Realization of a high voltage generator by series connection of floating modules.

A high voltage generator built by a series connection of 100 kV modules was produced. The series connection feasibility is ensured by the inherent floating character of each module which is wireless powered by high efficiency photovoltaic cells illuminated by a laser system. Each module is equipped with a control and monitoring board allowing excellent stabilization of the high voltage output. The performance of the system in terms of reliability, stability, and efficiency was evaluated. In particular using a three module setup, we achieved a maximum voltage of 234 kV with stability better than 0.1%.

Mycotic and aflatoxin contamination in Myristica fragrans seeds (nutmeg) and Capsicum annum (chilli), packaged in Italy and commercialized worldwide.

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites of moulds known to be carcinogenic for humans, and therefore should not be ingested in high doses. This study aimed to determine the level of mould and aflatoxin contamination in dehydrated chilli and nutmeg imported from India and Indonesia, respectively, packaged in Italy, and commercialized worldwide. We tested 63 samples of chilli (22 sanitized through heat treatment and 41 not heat-treated) and 52 samples of nutmeg (22 heat-treated and 30 not heat-treated) for aflatoxin, moulds and moisture content. Heat-treated samples were less contaminated than untreated samples. Spices in powder form (both chilli and nutmeg) were more contaminated than whole ones. In untreated spices, we observed a positive correlation between mould and moisture content. Of the powdered nutmeg and chilli samples, 72.5% and 50% tested positive for aflatoxin contamination, with a range of 0-17.2 µg kg(-1) and 0-10.3 µg kg(-1), respectively. The steam treatment of spices would be useful in reducing the initial amount of moulds. Although the risk from the consumption of spices contaminated with aflatoxins is minimal, owing to the small amount used in food, preventive screening of the whole food chain is very important, especially because the most frequently identified toxin was B1, which is the most dangerous of the four toxins (B1, B2, G1, G2).

Occurrence of Acrylamide in breakfast cereals and biscuits available in Italy.

INTRODUCTION: Acrylamide, produced during thermal processing of carbohydrate-rich foods, is classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine acrylamide levels in biscuits and breakfast cereals considering the widespread use of these products for all ages. METHOD: Acrylamide determination was carried out in 56 samples by HPLC-UV technique. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed a considerable variability in the contents of acrylamide in the samples analysed, most likely due to differences in industrial processing and ingredients. The percentages of contaminated samples tested were very high (95.5% of the biscuits and 75% of the breakfast cereals) with a wide range of contamination: from 30 µg/kg to 940 µg/kg. Our results showed that 22.7% of biscuits and 33% of breakfast cereals exceeded the indicative values recommended by EC 2013/647 set at 500 µg/kg and 200-400 µg/kg (according to the composition) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest concern about the risk for human health.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus spp. isolated from retail cheese, ready-to-eat salads, ham, and raw meat.

Food specimens were analyzed in order to research Enterococcus spp.: 636 samples of raw meat (227 beef, 238 poultry, and 171 pork), 278 samples of cheese (110 fresh soft cheese and 168 mozzarella cheese), 214 samples of ready-to-eat salads, and 187 samples of ham. 312 strains of Enterococcus spp samples were isolated, then identified and submitted to susceptibility tests against 11 antimicrobial agents. The predominant species were Enterococcus faecalis in raw meat and Enterococcus faecium in retail products. Low percentages of microorganisms were resistant to vancomycin (3.53%), teicoplanin (2.24%), linezolid (0.32%), and amoxicillin in combination with clavulanic acid (0.32%). A high percentage of resistance was noted in E. faecalis at high level gentamicin (21.9%) and tetracycline (60.6%). In general, strains of E. faecalis were more resistant than E. faecium. Enterococci should be considered not only potential pathogens, but also a reservoir of genes encoding antibiotic resistance which can be transferred to other microorganisms. Continuous monitoring of their incidence and emerging resistance is important in order to identify foods which potentially represent a real risk to the population, and to ensure effective treatment of human enterococcal infections.

Human polyomavirus BK (BKV) load and haemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow transplantation patients.

Several observations suggest an association between long-lasting haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) recipients and human polyomavirus BK (BKV) reactivation, but no conclusive evidence has been obtained so far. The amount of BKV measured in the urine of BMT patients during an episode of HC was compared with that detected in the urine of BMT patients without HC and of immunocompetent individuals in order to better assess the association of BKV reactivation with HC. For this purpose a quantitative competitive PCR was developed. The application of this assay to clinical samples allowed us to distinguish asymptomatic reactivation both in healthy individuals and in immunocompromised patients from reactivation associated with HC, in almost all cases. Low levels, below the sensitivity of the quantitative assay, were shown in asymptomatic healthy individuals and in about 50% of immunocompromised patients. A significantly higher viral load than in the urine of asymptomatic immunocompromised patients was detected in the urine of patients with HC. These data strengthen the hypothesis that BKV reactivation can cause, together with other factors, the majority of late HC in BMT recipients as well as in patients treated for acute refractory lymphoblastic leukemia.

Italian experience of voice restoration after laryngectomy with tracheoesophageal puncture.

This report concerns 102 cases of tracheoesophageal puncture performed as a means of secondary voice restoration after total laryngectomy, in 70 patients proving unable to learn esophageal speech and as a treatment of choice in a further 32 cases. Complications arose in 21 cases but were generally minor and could be overcome. Results were favorable in 45 of 70 and 29 of 32 cases, respectively. The method was considered effective, particularly when supported by the patient's determination to learn a verbal communication method.

Implantation of parotid pleomorphic adenoma in the upper neck.

This paper presents a case of pleomorphic adenoma from an abnormal site in the right upper neck in a patient surgically treated 4 years previously for pleomorphic adenoma of the right parotid gland. The lack of normal salivary tissue in the neck growth oriented us towards a diagnosis of implantation tumor, resulting from surgery of the parotid mass, rather than towards one of heterotopic tumor. The literature concerning salivary heterotopias and salivary tumors arising from heterotopic foci is also reviewed.

Metastasis to the larynx revealing a renal cell carcinoma.

A rare case of laryngeal metastasis as the first sign of an unrecognized renal cell carcinoma, occurring in a 73-year-old man, is reported. The clinical picture, pathology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognosis are discussed.

Recurrent life-threatening epistaxis in a child with Bernard-Soulier syndrome controlled by bilateral ligation of external carotids and ethmoidal arteries.

Bilateral ligation of external carotids and ethmoidal arteries proved successful in controlling severe recurring epistaxis in a 13-year-old patient with Bernard-Soulier syndrome. In this child, epistaxis was the major bleeding symptom. Despite massive substitutive therapy, the patient suffered several life-threatening episodes of hypovolaemic shock. Although epistaxis is not reported as a cause of death in patients with haemostasis defect, our case might suggest that in selected cases with inherited platelet defect and intractable epistaxis so severe as to make normal or near-normal life impossible, surgical treatment could be considered.

Long-term survival in response to combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy in laryngeal small cell carcinoma.

Fourteen patients with small cell carcinoma of the larynx are studied. This represents the largest series, from a single institution, reported in the literature. This neoplasm is usually highly aggressive and the prognosis very poor, but, in our experience, combined chemo- and radiotherapy can significantly improve the clinical course of the disease. Three of six patients who received this combined modality treatment are still clinically disease-free more than six years after the initial diagnosis.

Leishmaniasis donovani presenting as an isolated lesion in the larynx.

A case of leishmaniasis of the larynx caused by Leishmania donovani occurring in a 42-year-old man is reported. The oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract are commonly involved in mucocutaneous American leishmaniasis, but are less frequently reported in the 'Old World'. The primary and isolated location in the larynx is exceptional. The immunoperoxidase technique using antisera to anti-L. donovani is a useful method to identify the parasite.

Radical excision of a craniobasal tumor involving the middle cranial fossa. Technical note.

Craniobasal tumors affecting the middle cranial fossa are rarely treated radically; the main problem to solve is the presence of important nervous and vascular structures in this region. The Authors report a case of complete removal of a malignant tumor involving the temporal bone and the middle cranial fossa. Surgery was performed by the cooperation of the neurosurgical and the ENT teams.

Assessment and treatment of neurogenic and non-neurogenic tumors of the parapharyngeal space.

The clinical and pathologic findings in eleven cases of parapharyngeal space tumors are described. The anatomy of this area and diagnostic procedures are discussed. Investigations should include a few basic examinations such as sialogram-computed tomographic (CT) scan, carotid angiogram, and echography. Several surgical approaches are considered in relation to the site and the size of the neoplasm. Prognosis depends on the histologic type of the tumor.

Primary clear cell carcinoma of the larynx.

The clinical and pathological findings in three patients with clear cell carcinoma of the larynx are described. This type of neoplasm in the larynx is extremely rare. The aggressiveness of the tumour and its high biological malignancy are stressed.