Airborne bacteria structure and chemical composition relationships in winter and spring PM10 samples over southeastern Italy.

The Redundancy Discrimination Analysis (RDA) and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to investigate relationships between airborne bacteria at the phylum and genus level and chemical species in winter and spring PM10 samples over Southeastern Italy. The identification of main chemical species/pollution sources that were related to and likely affected the bacterial community structure was the main goal of this work. The 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding approach was used to characterize airborne bacteria. Seventeen phyla and seventy-nine genera contributing each by mean within-sample relative abundance percentage > 0.01% were identified in PM10 samples, which were chemically characterized for 33 species, including ions, metals, OC, and EC (organic and elemental carbon, respectively). Chemical species were associated with six different pollution sources. A shift from winter to spring in both bacterial community structure and chemical species mass concentrations/sources and the relationships between them was observed. RDA triplots pointed out significant correlations for all tested bacterial phyla (genera) with other phyla (genera) and/or with chemical species, in contrast to correlation coefficient results, which showed that few phyla (genera) were significantly correlated with chemical species. More specifically, in winter Bacillus and Chryseobacterium were the only genera significantly correlated with chemical species likely associated with particles from soil-dust and anthropogenic pollution source, respectively. In spring, Enterobacter and Sphingomonas were the only genera significantly correlated with chemical species likely associated with particles from the anthropogenic pollution and the marine and soil-dust sources, respectively. The results of this study also showed that the correlation coefficients were the best tool to obtain unequivocal identifications of the correlations of phyla (genera) with chemical species. The seasonal changes of the PM10 chemical composition, the microbial community structure, and their relationships suggested that the seasonal changes of atmospheric particles may have likely contributed to seasonal changes of bacterial community in the atmosphere.

Testicular neuroblastoma.

We report a case of isolated intratesticular neuroblastoma in a 17-year-old boy with a history of recurrent metastatic neuroblastoma. He had undergone multiple cycles of chemotherapy, and at the time of our examination was apparently disease-free. Testicular metastases are not uncommon in patients with active metastatic neuroblastoma, but isolated testicular involvement is rare. In this case, ultrasound follow-up allowed early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the testicular lesion. At the 18-month follow-up visit, the patient remains disease-free.

Incorporation of a calixarene-based glucose functionalised bolaamphiphile into lipid bilayers for multivalent lectin recognition.

The synthesis, characterization and inclusion in liposomes of a glucosylated bolaamphiphile built on a calix[4]arene scaffold are described. The new glucocalixarene bolaamphiphile destabilizes bilayers of saturated lipids whereas it rigidifies those of unsaturated lipids, thus reducing leakage of calcein from the liposome internal aqueous compartment. Moreover, from fluorescence and turbidimetry experiments it was found that the glucose units of bolaamphiphile 1 functionalised liposomes allow a specific multivalent interaction with the tetrameric glucose binding protein Concanavalin A. These results therefore represent a novel strategy to functionalise liposomes with saccharides, exploiting multivalent glycosylated ligands to be used in the preparation of drug delivery systems potentially able to target specific lectins.

Anorectal avulsion: Management of a rare rectal trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic injuries of the rectum are unusual even though their treatment is challenging and often lead to high morbidity and mortality rate. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This paper reports a rare case of complete rectal avulsion with multiple fracture and hemoperitoneum treated with a multistep approach in our department. DISCUSSION: The anorectal avulsion is a rare rectal trauma; only few reports are available. Treatment key points of rectal trauma are: direct repair, diverting stoma and sacral drainage. CONCLUSION: We reported a case of anorectal avulsion with complete detachment of external sphincter muscle. A multidisciplinary approach was mandatory in this kind of lesions.

[An unusual localization of thryoglossal duct cyst]. / Localizzazione inusuale di cisti del dotto tireoglosso.

Thyroglossal duct cysts are most common neck masses after benign lymphonodes. They originate from primitive thiroglossal duct, so they could be locate along its course. Every mass in the middle line of the neck can be considered as a thyroglossal cyst. Best treatment is surgery (Sistrunk procedure). We present a case of unusual localization at floor of the mouth of thyroglossal in a 34 years old woman. To our knowledge in literature, only two cases, have been reported both.

Electrogenic ion pumps investigated on a solid supported membrane: comparison of current and voltage measurements.

Current and voltage measurements were performed on Na,K-ATPase and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca-ATPase. Measurements of current transients under short-circuit conditions and of voltage transients under open-circuit conditions were carried out by employing a solid supported membrane (SSM). Purified membrane fragments containing Na,K-ATPase or native SR vesicles were adsorbed on a SSM and were activated by performing substrate concentration jumps. Current and voltage transients were recorded in the external circuit. They are related to pump activity and can be attributed to electrogenic events in the reaction cycles of the two enzymes. While current transients of very small amplitude are difficult to detect, the corresponding voltage transients can be measured with higher accuracy because of a much more favorable signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, voltage measurements are preferable for the investigation of slow processes generating low current signals, e.g., for the analysis of low turnover transporters.

[Salvage surgery fot advanced head and neck cancer]. / Il trattamento chirurgico di salvataggio nei carcinomi avanzati della testa e del collo.

Advanced head & neck cancer, after a first treatment, has an high rate of relapse locally or in the lymph nodes. Aim of present study is to value the option and the results in salvage surgery of 62 patients (55 male, 7 female, mean age 53,2) with cancer of the larynx and pyriform sinus, previously treated by surgery or radiotherapy; 45,2% showed relapse on T side, 25,5% in the nodes, 29% both. During follow-up, 3,2% showed a second primitive cancer, 9,6% still present disease. Overall survival rate is 72,6% after 3 years (86,2% for early cancers, 54,5% in advanced ones), 50.6% after 5 years (65,5% for early, 36,4% in advanced). Laryngeal cancers presented better survival rate (54% at 5 years) after salvage surgery than ipopharynx (33% at 5 years). Therefore in ipophaynx cancers we think it is useful to programme aggressive treatment also in early cancer. In our experience in larynx recurrence suvracricoid surgery is really suitable.

Treatment with laser CO2 cordectomy and clinical implications in management of mild and moderate laryngeal precancerosis.

All the classification of precancerous lesions are based on the progression of specific histopathological characteristics, which in turn considers the grade of epithelial hyperplasia and dysplasia, nevertheless the transformation of laryngeal keratosis into carcinoma occurs through progressive modifications of normal epithelium in keratosis without dysplasia, to the point of degenerating into carcinoma in situ. The treatment of laringeal precancerosis has not yet defined a gold standard: according to some authors, a simple excision biopsy may be sufficient, others, instead, perform the stripping of the involved vocal cord, while others yet perform vaporization by means of CO2 laser. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and possibly validate the treatment of mild and moderate laryngeal dysplasia (LIN1-2) by CO2 laser, with particular attention to oncological and functional results. Fifty-eight patients (44 males and 14 females, mean age 54.3 years) affected by mild and moderate dysplasia (32 LIN I and 26 LIN II) diagnosed by a bioptic exam, were treated by performing a CO2 laser cordectomy (following the European Society of Laryngology's criteria). Before surgery to the patients was given a questionnaire to identify primary risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use and gastroesophageal reflux, were also handed a Vocal Performance Questionnaire. In all patients was performed a pH measurement over a 24-h period, a voice evaluation using a Kay digital Strobe 920. 84% of patients were smokers; the presence of reflux was reported in 11 patients (19%). The 32 LIN1 cases treated with type I cordectomy determined four recurrences (12.4%), of which two LIN1, one LIN2 and one carcinoma in situ. Of the 26 LIN2 cases examined, the 12 treated with type 1 cordectomy generated 1 recurrence alone with the presence of an invasive carcinoma (T1a) (8.3%), while no recurrences were reported in the group of 14 LIN2 cases treated with type II cordectomy. 93.1% (54/58) of cases showed a complete closing of the glottal plane over time. Considering the results in terms of disease control, and functional outcomes, our experience suggests subepithelial cordectomy (ELS I) for LIN 1 and subligament cordectomy (ELS II) for LIN 1 recurrences; therefore we suggest subligament cordectomy (ELS II) in LIN 2 cases.

No evidence for calcium electrogenic exchanger in frog semicircular canal hair cells.

We investigated the possibility that, in hair cells mechanically isolated from frog semicircular canals, Ca2+ extrusion occurs via a Na+ : Ca2+ (cardiac type) or a Na+ : Ca2+,K+ (retinal type) exchanger. Cells concurrently imaged during whole-cell patch-clamp recordings using the Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent dye Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1 (100 micro m) showed no voltage dependence of Ca2+ clearance dynamics following a Ca2+ load through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Reverse exchange was probed in hair cells dialyzed with a Ca2+- and K+-free solution, containing a Na+ concentration that saturates the exchanger, after zeroing the contribution to the whole-cell current from Ca2+ and K+ conductances. In these conditions, no reverse exchange current was detected upon switching from a Ca2+-free external solution to a solution containing concentrations of Ca2+ alone, or Ca2+ + K+ that saturated the exchanger. By contrast, the same experimental protocol elicited peak exchange currents exceeding 100 pA in gecko rod photoreceptors, used as positive controls. In both cell types, we also probed the forward mode of the exchanger by rapidly increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration using flash photolysis of two novel caged Ca2+ complexes, calcium 2,2'-([1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethane-1,2-diyl]bis(oxy))bis(acetate) and calcium 2,2'-([1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrophenyl)ethane-1,2-diyl]bis(oxy)) bis(acetate), in the presence of internal K+ and external Na+. No currents were evoked by UV-triggered Ca2+ jumps in hair cells, whereas exchanger conformational currents up to 400 pA, followed by saturating forward exchange currents up to 40 pA, were recorded in rod photoreceptors subjected to the same experimental conditions. We conclude that no functional electrogenic exchanger is present in this hair cell population, which leaves the abundant plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases as the primary contributors to Ca2+ extrusion.

One-trocar appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible and a safe alternative to open appendectomy. Several laparoscopic procedures have been described that use one or more trocars. We report our experience with the treatment of acute appendicitis using a laparoscopy-assisted technique by means of only one transumbilical trocar. METHODS: From February 1996 to February 1999 we performed 65 laparoscopic appendectomies. In the procedures, a 10-mm operative telescope was used, with a 450-mm atraumatic grasper introduced through the operative channel. After the intraabdominal laparoscopic dissection, the appendix was exteriorized through the umbilical trocar. The appendectomy was performed outside the abdomen as in the open procedure. The procedure was completed using only one trocar in 55 patients (84.6%). Regarding the other 10 cases (15.3%), in 5 we used more than one trocar and in 5 conversion to open surgery was needed. RESULTS: The average operating time in our series was 25 min and the median time to discharge was 2 days. There were six (11%) postoperative complications (three serous umbilical secretion and three umbilical hematomas). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that this technique, which combines the advantages of both the open and the laparoscopic procedures, is a valid alternative for the treatment of acute appendicitis. However, this procedure cannot always be completed using only one trocar, as happened in 10 cases in our series.

Calcium-activated potassium current clamps the dark potential of vertebrate rods.

Vertebrate photoreceptors respond to light with a graded hyperpolarization from a membrane potential in the dark of approximately -35 mV. The present work investigates the physiological role of the Ca2+-activated K+ current in the photovoltage generation in mechanically isolated rods from salamander retina. Membrane current or voltage in isolated rods was recorded from light- and dark-adapted rods under voltage- or current-clamp conditions, respectively. In light-adapted rods of the salamander, selective blockade of Ca2+-activated K+ channels by means of charybdotoxin depolarized the plasma membrane of current-clamped rods by approximately 30 mV, from a resting potential of approximately -35 mV. A similar depolarization was observed if external Ca2+ (1 mM) was substituted with Ba2+ or Sr2+. Under control conditions, the injection of currents of increasing amplitude (up to -100 pA, to mimic the current entering the rod outer segment) could not depolarize the membrane potential beyond a saturating value of approximately -20 mV. However, in the presence of charybdotoxin, rods depolarized up to +20 mV. In experiments with dark-adapted current-clamped rods, charybdotoxin perfusion lead to transient depolarizations up to 0 mV and steady-state depolarizations of approximately 5 mV above the dark resting potential. Finally, the recovery phase of the voltage response to a flash of light in the presence of charybdotoxin showed a transient overshoot of the membrane potential. It was concluded that Ca2+-activated K+ current is necessary for clamping the rod photovoltage to values close to the dark potential, thus allowing faithful single photon detection and correct synaptic transmission.

Cholecystoenteric fistula (CF) is not a contraindication for laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystoenteric fistula (CF) is a rare complication of cholelithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and risk of complications when the laparoscopic approach is applied in patients with CF. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to all surgeons with experience of >100 cholecystectomies working in Naples, Italy, and the neighboring area. RESULTS: Between February 1990 and May 1999, 34 patients presented with cholecystoenteric fistula (0.2% of >15,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in the same period). These patients were allocated into two groups: the LT group (those who underwent laparotomic conversion after the diagnosis of CF), which consisted of 20 patients, four men and 16 women, with a mean age of 66.5 +/- 9.3 years (range, 46-85) and the LS group (laparoscopically treated patients), which consisted of 14 patients, three men and 11 women, with a mean age of 65.6 +/- 8.8 years (range, 51-74). They types of CF observed were as follows: in the former group of patients, cholecystoduodenal fistulas (n = 11, 55%), cholecystocolic fistulas (n = 5, 25%), cholecystojejunal fistulas (n = 3, 15%), and cholecystogastric fistulas (n = 1, 5%); in the latter group, cholecystoduodenal fistulas (n = 8, 5.1%), and cholecystocolic fistulas (n = 4, 28.6) and cholecystojejunal fistulas (n = 2, 14.3%). Stapler closure of CF was done in four LT patients and three LS patients with cholecystoduodenal fistula; it was also done in three LT patients and three LS patients with cholecystocolic fistula. Hand-sutured fistulectomy was performed in six LT patients and three LS patients with cholecystoduodenal fistula, in two LT patients with cholecystocolic fistula, and in all patients with cholecystojejunal or cholecystogastric fistula. There were no deaths or intraoperative complications in either group. One patient in the LT group developed a bronchopneumonia postoperatively. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in LT patients-17 +/- 4 vs 3+/-1 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cholecystoenteric fistula is an occasional intraoperative finding during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The results of this study, which are based on the collective experiences of 19 surgeons, illustrate the growing success of the laparoscopic approach to this condition, including a decreasing rate of conversion to open surgery over the last 3 years.

Dynamics of intracellular calcium in hair cells isolated from the semicircular canal of the frog.

Changes in cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) were monitored optically in hair cells mechanically isolated from frog semicircular canals using the membrane-impermeant form of the Ca(2+)-selective dye Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1 (OG, 100 microM). Cells stimulated by depolarization under whole-cell voltage clamp conditions revealed Ca(2+) entry at selected sites (hotspots) located mostly in the lower (synaptic) half of the cell body. [Ca(2+)]i at individual hotspots rose with a time constant tau1 approximately 70 ms and decayed with a bi-exponential time-course (tau2 approximately 160, tau3 approximately 2500 ms) following a 160 ms depolarization to -20 mV. With repeated stimulation [Ca(2+)]i underwent independent amplitude changes at distinct hotspots, suggesting that the underlying Ca(2+) channel clusters can be regulated differentially by intracellular signalling pathways. Block by nifedipine indicated that the L-type Ca(2+)channels are distributed at different densities in distinct hotspots. No diffusion barrier other than the nuclear region was found in the cytosol, so that, during a prolonged depolarization (lasting up to 1s), Ca(2+) was able to reach the cell apical ciliated pole. The effective Ca(2+) diffusion constant, measured from the progression of Ca(2+) wavefronts in the cytosol, was approximately 57 microm(2)/s. Our results indicate that in these hair cells, buffered diffusion of Ca(2+) proceeds evenly from the source point to the cell interior and is dominated by the diffusion constant of the endogenous mobile buffers.

Regional distribution of calcium currents in frog semicircular canal hair cells.

In the present work we studied the regional expression of voltage-dependent Ca channels in hair cells from the frog semicircular canals, employing whole-cell patch-clamp on isolated and in situ hair cells. Although Ca channels are thought to play a major role in afferent transmission, up to now no data were available regarding their distribution in vestibular organs. The problem appears of interest, especially in the light of recent results showing the presence of multiple Ca current components in semicircular canal hair cells. Our data suggest the presence, in all regions of the crista ampullaris, of two classes of cells, one displaying an inactivating Ca current (R1) and one lacking it. In the former cells, Ca current amplitude decreased from the central to the peripheral zone (the maximal currents being observed in the intermediate zone). Only L-type and R2 current components displayed regional differences in expression, whereas the size and properties of R1, although variable among cells, were not regionalized. However, in cells lacking R1, Ca current amplitudes were similar regardless of cell shape and location. The possible contributions of this Ca current distribution to afferent discharge properties are discussed.

[Human castration: historical notes]. / La mutilazione crudele: note storiche su castratori e castrati.

Human castration has been performed from early times for different reasons: to punish and revenge, to display one's religious fanaticism, to protect or to control women, for eunuchs' trade, for therapeutical purposes. In early modern times men were castrated to obtain sopranos voices, or for eugenic or racial reasons. Nowadays chemical castration is used as a therapeutic treatment or as a way to punish rape and other criminal behaviours. Castration is surgical or chemical act that may obviously cause serious physical and psychological consequences.

[ARS mingendi cum instrumentis, probes: candelette, minugie, catheters]. / ARS mingendi cum instrumentis: sonde, candelette, minugie, cateteri.

The Museum of History of Medicine of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" has a rich collection of probes and metal catheters, some of which in surgical kits. Tracing the history of catheters, the authors follow the technical evolution in the field of urology techniques, also highlighting the intelligent craft of artisans, surgeons, barbers - and the industrial effort to ameliorate techniques. The use and the crafting of these instruments are to be related to new knowledge in the fields of urethral, vesical and prostatic occlusion. Italian contribution of the field is stressed, highlighting the original experience of Michele Troja, who invented and diffused metal catheters covered in caouthouc.

Removal of a foreign body from the distal colon using a combined laparoscopic and endoanal approach: report of a case.

PURPOSE: We describe the case of a of 53-year-old homosexual male, from whom a cigar container (22 cm in length and 3.5 cm in diameter), which was introduced into the rectum and migrated upwards to the distal colon, was successfully extracted by combining laparoscopic and anal approaches. METHODS: The foreign body was mobilized laparoscopically, pushed down the rectum, and then extracted transanally with the aid of a dilator anoscope. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the laparoscopic and anal approaches in selected cases of colorectal foreign bodies is useful.

Ca2+-dependent kinetics of hair cell Ca2+ currents resolved with the use of cesium BAPTA.

Hair cells in the frog semicircular canal, studied by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, display three distinct Ca2+ currents: two non-inactivating components (L type and R type, the latter termed R2 in the following) and a second R type current (termed R1), which runs down first and inactivates in a Ca2+-dependent fashion. Since intracellular EGTA, up to 5 mM, did not display major effects on such inactivation, we used increasing amounts of BAPTA in the patch pipette, to control [Ca2+]i more efficiently and investigate whether modifications in [Ca2+]i at the cytoplasmic side of the channel affect the inactivation of the RI component and in general the gating of all channel types. The results here reported show that (1) K+ currents heavily contaminate recordings obtained using high concentrations of BAPTA in its commercially available K+ salt form; (2) BAPTA Cs+ salt can be satisfactorily employed to obtain reliable recordings; (3) the kinetics of channel gating and R1-channel inactivation are indeed markedly affected by effectively buffering [Ca2+]i.

Calcium currents in hair cells isolated from semicircular canals of the frog.

L-type and R-type Ca(2+) currents were detected in frog semicircular canal hair cells. The former was noninactivating and nifedipine-sensitive (5 microM); the latter, partially inactivated, was resistant to omega-conotoxin GVIA (5 microM), omega-conotoxin MVIIC (5 microM), and omega-agatoxin IVA (0.4 microM), but was sensitive to mibefradil (10 microM). Both currents were sensitive to Ni(2+) and Cd(2+) (>10 microM). In some cells the L-type current amplitude increased almost twofold upon repetitive stimulation, whereas the R-type current remained unaffected. Eventually, run-down occurred for both currents, but was prevented by the protease inhibitor calpastatin. The R-type current peak component ran down first, without changing its plateau, suggesting that two channel types generate the R-type current. This peak component appeared at -40 mV, reached a maximal value at -30 mV, and became undetectable for voltages > or =0 mV, suggestive of a novel transient current: its inactivation was indeed reversibly removed when Ba(2+) was the charge carrier. The L-type current and the R-type current plateau were appreciable at -60 mV and peaked at -20 mV: the former current did not reverse for voltages up to +60 mV, the latter reversed between +30 and +60 mV due to an outward Cs(+) current flowing through the same Ca(2+) channel. The physiological role of these currents on hair cell function is discussed.