Evaluation of a large set of patients with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome from a single reference centre in context of different classifications.

PURPOSE: To characterize patients with APS and to propose a new approach for their follow-up. Query ID="Q1" Text="Please check the given names and familynames." METHODS: Monocentric observational retrospective study enrolling patients referred to the Outpatients clinic of the Units of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology of our Hospital for Autoimmune diseases. RESULTS: Among 9852 patients, 1174 (11.9%) [869 (73.9%) female] were diagnosed with APS. In 254 subjects, the diagnosis was made at first clinical evaluation (Group 1), all the other patients were diagnosed with a mean latency of 11.3 ± 10.6 years (Group 2). Group 1 and 2 were comparable for age at diagnosis (35.7 ± 16.3 vs. 40.4 ± 16.6 yrs, p = .698), but different in male/female ratio (81/173 vs 226/696, p = .019). In Group 2, 50% of patients developed the syndrome within 8 years of follow-up. A significant difference was found after subdividing the first clinical manifestation into the different outpatient clinic to which they referred (8.7 ± 8.0 vs. 13.4 ± 11.6 vs. 19.8 ± 8.7 vs. 7.4 ± 8.1 for endocrine, diabetic, rheumatologic, and gastroenterological diseases, respectively, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: We described a large series of patients affected by APS according to splitters and lumpers. We propose a flowchart tailored for each specialist outpatient clinic taking care of the patients. Finally, we recommend regular reproductive system assessment due to the non-negligible risk of developing premature ovarian failure.

Recovering correct phase information in multiwavelength digital holographic microscopy by compensation for chromatic aberrations.

We demonstrate experimentally that correct phase imaging without 2pi ambiguity is obtainable in digital holography by using a multiwavelength approach in the microscope configuration. We describe a general approach for removing chromatic aberrations and for controlling the pixel size of the reconstructed phase image in multiwavelength digital holography when the Fourier transform method is adopted for the numerical reconstruction of digital holograms. The retrieved phase is affected by the unavoidable, unwanted chromatic aberration. The correct phase can be obtained by evaluating the phase from the reference holograms reconstructed at different wavelengths to compensate for the chromatic aberration.

Two-dimensional mapping of electro-optic phase retardation in lithium niobate crystals by digital holography.

We demonstrate accurate two-dimensional mapping of the phase retardation induced by the electro-optic effect in lithium niobate crystals. Off-axis digital holography is used to investigate congruent z-cut crystals. The spatially resolved optical path difference is interferometrically measured while a linearly rising voltage ramp is applied to the crystal. This procedure provides information on the uniformity of crystals' electro-optic properties and offers the ability to detect the presence of defects that is of fundamental importance for reliable processing of photonic devices.

Angular spectrum method with correction of anamorphism for numerical reconstruction of digital holograms on tilted planes.

We present a new method for numerically reconstructing digital holograms on tilted planes. The method is based on the angular spectrum of plane waves. Fast Fourier transform algorithm is used twice and coordinate rotation in the Fourier domain enables to reconstruct the object field on the tilted planes. Correction of the anamorphism resulting from the coordinate transformation is performed by suitable interpolation of the spectral data. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the method for a singleaxis rotation. The algorithm is especially useful for tomographic image reconstruction.

A double-blind study of the effect on hemostasis of nabumetone (Relafen) compared to placebo.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing the effect on hemostasis of nabumetone (Relafen) to placebo in patients who were about to undergo forefoot surgery was performed. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are reported to inhibit platelet cyclooxygenase activity, resulting in altered platelet function and thus potentially enhanced bleeding. Nabumetone has been reported to have no effect on platelet aggregation and bleeding time in normal volunteers and in patients who have undergone knee arthroscopy. After fulfilling the inclusion criteria and after a 1-week washout period (acetaminophen controlled), 15 patients were enrolled in the nabumetone group and 15 patients were randomized in the placebo group. Hemostatic parameters [prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and Ivy bleeding time (IBT)] were assessed at baseline, visit 2, visit 3, and final visit. No meaningful differences were observed between treatment groups in any of the measured hemostatic parameters. No significant adverse events were reported. There was no significant change from baseline for PT, PTT, and IBT in the nabumetone group (PT, p < .06; PTT, p < .64; IBT, p < .17) versus the placebo group (PT, p < .61; PTT, p < .63; IBT, p < .25). The lack of bleeding diathesis and significant prolongation of PT, PTT, or IBT in this study suggests that nabumetone in dosages up to 1000 mg/day can be administered safely in the immediate preoperative period to patients undergoing forefoot surgery.

Comparison of salicylic acid and urea versus ammonium lactate for the treatment of foot xerosis. A randomized, double-blind, clinical study.

Xerosis is defined as dehydration of skin characterized by redness, dry scaling, and fine crackling that may resemble the crackling of porcelain. The present double-blind trial was a randomized paired comparison study evaluating the keratolytic effect of 5% salicylic acid and 10% urea ointment (Kerasal) on one foot and 12% ammonium lactate lotion (Lac-Hydrin) on the other foot in mild-to-moderate xerosis. Seventy patients were initially enrolled in the trial. Fifty-four patients were evaluated after 2 weeks of treatment; of those 54 patients, 39 were evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment. Although there was significant improvement in severity of xerosis after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups. Irrespective of the mechanism of action, this study shows that both Kerasal and Lac-Hydrin 12% lotion result in reduction in the severity of xerosis after 4 weeks of therapy.

Pegaspargase.

L-asparaginase is an antineoplastic agent proven to be effective in depleting the amino acid L-asparagine in patients with childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It has become a significant part of most chemotherapy protocols, however, its use is sometimes limited by the development of hypersensitivity reactions. Pegaspargase offers leukemia patients adequate asparagine depletion with a reduced incidence of hypersensitivity. Other advantages include a longer circulating half-life, increased solubility, and increased resistance to proteolysis, which allows administration of smaller dosages at less-frequent intervals.