Geographical variability of bacterial communities of cryoconite holes of Andean glaciers.

Cryoconite holes, ponds full of melting water with sediment on the bottom, are hotspots of biodiversity on glacier surfaces and host dynamic micro-ecosystems. They have been extensively investigated in different areas of the world (e.g., the Arctic, Antarctic, Alps, and Himalaya), but so far no study has described the bacterial communities of the glaciers in the Andes, the world's longest mountain range. In this study, we describe the bacterial communities of three small (< 2 km2) high-elevation (< 4200 m a.s.l.) glaciers of the Central Andes (Iver, East Iver and Morado glaciers) and two large (> 85 km2) glaciers of the Patagonian Andes (Exploradores and Perito Moreno glaciers) whose ablation tongues reach low altitude (< 300 m a.s.l.). Results show that the bacterial communities were generally similar to those observed in the cryoconite holes of other continents, but with few cyanobacteria (0.5% of sequences). The most abundant orders were Betaproteobacteriales, Cytophagales, Chitinophagales, Acetobacterales, Frankiales, Armatimonadales, Sphingobacteriales, Rhizobiales, Bacteroidales, Sphingomonadales, and Micrococcales. The bacterial communities differed between glaciers and both water pH and O2 concentration appeared to influence the bacterial community composition. This work thus provides the first description of the bacterial communities in cryoconite holes of South American glaciers.

Early ecological succession patterns of bacterial, fungal and plant communities along a chronosequence in a recently deglaciated area of the Italian Alps.

In this study, the early ecological succession patterns of Forni Glacier (Ortles-Cevedale group, Italian Alps) forefield along an 18-year long chronosequence (with a temporal resolution of 1 year) has been reported. Bacterial and fungal community structures were inferred by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS, respectively. In addition, the occurrence of both herbaceous and arboreous plants was also recorded at each plot. A significant decrease of alpha-diversity in more recently deglaciated areas was observed for both bacteria and plants. Time since deglaciation and pH affected the structure of both fungal and bacterial communities. Pioneer plants could be a major source of colonization for both bacterial and fungal communities. Consistently, some of the most abundant bacterial taxa and some of those significantly varying with pH along the chronosequence (Polaromonas, Granulicella, Thiobacillus, Acidiferrobacter) are known to be actively involved in rock-weathering processes due to their chemolithotrophic metabolism, thus suggesting that the early phase of the chronosequence could be mainly shaped by the biologically controlled bioavailability of metals and inorganic compounds. Fungal communities were dominated by ascomycetous filamentous fungi and basidiomycetous yeasts. Their role as cold-adapted organic matter decomposers, due to their heterotrophic metabolism, was suggested.

A comparative study on the effectiveness of two different devices in the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to compare the results of treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with two different devices. METHODS: In 118 DDH, authors employed, in a blinded randomized study, Teuffel-Mignon (TF) and Coxa-Flex (CF) devices. In this study checked 51 hips type IIC; 43 type IID; 15 type IIIA; 9 type IIIB, by Graf classification. RESULTS: Hips Graf's type C were recovered in median 60.09 days, with TM in 50, with CF in 63,45; hips type D in 100 days, with TM in 58,50, with CF in 89.00; hips type IIIA in 103.60 days, with TM in 122, with CF in 94.50; hips type IIIB in 108.66 days, with TM in 121, with CF in 102.50. CONCLUSION: The linear multiple regression model shows a statistically significant associations between outcome and pathological type (P value<0.001), age at diagnosis (P<0.001) and device (P<0.02). The statistical model shows that on average for each day of delay in the diagnosis is needed more than half a day for the patient to recover. The model confirmed that patients with more serious pathologies need more time to recover. Authors think that importance of the treatment of DDH isn't only the type of device employed, but a precise and correct sonographic diagnosis. Very important is starting the treatment as soon as possible, when the infant's bone of hip is more plastic and easy to treat. The authors' opinion is that employing a device instead of another isn't important, fundamental is the choice of the right device derived to a long time clinical experience.

Sonographic evaluation of subacromial space.

GOAL OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of sonographic to radiographic measurements of subacromial space, and verify its variations in relation to acromial morphology, age, sex and rotator cuff pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a result, we have compared a radiographic examination to sonographic examination, each measuring the subacromial space in 200 random shoulders, with a personal method. The sonographic examination was performed by using a HDI 5000 ultrasound scanner Sono-CT with 7.5 MHz linear array transducer. No stand-off pad was utilized. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the data derived from the two measurements was not sufficient to conclude that the two techniques are different (p>0.8). They also correspond with the radiographic morphology of the acromion. The size of subacromial space was related to the acromial morphology, female gender, and rotator cuff pathology, however, it was not related to age. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly show that sonographic measurements are very close to those obtained by X-ray (p>0.8). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that for all groups, the were small enough to give us confidence that the sonographic technique may be used in place of the radiographic one for clinical purposes. One-way ANOVA showed that sonographic measurements were statistically different among the four groups (p<0.05). The sonography demonstrated precision, accuracy and carefulness in the measurement of the subacromial space.

Sonographic versus radiographic measurement of the subacromial space width.

PURPOSE: It was the purpose of the study to compare the accuracy of sonographic and radiographic measurement of the subacromial space width, and to verify its variations in relation to the morphology of the acromion, to age, to sex and to pathologies of the rotator cuff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the radiographic and sonographic examinations for 200 consecutive shoulders. The shoulders examined were divided into 4 groups based on age and pathology of the rotator cuff. RESULTS: We observed that the results obtained in the two different methods of measurement were comparable and statistically significant (p = 0.8). Furthermore, they are corresponded to the morphology of the acromion. Measurement of the subacromial space was in relation to acromial morphology, female sex and pathology of the cuff, but not in relation to age. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography proved to be safe, accurate and useful in measuring the subacromial space, and comparable to what is obtained when radiography is used. We believe that measurement may be the useful completion of the sonographic evaluation of the shoulder. Furthermore, we believe that it may also support the most diffused radiographic measurement and its completion and confirmation. Sonography is certainly useful because of its simplicity of execution, rapidity of use, and measurement of the subacromial space can easily be carried out during routine sonographic evaluation of the shoulder.

[Ultrasound monitoring of the orthopaedic treatment of congenital hip dysplasia carried out within the first 6 months of life]. / Monitoraggio ecografico del trattamento ortopedico della displasia congenita d'anca infantile entro i primi 6 mesi di vita.

BACKGROUND: The use of ultrasound scanning in the early diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia in infants within the first six months of life has become part of the routine in preventive medicine examinations. Ultrasound scanning makes it possible to monitor the development of the neonatal dysplasic hip at any moment and it also tells us whether or not it is responding to treatment and, if it is not, to modify the treatment in order to achieve cure. METHODS: The present study considers pathological hips studied echographically over 12 years in order to assess to what extent ultrasound controls during treatment have influenced the choices and modifications of treatment. The study employed different echographic equipment always with 5 or 7.5 MHz linear probes; the evaluation technique employed was that proposed by Graf. Echography evaluation was always proceded by clinical assessment and followed at the end of treatment by X-ray control of the pelvis. RESULTS: Of 17,938 hip cases assessed echographically from 1 January 1989 to 31 December 2000 (59.5% female and 40.5% male, average age 3 months 17 days) 1534 hips were pathological (IIC, IID, IIIA, IIIB); the prevalence of the condition in females and on the left-hand side was confirmed. In 35 cases (2.19%) the orthopaedic treatment approach undertaken at the beginning was changed on the basis of periodic scans. The normalisation of the alpha angle was achieved on average in 51 days of treatment with the harness; with a minimum time of 30 days in IIC type hips in patients below the age of three months and a maximum time of 98 days in hips of type IIIA in patients aged more than 120 days. CONCLUSIONS: The simplicity and ease of use of ultrasound scanning, its cheapness, rapidity, harmlessness and validity not to mention its sensitivity and specificity make it a reliable, safe instrumental examination that is indispensable in planning the treatment of this pathology.

Synovial hemangioma. Description of a case.

Intra-articular angioma, or vascular hamartoma, is a tumor-like lesion essentially made up of anomalous blood vessels localized in the joint capsule, in the synovial membrane, or in both structures. There are two anatomical varieties: one circumscribed localized and one extended. There seems to be predilection for the female sex, and age of onset ranges from birth to 20-30 years of age; it occurs more frequently in the knee, less in the elbow, in the wrist and in the ankle. Symptoms, which often begin after local trauma, include joint swelling and pain, both characterized by discontinuity and long duration. Sometimes there is an increase in swelling, repeated episodes of hemarthrosis (or hydrarthrosis), forced position and functional limitation of the joint, increase in skin temperature. Final diagnosis can only be obtained with histological examination, although MRI may be useful and arteriography clearly reveals it, if the harmatoma is extended enough and communicating with the circulation. Histological examination carried out on fragments of tissue taken in loco reveals a labyrinthine agglomerate of fissures and lengthening cavities, with walls that are generally thick and of a venous-like anomalous type. The course of the disease is slow, with periods of remission of local symptoms of varying duration. Treatment is surgical and it consists in complete removal when possible of the angiomas. The results, particularly in the localized form, are satisfactory; recurrence is infrequent and it is generally due to incomplete excision of the neoformation.

On-line purge-and-trap-gas chromatography with flame ionization detection as an alternative analytical method for dimethyl sulphide trace release from marine algae.

The release of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) by the seaweed Ulva spp at trace level was studied in aqueous solutions at different salinities, temperature and light intensities. For this purpose, the purge-and-trap technique combined with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection was used. The analytical method was evaluated in terms of linearity range, limit of detection, precision and accuracy by considering 10@1000 (w/v) and 30@1000 (w/v) synthetic seawater as aqueous matrices. Calculation of the recovery function evidenced a matrix influence. The method of standard addition was then used for an accurate determination of DMS in synthetic seawater reproducing the matrix effect. DMS fluxes were analysed in batch cultures of Ulva spp reproducing the conditions which usually occur in the Sacca di Goro lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy).

[Congenital dysplasia of the hip in children of immigrants from developing countries]. / Displasia congenita d'anca infantile in figli di immigrati provenienti da Paesi in via di sviluppo.

BACKGROUND: Aim of study was to ascertain the possible presence of congenital dysplasia of the hip in infants (CDH) in the population immigrated from countries where the problem is surely neglected from the local health service and estimate its incidence. Moreover to observe the impact of the CDH problem on the parents of these children, sometimes of scarce culture or rather of scarce comprehension of the language. Finally, to verify the answer of parents to the medical prescriptions and to the not simple therapeutic formality. METHODS: From 1989 to 1996, the hip has been examined by Graf ultrasounds (US) method on a population of 181 infants born from developing countries' immigrants in Italy; 77 of them were Egyptians. RESULTS: Even if the density of the population studied was not very high, the results presented in this paper are innovative and differ from the literature on this matter. Among the 362 hips examined with US, only 5 hips were found to be pathologic (4 Egyptians and 1 Philippine; 2 type uD and 3 type IIC of Graf), and they were treated and recovered with a harm in about 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: This work underlines the necessity that all immigrated infants should be studied with US hip exams and that CDH in these people should not be under-evaluated: the very low occurrence of this pathology in developing countries is probably mainly due to scarsity of studies on this matter. This allows not only to avoid hip dislocation in these subjects, but also to the society to avoid the necessary cost of the subsequent treatment of well more serious diseases such as osteoarthritis of the hip on dysplastic basis, in subjects that likely will stay in our country definitely, becoming Italian citizens to all effects.

Ultrasonography in congenital dysplasia and immature hip in infants.

The authors report about the possibilities to evaluate correct and early diagnosis by ultrasonographic technique in congenital infant hip dysplasia. The authors report the data concerning 4666 infant hips studied by clinical and ultrasonographic examinations during the years 1990-1991. The cases have been divided according to the age of patients into three groups in the first group, infants less than 1 month old in the II group, infants one to 3 month old; and in the III group, infants 3 month old and over. The use of subdivisions according to age allows higher statistical incidence of dysplasia and immature hip. The newborns and infants included in this study were at their I ultrasonographic examination, had not an instrumental diagnosis of dysplasia, and were not orthopaedic treatment. Treatment with different types of retractors were made in patients with ultrasonographic diagnosis of dysplasia or immature hip, according to the type of dysplasia and age of patient. It has been observed, according to attendance, in the I group of age an high incidence of immature hip (38.03% versus 13.01% in II group and 2.18% in third group) and dysplasia (2.81% versus 0.07% in II group and 0.13% in III group of children). Ultrasonography is replacing conventional radiography as primary method for the diagnosis is of hip dysplasia and thereby, the evaluation of its treatment. The ultrasonography techniques, being harmless for the patient, simple to perform, non-invasive, and economical, make then attractive early diagnostic tools for screening infant congenital hip dysplasia. With early diagnosis, it is possible to begin immediate treatment of congenital dysplasia, resulting a quick resolution of pathological hip disorders. To achieve these results, it is necessary that the orthopaedic surgeon conducts an ultrasonographic examination.

Early diagnosis of congenital dysplasia of the infant hip by means of ultrasound screening.

The authors present a study carried out in 1990 analyzing the results of ultrasound screening of the infant hip in order to evaluate possible dysplasia. They stress the already unquestionable role of ultrasound screening as a valid, sensitive and useful device in the diagnosis of congenital dysplasia of the hip and emphasize that the earlier the examination is carried out, the easier it is to begin suitable treatment rapidly and with positive results. They recommend that ultrasound screening should be carried out by an orthopaedist in order to further shorten diagnosis and treatment times.

Quantification by dual photonabsorptiometry of local bone loss after fracture.

Total bone mineral and bone mineral density modifications were evaluated during fracture healing of long bones in patients with traumatic fractures of the lower limbs, using an experimental model based on the dual photonabsorptiometry technique. Seven patients (five males and two females; mean age, 19.5 years; range, 17-23 years) with tibia and fibula midshaft open fractures treated with osteosynthesis were studied. Dual energy gadolinium-153 photonabsorptiometry was used to measure distal leg bone loss at a skeletal segment distant from the fracture to exclude callus formation. Total bone mineral (TBM) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the tibia and fibula both in the fractured leg and in the healthy contralateral leg were measured on Days 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 120 after trauma. TBM and BMD of the healthy contralateral leg did not present any significant modifications at the different observation times. Both TBM and BMD of the fractured leg showed a progressive reduction that reached statistical significance starting on Day 30 with maximum reduction on Day 120 when TBM and BMD were reduced to almost one-half the initial value.

External fixation in the treatment of fractures of the distal forearm.

The authors present 12 cases of fractures of the lower forearm treated by Hoffmann external fixation. They discuss the indications for this method and its advantages over internal fixation and closed treatment by manipulation and plaster. The advantages are: simplicity and rapidity of treatment, good toleration of the instrumentation, constant control of the soft tissues, almost bloodless technique, complete freedom of joints not involved in the fracture, and the ability to adjust the position of the wrist and hand as union progresses so as to gradually restore the physiological position in the later stages.