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In this descriptive work, secondary information from the sub-secretariat of Control and Execution of Public Works of the Municipality of Villa Mercedes is analyzed in the period 2017 to 2019, the use of new technologies is proposed to mitigate the consumption of public lighting (AP). The data collection technique was documentary since the documentary review and analysis of the reports presented was carried out. As results, the actions and improvements related to the PA carried out during the 2018-2019 period are presented. The first results of the replacement by LED luminaires show that a reduction of more than 35% was achieved in a main avenue of the city. An economic analysis is proposed to improve in the period 2020-2025.

International audience

Phytoplasmas are obligate pathogens and thus they can be studied only in association with their plants or insect hosts. In this chapter, we present protocols for rearing some phytoplasma insect vectors, to obtain infected insects and plants under controlled environmental conditions. We focus on Euscelidius variegatus and Macrosteles quadripunctulatus that can infect Arabidopsis thaliana, and Hyalesthes obsoletus and Scaphoideus titanus, that can infect grapevine.

International audience

The present work aims to optimize the foaming conditions for tomato juice using three level Box-Behnken Experimental Design of Response surface Methodology. In the following study three process parameters namely concentration of egg albumin (EA) as foaming agent, Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) as foam stabilizer and whipping time (WT) was optimized. The levels for various input variables were EA: 5% - 15%, CMC: 0.10% - 0.60% & WT: 3 - 7 min. The responses measured were expansion volume (EV), foam density (FD) and drainage volume (DV) which are an indication of foaming ability and foam stability. The predicted levels of responses as generated by software were EV: 91.49%, FD: 0.558 g/cc & DV: 10 ml, which on validation was found closer to experimental value.

Plant genetic resources hold significant phenotypic variation resultant from the presence of allelic diversity, which is maintained by evolutionary processes or by artificial selection. Therefore, plant germplasm encompasses the huge genotypic diversity found in wild and cultivated species and constitutes a source of interesting traits for breeders. Although extremely valuable, biodiversity conservation has high demand for funding, physical space and labor. In vitro conservation is an interesting alternative for the maintenance of highly-heterozygous, vegetatively propagated, perennial species, such as grapevine. It also contributes to the plants? phytosanitary conditions. The current work aimed to develop effective and feasible means toward in vitro establishment and conservation of grapevine germplasm. Woody stakes were obtained from the field collection of the Grapevine Germplasm Bank, at Embrapa, and were surface disinfected, planted in a mixture of autoclaved soil and vermiculite (1:1), and kept under controlled temperature (23±5°C) and relative humidity (70%). Young apical shoots were excised and superficially disinfected in the presence of 1% (w/v) polyvinylpirrolidone. Explants were transferred to tubes containing Galzy medium with active charcoal, under aseptic conditions. Established plants were propagated and maintained in vitro as duplicates. For long-term conservation, the effectiveness of two cryopreservation techniques; vitrification and encapsulationdehydration, was compared for 11 grapevine genotypes, including Vitis vinifera, V. labrusca and hybrids V. berlandieri × V. rupestris, and V. riparia × V. berlandieri. Shoot induction from treated stakes under protected greenhouse conditions significantly reduced environmental contamination and, along with the use of antioxidant agents, allowed in vitro establishment of approximately 1200 (85% of the accessions held by the bank) grapevine accessions. The establishment of the remaining accessions is underway. Plants free of ectophytes were produced for 900 (64.3%) accessions. Cryogenic protocols require further adjustments to allow acceptable recovery rates. High-scale in vitro conservation of grapevine germplasm is feasible and may safeguard valuable biodiversity. Although promising, cryopreservation requires further studies for protocol optimization.

The present manual describes characteristics of xylem-sap feeders, vectors of Xylella fastidiosa, and current techniques for their morphological identification, rearing, transmission studies and molecular detection of the pathogen. The manual was realisedon the occasion of theInternational Symposium on the European outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa in olive, organised on October 21-24, 2015 in Apulia Region.

Data that can be used to guide perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in our era of emerging antibiotic resistance are limited. We reviewed orthopedic surgeries complicated by surgical site infections (SSIs). Eighty percent of 69 arthroplasty and 80 spine fusion SSIs were infected with Gram-positive bacteria; most were staphylococcal species; and more than 25% of Staphylococcus aureus and more than 65% of coagulase-negative staphylococci were methicillin-resistant. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from 30% of arthroplasty SSIs and 25% of spine fusion SSIs. Resistance to cefazolin was higher than 40%. A significant proportion of SSIs were caused by resistant organisms, and antibiotic guidelines were altered to provide more adequate surgical prophylaxis.

Partial removal of nucleus pulposus with consequent reduction of intradiscal pressure may be obtained with percutaneous intradiscal administration of chemical substances in the intervertebral disc. We used percutaneous intradiscal injection of radiopaque gelified ethanol (“Discogel”) in 72 patients (group 1) with conservative treatment resistant lumbar and radicular pain due to small and medium-size hernias of intervertebral disc to demonstrate its efficacy and safety vs. 72 subjects treated with intra-foraminal and intradiscal injections of a steroid and anesthetic (group 2 or control group). “Discogel” injection was performed with biplane fluoroscopy assistance and under local anesthesia with patient in lateral position on symptomatic side. Amount of “Discogel” injected ranged from 0.8 ml to 1.6 ml. We treated a total of 83 discs. We performed the procedure on one disc in 62 patients; in 9 patients two discs were treated in the same session and in 1 patient three levels were treated in two separate sessions. In group 1 patient “responders” were 65 (90.3%). Excellent and good results were obtained in 58 patients (80.4%), satisfactory results in 7 patients (9.8%) and poor results in 7 patients (9.8%); among “responders” pain control was quite immediate in 58 patients (89.3%) while in 7 patients (10.7%) there was a delay of 7-10 days. These values were significantly higher than in control group. Also the quality of life was significantly more sustained vs. control group, and this benefit was maintained over time. Concerning complications, in 3 cases (4.15%) we had transitory radicular irritation with neuropathic pain appearance immediately after the procedure and in 1 case (1.30%) transitory sensory-motor deficit due to diffusion of local anesthetic along the introducer needle. In conclusion intradiscal radiopaque gelified ethanol injection is minimally invasive, low cost, safe and effective procedure that may be considered in proper selected patients before recourse to surgery.

Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is associated with long-term vascular complications. In addition to metabolic factors, immunological and haemostatic mechanisms may be involved. Lupus anticoagulant (LA), an immunoglobulin which interferes with endothelial cell function, is frequently associated with a high risk of thromboembolic events. LA has been described in several diseases but never in diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate if endothelial dysfunction and unmodulated haemostasis are amplified by the presence of LA in Type 1 diabetic patients. Plasma samples collected from clinically and biochemically well-characterized Type 1 diabetic patients were examined for LA, fibrinogen, prothrombin (PT), PTT, prothrombin degradation products (F1 + 2) and activated protein C (APC). The results revealed significantly decreased APC and increased F1 + 2 plasma concentrations in LA-positive but not in LA-negative patients; 60% of LA-positive and only 18% of LA-negative patients had microangiopathy (not significant). No thrombotic episodes in large vessels were found in LA-positive patients. These findings suggest that LA could be considered an additional factor in the onset and/or progression of diabetic complications, acting as a link between the immunological and haemostatic systems in the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy.

Adipogenesis is a continuous process even in adult adipose tissue for the presence of preadipocytes that, when subjected to appropriate stimuli can proliferate and differentiate. ChREBP, the essential transcription factor for lipogenesis, is expressed in all tissues, but mainly in lipogenic organs. In this study, we focused on ChREBP expression during preadipocytes differentiation. Since it was found that cyanidin-3 reduces body weight in mice even in the presence of a high-fat diet, by decreasing levels of blood glucose and by improving insulin sensitivity, we studied the effect of this substance on adipogenic differentiation. For this purpose we used preadipocytes obtained from subcutaneous and visceral human adipose explant tissue, characterized and stimulated to differentiate in selective media. On cytofluorimetric analysis these cells showed mesenchymal markers (CD29, CD90, CD44), whereas they were negative for hematopoietic markers (CD45, CD10, CD117,CD31). ChREBP expression levels were quantified by immunoelectron-microscopy and western blotting analysis. In this report we show that ChREBP is expressed in preadipocytes (both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments); the cytoplasmic level of ChREBP increased by 50 percent on day seven of differentiation into mature adipocytes. Cyanidin reduced differentiation by 20 percent (as evaluated by red oil O staining) and the expression of ChREBP. In addition, cyanidin-treated cells showed abnormal morphology, a square shape with irregular size, probably due to the fact that cyanidin may interfere with the extracellular matrix. These findings suggest that dietary cyanidin, may have inhibitory effects on adipogenesis.

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy, tolerability and quality-of-life measures to melevodopa in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) with motor fluctuations (MFs).A total of 37 patients with advanced PD and MFs participated in the study. Patients were switched from standard l-dopa/carbidopa to melevodopa and were treated for 10 weeks.Assessment of "On-Day" time demonstrated improvement to about 0.7 hour in the melevodopa treatment. The benefit was greater in patients with "delayed-on" (P=0.002) and especially in those with both "delayed-on" and "wearing-off" (P0.001). Most patients showed a significant improvement in PDQ-39 total score (P=0.002) and PSI distress domain (P0.001). Instead, not significant difference was observed in patients with only wearing-off.These data show that melevodopa is an effective agent for improving daily motor performance and quality-of-life in PD with "delayed-on", also in association with "wearing-off".

This study examines the influence of executive women in business using a sample of firms included in the Fortune 500. Our analysis looks at the movement of female executives on or off corporate management to determine whether an increase of female representation at the highest levels of corporate management signals an increased commitment of a firm to a higher representation of females on their boards of directors. Our sample includes a group of 73 corporations for which we longitudinally examined the data for women at the director and executive manager levels for the period from 1999 through 2003. Our data indicate that, while the number of firms having multiple female directors increased over this period, the increase was even more pronounced for women at the executive management level. Our data also indicate that, while the number of executive level managers was relatively stable (increased) between 1999 and 2001 (2001 and 2003), the number of women at this level increased by 25.5 (27.1) percent.

Cytology is a controversial means of diagnosing malignant mesothelioma due to the high rates of negative samples. The aim of the present study was to review effusions originally reported as "negative" in patients with histologically-proven mesothelioma to evaluate possible pitfalls.We reviewed the cytologic slides of 25 specimens that refer to 15 epithelioid, 5 biphasic, 4 sarcomatoid and 1 well-differentiated papillary mesotheliomas. For comparison, we also reviewed 23 specimens from non-neoplastic conditions. For each effusion, we evaluated the background and calculated a score considering the following items: amount of mesothelial cells, architectural pattern and atypical features, and a revised diagnosis was rendered.More than half of the effusions initially called "negative" (but mesothelioma by histology) were considered atypical/ suspicious (false-negative diagnosis); the remaining cases were true-negative or inadequate. Almost all effusions initially called "negative" (but non-neoplastic by histology) were considered negative. The only item that seems to discriminate between the two groups is atypia of mesothelial cells.The present study has highlighted the following pitfalls: (i) to report effusions devoid of mesothelial cells as negative that instead should be reported as inadequate/non-diagnostic; (ii) to underestimate low cellular effusions containing atypical mesothelial cells or high cellular effusions containing bland mesothelial cells with a morular pattern; (iii) to consider that an inflammatory background may obscure a scant number of mesothelial cells. A categorized system (inadequate (M1), negative (M2), atypical (M3) and suspicious (M4)) for reporting effusion cytology may be of help in the diagnostic work-up of patients with effusions suspicious for mesothelioma.

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) offer the promise of low or emissions-free, high efficiency vehicle power trains. However, many challenges and trade-offs are inherent in the adoption of the PEMFC stack to a complete production automotive system. In this chapter, major vehicle requirements are considered. A brief survey of the characteristics of direct hydrogen fuel cell systems, some permutations to the basic system and the options available to a system designer, as well as a more detailed discussion of some of the key trade-offs, are presented. Keywords: automotive; applications; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; system design; system efficiency; thermal management; water management; air management

Idiopathic peripheral facial nerve palsy or Bell's palsy (BP) is the most common cause of facial nerve palsy.To evaluate the role of glucose metabolism abnormalities in BP.We identified 148 patients with unilateral BP and 128 control subjects. In all we evaluated glucose level at fasting and after a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (2h-OGTT). In addition we determined insulin resistance (IR), by HOMA-index. Patients and controls were divided in to two groups, according to their Body Mass Index (BMI).Following a 2h-OGTT, the prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities was significantly higher in patients with BP than in controls (P0.001). Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was found in 57 (38%) patients and in 23 (18%) controls, while a new-diagnosed DM (NDDM) was found in 29 (19%) patients and in 8 (6%) controls. The IR was significantly increased only in BP patients with BMI ≥ 24.9 (P = 0.005). BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, tryglicerides, serum lipid, drugs use were not significantly different between patients and controls.In this study we found that prediabetes is frequently associated with facial palsy. We propose to perform a 2h-OGTT in patients with peripheral facial palsy and normal fasting glycaemia. HOMA-index should be evaluated in obese facial palsy patients.

Rat myocardial fiber development and formation is a complex event which begins in the early stages of fetal life and continues until the end of the first month of life. In fact, a progressive morphological structure arrangement is observed until the 22nd day of life. These modifications are based on biochemical events which are switched on at plasma membrane level and then transduced into the nucleus. Since the presence of Protein Kinase C (PKC) inside the nucleus could allow the enzyme to phosphorylate also proteins located on chromatin, on nuclear matrix and speckles, in this study attention was paid to the role played by phospho-Protein Kinase C-alpha (p-PKCalpha) in regulating the activation of SC-35 splicing factor which leads to the occurrence of morphological modifications during post-natal rat heart development. Besides the parallel increase of the expression of both proteins up to 4/8 days of life, firstly p-PKCalpha and SC-35 co-localize at nuclear level at day 1 after birth, thus suggesting a main role of p-PKCalpha in modulating the early transcription of components related to post-natal rat heart development.

Topical antibiotics may overcome shortcomings of mechanical therapy for localized persistent periodontitis. This double-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the microbiologic profile and clinical parameters of persistent periodontal pockets after treatment with tetracycline solution.Thirty-seven patients who had at least 4 non-adjacent sites of persistent periodontal pockets with probing depth of at least 5 mm and bleeding on probing were randomly assigned to test and control groups. In the test group, 2 teeth received 4 applications of tetracycline solution (100 mg/mL) with a microbrush(T), while the other 2 teeth received the same treatment plus 1 session of scaling and root planing(SRP+T). In the control group, 2 teeth received 1 session of scaling and root planing(SRP), and the other 2 teeth received 4 applications of saline with a microbrush plus 1 session of scaling and root planing(SRP+S). Clinical parameters of probing depth, bleeding on probing, visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index, gingival recession, as well as clinical attachment level and subgingival plaque samples (evaluated by polymerase chain reaction) were measured at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months.All therapies yielded statistically significant data on clinical measurements with no significant differences among groups. Presence of bacteria decreased in both groups, but only in the test group was a significant decrease of Porphyromonasgingivalis,Tannerellaforsythia, and Actinobacillusactinomycetemcomitans noted up to 6 months.Tetracycline applied with a microbrush may be an alternative treatment for persistent periodontitis that can probably be mediated by reduction of microorganism proliferation

The titer of chrysanthemum yellows phytoplasma (CYP, "Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris") in the three vector species Euscelis incisus Kirschbaum, Euscelidius variegatus Kirschbaum, and Macrosteles quadripunctulatus Kirschbaum (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) was measured after controlled acquisition from infected Chrysanthemum carinatum (Schousboe) (daisy) plants. Phytoplasma DNA was quantified in relation to insect DNA (genome units [GU] of phytoplasma DNA per ng of insect DNA) by using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure. The increase in phytoplasma titer recorded in hoppers after they were transferred to plants that were nonhosts for CYP provides definitive evidence for phytoplasma multiplication in leafhoppers. CYP multiplication over time in M. quadripunctulatus was much faster than in E. incisus and E. variegatus. CYP titer was also highest in M. quadripunctulatus, and this was reflected in the latent period in the insect. The mean latent period of CYP in M. quadripunctulatus was 18 d versus 30 d in E. variegatus. M. quadripunctulatus was the most efficient vector, giving 100% transmission for single insects compared with 75-82% for E. incisus or E. variegatus, respectively. By sequential transmission, we analyzed the time course of transmission: E. variegatus were persistently infective for life or until shortly before death. Occasionally, leafhoppers failed to maintain continuity of infectivity even after completion of the latent period. PCR analysis of transmitter and nontransmitter E. variegatus adults showed that some nontransmitters were CYP positive, whereas others were CYP negative. These findings suggest that both midgut and salivary gland barriers play a role in transmission efficiency.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is currently investigating techniques and technologies for the integration of a small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV) with small unmanned ground vehicles (SUGV). Each vehicle has its own set of unique capabilities, but the efficient integration of the two for a specific application requires modifying and integrating both systems. UAH has been flying and testing an autonomously-controlled small helicopter, called the Flying Bassett (Base Airborne Surveillance and Sensing for Emergency Threat Tracking) for over a year. Recently, integrated operations were performed with four SUGVs, the Matilda (Mesa Robotics, Huntsville, AL), the US Navy Vanguard, the UAH Rover, and the Penetrator (Mesa Robotics). The program has progressed from 1) building an air and ground capability for video and infrared surveillance, 2) integration with ground vehicles in realistic scenarios, to 3) deployment and recovery of ground vehicles. The work was done with the cooperation of the US Army at Ft. Benning, GA and Redstone Arsenal, AL, the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Huntsville, AL, the US Naval Reserve in Knoxville, TN, and local emergency organizations. The results so far have shown that when the air and ground systems are employed together, their utility is greatly enhanced.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in our society. While insulin treatment for diabetes type I could delay and reduce the incidence of diabetic complications, it is associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia. To restore physiologic insulin metabolism, transplantation of insulin producing cells (pancreatic Beta cells) represent the sole available therapy. It could be done either through pancreas or islet of Langerhans transplantation. In this paper, we review actual knowledge regarding these two types of transplantations.

The surgical treatment of large bowel malignant tumors is now the most important therapeutic approach. The aim of our study was to evaluate a possible prognostic implication of ploidy and NM23 expression. The study includes 120 non selected patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer. The analysis of ploidy was obtained with cytometric test. The cases with only one gaff G0/G1 were considered as diploid. Patteras with more than one aneuploidic population were classified as multiploidic or poliploidic. While NM23 expression was evaluated with a double blind retrospective study by two separate equipe of authors in different centres. NM23 positivity degree was classified in 3 classes: absent or weak if10%; moderate if 10-50%; strong if50%. Forty-two patients (35%) were classified as diploidic; 30 patients (25%) as aneuploidic; 40 patients (33.2%) as multiploidic; in 8 cases (6.7%) the material was inadequate. Among the two groups who evaluated NM23 expression the group I a positivity: absent or weak in 32 cases (26.7%); moderate in 62 cases (51.7%); strong in 26 cases (21.6%); while the group II shows positivity: absent or weak in 30 cases (25%); moderate in 52 cases (43.3%); strong in 38 cases (31.7%). We cannot consider ploidy and the NM23 research as independent prognostic factor.

The basic assumption as rationale of this research was that DNA repair genes (MMR system) are at beginning of the genetic mutational cascade causing the induction of oncogenesis of sporadic colorectal cancers as well as their multiclonal heterogeneity. In a previous study the Authors randomly selected, from a series of 256 patients, 29 patients up to the age of 60 years who underwent surgery for colorectal carcinoma with radical intent. All selected cases were considered as sporadic cancers from a clinical point of view, since none of them fulfilled the Amsterdam criteria for HNPCC and familial adenomatous polyposis was included too. Mismatch repair gene proteins expression and, in particular, gene hMSH2 protein was investigated by immunohistochemistry analysis. In 12 cases (41.4%) hMSH2 exhibited strong expression in the tumoral cells as well as in the surrounding mucosa and at distant mucosa. In 14 cases (48.3%) loss of hMSH2 protein expression was observed in tumoral cells and low immunoreactivity was detected in peritumoral mucosa while strong hMSH2 expression was observed in distant mucosa. In a third small group of patients (10.3%) loss of hMSH2 protein expression was detected in tumoral, adjacent and at distance normal mucosa. After a five years follow up, 100% of twelve patients of first group are still alive vs 64.3% of fourteen patients of second group, while in the third group only one patient survives. These results support the hypothesis of an involvement of hMSH2 gene defect in development of a subset of sporadic colorectal cancer. For the patients with strong expression of hMSH2 in the tumoral cells as well as in the surrounding mucosa and at distant mucosa, this parameter could represent an independent criterion for a good prognostic value.

After a review of literature and the report of a case with intrathoracic location, the authors consider present criteria for a correct diagnosis of low grade soft tissue sarcoma, when the possibility of nodular fasciitis is under evaluation. Nodular fasciitis is a benign pathology up to day not well characterised from the clinical and pathological point of view. The authors conclude that differential diagnosis between low grade soft tissue sarcoma and nodular fasciitis is frequently possible only on the basis of clinical course evaluation; otherwise the management may be inadequate.

The study was carried out on 53 patients who had thyroid cancer with various degree of differentiation. We studied the expression of bcl-2, a-erbB-2, p53, and p21 ras protein. The protein encoded by bCL-2 proto-oncogene is implicated in the prolongation of cell survival by blocking programmed cell death, i.e. apoptosis. The role of p53 and bcl-2 genes in the regulation of apoptosis has important implications in oncogenesis. Wild-type p53 is thought to promote apoptosis, whilst mutant p53 has a similar effect on apoptosis as bcl-2 that is inhibition of programmed cell kinase activity. C-erb-2 protein overexpression is currently being evaluated as a potential risk factor in breast cancer patients? The ras gene family codes for a 21 kD protein (p21), which binds guanine nucleotides and possesses GTPase activity. Through this mechanism, the ras p21 protein participates in the control of cell proliferation, possibly as a signal transducer from cell surface receptors to the nucleus. Activation of ras genes has been implicated in neoplastic transformation of cells. The aim of our study is to evaluate the expression of these markers in thyroid carcinomas. All immunohistochemical study was performed in paraffin-embedded tissues pathology specimen. Any well differentiated tumor in our study was positive for bcl-2 protein. C-erb-2 immunostaining was present in tumor samples in 60% of cases. In most cases, specific membrane staining as well as a weak cytoplasmic positivity of tumor cells were seen. Immunoreactivity for p53 was positive only in 10% of cases. By immunostaining, p21 protein was expressed in 55% of the 53 tumors tested, with different degree of expression. Only some poorly differentiated tumours were positive for bcl-2, furthermore all markers tested were strongly positive in these tumours. In conclusion, our results indicate that bcl-2, c-erbB-2, p53, and p21 ras protein are differently expressed in thyroid carcinomas in relation to the degree of aggressiveness and differentiation.

Connexin alpha 1, also referred to as Cx43, has thus far been the only gap junction protein identified between the hormone-producing cells of pancreatic islets. To investigate whether loss of this connexin affects the development of endocrine pancreas and the differentiation of insulin-producing beta cells, we have taken advantage of a transgenic line in which the gene coding for connexin alpha 1 had been functionally deleted by homologous recombination. Analysis of pancreas at embryonal day 19.5 (E 19.5) after immunostaining for the four main types of islet hormones, showed that islet cell development was similar in homozygous transgenic mice that completely lacked alpha 1 connexin, in mice that were heterozygous for the transgene, and in age-matched controls with a genetic background similar to that of the transgenic animals. In particular, the three animal groups featured beta cells that had a similar insulin content and ultrastructural organization, including the presence of typical gap junction plaques on the membrane. However, quantitative analysis of freeze-fractured membranes showed that these plaques were less frequent in the transgenic mice lacking alpha 1 connexin. This finding prompted us to revisit the connexin pattern of normal pancreatic beta cells. Using RT-PCR amplification and primers specific for nine of the mammalian connexins, we have found that normal rat and mouse pancreas contain six connexin transcripts, including one that codes for alpha 6 connexin, a protein also referred to as Cx45. This transcript was also identified in isolated pancreatic islets, in FACS-purified suspensions of primary beta cells and in the insulin-producing cells of an experimental tumor. Using antibodies, we found that connexin alpha 6 is expressed by the latter cells, as well as by pancreatic fibroblasts and epithelial duct cells. The data show that pancreatic islets have a normal prenatal development in mice that no longer express alpha 1 connexin. They further provide evidence that normal and tumoral insulin-producing cells natively coexpress connexins alpha 1 and alpha 6.

Adrenal cysts are uncommon lesion and present complex problems in differential diagnosis. The treatment options are not univocal. Starting from the study of a personal case the authors review the existing literature and discuss the problem of diagnosis and treatment.

A study was performed to evaluate the effect of prolonged environmental hypobaric hypoxia on the ultrastructure of rat cornea. 60-day-old female Wistar rats were exposed to a simulated altitude of 5,500 m (350 mmHg) and pO2 of 76 mmHg for 30 days. Control rats were exposed to atmospheric sea level pressure (760 mmHg) and pO2 of 150 mmHg, for the same period. Ultrastructural analysis of the corneal epithelium did not reveal any relevant difference between control and treated rats. In contrast, the corneal stroma of rats subjected to hypoxia showed vascularization with advanced vessel differentiation and signs of active proliferation. The endothelium of hypoxic cornea showed swollen mitochondria and large empty cytoplasmic areas. The endothelial intercellular junctions could hardly be identified in the hypoxic condition. Nevertheless, the most evident change in hypoxic cornea was in Descemet's membrane, which was considerably thickened, to approximately twice that of the control specimen. These results suggest that environmental hypobaric hypoxia induces marked alterations in the corneal stroma and endothelium morphology, probably related to reduced oxygen tension in the aqueous humor, consequent to hypoxemia.

To assess whether cell to cell communications via connexins (Cx) participate to insulin secretion in vivo, we studied insulinoma cells (INS1) implanted in rats after stable transfection with connexin 43 (Cx43). We found that compared to wild-type and transfected cells, which in vivo express modest levels of Cx43 and junctional communication, cells overexpressing Cx43 communicated extensively, featured decreased growth, and induced a much higher hyperinsulinemia. As a result, rats with insulinomas made of these cells became more severely hypoglycemic than rats implanted with either wild-type, neomycin-transfected cells or cells transfected with a Cx43 antisense complementary DNA. Rats implanted with transfected cells that expressed modest level of Cx43 showed levels of circulating insulin similar to those in rats implanted with wild-type INS1 cells. The data show that overexpression of Cx43 influences the growth and secretion of the implanted insulinoma cells, providing evidence for a contribution of Cx-mediated cell to cell communication in the functioning of insulin-producing cells in vivo.

Purpose: This study compared blood loss, quality of surgical field, and duration of procedure with and without induced hypotensive anesthesia in adolescent orthognathic surgery patients. Patients and Methods: Fifty orthognathic surgery patients were studied in a prospective, randomized, blocked, stratified, and single-blind fashion. All patients underwent either sagittal ramus split osteotomy or Le Fort I osteotomy or genioplasty. One group of patients (n = 25) had induced hypotension; the other group (n = 25) received anesthesia with no attempt to deliberately reduce blood pressure during the operation. The surgeon, unaware of to which group the patient had been assigned, rated the surgical field every 15 minutes. At completion of surgery, three different methods were used to estimate or calculate blood loss. Duration of the procedure was recorded from time of first incision to time of last suture placement. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-squared, and linear regression, where appropriate. Results: Estimated blood loss was significantly less when induced hypotensive anesthesia was used. The surgical field was better, but there was no significant difference in duration of the procedure with induced hypotensive anesthesia. Conclusion: Induced hypotensive anesthesia results in both reduced blood loss and improvement in surgical field.