bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased mRNA Expression of Two FOXP3 Isoforms in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Suzuki K. , Setoyama Y. , Yoshimoto K. , Tsuzaka K. , Abe T. , Takeuchi T.
Published: January 2017

Both the number and functional capacity of T-regulatory (Treg) cells are known to be decreased in various autoimmune diseases. FOXP3, an essential transcription factor for Treg cells, has three isoforms in humans, wild, and exon 2- and exon 2-exon 7-lacking, although their role in autoimmunity is not clearly understood. Here, we investigated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the major wild and exon-2 isoforms in peripheral mononuclear cells by quantitative PCR methods in 56 subjects, consisting of 23 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 25 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and 8 healthy controls (HCs). Although mRNA expression of the two isoforms did not directly correlate with clinical disease activity, relative expression of both was significantly lower in SLE and RA patients than in HCs. Furthermore, we found a significant statistical correlation between the two isoforms, suggesting that they are similarly regulated. Decreased expression of these isoforms in RA and SLE may reflect Treg cell abnormalities in these autoimmune diseases.
High Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotyping in Clinical Samples: Evaluation of Different Commercial Tests
Authors: Paolini F. , Rollo F. , Brandi R. , Benevolo M. , Mariani L. , Cercato M.C. , Vocaturo A. , Venuti A.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the present study is to compare the performance of several commercial human papillomavirus (HPV) tests in a cohort of 281 women. The hybrid capture II, the PreTect-HPV-Proofer, the linear array, and DR.HPV™IVD were utilized to detect and type HPV in parallel with in-house PCR tests followed by direct automated sequencing or by sub-cloning and sequencing. The concordance levels along with other tests were evaluated with a Cohen's K value varying between 0.60 to 0.88, indicating good correlation with nearly perfect agreement between hybrid capture II, (HCII) and the linear array test. High sensitivity was recorded by the linear array and HCII with 100% (95% CI, 0.8021 to 1.0000) detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III by both methods. Conversely, the PreTect-HPV-Proofer showed high specificity with 12% (95% CI, 0.7966 to 0.9163) positivity on normal samples. The genotyping analysis showed that agreement among tests was only low to moderate with great differences between different HPV types. Multiple infections were detected with poor concordance and sub-cloning assays revealed the presence of a lower number of HPV in comparison to the other methods. In summary, the use of different HPV tests applied to the same group of cervical smears may possibly lead to incongruent results, suggesting the need to standardize type-specific sensitivity of genotyping methods and the need to evaluate their accuracy in detecting multiple HPV infections. This would be a prerequisite for the use of genotyping assays in cervical cancer screening programs.
Cyclosporin-A Efficacy in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Authors: Di Leo E. , Nettis E. , Aloia A.M. , Moschetta M. , Carbonara M. , Dammacco F. , Vacca A.
Published: January 2017

Common drugs in the therapy of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) include antihistamines alone or combined with corticosteroids, but severe unresponsive patients require alternative treatments. This retrospective study aims to evaluate clinical response and safety of low-dose and long-term oral Cyclosporin-A (CyA) in unresponsive patients. One hundred and ten CIU patients, unresponsive to a previous treatment (antihistamines plus prednisone 0.2 mg/kg/day), received additional oral CyA 1–3 mg/kg/day for 6 months. The patients were subdivided into three groups (A, B, C) according to the different CyA doses. Parameters of clinical efficacy including pruritus, and size and number of wheals were evaluated at baseline, after three and six months. All adverse events were recorded. The mean total symptom severity score decreased by 63% in Group A, 76% in Group B, and 85% in Group C after 6 months. Total disappearance of the symptoms was recorded in 43 patients (39.1%): 7 (28%) of Group A; 12 (37.5%) of Group B and 24 (45%) of Group C. After a mean of 2 months from CyA suspension, 14 patients (11%) had recurrence of symptoms. Minor side effects were noted in 8 patients (7%). Our study indicates that low-dose, long-term CyA therapy is efficacious and safe in severe unresponsive CIU.
The Use of First Generation versus Second Generation Antipsychotics as Add-on or as Switch Treatment and its Effect on QTc Interval: The Italian Experience in a Real-World Setting
Authors: Di Sciascio G. , Calò S. , Amodio G. , D'Onofrio S. , Pollice R.
Published: January 2017

Some psychotropic drugs are connected with prolongation of the QT interval, torsade de pointes and sudden death. Recent data suggest that with regard to this adverse effect, the atypical antipsychotic drugs are no safer than the older drugs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the different use of first generation versus second generation antipsychotics as add-on (Group I) or switch treatment (Group II) and its effect on QTc interval in a sample of schizophrenic and bipolar inpatients without medical illness. All patients had been evaluated twice by using ECG: on admission and after two weeks of hospitalization. Exclusions criteria were: abnormalities in levels of potassium, magnesium and calcium, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, alcohol or drug abuse. We found a significant (p < 0.01) greater use of first generation antipsychotic in Group I (73.80%) than in the Group II (33.33%). Also Group I showed a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in total chlorpromazine equivalent (476. 78 ± 448.80 mg/day vs 845.48 ± 491.64 mg/day) and in QTc interval (369.14 ± 33.75 ms vs 387.09 ± 31.97 ms), while we did not find any statistical difference in Group II during hospitalization. Our results, in spite of the small sample size, indicate that antipsychotic add-on can increase QTc interval more than switching to other antipsychotic in psychiatric patients without other risk factors.
Molecular Approach by PCR is the Best Method to Detect the Presence of Chlamydia Trachomatis and to Define the True Agent of Ocular Bacterial Inflammation
Authors: Gallenga P.E. , Del Boccio M. , Rapinese M. , Di Iorio A. , Toniato E. , Martinotti S.
Published: January 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is an atypical agent for acute, subclinical and chronic conjunctivitis in developed countries, as stated by the International League against Trachoma. In order to evaluate the presence of Ct, from a total of 3,520 patients visiting the consulting room of the Eye Clinic of G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti, Italy from 2006–2008, we enrolled 171 patients affected by occasional mild, moderate or severe conjunctivitis in a three-arm prospective open study, using traditional analysis such as Immune Fluorescent Assay and Enzyme–Linked Fluorescent Assay (IFA and ELFA) and molecular analysis with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedure for Ct DNA research (Ct DNA). At the same time, microbiological culture was carried out for common germs and mycetes. These patients were analyzed at different subsequent times. In the first arm (Group A) of 82 patients with IFA and ELFA only 10 people (12.2%) resulted positive to Ct infection with both methods. The presence of Ct was never alone, but always overlapped with contaminants, like corynebacteria, staphylococci, streptococci and colonbacteria, randomly distributed, while no growth of mycetes was observed. Of these positive patients, only one 47-year-old female, suffering from a moderate form of ocular chlamydial infection, showed serological conversion against this infection; furthermore, this female had also been suffering from reactive arthritis for sometime. In the second arm (Group B) of 89 patients, we carried out PCR for Ct detection: 82 (94.25%) were found positive to Ct – DNA research, with common germ growth randomly associated, without sex or age prevalence, as in group A; no mycetes were found. The third arm (Group C) included 37 negative patients from Group A with severe or moderate chronic conjunctivitis, randomly recruited between relapsing cases, with the addition of the single previously positive seroconversion case, for a total of 38 patients, who were re-evaluated by PCR Ct-DNA analysis. All these patients, negative to IFA and ELFA, were positive to Ct-DNA analysis. These data indicate a higher rate of Ct infection in patients with severe or moderate chronic conjunctivitis, resistant to usual therapies even after eradication of common germs, thus showing the advantage of introducing this molecular technique of analysis in mild to severe chronic or recurrent conjunctivitis.
Eugenolol and Glyceryl-Isoeugenol Suppress LPS-Induced INOS Expression by Down-Regulating NF-κB and AP-1 through Inhibition of Mapks and AKT/IκBα Signaling Pathways in Macrophages
Authors: Yeh J.L. , Hsu J.H. , Hong Y.S. , Wu J.R. , Liang J.C. , Wu B.N. , Chen I.J. , Liou S.F.
Published: January 2017

Eugenol and isoeugenol, two components of clover oil, have been reported to possess several biomedical properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. This study aims to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of eugenol, isoeugenol and four of their derivatives on expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7), and to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. We found that two derivatives, eugenolol and glyceryl-isoeugenol, had potent inhibitory effects on LPS-induced upregulation of nitrite levels, iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA. In addition, they both suppressed the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced by LPS. Moreover, they both attenuated the DNA binding of NF-κB and AP-1, phosphorylation of inhibitory κBα (IκBα), and nuclear translocation of p65 protein induced by LPS. Finally, we demonstrated that glyceryl-isoeugenol suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK, whereas eugenolol suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. Taken together, these results suggest that that eugenolol and glyceryl-isoeugenol suppress LPS-induced iNOS expression by down-regulating NF-κB and AP-1 through inhibition of MAPKs and Akt/IκBα signaling pathways. Thus, this study implies that eugenolol and glyceryl-isoeugenol may provide therapeutic benefits for inflammatory diseases.
A Pilot Study Evaluating the Clinical and Immunomodulatory Effects of an Orally Administered Extract of Dendrobium Huoshanense in Children with Moderate to Severe Recalcitrant Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Wu K-G. , Li T-H. , Chen C-J. , Cheng H-I. , Wang T-Y.
Published: January 2017

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder for which few safe and effective systemic treatments are available. To test the clinical and immunomodulatory effects of a crude polysaccharide fraction isolated from Dendrobium huoshanense for the treatment of AD, we conducted a pilot, uncontrolled case series study. Twenty-seven patients aged 4–18 years (mean±SD, 10.82±4.4) with AD that had not responded to topical therapy were treated with polysaccharide derived from D. huoshanense for 4 weeks and followed-up for another 4 weeks. Progression of AD was determined with the Lund-Browder chart for children, the Investigator's Global Atopic Dermatitis Assessment (IGADA), and the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 8. Serum levels of cytokines were evaluated. Safety was determined with laboratory and clinical tests. The lesion area, IGADA score, total SCORAD result, and score for sleeplessness decreased significantly from weeks 0 to 4, but did not change significantly between weeks 4 and 8. The scores for subjective symptoms and pruritus decreased significantly from week 0 to week 4 and increased significantly from week 4 to week 8. Serum levels of IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and TGF-β1 decreased significantly between weeks 0 and 4 and between weeks 0 and 8. No significant difference in the levels of IL-10 was found. The polysaccharide from D. huoshanense reduced the levels of some cytokines associated with AD and had beneficial effects on symptoms. No serious adverse effects occurred when it was administered orally for 4 weeks.
Intranasal Flunisolide Treatment in Patients with Non-Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Varricchio A. , Capasso M. , De Lucia A. , Awisati F. , Varricchio A.M. , Bettoncelli G. , Ciprandi G.
Published: January 2017

Non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by nasal hyperreactivity and inflammation. Its treatment is still debated, intranasal corticosteroids may be an option. The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of the use of intranasal flunisolide in patients with NAR, considering both clinical and cytological parameters. Sixty patients were treated with intranasal flunisolide (30) or saline solution (30) for 8 weeks. Symptom severity, turbinate size, and inflammatory cell counts were assessed, before and after treatment. Intranasal flunisolide induced a significant reduction of symptoms, turbinate size, and cellular infiltrate. Thus, intranasal flunisolide might be a therapeutic option for NAR.
Biological Effects of Low Frequency High Intensity Ultrasound Application on EX Vivo Human Adipose Tissue
Authors: Palumbo P. , Cinque B. , Miconi G. , La Torre C. , Zoccali G. , Vrentzos N. , Vitale A.R. , Leocata P. , Lombardi D. , Lorenzo C. , D'Angelo B. , Macchiarelli G. , Cimini A. , Cifone M.G. , Giuliani M.
Published: January 2017

In the present work the effects of a new low frequency, high intensity ultrasound technology on human adipose tissue ex vivo were studied. In particular, we investigated the effects of both external and surgical ultrasound-irradiation (10 min) by evaluating, other than sample weight loss and fat release, also histological architecture alteration as well apoptosis induction. The influence of saline buffer tissue-infiltration on the effects of ultrasound irradiation was also examined. The results suggest that, in our experimental conditions, both transcutaneous and surgical ultrasound exposure caused a significant weight loss and fat release. This effect was more relevant when the ultrasound intensity was set at 100% (∼ 2.5 W/cm2 for external device; ∼19–21 W/cm2, for surgical device) compared to 70% (∼ 1.8 W/cm2 for external device; ∼13–14 W/cm2 for surgical device). Of note, the effectiveness of ultrasound was much higher when the tissue samples were previously infiltrated with saline buffer, in accordance with the knowledge that ultrasonic waves in aqueous solution better propagate with a consequently more efficient cavitation process. Moreover, the overall effects of ultrasound irradiation did not appear immediately after treatment but persisted over time, being significantly more relevant at 18 h from the end of ultrasound irradiation. Evaluation of histological characteristics of ultrasound-irradiated samples showed a clear alteration of adipose tissue architecture as well a prominent destruction of collagen fibers which were dependent on ultrasound intensity and most relevant in saline buffer-infiltrated samples. The structural changes of collagen bundles present between the lobules of fat cells were confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which clearly demonstrated how ultrasound exposure induced a drastic reduction in the compactness of the adipose connective tissue and an irregular arrangement of the fibers with a consequent alteration in the spatial architecture. The analysis of the composition of lipids in the fat released from adipose tissue after ultrasound treatment with surgical device showed, in agreement with the level of adipocyte damage, a significant increase mainly of triglycerides and cholesterol. Finally, ultrasound exposure had been shown to induce apoptosis as shown by the appearance DNA fragmentation. Accordingly, ultrasound treatment led to down-modulation of procaspase-9 expression and an increased level of caspase-3 active form.
Analysis of Inflammatory and Immune Response Biomarkers in Sputum and Exhaled Breath Condensate by a Multi-Parametric Biochip Array in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Colombo C. , Faelli N. , Tirelli A.S. , Fortunato F. , Biffi A. , Claut L. , Cariani L. , Daccò V. , Prato R. , Conese M.
Published: January 2017

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by high levels of cytokines and chemokines in the airways, producing chronic inflammation. Non-invasive biomarkers, which are also specific for the inflammatory and immune responses, are urgently needed to identify exacerbations and evaluate therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of sputum and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) biomarker changes with clinical exacerbation and response to therapy. We studied the simultaneous presence and concentration of twelve cytokines and growth factors (EGF, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, MCP-1, TNF-α and VEGF) by a multi-parametric biochip array in sputum and EBC of 24 CF patients before, after 6 and 15 days of therapy, and 15 days after the end of treatment for an acute exacerbation. Correlations with functional respiratory tests (FEV1, FVC) and the systemic marker C-reactive protein (CRP) were looked for. In sputum, before therapy, VEGF and IL-1β levels positively correlated with the respiratory function and CRP. Sputum IL-1α, IL-1β IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, and VEGF significantly decreased, while EGF increased, during therapy. IL-8 and IL-4 levels negatively correlated with the respiratory function at 15 and 30 days from the start of therapy, respectively. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α positively correlated with CRP during therapy. Although some EBC biomarkers correlated with respiratory function and CRP, no significant associations with these clinical parameters were found. Sputum IL-1β and VEGF might be considered biomarkers of an acute exacerbation in CF patients. A panel of sputum cytokines and growth factors may better describe the response to intravenous antibiotic treatment of CF than one single systemic marker.
Global Acetylation and Methylation Changes Predict Papillary Urothelial Neoplasia of Low Malignant Potential Recurrence: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Mazzucchelli R. , Scarpelli M. , Lopez-Beltran A. , Cheng L. , Bartels H. , Bartels P.H. , Alberts D.S. , Montironi R.
Published: January 2017

Papillary urothelial neoplasia of low malignant potential (PUNLMP) recurs in approximately 35% of patients. Conventional histopathological assessment does not distinguish non-recurrent from recurrent PUNLMP. The aim of this study is to explore the differences in global histone acetylation and global DNA methylation between non-recurrent and recurrent PUNLMP. Acetylated histone H3 lysine 9 (AcH3K9) and 5-methylcytosine (5MeC) were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 20 PUNLMP cases (10 non-recurrent and 10 recurrent), in 5 cases of normal urothelium (NU) and in 5 cases of muscle invasive pT2 urothelial carcinoma (UC). The total optical density of the nuclear staining was measured photometrically in at least 40 nuclei separately for the basal, intermediate and luminal positions in each case. Concerning the total optical density values for both acetylation and methylation, a decrease in staining is observed from non-recurrent PUNLMP to recurrent PUNLMP, at all nuclear locations. For acetylation the mean value in non-recurrent PUNLMP, intermediate between NU and UC, is closer to the former than to latter. The mean value in recurrent PUNLMP is closer to UC than to NU. In NU, non-recurrent and recurrent PUNLMP, the acetylation to methylation ratio decreased from the nuclei in basal position to those in the surface, the average for the above groups being 1.491, 1.611 and 1.746, respectively. Setting the observed values for NU at each sampling location to unity, acetylation shows a steady decrease, the percentages of changes in this nuclear location compared to NU being −5% in non-recurrent PUNLMP, −15% in recurrent PUNLMP and −24% in UC. Concerning methylation, there is a slight increase in non-recurrent PUNLMP (+5%), a decrease in recurrent PUNLMP (-19%) followed by a sharp rise for the UC (+61%). In conclusion, there are differences in global histone acetylation and DNA methylation patterns between non-recurrent and recurrent PUNLMP. Further studies are needed to elucidate the complex interplay between chromatin structure, its modifications and recurrence of PUNLMP.
Cervical Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pizzi M. , Ludwig K. , Palazzolo G. , Busatto G. , Rettore C. , Altavilla G.
Published: January 2017

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcoma is a rare tumour with a low-to-intermediate grade of malignancy. It frequently occurs in cervical, mediastinal and axillary lymph nodes. In approximately 30% of cases an extranodal localization has been reported (tonsils, oral cavity, mediastinum, liver, and spleen). Very little is known about possible treatment options and overall prognosis. This case reports a 66 year-old patient, who underwent surgical removal of a persistently enlarged right cervical lymph node. The histopathological examination revealed a spindle cell tumour with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltrates. Neoplastic cells stained positive for CD21, CD23 and CD35, thus confirming the diagnosis of FDC sarcoma. The neoplasm recurred two years later and partial regression was achieved by IGEV rescue therapy. We briefly discuss clinical history, histopathological differential diagnosis and treatment options of FDC sarcoma.
Magnesium Content in Daily Food Portions and the Influence of Supplementation
Authors: Niedworok E. , Muc-Wierzgoń M. , Nowakowska-Zajdel E. , Dul L. , Klakla K.
Published: January 2017

Magnesium is one of the most important cations for an organism. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether the use of a magnesium formulation as a diet supplement or medical treatment is necessary. The 24-hour recall method was used to obtain information regarding the daily magnesium consumption of 949 people. The results were compared with the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) values. The average daily requirement for magnesium was exceeded by 292 (183 women and 109 men) of the 949 respondents. This research confirmed excessive magnesium intake by both men and women that exceeded both the EAR and the RDA. Uncontrolled, excessive dietary supplementation or medical treatment with magnesium by this group may constitute a health threat.
Micro Opioid Receptor A118G Polymorphism and Post-Operative Pain: Opioids' Effects on Heterozigous Patients
Authors: De Capraris A. , Cinnella G. , Marolla A. , Salatto P. , Da Lima S. , Vetuschi P. , Consoletti L. , Gesualdo L. , Dambrosio M.
Published: January 2017

The Single-Nucleotide-Polymorphism (SNP) 118A>G in the μ-1 Opioid Receptor gene (OPRM1) is associated with a decrease in the analgesic effects of opioids. The aim of this study is to assess whether 118A>G polymorphism could influence the analgesic response to opioid-based postoperative pain (POP) therapy. The study consisted of two parts: section α, observational, included 199 subjects undergoing scheduled surgical procedures with pain management standardized on surgery invasiveness and on expected level of postoperative pain; section β, randomized, included 41 women undergoing scheduled caesarean delivery with continuous intra-operative epidural anesthesia and post-operative analgesia (CEA). In both sections, POP was measured over 48 h (T6h-T24h-T48h) by the visual analogue scale (VAS). In section β we also tested the responsiveness of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) expressed by Cortisol levels. In section α, with cluster analysis, subjects were analyzed according to their genotype: a group (#1) of 34 patients reporting VAS score >3 at every time lapse was identified and included only A118G carriers, while wild-type (A118A - absence of 118A>G polymorphism) patients were unevenly distributed between those with cluster #2 (VAS score <3 at every study steps) and those with cluster #3 (VAS score progressively reducing from T6h). In section (3, A118G carriers receiving epidural sufentanil had the lowest VAS scores at T24h; also in these patients, Cortisol levels remained more stable, with a mild decrease at T6h. This study shows that the OPRM1 118A>G polymorphism affects postoperative pain response in heterozygous patients: they have a different postoperative pain response than patients with wild-type genes, which may affect the efficacy of the analgesic therapy.
Aggressive Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient with Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Abenavoli L. , Pennacchia I. , Stigliano E. , Carbone A. , Vecchio F.M. , Arena V.
Published: January 2017

A link between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) has been recently reported in literature. Here we report a case of diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) with a particularly aggressive clinical course in an SLE patient with EBV infection. A 49-year-old woman with a long history of SLE was admitted to the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and dramatically died a few hours later. The autopsy described no evidence of active lymphoproliferative disorder. Instead, histological examination demonstrated an atypical lymphocitic proliferation in lymph node, kidneys, pericardium and uterus. Immunoistochemically, the lymphomatous cells were positive with CD19, CD20, CD22 and CD79a, which was consistent with a DLBCL. The cells were also reactive to EBV markers, indicating the possible role of previous EBV infection in DLBCL pathogenesis.
Effectiveness of Ischia Thermal Water Nasal Aerosol in Children with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized and Controlled Study
Authors: Del Giudice M. Miraglia , Decimo F. , Maiello N. , Leonardi S. , Parisi G. , Golluccio M. , Capasso M. , Balestrieri U. , Rocco A. , Perrone L. , Ciprandi G.
Published: January 2017

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by local inflammation. Nasal lavage may be a useful treatment, however, there are few studies on this topic. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Ischia thermal water nasal irrigation on allergic rhinitis symptoms and airway inflammation during the period of natural exposure to Parietaria pollen in children with allergic rhinitis and intermittent asthma. Forty allergic children were randomly divided into two groups: the first group (Group 1) practiced crenotherapy with thermal water aerosol for 15 days per month, for three consecutive months, the control group (Group 2) was treated with 0.9% NaCl (isotonic) solution. In addition, all children were treated with cetirizine (0.5 gtt./kg/day once daily). Nasal symptom assessment, including Total Symptom Score (TSS), spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were considered before the treatment (T0), at the end of the treatment (T1) and again 2 weeks after the end of the treatment (T2). The study was registered in the Clinical Trials.gov (NCT01326247). Thermal water significantly reduced both TSS and FeNO levels and there was a significant relationship between reduction of nasal symptoms and FeNO values at the end of treatment with thermal water. In conclusion, this study shows that nasal crenotherapy with the hyper-mineral chloride-sodium water of Ischia was effective in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis based on the sensitivity to Parietaria. These results demonstrate that this natural treatment may be effective in a common and debilitating disease such as the allergic rhinitis.
Acquired Angioedema with C1 Inhibitor Deficiency Associated with Anticardiolipin Antibodies
Authors: Di Leo E. , Nettis E. , Montinaro V. , Calogiuri G. , Delle Donne P. , Ferrannini A. , Vacca A.
Published: January 2017

Acquired angioedema (AAE) with C1 inhibitor deficiency is often associated to B cell lymphoproliferative disorders or autoimmune diseases. We report a case of AAE associated with IgM anti-cardiolipin antibodies, with frequent edematous attacks, that disappeared completely after a slight immunosuppression and danazol therapy.
Role of Vitamin D in Children with Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Esposito S. , Baggi E. , Bianchini S. , Marchisio P. , Principi N.
Published: January 2017

It has recently been shown that vitamin D (VitD) plays an important role in host defences, inflammation and immunity. We reviewed PubMed and selected all of the studies published over the last 15 years concerning VitD deficiency and VitD supplementation in children with respiratory tract infections. Our analysis showed that VitD seems to be very important because of its part in the complexity of the immune system. However, there are few pediatric studies and most have various limitations. First of all, the literature mainly refers to studies concerning the prevalence of VitD insufficiency and deficiency in specific pathologies. Secondly, it is extremely difficult to identify a common specific range of normal, insufficient and deficient VitD levels. Thirdly, the available studies of VitD supplementation often combined VitD with the use of other micronutrients, thus obscuring the role of VitD itself. Finally, different doses have been used for VitD supplementation. These observations clearly highlight the fact that further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of VitD deficiency and insufficiency in terms of the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric respiratory tract infection, and whether VitD supplementation favours a positive outcome.
CD1d-Associated Expression of NF-κB and Cardiac Dysfunction in Diabetic and Obese Mice
Authors: Madonna R. , Wu H. , Shelat H. , Geng Y-J.
Published: January 2017

In patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus, abnormal production of inflammatory factors may result in cardiovascular dysfunction. In the current study, we tested the impact of CD1d-mediated innate immune responses on the expression and activation of NFκB in the hearts of adipose diabetic ( db/db) mice. Splenocytes from adult db/db and CD1d-knockout mice of both genders and their wild-type, C57BL/6 and Balb/C counterparts were examined for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TNF-α receptor type 1. The percentage of natural killer T (NKT) cells in CD3+ T cells was compared with that in nondiabetic control mice. Despite the absence of inflammatory infiltrates, the hearts of db/db mice showed alterations in TNF-α receptor-1 and NFκB activity, including increased expression of both the NFκB p52 and p65 subunits. In the hearts of CD1d-knockout mice, p52 expression was reduced, while p65 expression remained largely unchanged. On echocardiography, the ratio of E to A transmitral flow velocities (an indicator of diastolic function) was significantly decreased in db/db mice after they swam for 30 minutes. These results provide evidence for CD1d-mediated NFκB activation and diastolic dysfunction in the hearts of db/db mice. Therefore, CD1d-associated abnormalities of innate immune responses and TNF-α production in splenic tissue may contribute to NFκB activation and cardiac dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
Activity of Corilagin on Post-Parasiticide Liver Fibrosis in Schistosomiasis Animal Model
Authors: Huang Y.-F. , Zhang S.-L. , Jin F. , Cheng D. , Zhou Y.-P. , Li H.-R. , Tang Z.-M. , Xue J. , Cai W. , Dong J.-H. , Zhao L.
Published: January 2017

This study investigates the effects and possible molecular mechanisms of corilagin extraction on prevention of Schistosoma japonicum ova-induced granulomas and liver fibrosis. As a result, under a light microscope, when compared to a model group, the corilagin group showed smaller granulomas, less liver cell denaturation and less inflammatory cell infiltration, and the connective tissues were significantly decreased. By Masson staining, the liver sections from the corilagin group showed less collagen distributed around granulomas, decreased liver fibrosis in the portal tracts and less formed interlobular tissue. The expression of hydroxyproline, IL-13 in liver and GATA3 in spleen in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05 or 0.01), while the level of hydroxyproline, IL-13 and GATA3 in the corilagin group were significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). In conclusion, corilagin extraction can decrease the level of Th2-associated profibrotic cytokine IL-13, and down-regulate the transcription of GATA3 mRNA in spleen cells, which alleviate the hepatic fibrosis caused by egg granuloma in Schistosoma japonicum infection.
Hyaluronan Plus Saline Nasal Washes in the Treatment of Rhino-Sinusal Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Rhino-Sinusal Remodeling
Authors: Macchi A. , Terranova P. , Digilio E. , Castelnuovo P.
Published: January 2017

Hyaluronic acid is a major component of many extracellular matrices and plays a central role in the homeostasis of physiology in upper and lower airways. When topically administered following endoscopic sinus surgery, hyaluronic acid may be effective in functional recovery and in the prevention of recurrence of chronic rhinosinusistis. This pilot study was aimed at evaluating the effects of nebulised 9 mg of sodium hyaluronate given for 15 days per months over 3 months in 46 patients aged > 4 years who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for rhino-sinusal remodelling. Eligible patients were randomized to receive nebulised 9 mg sodium hyaluronate nasal washes plus saline solution or 5 ml saline alone (23 patients in each group), according to an open-label, parallel group design, with blind observer assessment. Treatment was administered by means of a nasal ampoule that allows nebulisation of particles with a median aerodynamic diameter > 10 micron, i.e. suitable for upper respiratory airways deposition. The efficacy variables included clinical (presence of nasal dyspnoea), endoscopical (ostium of paranasal sinuses, oedema, respiratory patency, synechiae, and appearance of nasal mucosa) and cytological (ciliary motility and presence of neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells, bacteria, mycetes and bio film) measures. At the end of the study, patients expressed an opinion on the overall tolerability of treatment. The two treatment groups were comparable at baseline. Treatment with 9 mg of sodium hyaluronate was associated with significantly greater improvements compared to controls in nasal dyspnoea (p<0.001), presence of mycetes (p = 0.044), ciliary motility (p<0.001) and abnormalities in nasal secretions. A univariate logistic model, in which the odd ratio (OR) indicates the probability of success in the 9 mg sodium hyaluronate group compared to the control group, showed that the highest OR was observed for presence of nasal dyspnoea (OR = 21.36; 95% CI: 1.07 to 426.56), normal mucosa at endoscopy (OR: 9.62; 95% CI: 1.82 to 50.89), ciliary motility (OR: 7.27; 95% CI: 1.68 to 31.42) and presence of bio film (OR: 4.41; 95% CI: 1.26 to 15.40). Treatment with 9 mg sodium hyaluronate plus saline was well tolerated. A 3-month intermittent treatment with 9 mg sodium hyaluronate plus saline solution nasal washes following FESS for rhino-sinusal remodelling was associated with significant improvements in nasal dyspnoea, appearance of nasal mucosa at endoscopy and ciliary motility compared to saline alone.
Evaluation of the Expression and Role of IGF Pathway Biomarkers in Human Sarcomas
Authors: Lin F. , Shen Z. , Xu X. , Hu B-B. , Meerani S. , Tang L-N. , Zheng S-E. , Sun Y-J. , Min D-L. , Yao Y.
Published: January 2017

Recent studies have shown that insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling components have been involved in the pathogenesis and progression of different types of sarcomas. There has been some evidence to indicate the differential-expression of IGF2 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in human sarcomas. The present study utilized immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) to determine the expression of IGF2 and IGF1R in eighty-two cases of human sarcoma specimens and eight cases of non-tumor tissue (NTT). IGF2/IGF1R signaling was blocked by recombinant adenovirus-mediated IGF1R small hairpin RNA (shIGF1R), which was used to transfect into human osteosarcoma (OS) MG-63 cells. The expression of IGF2, IGF1R, matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 was detected by Real-time PCR. Cell migration was evaluated by wound healing'assay. As a consequence, the expression of IGF1R and IGF2 was found in human OS with higher strong reactivity rate compared with the NTT (85.0% vs 50.0%, P = 0.022; 95.0% vs 100.0%, P = 0.042), elevating with the ascending order of tumor malignancy. Also, IGF1R had differential expression in different types of sarcomas ( P = 0.002), while IGF2 had no significant difference ( P = 0.105). Targeted blockade of IGF2/IGF1R signaling decreased the expression of IGF2, IGF1R, and MMP-2/-9, and diminished the migration capabilities of MG-63 cells. In conclusion, IGF1R is differentially-expressed in different types of human sarcomas, and targeted blockade of IGF1R pathway may inhibit human OS migration through down-regulation of MMP-2/-9 expression. IGF1R pathway may represent a significant therapeutic modality for the treatment of sarcomas.
Effectiveness of Fibrin Sealant after Cementless Total HIP Replacement: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Randelli F. , Banci L. , Ragone V. , Pavesi M. , Randelli G.
Published: January 2017

Fibrinogen-based sealants have been used to improve hemostasis after total hip replacement (THR) with conflicting results. We therefore conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial to determine whether the commercially available fibrin sealant Quixil is effective in reducing the volume of red blood cell transfusions, postoperative blood loss and postoperative hemoglobin drop. Patients with coxarthrosis scheduled for primary cementless THR, were enrolled in a single hospital setting and randomized to either a fibrin sealant group (n=35) or a negative control group (n=35). The surgeon was blind to group allocation until the moment of fibrin application, while the cardiologist determining the need for transfusions remained blind throughout the intervention. In the fibrin sealant group, less blood was lost in the first 48 hours (median, 125 vs 200 ml), fewer patients required allogeneic blood transfusion (1 vs 6 in the control group), and fewer total units of allogeneic blood were transfused (2 vs 12). These differences, however, were not significant partly due to confounding from the use of autologous transfusion of predeposited blood (according to a more liberal regime) and intraoperative autologous blood reinfusion in some patients of both groups. Excluding these last individuals from analysis, no remaining patient of the fibrin sealant group had an allogeneic blood transfusion that, instead, was carried out on 5 patients (23.8%) of the control group (p=0.048). Overall postoperative hemoglobin drop from baseline was significantly less in the fibrin-treated group on day 7 (mean, 3.5 vs 4.5 g/dl; p=0.02). No adverse events were associated with fibrin treatment. These results strengthen the evidence in support of the safety and efficacy of the use of fibrin sealant in improving hemostasis after THR. Clinical trial registration: EudraCT 2008-002024-28.
Expression of CD7, CD20 and CDX-2 in a Secondary Signet-Ring Cell Tumor of the Prostate: A Case Report
Authors: Cimino S. , Russo G.I. , Favilla V. , Fragalà E. , Collura Z. , Zanghì A. , Castelli T. , Madonia M. , Morgia G.
Published: January 2017

As is well-known, signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) rarely appears as a histological finding in the prostatic tissue. Nevertheless, a differentiation should be made between a primary tumor and a metastatic disease. We describe the case of a 52-year-old man with lower urinary tract symptoms, serum total PSA of 0.2 ng/ml, elevated serum CEA and CA19-9 levels. Two years prior to presentation, he underwent total gastrectomy with histological findings indicating “poor differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell”. A palpable nodule was found on digital rectal examination and for this reason he underwent 12-core transperineal prostate biopsy with a diagnosis of “poor differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell and adipose tissue infiltration”. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed positivity for PAS, CK7 and CDX-2, focal positivity for CK20 and negativity for PSA and PSAP. The diagnosis of a prostatic secondary SRCC was possible given the positivity to CK7, CDX-2, focal positivity to CK20 and negativity to PSA.
Anxiety, Significant Losses, Depression, and Irrational Beliefs in First-Offence Shoplifters
Authors: Lamontagne Yves , Boyer Richard , Hétu Céline ILL , Lacerte-Lamontagne Céline
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship among demographic data, anxiety, significant losses, depression, and irrational beliefs reported by first-offence shoplifters.

Method:

One hundred and six adult shoplifters who were first-time offenders completed a self-administered questionnaire.

Results:

Men and women were equally likely to be arrested for this offence. The majority of offenders were poor and unemployed. Depression, but not anxiety, was the most common psychiatric disorder associated with shoplifting. Subjects with depression presented the greatest number of irrational beliefs related to shoplifting.

Conclusions:

The authors suggest 2 categories of shoplifters: those who shoplift through rational choice; and those for whom shoplifting is a response to depression or leads to the fulfilment of some psychological needs. In conclusion, shoplifting does not have a unitary motive, and the clinical implications are that the affective and cognitive aspects of shoplifters' behaviours must be taken into account.
The Predictive Value of Dysgraphia and Constructional Apraxia for Delirium in Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Baranowski Susan L , Patten Scott B
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the predictive value of dysgraphia and constructional apraxia for delirium among psychiatric inpatients.

Method:

Data were collected from 2 sources. First, a series of nondelirious psychiatric inpatients that had participated in a previous study was selected to determine the specificity of various indices of dysgraphia and constructional apraxia. Second, a series of 56 psychiatric inpatients with delirium as identified using electronic administrative data and clinical records was selected to evaluate sensitivity.

Results:

Of the various indices of dysgraphia examined, only a global rating of writing quality and evidence of jagged or angled letter loops were informative clinical signs. The predictive value of constructional apraxia resembled the predictive value of the 2 dysgraphia indices.

Conclusions:

Dysgraphia and constructional apraxia are useful clinical signs of delirium in the psychiatric inpatient population. Evaluation of these functions can substantially impact diagnostic decisions where diagnostic uncertainty exists. An evaluation of writing and constructional praxis can be easily incorporated into bedside mental status examinations.
Childhood Depressive Symptoms Predict Psychiatric Problems in Young Adults
Authors: Aronen Eeva T , Soininen Mika
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the predictive value of childhood depressive symptoms for psychiatric symptoms, adaptive functioning, and self-performance in young adults.

Method:

The study sample consisted of 111 young adults born during 1975–1976 in the Helsinki region. The young adults were assessed in childhood (10 to 11 years of age) using the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and at the age of 20 to 21 years using Achenbach's Young Adult Self Report (YASR), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Wallston Self-Performance Survey.

Results:

Self-reported depressive symptoms in childhood predicted psychiatric symptoms (especially aggression), poor adaptive functioning, and low self-esteem in young adulthood.

Conclusions:

Depressive symptoms in children should be addressed to prevent later psychiatric problems. The CDI may be a measure of nonspecific psychopathology rather than of pure depression—thus, it may be a good screening tool for child populations.
Conduct Disorder: A Biopsychosocial Review
Authors: Bassarath Lindley
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To review published works on the epidemiology, risk factors, protective factors, typologies, and genetic aspects of conduct disorder (CD).

Method:

Findings from refereed journal articles and current texts in the field are briefly summarized.

Results:

CD is commonly encountered in clinical practice. Factors strongly predictive of future delinquency include past offenses, antisocial peers, impoverished social ties, early substance use, male sex, and antisocial parents. Factors that moderately predict recidivism include early aggression, low socioeconomic status (SES), psychological variables such as risk taking and impulsivity, poor parent–child relationships, poor academic performance, early medical insult, and neuropsychological variables such as poor verbal IQ. Mildly predictive variables include other family characteristics such as large family size, family stress, discord, broken home, and abusive parenting, particularly neglect. Protective factors include individual factors such as skill competence (in social and other arenas), adult relationships, prosocial and proeducational values, and strong social programs and supports.

Conclusions:

We know a great deal about psychosocial risk factors for CD. Some research into protective factors and genetic contributions exists but is in its early stages. Future work will increase our knowledge about subtypes, developmental pathways, and CD treatment.