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Visual input significantly affects kinesthesis skills and, hence, visually impaired individuals show less developed sensorimotor control, especially in an unfamiliar outdoor environment. Regular blind baseball practice can counteract such a deficit but, given the complex kinetic chain model required, a targeted workout proposal is needed to improve the main athletic gesture performance. On these premises, we investigated, for the first time, the running and pitching performance of a competitive Italian blind baseball team through quantitative tools and parameters such as Libra Easytech sensorized proprioceptive board, goniometric active range of motion, chronometric speed, and pitching linear length. Moreover, the perceived physical exertion was assessed by the Borg CR10 scale. Consequently, an adapted athletic training protocol was designed and tested on the field during the competitive season, with the aim to strengthen sport specific-gesture coordination and efficacy as well as to prevent injuries. Quantitative assessments showed an improvement in ankle stability index, bilateral upper limb and hip mobility, reactive agility, running braking phase control during second base approaching, and auditory target-related pitching accuracy along with a decrease in perceived physical exertion. This protocol might therefore represent an effective and easily reproducible training and evaluation approach to tailor management of visually impaired baseball players, and safely improve their athletic performance under the supervision of an adapted exercise specialist.

Sport practice has the widely demonstrated potential of promoting well-being and physical/mental health, especially in disabled individuals. Nowadays, visually impaired people can participate in several sports commonly adapted and played substituting visual input with auditory or tactile ones. By integrating movement and music, dance can simultaneously promote physical and emotional involvement and enhances vicarious sense recruitment. On these premises, we performed a survey to assess the psychological well-being (PWB) and quality of life (QoL) in visually impaired athletes, comparing dancesport vs other sound input-based sports. Twenty-one visually impaired dancers and twenty-seven visually impaired athletes practicing adapted baseball, showdown, blind futsal, or blind tennis completed a structured self-report survey including the Italian version of PWB-18 scale and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Dancers reported significantly higher scores in PWB-18 autonomy, environmental mastery, and self-acceptance along with a higher PWB total score than the other athlete group. Similarly, the SF-12 questionnaire results demonstrated significantly higher scores in both physical and mental QoL of visually impaired dancers compared with other athletes. In conclusion, our findings suggest that, given its peculiarities, the practice of dancesport may have a stronger positive impact on PWB and QoL of visually impaired individuals than other sound input-based sports.

Sialic acids (Sias) are a large and heterogeneous family of electronegatively charged nine-carbon monosaccharides containing a carboxylic acid and are mostly found as terminal residues in glycans of glycoproteins and glycolipids such as gangliosides. They are linked to galactose or N-acetylgalactosamine via α2,3 or α2,6 linkage, or to other Sias via α2,8 or more rarely α2,9 linkage, resulting in mono, oligo and polymeric forms. Given their characteristics, Sias play a crucial role in a multitude of human tissue biological processes in physiological and pathological conditions, ranging from development and growth to adult life until aging. Here, we review the sialylation status in human adult life focusing on the nervous and skeletal muscle tissues, which both display significant structural and functional changes during aging, strongly impacting on the whole human body and, therefore, on the quality of life. In particular, this review highlights the fundamental roles played by different types of glycoconjugates Sias in several cellular biological processes in the nervous and skeletal muscle tissues during adult life, also discussing how changes in Sia content during aging may contribute to the physiological decline of physical and nervous functions and to the development of age-related degenerative pathologies. Based on our current knowledge, further in-depth investigations could help to develop novel prophylactic strategies and therapeutic approaches that, by maintaining and/or restoring the correct sialylation status in the nervous and skeletal muscle tissues, could contribute to aging slowing and the prevention of age-related pathologies.

Aberrant content of sialic acids (Sias) has been observed in various human cancer types in different organs. Sias have been implicated in cancerous transformation, invasiveness and metastasis, and in the escaping of cancer cells from immune surveillance. Indeed, Sias are commonly regarded as important biomarkers to distinguish cancer cells from their healthy counterparts. However, scarce and not exhaustive investigations have been performed on Sia content in testicular cancers and, in particular, in seminoma, one of the most common malignant testicular tumors. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the content and distribution of Sias with different glycosidic linkage, namely α2,3 and α2,6 galactose- or N-acetyl-galactosamine-linked Sias and polymeric Sia (polySia), in the germinal and stromal components of human testes affected by seminoma compared to normal testicular tissue. Structural changes in seminoma tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. α2,3 and α2,6 linked Sias were evaluated by lectin histochemistry (Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA)), while confocal immunofluorescence was used for polySia detection. Histopathological findings in seminoma tissue included loss of seminiferous tubules replaced by clusters of uniform polygonal cells with a clear cytoplasm, bundles of fibrotic tissue, numerous microvessels and some atrophic tubules. The content of α2,3 and α2,6 linked Sias was lost in almost all seminoma components respect to normal tissue, with the exception of microvessels in which it was higher. On the contrary, polySia level was increased in all the seminoma components compared to normal testicular tissue. Our findings suggest that an aberrant content of different Sias might have important and differential roles in seminoma development and progression. In particular, polySia might be implicated in seminoma progression by promoting cancer invasiveness and regulating the cross-talk between cancer cells, reactive stroma and vessels. Thus, the possibility that polySia might represent an important biomarker for seminoma deserves further investigation.

Telocytes (TCs) have recently emerged as a peculiar type of stromal cells located in both perivascular and interstitial compartments of multiple anatomical sites in humans, other mammals and vertebrates. Pioneer electron microscopy studies have ultrastructurally defined TCs as "stromal cells with telopodes" (i.e. very long and thin cell processes with a moniliform morphology conferred by the irregular alternation of slender segments and small, bead-like, dilated portions), whereupon it has become apparent that TCs largely correspond to the CD34+ stromal/interstitial cells detectable by immunohistochemical assays. Besides CD34, TCs are also characterized by the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α. Interestingly, recent works recommended that lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers should be routinely assessed to discriminate with certainty TCs from LECs, because these two cell types may exhibit similar morphological traits, especially when initial lymphatics are sectioned longitudinally and appear as vascular profiles with no obvious lumen. Furthermore, it has been argued that lymphatic microvessels immunostained for the small mucin-type transmembrane glycoprotein podoplanin (PDPN), which is widely used as lymphatic endothelial marker, can be easily misidentified as TCs. Nevertheless, surprisingly these assumptions were not based on double tissue immunostaining for TC and LEC markers. Therefore, the present morphological study was undertaken to precisely investigate the mutual spatial organization and putative relationships of TCs and lymphatic vessels in tissues from different human organs. For this purpose, we carried out a series of double immunofluorescence analyses simultaneously detecting the CD34 or PDGFRα antigen and a marker of LECs, either PDPN or lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1). In the connective tissue compartment of different organs, TCs were CD34+/PDGFRα+/PDPN-/LYVE-1- while LECs were CD34-/PDGFRα-/PDPN+/LYVE-1+, thus representing two definitely distinct, though spatially close, cell entities. The arrangement of telopodes to intimately surround the abluminal side of LECs suggests a possible role of TCs in the regulation of lymphatic capillary functionality, which is worth investigating further.

The standard corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL), that includes the removal of corneal epithelium to permit adequate penetration of riboflavin in the stroma, is an established procedure to halting keratoconus progression. However, as epithelial removal may cause postoperative pain and an increased risk of corneal infection, new therapeutic approaches have been proposed. Iontophoresis is a recently developed non-invasive technique which provides the use of electrical current during CXL to enhance transepithelial penetration of riboflavin into the corneal stroma. Here, we describe for the first time the morphological changes of the corneal stromal compartment in a patient with keratoconus who underwent in vivo iontophoresis-assisted CXL (ionto-CXL) before full-thickness corneal transplantation. Immunohistochemistry for type I collagen and CD34 was performed to investigate the stromal distribution of collagen fibers and keratocytes, respectively. The histology of ionto-CXL-treated keratoconic cornea, collected 6 months after the intervention, was compared with that of healthy corneas and either untreated or standard CXL-treated keratoconic corneas. An attempt to restore a normal stromal architecture was observed in the ionto-CXL-treated cornea compared with untreated keratoconic corneas. In particular, the ionto-CXL-treated cornea showed a parallel distribution of type I collagen fibers, although fiber interweaving appeared less organized than in healthy corneas and standard CXL-treated keratoconic corneas. Moreover, the distribution of CD34-positive keratocytes was improved in keratoconic corneas following ionto-CXL treatment, though a scattered CD34 immunoreactivity was still noticeable in the subepithelial stroma. This study provides histological evidence that ionto-CXL may represent a non-invasive alternative in the management of progressive keratoconus in adults.

Background Sepsis is characterized by the loss of the perm-selectivity properties of the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) with consequent albuminuria. We examined whether the pharmacokinetics–pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of ceftriaxone (CTX), an extensively protein-bound 3rd generation cephalosporin, is altered during early sepsis and whether an increase in urinary loss of bound-CTX, due to GFB alteration, can occur in this condition. Methods A prospective, experimental, randomized study was carried out in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Rats were divided into two groups: Sham-operated and CLP. CTX (100 mg i.p., equivalent to 1 g dose in humans) was administered in order to measure plasma and lung CTX concentrations at several time-points: baseline and 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after administration. CTX was measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The morphological status of the sialic components of the GFB barrier was assessed by lectin histo-chemistry. Monte Carlo simulation was performed to calculate the probability of target attainment (PTA >90%) for 80 and 100% of Tfree > minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 80 and 100% of dosing interval. Measurements and main results After CLP, sepsis developed in rats as documented by the growth of polymicrobial flora in the peritoneal fluid (≤1 × 101 CFU in sham rats vs 5 × 104–1 × 105 CFU in CLP rats). CTX plasma concentrations were higher in CLP than in sham rats at 2 and 4 h after administration (difference at 2 h was 47.3, p = 0.012; difference at 4 h was 24.94, p = 0.004), while lung penetration tended to be lower. An increased urinary elimination of protein-bound CTX occurred (553 ± 689 vs 149 ± 128 mg/L, p 90% for 100% of the dosing interval was reached neither for sham nor CLP rats using MIC = 1 mg/L, the clinical breakpoint for Enterobacteriacee. Conclusions Sepsis causes changes in the PK of CTX and an alteration in the sialic components of the GFB, with consequent loss of protein-bound CTX. Among factors that can affect drug pharmacokinetics during the early phases of sepsis, urinary loss of both free and albumin–bound antimicrobials should be considered.

Telocytes (TCs), also known as CD34+ stromal/interstitial cells, have recently been identified within the connective tissue of a variety of organs including the normal human testis. Testicular TCs appear to constitute a widespread reticular network distributed either in the peritubular or in the intertubular stromal spaces where they have been suggested to play different roles, such as participation to testis morphogenesis, postnatal preservation of the normal tissue/organ three-dimensional structure, and regulation of spermatogenesis and androgen hormone secretion and release. Although increasing evidence indicates that TCs may be involved in the pathophysiology of various diseases, no study has yet reported possible changes in these cells within the stromal compartment of seminoma, one of the most frequent malignant testicular cancers in humans. Therefore, here we carried out the first investigation of the presence and tissue distribution of TCs/CD34+ stromal cells in human testicular seminoma in comparison with normal human testis using either CD34 immunohistochemistry or CD34/CD31 and CD34/α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) double immunofluorescence analyses. In seminoma tissue sections, we observed an overall loss of TCs (CD34+/CD31- stromal cells) accompanying a severe degeneration of the normal architecture of seminiferous tubules and stromal tissue associated with dense cellularity increase and presence of interstitial fibrosis. Noteworthy, in the seminoma tissue the disappearance of TCs was paralleled by an expansion of α-SMA+ myoid cells. Moreover, the CD34+/CD31+ blood vessel network was greatly expanded, while steroidogenic Leydig cells were undetectable in seminoma specimens. Since TCs are emerging as important regulators of tissue and organ homeostasis, collectively the present findings indicate that the possible pathophysiologic implications of the loss of TCs in human testicular seminoma should not be further overlooked.

Physical activity (PA) interventions can improve physical functioning, treatment-related symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors. Most investigations have been conducted in breast cancer survivors, while studies on PA interventions in gynecological cancer survivors are scant. Here, we report for the first time the possible benefits of a structured PA pathway (i.e., eight weeks of adapted PA followed by twelve weeks of adapted fitness) on physical side effects, pain and QoL in an uncommon case of survivorship of both primary breast and gynecological cancers. For this purpose, a 69-year-old woman was assessed by functional test battery (shoulder–arm mobility, range of motion, back flexibility) at baseline and after the structured PA pathway. QoL and surgical shoulder, back and lower limb pain intensity were evaluated by Short Form-12 (SF-12) and numerical rating scale questionnaires, respectively. Lower limb circumference was also assessed. Improvement in upper limb function, reduction of lower limb edema and pain perception, as well as an increase in overall QoL were achieved after the completion of structured PA intervention. Our findings suggest that a PA intervention tailored to individual characteristics may represent an effective countermeasure to reduce post-treatment functional disability and pain, and thus to improve QoL in breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.

Italian baseball played by visually impaired and blind athletes is an adapted team sport which maintains the peculiar fast-moving features of this popular sport. It is also a mixed team game played together with sighted subjects. Here, we performed a national survey aimed at assessing the differences in psychological well-being (PWB) and quality of life (QoL) between visually impaired baseball players from Italian teams and non-players using a structured online questionnaire. Forty-three visually impaired baseball players and thirty-four visually impaired sedentary individuals completed a structured self-report survey including the validated 18-item Italian versions of the PWB (PWB-18) scale and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire to assess the QoL. PWB-18 and SF-12 reference data from the Italian normally sighted population were also employed for comparison with the visually impaired baseball player group. Visually impaired baseball players reported better scores in all dimensions of the PWB-18 scale and significant higher scores in both physical and mental QoL evaluated by SF-12 than the non-player group. In addition, PWB-18 scale findings revealed significant differences between visually impaired baseball players and the reference normally sighted population consisting in lower scores for autonomy, environmental mastery, positive relations with others and purpose in life dimensions. Conversely, the mean scores for PWB-18 personal growth and self-acceptance dimensions were not significantly different between the two groups. The SF-12 questionnaire results demonstrated a significantly higher physical score in visually impaired players compared with the reference population. Instead, the SF-12 mental score of visually impaired athletes tended to be lower, though this difference was not statistically significant. Collectively, our findings suggest that the practice of Italian baseball may have a positive impact on PWB and QoL of visually impaired individuals.

The vomeronasal system (VNS) is an accessory olfactory structure present in most mammals adhibited to the detection of specific chemosignals implied in social and reproductive behavior. The VNS comprises the vomeronasal organ (VNO), vomeronasal nerve and accessory olfactory bulb. VNO is characterized by a neuroepithelium constituted by bipolar neurons and supporting and stem/progenitor cells. In humans, VNO is present during fetal life and is supposed to possess chemoreceptor activity and participate in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal precursor migration toward the hypothalamus. Instead, the existence and functions of VNO in postnatal life is debated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs) have been demonstrated to play fundamental roles in various neurogenic events. However, there are no data regarding the localization and possible function of VEGF/VEGFRs in human fetal VNO. Therefore, this study was conceived to investigate the expression of VEGF/VEGFRs in human VNO in an early developmental period (9-12 weeks of gestation), when this organ appears well structured. Coronal sections of maxillofacial specimens were subjected to peroxidase-based immunohistochemistry for VEGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. Double immunofluorescence for VEGF, VEGFR-1 or VEGFR-2 and the neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) was also performed. VEGF expression was evident in the entire VNO epithelium, with particularly strong reactivity in the middle layer. Strongly VEGF-immunostained cells with aspect similar to bipolar neurons and/or their presumable precursors were detected in the middle and basal layers. Cells detaching from the basal epithelial layer and detached cell groups in the surrounding lamina propria showed moderate/strong VEGF expression. The strongest VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expression was detected in the apical epithelial layer. Cells with aspect similar to bipolar neurons and/or their presumable precursors located in the middle and basal layers and the detaching/detached cells displayed a VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 reactivity similar to that of VEGF. The basal epithelial layer exhibited stronger staining for VEGFRs than for VEGF. Cells with morphology and VEGF/VEGFR expression similar to those of the detaching/detached cells were also detected in the middle and basal VNO epithelial layers. Double immunofluorescence using anti-PGP 9.5 antibodies demonstrated that most of the VEGF/VEGFR-immunoreactive cells were neuronal cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that during early fetal development the VEGF/VEGFR system might be involved in the presumptive VNO chemoreceptor activity and neuronal precursor migration.

A new peculiar stromal cell type called telocyte (TC)/CD34-positive stromal cell (i.e. cell with distinctive prolongations named telopodes) has recently been described in various tissues and organs, including the adult skeletal muscle interstitium of mammals. By forming a resident stromal three-dimensional network, TCs have been suggested to participate in different physiological processes within the skeletal muscle tissue, including homeostasis maintenance, intercellular signaling, tissue regeneration/repair and angiogenesis. Since a continuous interplay between the stromal compartment and skeletal muscle fibers seems to take place from organogenesis to aging, the present study was undertaken to investigate for the first time the presence of TCs in the human skeletal muscle during early myogenesis. In particular, we describe the morphological distribution of TCs in human fetal lower limb skeletal muscle during early stages of myogenesis (9-12 weeks of gestation). TCs were studied on tissue sections subjected to immunoperoxidase-based immunohistochemistry for CD34. Double immunofluorescence was further performed to unequivocally differentiate TCs (CD34-positive/CD31-negative) from vascular endothelial cells (CD34-positive/CD31-positive). Our findings provide evidence that stromal cells with typical morphological features and immunophenotype of TCs are present in the human skeletal muscle during early myogenesis, revealing differences in either CD34 immunopositivity or TC numbers among different gestation ages. Specifically, few TCs weakly positive for CD34 were found between 9 and 9.5 weeks. From 10 to 11.5 weeks, TCs were more numerous and strongly reactive and their telopodes formed a reticular network in close relationship with blood vessels and primary and secondary myotubes undergoing separation. On the contrary, a strong reduction in the number and immunopositivity of TCs was observed in fetal muscle sections from 12 weeks of gestation, where mature myotubes were evident. The muscle stroma showed parallel changes in amount, density and organization from 9 to 12 weeks. Moreover, blood vessels appeared particularly numerous between 10 and 11.5 weeks. Taken together, our findings suggest that TCs might play a fundamental role in the early myogenetic period, possibly guiding tissue organization and compartmentalization, as well as angiogenesis and maturation of myotubes.

Several investigations have demonstrated neuroprotective effects of quercetin, a polyphenol widely present in nature, against neurotoxic chemicals, as well as in neuronal injury/neurodegenerative disease models. Most of these studies have been performed with quercetin aglycone and its metabolites, while scanty data are available on its glycosides. This study is aimed at investigating the neuroprotective effects of quercetin 3,4’-O-β- d -diglucoside (Q3,4’dG), isolated from the bulbs of the white cultivar (Allium cepa L.), using an in vitro model of human striatal precursor cells (HSPs), a primary culture isolated from the striatal primordium and previously characterized. To study the effect of Q3,4’dG on cell survival, HSPs were exposed to nutrient deprivation created by replacing culture medium with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Our findings showed that Q3,4’dG treatment significantly promoted cell survival and strongly decreased apoptosis induced by nutrient deprivation, as evaluated by cell proliferation/death analyses. In addition, since the adhesive capacities of cells are essential for cell survival, the expression of some adhesion molecules, such as pancadherin and focal adhesion kinase, was evaluated. Interestingly, PBS exposure significantly decreased the expression of both molecules, while in the presence of Q3,4’dG this effect was prevented. This study provides evidence of a neuroprotective role exerted by Q3,4’dG and suggests its possible implication in sustaining neuronal survival for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Investigations on animal models demonstrated that changes of sialic acid (SA) expression, particularly the polymeric form, in the skeletal muscle during embryonic and post-natal development seem to be related to muscle differentiation and functionality onset. The aim of this study was to evaluate the monomeric and polymeric SA expression in human skeletal muscle during early stages of fetal development, when important morphofunctional events occur. Specimens of fetal skeletal muscle from limb, between 9 and 12 weeks of gestation (wg), were obtained from 19 pregnant women. To investigate some morphofunctional features occurring during this development period, haematoxylin-eosin staining, tunel assay and immunohistochemistry for connexin-43 (Cx43) and parvalbumin were performed. SA expression and characterization was evaluated using lectin histochemistry (MAA, SNA, PNA, SBA, DBA), associated with enzymatic and chemical treatments. Polysialic acid (PSA) expression was also evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The results showed apoptotic myotubes between 9 and 10.5 wg, disappearing from 11 wg; Cx43 was more abundant in myotubes/myoblasts between 9 and 9.5 wg, decreasing and/or disappearing from 10 wg and parvalbumin was present in myotubes between 10 and 10.5 wg. PSA was revealed in myotubes/myoblasts from 9 to 10.5 wg; from 11 wg it was reduced or disappeared. Monomeric SA appeared in myotubes/myoblasts from 10 wg, increasing successively; acetylated SA was present from 11 wg. These findings demonstrated that changes in expression of various types of SA, occurring in human fetal skeletal muscle during early development, seem to be related to some morphofunctional aspects distinctive of this organogenesis crucial period.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific adapted physical activity (APA) protocol on upper limb disability and quality of life in breast cancer survivors and to assess longitudinally the possible role of APA on long-term benefits. Breast cancer survivors from an Italian cohort were assessed by fitness tests (shoulder-arm mobility, range of motion, and back flexibility) before and after 8-week APA. Quality of life and back and surgical shoulder pain intensity were evaluated by Short Form-12 and numerical rating scale questionnaires, respectively. At 1.5-year post-APA follow-up, survivors were evaluated as at baseline/post-APA to assess long-term effects. A statistically significant improvement in shoulder-arm mobility, pain perception, and quality of life was observed in breast cancer survivors after APA intervention. Longitudinal analyses indicated an overall decrease in the achieved benefits at 1.5-year post-APA. The survivorship phase of breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary collaboration involving either the cancer-care medical team or APA professionals to manage psychophysical outcomes. A specific APA protocol may represent an effective countermeasure to reduce post-treatment upper limb disability and improve the quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Participation in structured APA protocols should be maintained over time to preserve the achieved benefits.

Current evidence suggests that physical activity interventions can improve quality of life, fitness, and strength, reducing depression and fatigue in breast cancer survivors. However, in the long-term many survivors are insufficiently active. Here, the possible long-term benefits of a specific adapted physical activity (APA) intervention on upper limb functional performance and quality of life in breast cancer survivors were investigated. For this purpose, fifteen survivors were assessed by fitness tests (shoulder-arm mobility, range of motion, back flexibility) at the baseline and at eight weeks post-APA intervention. Quality of life and surgical shoulder and back pain intensity were evaluated by Short Form-12 and numerical rating scale questionnaires, respectively. Five participants, who continued to follow the APA protocol over time, were again evaluated after two years and compared to either five women who were inactive or five others who practiced general physical activity after ending the eight-week APA protocol. Shoulder-arm mobility and self-reported questionnaire data revealed the maintenance and/or improvement of the achieved benefits two years after the APA intervention. Our findings suggest that the long-term practice of APA tailored to individual characteristics should be recommended to breast cancer survivors in order to preserve quality of life and fitness.

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) system plays an important role in angiogenesis and osteogenesis during both skeletal development and postnatal bone growth and repair. Indeed, protein expression changes of this system could contribute to craniofacial defects commonly associated with a variety of congenital syndromes. Similarly to other craniofacial bones, mandible arises from neural crest cells of the neuroectodermal germ layer, and undergoes membranous ossification. Here, we report a case of left mandibular hypoplasia in a 42-year-old man treated with autologous bone graft from mandibular symphysis. After 3 months from surgical reconstruction, the protein expression of VEGF and receptors (VEGFR-1, -2 and -3) in regenerated bone tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. At variance with the mandibular symphysis bone harvested for graft surgery, we observed de novo expression of VEGF and VEGFRs in osteoblasts and osteocytes from post-graft regenerating mandible bone tissue. In particular, while VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-3 immunopositivity was widespread in osteoblasts, that of VEGFR-2 was scattered. Among the three receptors, VEGFR-3 was the more intensively expressed both in osteoblasts and osteocytes. These findings suggest that VEGFR-2 might be produced during the early period of regeneration, while VEGFR-1 might participate in bone cell maintenance during the middle or late consolidation period. VEGFR-3 might, instead, represent a specific signal for ectomesenchymal lineage differentiation during bone regeneration. Modulation of VEGF/VEGFR signaling could contribute to graft integration and new bone formation during mandibular regeneration.

In this study the characterization of various types of sugar residues in normal, keratoconus and cross-linked human corneas was performed using immunohistochemical localization with lectins. Corneal samples were collected and divided into three groups: (1) normal corneas from cadavers; (2) keratoconic corneal buttons; (3) keratoconic corneal buttons treated with cross-linking. A series of lectins including: DBA, SBA, PNA, ConA, WGA, UEA I, GNA, DSA, MAA, SNA, were used in combination with chemical and enzymatic treatments. Compared with the normal corneas, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine increased in the keratoconus corneas. L-fucose increased and/or appeared in the keratoconus and the cross-linked corneas. N-acetyl-D-galactosamine was more abundant in the epithelium of keratoconus corneas, but was lacking in the keratoconus and cross-linked endothelium. D-galactose-(β1-4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was absent in the whole stroma of the keratoconus corneas and in the deep layers of the cross-linked ones. Sialic acids increased in the keratoconus corneas and decreased in the cross-linked ones. These results showed altered glycosylation in the keratoconic corneas and partially similar glycosylation in the cross-linked corneas, compared to the normal ones. This suggests a role played by sugar residues in maintaining the corneal structure. The changes could be related to structural alterations in keratoconus. The present findings contribute to our understanding of the effect of cross-linking treatment of keratoconic corneas in therapeutic attempts to re-establish the normal corneal structure.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of corneal cross-linking on keratocytes and collagen fibres in human corneas. Methods: Fifteen corneal buttons were examined. Ten were from patients with keratoconus submitted to penetrating keratoplasty and five of them were treated with cross-linking 6 months before penetrating keratoplasty. Five normal corneal buttons from healthy donors were used as controls. All samples were prepared for TUNEL assay and Western blot analysis for the detection of keratocyte apoptosis and immunohistochemical analysis for the morphological evaluation of keratocytes and collagen fibre diameter. Results: Normal corneas exhibited no TUNEL-positive keratocytes and keratoconic and cross-linked corneas showed moderate apoptotic cells mainly in the anterior part of the stroma. This apoptotic trend was confirmed by the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase assessed using Western blot. The Ki-67 staining showed a significant increase in the keratocyte proliferation in cross-linked corneas compared with normal and keratoconus. In cross-linked corneas CD34-positive keratocytes were regularly distributed throughout the whole corneal stroma as in the control, and keratoconus was associated with patchy loss of immunoreactivity. The immunohistochemical analysis of collagen type I showed a significant increase in fibre diameter of cross-linked corneas compared with control and keratoconus. Conclusion: Corneal cross-linking leads to keratocyte damage; after 6 months a repopulation by proliferating cells, a distribution of CD34-positive keratocytes as in control and an increase in collagen fibre diameter were observed. These modifications are the morphological correlate of the process leading to an increase in biomechanical stability.

Objective Content and distribution of the oligosaccharides in the umbilical cord from pregnancies with altered glycemia were investigated. Study design A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Florence Policlinic of Careggi, Italy. Samples of cord from physiological pregnancies (n = 20), from pregnancies with minor degree of glucose intolerance (n = 20) and from pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treated with insulin (n = 20) were collected. Eleven lectins were used (ConA, WGA, PNA, SBA, DBA, LTA, UEA I, OOA, GSL II, MAL II and SNA) in combination with chemical and enzymatic treatments. Results Increase of N-acetyl- d -glucosamine and a loss of sialic acid in the umbilical cord of the cases with minor degree of glucose intolerance with respect to the other study groups was observed. d -Galactose(β1 → 3)-N-acetyl- d -galactosamine, N-acetyl- d -galactosamine and l -fucose were in less amount in both the pathological groups with respect to the control one. Conclusion The increase of some glycoconjugates carbohydrates and the loss of others in the umbilical cord from pregnancies with minor degree of glucose intolerance might be related to its morphofunctional alterations in a not diabetic altered glycemia. Moreover, the treatment with insulin in the GDM might play a role in restoring partially the normal glycosilation in the cord components in the attempt to renew some their functions.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known mediator that signals through pathways in angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Angiogenesis and bone formation are coupled during either skeletal development or bone remodeling and repair occurring in postnatal life. In this study, we examined for the first time the expression of VEGF in human fetal mandibular and femoral bone in comparison with the respective adult tissues. Similarly to other craniofacial bones, but at variance with the axial and appendicular skeleton, during development mandible does not arise from mesoderm but neural crest cells of the neuroectoderm germ layer, and undergoes intramembranous instead of endochondral ossification. By quantitative real-time PCR technique, we could show that VEGF gene expression levels were significantly higher in fetal than in adult samples, especially in femoral tissue. Western blotting analysis confirmed higher protein expression of VEGF in the fetal femur respect to the mandible. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that in both fetal tissues VEGF expression was mainly localized in pre- and osteoblasts. Differential expression of VEGF in femoral and mandibular bone tissues could be related to their different structure, function and development during organogenesis.

Nello studio dell'anatomia del plesso brachiale la RM è l'esame di scelta in rapporto alle principali caratteristiche della metodica: possibilità di eseguire le scansioni su tutti i piani dello spazio, elevato contrasto intrinseco e grazie al costante miglioramento della tecnologia, strati sottili con elevata risoluzione spaziale.La sequenza SE T1 dipendente sul piano sagittale è sicuramente quella con il più alto contenuto informativo: le varie diramazioni sono infatti riconoscibili come strutture ad intensità di segnale intermedia tra l'arteria e la vena succlavia con cui mantengono un rapporto anatomico costante e l'elevatà intensità di segnale del tessuto adiposo circostante. Il piano coronale obliquato secondo l'orientamento delle radici nervose fornisce informazioni sul primo tratto del decorso del plesso a partire dalla fuoriuscita delle radici che costituiscono il plesso dai forami di coniugazione. L'uso di bobine di superficie phased array ha permesso di ottenere una buona risoluzione spaziale associata ad un elevato rapporto segnale-rumore. In particolare la bobina tipo sinergy spine ha consentito anche un buon comfort per il paziente anche nel caso di studio di entrambi i plessi brachiali. È da ritenere che la possibilità in un futuro immediato, di impiegare in RM, multiple bobine di superficie dedicate al plesso brachiale, incrementerà ulteriormente le conoscenze anatomiche del plesso base indispensabile, anche in questo campo, per un corretto approccio allo studio della patologia della regione del plesso brachiale.

Investigations mostly in animal models have shown a role of sialic acid in the morphology and functionality of skeletal muscle during development and adult life. Several studies in humans have been performed regarding changes in sialic acid expression in a particular pathology, hereditary inclusion body myopathy, leading to muscular weakness and atrophy, with a similar phenomenon appearing also in sarcopenia of aging. In this study the expression of monomeric and polymeric sialic acids was evaluated in human skeletal muscle during adult life. Surgical biopsies of the Quadriceps femoris muscle from men aged 18-25 years (young group; n=8) and men aged 72-78 (elderly group; n=10) were collected for analysis. Expression of sialic acids was evaluated using lectin histochemistry, associated with enzymatic and chemical treatments to characterize monomeric and polymeric sialic acids. The polysialic acid expression was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Various types of sialic acid in the muscle tissue, in different amounts in the study groups, were detected. Monomeric sialic acids decreased in the elderly group compared with the young group, whereas polysialic acid increased. Sialic acid acetylation was present only in the young group. These findings demonstrated that changes in the expression of sialic acids in skeletal muscle tissue may be related to morphofunctional modifications occurring during aging.

Background:Physical activity interventions are known to be effective in improving the physical and psychological complaints of breast cancer survivors.Purpose:To investigate the impact of a specific exercise training program on upper limb mobility and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.Methods:The study included 55 women recruited at the Cancer Rehabilitation Centre in Florence after the completion of breast cancer treatment and rehabilitative physiotherapy. All participants underwent an 8-week specific exercise training to improve upper limb mobility function and quality of life. Anthropometric parameters were measured, and each subject underwent a battery of fitness tests to assess shoulder-arm mobility, range of motion, and back flexibility before and after specific exercise program. All participants filled out the Short Form-12 and numerical rating scale questionnaires to assess the quality of life and to quantify back and shoulder pain intensity.Results:The evaluation of shoulder-arm mobility and self-reported questionnaire data revealed a statistically significant improvement after completion of our specific exercise program.Conclusion:An organized specific program of adapted physical activity can be effective in reducing the main adverse effects of surgery and oncological therapy, and may significantly improve shoulder-arm mobility and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

A lectin histochemical study was performed to investigate the distribution and changes of the oligosaccharidic component of the glycoconjugates in the lung of chick embryos, of 1-day-old chick, and of the adult animal. For this purpose, a battery of seven horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins (PNA, SBA, DBA, WGA, Con A, LTA, and UEA I) were employed. During the first phase of parabronchi and atria formation, D-galactose-(beta1-->3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, beta-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-glucosamine, alpha-D-mannose, and sialic acid, present at the level of the surface and of cytoplasmic granules of the lining epithelial cells, seem to play a role in regulating morphogenetic phenomena. In the subsequent phases, the parabronchial lumen and the atrial cavities were characterized by the presence of lectin-reactive material rich in terminal D-galactose-(beta1-->3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, beta-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-glucosamine and alpha-D-mannose. From day 18 onwards and immediately after hatching, the free border of the cells lining the air capillaries was characterized by the presence of beta-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and alpha-D-mannose. The appearance of these sugar residues was concomitant with the beginning of respiratory activity.

The composition of the prostatic capsule is important from a clinical point of view, since it is considered to be a barrier against the spread of prostatic tumours. Clinical follow-up demonstrates that apparently intracapsular tumours, particularly in the posterosuperior region of the gland, are frequently understaged at clinical diagnosis. The morphology of the prostatic capsule was studied in 6 cadavers. In each case the prostate was obtained in one block together with the basal portion of the bladder, the seminal vesicles, the anterior wall of the rectum and the periprostatic connective tissue. Part of the material was plastinated, while the remainder was studied using histological and immunohistochemical methods. The prostate was found to be surrounded by connective tissue abundant with smooth muscle cells, and continuous with the stromal septa which subdivide the glandular tissue. A rich network of blood vessels was identifiable. In some regions, particularly in the posterosuperior region, a real capsule was not identifiable. The connective tissue seemed to constitute a continuum between the prostate gland and neighbouring organs, in particular, a connective tissue barrier between the prostate and the seminal vesicles was completely absent. Therefore, due to the absence of a capsular barrier and to the presence of a rich vascular network, a prostatic tumour which begins in the posterior region of the gland should be considered as potentially extracapsular.

Acquiring data about venous or arterial vessel size is important for several reasons, given the increasing incidence of thomboembolic phenomena and arterial aneurysms and the emerging new vascular techniques. We studied 250 healthy subjects (125 men and 125 women; age range: 50 to 91 years) with no known vascular pathology, nor hypertension, nor diabetes. We assessed the caliber of abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac and femoral arteries and viens by color doppler ultrasonography, and analyzed the results with regard to sex, height, weight and body surface of each subject. The mean caliber measure of the large abdominal vessels appeared lower than the value obtained from cadavers. There was a direct proportion between the left and right vessels of the same subject. The difference in vessel caliber between male and female subjects was statistically significant. There was no correlation between vessel caliber and age, height or body surface area.

The presence of valves in the head and neck veins is known since classical anatomical dissections. Previous studies have investigated whether jugular veins show constant valves at their ostium and whether these valves are physiologically competent, but, unluckily, these studies have reported conflicting results. Further, recent observations have raised the question whether the incompetence of jugular vein valves might play a pivotal role in neurological disorders related to venous engorgement of the brain. In this study we examined 462 internal jugular veins by using an echocolorodoppler apparatus. In particular, we assessed the presence, morphology and competence of valves at their ostium. Unilateral jugular vein valves were present in 406 cases (88%), mainly on the right side. The most frequently observed morphology (75%, 305 cases) was the two-leaflet valve, and jugular vein valves were incompetent in the huge majority of cases (365 cases, 90%). Our findings confirm the anatomical variability predicted from classical anatomical studies but, unluckily, do not provide additional evidence on the possible role of jugular vein valves in physiology and pathology. Further studies are strongly needed to determine whether these valves actually play an important role in counteracting chest venous pressure and in preventing reflux towards the brain.

The aim of the study was to investigate the content and distribution of sugar residues in placentas from pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders. Placentas from women with uncomplicated pregnancies (group 1), pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension (group 2), pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia (group 3), pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets) (group 4) were collected. Lectins: ConA, WGA, PNA, SBA, DBA, UEA I, GNA, DSA, MAA, SNA, in combination with chemical and enzymatic treatments, were used. Data showed a decrease and/or lack of α-d-mannose, α-d-glucose and d-galactose-(β1-4)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine in placentas from pre-eclampsia and pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome compared with control and hypertension cases. N-acetyl-d-galactosamine appeared and/or increased in placentas from hypertensive disorders. A different distribution of various types of sialic acid was observed in placentas from hypertensive disorders compared with the controls. In particular, placentas from pre-eclampsia, with and without HELLP syndrome, lacked the acetylated sialic acid side-chain. These findings demonstrate various alterations of the carbohydrate metabolism in the placentas from pregnancies complicated by different types of hypertensive disorders. This indicates correlation with the placental morpho-functional changes characteristic of these complications and with the degree of clinical severity.

Lower limb peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is highly prevalent and causes disability and poor quality of life. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the pattern of proximal and distal occlusion and collateral circulation of lower limb arteries using combined contrast arteriography and color doppler ecography. The study concerned 140 subjects (88 men and 52 women, age range 65-88 years) with symptomatic lower limb arterial disease (Fontaine's stage II) subsequent to the occlusion of vessels downstream from the subrenal aorta. The assessment of lower-extremity PAOD was performed by using the FRASI study three step protocol. The calculation of the Winsor index showed progressively lower haemodynamic compromission in distal occlusion. The more the site of occlusion was proximal, and the greater was its hemodynamic effect, although there was no statistically significance. A combined use of contrast arteriography and color doppler ecography appeared very useful in studying the anatomy of the occlusions and their haemodynamic impact, as well as in analysing the presence and the effects of collateral circles. These findings may be fundamental for identifying the most correct indications for surgical therapy and for selecting optimal strategies and prostheses.

Summary Tongue anlage were taken in chick embryos from the 7th to the 21st d of incubation and in 3 d old chicken. A battery of 7 different horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins (PNA, Con A, DBA, SB A, LTA, WGA, UEA I) was used to study the carbohydrate residues of glycoconjugates at the epithelial cells of the anterior and posterior lingual glands. Some sugar residues, detected at the surface of the epithelial cells in early developmental stages of glandular primordia, seemed to play a role in inducing and regulating the first differentiative steps of the glands. Differences in type, amount, time of appearance and cellular localization between the 2 groups of glands were detected. The group of the anterior lingual glands, adjacent to the entoglossal cartilage (paraentoglossal glands), showed some peculiar histochemical characteristics.

Sarcopenia is the physiological age related decline in muscle mass and strength. It is a main cause of muscle weakness and reduced locomotory ability and its adverse effects contributes to a reduction in physical function and performance with decreased independence and quality of life. In fact, sarcopenia has been associated with disability and morbidity in the elderly population. Therefore, prevention and treatment of sarcopenia are areas of intense interest. The studies suggest that the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is multifactorial, but the decreased physical activity with aging appears to be a key factor involved in producing this pathology. We investigated the role of adapted physical activity on the adverse effects of the sarcopenia: we examined the effect of a specific resistance training program in twenty sedentary older men, 60-80 years old, with sarcopenia. The program was performed three days a week for 18 total weeks with isotonic machines; in particular the exercises effected with leg press, chest press and vertical row were monitored using a Globus-Tesys dynamometer with Real Power. The maximum repetition test (1RM) was used to calculate the percentage of work and formulate the methodology. Our results demonstrated that the proposed training can improve the dynamic characteristics of muscle strength. In particular, we showed that a medium-low intensity training, structured in series and repetitions with gradual increased workload, produced a time-dependent improvement of strength. Our training increased the muscle strength mainly in the lower limbs reducing the risk of falls which frequently occurs in the elderly. Therefore, a planned resistance training could be an effective countermeasure to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of the sarcopenia improving the quality of life. The physical activity should be personalized and adapted to subject's age and/or disability.

The obstructive disease of the supraaortic trunks has considerable clinical importance. Patients with the same grade of obstruction can display a wide spectrum of symptoms. Apart from the grade, etiology and localization of the obstruction, the presence of collateral circles plays an essential role in the determination of the symptoms. We selected all asymptomatic patients, undergoing a diagnostic investigation with EchoColorDoppler in a period of 13 years, in whom an occlusion of the common carotid artery, of the internal carotid artery or of the vertebral artery was present, and we studied the compensatory collateral circles. We considered 8 subjects affected by common carotid occlusion, 66 subjects with internal carotid occlusion and 24 subjects with vertebral artery occlusion. In the 8 subjects affected by common carotid occlusion, before the bifurcation, the collateral circle was realized by the superior thyroid arteries through the supraisthmic thyroid artery. All of the 66 subjects with internal carotid disease showed collateral circles through the ophthalmic branches and through the communicating arteries. In the 24 subjects with vertebral artery occlusion, the compensatory collateral circle was realized by the cervical, costocervical and occipital branches. In conclusion, the presence of an adequate hemodynamic compensation through a collateral circle represents an important positive prognostic factor and can avoid invasive procedures, thus avoiding possible complications.

A battery of six different horseradish peroxidase-labelled lectins (SBA, DBA, PNA, WGA, ConA and LTA) was used to study the distribution of carbohydrate residues in glycoconjugates during the development of the chick embryo tongue anlage (7th-21st day of incubation) and in the tongue of 3 day-old chicken, at the dorsal and ventral epithelium. From the 7th to the 16th day β-D-galactose, D-galactose-(β1 3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-mannose and β-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine show the same epithelial distribution at two lingual aspects. From the 17th day to hatching the epithelium of the dorsal and ventral surfaces is characterized by a different distribution of sugar residues. The functional adaptation of the epithelium, as far as the saccharidic moletie distribution is concerned, seems to be completed at the 21st day of incubation.

The pain is a serious problem in advanced level female artistic gymnasts because it decreases the performance. The pain is due to the high numbers of hours spent in training sessions and may be associated to injuries that have relatively high incidence and severity in these athletes. We investigated the role of a preventive-compensative physical activity program, implemented in the warm-up and the cool-down session of standard training, in the prevention and reduction of the pain syndromes, evaluated in elite level young female artistic gymnasts. Thirty elite level female athletes, 10-14 years old, participated in this study and were followed for 12 weeks during the competition preparation period. Fifteen athletes were trained with preventive-compensative motory program implemented in the ordinary training (intervention group) and fifteen (control group) followed the standard training. All athletes completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding the pain intensity on the basis of a Visual Analogue Scale pre- and post- intervention. The experimental protocol consisted of three steps: the treatment of the shortened muscle chains according to Active Posture Reeducation method, the propriocettive-coordinative training with wobble board and the mobilization and stretching of back using fitball. Before intervention, the pain in practicing this sport was reported by 83% of all the athletes. The most common primary pain sites were the ankle and low back; the pain anatomical location was correlated to the training. After intervention, low back pain assessment showed a decrease of pain identified as mild (from 56% to 44%) or moderate (from 33% to 22%) and a disappearance of severe pain (from 11% to 0%). Ankle pain decreased and/or disappeared: the mild pain from 33% to 27%, moderate from 27% to 13% and severe from 13% to 0%. The pain analysis did not show different results in the control group. Our results indicated that the performed preventive-compensative training is of value, in a short time perspective, in preventing and reducing the pain syndromes in these athletes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of the oligosaccharides of the glycoconjugates in placentas from pregnancies complicated by different degree of altered glycaemia. Placentas from women with physiological pregnancies (group 1), with pregnancies complicated by minor degree of glucose intolerance (group 2) and with pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treated with insulin (group 3) were collected. Ten lectins were used (ConA, WGA, PNA, SBA, DBA, LTA, UEA I, GSL II, MAL II and SNA) in combination with chemical and enzymatic treatments. The data showed a decrease of sialic acid linked alpha(2-6) to galactose/N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and an increase of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the placentas of the pathological groups, in particular the group 3, comparing to the group 1. A decrease of L-fucose (LTA) and D-galactose-(beta1-3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, and an increase and/or appearance of L-fucose (UEA I) and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine were observed in both the pathological groups, particularly in the group 2, with respect to the group 1. In GDM, and even in pregnancies with a simple alteration of maternal glycaemia, the changes in the distribution of oligosaccharides could be related to alteration of the structure and functionality of the placenta.

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of the sialoderivatives of the glycoconjugates in the oviduct of normally menstruating and postmenopausal women. Methods Biopsies of ampullary and isthmic portions of the oviduct were obtained from fertile women, in proliferative and secretive phases, and from postmenopausal subjects. The study was carried out using digoxigenin-labelled lectins (MAA, SNA and PNA) in addition to the use of enzymatic and chemical treatments to characterize the different glycosidic linkages of the sialoderivatives and to obtain information on their structure. Results No appreciable difference in sialoderivatives distribution was observed among the oviducts, particularly at the epithelium luminal surface, of the fertile women in the two menstrual cycle phases or among those of the fertile and some postmenopausal women, independently from age. Moreover, no appreciable difference of distribution was observed between the ampullary and the isthmic portions in both the study groups. Conclusions In the fertile women sialoderivatives present at the luminal surface of the epithelial cells could play a role in sperm capacitation and mobility, and facilitate the transit of the egg and of the early embryo along the oviducts. The similar distribution of sialoderivatives in the oviduct epithelium of some postmenopausal women of different age, compared to the fertile ones, suggests a maintaining of some functions of the organ, independently from the age of the woman. This could be due, in some cases, to the influence of remaining still sufficient sex hormonal levels.

The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family receptors (VEGFR) in placentas from pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of different clinical severity. Placental tissue from women with gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, pre-eclampsia with haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP syndrome) and normotensive women, as a control group, was examined. Immunohistochemical techniques, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to evaluate receptor expression. In cases with gestational hypertension, as well as in control cases, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-3 immunoreactivity was detected in all placental components, whereas in placentas from the pre-eclampsia and pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome groups, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-3 immunoreactivity was detected only in some portions of trophoblast and/or some vessels and/or clusters of stromal cells. In the control group, VEGFR-2 immunoreactivity was observed only in the vessels, whereas the hypertensive groups showed VEGF-2 immunoreactivity also in trophoblast and stromal cells. The mRNA levels of the three receptors in the group with gestational hypertension were higher with respect to those in the control group. Placentas from pregnancies with pre-eclampsia showed lowest mRNA expression levels, whereas placentas from women with pre-eclampsia plus HELLP syndrome showed higher mRNA expression levels with respect to the three other groups. Receptor protein levels were lower in pathological cases compared with levles in the control group. These findings demonstrate a dysregulation of placental expression of VEGF family receptors related to the degree of clinical severity of the hypertensive disorder.

The content, distribution and changes of the glycoconjugates oligosaccharides in the ependymal cells of the cephalic portion of the nervous system, in the chick embryo from 5 days of incubation till hatching and in the 3 days old chicken, were investigated. For this purpose a battery of six HRP-conjugated lectins were used (WGA, SBA, UEA I, LTA, PNA, ConA). Enzyme and chemical treatments were performed on some sections prior to staining with HRP-lectins. Our findings showed a large amount of all the investigated sugar residues at the apical portion of the ependymal cells, for the whole considered period of incubation and in the 3 days old chicken. This could indicate that also the immature ependymal cells (spongiobasts) begin to play a tipical role of the mature cells. The presence of cytoplasmic sopranuclear granules, containing D-glucosamine, D-galactose-(beta --3)-N-acetil-D-galactosamine and sialic acid in the early stages of incubation, might represent a secretion by the ependymal cells to integrate a not yet fully functioning secretion by the choroid plexuses. At the ciglia a large amount of oligosaccharides were detected in the second part of the period of incubation and in 3 days old chicken. These oligosaccharides could be involved in determining and mantaining the movement of the ciglia to facilitate the flow of the CSF.

The present investigation has been performed to obtain a complete distributional map of the oligosaccharidic component of the glycoconjugates in the testis of the human newborn. For this purpose seven eight HRP-conjugated lectins (SBA, DBA, PNA, WGA, OOA, UEAI, LTA and ConA) along with enzymatic treatments, were used. The Sertoli cells were characterized by the same sugar residues detected in the testes of adult healthy subject. Beta-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine in the Leydig's cells and a-N- acetyl-D-galactosamine anomer in the spermatogonia seem to be an unique feature of the newborn testis. For this fact SBA and DBA could be considered markers respectively of the Leydig's cells and of the spermatogonia in the newborn testis. Differences in lectin binding, between the newborn and the adult testis as the interstitial tissue and the endothelial cells of the capillary vessels are reported.

Objective To determine the expression of VEGF in the placental tissue from pregnancies complicated by hypertension disorders of different clinical severity. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Polyclinic of Careggi, University of Florence, Italy. Sample Placentas from women with gestational hypertension (n= 20), pre-eclampsia (n= 20) and pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome (n= 20) and from normotensive women (n= 20), as control group (gestational age comprised between 35 and 38 weeks). Methods An immunohistochemical technique and a quantitative analysis to measure mRNA levels (RT-PCR) were employed. Main outcome measures Intensity of immunoreactivity and mRNA levels in the placental components. Differences between the data. Results VEGF immunoreactivity was observable in all the placental components in the gestational hypertension cases as in the control ones. In the cases with pre-eclampsia and pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome, some placental components were not immunoreactive. However, the VEGF positive components of all the pathological groups showed a higher intensity of reactivity with respect to that of the control group. The levels of VEGF mRNA were higher in the gestational hypertension cases and lower in the cases of pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome with respect to the control ones; in the cases of pre-eclampsia, the levels were the same as the control ones. Conclusion The different expression of VEGF in the placenta of the pathological cases is probably related to haemodynamic changes that take place in these disorders, in order to attempt restoration of a normal uteroplacental flow.