Selective Photocoagulation of Capillary Macroaneurysms by Navigated Focal Laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcome of selective photocoagulation of capillary macroaneurysms (CMAs) by navigated focal laser. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with solitary or secondary CMAs greater than 150 mm in diameter were included in this analysis. All patients were treated with navigated focal laser and received multimodal imaging. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Navigated laser photocoagulation of the CMAs successfully occluded 100% of the CMAs, inducing significative improvement in best-corrected visual acuity at 3 (P = .002) and 6 months (P = .001) and a decrease in central macular thickness (CMT) at 3 (P = .0004) and 6 months (P = .0004). CONCLUSIONS: Solitary or secondary CMAs arising from retinal capillaries are candidates for navigated laser treatment. Navigated focal treatment was able to close all CMAs in this series with an improvement in vision and CMT. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:366-373.].

Isolation and characterization of a nisin-like bacteriocin produced by a Lactococcus lactis strain isolated from charqui, a Brazilian fermented, salted and dried meat product.

A Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis strain (L. lactis 69) capable to produce a heat-stable bacteriocin was isolated from charqui, a Brazilian fermented, salted and sun-dried meat product. The bacteriocin inhibited, in vitro, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, several lactic acid bacteria isolated from foods and spoilage halotolerant bacteria isolated from charqui. The activity of the bacteriocin was not affected by pH (2.0-10.0), heating (100 °C), and chemical agents (1% w/v). Treatment of growing cells of L. monocytogenes ScottA with the cell-free supernatant of L. lactis 69 resulted in complete cell inactivation. L. lactis 69 harbored the gene for the production of a nisin-like bacteriocin, and the amino acid sequence of the active peptide was identical to sequences previously described for nisin Z. However, differences were observed regarding the leader peptide. Besides, the isolate was able to survive and produce bacteriocins in culture medium with NaCl content up to 20%, evidencing a potential application as an additional hurdle in the preservation of charqui.

Changes in total serum cholesterol for cardiovascular disease in a Mediterranean area, 1989-1999.

This work is about the comparison between two studies performed in southern Italy: 'Montecorvino Rovella Project' (PMR, 1988-1989) and 'VIP Project' (Prevention in the Irno Valley, 1998-1999) to evaluate the trend of cholesterolaemia in an area of the Campania region. These two areas which are near the city of Salerno have similar social and economic conditions and are where the Mediterranean diet originated. In both studies, people between 25 and 74 years were enlisted at random from the electoral rolls and subjected to blood tests. Total serum cholesterol was determined by an enzymatic method in the VIP as in the PMR. In the last 10 years, data show a reduction of mean cholesterolaemia of 5.5 mg/dl for men and of 3.5 mg/dl for women. In 1999, serum cholesterol for men and women is respectively 199.3 and 199.4 mg/100 ml. Ten years ago, the values were respectively 204.8 and 202.9 mg/100 ml. Prevalence of age-adjusted cholesterolaemia > or = 240 mg/100 ml decreased from 20.8 to 13.6% for men and from 19.8 to 18.6% for women. The Mediterranean diet protected the population of southern Italy from ischemic heart disease from 1950 to 1960. After this period, the population changed its eating habits, and one of the consequences was an increasing level of cholesterol. During the past decades, a return to the Mediterranean diet and the use of drugs have been responsible for lowering cholesterol.

White blood cell count is related to arterial pressure and cholesterolemia in normal children.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown a relation between the white blood cell (WBC) count in peripheral blood samples and other cardiovascular risk factors in adult populations. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time in children the relation between WBC count and patterns of atherogenic risk. METHODS: We studied a southern Italian cohort of 1,171 children (568 males, 603 females, mean age 10.8 +/- 0.06 years) from the fifth elementary classes in Salerno, Italy. This study is included in the screening of scholastic medicine. RESULTS: The WBC count was significantly associated with cholesterolemia (p < 0.03), systolic (p < 0.03) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.02), and platelet count (p < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated an independent, positive, and significant association of WBC count with the number of platelets, cholesterol levels and diastolic pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Even in children, there is a relation between the WBC count and other factors linked with the atherogenic risk. The meaning and the clinical importance of such an association remains to be cleared and it is thus premature to consider 11-year-old children as being at higher cardiovascular risk. An answer to this question might come from follow-up studies of our as well as of other similar cohorts.

[Distribution and correlation of uric acid with classic cardiovascular risk factors in an adult population in Campania. VIP project data]. / Distribuzione e correlazione dell'acido urico con i classici fattori di rischio cardiovascolare in una popolazione adulta della Campania. I data del progetto VIP.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to correlate uric acid levels with the classic cardiovascular risk factors in an adult population in Campania. METHODS: The following parameters were assessed in the study population (600 men and 600 women) aged between 25-74 years old, subdivided into 5 age groups (25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74): ECG, arterial pressure and body mass index (obtained by dividing weight in kg by height in metres squared). A blood sample was also taken to evaluate uric and other biochemical variables including: total cholesterol, HDL, L DI, glycemia, triglycerides, red and white blood cells, C3, fibrinogen, platelets and insulin serum levels. RESULTS: The results confirmed the positive correlation between uric acid and red and white blood cells in males, and between uric and the following variables in females: cholesterol, C3, LDL, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, white blood cells, BMI and fibrinogen. When the correlation was performed in the entire population, uric acid correlated with triglycerides and red and white blood cells. Multivariate analysis for the entire population showed a strong correlation between uric acid, triglycerides and white blood cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the data reported in the literature and highlights the correlation between uric and the classic cardiovascular risk factors. This association is more evident in females.

[The VIP Project: prevalence of risk factors for ischemic cardiopathy in an area of Campania]. / Il Progetto VIP: prevalenza dei fattori di rischio della cardiopatia ischemica in un'area della Campania.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the VIP Project was to verify the distribution of coronary risk factors and the treatment of high risk subjects among the population in an area of Irno Valley in South Italy. METHODS: In this study, people aged 25-74 years were randomly enrolled from the electoral register and were then visited and subjected to blood venous drawing. The project consisted of three phases: identification and classification of high risk subjects; treatment; follow-up (after 5 and 10 years). In this paper all data gathered during the first control (1998-1999) are reported. Data refer to 1200 subjects (600 men and 600 women). RESULTS: The prevalences of risk factors were the following: hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol > or = 240 mg/dl): men 13.6%, women 18.6%; hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglycerides > or = 170 mg/dl): men 33.6%, women 17.9%; hyperglycemia (blood glucose > or = 126 mg/dl): men 11.2%, women 10.4%. The mean levels of systolic blood pressure were: men 132.6 mmHg and women 132.15 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure: men 83.97 mmHg and women 82.86 mmHg. Male subjects with hypertension (> 159/94 mmHg) were 29.1% while female subjects were 28.9%. The prevalence of smokers was 43% for men and 21.7% for women. CONCLUSIONS: Data show some important aspects (especially when they are compared with Montecorvino Rovella Project, an epidemiologic research on cardiovascular risk factors also carried out in the Province of Salerno in 1988-1989): there is a reduction of cholesterolemia and of prevalence of hypercholesterolemia; smokers are decreasing but there is an increase in female smokers; doctors treat men more efficaciously than women; in the female population, aged 45 to 54 years, there is an increase, in unacceptable proportions, in cardiovascular risk factors.

Relation between white blood cell count and several risk factors for coronary heart disease in patients with systemic hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Several epidemiological studies have shown a relation between white blood cell (WBC) count in peripheral blood samples and other cardiovascular risk factors. Such associations have also been described in patients affected by dyslipidemia. On the other hand, no data are available in patients with systemic hypertension. AIM: In a southern Italian population of hypertensive patients, in order to assess the relation between WBC count and other risk factors for coronary artery disease; in addition, to evaluate if a high WBC count can identify subgroups of hypertensives with a higher risk profile for atherosclerosis. POPULATION AND METHODS: We evaluated 147 consecutive patients (44 males, mean age 49 +/- 11 years) with a minimum 2-year history of systemic hypertension in the absence of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Among risk factors, we considered: hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia and obesity. RESULTS: WBC count was significantly higher in patients with 2 or more risk factors (7.092 +/- 1034 cells/dl than in hypertensives without risk factors (5.902 +/- 1167, p < 0.0001). WBC count was significantly associated with hyperglycemia (p < 0.001), number of cigarettes smoked daily (p < 0.004), fibrinogen plasma levels (p < 0.008) and azotemia (p < 0.009). Multivariate analysis has shown a positive significant and independent relation between WBC count and both hyperglycemia and number of cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize that, among hypertensives, subgroups with a higher WBC count also have a higher risk profile for atherogenesis. The relation between WBC and some risk factors is confirmed by our data in a population of patients affected with systemic hypertension.

The increased frequency of hypercholesterolemia in southern Italy is induced only by changing diet quality?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia in relation to BMI, alimentary habits and physical activity. DESIGN: We compare our epidemiological data with those obtained in other studies previously carried out in Campania: "CNR-ATS-RF2-OB43". SETTING: Campania (Italy). RESULTS: Data show an increase of these risk factors in Southern Italy from 1978 to 1989. In males, between 20 and 59 years the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia increases from 15.9% in 1978-1979 (CNR-RF2) to 17.8% in 1983-1984 (ATS-OB43), and 20.6% in our own data (1988-1990). The pattern is similar for females: 14.4% (1978-79), 16.7% (1983-1984), and 18.6% (1988-1990). In males hypertriglyceridemia increases from 17% in 1978-1979, to 21.3% in 1983-1984 and 36.2% in 1988-1990. In females from 9.8% to 12.4% and 18% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This reality can be explained through the gradual changing of alimentary habits (high consumption of saturated fats and very little intake of vegetal fibres) and by reduced physical activity that contributes to the progressive BMI increase.

The complete genome sequence of the gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis.

Bacillus subtilis is the best-characterized member of the Gram-positive bacteria. Its genome of 4,214,810 base pairs comprises 4,100 protein-coding genes. Of these protein-coding genes, 53% are represented once, while a quarter of the genome corresponds to several gene families that have been greatly expanded by gene duplication, the largest family containing 77 putative ATP-binding transport proteins. In addition, a large proportion of the genetic capacity is devoted to the utilization of a variety of carbon sources, including many plant-derived molecules. The identification of five signal peptidase genes, as well as several genes for components of the secretion apparatus, is important given the capacity of Bacillus strains to secrete large amounts of industrially important enzymes. Many of the genes are involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, that are more typically associated with Streptomyces species. The genome contains at least ten prophages or remnants of prophages, indicating that bacteriophage infection has played an important evolutionary role in horizontal gene transfer, in particular in the propagation of bacterial pathogenesis.

The zinc binuclear cluster activator AlcR is able to bind to single sites but requires multiple repeated sites for synergistic activation of the alcA gene in Aspergillus nidulans.

The alcA gene which is part of the recently identified ethanol regulon, is one of the most strongly inducible genes in Aspergillus nidulans. Its transcriptional activation is mediated by the AlcR transactivator which contains a DNA-binding domain belonging to the C6 zinc binuclear cluster family. AlcR differs from the other members of this family by several features, the most striking characteristic being its binding to both symmetric and asymmetric DNA sites with the same apparent affinity. However, AlcR is also able to bind to a single site with high affinity, suggesting that unlike the other C6 proteins, AlcR binds as a monomer. In this report, we show that AlcR targets, to be functional in vivo, have to be organized as inverted or direct repeats. In addition, we show a strong synergistic activation of alcA transcription in which the number and the position of the AlcR-binding sites are crucial. The fact that the AlcR unit for in vitro binding is a single site whereas the in vivo functional unit is a repeat opens the question of the mechanism of the strong alcA transactivation. These results show that AlcR displays both in vitro and in vivo a new range of binding specificity and provides a novel example in the C6 zinc cluster protein family.

Ischemic stroke syndromes in childhood.

The ischemic stroke syndrome is very broad and encompasses a wide range of underlying conditions. Its identification is of great importance in clinical routine, in particular in the management of young patients who have acute neurologic deficits. The introduction of CT, MR and ultra-sound demonstrating lesions of the brain and in certain degree of the cerebral arteries has in general eliminated the need for angiography as a first examination. The most common underlying anomaly found with thrombotic or embolic stroke is congenital or acquired heart disease. Thus, it is essential that patients with cerebral ischemia be submitted to a complete cardiac examination. Children tend to show more recovery after a stroke than adults do.

Organization of the Bacillus subtilis 168 chromosome between kdg and the attachment site of the SP beta prophage: use of Long Accurate PCR and yeast artificial chromosomes for sequencing.

Within the Bacillus subtilis genome sequencing project, the region between lysA and ilvA was assigned to our laboratory. In this report we present the sequence of the last 36 kb of this region, between the kdg operon and the attachment site of the SP beta prophage. A two-step strategy was used for the sequencing. In the first step, total chromosomal DNA was cloned in phage M13-based vectors and the clones carrying inserts from the target region were identified by hybridization with a cognate yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) from our collection. Sequencing of the clones allowed us to establish a number of contigs. In the second step the contigs were mapped by Long Accurate (LA) PCR and the remaining gaps closed by sequencing of the PCR products. The level of sequence inaccuracy due to LA PCR errors appeared to be about 1 in 10,000, which does not affect significantly the final sequence quality. This two-step strategy is efficient and we suggest that it can be applied to sequencing of longer chromosomal regions. The 36 kb sequence contains 38 coding sequences (CDSs), 19 of which encode unknown proteins. Seven genetic loci already mapped in this region, xpt, metB, ilvA, ilvD, thyB, dfrA and degR were identified. Eleven CDSs were found to display significant similarities to known proteins from the data banks, suggesting possible functions for some of the novel genes: cspD may encode a cold shock protein; bcsA, the first bacterial homologue of chalcone synthase; exol, a 5' to 3' exonuclease, similar to that of DNA polymerase I of Escherichia coli; and bsaA, a stress-response-associated protein. The protein encoded by yplP has homology with the transcriptional NifA-like regulators. The arrangement of the genes relative to possible promoters and terminators suggests 19 potential transcription units.

A new approach using multiplex long accurate PCR and yeast artificial chromosomes for bacterial chromosome mapping and sequencing.

An efficient approach for structural studies on bacterial chromosomes is presented. It is based on high-resolution PCR map construction by using a multiplex long accurate PCR (MLA PCR) protocol and a YAC clone carrying the region to be mapped as indicator. The high-resolution PCR map of the bacillus subtilis rrnB-dnaB region is presented as an example. Data are also presented on the use of DNA generated by LA PCR for sequencing; they are relevant to LA PCR induced mutations and justify the application of such mapping for sequencing long stretches of bacterial chromosomes.

Association between white blood cell count and risk factors of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic studies have shown a correlation between white blood cell (WBC) count and risk of developing myocardial infarction. Aim of this study is to assess the association between WBC and the other risk factors of coronary heart disease in a southern Italian population. METHODS: Baseline data for the 1091 subjects (522 males and 569 females) enrolled in the "Montecorvino Rovella Project" were used to study factors associated with leukocytes. RESULTS: WBC count was significantly higher in smokers (8711.1 +/- 1892 cells/dl) than in ex-smokers (6720 +/- 1608 cells/dl) and in those who never smoked (6674 +/- 1608 cells/dl). By multiple linear regression analysis, WBC count showed a positive association with triglycerides (p < 0.01), cholesterol (p < 0.05) fasting glucose levels (p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this southern Italian population, elevated WBC count has been associated with other risk factors of coronary artery disease, particularly smoking, and has identified a high risk atherogenic profile. Even if the independency of the role of WBC is still under investigation, WBC count should be taken into account in establishing the coronary risk of apparently healthy people.