Provision of choline chloride to the bovine preimplantation embryo alters postnatal body size and DNA methylation.

Choline is a vital micronutrient that can be utilized in the formation of betaine and multiple phospholipids. In this study, we aimed to confirm, and expand on previous findings, how choline impacts embryos from the first 7 days of development to affect postnatal phenotype. Bos indicus embryos were cultured in a choline-free medium (termed vehicle) or medium supplemented with 1.8 mM choline Blastocyst-stage embryos were transferred into crossbred recipients. Once born, calves were evaluated at birth, 94 d, 178 d and at weaning (average age = 239 d). Following weaning, all calves were enrolled into a feed efficiency trial before being separated by sex, with males being slaughtered at approximately 580 d of age and females followed until their first pregnancy check. Results confirm that exposure of 1.8 mM choline chloride during the first 7 d of development alters postnatal characteristics of the resultant calves. Calves of both sexes from choline-treated embryos were consistently heavier through weaning and males had heavier testes at 3 mo of age. There were sex-dependent alterations in DNA methylation in whole blood caused by choline treatment. After weaning, feed efficiency was affected by an interaction with sex, with choline calves being more efficient for females and less efficient for males. Calves from choline-treated embryos were heavier, or tended to be heavier, than calves from vehicle embryos at all observations after weaning. Carcass weight was heavier for choline calves and the cross-sectional area of the Longissumus thoracis muscle was increased by choline. Few females became pregnant during the experiment although numerically more choline females were pregnant than vehicle females. Results confirm that exposure of the preimplantation embryo to 1.8 mM choline can alter phenotypes of the resultant calves through the first 19 months after birth.

Study of specific immunodominant antigens in different stages of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Hammondia spp.

The family Sarcocystidae includes several intracellular coccidial parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Hammondia spp. with heteroxenous life cycles involving different parasitic stages (oocysts/sporocysts, tachyzoites and bradyzoites in tissue cysts). The aim of this work was to evaluate monoclonal antibodies (MAb) (anti NcSAG1, anti NcSAG4 and anti TgCC2) and/or polyclonal antibodies (PAb) (anti NcSAG4 and anti TgBAG1) to label specific immunodominant antigens in different parasitic stages of N. caninum (oocyst, bradyzoite and tachyzoite), T. gondii (oocyst, cyst and tachyzoite), H. heydorni (oocyst), S. cruzi (cyst and bradyzoite) and S. falcatula (sporocyst). It was observed that the MAb directed against NcSAG1 reacted exclusively with N. caninum tachyzoites. In contrast, the MAb directed against NcSAG4 did not react with any of the parasites tested at any stage. The MAb directed against NcSAG4 reacted with both N. caninum and T. gondii tachyzoites, T. gondii tissue cysts and S. cruzi tissue cysts and bradyzoites. As expected, the MAb directed against the T. gondii tissue cyst wall antigen TgCC2 reacted with T. gondii tissue cysts, N. caninum bradyzoites, but also with T. gondii and H. heydorni oocysts and S. falcatula sporocysts. Finally, the PAb directed against the T. gondii bradyzoite proteinTgBAG1 reacted with T. gondii tissue cysts, N. caninum bradyzoites, and also with S. cruzi tissue cysts and bradyzoites. These data reveal a wide range of cross-reactions between different species of protozoa and between different developmental stages, which should be taken into account in the design and evaluation of diagnostic tests, as well as in the assessment of vaccination and challenge studies.

Understanding the anatomy of dermoscopy of melanocytic skin tumours: Correlation in vivo with line-field optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Early melanoma detection is the main factor affecting prognosis and survival. For that reason, non-invasive technologies have been developed to provide a more accurate diagnosis. Recently, line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) was developed to provide an in vivo, imaging device, with deep penetration and cellular resolution in three dimensions. Combining the advantages of conventional OCT and reflectance confocal microscopy, this tool seems to be particularly suitable for melanocytic lesions. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the correlation between specific dermoscopic criteria and LC-OCT features in three dimensions associated with melanocytic lesions. METHODS: Dermoscopic and LC-OCT images of 126 melanocytic lesions were acquired in three different centres. The following dermoscopic criteria have been considered: reticular pattern, dots and globules, structureless areas, blue-whitish veil, regression structures, negative network, homogeneous pattern, streaks and blotches. RESULTS: 69 (55%) benign and 57 (45%) malignant lesions were analysed. A regular reticular pattern was found associated in the 75% of the cases with the presence of elongated rete ridges with pigmented cells along the basal layer, while atypical reticular pattern showed an irregular organization of rete ridges with melanocytic hyperplasia, broadened and fused ridges and elongated nests. Both typical and atypical dots and globules were found associated with melanocytic nests in the dermis or at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ), as well as with keratin cysts/pseudocysts. Grey globules corresponded to the presence of melanin-containing dermal inflammatory cells (melanophages) within the papillae. Structureless brown/black areas correlated with alterations of the DEJ. We observed the same DEJ alterations, but with the presence of dermal melanophages, in 36% of the cases of blue/white/grey structureless areas. A description of each LC-OCT/dermoscopy correlation was made. CONCLUSIONS: LC-OCT permitted for the first time to perform an in vivo, 3D correlation between dermoscopic criteria and pathological-like features of melanocytic lesions.

Features of tattoo-associated cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia on reflectance confocal microscopy and line-field confocal optical coherence tomography.

The popularity of tattoos has led to an increase in associated skin reactions, including complications such as infection, allergic reactions and rare conditions such as tattoo-induced cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia (CLH). CLH is a benign lymphoproliferative reaction with clinical features resembling malignant cutaneous lymphomas. Non-invasive diagnostic tools like reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and the new line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) are being studied in dermatology better to understand the morphological patterns of many dermatological diseases. Between September 2021 and May 2023, patients with suspicious lesions for tattoo-related CLH were analysed using RCM and LC-OCT before confirming the diagnosis of CLH through skin biopsy and histopathological examination. The study included five cases of CLH. It focused on the analysis of high-quality LC-OCT images/videos and RCM images to investigate the features of CLH in tattooed individuals. Most (80%) cases exhibited a mixed T and B lymphocyte infiltration subtype, while 20% showed a predominant T infiltration subtype. RCM and LC-OCT revealed characteristic features, including architectural disarray, fibrosis, lymphoid infiltrates, and pigment deposits in the epidermis and dermis. Non-invasive tools such as RCM and LC-OCT are valuable in diagnosing tattoo-related CLH. While skin biopsy remains the current standard for diagnosis, RCM and LC-OCT can serve as helpful adjuncts in identifying the most representative area for biopsy. They may potentially become alternative diagnostic options in the future, offering benefits in terms of cost, diagnostic efficiency, aesthetics and patient satisfaction as the prevalence of tattoo-related adverse reactions continues to rise.

Evidence for a 'window of opportunity' in hidradenitis suppurativa treated with adalimumab: a retrospective, real-life multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α adalimumab is the only licenced biologic for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). No predictors of response have been identified so far. OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical parameters predicting response to adalimumab and confirm its efficacy/safety. METHODS: The data of 389 patients with HS treated with adalimumab in 21 Italian centres were reviewed. Sex, age at onset/diagnosis/baseline, body mass index, smoking, phenotype, previous treatments, concomitant antibiotics and 'therapeutic delay', defined as the time from HS onset to adalimumab initiation, were assessed. Response to adalimumab and its impact on quality of life (QoL) were evaluated using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) or the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS pain), respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The therapeutic delay correlated to lack of response to adalimumab at week 16 [odds ratio (OR) 1·92 for therapeutic delay > 10 years; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·28-2·89; P = 0·0016). HiSCR was achieved in 43·7% and 53·9% patients at week 16 and 52, respectively. Significant reductions in both DLQI and VAS pain were found between week 16 vs. baseline (P < 0·0001 for both) and week 52 vs. baseline (P < 0·0001 for both). Previous immunosuppressants inversely correlated to HiSCR at week 52 (OR = 1·74, 95% CI 1·04-2·91, P = 0·0342). CONCLUSIONS: Inverse correlation between therapeutic delay and clinical response was found, supporting early adalimumab use and providing evidence for a 'window of opportunity' in HS treatment. Adalimumab efficacy and safety were confirmed, along with patients' QoL improvement. Immunosuppressants could negatively influence the response to adalimumab inducing a switch to non-TNF-α-driven pathways.

Effects of MAL-PDT, ingenol mebutate and diclofenac plus hyaluronate gel monitored by high-frequency ultrasound and digital dermoscopy in actinic keratosis - a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy for actinic keratosis (AK) clearance of field-directed treatments has been investigated in randomized studies against placebo, but the comparison of results is difficult for several methodological reasons. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to compare efficacy of MAL-photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT), ingenol mebutate gel (IMB) and diclofenac plus hyaluronate gel (DHA) on multiple AKs assessing a new performance index of efficacy, the cumulative AK area and evaluating dermoscopical and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) changes. METHODS: Patients with ≥5 Olsen II AKs in a 25 cm2 area of the scalp and face were enrolled and randomized to one of the treatment choices. Number of AKs and cumulative area were assessed before and after treatment. Dermoscopy and HFUS were performed on a single AK and surrounding photo-damaged skin in the treatment area. RESULTS: Cumulative AKs area reduced significantly more with PDT compared to other treatment options and with IMB in comparison to DHA. PDT was also the only treatment option that increased at a significant level the dermal density in both target AK and the surrounding skin and decreased significantly the SLEB thickness in the perilesional skin at HFUS. CONCLUSIONS: MAL-PDT is more effective than IMB and DHA for reducing the cumulative AK area which is calculated digitally from 3D pictures and should be the preferred performance index for the evaluation of the efficacy of treatments for AKs, rolling out clinical and dermoscopy evaluation. MAL-PDT improves all HFUS features of chronic photodamages of the dermis of the skin underlying and surrounding the AK spots.

Clinical, histological and high-frequency ultrasonographic evaluation (50 MHz) of morphoea treated with ultraviolet A1 phototherapy.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies in the literature correlating the ultrasonographic findings, clinical scoring systems or histological findings in morphoea after ultraviolet (UV)A1 phototherapy. AIMS: To evaluate the quantitative and morphological aspects of high-frequency ultrasonography in the treatment of plaque morphoea in response to UVA1 phototherapy, and to correlate these with clinical and histological scores. METHODS: In total, 17 patients with morphoea were studied. Initially and at study end, high-frequency ultrasonography (50 MHz) was performed on the edge of a morphoea lesion treated with UVA1 phototherapy. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of dermal features was performed and compared with the features of healthy skin. Skin biopsy specimens were obtained from lesions analysed at the beginning and end of the study, assessing dermal sclerosis and dermal inflammatory infiltrate and their distribution. RESULTS: All affected skin showed a statistically significant increase in dermal thickness and hypoechogenicity, corresponding to a reduction in dermal density by ultrasonography compared with healthy skin. Morphological evaluation identified undulations of the dermis in 11 of 17 lesions (64.7%) and in 5 healthy skin areas (29.4%) (P = 0.08), while 'yoyo' figures were identified in 8 lesions (47%) but only 1 healthy skin area (5.9%) (P = 0.02). Ultrasonographic morphological analysis highlighted an improvement in dermal hyperechogenic bands and disappearance of yoyo figures after UVA1 treatment. Histology revealed a reduction in dermal sclerosis and inflammation, although this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic pattern analysis of morphoea is a suitable technique for monitoring UVA1 phototherapy response.

Sex-related differences of clinical features in hidradenitis suppurativa: analysis of an Italian-based cohort.

The clinical characteristics associated with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) severity are poorly understood. In this study, 124 patients with HS from 6 Italian dermatology centres participated in this study. Disease severity was assessed using the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician's Global Assessment score (HS-PGA) and Hurley score. The impact of clinical characteristics on disease severity was assessed by logistic regression. Clinical characteristics were similar between men (n = 53) and women (n = 71). Disease severity was also similar; 75% of the patients had Hurley stage II or III disease, and > 60% had moderate, severe or very severe HS as judged by HS-PGA. Lesions were more frequent in the gluteal region in men (32.3% in men vs. 8.7% in women, P < 0.001) and more frequent on the breast in women (16.3% in women vs. 4.6% in men, P = 0.02). Obesity was associated with increased disease severity as measured by HS-PGA (OR: 3.28, 95% CI 1.55-6.95, P < 0.01) and Hurley classification (OR: 3.22, 95% CI 1.34-7.31, P < 0.01). Although severity of HS is similar between the sexes, the localization of lesions is different.

Ultrasonography in the pathway to an optimal standard of care of hidradenitis suppurativa: the Italian Ultrasound Working Group experience.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) is a real-time non-invasive technique that has been demonstrated to support an early diagnosis and a more precise assessment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and US evaluation of a series of HS patients. METHODS: 434 HS patients (259 F, 175 M; mean age 33.82 ±13.31 years) observed across 19 Italian dermatology centres [members of the Italian Ultrasound Working Group (IUWG)] were enrolled in a retrospective study. Clinical staging was obtained by the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician's Global Assessment score (HS-PGA), while the ultrasonographic staging was determined by the US HS-PGA, based on the same scores as clinical HS-PGA but performed with the aid of US. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the mean clinical and US HS-PGA scores were 2.70 and 2.92, respectively. Direct comparison of clinical and ultrasonographic assessment revealed that a higher proportion of patients was classified as having moderate and very severe disease by US. In particular, 117 patients (26.96%) had a worse classification by US HS-PGA compared to clinical assessment. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that the use of clinical grading only to assess HS severity may underestimate the real disease severity. US examination can be considered an essential non-invasive imaging tool available to dermatologists for a more accurate diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and monitoring of HS and should be included in the pathway to an optimal standard of care of HS.

Nipple and areola lesions: review of dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy features.

The differential diagnosis of nipple and areola complex (NAC) lesions encompasses a large spectrum of conditions from benign tumours to inflammatory diseases that could be challenging to recognize on clinical ground. While melanoma (MM) of the NAC is exceedingly rare, benign lesions are more frequent but could be difficult to distinguish from MM. Besides MM, other malignant tumours can affect this area and in particular Paget's disease (PD). For clinically doubtful lesions, biopsy is required, with possible functional and aesthetic consequences in this sensitive area. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) are widely used techniques for the diagnosis of many skin lesions, but their use for NAC lesions is not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate current literature on these imaging techniques for NAC lesions. We searched in Medline, PubMed and Cochrane database all studies up to November 2018 dealing with dermoscopy, RCM and this special site. We found that the most described malignant tumour was PD and that only two primary MMs of the NAC have been reported with these imaging techniques. Although there are few data on diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive imaging techniques for NAC lesions, it seems that dermoscopy and RCM can add relevant information to be integrated with clinical examination for the diagnosis of NAC lesions and in particular for the differential diagnosis of PD and eczema.

Morphological classification of melanoma metastasis with reflectance confocal microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous malignant melanoma metastases differential diagnosis is challenging, as clinical and dermoscopic features can simulate primary melanoma or other benign or malignant skin neoplasms, and in-vivo reflectance confocal microscopy could assist. Our aim was to identify specific reflectance confocal microscopy features for cutaneous malignant melanoma metastases, and epidermal and dermal involvement. METHODS: A retrospective, multicentre observational study of lesions with proven cutaneous malignant melanoma metastases diagnosis between January 2005 and December 2016. Lesions were retrospectively assessed according to morphological features observed at reflectance confocal microscopy. Potential homogeneous subgroups of epidermal or dermal involvement were investigated with cluster analysis. RESULTS: Cutaneous malignant melanoma metastases (51 lesions in 29 patients) exhibited different frequencies of features according to metastasis dermoscopy patterns. Lesions classified at dermoscopy with nevus-like globular and non-globular patterns were more likely to be epidermotropic, showing characteristics of epidermal and dermal involvement at reflectance confocal microscopy. Other dermoscopy pattern classifications were more likely to be dermotropic, showing characteristics od dermal involvement at reflectance confocal microscopy. Distinguishing features at reflectance confocal microscopy included irregular (78%) and altered (63%) epidermis, pagetoid infiltration (51%), disarranged junctional architecture (63%), non-edged papillae (76%), dense and sparse, and cerebriform nests in the upper dermis (74%), and vascularity (51%). Cluster analysis identified three groups, which were retrospectively correlated with histopathological diagnoses of dermotropic and epidermotropic diagnoses (P < 0.001). The third cluster represents lesions with deep dermis morphological changes, which were too deep for evaluation with reflectance confocal microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Specific reflectance confocal microscopy features of cutaneous malignant melanoma metastases for correct diagnosis, and subtype diagnosis, seem achievable in most cases where morphological alterations are located above the deep dermis.

The role of iturin A from B. amyloliquefaciens BUZ-14 in the inhibition of the most common postharvest fruit rots.

The aim of this work was to elucidate the role of the secondary metabolites produced by B. amyloliquefaciens BUZ-14 against B. cinerea, M. fructicola, M. laxa, P. digitatum, P. italicum and P. expansum both in vitro and in planta. The entire cell free supernatant (CFS) and the lipopeptide fraction (LPF) showed similar antifungal activities, completely inhibiting all the fungi at dilutions of 1:24 or even lower, whereas the non-butanolic fraction (NBF) barely inhibited the fungi. However, when the LPF and CFS were applied on fruit, only brown rot in peaches and blue rot in apples was totally inhibited. The main families of metabolites in the LPF were iturin A, fengycin and surfactin with maximum concentrations of 407, 853 and 658 µg mL-1, respectively. Subsequently, a TLC-bioautography revealed iturin A as the key metabolite in the inhibitions and allowed us to establish in vivo MICs of 16.9 and 33.9 µg mL-1 for Monilinia species and P. expansum, respectively. The application of 24 h-old BUZ-14 cultures suppressed brown rot in peaches and also blue rot in apples but failed to inhibit the other diseases. However, BUZ-14 was only able to grow and produce iturin A in peaches so we can deduce that the amount of iturin A brought with the cultures (36 ±â€¯14 µg mL-1) could be enough to control both diseases. The strong antifungal activity of the iturin A present in the BUZ-14 CFS suggests that it could be successfully used for postharvest disease control. However, future research is necessary to maximize the iturin A production by B. amyloliquefaciens BUZ-14 in order to optimize a commercial application.

IgE to α-Gal in Foresters and Forest Workers From La Rioja, North of Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with the presence of α-gal-specific IgE in a risk group of foresters and forest workers from La Rioja, Spain and in a control group. METHODS: The study population comprised 169 workers and 100 individuals who did not recall having had tick bites. A questionnaire including demographic data and number of tick bites per year was completed by a physician. α-Gal sIgE was assessed using ImmunoCAP with serum samples that had been taken in 2010. In 2015, second serum specimens were taken from all but 1 of the workers, who had positive specific IgE to α-gal in 2010. These new samples were tested for IgE to the α-gal epitope and to mammalian meat. RESULTS: The prevalence of positive sIgE to α-gal was 15% in the risk population and 4% in the control population. α-Gal sIgE positivity was associated with the number of tick bites per year and with seniority. Thirteen out of 21 patients sensitized to α-gal in 2010 showed positive specific IgE to α-gal in serum samples from 2015. Eleven had specific IgE to mammalian meat, but none reported symptoms of meat allergy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of α-gal sIgE antibodies in this risk population was higher than in the control group and was associated with the number of tick bites per year and with seniority. None of the workers sensitized to mammalian meat developed meat allergy, possibly owing to the low levels of sIgE to α-gal.

Cutaneous infiltration of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and T regulatory cells in skin lesions of polymorphic light eruption.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is the most common autoimmune photodermatosis. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) are important mediators of innate antimicrobial immunity involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory skin diseases. In addition to PDCs, regulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in controlling inflammation and adaptive immunity in skin by their immunosuppressive capacity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of PDCs and Tregs in photoexposed skin from PLE compared to healthy skin. METHODS: Patients with PLE diagnosis and healthy controls were recruited and underwent a photoprovocative test. A 4-mm punch biopsy was taken from the site of positive photoprovocation test reaction, and immunohistochemistry for BDCA2 as marker for PDCs, CD4 and FOXP3 as markers for Tregs was performed. Double immunostain for FOXP3 and CD4 was performed as well. Absolute counts for CD4, BDCA2 and FOXP3 were performed in at least 5 High Power Fields (HPF). Percentage of CD4-, BDCA2- and CD4FOXP3-positive cells over the total inflammatory infiltrate was assessed for each case. RESULTS: We enrolled 23 patients and controls. BDCA2+ cells were present in 91.3% of PLE skin samples and 100% of healthy volunteer. Both in PLE patients and healthy controls, PDCs distribution was mainly dermic (P < 0.05). Compared to healthy controls, both epidermic and dermic BDCA2+ cells count were significantly higher in PLE patients (P < 0.05). Both in PLE patients and healthy controls, Tregs distribution was mainly dermic (P < 0.05). The presence of both CD4+ cells and FOXP3+ cells was significantly higher in the dermis of PLE patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Relative percentages of cellular infiltrations confirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS: D-PDCS and Tregs may play a significant role in the development of PLE, and dermal distribution of PDCs in PLE skin biopsies seems to confirm a possible overlap with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

Spectrum of mucocutaneous, ocular and facial features and delineation of novel presentations in 62 classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients.

Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) is characterized by marked cutaneous involvement, according to the Villefranche nosology and its 2017 revision. However, the diagnostic flow-chart that prompts molecular testing is still based on experts' opinion rather than systematic published data. Here we report on 62 molecularly characterized cEDS patients with focus on skin, mucosal, facial, and articular manifestations. The major and minor Villefranche criteria, additional 11 mucocutaneous signs and 15 facial dysmorphic traits were ascertained and feature rates compared by sex and age. In our cohort, we did not observe any mandatory clinical sign. Skin hyperextensibility plus atrophic scars was the most frequent combination, whereas generalized joint hypermobility according to the Beighton score decreased with age. Skin was more commonly hyperextensible on elbows, neck, and knees. The sites more frequently affected by abnormal atrophic scarring were knees, face (especially forehead), pretibial area, and elbows. Facial dysmorphism commonly affected midface/orbital areas with epicanthal folds and infraorbital creases more commonly observed in young patients. Our findings suggest that the combination of ≥1 eye dysmorphism and facial/forehead scars may support the diagnosis in children. Minor acquired traits, such as molluscoid pseudotumors, subcutaneous spheroids, and signs of premature skin aging are equally useful in adults.

Tetanus vaccination, antibody persistence and decennial booster: a serosurvey of university students and at-risk workers.

The aim of the present research is to verify the immune status against tetanus in students and workers exposed to risk and to ascertain whether a decennial booster is necessary. Antibodies against tetanus were measured in 1433 workers and students of Padua University (Italy). The enrolment criterion was the ability to provide a booklet of vaccinations released by a public health office. The influence of age, gender, the number of vaccine doses, and the interval since the last dose was determined. Ten years after the last dose, the majority of subjects (95·0%) displayed an antibody titre above the protective level (⩾0·10 IU/ml), and half of these (49·1%) had a long-term protective level (⩾1·0 IU/ml). According to our data, titre depends on both the number of vaccine doses and the interval since the last dose (P < 0·0001). Five vaccine doses and an interval of at least 10 years since the last dose are predictive of a long-term protective titre in absence of a booster (1·97 IU/ml). These data suggest that when primary series are completed, a decennial booster is unnecessary for up to 20 years. Furthermore, we recommend measuring the antibody level before a new booster is given to prevent problems related to over-immunisation.

Potential of a new strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BUZ-14 as a biocontrol agent of postharvest fruit diseases.

The biocontrol potential of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BUZ-14 was tested against the main postharvest diseases of orange, apple, grape and stone fruit. After characterizing the temperature and pH growth curves of strain BUZ-14, its in vitro antifungal activity was determined against Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia fructicola, M. laxa, Penicillium digitatum, P. expansum and P. italicum. Subsequently, in vivo activity was tested against these pathogens by treating fruit with cells, endospores and cell-free supernatants. The in vitro results showed that BUZ-14 inhibited the growth of all the pathogens tested corresponding to the least susceptible species, P. italicum, and the most susceptible, M. laxa. In vivo tests corroborated these results as most of the treatments decreased the incidence of brown rot in stone fruit from 100% to 0%, establishing 107 CFU mL-1 as the minimum inhibitory concentration. For the Penicillium species a preventive treatment inhibited P. digitatum and P. italicum growth in oranges and reduced P. expansum incidence in apples from 100% to 20%. Finally, it has been demonstrated that BUZ-14 was able to survive and to control brown rot in peaches stored at cool temperatures, making it a very suitable biocontrol agent for application during the post-harvest storage and marketing of horticultural products.

A new approach for presurgical margin assessment by reflectance confocal microscopy of basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical excision represents the most common elective treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Several noninvasive approaches have been proposed for in vivo determination of tumour margin, in order to achieve radical removal. OBJECTIVES: To propose a new approach through the combination of dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) for lateral margin detection in BCC. METHODS: Ten patients with lesions clinically suggestive of nonpigmented BCCs with ill-defined margins were enrolled. All BCCs were dermoscopically evaluated first and the ill-defined margins were marked with a superficial cut and then inspected using RCM. RESULTS: RCM evaluation showed BCC foci beyond the presurgical marker in three out of 10 lesions. Histology confirmed the RCM results: the presence of BCC features across the cut, corresponding to two superficial BCCs and a morpheaform BCC. CONCLUSIONS: This new procedure helped to improve the identification of proper margins for surgical excision in nonpigmented BCC with clinically and dermoscopically ill-defined margins.