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Solanum elaeagnifoliumCav., (Solanaceae), is one of the most invasive and noxious plants in several Mediterranean countries. Recently it has been reported that in Greece the presence of S. elaegnifoliumhas increased by 1750%, doubling its main distribution centers and reaching higher altitudes. The invasive alien plants harm the natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Preventive measures and supplementary initiatives should be implemented rapidly and incorporated urgently into current biodiversity conservation and agricultural management regimes. Collecting the plant material intensively for medicinal purposes may be an efficient mechanism to suppress its expansion. The aim of this review study was to assess the medicinal potential of this plant. The most interesting bioactive compounds of S. elaeagnifoliumare flavonoids, alkaloids and glycoalkaloids (e.g., solasodine, solamargine). They possess anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activities and cure skin disorders. The glycoalkaloid solamargine, in vitro tested for its effect on different types of melanoma cells, inhibits rapidly, selectively, and effectively the growth of metastatic and primary melanoma cells WM239 and WM115, respectively, with minimal effect on normal and benign WM35 cells. In addition, the mixture of purified solasodine glycoalkaloids, present in the formulation of the cream CuradermBEC5, is effective against non-malignant (keratoses and keratoacanthomas) and malignant skin lesions (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas). S. elaeagnifoliumbioactive compounds and their properties to cure bacterial infections, inflammation, skin disorders, and cancer deserve further investigations. The alkaloids particularly need additional researchers’ attention.

Background: CVCs are defined ‘complex’ when they are inserted through non-conventional accesses or positioned in non-usual sites or substituted by IR endovascular procedures. We report our experience in using diagnostic and interventional radiology techniques for complex CVC insertion and management; we recommend some precautions and techniques that could lead to long-term availability of central venous access and to avoid non-conventional sites CVC insertion.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 617 patients, between January 2010 and December 2019, (mean age 71 ± 13; male 448/617), treated in our department for insertion of tunnelled CVC for haemodialysis.Results: Among 617 patients, 241 cases (39%) are considered ‘complex’ because they required either a PTA with or without stenting to restore/maintain venous access or had an unusual positioning site or required unconventional access. A direct correlation between CT angiography and PTA (r= 0.95; p-value <0.001) and an inverse correlation between CT angiography and unconventional ‘rescue’ access (r= −0.92; p-value <0.001) were found.Conclusions: Precise pre-operative planning of treatment in a multidisciplinary setting and diagnostic and interventional radiology procedures knowledge allows reducing complex catheterisms in haemodialysis patient.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a severe complication of preterm birth associated with white matter injury (WMI) and reduced neurogenesis. IVH commonly arises from the germinal matrix, a highly cellular, transient structure, where all precursor cells are born, proliferate, and migrate during brain development. IVH leads to reduced progenitor cell proliferation and maturation and contributes to WMI. Interruption of oligodendrocyte lineage (OL) proliferation and maturation after IVH will prevent myelination. We evaluated whether unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) could recover OL lineage, as USSC release multiple relevant growth factors and cytokines. The effects of USSC infusion at 24 hours after IVH were assessed in the periventricular zone by analysis of OL lineage-specific progression (PDGFR+, OLIG2+, NKX2.2+ with Ki67), and this was correlated with growth factors TGFβ1, FGF2 expression. The early OL cell lineage by immunofluorescence and cell density quantitation showed significant reduction after IVH (P< .05 both PDGFR+, OLIG2+ at day 3); with significant recovery after injection of USSCs (P< .05 both PDGFR+, OLIG2+ at day 3). CSF protein and tissue mRNA levels of TGFβ1 were reduced by IVH and recovered after USSC (P< .05 for all changes). FGF2 showed an increased mRNA after USSC on day3 (P< .05). Cell cyclin genes were unaffected except for the cycle inhibitor P27Kip1which increased after IVH but returned to normal after USSC on day 3. Our findings demonstrated a plausible mechanism through which USSCs can aid in developmental myelination by recovery of OL proliferation and maturation along with correlative changes in growth factors during brain development.Graphical Abstract

ABSTRACTMolecular tools were largely used to characterise native almond (Prunus dulcisMill.) cultivars, to elucidate their diversification and to establish their membership to Mediterranean germplasm pools. Hereby, the efficiency of the application of PCR techniques to study the genetic diversity of S alleles in almond was tested to identify self-incompatible cultivar combinations and groups. Hence, an analysis with consensus AS1II and AmyC5R and with allele-specific primers was performed for 25 almond accessions including 17 local Tunisian cultivars, 7 advanced selections, and 1 extra group from Italy in order to identify their S-genotype. Interestingly, all genotypes were assigned to their specific self-incompatible groups and a new group (LI) has been established. The two cultivars ‘Dillou’ and ‘Porto’ both considered as self-compatible have been demonstrated to be self-incompatible. Results reveal also a discrepancy for the S-genotype assigned to ‘Zahaaf’ preserved in the International almond collection. Thus, Sgenes genotyping of commercially used or newly released cultivars is very useful as we demonstrated that it may show that common knowledge may be partly inaccurate. For important varieties, this immediately has a consequence for cultivation practices, also for smallholder orchards as changing an incorrect practice may in time increase yield and also guarantee yield stability.

Cold hardy citrus is an emerging industry in north Florida. However, it is under the threat of Candidatus Liberibacterasiaticus (CLas), the agent of the citrus disease huanglongbing. Distribution and phenology of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri(Kuwayama), the vector of CLas, was investigated over a 2-year sampling period in north Florida. Diaphorina citriwas only found in backyard and ornamental citrus along the Gulf of Mexico, and was not observed in cultivated citrus groves during the 2 years (2017–2018) of the survey. Diaphorina citripopulation peaks occurred approximately 2 mo later than in central Florida with major population peaks occurring in July. The number of D. citriadults was significantly higher on CLas infected than uninfected citrus trees, whereas more nymphs were found on uninfected trees. Most D. citriwere negative for CLas except in Franklin county where both infected trees and psyllids were found. We were able to find adult D. citriduring all winter months, despite temperatures as low as −5.5°C. During two consecutive winters, we conducted experiments to determine D. citricold hardiness by caging D. citriunder ambient conditions in mid-November and assessing survivors in the following spring. In 2018, approximately 21%, of D. citriadults survived overwintering whereas 16% survived in 2019 despite lower temperature in 2018 than in 2019. As we are at the earliest stage of HLB infestation, management of D. citriand CLas in north Florida should focus on removal of CLas-infected trees to reduce the reservoir of pathogen.

The development of genetically modified (GM) crops speeds up the obtainment of novel varieties with improved agronomic characteristics. However, the risk evaluation of the use of GMs is mandatory before their release in the market. In this paper, an untargeted and comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic study was carried out on the peel and flesh of a transgenic lemon clone (E23) expressing the chit42 gene and exhibiting an increased tolerance to some pathogenic fungi and on its wild type. Results highlighted a substantial equivalence of the metabolomics profile of the transgenic clone compared to the wild type. In addition, an enhanced response of the E23 clone toward fungal pathogens affecting the postharvest management in lemon was evidenced. These results confirm the potential of genetic engineering for the punctual modification of specific agronomic traits without altering the whole pattern of metabolites and open new perspectives for a more sustainable and effective management of specific postharvest diseases in citrus.

When death is sudden and unexpected, autopsy may not provide sufficient information to be sure of the cause of death. Some causes can only be identified by microscopy. We report a case of sudden death in a woman who suffered from vertigo and hypertension. The autopsy only showed sclerosis of the thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta and coronary arteries, and the toxicological results were negative and did not explain the cause of death. A microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis of samples from various organs was carried out. The histopathological examination revealed eosinophilia in the aortic wall, consistent with a vasculitis such as Takayasu’s arteritis. This case emphasises the association between systemic vasculitis and sudden death, as well as the role of histopathological investigation and the importance of post-mortem diagnosis to prevent similar fatal events among family members.

The paraumbilical hernia sac often contains the omentum, the small bowel, and less commonly the colon. The herniation of the pancreas through a paraumbilical hernia is extremely rare and has been reported only by two cases in the literature; moreover, acute pancreatitis secondary to this condition is a particularly unusual event.

The aim of our study is to report the results of two types (type A, type B) paclitaxel drug-coated balloon compared with standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the treatment of juxta-anastomotic stenoses of mature but failing distal radiocephalic hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas. Two groups of 26 and 44 patients treated with two different drug-coated balloon are compared with a control group of 86 treated with standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. A color Doppler ultrasound was performed to evaluate stenosis and for treatment planning. We assess primary patency, defined as the absence of dysfunction of the arteriovenous fistulas, patent lesion or residual stenosis < 30% and no need for further reintervention of target lesion. Primary patency and secondary patency are evaluated after 12 months with color Doppler ultrasound for the whole arteriovenous fistulas, defined as absolute (absolute primary patency, absolute secondary patency) and target lesion. Postprocedural technical and clinical success was 100%. After 12 months, absolute primary patency is 81.8% for type A, 84.1% type B, and 54.7% for standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; target lesion primary patency is 92% type A, 86.4% type B, and 62.8% standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; absolute secondary patency is 95.4% type A, 95.5% type B, and 80.7% standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; target lesion secondary patency is 100% type A, 97.7% type B, and 80.7% standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. All the patients treated with drug-coated balloon (type A + type B) have an absolute primary patency of 83.3%, a target lesion primary patency of 87.9%, an absolute secondary patency of 95.5%, and a target lesion secondary patency of 98.4%. Our study confirms that the use of drug-coated balloon, indiscriminately among different brands, improves primary patency with statistically significant difference in comparison with standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and decreases reintervention of target lesion in juxta-anastomotic stenoses of failing distal arteriovenous fistulas maintaining the radiocephalic fistula as long as possible.

Background: Salvia species are known for their biological properties in many countries and might potentially provide novel therapeutic agents. This review provides an overview of the available literature on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Salvia species. Methods: Using bibliographic databases, particularly PubMed, this review aims to add new information to the list of Salvia species, including S. ceratophylla, S. chloroleuca, S. fruticosa, S. lachostachys, S. lavandulifolia, S. miltiorrhiza, S. mirzayanii, S. officinalis, S. plebeia, S. verbenaca, and S. virgata, and their main constituents as promising antiinflammatory and antioxidant agents, highlighting their mode of action. Results: Salvia species are sources of health-promoting phytochemicals that comprise polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes and several other constituents. Many studies have indicated that plants from the Salvia genus reduce the oxidative stress and may be able to prevent and/or to treat inflammatory diseases. These potential beneficial effects have been attributed to the presence of compounds that show antioxidant properties and that demonstrated to inhibit the molecular targets of pro-inflammatory mediators in inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Salvia species and their secondary metabolites may be potential agents to improve the quality of life in patients with inflammatory diseases.

ABSTRACTThe effect of minimum tillage on two autochthonous Vitis viniferaL. varieties, namely Nerello mascalese and Carricante, established on the eastern and northern aspect slopes of the volcano Mount Etna in Sicily, was evaluated over two seasons. The objective was to determine whether conventional tillage and minimum tillage affect the vegetative growth, bud fertility, total leaf area, leaf nutritional status and fruit yield components. The ratio of bunches/retained buds was strongly influenced by aspect. Yield per vine was significantly different within cultivars and seasons depending on cultivar, tillage treatment and aspect. Due to its natural plasticity in marginal conditions, yields were consistently higher in Nerello mascalese. The yield reduction with minimal tillage was excessive in Carricante. As a consequence of the yield reduction in the second season, total soluble solids in particular were increased in Nerello mascalese. Linear discriminant analysis revealed the highest discrimination values for cultivar and the lowest ones for tillage.

Purpose The purpose of this article is to report our experience with drug-eluting balloons for the treatment of juxta-anastomotic stenoses of failing radiocephalic hemodialytic arteriovenous shunt and to evaluate the primary and secondary patency (PP and SP).Methods After approval by the local hospital's Ethical and Scientific Review Board, 26 consecutive patients with juxta-anastomotic stenosis of radiocephalic hemodialytic shunt were treated with angioplasty with drug-eluting balloon. The main objective was to evaluate PP defined, in accordance with the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative recommendation, as the absence of dysfunction of the vascular access, patent lesion or residual stenosis <30% and no need for further reintervention of the target lesion (TL). PP and SP at 6, 12 and 24 months were evaluated, with echo color doppler and phlebography, for both arteriovenous fistulae, defined as absolute, and TL.Results Immediate postprocedural technical and clinical success was 100% for all the patients; we had only one technical failure in repeated treatments. At 6 months the absolute and TL PP was 96.1%; at 12 months the absolute PP was 81.8%, TL PP 90.9%, absolute SP 95.4%, TL SP 100%; at 24 months the absolute and TL PP was 57.8%; absolute and TL SP 94.7%; only one arteriovenous fistula was lost during the period.Conclusions The use of drug-eluting balloons, after standard angioplasty, improves primary patency and decreases reinterventions of TL in juxta-anastomotic stenoses of failing native dialytic arteriovenous shunts.

In the present work, the electrochemical performances and the durability of two stacks were compared, the first made by LSCF and the second by Pr2NiO4 cathode materials. Electrochemical evaluation by polarization curves and a 600h durability test, demonstrates almost identical performance of the two stacks, though a more rigorous and long term investigation is required to fully evaluate the performance of the PRN cathode-based stack.

The bioactivity of probiotic bacteria is well established in the literature at different levels. Some probiotic microorganisms are able to adhere to vaginal epithelial cells (VECs), particularly after topical treatment. A spontaneous study was conducted on women to assess the presence of Lactobacillus plantarumP17630 in vaginal mucosa after food supplement oral administration. Six healthy fertile volunteers were treated for 60 consecutive days with one sachet per day of a commercialised product, containing a total of 50×109CFU of L. plantarumP17630, L. paracaseiI1688 and L. salivariusI1794. After 30 days, 80% of treated subjects showed the presence of L. plantarumP17630 in vaginal mucosa. After 15 days of a wash-out period, the presence of L. plantarumP17630 was attested in the same percentage of subjects, confirming the colonisation. Moreover, during the treatment period, the total lactobacilli amount remained constant and the presence of monitored vaginal pathogen microorganisms decreased in some subjects. Concluding, with this work we showed that continued, regular and persistent oral administration of a probiotic food supplement could guarantee the colonisation and persistence of L. plantarumP17630 in the vaginal ecosystem.

Insulin resistance is a risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes and is a major cause of atherosclerosis. Reduction in heme oxygenase (HO-1) has been shown to exacerbate vascular dysfunction and insulin resistance in obese mice and involves a decrease in adiponectin levels. Adiponectin is released from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived adipocytes, its levels are decreased in type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that the apoA1 mimetic peptide, L-4F, will target the expression of the HO-1-adiponectin axis and reverse adipocyte dysfunction both in vivo and in vitro. The administration of L-4F [2 mg/Kg/daily (i.p.) for 4-week to 8-week-old obese (ob) mice restored adipocyte function, increased adiponectin release (p &lt; 0.05) and decreased the levels of IL-1 and IL-6 (p &lt; 0.05)]. These perturbations were associated with an increase in insulin sensitivity (p &lt; 0.01 vs. untreated ob mice) and decreased glucose levels (309 + 42 vs. 201 + 8 mg/d after L-4F treatment). Treatment of both mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived adipocytes with L-4F (50 μg/ml) increased adiponectin (p &lt; 0.05), decreased IL-1 and IL-6 (p &lt; 0.05) levels and increased MSC-derived adipocyte cell numbers by 50% in S phase (p &lt; 0.05). MSC-derived adipocytes treated with L-4F increased WNT10b and decreased Peg 1/Mest. Inhibition of HO activity reversed the decrease in the adipogenic response gene, Peg 1/Mest. An increase of HO-1 expression by L-4F increased insulin-receptor phosphorylation. These findings support the hypothesis that L-4F increases early adipocyte markers, HO-1-adiponectin, WNT10b and decreases Peg1/Mest, negative regulators of adipocyte differentiation.

Abstract: New roles have been discovered for the adipose mass/tissue of obese subjects linked to the production of different cytokines, leptin and oxidative stress, all together playing a crucial role in developing obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and the pathogenesis of various diseases. Inflammatory status and plasma oxidative stress have been reported as also characterizing a new metabolic condition known as normal-weight obese (NWO) syndrome observed in women with normal index but fat mass (FM) >30%. The aim of the present study was to investigate in NWO women, compared with preobese-obese (OB) and control normal weight (NW) subjects, the occurrence of DNA damage, particularly oxidative DNA damage, by using different Comet assay versions. Our goal was to find out some possible new early hallmarks of obesity. We observed above all increase in DNA damage both in OB and NWO women, compared with NW subjects, underlining DNA to be involved in oxidative stress related to metabolic abnormalities occurring in obesity. In addition, the use of either pH >13 versus pH 12.1 alkaline Comet assay versions or pH 12.1 in presence of Fpg enzyme versus pH 12.1 alone, allow us to draw attention to two possible new early differentiated hallmarks: first, alkali labile sites higher in OB compared to NWO; second, 8-oxo-dG level slightly higher in NWO than in OB women. These preliminary results encourage planning broad cohort studies in order to verify and validate these hypothesized predictive/prognostic new hallmarks.

Purpose The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) represents the gold standard for hemodialysis (HD) vascular access. In some critical cases, use of the deep venous circle may represent an alternative approach and venae comitantes could be employed for this purpose.Methods Sixty patients with chronic renal failure in which the deep venous circle was used to create an AVF were identified; of the 48 who had a direct anastomosis between the brachial artery and vena comitans, 42 had a long-term follow-up (mean follow-up 59 weeks), while six were lost to follow-up.Results Immediate success (patency and palpable thrill) was achieved in 88% of cases (primary and early failure 12%). Primary accessibility rate was 62%, while 11 patients required a second surgical approach to make the vein accessible to needling. Secondary accessibility rate of 71% was due to surgical revisions. In the 80–week observation period, the complication rate was 10% with irreversible loss of the AVF in all these cases. Cumulative patency was 71% at the 80th week. Including all 42 patients, technical and functional success rate, defined as vein accessibility to needling and chance of an adequate HD treatment, was 62%.Conclusions AVF employing venae comitantes may represent a suitable alternative in the absence of other vascular accesses for HD.

New roles have been discovered for the adipose mass/tissue of obese subjects linked to the production of different cytokines, leptin and oxidative stress, all together playing a crucial role in developing obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and the pathogenesis of various diseases. Inflammatory status and plasma oxidative stress have been reported as also characterizing a new metabolic condition known as normal-weight obese (NWO) syndrome observed in women with normal index but fat mass (FM) >30%. The aim of the present study was to investigate in NWO women, compared with preobese-obese (OB) and control normal weight (NW) subjects, the occurrence of DNA damage, particularly oxidative DNA damage, by using different Comet assay versions. Our goal was to find out some possible new early hallmarks of obesity. We observed above all increase in DNA damage both in OB and NWO women, compared with NW subjects, underlining DNA to be involved in oxidative stress related to metabolic abnormalities occurring in obesity. In addition, the use of either pH >13 versus pH 12.1 alkaline Comet assay versions or pH 12.1 in presence of Fpg enzyme versus pH 12.1 alone, allow us to draw attention to two possible new early differentiated hallmarks: first, alkali labile sites higher in OB compared to NWO; second, 8-oxo-dG level slightly higher in NWO than in OB women. These preliminary results encourage planning broad cohort studies in order to verify and validate these hypothesized predictive/prognostic new hallmarks.

Purpose This article describes the approach to atypical placement of central venous catheters (CVC) in dialysis patients with complete untreatable obstruction of central venous vessels.Methods Five patients with complete obstruction of central venous vessels underwent CT venography and digital venous angiography. After ultrasound-guided and radioscopic-assisted cannulation of the internal jugular vein, permanent CVCs were placed in atypical locations: in two patients a preliminary venous angioplasty was performed to facilitate the catheter positioning in a mediastinal enlarged collateral vein and in a persistent left superior vena cava; in three patients the CVC was placed in the azygos vein, enlarged because of the obstruction of the superior vena cava.Results In all cases, we achieved satisfactory morphological and functional immediate results. Hemodialysis (HD) was carried out long term in all patients except one who presented a non-functioning CVC after 4 months. In one case the catheter, still functioning well after 9 months, was removed due to kidney transplantation. The CVC in the left superior vena cava was replaced with a longer one after 12 months, and it is still functioning well 3 months after replacement. The patency of the other two catheters has to date been kept for 9 and 18 months.Conclusions The placement of CVC for HD in atypical sites can be considered a viable option in extreme cases; adequate imaging support is paramount in order to facilitate the procedure and to avoid complications.

Tenova started a research program in 2002 for strongly lowering NOx emissions. After the excellent results achieved in the reheating furnaces, the Tenova FlexyTech®burner family was enlarged with the TLX burner whose first application was in the furnace for austenitizing treatment of seamless tubes at TenarisDalmine (2006). The main goals of the revamping were strongly decreasing NOx emissions and increasing the productivity. The results after one year of operation are presented.

Abstract: Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a caesalpinoid legume tree showing labile sex expression. With the main aims of identifying flower-expressed genes and of developing specific markers, 1,056 clones from a complementary DNA library of carob flowers were bidirectionally sequenced. A total of 1,377 high-quality expressed sequence tags were clustered into 1,096 unigenes. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool and Gene Ontology functional annotation allowed to identify several agronomically important genes, such as those involved in flower development and sexual reproduction, response to stress, galactomannan synthesis, and hormone pathways. Genes involved in the ethylene biosynthesis and response were quantified in developing flowers of three sex genotypes (male, female, and hermaphrodite) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The transcript levels of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase, acting downstream in ethylene pathway, and Ethylene Insensitive 3 (EIN3)-like, a transcription factor involved in ethylene signaling, were directly correlated with maleness, indicating a possible role of ethylene in carob sex expression. Furthermore, the first set of carob genic microsatellites was developed, which might be useful for genotyping and genetic diversity analysis.

The article cites some of the traditional vegetables of Sicily, Italy in the Mediterranean. Described as the largest Italian region, the country's vegetables grow under different environmental, agronomical, and social contexts. Some of the vegetables produced in restricted geographic areas include the wild asparagus of the Liliaceae group, the Ciuretto of the Brassicaceae group, and the snake melon of the cucurbitaceae group. The issue of decreased supply of these vegetables in Sicily is discussed.

Agrobacterium tumefaciensstrain A281 carrying pTiBo542 was described as able to induce large and early-appearing tumours on a wider range of plants than other Agrobacteriumstrains. Here we show a strict correlation between the supervirulence of A281 and super-transformation ability of its disarmed derivative EHA105/p35SGUSINT. This strain produced much higher transformation than the disarmed derivative of the common strain C58, called C58(pMP90)/p35SGUSINT. Transformation frequency increased from six to 22-fold, depending on the citrus genotype. This increase permitted to regenerate for the first time, whole transgenic plants from lemon, alemow and Cleopatra mandarin. Since the chromosomal background from C58 as well as the T-DNA from p35SGUSINT are identical for both bacterial strains, the super-transformation ability of EHA105/p35SGUSINT in citrus may be attributed to the virregion of pTiBo542. In addition, introduction of extra copies of virGfrom pTiBo542 into either EHA105/p35SGUSINT or C58(pMP90)/p35SGUSINT further increased transformation, demonstrating the importance of virinduction, and mainly virGactivation, in the super-transformation ability of this Ti plasmid in citrus.

Background:Because of chronic immunosuppressive therapy, the skin of renal transplant recipients (RTR) is considered more liable to fungal infections. Aim:The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of superficial dermatomycoses in a chronically immunosuppressed group of RTR who live in northern Italy and to verify the eventual relationship between the onset of mycoses, the immunosuppressive regimen and the interval of time elapsed after the transplantation. Methods:73 RTR were submitted to a complete dermatological examination for fungal infection. Skin scrapings were taken from the upper back, from the 4th toe web of all patients and from any suspicious lesion. Results:31 patients (42.5%) were affected by dermatomycosis. Pityriasis versicolor (PV) was present in 20 RTR (27.4%), fungal infection of the 4th toe web in 10 patients (13.7%) and onychomycosis in 9 RTR (12.3%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common dermatophyte. The prevalence of dermatomycoses was higher in the group of patients treated with azathioprine-cyclosporine-steroids and in those who had received their renal transplant in the previous 1–5 years. Conclusions:PV was the most frequent dermatomycosis and showed a higher prevalence than in the normal population. The prevalence of fungal infection of the 4th toe web and onychomycosis was similar to that found in the immunocompetent population, but the length of interval after transplantation seemed to increase the probability of their occurrence and of mixed or simultaneous fungal infections in the same patient.

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between years since stopping smoking and the risk of acute myocardial infarction.

Visibility of escape routes is most important to guarantee the safety of people indoors during fires. In the case of a fire, visibility is strongly in fluenced by the smoke present in the room. In the present work, the extinction co efficient of the visible light has been experimentally measured in the presence of the smoke produced by four different test fires, named TF2, TF3, TF4, and TF5. Tests have been carried out in a specially suited test room in the Italian Fire De partment Research Center, provided with instruments to measure the optical density of smoke and the spectral extinction coefficient.

ABSTRACTA correlation was found between the expression of a specificMycoplasma fermentanssurface antigen (Pra, proteinase-resistant antigen) and the site of isolation of the organism from the infected host. Strains which expressed Pra were most frequently associated with cells of bone marrow origin, and strains which lacked expression of Pra were most commonly isolated from the respiratory tract, genital tract, and arthritic joints, i.e., epithelial cell surfaces. Pra was previously shown to be resistant to degradation by proteinases and was hypothesized to play a protective role at the organism surface and perhaps to influence which host tissue site was colonized by the organism. The methods used for this phenotyping scheme required isolation and growth of the mycoplasma in quantities sufficient for immunoblot analysis using monoclonal antibodies. We wanted to determine a more rapid and less cumbersome technique to supplement this method for determining the Pra phenotype directly in clinical specimens. Here we describe PCR studies to investigate the movement of a previously identified M. fermentansinsertion sequence (IS)-like element. These data showed a correlation between a specific IS genotype and the Pra+phenotype. Production of a 160-bp product using a single set of IS-based primers was associated with expression of Pra. The genomic IS location resulting in the 160-bp product was determined by using Southern blot analysis and was found to be a stable insertion site characteristic of genotype I strains. Additional analyses of sequences within and flanking the IS insertion sites revealed another pair of PCR primer sites which resulted in the consistent production of a 450-bp amplicon. The stability of this site was dependent on the absence of the IS-like element between the primer sites. The production of this 450-bp amplicon correlated with the Pra mutant phenotype and was characteristic of genotype II strains. The data showed that the sequence within the IS may be unstable and that reliable genotyping sequences are more easily found in the stable genomic sites which flank the IS element.

Methods of detecting imminent failure in cables could prevent the loss of valuable equipment, and more importantly, the possible loss of human life. The nondestructive test methods available are: careful visual examination and measurement of the external cable diameter, X-rays, (induced) wave propagation, electromagnetic field (EM) and acoustic emission (AE). This paper presents some preliminary results which show the feasibility of detection of cable breakage using an infrared transducer developed at the Institute of Applied Mechanics.