Search

Aim: The recently described polyomaviruses KI and WU have been detected in respiratory samples, stools, tonsils, and blood, particularly in immunocompromised conditions, although little is known about tissue tropism. Herein we investigated the occurrence of KIV and WUV in non-malignant tonsillar specimens by Real-time quantitative PCR; the presence of polyomaviruses BK, JC and SV40-DNA was also evaluated., Methods: Twenty-nine non-malignant tonsil specimens obtained from children and adults admitted for tonsillectomy were prospectively studied. Real-time quantitative TaqMan PCR for polyomaviruses KI, WU, BK, JC, and SV40 were performed., Results: KI-DNA was positive in 2/29 tonsillar specimens (6.9%), while BK- DNA, JC-DNA, SV-40 DNA, and WU-DNA sequences were not identified., Conclusion: Few studies have investigated the prevalence of polyomaviruses in tonsil specimens, with varying results, and data are particularly scant as regards the newly discovered KIV and WUV. Two major questions remain to be definitely answered at this regard: the possibility that human tonsils represent the initial site of infection and/or a latency site and the biological and clinical meaning of KIV and WUV in different contexts and groups of patients, in that it is not clear whether they are simple bystanders or play a role in tonsil disease.

In the course of studies evaluating diet as risk factor of atherosclerotic disease, an epidemiological study among 1491 males and 1448 females living in Brisighella, a small village in the Tuscan-Emilian Appenines, was carried out. The methods used in estimating alimentary habits have been described in detail. The weights of all foods eaten by each subject in a 7 day period were also recorded. We considered total intake of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in g/kg of ideal weight/day and total calories/kg of ideal weight/day and related such values to those given by FAO/WHO. It was observed that mean intake of proteins and fats in g/kg/day and cal/kg/day was always more elevated when compared with those given by FAO/WHO for males and females. Mean intake of carbohydrate, in both sexes, agreed with FAO/WHO values. Therefore, we can affirm that the people of Brisighella have faulty dietary habits, mainly concerning fats. In addition, their daily calorie-intake is too high.

Author points out the reduced virulence of M. tuberculosis, that shows itself in a lower number of sputum smears and cultures positive for acid-fast bacilli and in a quick bacteriologic conversion of these cases. The most important test is again sputum smear with demonstration by microscope. No doubt that the use of antitubercular chemotherapy helped this paradoxical return to experimental methods employed by Koch, but on the other hand this use aided in forming some bacterial resistances. Author reminds that M. tuberculosis is supplied with particular characteristics, partly connected with its high lipidic contents. From this diversity as regards other bacteria rises also the difficult discovery of new efficacious antitubercular drugs.

The current state of endoscopic polypectomy of the large intestine is analysed. The indications for this treatment and the main complications arising (haemorrhages, perforations, colonic rupture) are evaluated with details of possible treatment and/or prevention. The connections with histology and surgery are also discussed. Finally, the treatment and follow-up of cancerised rectocolonic polyps are discussed in detail.