of cake, with a count of 2.4 x 10(6) CFU/g, and in samples from the hands and nostrils of three people involved in food preparation and service. The strains isolated from both the cake and one of the food handlers carried the sea gene, and presented the same Smal-PFGE pattern. The foodborne disease outbreak was considered to be due to contamination in the preparation process of the cake consumed at the feast, which was related to inadequate hygienic conditions, lack of refrigeration and cold chain disruption.

Production and characterization of thin a-C:(H) films for gas permeation barrier functionality against He, CO(2), N(2), O(2) and H(2)O.

This work reports on (i) the gas barrier properties of a-C:H films rf-sputtered in Ar-H(2) plasmas from a graphite target on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and (ii) the influence of the film chemical structure and defect properties on the gas permeability. The intrinsic permeabilities of the films to He, CO(2), O(2), N(2) gases and H(2)O vapour were determined and found to be orders of magnitude lower than that of the bare PET. Indirect evidence was given to a solubility-diffusion process as the more probable permeation mechanism, over a gas flow through microdefects or gas transport through nanodefects by a Knudsen diffusion mechanism. The barrier capability of the films was found to scale as the gas molecular diameter within the He, CO(2), O(2) and N(2) series, and inversely with the gas critical temperature for the CO(2), O(2), N(2) and H(2)O series. A correlation between the film Urbach energy, E(u), and the gas permeability was established, except for H(2)O. Such findings further favour a bulk diffusion contributing mechanism to permeation over the gas state transport. Conversely, this E(u)-permeability relation shed more light on the origin of the valence band tailing of the amorphous carbon electron structure.

The mono-exponential pattern of phosphocreatine recovery after muscle exercise is a particular case of a more complex behaviour.

A mathematical model is proposed showing that the mono-exponential recovery of phosphocreatine (PCr) after exercise is an approximation of a more complex pattern, which is identified by a second-order differential equation. The model predicts the possibility of three different patterns of PCr recovery: bi-exponential, oscillatory damped, and critically damped; the mono-exponential pattern being a particular case of the functions which are solutions of the differential equation. The model was tested on a sample of recovery data from 50 volunteers, checking whether the recovery patterns predicted by the model lead to a significant improvement of fit (IF) compared with the mono-exponential pattern. Results show that the IF is linked to pH. Bi-exponential solutions showed an IF in the pH range 6.65-6.85, and the oscillatory solutions at pH>6.9. Critically damped solutions displayed a poor IF. Oscillation frequencies found in the oscillatory recoveries increase at increasing pH. These results show that pH has a pivotal role on the pattern of PCr recovery and implications on the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation are discussed.

Elf-pulsed magnetic fields modulate opioid peptide gene expression in myocardial cells.

OBJECTIVES: Magnetic fields have been shown to affect cell proliferation and growth factor expression in cultured cells. Although the activation of endorphin systems is a recurring motif among the biological events elicited by magnetic fields, compelling evidence indicating that magnetic fields may modulate opioid gene expression is still lacking. We therefore investigated whether extremely low frequency (ELF) pulsed magnetic fields (PMF) may affect opioid peptide gene expression and the signaling pathways controlling opioid peptide gene transcription in the adult ventricular myocyte, a cell type behaving both as a target and as a source for opioid peptides. METHODS: Prodynorphin gene expression was investigated in adult rat myocytes exposed to PMF by the aid of RNase protection and nuclear run-off transcription assays. In PMF-exposed nuclei, nuclear protein kinase C (PKC) activity was followed by measuring the phosphorylation rate of the acrylodan-labeled MARCKS peptide. The effect of PMF on the subcellular distribution of different PKC isozymes was assessed by immunoblotting. A radioimmunoassay procedure coupled to reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography was used to monitor the expression of dynorphin B. RESULTS: Here, we show that PMF enhanced myocardial opioid gene expression and that a direct exposure of isolated myocyte nuclei to PMF markedly enhanced prodynorphin gene transcription, as in the intact cell. The PMF action was mediated by nuclear PKC activation but occurred independently from changes in PKC isozyme expression and enzyme translocation. PMF also led to a marked increase in the synthesis and secretion of dynorphin B. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings demonstrate that an opioid gene is activated by myocyte exposure to PMF and that the cell nucleus and nuclear embedded PKC are a crucial target for the PMF action. Due to the wide ranging importance of opioid peptides in myocardial cell homeostasis, the current data may suggest consideration for potential biological effects of PMF in the cardiovascular system.

Cryptic subtelomeric translocation t(2;16)(q37;q24) segregating in a family with unexplained stillbirths and a dysmorphic, slightly retarded child.

We here describe a submicroscopic translocation affecting the subtelomeric regions of chromosomes 2q and 16q, and segregating in a family with stillbirths, early pregnancy losses, and two dysmorphic and slightly retarded babies. FISH analysis showed a 46,XY,der(2)t(2;16)(q37.3;q24.3) in the propositus, and a balanced t(2;16) in his mother, her conceptus and maternal grandfather. FISH with YACs and BACs made it possible to map the 2q37 breakpoint precisely between the regions covered by y952E1 and y746H1, and the 16q breakpoint between the regions encompassed by bA 309g16 and bA 533d19. The contribution of 2q37.3 monosomy and 16q24.3 trisomy to the proband's phenotype is compared with that in reported patients with similar imbalances of either chromosome.

FISH characterization of a supernumerary r(1)(::cen-->q22::q22-->sq21::) chromosome associated with multiple anomalies and bilateral cataracts.

We describe the case of a 15-year-old girl with multiple congenital anomalies, dysmorphic features, severe kyphoscoliosis, growth and mental retardation, and the absence of speech, in whom 35% of the cells carried a supernumerary ring chromosome 1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using YAC/BAC clones spanning the region from 1p13 to 1q21 made it possible to determine the genomic content and structure of the ring(1), which was found to consist of the cytogenetic bands 1q21-22. A complex structure was delineated in the ring chromosome with a partial inverted duplication delimited by markers WI-7732 and WI-607, with WI-7396 and WI-8386 being the boundaries of the single copy segment. Comparison of the clinical signs of other patients with mosaic r(1) reported in the literature allowed the identification of a patient sharing a number of clinical signs including cataracts. Given that mutations of the GJA8 gene encoding connexin 50 (Cx50) and mapping to 1q21 have been associated with the presence of cataracts, it is possible that a gain in copy number or a rearrangement of GJA8 may contribute to cataractogenesis.

Refined FISH characterization of a de novo 1p22-p36.2 paracentric inversion and associated 1p21-22 deletion in a patient with signs of 1p36 microdeletion syndrome.

We report on a 10-year-old boy presenting with obesity, moderate mental retardation, large anterior fontanelle at birth, mild physical anomalies including mid-face hypoplasia, deep-set eyes, long philtrum, and small mouth. He was found to carry a paracentric inversion inv(1)(p22p36.2) associated with a 10 cM deletion at the proximal breakpoint. By YAC FISH, the boundaries of the deletion were established at IB1028 (1p21) and WI-5166 (1p22) STSs contained in YACs 781E8 and 954F6, respectively. This large region, covering about 10 cM, contains the COL11A1 and AMY2B genes, whose haploinsufficiency does not seem to contribute significantly to the clinical phenotype. On the other hand, the patient's clinical manifestations, also including visual problems and moderate mental retardation, are those typically observed in the 1p36 deletion syndrome. Refined mapping of the telomeric 1p36.2 inversion breakpoint was obtained by FISH of a PAC contig constructed to encompass this subinterval of the 1p36 microdeletion syndrome region. PACs 1024B10 and 884E7 were found to span the breakpoint, suggesting that the clinical signs of the 1p36 microdeletion syndrome might be due to disruption of a sequence lying at 1p36.2.

Pure 6p22-pter trisomic patient: refined FISH characterization and genotype-phenotype correlation.

First described in 1971, partial trisomy 6p is uncommon and generally secondary to a familial reciprocal translocation. The proximal breakpoint of the reported cases varies from p11 to p25. We here report on a patient with moderate mental retardation, craniofacial and pigmentary anomalies, proteinuria, and hyperglycemia who was found to have a mosaic karyotype 46,X,add(Y)(q12)/45,X. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) enabled us to identify that the additional material on Yqh derived from 6p and to define the rearrangement as der(Y)t(Y;6)(q12;p22). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of trisomy 6p22-pter without an associated deleted segment; the second breakpoint of the rearrangement is in Yqh. Precise mapping of the centromeric breakpoint of the trisomic 6p segment allowed a more convincing correlation between partial 6p trisomy and clinical phenotype to be addressed. In particular, the proteinuria often observed in 6p trisomic patients could be assigned to the 6p22-6pter region.

FISH characterization of two supernumerary r(1) associated with distinct clinical phenotypes.

Only a few reports on supernumerary r(1) chromosomes associated with a clinical phenotype have been published. We describe two unrelated patients with congenital malformations and developmental delay who were found to have a de novo supernumerary r(1) in 50% (Case 1) and 80% (Case 2) of the examined cells. Conventional cytogenetic techniques (QFQ, CBG, and DA-DAPI), complemented by fluorescence in situ hybridization studies using alpha satellite probes, showed that both small marker chromosomes (SMCs) primarily consisted of the centromere and heterochromatin of chromosome 1, a conclusion that was also supported by chromosome 1 painting. In an attempt to establish phenotype-genotype correlations, a further investigation was performed using YACs mapped to the chromosome 1 pericentromeric region. A fluorescent signal was evident after hybridization with Y934G9 (1q21) in Case 1 and Y959C4 (1p11.1-12) in Case 2. Partial trisomy of unique sequences flanking pericentromeric sequences is shown to underlie the clinical phenotype in both patients. This evidence should be taken into account when SMCs are ascertained, particularly in prenatal diagnosis.

Characteristics of women under 20 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

The relationship between risk of cervical neoplasia and various sociodemographic, reproductive and sexual characteristics was studied in 126 women (cases) with an abnormal Papanicolaou test finding and 1914 controls seen at the same clinic in which cases were detected but showing no evidence of cervical neoplasia. All the subjects of this study were under the age of 20. Number of sexual partners and clinical occurrence of genital warts emerged as the most important determinants of the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in these very young women (Relative Risk (RR) for three or more sexual partners = 2.45, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.63-3.70, RR for occurrence of genital warts, adjusted for number of sexual partners = 9.15, 95% CI: 5.06-16.26). Also having grown up in a 'problem' family seemed to increase the probability of developing CIN (RR adjusted for number of partners = 1.64, 95% CI 1.06-2.52). For all other investigated characteristics, cases and controls were remarkably similar. These include socioeconomic status, parity, smoking habits, use of various contraceptive methods and also indicators of sexual activity such as age of first having sexual intercourse, and duration and frequency of intercourse. Although this group of women under 20 only allows the study of less severe precursors of cervical cancer, it helps to highlight the earliest effect of purported risk factors for cervical neoplasia, chiefly sexual habits, at a time very close to their being established.

Role of chemical interactions in bacterial adhesion to polymer surfaces.

Development of biomaterial-related infections is attracting an increasing interest due to the significant percentage of implant failure in the hospital care. Recent literature puts in evidence the dependence of the infection risk on the different biomaterials used, because of the different interactions between material surface and micro-organisms. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying the adhesion of bacteria to the biomaterial surface are still unclear. Aim of this work is to study the initial events of the processes responsible for the bacterial adhesion on polymers in order to prevent the development of bacterial infections and the consequent failure and replacement of biomedical devices. Electrostatic and Lifshitz-van der Waals forces are usually considered responsible for the interactions at the biomaterial interface. A new term that involves Lewis acid-base interactions is here introduced to better describe the bacterial adhesion to the polymer surface. Two requirements are needed to test this hypothesis: the development of an ideal polymeric surface in terms of chemical and morphological properties and the choice of a specific bacterial strain to be utilized as "probe". Experiments were worked out using an Escherichia coli (Gram-) strain that represent one of the principal isolates from infected biomaterial implants and its adhesion was investigated on polymers having different acid/basic character. The findings indicate that the bacterial adhesion is influenced by the chemical properties of the polymeric surface. These results may be interpreted taking into account a mechanism in which the acid/base (Lewis) interaction plays an important role.

Colposcopic findings in virgin and sexually active teenagers.

The colposcopic findings in 86 virgin teenagers are reported and compared with a matched control group of 172 sexually active teenagers. The results show that an atypical transformation zone may be observed in virgins and that the prevalence rate of this condition is different when compared with that of sexually active teenagers. These data suggest that: 1) the presence of a colposcopically observed atypical epithelium is due to a normal maturation process occurring in young women after the menarche, and 2) coitus is responsible for the prolongation of this process in sexually active teenagers.

FISH characterization of t(8;12)(q12;p13) observed as the sole karyotypic anomaly in a myelodysplastic syndrome patient.

We report a t(8;12)(q12; p13) as the sole cytogenetic anomaly in a patient with a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). By means of FISH, we mapped the genomic region involved in the breakpoint (bkp) on both chromosomes. The 12p13 bkp mapped between markers WI-664 and WI-9218, immediately distal to the breakpoint cluster region frequently involved in hematological neoplasms targeted by y964C10. The 8q12 bkp (not yet investigated by FISH) was characterized and found to occur between markers WI-3263 and D8S524 within the region recognized by y874E10.

The postcoital IUD as an effective continuing contraceptive method.

A two-year controlled clinical study of the effectiveness of postcoital IUD as a continuing contraceptive method in 98 women requesting a postcoital contraception is presented. The control group was selected from women requesting an IUD as contraceptive choice. The rates of accidental pregnancy, expulsion and removal for medical reasons did not differ between the two groups. Removal for personal reasons was the only termination event that showed a significant difference at one year. Moreover, the removal for personal reasons of interceptive IUD users mainly occurred in the early months after insertion. Postcoital IUD has proved to be an effective continuing contraceptive method. Special attention and sympathetic counseling should be given to postcoital IUD users before insertion and during the three months following insertion.

PIP: A 2-year controlled clinical study of the effectiveness of postcoital IUD as a continuing contraceptive method in 98 women requesting a postcoital contraception is presented. The control group was selected from women requesting an IUD as contraceptive choice, in a family planning education center in Italy. The rates of accidental pregnancy, expulsion, and removal for medical reasons did not differ between the 2 groups. Removal for medical reasons was the only termination event that showed a significant difference at 1 year. Moreover, the removal for personal reasons of interceptive IUD users occurred mainly in the early months after insertion. Postcoital IUD has proved to be an effective continuing contraceptive method. Special attention and sympathetic counseling should be given to postcoital IUD users before insertion and during the 3 months following insertion.

[Socio-sanitary analysis of the first 300 voluntary interruptions of pregnancy carried out in the obstetrical-gynecological division of the Bassini Hospital of Milan]. / Analisi socio-sanitaria sulle prime 300 interruzioni volontarie di gravidanza effettuate dalla Divisione Ostetrico-Ginecologica dell'Ospedale Bassini di Milano.

PIP: 300 abortion seekers were interviewed to investigate the causes leading to interruption of pregnancy, and the characteristics of the women themselves. 19% were below 20, and 10% below 18 years of age; 26% were immigrants from the south of Italy, and most had a very low educational and socioeconomic status. About 30% were housewives, and 57% were married. 90% of partners were favorable to the intervention, while the great majority of parents did not know about it. Socioeconomic reasons were given more often for the request of abortion. 67.7% of interventions were performed after the 8th week of pregnancy; 93% of women declared they would have seeked abortion any way, even if it had not been legal. The most used contraceptive method at the time of conception was coitus interruptus; the pill or the IUD were used by only 1.5% of women, while 25% did not use any form of contraception.^ieng

Exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma and sinusitis.

Exhaled nitric oxide (FE(NO)) is a surrogate marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation. The measurement of this gas can be easily performed in children and the result is immediately available. Because of these characteristics, measurement of FE(NO) is slowly becoming part of the routine clinical evaluation of an asthmatic patient. FE(NO) measurement may have a role both in the diagnosis of asthma and as a guide in therapy algorithms. For example when FE(NO) levels are persistently normal and the asthmatic child is asymptomatic, the steroid therapy may be decreased or even stopped. In patients with acute or chronic rhinosinusitis the levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) are significantly decreased, while they rise up after a course of antibiotics. The measurement of nasal NO has been proposed as a functional test to evaluate sinus ventilation. Nasal NO is significantly reduced also in primary ciliary dyskinesia and can be used as a screening tool to identify patients affected by this condition.