Effects of a new nutraceutical ingredient on allergen-induced sulphidoleukotrienes production and CD63 expression in allergic subjects.

Allergic diseases represent conditions affecting millions of individuals across the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential anti-allergic effects of a new nutraceutical ingredient, Pantescal (Bionap, Italy), contained in different food supplements. Pantescal is a mixture of plant extracts, such as Capparis spinosa, Olea europaea, Panax Ginseng and Ribes nigrum. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled design. 60 patients allergic to common aeroallergens were chosen. Allergic patients were divided into two groups: one group was supplemented by Pantescal and the other, using a placebo formulation. Two in vitro tests were performed on blood samples taken from patients before and at 2 h, 2, 3 and 10 days after supplementation: cellular antigen stimulation test (CAST) was used to analyze the amount of sulphidoleukotrienes (SLT) production and flow-cytometric antigen stimulation test (FAST) to measure expression of basophil degranulation marker (CD63) was also performed. CAST showed that after 2 and 3 days, a slight decrease of SLT production was evident but only after 10 days did it become significant with a percentage of inhibition (P.I)=43.3%. FAST revealed that there were no statistical differences for the first 2 days after supplementation although there was an inhibitory trend in the supplemented patients. CD63 expression was significantly reduced after 10 days (P.I.=64.8%). This study suggests that Pantescal is effective in reducing allergic biomarkers such as CD63 protein and SLT in atopic subjects. The higher inhibitory effect on CD63 expression compared to SLT production allows us to hypothesize cell membrane stabilization as the main potential mechanism to explain the observed Pantescal protective effects.

Strong infrared photoluminescence in highly porous layers of large faceted Si crystalline nanoparticles.

Almost all physical processes in solids are influenced by phonons, but their effect is frequently overlooked. In this paper, we investigate the photoluminescence of large silicon nanoparticles (approximately 100 nm size, synthesized by chemical vapor deposition) in the visible to the infrared detection range. We find that upon increasing laser irradiance, an enormous photoluminescence emission band appears in the infrared. Its intensity exhibits a superlinear power dependence, increasing over four orders of magnitude in the investigated pump power range. Particles of different sizes as well as different shapes in porous layers are investigated. The results are discussed taking into account the efficient generation of phonons under high-power pumping, and the reduced capability, porosity dependent, of the silicon nanoparticles to exchange energy with each other and with the substrate. Our findings are relevant for heat management strategies in silicon.

[Neonatal conjunctivitis in a hospital at Gran Buenos Aires. Last 5 years up-date]. / Conjuntivitis neonatal en un hospital del Gran Buenos Aires. Situación de los últimos 5 años.

Neonatal conjunctivitis is one of the most important consultation reasons in the first days of life. Causes may be chemical or infectious. Neonatal conjunctivitis study for common microorganisms and Chlamydia trachomatis is being performed at Posadas Hospital since 1995, in a progressive form. The objective of this study was to know the epidemiological situation in the last five years (1999-2003), and to describe the variations detected between two periods, 1995-1998, and 1999-2003. It was observed no change about C. trachomatis prevalence (8%), during all the time in the population studied. With regard to common microorganisms it was showed a decrease in the second period (36.6%) with respect to the first (52.4%). Likely, the causes may be due to changes about sample collection conditions, or to epidemiological variations. The most frequent microorganisms found were: Staphylococcus aureus 69 (27.6%), Streptococcus pneumoniae 68 (27.2%), and Haemophilus influenzae 64 (25.6%). We consider important to evaluate the kind of ocular secretions at the first consultation, which can lead to a symptomatic treatment that will be corroborated or not, according to microbiological results.

[Management of multiple myeloma]. / Terapia del mieloma multiplo.

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable malignancy, the median overal survival of patients receiving conventional chemotherapy being only 36-60 months. MGUS can evolve to MM in a percentage of 0.6-3% per year. The therapeutic management of multiple myeloma (MM) for the last several decades has mainly involved regimens based on use of glucocorticoids and cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. Melphaln and Prednisone (MP) are recognized as the classic treatment of MM. In patients candidate to bone marrow transplantation, VAD (Vincrisrine, Adriamicin, Dexamethasone) regimen is more indicated because it does not cause stem cell injury. High dose chemotherapy and and Autologous stem cells transplantation represent the best treatment for patients with MM who are younger than 65 years and free of severe comorbidities. Thalidomide alone or in combination with steroids has significant activity in multiple myeloma (MM). After the role of thalidomide in the management of patients with advanced or refractory MM had been established, many studies are evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide as first-line therapy for patients with newly diagnosed disease. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of disease pathogenesis and also provided the framework for a new treatment paradigm targeting the MM cell in its bone marrow microenvironment to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcome. Clinical trials are confirming the remarkable activity and improved tolerability of some of the new agents identified through this paradigm.

Somatomedin activity and inorganic sulfate in children undergoing hemodialysis.

Bioassayable serum somatomedin activity could be estimated in uremic subjects only after appropriate correction for increased circulating inorganic sulfate. Somatomedin activity increased after hemodialysis in six of ten patients, possibly due to removal of somatomedin inhibitors.

Use of autologous growth factors in lumbar spinal fusion.

The results of spinal fusion, especially posteriorly above the lumbosacral junction, have been mixed. Autologous growth factor concentrate (AGF) prepared by ultraconcentration of platelets contains multiple growth factors having a chemotactic and mitogenic effect on mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts and may play a role in initiating bone healing. The purpose of this retrospective study is to review our results with AGF in lumbar spinal fusions. To date, AGF has been used in 39 patients having lumbar spinal fusion. The study group consisted of the first 19 consecutive cases to allow at least 6 months follow-up. The average follow-up was 13 months (range 6 to 18 months). Follow-up compliance was 91%. There were 7 men and 12 women. Average age was 52 years (range 30-72 years). Nine patients had prior back surgery. There were 8 smokers. AGF was used in posterior (n = 15) or anterior intradiscal (n = 4) fusions. AGF was used with autograft and coraline hydroxyapatite in all posterior fusions, and autograft, coral, and intradiscal spacer (carbon fiber spinal fusion cages or Synthes femoral ring) in intradiscal fusions. Posterior stabilization was used in all cases. Eight cases were single-level fusions, 6 were two-level, and 1 was a three-level fusion. Autologous iliac crest bone graft was taken in 14 cases and local autograft used in 5 cases. Posteriorly, a total of 23 levels were fused; of these, nine were at L5-S1, eight at L4-L5, five at L3-L4, and one at L2-L3. No impending pseudoarthroses were noted on plain radiographic examination at last follow-up visit. Solid fusion was confirmed in 3 patients having routine hardware removal, and in 2 patients who had surgery at an adjacent level. There was one posterior wound infection, which was managed without sequelae. When used as an adjunct to autograft, AGF offers theoretical advantages that need to be examined in controlled studies. Further study is necessary to determine whether coralline hydroxyapatite used as a bone graft extender in lumbar spinal fusion may help to obviate the need for secondary site graft harvesting.

Cadaver renal transplantation in children with cystinosis.

Five children with end-stage renal disease resulting from cystinosis received seven cadaver renal allografts. Four recipients have functioning grafts eight to 55 months after receiving the transplant and one recipient lost two grafts at 17 and 26 months after the transplant. There was no florid recurrence of the Fanconi syndrome although proximal renal tubular dysfunction developed in two patients, in one in association with chronic rejection and in one without apparent etiology. Free cystine content of white blood cells, cultured skin fibroblasts and allograft tissue was significantly increased. Cystine crystals were observed in the mesangium of two grafts and in the interstitial tissue of all grafts; however, no cystine crystals were found in the tubules. The location of the cystine crystals, as well as the fact that the highest free level of cystine of allograft tissue was observed in the graft undergoing chronic rejection. led to the hypothesis that recipient cells infiltrating the graft were the source of cystine deposition. The data indicate that successful cadaveric transplantation does not correct the primary metabolic defect in cystinosis, thereby explaining the persistence of the extrarenal clinical manifestations, such as photophobia and hypothyroidism, after renal transplantation in cystinosis.

Long-term cadaver allograft survival in the recipient with a positive B lymphocyte crossmatch.

Over a 2 1/2-year period, prospective standard, T, and B lymphocyte crossmatches were performed in 45 cadaver renal transplants using the microlymphocytotoxicity technique. Twenty-three of the 45 recipients had a positive B lymphocyte crossmatch. Cumulative graft survival rates did not differ between recipients with a positive and negative B lymphocyte crossmatch. High levels of presensitization in routine lymphocytotoxic antibody screening or transplant number did not adversely affect graft survival in recipients with a positive B lymphocyte crossmatch. Five recipients had moderately positive standard crossmatches which were attributable to anti-B lymphocytotoxicity. Four of these five grafts are presently functioning with normal serum creatinine levels 9 to 14 months post-transplant. A positive B lymphocyte crossmatch is compatible with good long-term cadaveric renal allograft survival. In addition, a weakly positive standard crossmatch is not a contraindication to transplantation when the positive crossmatch is attributable to anti-B lymphocyte antibody.

Antibodies to donor B lymphocytes and mixed lymphocyte culture blocking in cadaveric renal transplantation.

In 33 renal allograft recipient-donor pairs, B and T lymphocyte complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatches and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) blocking experiments were performed and the results were correlated with graft outcome. MLC blocking particularly in the unidirectional culture against donor-stimulating cells, was highly correlated with the presence of complement-dependent cytotoxicity antibodies against donor B lymphocytes. Grafts in both MLC blocking and B lymphocyte crossmatch-positive groups fared equally as well as those without positive tests. No difference in graft outcome was noted when the presence or absence of MLC blocking was examined in relationship to positive or negative B lymphocyte complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatching.

Use of antithymocyte globulin (dose by rosette protocol) in pediatric renal allograft recipients.

Total rosette-forming cells (TRFCs) and percentage of rosette-forming cell (RFC) levels were measured in patients undergoing dialysis and in recipients following renal transplantation. The percentage of RFCs of the dialysis patients was not different from the percentage of RFCs of normal subjects, whereas the TRFCs were significantly lower in the dialysis patients. After transplantation, the percentage of RFCs and TRFCs was significantly lower in recipients treated with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) than in those of the control group; however, there was no difference in allograft survival between the ATG-treated and control recipients when using ATG in the dose by rosette protocol.

Circulating immune complexes in pediatric renal allograft rejection.

Previous reports on the generation and nephritogenic capacity of post-transplant circulating immune complexes (CICs) are conflicting. To assess the pathogenicity of CICs in acute rejection (AR), 784 CIC determinations were performed on 392 serum samples from 27 pediatric renal allograft recipients using the C1q-solid phase assay (C1q-SPA) and the Raji cell radioimmunoassay (Raji-RIA). Serum samples from transplant recipients not undergoing rejection episodes and from normal subjects served as controls. Of the 784 CIC determinations, 723 (92.3%) were negative in both assays. CICs were present at some point post-transplant in eight (19.6%) recipients. Correlation of CIC levels with allograft rejection was found in only two patients with CIC levels responding to antirejection therapy; however, statistical analysis of data by chi 2 analysis failed to reveal a significant correlation of CICs with AR episodes. Allograft histology in three recipients demonstrated characteristic signs of AR. Immunofluorescent studies did not reveal significant deposition of immunoglobulin or complement. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation studies confirmed the immune complex nature of materials reactive with the CIC assays. There was no immunological evidence supporting antithymocyte globulin (ATG) as an immunogen in patients demonstrating CICs post-transplant. CICs do not appear to be an important mediator of AR. Statistical analysis of data using the chi 2 test failed to reveal a positive correlation of CIC levels with AR or ultimate allograft outcome.

Evaluating the accuracy of transcribed computer-stored immunization data.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of immunization records transcribed into a computer-based immunization tracking system and to assess factors that contribute to inaccurate or incomplete immunization record keeping. DESIGN: Computer-stored immunization records were analyzed for 2098 children up to 2 years of age at the time of their most recent well-child visit to the UCLA Children's Health Center over a 12-month period. For children whose immunizations were not up to date, the computer-stored records were analyzed for sources of inaccuracy by comparison with the handwritten records from which the computer-stored data were transcribed. RESULTS: An underimmunization rate of 22.5% (472 of 2098) was observed based on analysis of the computer-stored records. Comparison of the computer-stored and handwritten records revealed an overall transcription error rate of at least 10.2%. In addition, 38.4% of these apparently underimmunized children had received unrecorded immunizations from providers outside UCLA. When transcription errors were corrected and other available sources of immunization data were taken into account, the estimated rate of underimmunization decreased from 22.5% to 10.9%. CONCLUSION: Unavoidable inaccuracies can diminish the utility of the data recorded in an immunization tracking system. Some inaccuracies are related to the process of transcription, but failures to record and communicate immunization data consistently also contribute to the inaccuracy of computer-stored immunization records.

Cyclophosphamide in the treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Fifty-three patients 3 1/2 to 20 years of age with steroid-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) were treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone. Two dosage schedules were used: a short course (SC) at 3 to 5 mg/kg/day for six to eight weeks and a longer course (LC) at 3 to 5 mg/kg/day for eight weeks followed by 1.5 to 2.5 mg/kg for an additional four weeks. Prednisone was administered concurrently at 50 to 75 mg/sq M every other day. Twenty-nine patients were in the SC group and 24 in the LC group. The two groups did not differ significantly as to age at onset of idiopathic nephrosis nor as to the duration of the INS prior to cyclophosphamide therapy. All patients were followed for a minimum of 42 months after cyclophosphamide therapy. The SC was associated with a higher relapse rate during the first year than the LC (42% and 8% respectively, .01 larger than P less than .025). At 42 months 63% of the LC group were in remission compared with 21% in the SC group.

Pretransplant T cell levels and renal allograft survival rates.

Total rosette forming cell (TRFC) levels were measured in 50 patients awaiting cadaveric renal transplantation. Preliminary data show a statistically significant difference in allograft survival in patients with low TRFC levels before transplant as compared with patients with medium or high TRFC levels. Pretransplant TRFC levels may be predictive of a nonresponder status and portend a favorable renal allograft outcome.

Allograft survival in patients receiving anticonvulsant medications.

The use of phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin in transplant recipients is associated with reduced cadaver allograft survival when compared to transplant recipients not receiving anticonvulsant medication. An attempt was made to overcome the adserve effect on allograft survival by either discontinuing the anticonvulsants (2 patients) or maintaining the dose of prednisone at greater than 1 mg/kg/day (2 patients). Discontinuation of phenobarbital was successful after transplantation, with subsequent stabilization of allograft function. Of the 2 patients receiving greater than 1 mg/kg/day of prednisone, renal function is normal in one patient; however, the second is undergoing chronic rejection. Neither patient appears cushingoid. Anticonvulsant medication should be discontinued prior to transplantation. If the patient has an active seizure disorder, prednisone dosage should be maintained at a higher level.

Variations in HIV risk behaviors of incarcerated juveniles during a four-year period: 1989-1992.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively monitor over several years change in incarcerated juveniles' human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors. METHODS: From 1989 to 1992, detainees who volunteered after an HIV class or were referred by a health care provider were counseled individually and privately by health educators using a standardized questionnaire and counseling form developed from an instrument used to counsel prostitutes in Los Angeles, California. RESULTS: The number counseled each year was 1045, 1745, 2354 and 1428 from 1989 to 1992, respectively. Those agreeing to HIV testing rose from 72% of total participants in 1989 to 84% of total participants in 1992. Eight of those youth tested as HIV positive. Four blind seroprevalence studies during the same time yielded one case in 1000 for 1988, one case in 1005 for 1989, two cases in 751 in late 1989 (2.7/1000), and one case in 1214 for 1990 (1.25/1000). The number worrying about AIDS and considering themselves vulnerable to AIDS increased, but protective behaviors did not. Sexual partners per year were 2.1 regardless of the age of first sexual activity. Alcohol was associated with an increased number of sexual partners (2.6/year) and higher rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Although 96% of boys and girls were sexually active, only 4% used a condom consistently during the first 3 years, and only 7% in 1992. Those reporting having used condoms with the intention to prevent both STIs and pregnancy had a higher rate of use. Those carrying condoms all the time used condoms more often. Males having sex with both males and females rarely used condoms, and 45% had one or more STIs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the rate of HIV infection remains low in juveniles detained by the County of Los Angeles, their rates of risky behaviors place them at high risk for HIV acquisition.

Donor-specific preformed B-lymphocyte antibodies and mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) blocking in cadaver renal allograft recipients.

B- and T-lymphocyte CDC crossmatches and MLC blocking experiments were performed for 33 cadaver renal allograft donor-recipient pairs. Unidirectional MLC blocking was highly correlated with a positive B-cell crossmatch. Grafts in both the MLC blocking and B-cell crossmatch positive groups fared equally as well as those without positive tests. No difference in graft outcome was noted when the presence or absence of MLC blocking was examined in relationship to B-cell crossmatch results.

Antibodies to donor B lymphocytes and autoantibodies in renal transplantation.

A positive CDC B-lymphocyte XM is not deleterious to long-term graft outcome. A positive unfractionated CDC XM is not a contraindication to transplantation if the positive crossmatch is due entirely to anti-B-lymphocyte antibody. B-lymphocyte autoantibodies are common in hemodialysis patients, but may account for only a minority of positive B-lymphocyte XMs.

First Report of Botrytis Blight on Medinilla magnifica and Various Species of Mandevilla and Allamanda in Italy.

Medinilla magnifica Lindl., Mandevilla splendens (Hook.) Woodson, the hybrid Mandevilla × amoena 'Alice du Pont' (pink allamanda), and various species of Allamanda, such as A. cathartica L. and A. blanchetii A. DC. (purple allamanda), are grown in Sicily as ornamentals. After a frost in early December 2001, a sudden wilt of container-grown cuttings of these tropical species was observed in a plastic-covered production greenhouse, with ≈30% of M. magnifica plants and 70% of Mandevilla and Allamanda plants affected. Medinilla plants (≈35 cm high) had been rooted in trays and transplanted individually in 30-cm-diameter pots. Allamanda (recently rooted cuttings) and Mandevilla (well-established) plants showed symptoms ranging from a dark brown rot at the base of stems to a tan-to-brown rot of stem midsection, respectively. Tissues surrounding lesions were water-soaked and covered by gray mycelium. On Allamanda and Mandevilla plants, lesions extended rapidly to lateral branches, and to the petiole and midrib of leaves that became chlorotic and wilted. As stems were girdled, infected plants collapsed, although the roots appeared healthy. Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. was consistently isolated from infected stem pieces surface-disinfested with 1% NaOCl for 1 min and placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA, Oxoid). Morphology and size (6 to 8 × 8 to 12 µm, modal values 7 × 10 µm) of conidia produced on PDA matched those reported for B. cinerea (1). Dark, spherical, and irregularly shaped sclerotia (1 to 6 mm diameter, mean size 3.3 × 2.3 mm) were produced on PDA. Pathogenicity of a single-conidium isolate isolated from M. magnifica was confirmed using two inoculation methods. Twenty 3-month-old cuttings of M. magnifica and pink and purple allamanda were sprayed with a conidial suspension (106 conidia per ml in a 2% glucose solution). A 2% glucose solution was sprayed on 20 control plants. Plants were sealed in transparent plastic bags for 7 days at 15 to 24°C. Typical symptoms developed only on stems of inoculated pink and purple allamanda cuttings 7 days after inoculation. B. cinerea was reisolated from affected tissues. In a separate test, stems of 10 6-month-old plants of M. magnifica and pink allamanda were inoculated by inserting a 3-mm plug taken from 10-day-old sporulating colonies growing on PDA on a superficial cut made with a sterile scalpel. The inoculated wounds were sealed with Parafilm. Ten wounded but noninoculated plants were used as controls. Plants were kept in high humidity at 10 to 20°C. After 10 days, stem necrosis, leaf chlorosis, and wilt were observed on inoculated pink allamanda plants. On inoculated M. magnifica plants, necrotic lesions were observed on stems (45 to 70 mm long and 10 to 18 mm wide) covered by gray mycelium, but the stem was not girdled. B. cinerea was reisolated from infected tissues of inoculated plants to complete Koch's postulates. No lesions developed on noninoculated control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report from Italy of Botrytis blight on these species. The occurrence of frost may have predisposed these tropical species to infection by B. cinerea. Reference: (1) M. B. Ellis and J. M. Waller. No 431 in: Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, CMI, Kew, Surrey, UK, 1974.

First Report of Phytophthora palmivora on Grevillea spp. in Italy.

The genus Grevillea (family Proteaceae) comprises over 300 species and is a popular and widely cultivated group of Australian plants. In the last 3 years, numerous potted grevilleas with symptoms of decline associated with a rot of feeder roots were found in ornamental nurseries in Sicily. Aboveground symptoms were reduced growth, yellowing of foliage, wilt, dieback, and death of the entire plant. The disease was observed on many commercial cultivars and was especially severe on G. alpina (mountain grevillea), G. juniperina (juniper-leaf grevillea), G. lavandulacea (lavender grevillea), and G. rosmarinifolia (rosemary grevillea) as well as the hybrid cultivars Clearview David (G. lavandulacea × rosmarinifolia) and Poorinda Rondeau (G. baueri × lavandulacea), while G. lanigera (woolly grevillea) cv. Mount Tamboritha and G. thelemanniana subsp. obtusifolia appeared resistant. A species of Phytophthora was consistently isolated from rotted roots of symptomatic plants using a selective medium (4), and pure cultures were obtained by single-hypha transfers. The species was identified as P. palmivora (E.I. Butler) E.I. Butler on the basis of morphological and cultural characters. On solid media, all isolates produced elliptical to ovoid, papillate sporangia with a mean length/width ratio of 1.8. Sporangia were caducous with a short pedicel (5 µm) and a conspicuous basal plug. All isolates were heterothallic (mating type A1) and produced oogonia and oospores only when paired with A2 mating type reference isolates of P. nicotianae and P. palmivora. Antheridia were amphyginous. Identification was confirmed by electrophoresis of mycelial proteins in polyacrylamide slab gels (1). The electrophoretic patterns of total soluble proteins and six isozymes (alkaline phosphatase, esterase, fumarase, NAD-glucose dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase) of isolates from grevillea were identical to those of a reference isolate of P. palmivora from Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca (2) but distinct from those of reference strains of eight other papillate species of Phytophthora included in Waterhouse's taxonomic group VI. Koch's postulates were fulfilled using 6-month-old rosemary grevillea plants that were transplanted into pots filled with soil that was artificially infested with chlamydospores (50 per gram of soil) produced in submerged cultures (3) by grevillea isolate IMI 390579. Plants were maintained in a glasshouse at 20 to 28°C and watered to field capacity once a week. One month after transplanting, infected plants showed decline symptoms similar to those of naturally infected plants. Control plants grown in pots containing noninfested soil remained healthy. P. palmivora was reisolated from roots of symptomatic plants. It appears that P. palmivora has become a widespread root pathogen in commercial ornamental nurseries in Italy (2). References: (1) S. O. Cacciola et al. EPPO Bull. 20:47, 1990.D. (2) S. O. Cacciola et al. Plant Dis. 86:327, 2002. (3) J. Y. Kadooka and W. H. Ko. Phytopathology 63:559, 1973. (4) H. Masago et al. Phytopathology 67:425, 1977.