Salivary cortisol levels in patients with potentially malignant oral disorders and oral mucosal cancer: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between salivary cortisol secretion and the presence of cancer in the oral cavity has not been completely clarified. Due to this, we proposed carrying out a study to determine salivary cortisol levels in patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional case-control study, among 80 patients seen at the Faculty of Dentistry of the National University of Rosario, Argentina, between January 2018 and April 2020. 40 cases represented by Leukoplakia, Lichen, Erythroplakia and SCC and 40 controls were included. Smoking habit and alcohol consumption were included. The presence of stress was determined. Morning salivary cortisol levels were measured with the Roche electrochemiluminescence method (Traceability: St by ID-MS). RESULTS: Patients with SCC presented elevated salivary cortisol values. Individuals with stage III tumors showed levels higher than 8.74 ng/ml in all cases. A significant association between cortisol levels and stress was detected in patients in the control group (p<0.005) and in individuals with PMD (p=0.009). This association was not significant in patients with SCC (p=0.999). After applying the logistic regression method, when adjusting odds ratios according to tobacco and alcohol consumption and the presence of stress, the association between cortisol levels and presence of stress was highly significant (p<0.001). The possibility of presenting undetectable cortisol results was 94% lower in patients with stress. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in salivary cortisol levels in patients with PMD and SCC, is related to stress conditions, being able to generate alterations tending to immunosuppression of the cellular microenvironment.

Genome-wide analyses reveal the regions involved in the phenotypic diversity in Sicilian pigs.

Nero Siciliano (Sicilian Black, SB) is a local pig breed generally of uniform black color. In addition to this officially recognized breed, there are animals showing morphological characteristics resembling the SB but with gray hair (Sicilian Grey, SG). The SG, compared with the SB, also shows a more compact structure with greater transverse diameters, higher average daily gains and lower thickness of the back fat. In this study, using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip, we run genome-wide analyses to identify regions that may explain the phenotypic differences between SB (n = 21) and SG (n = 27) individuals. Combining the results of the two case-control approaches (GWAS and FST ), we identified two significant regions, one on SSC5 (95 401 083 bp) and one on SSC15 (55 051 435 bp), which contains several candidate genes related to growth traits in pig. The results of the Bayesian population differentiation approach identified a marker near the MGAT4C, a gene associated with average daily gain in pigs. Finally, scanning the genome for runs of homozygosity islands, we found that the two groups have different runs of homozygosity islands, with several candidate genes involved in coat color (in SG) or related to different pig performance traits (in SB). In summary, the two analyzed groups differed for several phenotypic traits, and genes involved in these traits (growth, meat traits and coat color) were detected. This study provided another contribution to the identification of genomic regions involved in phenotypic variability in local pig populations.

Tissue factor (:Factor VIIa) in the heart and vasculature: More than an envelope.

Blood coagulation comprises a complex cellular and molecular mechanism that maintains vascular integrity, protects against bleeding (hemostasis) and responds to injury. However, several elements of the coagulation system, including several coagulation factors and platelets, are also involved in other physiological and pathological processes. Tissue factor (TF) is a cell surface glycoprotein expressed in a vast variety of cell types and essential for hemostasis. Upon exposure of the TF-rich subendothelium to the blood stream, Factor VII (FVII) can bind to TF. TF subsequently facilitates the activation of FVII into activated FVII (FVIIa) thereby initiating the extrinsic coagulation pathway followed by the activation of FX and thrombin formation. Besides its hemostatic role in the vasculature, the TF:FVIIa pathway is active in many other compartments and organs where it can take part and mediate different physiological and pathological processes. The so-called non-hemostatic functions of TF:VIIa play a role in diverse processes such as inflammation, atherosclerosis and vascular and cardiac remodeling. This narrative review aims to reassess the most important and recent findings regarding the complex signaling pathways initiated by the TF:FVIIa complex, with an emphasis on the heart and blood vessels. Understanding how the mechanisms of TF:FVIIa signaling contribute to both physiological and pathological processes, is one of the keys to the development of new treatment strategies in cardiovascular disease.

Atherothrombosis and Thromboembolism: Position Paper from the Second Maastricht Consensus Conference on Thrombosis.

Atherothrombosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and long-term morbidity. Platelets and coagulation proteases, interacting with circulating cells and in different vascular beds, modify several complex pathologies including atherosclerosis. In the second Maastricht Consensus Conference on Thrombosis, this theme was addressed by diverse scientists from bench to bedside. All presentations were discussed with audience members and the results of these discussions were incorporated in the final document that presents a state-of-the-art reflection of expert opinions and consensus recommendations regarding the following five topics: 1. Risk factors, biomarkers and plaque instability: In atherothrombosis research, more focus on the contribution of specific risk factors like ectopic fat needs to be considered; definitions of atherothrombosis are important distinguishing different phases of disease, including plaque (in)stability; proteomic and metabolomics data are to be added to genetic information. 2. Circulating cells including platelets and atherothrombosis: Mechanisms of leukocyte and macrophage plasticity, migration, and transformation in murine atherosclerosis need to be considered; disease mechanism-based biomarkers need to be identified; experimental systems are needed that incorporate whole-blood flow to understand how red blood cells influence thrombus formation and stability; knowledge on platelet heterogeneity and priming conditions needs to be translated toward the in vivo situation. 3. Coagulation proteases, fibrin(ogen) and thrombus formation: The role of factor (F) XI in thrombosis including the lower margins of this factor related to safe and effective antithrombotic therapy needs to be established; FXI is a key regulator in linking platelets, thrombin generation, and inflammatory mechanisms in a renin-angiotensin dependent manner; however, the impact on thrombin-dependent PAR signaling needs further study; the fundamental mechanisms in FXIII biology and biochemistry and its impact on thrombus biophysical characteristics need to be explored; the interactions of red cells and fibrin formation and its consequences for thrombus formation and lysis need to be addressed. Platelet-fibrin interactions are pivotal determinants of clot formation and stability with potential therapeutic consequences. 4. Preventive and acute treatment of atherothrombosis and arterial embolism; novel ways and tailoring? The role of protease-activated receptor (PAR)-4 vis à vis PAR-1 as target for antithrombotic therapy merits study; ongoing trials on platelet function test-based antiplatelet therapy adjustment support development of practically feasible tests; risk scores for patients with atrial fibrillation need refinement, taking new biomarkers including coagulation into account; risk scores that consider organ system differences in bleeding may have added value; all forms of oral anticoagulant treatment require better organization, including education and emergency access; laboratory testing still needs rapidly available sensitive tests with short turnaround time. 5. Pleiotropy of coagulation proteases, thrombus resolution and ischaemia-reperfusion: Biobanks specifically for thrombus storage and analysis are needed; further studies on novel modified activated protein C-based agents are required including its cytoprotective properties; new avenues for optimizing treatment of patients with ischaemic stroke are needed, also including novel agents that modify fibrinolytic activity (aimed at plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor.

An insight into the occurrence of suicides in jails of an Italian region.

The objective of this study is to explore the personal and environmental causes of suicides in jails of an Italian region, by evaluating the extent of the phenomenon, in order to devise strategies for prevention. The examined documentation deals with all cases of suicide among detainees in the 14 prisons of the region Lazio between 01/01/2008 and 31/12/2014. The factors considered for evaluation concerns the are socio-demographics (age, gender, nationality) as well as legal aspects, prison characteristics (type of crime, judicial state) and method used for the suicide. The results show that the method to commit suicide in prisoners of Lazio is hanged. Suicides occur especially in Italian prisoners. Most prison inmates commit suicide less than one year before the end of the detention period. Since the majority of risk factors for suicide are present before the subject enters prison, it is not easy to observe and check the prisoners once they are in jail. The evaluation of the prisoners should be done during the phase when they first enter the jail and not after the intervening variables associated with the detention have had their effects. This suggests that further studies are necessary to better understand the phenomenon and evaluate the possibility to introduce effective preventive measures.

Supplementation of Rosemary extract in the diet of Nero Siciliano pigs: evaluation of the antioxidant properties on meat quality.

In the present study, the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. dietary supplementation on meat quality and oxidative stability of Nero Siciliano pigs was examined. During the growing-fattening period, 32 Nero Siciliano pigs were allotted into two treatment groups consisting of 8 replicates with 2 pigs per pen. For 90 days, the animals received a basal diet: one group (CTR) was not dietary supplemented, whereas the other group received (1 g/kg) rosemary extract (ROX). Supplementation with rosemary extract significantly improved the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of the meat, which showed higher values in the meat of the ROX group compared with the CTR group (P0.05). Color measurement performed in the present study on meat samples from the two dietary treatments showed that redness decreased (P=0.046) and hue values increased (P=0.036), indicating that a deterioration of the initial color occurred and that the rosemary extract was ineffective in preventing color deterioration. Nevertheless, the lightness, yellowness and chroma color descriptors showed similar values in relation to dietary treatment (P>0.05). Considering the nutritional value of meat as an important contributor to the overall quality, the results obtained in this study support the possibility of the dietary supplementation with R. officinalis L. extract in pigs as a functional additive in livestock feeding.

The human papillomavirus vaccination: a review of the cost-effectiveness studies.

BACKGROUND: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses, its infection with certain subtypes is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Several countries conducted specific cost-effectiveness evaluations toward HPV vaccination. The constant growth of healthcare demand, in an economic context characterized by limited resources, requires that the decision-making process be based on the comparison of alternative choices. This study offers an overview of the published cost-effectiveness studies about HPV vaccination. BIBLIOGRAPHIC RETRIEVAL METHOD: The research was performed on the scientific databases MEDLINE and SCOPUS in order to find out journal articles focused on cost-effectiveness of the HPV vaccination. The rational for any exclusion criteria of data in the search is mainly due to lack of relevance to cost-effectiveness information. RESULTS: The literature results were presented according to different groups of countries worldwide. A total of 24 articles were finally retrieved. In spite of the different models and assumptions, most studies showed the cost-effectiveness of vaccination; only two studies considered the vaccination as not cost effective. CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccination may determine a cost reduction for country-specific National Health Systems. However, the cost-effectiveness of universal HPV vaccination still remains an open debate. It is important that economic analysis of universal HPV vaccination adopts large perspectives than is the case with the existing literature, focusing on the critical issues that still exist in many areas. Reducing cost, increasing duration of efficacy, and integrating vaccines into existing screening and treatment procedures in a cost-effective manner are of crucial importance even as they are a major challenge.

Environmental tobacco smoke: health policy and focus on Italian legislation.

Worldwide tobacco smoking kills nearly 6 million people each year, including more than 600,000 non-smokers who die from smoke exposure. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS, also called secondhand smoke, involuntary smoke, or passive smoke) is the combination of sidestream smoke, the smoke given off by a burning tobacco product and mainstream smoke, the smoke exhaled by smokers. People may be exposed to ETS in homes, cars, workplaces, and public places, such as bars, restaurants, and recreational settings. In addition, there is another type of smoke which until now has not been recognized: the so-called thirdhand smoke, that comes from the reaction of mainstream smoke and environmental nitrous acid (HNO2) making carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). The effects of ETS on human health are well-known, passive smoking is harmful to those who breathe the toxins and it is a serious problem for public health. The smoking ban in Italy had reduced ETS pollution, as in the United States and in other countries all over the world. However, the implementation of comprehensive legislation on smoking policy will necessitate other tobacco control measures for its successful fulfillment: increased media awareness, telephone smoking cessation helplines and smoking cessation support services could be an opportunity to ensure awareness, comprehension and support to those who want to quit smoking. The effectiveness of legislative efforts will also depend on successful enforcement of smoking bans and compliance with the legislation. This review summarizes the evidences about the effect of ETS and provides an overview of smoke-free laws and policies.

Perception of smoke-free policies among workers in an Italian Local Health Agency: survey of opinions, knowledge and behaviours.

AIM: This study evaluated the opinions and knowledge of the Health-Care-Workers and other employees about smoking in the workplace and investigated their perceptions about the implementation and strengthening of smoke-free policies and their views of proposed smoking cessation course. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data resulting from a questionnaire administered in the Local Health Agency of Rieti (Italy). Comparisons have been made according to smoking status of participants: Ever Smokers (ES) or Never Smokers (NS). RESULTS: The study was conducted on a sample of 300 workers, the majority of whom think that the smoking ban is not observed in the workplace due to lack of respect for colleagues (59.2% of NS vs 40% of ES, p=0.022). Exposure to Secondhand smoke (SHS) is reported by 15.2% of ES and 30.3% of NS (p=0.006). About 50% of the participants think that the smoking ban has led to an improvement in the quality of interpersonal relationships. Strengthening the smoking ban through frequent inspections would be very effective according to 78% of ES and 88% of NS (p=0.043); having smoking cessation courses within the agency would be considered useful by 56% of ES and 68% of NS (p= 0.064). Relatively few respondents knew of the association between smoking and bladder cancer (35.2% of ES and 47.2% of NS, p=0.061), and asthma exacerbation (66% of ES and 77% of NS, p=0.040). Logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, work categories and smoking status show that ES report that they are less likely to be exposed to SHS (OR= 0.42, 95% CI 0.22-0.78, p=0.006) and to think that people smoke because of lack of respect (OR= 0.46, 95% CI 0.24-0.87, p=0.018). More frequent inspections (OR= 0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.95, p=0.037) and smoking cessation courses (OR= 0.61, 95% CI 0.37-1.00, p=0.053) are considered less effective by ES. ES are less likely to know that smoking is a cause of bladder cancer (OR= 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.90, p=0.019) and asthma exacerbation (OR= 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.92, p=0.023). Fifty-seven percent of current smokers would like to quit, but only 41% would join a cessation course in the agency. CONCLUSION: The results obtained may be used to analyze the effectiveness of tobacco control policy and programs aimed at freeing companies from smoke. Policy makers should provide the best possible protection for workers against exposure to SHS, in particular with enforcement of the smoking ban and smoking cessation courses tailored to maximize potential benefits for both workers and employers.

The HPV infection in males: an update.

The role of Human papillomavirus (HPV) in malignant and non-malignant genital diseases in females is well known and the corresponding epidemiological burden has been widely described, in males instead, less is known about the role of the virus in anal, penile and head and neck cancer, and the burden of malignant and non-malignant HPV-related diseases. There are many types of HPV that can infect the epithelium: some types can cause genital warts (low risk genotype), other types (high risk genotypes) can cause cancers of the penis, anus or oropharynx. Relative to females, males tend to be less knowledgeable about the infection: some may view its consequences as less likely and severe for themselves than for females, and thus could perceive vaccination as unnecessary. Including boys in the vaccination program generally exceeded conventional thresholds of good value for money, even under favorable conditions of vaccine protection and health benefits; however, uncertainty still exists in many areas that can either strengthen or attenuate the findings achieved.

Pilot study of the effect of vitamin B6 on the motility of guinea pigs ileum: possible implications for human intestinal motility.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of vitamin B6 and neostigmine on the intestinal motility of guinea pigs, to obtain beneficial effects on human health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Segments of the ileum of guinea pigs have been removed and mounted in an organ bath in order to record their motility when treated with vitamin B6, atropine and neostigmine. This motility has been compared with the contraction produced by acetylcholine. These substances were injected into the cuvette of the apparatus both singularly and in combination. RESULTS: The isolated segments of the ileum of guinea pigs exposed to vitamin B6 (5.91 x 10(-8) M) have asthenic contraction of 59.38 + 11.28 (mean + SD) compared with the peak observed for acetylcholine. When atropine (2.76 x 10(-7) M) was administered during the contraction produced by the vitamin B6, the contraction was blocked. Neostigmine (1.50 x 10(-5) M) on its own produced asthenic contraction 59.16 + 10.11 (mean + SD) compared with the peak observed for acetylcholine. Neostigmine administered after vitamin B6 (5.91 x 10(-8) and 1.48 x 10(-7) M) produces a mean contraction of 104.50 + 8.77 and 108.8 + 12.65 (mean + SD) compared with acetylcholine. CONCLUSIONS: Data reported show that vitamin B6 has an effect on the motility of the ileum of guinea pigs. The contraction produced by the combination of vitamin B6 and neostigmine is greater and more prolonged than that produced by neostigmine alone. This association could improve the efficacy of neostigmine to resolve intestinal asthenia as quickly as possible to obtain beneficial effects on human health.

A pilot study of the effect of pantothenic acid in the treatment of post-operative ileus: results from an orthopedic surgical department.

OBJECTIVES: Post-operative ileus can also occur in other types of surgery not strictly related to abdomen. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of pantothenic acid administration to stimulate intestinal peristalsis in case of post-operative ileus and estimate the most effective dose. This vitamin can be used for the treatment of chronic atonic intestine or for chronic constipation, but therapeutic indications are not precise in these conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This pilot study has used patients divided in groups treated in post-operative period with physiological solution for patients in control group (Placebo) and Dexpantenolo, which is a derivative in alcohol of pantothenic acid, for all the actively treated patients. The treatments were administered intravenously during the second and third post-operative day, according to the treatment schedule. RESULTS: 60 patients were recruited and they were allocated to five treatment groups or one control group. For males, the median time of the first bowel evacuation was 90 hours while for females the median time was 84 hours (p=0.891). For patients who received a spinal anesthetic, the median time was 72 hours, while for those who received a peridural anesthetic the median time was 96 hours (p=0.571). Between six treatment groups, instead, there is a significant difference between the median times from the operation to the first bowel evacuation (p<0.001). Linear regression model obtained using as outcome evacuation hours after surgery show that only variable which significantly affects time between operation and the first bowel evacuation is treatment dose (Beta = -0.868, p<0.001). DISCUSSION: This study would seem to indicate that pantothenic acid is effective for treatment of post-operative intestinal ileus; there is a dose response relationship between pantothenic acid and the decreasing time from surgical operation to first bowel evacuation. However, this study is preliminary; further studies are necessary, preferably randomized and with a larger number of patients.

Dietary habits in Italy: the importance of the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet is the heritage of millennia of exchange of people, cultures and foodstuffs throughout the Mediterranean basin. This diet is characterized by abundance of vegetables and fruits, bread, fish, olive oil, poultry, a relatively low consumption of red meat and a moderate consumption of wine during a meal and is well-defined by the food pyramid. Nowadays a standard Western diet has become far more common in Italy, against Mediterranean diet, which stands as a model of health sustainability: it is therefore necessary also to promote suitable resource management and to support quality in food. Practical and large scale projects should be activated, aimed to produce advice about meals both for families and for the different kinds of community, respectively.

[Preparedness for influenza A/H5N1 pandemic in Niger: a study on health care workers' knowledge and global organization of health activities]. / Pandémie grippale A/H5N1 et niveau de préparation du Niger: une étude sur les connaissances des soignants et l'organisation générale des soins.

In industrialized countries, the emergence of potentially pandemic influenza virus has invited reactions consistent with the potential threat represented by these infectious agents. However, with globalization, controlling epidemics depends as much on an effective global coordination of control methods as on preparedness of northern and southern national health care systems, at the core of which are health care workers. Our study was conducted in the National Hospital of Niamey, the main Nigerian hospital. Its objective was to evaluate the knowledge of health care professionals regarding flu pandemic and control of infection. We interviewed 178 nursing staff, doctors and paramedics on the basis of a survey. This study - the first to our knowledge to explore these issues in the African context-revealed that caregivers have a rather good mastery of theoretical knowledge. Nevertheless, beyond theoretical knowledge, miscellaneous factors compromise the effectiveness of the health care structure. Some of them seem to occupy a critical position, particularly the absence of shared references among sanitary authorities and health care professionals, and the weaknesses of global coordination of preventive activities and case management.

A world wide public health problem: the principal re-emerging infectious diseases.

The extraordinary progress in the knowledge of infectious disease, the discovery of antibiotics and effective vaccines are among the great achievement of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. These achievement have led to a dramatic reduction in the levels of mortality from these diseases. According to the World Health Organization, the term "re-emerging infectious diseases" refers to infectious diseases, which although well known, have not been of recent public health importance. However, climate change, migration, changes in health services, antibiotic resistance, population increase, international travel, the increase in the number of immune-depressed patients ,etc have lead to the re-emergence of these diseases. The climate changes are exposing sectors of the population to inadequate fresh air, water, food and resources for survival which, in consequence, provoke increases in both internal and international migration. In this particular period in which we find ourselves, characterized by globalization, the international community has become aware that the re-emergence of these diseases poses an important risk for public health underlines the necessity to adopt appropriate strategies for their prevention and control. The re-emerging diseases of the twenty-first century are a serious problem for public health and even though there has been enormous progress in medical science and in the battle against infectious diseases, they are still a long way from being really brought under control. A well organized monitoring system would enable the epidemiological characteristics of the infectious diseases to be analyzed and the success or otherwise of preventive interventions to be precisely evaluated. For this reason, the World Health Organization and the European Union have discussed the formation of a collaborative network for the monitoring and control of re-emerging diseases and has initiated special programmes. The battle between humanity and infectious disease has a history lasting thousands of years and is destined to continue in the future emphasizing the need to adopt combined policies for the prevention and control of re-emerging diseases.

Aging populations: the health and quality of life of the elderly.

The progressive tendency for the age structure of the population to shift towards the elderly has been observed in all developed countries and this has important implications for health, society, economics and epidemiology. According to the most recent estimates for the world, the number of persons aged over 60 years will double from the present number, 756 to 1400 millions by 2030. In Italy, by the year 2050, 34.6% of the population will be aged more than 65 years. This will have important implications for health. There are medical conditions that occur almost exclusively among the elderly and these are sometimes referred to as syndromes or geriatric pathologies; other conditions that can occur at younger ages, may present with different symptoms, and cause complications in the elderly. More than just the single pathologies, the presence of two or more conditions simultaneously may have a critical impact on the health status of the elderly. As their ages increase, the elderly may be considered "frail"; factors, not only physical but also psychological cognitive and social, contribute to this syndrome and all must be considered together in the diagnosis and treatment of the elderly patient. These subjects are at greater risk of physical and cognitive decline, disability and death. As the elderly are an increasing fraction of the total patient load, their problems require that the structure and organization of health services be accordingly adjusted and also that the cultural and professional training of doctors and other medical personnel is appropriate. As a consequence, the objective of governments should be to promote the health and the quality of life of the elderly and this would include primary secondary and tertiary prevention applied in a variety of different settings. The choice of the preventive measures should be determined by the general health status of the elderly individuals, of whom 60-75% are classified as healthy, 20-30% are diagnosed as suffering chronic diseases, and 2-10% are regarded as "frail". For pathologies which do not require hospitalization, among the other existing services there is also Integrated Home Help (Assistenza Domiciliare Integrata, ADI) and Medically Assisted Residences (Residenze Sanitarie Assistenziale, RSA).

Combination of alpha lipoic acid and gabapentin, its efficacy in the treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a disease that manifests as burning in the tongue or in any area of the oral mucosa, in the absence of clinically verifiable injuries. OBJECTIVES: To verify the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and gabapentin (GABA), used individually and jointly, to reduce the burning in patients with burning mouth and establish a drug therapy for the BMS. STUDY DESIGN: During April and May 2008, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the Department of Clinical Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Rosario, Argentina. The gathering of patients was between those ones with BMS who were treated in our service between March 2003 and March 2008 without complying with the applied treatments. The 120 patients were randomly divided into 4 groups and were provided, by lot and in a blinded fashion, with four different treatment cycles consisting of the following drugs: Group A (n = 20) 600 mg / day of alpha lipoic acid for two months, Group B (n = 20) 300 mg / day of gabapentin for two months, Group C (n = 20) a combination of both drugs for two months and Group D (n = 60) 100 mg / day of cellulose starch for two months (control group). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: all 120 patients completed the treatment. The best response was obtained with the combination of ALA + GABA, with a 70% of the cases with reduced burning in this group and a 13.2 times greater chance of presenting positive changes for these patients than those taking placebo. The combined use of drugs that act at different levels of the nociceptive system can be useful for the treatment of this syndrome.

Obesity in school-aged children: Interpretation of the Body Mass Index in a sample of children and adolescents in Rome.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate overweight and obesity in a sample of children of school age in the city of Rome (Italy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 18.299 school children (9.531 males and 8.768 females) aged between 3 and 15 years was studied. Height and weight have been measured in order to calculate the BMI. The percentile distribution of BMI has been determined and then subdivided according to the categories proposed by Cole. The analysis has been done using the program "Statistica" produced by StatSoft, Italia. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight exceeded 20% in all age groups with the exception of the two extremes 3 years old and 15 years old in which the prevalence was 11.8% and 15.4% respectively. Children between 5 and 10 years old have the highest rates of obesity. The prevalence of obesity was highest in females between 4 and 8 years, while for the males it was 8 to 15 years. However the difference in the prevalence between males and females was statistically significantly different only in ages 9 and 10. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight rises to a peak at age 9, reaching 30%, but declines at older ages. The prevalence of obesity peaks at an earlier age reaching between 12% and 15% at ages 5-8 years. The prevalence of obesity declines as the children get older.

Frozen-section diagnosis in donor livers: error rate estimation of steatosis degree.

A high degree of macrovesicular steatosis is associated with a significant risk of graft dysfunction. Most centers, including ours, consider 60% the limit value for transplantability, while others have adopted 30% as a cutoff. Pretransplant frozen-section (PFS) evaluation is used for reliable quantification of steatosis. However, the accuracy of PFS analysis for the degree of steatosis has largely been debated due to its high grade of variability and subjectivity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of PFS diagnosis compared with subsequent paraffin histology samples. We retrospectively analyzed PFS from 52 consecutive liver donors. All PFS were blindly reviewed by two pathologists. The results were graded according to two classifications: (A) lower or higher than 60% steatosis, or (B) mild (0%-30%), moderate (30%-60%), or severe (>60%) steatosis. The rate of error for A (two-grade classification score) was 1.9% with the erroneous discharge of a viable organ. The error rate for B (three-grade classification score) was 7.7% with four discrepancies. In three cases, the discrepancy was related to the mild to moderate cutoff value, leading to a clinical error rate of 5.8% (discharging organs with statosis >30%, when we used more strict criteria). Our study validated PFS analysis as a reliable technique when the maximum value for organ transplantation was 60% steatosis. There was a higher error rate when a cutoff value of 30% was used. This finding suggests the usefulness of another technique to support a more precise steatosis evaluation.

Genetic heterogeneity and selection signature at the KIT gene in pigs showing different coat colours and patterns.

Mutations in the porcine KIT gene (Dominant white locus) have been shown to affect coat colours and colour distribution in pigs. We analysed this gene in several pig breeds and populations (Sicilian black, completely black or with white patches; Cinta Senese; grey local population; Large White; Duroc; Hampshire; Pietrain; wild boar; Meishan) with different coat colours and patterns, genotyping a few polymorphisms. The 21 exons and parts of the intronic regions were sequenced in these pigs and 69 polymorphisms were identified. The grey-roan coat colour observed in a local grey population was completely associated with a 4-bp deletion of intron 18 in a single copy KIT gene, providing evidence that this mutation characterizes the I(d) allele described in the early genetic literature. The white patches observed in black Sicilian pigs were not completely associated with the presence of a duplicated KIT allele (I(p) ), suggesting that genetic heterogeneity is a possible cause of different coat colours in this breed. Selection signature was evident at the KIT gene in two different belted pig breeds, Hampshire and Cinta Senese. The same mutation(s) may cause the belted phenotype in these breeds that originated in the 18th-19th centuries from English pigs (Hampshire) and in Tuscany (Italy) in the 14th century (Cinta Senese). Phylogenetic relationships of 28 inferred KIT haplotypes indicated two clades: one of Asian origin that included Meishan and a few Sicilian black haplotypes and another of European origin.