Foveal avascular zone in macular branch retinal vein occlusion.

The mean area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in normal subjects was reported as 0.231 mm2 to 0.405 mm2, using fluorescein angiography. The FAZ enlarges in vaso-occlusive diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy, sickle cell retinopathy, talc retinopathy and branch retinal vein occlusion. In the present study the FAZ of 20 patients affected by macular branch retinal vein occlusion (MBRVO) was compared with the FAZ of 41 control subjects. The FAZ mean area was 0.56 +/- 0.34 mm2 SD in the MBRVO group, while 0.26 +/- 0.07 mm2 SD in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The FAZ mean perimeter was 4.77 +/- 1.90 mm SD in the MBRVO group, and 2.36 +/- 0.32 mm SD in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Taking into account the MBRVO group, a statistical correlation was found between visual acuity impairment and FAZ enlargement (p = 0.02), but not between visual acuity impairment and macular edema (p = 0.41). In 14 cases (70%) secondary avascular microzones located in the macular sector correspondent to MBRVO were also evident. MBRVO causes an irregular enlargement of the FAZ which seems to represent the most important feature related to visual acuity impairment.

[Urethral infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis: indirect serological diagnosis]. / Infezioni uretrali da "Chlamydia trachomatis": diagnosi indiretta sierologica.

The authors relate serological inquires (micro-immunofluorescent assay), for valuing the specifical antibody response anti-Chlamydia trachomatis, in acute urethritis. In 53% of cases a immunological response was present and in 18% of the cases was high and significant. Medium title was 1:28. In normal people the medium title was 1:10, and antibodies to Chlamydia were present in 8% of cases. The authors point out the importance and utility of a correct operative protocol for an efficacious diagnosis and for a correct therapy.

[Bacteriological studies of materno-fetal infections caused by group B Streptococcus]. / Indagini batteriologiche delle infezioni materno-fetali da Streptococcus di gruppo B.

A screening, that we have carried out on pregnant women, has allowed to isolate 33 strains of group B Streptococci (19.8%) on the vervical -vaginal mucous membrane. The newborn's colonization was of 20%. No infectious disease was observed in the newborn. The simplicity and the practicability of the methodology are an useful contribution to the prevention of these possible maternal-foetal diseases.

[Identification of yeast-like fungi in the hospital laboratory]. / Identificazione dei miceti lievitiformi nel laboratorio ospedaliero.

Although Candida albicans is a major pathogen yeast, various similar species and genus are responsible for illness in human beings. Therefore, it is necessary to find a practical and efficient system for the identification of these pathogenic microorganisms. The authors propose a valid scheme for this purpose.

[Territorial experiment: inter-relational evolution of a group of inmates in the course of an extra-institutional working experiment]. / Esperienza sul territorio: evoluzione interrelazionale di un gruppo di internati nel corso di un'attitivita' lavorativa extra-istituzionale

The Authors analize the interrelational evolution of a group of inmates during an outside working activity, with relation to the resocializing experiences which consider the insertion in the area of individuals subjected to detentive security measures. Such evolution, in relation with the influences of the social enviornment one was associated with, was associated with, was marked by an initial cohesion stage between members (of defensive significance), followed by a gradual research of a personal autonomy, in parallel with the acquisition of a reassuring and stabilized role. The utilization of a social space according to the conventional parameters used in the area (with particular concern towards syndical dynamics and rules), reached at the cost of self-exposure, has confirmed the reached maturity and the self balance in proposing themselves to the others as subjects active in their own resocialization, sharing the acquired social rights. Beside the situation concerning the side of the group in its insertion progress, the Authors take into examination the side of the free community in tis receptivity and availability towards the group members, analizing the interactions with the environment as therapeutical moment.