Search

Funder: Helmholts International BigBrain Analytics & Learning Laboratory, Neurotransmitter receptors support the propagation of signals in the human brain. How receptor systems are situated within macro-scale neuroanatomy and how they shape emergent function remain poorly understood, and there exists no comprehensive atlas of receptors. Here we collate positron emission tomography data from more than 1,200 healthy individuals to construct a whole-brain three-dimensional normative atlas of 19 receptors and transporters across nine different neurotransmitter systems. We found that receptor profiles align with structural connectivity and mediate function, including neurophysiological oscillatory dynamics and resting-state hemodynamic functional connectivity. Using the Neurosynth cognitive atlas, we uncovered a topographic gradient of overlapping receptor distributions that separates extrinsic and intrinsic psychological processes. Finally, we found both expected and novel associations between receptor distributions and cortical abnormality patterns across 13 disorders. We replicated all findings in an independently collected autoradiography dataset. This work demonstrates how chemoarchitecture shapes brain structure and function, providing a new direction for studying multi-scale brain organization., For the Cambridge authors (Coles, Fryer & Aigbirhio): This work was funded by an MRC PET Neuroscience programme grant (Training and Novel Probes Programme in PET Neurochemistry - MR/K02308X/1) and by an MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme grant (MR/L013215/1). This research in Cambridge was supported by the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC-1215-20014). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. JPC was supported by a British Journal of Anaesthesia/Royal College of Anaesthetists grant from the National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia.

Impulsivity increases the risk for obesity and weight gain. However, the precise role of impulsivity in the aetiology of overeating behavior and obesity is currently unknown. Here we examined the relationships between personality-related measures of impulsivity, Uncontrolled Eating, body mass index (BMI), and longitudinal weight changes. In addition, we analyzed the associations between general impulsivity domains and cortical thickness to elucidate brain vulnerability factors related to weight gain. Students (N = 2318) in their first year of university—a risky period for weight gain—completed questionnaire measures of impulsivity and eating behavior at the beginning of the school year. We also collected their weight at the end of the term (N = 1177). Impulsivity was divided into three factors: stress reactivity, reward sensitivity and lack of self-control. Using structural equation models, we tested a hierarchical relationship, in which impulsivity traits were associated with Uncontrolled Eating, which in turn predicted BMI and weight change. Seventy-one participants underwent T1-weighted MRI to investigate the correlation between impulsivity and cortical thickness. Impulsivity traits showed positive correlations with Uncontrolled Eating. Higher scores in Uncontrolled Eating were in turn associated with higher BMI. None of the impulsivity-related measurements nor Uncontrolled Eating were correlated with longitudinal weight gain. Higher stress sensitivity was associated with increased cortical thickness in the superior temporal gyrus. Lack of self-control was positively associated with increased thickness in the superior medial frontal gyrus. Finally, higher reward sensitivity was associated with lower thickness in the inferior frontal gyrus. The present study provides a comprehensive characterization of the relationships between different facets of impulsivity and obesity. We show that differences in impulsivity domains might be associated with BMI via Uncontrolled Eating. Our results might inform future clinical strategies aimed at fostering self-control abilities to prevent and/or treat unhealthy weight gain.

Background: Peach gibberellin-regulated protein (peamaclein) has recently emerged as a relevant food allergen in cypress pollen–hypersensitive patients. Objective: We investigated monosensitization to peamaclein among Italian cypress pollen–allergic patients. Patients: A total of 835 cypress pollen–hypersensitive patients from 28 Italian allergy centers underwent a thorough work-up to determine food-allergic reactions and performed skin prick testing with a commercial peach extract containing peamaclein. IgE to rPru p 3 was measured in peach reactors, and those with negative results were enrolled as potentially monosensitized to peamaclein. IgE reactivity to rPru p 7 was evaluated using immunoblot and an experimental ImmunoCAP with rPru p 7. Results: Skin prick tests were positive to peach in 163 patients (19.5%); however, 127 (77.9%) were excluded because they reacted to Pru p 3. Twenty-four patients (14.7%) corresponding to 2.8% of the entire study population) were considered potentially monosensitized to peamaclein. No geographic preference was observed. Seventeen of the 24 patients (70.8%) had a history of food allergy, mainly to peach (n=15). Additional offending foods included other Rosaceae, citrus fruits, fig, melon, tree nuts, and kiwi. On peach immunoblot, only 3 of 18 putative peamaclein–allergic patients reacted to a band at about 7 kDa; an additional 4 patients reacted at about 50-60 kDa. Ten of 18 patients (56%) had a positive result for Pru p 7 on ImmunoCAP. Conclusion: Allergy and sensitization to peamaclein seem rare in Italy. Most patients react to peach, although other Rosaceae fruits and several citrus fruits may also be offending foods. Peach and cypress pollen probably also share cross-reacting allergens other than peamaclein.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess, in a large sample of healthy young adults, sex differences in the binding potential of [11C]ABP688, a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer selective for the metabotropic glutamate type 5 (mGlu5) receptor. Methods High resolution [11C]ABP688 PET scans were acquired in 74 healthy volunteers (25 male, 49 female, mean age 20 ± 3.0). Mean binding potential (BPND = fND * (Bavail / KD)) values were calculated in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and limbic regions using the simplified reference tissue model with cerebellar grey matter as the reference region. Results [11C]ABP688 BPND was significantly higher in men compared to women in the prefrontal cortex (p

To determine how the low-affinity (Z)-isomer of the radiotracer [11C]ABP688 affects binding potential values in vivo in humans. High-resolution [11C]ABP688 PET scans were acquired on 74 healthy volunteers (25 male, 49 female, mean age 20 ± 3.0). The relative contents of (E)- and (Z)-isomers were determined prior to injection using analytical high-performance liquid chromatography [rt(E) = 10 min, rt(Z) = 8.5 min]. Mean binding potential [BPND = fND * (Bavail/KD)] values were calculated in the striatum, limbic regions, and prefrontal cortex using the simplified reference tissue model with cerebellar grey matter as reference. Mean ± SD (E)-isomer content in [11C]ABP688 production was 92 ± 3.8% (range 78–97%). Percent (E)-isomer was positively correlated with BPND in the striatum (ρ = 0.28, p = 0.015) and limbic regions (ρ = 0.25, p = 0.036). In multiple regression analysis, sex (β = 0.39, p = 0.001) and (E)-isomer content (β = 0.23, p = 0.040) were significant predictors of BPND. Even modest levels of (Z)-[11C]ABP688 can reduce estimates of tracer binding in vivo. Future studies should use production methods that enrich levels of (E)-[11C]ABP688, report tracer isomer ratios, and account for this factor in their analyses.

Summary The clinical usefulness of two commercial peach extracts for SPT (by Lofarma SpA and ALK-Abello, respectively) was compared in a multicenter study carried out in Italy. Peach allergic patients were tested with the two extracts in parallel and underwent the detection of IgE specific for all three peach allergens currently available (Pru p1, Pru p3, and Pru p4, respectively). The two extracts were almost identical in terms of sensitivity and specificity, being able to detect virtually all patients sensitized to stable peach allergens (lipid transfer protein (LTP) and, presumably, peamaclein) but scoring negative in patients exclusively sensitive to labile allergens (either PR-10 and/or profilin). Thus, the two extracts represent an excellent tool to carry out a preliminary component-resolved diagnosis of peach allergy at the first patient visit.

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are tetrameric ligand-gated channels made up of combinations of GluA1-4 subunits encoded by GRIA1-4 genes. GluA2 has an especially important role because, following post-transcriptional editing at the Q607 site, it renders heteromultimeric AMPARs Ca2+-impermeable, with a linear relationship between current and trans-membrane voltage. Here, we report heterozygous de novo GRIA2 mutations in 28 unrelated patients with intellectual disability (ID) and neurodevelopmental abnormalities including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Rett syndrome-like features, and seizures or developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). In functional expression studies, mutations lead to a decrease in agonist-evoked current mediated by mutant subunits compared to wild-type channels. When GluA2 subunits are co-expressed with GluA1, most GRIA2 mutations cause a decreased current amplitude and some also affect voltage rectification. Our results show that de-novo variants in GRIA2 can cause neurodevelopmental disorders, complementing evidence that other genetic causes of ID, ASD and DEE also disrupt glutamatergic synaptic transmission. © 2019, The Author(s).

To determine how the low-affinity (Z)-isomer of the radiotracer [High-resolution [Mean ± SD (E)-isomer content in [Even modest levels of (Z)-[

Introduction and objectives The reproducibility of the adverse reaction increases the suggestiveness of a history of food allergy. However, the positive predictive value (PPV) of multiple adverse reaction episodes for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy is not known. This evaluation was the objective of our study. Patients and methods We retrospectively studied 180 children with a history of non-anaphylactic adverse reactions after the ingestion of a food. All children had the prick test positive for the offending food and performed the oral food challenge (OFC) within 12 months after the last adverse reaction episode (ARE). We have evaluated whether increasing the number of ARE increased the probability that the OFC would be positive (failed). Results 93 patients (52%) presented one ARE, 49 (27%) presented two ARE, 24 (13%) presented three ARE, 14 (8%) patients presented ≥ four ARE. The OFC was positive in 94/180 (52%). The outcome of the OFC was found to be positively correlated with the number of ARE (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.16–2.09; p = 0.003). A PPV = 100% was observed with a number of ARE ≥ five. Conclusions The number of ARE is an important predictor of the diagnosis of food allergy, although less than we would have imagined. The number of ARE could be used to increase the predictability of the diagnostic tests currently in use, to define clinical prediction rules alternative to OFC and easy to use in clinical practice.

BackgroundImpulsivity increases the risk for obesity and weight gain. However, the precise role of impulsivity in the aetiology of overeating behavior and obesity is currently unknown. Here we examined the relationships between personality-related measures of impulsivity, Uncontrolled Eating, BMI, and longitudinal weight changes. Additionally, we analyzed the associations between general impulsivity domains and brain cortical thickness to elucidate brain vulnerability factors related to weight gain.MethodsStudents in their first year of university - a risky period for weight gain - completed questionnaire measures of impulsivity and eating behavior at the beginning (N = 2318) of the school year. We also collected their weight at the end of the term (N = 1197). Impulsivity was divided into factors stress reactivity, reward sensitivity and lack of self-control. Using structural equation models, we tested the plausibility of a hierarchical relationship, in which impulsivity traits were associated with Uncontrolled Eating, which in turn predicted BMI and weight change. 71 participants underwent T1-weighted MRI to investigate the correlation between impulsivity and cortical thickness.ResultsImpulsivity traits showed positive correlations with Uncontrolled Eating. Higher scores in Uncontrolled Eating were in turn associated with higher BMI. None of the impulsivity-related measurements nor Uncontrolled Eating were correlated with longitudinal weight gain. Higher stress sensitivity was associated with increased cortical thickness in the superior temporal gyrus. Lack of self-control was positively associated with increased thickness in the superior medial frontal gyrus. Finally, higher reward sensitivity was associated with lower thickness in the inferior frontal gyrus.ConclusionThe present study provides a comprehensive characterization of the relationships between different facets of impulsivity and obesity. We show that differences in impulsivity domains might be associated with BMI via Uncontrolled Eating. Our results might inform future clinical strategies aimed at fostering self-control abilities to prevent and/or treat unhealthy weight gain.

SummaryInsufficient responses to hypocaloric diets have been attributed to hormonal adaptations that override self-control of food intake. We tested this hypothesis by measuring brain fMRI reactivity to food cues and circulating energy-balance hormones in 24 overweight/obese participants before, and 1 and 3 months after starting a calorie restriction diet. Increased activity in prefrontal regions at month 1 correlated with weight loss at months 1 and 3. Weight loss was also correlated with increased plasma ghrelin and decreased leptin at month 1, and these changes were associated with greater food cue reactivity in reward-related brain regions. However, the reduction in leptin did not counteract weight loss; indeed, it was correlated with further weight loss at month 3. Activation in a network of prefrontal regions associated with self-control could contribute to individual differences in weight loss and maintenance, whereas we failed to find that the hormonal adaptations play a major role.

Summary Insufficient responses to hypocaloric diets have been attributed to hormonal adaptations that override self-control of food intake. We tested this hypothesis by measuring circulating energy-balance hormones and brain functional magnetic resonance imaging reactivity to food cues in 24 overweight/obese participants before, and 1 and 3 months after starting a calorie restriction diet. Increased activity and functional connectivity in prefrontal regions at month 1 correlated with weight loss at months 1 and 3. Weight loss was also correlated with increased plasma ghrelin and decreased leptin, and these changes were associated with food cue reactivity in reward-related brain regions. However, the reduction in leptin did not counteract weight loss; indeed, it was correlated with further weight loss at month 3. Activation in prefrontal regions associated with self-control could contribute to successful weight loss and maintenance. This work supports the role of higher-level cognitive brain function in body-weight regulation in humans.

Introduction IBtk acts as substrate receptor of a Cullin 3-dependent E3 ligase, and promotes proteasomal degradation of Pdcd4, a translation inhibitor. There are evidences that IBtk is involved in cell survival. RNA interference of IBtk reduced viability of Ras-positive colorectal cancer cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts under reticulum stress. Differential methylation of the IBtk genomic region was reported for U-CLL (Unmutated-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia) and M-CLL (Mutated-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia),suggesting a possible correlation between the IBtk expression levels and aggressiveness of disease. Recently, we provided the evidence of IBtk as a prognostic marker of CLL progression. Material and methods Ibtk-/- mice were bred with congenic Em-myc transgenic mice, a pre-clinical mouse model of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, to generate Ibtk-/-Em-myc mice, which were monitored for survival and tumour development. We used flow-cytometry for B cells immunophenotyping. Primary murine B cells were compared using different approaches: proliferation, cell viability and cell death assays. Results and discussions Our data provide the evidence that Ibtk gene increases survival and delays tumour onset in Eμ-myc mice.Ibtk-/-Em-myc mice mostly developed pre-B lymphoma and to a lesser extent mature B lymphoma, which was consistent with the tumour phenotype of Em-myc mice.Loss of Ibtk substantially reduced the number of premalignant B-lymphoid cells without affecting their proliferation rate. In particular, pre-cancerous immature B cells were reduced in bone marrow and spleen of Ibtk-/-Em-myc compared to Ibtk+/+Em myc mice.In Em-myc mice, the pre-cancerous state is characterised by aberrant proliferation of B-lymphoid cells, which is initially offset by pro-apoptotic action of c-Myc.We have previously shown that the enhanced expression of IBtk in CLL cells down regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic genes, thus counteracting apoptosis.According to this hypothesis, we found an increased spontaneous apoptosis of pre-cancerous Ibtk-/-Em-myc B cells ex vivo and in vitro without added cytokines. Conclusion c-Myc is abnormally expressed in a great majority of human cancers. The evidence that IBtk promotes the survival of c-Myc–driven premalignant B cells could have general implications for oncogenesis. Our findings support a synergistic role of IBtk in Myc-driven B-lymphomagenesis conferring resistance to apoptosis.In summary, this study provides the rationale for novel therapeutic approaches of B-lymphoma.

In mammals, the cerebral cortex microvasculature (CCM) of the neopallium plays important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of the brain. The aim of the present work is to analyze the CCM by use of the SEM-vascular corrosion cast technique, and to examine the immunocytochemical characteristics of the CCM in adult domestic ruminants (cattle, buffalo, and sheep) by using the SEM-immunogold technique. The CCM originated from the very small, finger-like terminal branches of the macrovasculature of the brain. The superficial cortical arterioles were more numerous than the deep straight arterioles which proceeded toward the white matter. The surface casts of the arterioles and capillaries of the cerebral cortex showed ring-shaped formations in the arterioles and at the origin of the capillaries. All capillaries down-stream from these ring-shaped formations were flaccid. Casts of the capillaries showed wrinkles due to the presence of endothelial folds, which is characteristic of varying blood pressure. Formations having intense anti-GIFAP immunoreactivity were frequently evident along the course of the blood capillaries in the cerebral cortex. These formations were probably astrocytes that might regulate the cerebral microcirculation based on physiological and pathological stimuli, such as neuronal activation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:257–263, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Accumulating evidence suggests that the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate influences experience-dependent neuroplasticity, reward-related learning, and the use and abuse of addictive drugs, such as cocaine. For addictions, type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5s) might be particularly relevant. In rodents mGluR5 transmission influences the propensity to acquire cocaine self-administration behaviors and, once drug use begins, the receptor’s availability changes. mGluR5 perturbations in people with cocaine use disorders have been tentatively identified, and mGluR5 allosteric modulators show preliminary promise for treatment in preclinical models. Together, the emerging literature points to roles for mGluR5 in the development and maintenance of addiction, as well as in treatment.

Mammalian choroid plexuses (CPs) are vascularized structures involved in numerous exchange processes that supply nutrients and hormones to the brain, and that remove deleterious compounds and metabolites from the brain. Studies in the adult Mediterranean buffalo have investigated the morphology of CPs using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. To date, however, there have been no studies conducted on ruminants regarding this removal process which serves to repair functional vascular damage in the CPs. Each of these vascular repair processes is a very complex and none of these has not yet been completely understood. Then, the aim of the present study is to investigate the morphological processes during angiogenesis in the CPs of healthy adult buffaloes, utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and immunogold-labeling SEM analysis (biomarkers: angiopoietin-2 [Ang-2], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 [VEGFR-3], and CD133). At TEM, the inner surface of the blood capillaries sometimes showed pillar-like cells, which in contact with endothelial cells formed prominences, which in turn formed neo-blood capillaries. With immunogold-labeling SEM analysis, the CP blood capillaries showed Ang-2 and VEGF-3, respectively, in positive particles and spheroid formations. In addition, the external surface of the blood capillaries showed spheroid formations that originated from the neo-vascular capillaries whose terminals formed a capillary network, positive to CD133. On the basis of these results, the following hypothesis can be made, namely, that these CPs are vascular structures which play a fundamental role in maintaining brain homeostasis and self-repairing of functional vascular damage, independently of the presence of rete mirabile in this species. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:1104–1112, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The forestomach plays an important role in the digestion physiology of ruminants. The aim of this study is to clarify the morpho-functional role of the mucosa in each of the three compartments of the forestomach in three domestic ruminants species, viz cattle, buffalo and sheep, by means of structural, histochemical and immunocytochemical methods, including transmission electron microscopy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These methods were chosen to demonstrate the indirect evidence for the presence of nitric oxide (NO) employing NADPHd and nitric oxide synthase I (NOS I). The various cell layers of the forestomach epithelium are described and illustrated in detail. An intense NADPHd staining was observed in the granulosa, spinosa and basal layers of the epithelium, in particular in the cytoplasm over the nucleus. NOS I immunoreactivity was found in all specimens of the forestomach mucosa. The results of this study might reflect a possible role of NO in delaying the onset of cellular apoptosis in the forestomach mucosa of the domestic ruminants, by playing a role in the production of cell energy.

The frequency of diurnal clenching and/or grinding and nail-biting habits was assessed in patients affected by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and in healthy controls in order to investigate the possible association between these oral parafunctions and different diagnostic subgroups of TMDs. The case group included 557 patients (127 men, mean age +/- SD = 34.5 +/- 15.4 years; 430 women, mean age +/- SD = 32.9 +/- 14.1 years) affected by myofascial pain or disc displacement or arthralgia/arthritis/arthrosis. The control group included 111 healthy subjects (55 men, mean age +/- SD = 37 +/- 15.2 years; 56 women, mean age +/- SD = 38.2 +/- 13.8 years). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between oral parafunctions and TMDs, after adjusting for age and gender. Daytime clenching/grinding was a significant risk factor for myofascial pain (odds ratio (OR) = 4.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.0-7.8) and for disc displacement (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3), nail biting was not associated to any of the subgroups investigated. Female gender was a significant risk factor for myofascial pain (OR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4-6.1), whereas the risk factor for developing disc displacement decreased with ageing. No association was found between gender, age and arthralgia/arthritis/arthrosis.

The GINA guidelines (GL)1, the BTS-SIGN GL2, and the paediatric PRACTALL GL3, indicate inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as the frst choice for controller therapy of paediatric asthma. The authors of BTS-SIGN GL recommended a leukotriene receptor antagonist, if ICS cannot be administered. Montelukast (MLK) is the most commonly used in children. If ICS remain the frst choice, they can be considered the Gold Standard for pharmacological asthma prevention and the value of any alternative treatment must be measured against them, not only against a placebo. Here we will try to shed some light as to which of those two drugs is better according to the present evidence. We chose a generic research strategy trying to analyse all relevant articles. We searched MEDLINE to gather relevant, English-language articles using search terms �montelukast AND asthma�, selecting �randomized controlled trial� and �all child�. No time limits were imposed. The bibliography of the relevant articles was checked. We considered eligible for the inclusion randomised, double-blind, double-dummy studies with paediatric data, where 80 % or more of randomised patients are included in the fnal analysis of the data, and with a Jadad score4 of = 3. The search ended on December 16, 2008.

1998).Since the lingual papillae of the domestic ruminant show an extreme variety of shape, webelieved it interesting to extend the study to innervation of the lingual papillae of the waterbuffalo, analyzing the morphological, structural, and immunohistochemical characteristicsof the gustatory papillae.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study was performed on 25 water buffalo fetuses of both sexes, from 5 to 60cm inlength, and originating from a local slaughter-house. The fetus length, from the sinciput tothe tail root, was utilized as a development index. The fetuses were subdivided into fivegroups in relation to their length (5–7cm; 10–15cm; 20–25cm; 30–35cm; 40–60cm). Foreach group samples were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmissionelectron microscopy (TEM), light microscopy (LM), and the simple immunohistochemicalmethod.The TEM samples were treated by the usual techniques.

We explored the use of porous silicon (pSi) technology for the construction of a biotechnological device, in which the ligand-receptor interactions are revealed by means of laser optical measurements. Here we report the settling of chemical procedures for the functionalization of the silicon wafers and for the subsequent anchoring of biological molecules such as a purified murine monoclonal antibody (UN1 mAb), an antibody anti-P8 protein of M13 phage and an antibody anti-A20 murine lymphoma cell line. The optical analysis of the interaction on the biochips between the bound biomolecules and their corresponding ligands indicated that the pSi is suitable for this

In the treatment of respiratory allergies Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) represents a valid alternative to Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) for its better safety profile. We describe a case of acute severe asthma following the first maintenance dose of SLIT in a boy allergic to Parietaria pollen. At the initiation of therapy, the patient was in healthy condition and his asthma appeared to be under control. An ultra-rush induction had given no reaction. Despite the good safety profile of SLIT, clinicians should be aware of the risk of adverse effects when prescribing SLIT for respiratory allergies.

Morphological and structural investigation of textile artefacts recovered from Pompeii, Herculaneum and Scafati was successfully carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM) and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The majority of the samples were carbonized as a result of the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in the year ad 79 and therefore were blackish-brown coloured and very brittle. Only two textile fragments were recovered in a good state of preservation; the first was a cloth fragment characterized by a brown colour with green spots, the second was flock and peculiarly brown-green coloured. SEM, OM and WAXS studies allowed the identification of the nature, origin and molecular structure of the natural fibres and the determination of the kind of weaves used. In addition, cotton, broom, hemp, kapok and Graminae fibres, all obtained from seeds, stems and leaves, were recognized. Ovidae wool and Angora wool fibres coming from animal skin and byssus fibres coming from secretion of the Pinna mollusc were also found. Plain cloth and twill essential weaves were identified, together with derived weaves such as reps. The cassimere composite weave obtained without using a loom by intertwining parenchyma tissue of Graminae leaves was also recognized.

We describe 2 cases of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) caused by cow's milk (CM) passed through breast milk. The onset in both cases was characterized by chronic symptoms (regurgitation, colic, diarrhea, failure to thrive); in one patient, two acute episodes due to the direct consumption of CM formula by the infant were also reported. The diagnosis of FPIES through breast milk can be easily overlooked, especially in milder cases. We also discuss some important issues concerning the general management of the disease. In conclusion, (1) the diagnosis of chronic FPIES should be taken into account even in exclusively breast-fed infants who present suggestive symptoms such as persistent regurgitation, small amounts of vomiting, lethargy, failure to thrive, dehydration, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and abdominal distention. A 2-week maternal elimination diet should be considered even in apparently mild cases. (2) CM seems to be the most frequently reported culprit food. (3) In those cases in which acute FPIES is elicited by the direct consumption of the culprit food in breast-fed infants, maternal diet may be unrestricted.

Allergen-specific Immunotherapy (AIT) is a well-documented etiological therapy for IgE-mediated rhinitis and asthma and it is the only treatment strategy able to alter the natural history of the diseases. This review aims at focusing some real-life aspects of AIT. In spite of the high level of evidence for efficacy and safety reached by AIT and the continuously improving quality of allergenic extracts, it is estimated that, with regional variations, less than 5% of European children with AR are treated with AIT. The number of AIT prescriptions is decreasing in these last years in all Europe. The adherence to the treatment is quite low today either for SCIT or for SLIT. The results of clinical trials shouldn't be referred to AIT in general but rather to the specific product utilized. There is the need for a closer cooperation among allergists with other specialties in order to optimize the assessment of allergic patients and of AIT.

This paper analyzes feasibility and convenience of transition from conventional oleodynamic power drives onboard liner/military ships to all-electric drives (AEDs). Classical hydrostatic transmission drives (HTDs) are cumbersome, heavy, complex, low efficiency systems and need intensive maintenance for oil leakages and filters, but feature high torque/thrust density and reliability. Alternative AEDs feature compactness, high efficiency, modularity, and better electronic control by inverter, but advantages and limits must be evaluated. High torque/redundancy requirements need special designs. Two plant types are analyzed: mooring/anchor capstans and rudder steering gears. Commercial AEDs are considered, besides a new permanent-magnet linear motor under development suitable for rudder/fin direct drive application. HTDs and AEDs are compared on the basis of encumbrance, weight, efficiency, redundancy, maintenance, complexity, modularity, reliability. Advantages of using AEDs are outlined.

Background: Tetranychus urticae is a phytophagous, macroscopic mite ubiquitous to warm climates, which causes occupational allergic symptoms in farm workers. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the cause and mechanisms of an otherwise "undetermined" recurrent and occupational dermatitis on the hands of farm workers and to obtain a better diagnostic profile of the urticaria that many farm workers who are allergic to T. urticae experience. Methods: Fifty-six farm workers with occupational cutaneous and/or respiratory symptoms and 10 healthy farm workers underwent in vivo and in vitro diagnostic trials by skin prick testing, serum-specific IgE determination, and three different types of epicutaneous tests. Results: Four of the 10 patients with recurrent dermatitis had a positive IgE reaction to T. urticae , and five of the 10 had a positive patch test response. The percentage of positive patch test responses between subjects with positive T. urticae IgE and those with negative T. urticae IgE was similar. The diagnostic trial allowed the diagnosis of immune-mediated contact dermatitis in seven of the 10 patients with recurrent occupational dermatitis on the hands. The result of the epicutaneous open test on healthy skin with no history of eczema was positive in almost all patients with IgE to T. urticae and episodes of occupational urticaria. Conclusions: Urticaria frequently occurring in farm workers allergic to T. urticae is an allergic contact urticaria. T. urticae is also directly responsible for recurrent dermatitis, caused by a different immune-mediated mechanism, in farm workers. (J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL 1996;98:732-8.)

Many shipboard loads requiring high torques at very low speeds, like capstans, bow thrusters, rudders, stabilizing fins, etc., are presently driven by hydrostatic actuators. This paper presents an innovative inverter-fed electric linear motor prototype conceived to replace hydrostatic drives with large expected benefits in compactness, maintenance, efficiency and reliability. The linear motor prototype has been designed through special optimization algorithms based on finite element analysis to maximize the force density. The electromagnetic and mechanical structure has been also selected to achieve superior reliability by means of structural simplicity, robustness and redundancy. Along with design criteria, the paper outlines the prototype technology and the construction issues and provides some testing results collected during the experimental performance assessment.

In today's large ships a wide use is made of hydrostatic transmission systems combined with traditional hydraulic machinery, such as piston-, rotary-vane- and screw-motors and pumps, to operate high-torque low-speed onboard actuators like rudders, stabilizing fins and bow thrusters. Such mechanical drives are very cumbersome and suffer from serious maintenance and reliability issues. In this paper, a novel all-electric direct-drive oil-free drive solution is proposed based on an inverter-fed permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM). The PMLSM is coupled to shipboard rotary equipment through an innovative kinematic chain, consisting of a tiller and a prismatic-rotoidal joint, that performs force to torque conversion. The advantages of the PMLSM solution are presented in the paper in terms of compactness, robustness, reliability, efficiency and maintenance. Furthermore, the design optimization of a technology demonstrator which is presently under construction is addressed.

The morpho-functional and topographical features of the lingual papillae situated on the dorsal surface of the bovine tongue, were studied utilizing LM and SEM techniques. In the bovine species, the functional differentiation of the lingual papillae in their gustatory and mechanical modes, seems to be related to the position of the papillae rather than to their morphological features. The gustatory function predominates over the mechanical one on the caudal tract of the tongue body (lateral to the lingual torus and associated with circumvallate papillae). The gustatory function also involves the conical papillae situated on the caudal tract of the tongue body. This gustatory function is aided by additional anatomical structures: 1. The grooves situated on the rostro-lateral side of the conical papillae; 2. The microcraters located on the top of the fungiform papillae; and 3. The furrows of the circumvallatae papillae vallum. The contact between saliva soluble food particles and taste buds is aided and made more efficient by these structures. Furthermore, a large variety of conical papillae were observed, whereas no filiform papillae were noted.

The buffalo is one of the few domestic animals that has a seasonal mating cycle, influenced by the photoperiod. It is known that the photoperiod regulates gonadal function probably via the pineal and/or hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Moreover, the hypothalamus (melatonin) and gonads influence the production of the signaling transmitter nitric oxide (NO), suggesting that the NO may have an important role in the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. This further suggests the hypothesis that NO in the epididymis has an important role in the maturation of spermatozoa and their motility and posterior fertilization capacity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the seasonal variations in the morphology of the epididymis by means histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. We used the NADPH-d, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) I and NOS III to clarify the relationship between epididymis function and NO signaling activity. The results of this work show that NO is present in the caput of epididymis during short photoperiods, i.e., periods of maximum gonadal activity (winter) and absent during long photoperiods, i.e., periods of gonadal regression according to the previously described role of NO in spermatozoa capacitation and motility in the caput epididymis. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A group of 46 farm workers (32 men), affected by a recurrent “occupational disease of undetermined origin”, underwent an immunologic investigation with a Tetranychus urticae (TU) whole-body extract (TU-WBE) prepared in our laboratory. The patients suffered from seasonal attacks of rhinitis, during the summer and autumn periods, when working in open fields (30 subjects) or in greenhouse flower cultivation (16 subjects). In most patients, rhinitis was associated with bronchial asthma (16 subjects), urticaria (14 subjects), or both (three subjects). Allergic alveolitis or other common allergic diseases had been excluded, and a diagnosis of “occupational disease of undetermined origin” had been made before by other medical centers. Ten healthy farm workers and 10 atopic townsmen were chosen as control groups. An in vivo and in vitro diagnostic trial by skin prick testing (SPT) and serum specific IgE dosage with TU-WBE were done in all subjects. Thirty-six patients (78%) were found to be positive to both SPT and the IgE enzyme allergosorbent test (EAST), with a good correlation between IgE serum levels and cutaneous wheal size. Control groups did not show any reaction. The IgE-EAST homologous inhibition test was positive. The IgE-EAST cross-inhibition test excluded cross-reactivity between TU and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The TU-exposure test was positive for the 36 patients with TU-WBE-specific IgE. Three patients who were negative for TU-WBE-specific IgE reacted to the TU-exposure test; in these patients, the scratch-chamber test (Finn chamber) with eggs and droppings from TU was positive. We suggest the possibility of a TU allergy also in those subjects in whom clinical symptoms can be attributed to other common allergens. Astarita C, Franzese A, Scala G, Sproviero S, Raucci G. Farm workers’occupational allergy to Tetranychus urticae: clinical and immunologic aspects.

Summary The goat choroid plexus angioarchitecture of the lateral ventricles was studied under the SEM using the method of “microvascular corrosion casts”. The whole plexus is semilunar shaped and directed in an antero-posterior, latero-median fashion. In the plexus the lateral extremity is larger than the median one. All the components of the vascular bed (arteries, venes and capillaries) of the choroid plexus have interesting morpho-structural features. In particular, the capillaries are more developed than the other components and they are variously located on both sides of the plexus. The capillary network has a various organization in different zones of each side of the plexus. Resume Grace a la technique des «microvascular corrosion casts», on a etudie l'angioarchitecture des plexus choroides des ventricules lateraux de l'encephale de la Chevre. Les moulages complets de ces formations se presentent sous la forme d'une demi-lune disposee obliquement dans un sens rostro-caudal et latero-medial et dont l'extremite caudo-laterale plus ample. l'observation en SEM des moulages vasculaires a mis en evidence la presence de caracteristiques morpho-structurelles particu-lieres au niveau des elements constitutifs des plexus choroides des ventricules lateraux. Les capillaires representent la composante la plus developpee, distribuee de facon variable sur chacune des deux faces du plexus choroide. Sur ces faces existent en effet plusieurs zones, ou les capillaires sont disposes de manieres differentes.

The reticular groove mucosa of adult cattle, buffalo and sheep was investigated by histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques. Intense NADPH-d staining was observed in the folds of the epithelium mucosa and at the bottom of the reticular groove in all domestic ruminants studied. The NADPH-d staining showed that the innervations of the tunica muscularis of the reticular groove lip were composed of nerve corpuscles, nerve fibres and nerve cells of the mucosa epithelium. SEM analysis showed an intense nitric oxide synthase (NOS) I immunoreactivity in deep and medium cellular layers. It is interesting to note that the same morphologies were observed in samples of the mucosa epithelium, and of the tunica muscularis processed by NADPH-d and in those processed by immunogold techniques. This study has demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the rumination activity and that it plays a double role in this activity in the reticular groove of all domestic ruminants studied: (1) NO plays a role similar to the one it has in the mucosa epithelium of all the other compartments of the ruminant forestomach, (2) The lip sections of the reticular groove has shown abundant innervations that may indirectly coordinate and control the forestomach motility through the direct activation of the nitrergic (nitroxidergic) nerve cells and nerve fibres.

The choroid plexuses (CPs) in mammals produce the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In the literature, the morphology of CPs and the process that regulates the production of CSF are virtually nonexistent for domestic ruminants. Thus this study has two aims: 1. to investigate the morpho-structure of the buffalo CP microvasculature utilizing light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, and 2. to investigate the relationship between the blood vessels and both the elongated cells and the cells with multiple protrusions located in the CPs. SEM and TEM analyses of the CPs from buffalo brain showed morphological and structural features similar those reported in other mammalian species. Moreover the blood microvasculature is the major component responsible for the formation of the CSF, secreted by the encephalic CPs. In addition the chemical composition of this fluid depends on several morpho-functional characteristics of the vascularization of the CPs. These characteristics are as follows: two shapes of the vascular organization: lamina-like and ovoid-like elongated cells of the CPs, which connect the ventricular cavities to the blood capillaries; and the CP capillaries have diverse forms. In the present study the employment of NADPHd and NOS I was taken as indirect evidence for the presence of NO for investigation their specific role in CPs. Then NOS I immunoreactivity is found in the walls of CP blood vessels demonstrating indirectly the presence of NO with a vaso-dilatatory and autoregulation function of vascular tone by cholinergic nerve stimulation of blood vessel smooth muscle. Microsc. Res. Tech. 74:67-75, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.