Similarities and differences in the functional architecture of mother- infant communication in rhesus macaque and British mother-infant dyads.

Similarly to humans, rhesus macaques engage in mother-infant face-to-face interactions. However, no previous studies have described the naturally occurring structure and development of mother-infant interactions in this population and used a comparative-developmental perspective to directly compare them to the ones reported in humans. Here, we investigate the development of infant communication, and maternal responsiveness in the two groups. We video-recorded mother-infant interactions in both groups in naturalistic settings and analysed them with the same micro-analytic coding scheme. Results show that infant social expressiveness and maternal responsiveness are similarly structured in humans and macaques. Both human and macaque mothers use specific mirroring responses to specific infant social behaviours (modified mirroring to communicative signals, enriched mirroring to affiliative gestures). However, important differences were identified in the development of infant social expressiveness, and in forms of maternal responsiveness, with vocal responses and marking behaviours being predominantly human. Results indicate a common functional architecture of mother-infant communication in humans and monkeys, and contribute to theories concerning the evolution of specific traits of human behaviour.

Carotid artery wall thickness and leukoaraiosis: preliminary results using multidetector row CT angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: LA is a condition caused by chronic cerebral ischemia and it represents an independent risk for stroke. The purpose of this work was to determine whether CAWT studied by using MDCTA is correlated with LA and its severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight patients ≥60 years of age were retrospectively studied by using multidetector row CT. Supra-aortic vessel analysis and brain CT were performed in the same procedure. In each patient, CAWT was measured with an internal digital caliper, and the presence and severity of LA were assessed. Correlation coefficients by using Spearman statistics and ROC curves were calculated. A P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Measurements of the distal common CAWT ranged from 0.5 to 1.53 mm. A correlation between LA and increased CAWT was observed (Pearson correlation, 0.33; P < .001). On the basis of a threshold of 0.9 mm, an important statistical association between increased CAWT and LA (P < .0001) was found. With the same threshold, ROC curve analysis indicated a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 75% for LA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show a statistically significant correlation between increased CAWT and LA (and its severity).

Study of endoleaks after endovascular repair by using MDCTA.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to investigate the multi-detector-row CT angiography (MDCTA) application in endoleak detection. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients that underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with endoluminal stent graft were retrospectively studied. MDCTA scans were obtained after administration of 110-130 mL of contrast material using a 4-6 mL/sec flow rate. We made unenhanced, arterial (15-20 sec) and delayed (100 sec) acquisitions. For each patient four MDCTA datasets (pre-EVAR, 1, 6, and 12 months follow-up) were obtained. Each examination was studied by two observers. Kappa value was calculated in order to evaluate inter-observer agreement. RESULTS: Twenty-one endoleaks were detected in eighteen patients. Fifteen and eighteen endoleaks were detected by using biphasic arterial CT and biphasic delayed CT respectively (sensitivity of 71.4% and 85.7% respectively). We observed a positive correlation between the presence of endoleak and the increasement in aneurysm size. Interobserver agreement was 88.1% and kappa value was 0.685. CONCLUSIONS: Biphasic CT for endoleak detection is significantly superior to arterial and delayed phases respectively. We observed a good interobserver agreement.

Multi-detector-row CT of muscles with volume rendering technique.

The aim of this paper was to analyze the concept of volume rendering (VR) technique in order to define and visualize the muscles by using multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) scanner. Second, to understand the current indications for performing MDCT study of the muscles underlining radiation exposure and diagnostic efficacy. Thanks to the use of fast scanning and thin collimation, MDCT can obtain near-isotropic voxels, providing an excellent image detail. Moreover, with the use of postprocessing procedures it is possible to obtain volumetric images with an impressive visual impact (dissection-like images). With the use of correct techniques, in particular VR reconstruction, it is currently possible to define body musculature detecting pathological alterations. The aim of this review was to describe the procedure to obtain a correct visualization of the body muscles and to show volume rendered images supplied by this postprocessing technique. The authors retrospectively studied 30 patients by using a MDCT. Each time projection data were reconstructed to generate section thickness as thinnest as possible which were then reprocessed to obtain VR images. For the whole patient cohort the authors generated multiple VR reconstructed images in order to define the most efficient strategies to evaluate the different types of muscles. MDCT can provide excellent visualization of the superficial musculature, in particular it defines with accuracy normal anatomy. A correct reconstruction of projectional data is important to achieve high quality images.

Diagnostic sensitivity of multidetector-row spiral computed tomography angiography in the evaluation of type-II endoleaks and their source: comparison between axial scans and reformatting techniques.

BACKGROUND: After endovascular stent-graft placement, several complications may occur. Retrograde filling of the aneurysm (type-II endoleak) is the most common. PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy, image quality, and interobserver agreement of multidetector-row spiral computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) in the diagnosis of type-II endoleak, by using various types of reformatting techniques in comparison to regular axial images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients who had had endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with stent graft were retrospectively studied. In 12 of 24 patients, a type-II endoleak was found. CT scans were obtained after intravenous administration of 130 ml of nonionic contrast material using a 4-6-ml/s flow rate. All patients were investigated with axial scans, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), shaded-surface display (SSD), and volume-rendering (VR) techniques. For each patient and for each reconstruction method, the image quality of the scans was scored as 0 for bad quality, 1 for poor quality, 2 for good quality, and 3 for excellent quality images. Two radiologists reviewed the CT images independently. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each reconstruction method, with the axial images as the reference method. Interobserver agreement and kappa value were also recorded. RESULTS: MPR showed the highest sensitivity (83% and 67% for observers 1 and 2, respectively), PPV (91% and 80% for observers 1 and 2, respectively), and NPV (85% and 71% for observers 1 and 2, respectively), whereas VR showed the highest specificity (92% for both observer 1 and 2). CONCLUSION: Reformatting techniques provide good-quality images; nevertheless, their efficacy in the study of type-II endoleak was found to be suboptimal in comparison to regular axial images. The MPR technique is probably the best choice in conjunction with axial images.

[Portosystemic shunt encephalopathy. Clinical and radiological evaluation by using multidetector-row CT angiography]. / Encefalopatia da shunt portosistemico. Valutazione clinica e radiologica con angio-TC multidetettore.

We describe the case of a 72-year-old woman who presented a symptomatology characterized by recurrent episodes of confusion, weakness with cerebral vasculopathy. The high values of ammonium were correctly defined thanks to the diagnostic multidetector-row CT information and we referred the symptoms to porto-systemic shunts with the exclusion of hepatic vascularization due to an inferior vena cava stenosis.

Long-term efficacy and toxicity of cyclosporin A + fluocortolone + methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of the combination of cyclosporin A, methotrexate and fluocortolone was evaluated after 96 months of treatment in 140 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: The initial dose of CyA was 5 mg/kg per day and was subsequently modified on the basis of the individual clinical response. Fluocortolone was initially administered at a dose that was sufficient to control disease activity (80-130 mg/week) and then was gradually tapered down to a maintenance dose of 15-20 mg/week. MTX was given intravenously at a dose of 15 mg once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks and then, after a 2-week interval, every 2 weeks or every month depending on the evolution of the disease. RESULTS: At the end of the study a statistically significant improvement was observed in both clinical (VAS, grip-strength, duration of morning stiffness, number of swollen joints, number of painful joints, Ritchie's index and Lee's functional index) and laboratory parameters: ESR (p = 0.000); alpha 2 globulins (p = 0.000); hemoglobin (p = 0.000); CRP (p < 0.001); and rheumatoid factor (p = 0.000). Radiological evaluation revealed little progression in anatomic lesions (Larsen score p = 0.699; number of erosions p = 0.344), thus suggesting that our protocol may be capable of showing down both bone resorption and cartilage loss. Renal toxicity, defined as an increase in plasma creatinine concentrations of more than 50% of the baseline value, was observed in 12 patients (8.5%), but the drug was discontinued in only one, who simultaneously presented high blood pressure. CONCLUSION: The positive results so far achieved in our study must be interpreted as being due to the combined action of the individual drugs, which made it possible for them to be used at relatively low dosages that minimised the onset of their side effects while maintaining the efficacy of their suppressive action.

Evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of the cyclosporine A-flucortolone-methotrexate combination in the treatment of sarcoidosis.

Eleven patients with chronic sarcoidosis resistant to high-dose corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive treatments were treated with cyclosporine A at the initial daily dose of 5 mg per kg body weight (ideal weight in the case of overweight subjects) combined with flucortolone and methotrexate. A complete and lasting remission of the disease was obtained in all patients with total disappearance of pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations. In addition, the disease activity indexes normalized and remained normal for the rest of the follow-up period (24.82 +/- 8.22 months, range 12-33). No renal or hepatic toxicity was observed in any patient. Two of them presented hypertrichosis and one nausea.

A rolB regulatory factor belongs to a new class of single zinc finger plant proteins.

A protein which binds to the regulatory domain B necessary for expression of the plant oncogene rolB in (root) meristems contains a single zinc finger of a novel type conserved in dicots and monocots. Band shift analysis revealed the presence in tobacco nuclei of a protein selectively binding to domain B, a tetramer of which was used to isolate a cDNA (NtBBF1, Nicotiana tabacum rolB domain B Factor 1) from a tobacco expression library. The corresponding genomic clone was also isolated. The protein encoded by NtBBF1 contains a single C2C2 zinc finger, and its target sequence in domain B was identified by means of mutagenized oligonucleotides. The DNA-binding capability of the zinc finger was assessed by means of a fusion of this latter with the glutathione-S-transferase protein, that was shown to bind the same target sequence as NtBBF1. A number of other tobacco cDNAs encoding different proteins with a domain (BBF domain) encompassing the zinc finger identical to NtBBF1 were also isolated. Furthermore, a cDNA encoding a protein with an almost identical single zinc finger was isolated from Arabidopsis. A very closely related zinc finger has very recently been identified in maize transcription factors and termed the Dof domain. It is proposed that the tobacco, Arabidopsis and maize BBF/Dof domain proteins are members of a new broad family of plant transcription factors acting through a single zinc finger widely utilized in the plant kingdom.

Combined cyclosporin A-steroid-MTX treatment in endogenous non-infectious uveitis.

Thirty-two patients with endogenous uveitis resistant to treatment with high doses of cortisone and other immunosuppressive agents were treated with cyclosporin A (at an initial dose of 5 mg/kg/die, subsequently modified according to individual clinical response), fluocortolone and methotrexate. Total and lasting disease remission was obtained in all patients, together with the recovery of normal visual acuity in 20 cases and its significant improvement in the remaining 12. Furthermore, in all patients the total disappearance of all ocular inflammatory activity was observed and maintained for a period of 10.87 +/- 5.31 (6-18) months. No signs of renal or hepatic toxicity were observed in any of the patients. A form of hirsutism appeared in only two cases.

[Radiosensitivity of lymphocyte subpopulations in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus. An in vitro preliminary study]. / Radiosensibilità delle sottopopolazioni linfocitarie in soggetti affetti da lupus eritematodes sistemico. Studio preliminare "in vitro".

The Authors have studied the radiosensitivity of lymphocyte cultures of patients affected by systemic lupus erythematosus in the active phase, and in the remissive phase after treatment with cyclosporine and fluocortolone, compared to a group of normal subjects. Total lymphocyte cultures and cultures of T, B, NK lymphocytes, T helper/inducer and T suppressor cytotoxic obtained with specific monoclonal antibodies were used and then irradiated with Co-60 gamma photons at scale doses between 0 and 10 Gy. Damage due to irradiation was evaluated using 3H-TdR. Patients in the clinically active phase of the disease showed an increased lymphocytic sensibility of the total lymphocytic population as well as of the various populations and T subpopulations studied. Radiosensitivity tended to become normal in patients in the remissive phase of the disease. The Authors conclude that a preliminary study of the lymphocytic sensitivity should be carried out in all patients treated with radiotherapy with autoimmune pathologies in order to avoid damages due to irradiation. Moreover, the Authors retain that a test for lymphocytic sensitivity to radiation could apply with regard to the evaluation of the clinical remissive conditions of patients affected by systemic lupus erithematosus.

[Detectable hypoechogenic images in diffuse hepatic steatosis: a new ultrasonic finding in the differential diagnosis of expansive lesions of the liver]. / Immagini ipoecogene rilevabili nella steatosi epatica diffusa: un nuovo reperto ultrasonografico nella diagnosi differenziale delle lesioni espansive del fegato.

The authors describe a particular ultrasound finding which can sometimes be observed in the echographic picture of diffused hepatic steatosis and which was seen by these Authors in 117 out of 312 patients affected by steatosis. This finding consists of the presence of one or more hypoechoic focal areas situated at the IV-V and/or II-III segment level surrounded by widespread increase in echogenicity of remaining parenchyma, which is typical of "bright liver". These areas, which can easily be mistaken for neoplastic formations, were instead seen to be limited areas of normal liver parenchyma free of fatty infiltration. In those patients presenting valid reasons for suspecting the presence of primary or secondary neoplastic formations, the Authors believe that echographic examination of these areas should always be accompanied by more invasive methods in order to confirm or exclude the possible presence of neoplastic formations with certainty. On the contrary, in those patients where no such diagnosis is suspected, it should prove sufficient to monitor these areas by means of ultrasounds.

Hypoechoic images in hepatic steatosis: a recent ultrasound finding in differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions of the liver.

The Authors described a particular ultrasound finding which can sometimes be observed in the echographic picture of diffused hepatic steatosis and which was seen by these Authors in 117 out of 312 patients affected by steatosis. This finding consists of the presence of one or more hypoechoic focal areas situated at the IV-V and/or II-III segment level surrounded by wide-spread increase in echogenicity of remaining parenchyma, which is typical of "bright liver". These areas, which can easily be mistaken for neoplastic formations, were instead seen to be limited areas of normal liver parenchyma free of fatty infiltration. In those patients presenting valid reasons for suspecting the presence of primary or secondary neoplastic formations, the Authors believe that echographic examination of these areas should always be accompanied by more invasive methods in order to confirm or exclude the possible presence of neoplastic formations with certainty. On the contrary, in those patients where no such diagnosis is suspected, it should prove sufficient to monitor these ares by means of ultrasound.

[Behavior of blood copper, ceruloplasmin and procollagen III in acute myocardial infarction]. / Sul comportamento della cupremia, della ceruloplasminemia e del procollagene III sierico nell'infarto acuto del miocardio.

The authors report the determination of copper, ceruloplasmin and procollagen III peptide serum levels (sPIIIP) in patients affected by acute myocardial infarction. These measurements were taken daily during the first ten days after diagnosis and subsequently every five days until the fortieth after the acute event. A significant increase above the normal values was observed, proportioned to the extension of the infarctuated area, reaching a peak respectively for cupraemia, ceruloplasminaemia and sPIIIP on the fourth, sixth and eighth day after the acute event and still being evident in varying proportion till the 25th-35th day and even further, again in relation to the extension of the infarctuated area. The Authors relate this phenomenon to the involvement of the homeostatic mechanism supposed to face necrotic and critical processes as those which take place during acute myocardial infarction and subsequent riparation. The Authors suggest the clinical use of cupraemia, ceruloplasminaemia and sPIIIP determinations as diagnostic and prognostic indexes of acute myocardial infarction.

[The combination of cyclosporin A and fluocortolone in the treatment of autoimmune diseases]. / L'associazione ciclosporina A--fluocortolone nella terapia delle malattie autoimmuni.

The authors report the results obtained in treatment of various autoimmune diseases using cyclosporin A (CyA) in association with fluocortolone and/or methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. In all patients treated, complete long-lasting remission of the disease both from a clinical point of view and regarding laboratory tests was obtained. In some cases, this remission has lasted for several years since onset of therapy. The results obtained demonstrate the efficacy of CyA in treatment of autoimmune diseases and show that association with fluocortolone and/or methotrexate and cyclophosphamide by exploiting the combined action of these drugs, has enabled relatively low doses to be used. These however are still sufficient to induce satisfactory immunosuppression and avoid side effects. In this context, the importance of monitoring drug blood levels is underlined, also in view of the fact that each patient has a different capacity for intestinal CyA absorption.

[Mebendazole in the therapy of human hydatidosis. Evaluation of the results obtained in 9 patients with pulmonary localization]. / Il mebendazolo nella terapia dell'idatidosi umana. Valutazione dei risultati ottenuti su nove pazienti con localizzazione polmonare.

Nine patients with pulmonary cysts of echinococcus varying in size have been treated with Mebendazole. When the cysts were small or medium in size a complete disappearance or an important reduction was observed, whereas in four patients in which the cyst was big in size the treatment did not cause any decrease in size. The Authors point out the efficacy of the Mebendazole in the small or medium size cysts if the drug is given at high doses and for a long period. Nevertheless the use of this drug may be suitable also in the treatment of big size cysts together with surgical treatment to avoid possible secondary local or distant implant and in all cases of human inoperable echinococcal cyst.