Effect of intrauterine administration of gonadotropin releasing hormone with glycerol on serum LH concentrations in lactating dairy cows.

The objectives of the study were to assess: (1) preovulatory serum LH concentrations and (2) synchrony of ovulation after im or iu administration of GnRH with or without the addition of glycerol. Cows were presynchronized with 2 injections of PGF2α given 14d apart (starting at 26±3DIM) followed by Ovsynch (OV; GnRH-7d-PGF2α-48h-GnRH) 12d later. At the time of the second GnRH of OV (GnRH2), cows were blocked by parity and randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments: (1) control (CON; n=8) received 2mL of sterile water im; (2) im (IM; n=8) received 100µg of GnRH im; (3) cows were infused with 200µg GnRH into the uterus (IU; n=9); and (4) iu administration of 200µg GnRH plus glycerol 7% v/v (IUG; n=8). Serum circulating progesterone concentrations at hour 0 did not differ (P>0.05) among groups. Concentrations of LH were greater (P<0.05) in IM than IU, IUG, and CON cows at hours 1, 1.5, 2, and 3. All cows ovulated within 48h in the IM (8/8) group followed by IU (6/9) and IUG (4/8) groups, and only two out of eight cows ovulated in the CON group. Although iu administration of GnRH in the IU and IUG groups resulted in lower serum concentrations of LH than IM cows, IU or IUG cows were able to ovulate within 48h after GnRH2 administration.

Clustered cases of pneumonia among healthcare workers over a 1-year period in three Italian hospitals: applying the WHO SARS alert.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) alert should be raised when two or more healthcare workers (HCW) in the same health care unit fulfil the SARS clinical criteria, with onset of illness in the same 10-day period. However, in a number of European countries (including Italy) data on reasons for sickness absence are not routinely collected within current HCW worker sickness reporting systems, because of concerns about privacy. To help plan for the implementation of the proposed alert system in Italy, we aimed to determine the minimum number of alert cases defining a cluster. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sickness absences longer than 7 days in HCW employed in three hospitals in 2003, were identified by checking the hospitals' administrative databases. HCW with onset of illness in the same 10-day period were contacted and asked whether they have been diagnosed with pneumonia. RESULTS: Overall, 273 absences > 7 days were recorded and 36 clusters of at least two absences > 7 days were identified; a total of 94 HCW were involved in these clusters. Only two HCW involved in different clusters, reported pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of clusters of two or more cases of pneumonia in HCW in the same hospital unit appears to be an uncommon event, and thus the alert system proposed is not likely to result in large numbers of false positive alerts. However, it may be difficult to implement this alert system in countries where clinical data on sickness absences are not routinely collected, and alternative mechanisms should be considered.

[Accidents due to biological risk in health personnel: descriptive epidemiological analysis of the decade 1994-2003]. / Infortuni a rischio biologico nel personale sanitario: analisi epidemiologica descrittiva nel decennio 1994-2003.

The study evaluates the body fluid exposure among health care workers (HCW) at IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo of Pavia from the 1994 through 2003 years. Our data showed that all HCW for less than 5 years of employment, nurses, mid-wifes and surgeons are the most exposed occupational groups. Some variables were compared with a previous study performed from 1983 to 1994 at the same Institution. The study documented 1 case of seroconversion to hepatitis C virus among a physician after percutaneous exposure. In order to reduce the body fluid exposure among the HCW, the authors underline the importance of the administrative and educational interventions carried out in collaboration with the Infection Control Committee and Occupational Medicine Service.

[Phenomenon of occupational accidents in hospitals: a retrospective study with reference to introduction of preventive measures and safety specified by D.Lgs 626/94]. / Il fenomeno infortunistico in ospedale: studio retrospettivo con riferimento all'introduzione delle misure preventive e di sicurezza previste dal D.Lgs 626/94.

The work analyzes the phenomenon of the professional accidents in the Policlinico S. Matteo in Pavia, in the quadrenium 1995-1998 to appraise the effects of the application of the D. Lgs 626/94. The obtained data highlight an aggregative diminution of the number of accidents in the biennium 1997-1998 in comparison with the previous biennium 1995-1996. The reduction of the phenomenon of professional accidents is linked substantially with a diminution of the number of accidents with biologic risk. In the quadrennium considered no case of serum conversion has been recorded. It doesn't result significantly altered the number of events of professional accidents linked with the manual handling of loads and with different traumatisms without biological risk. It is highlighted the necessity of more and more close collaboration between the operators of the prevention and the workers.

"Side" effects of HAART: decreasing and changing occupational exposure to HIV-infected patients.

To investigate percutaneous exposures to HIV in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, we performed an analysis of all percutaneous exposures reported from January 1994 to December 1998 in 18 Italian acute-care hospitals. Frequency and rate per 100 prevalent AIDS cases of HIV exposures decreased by 40% (from 4.3% to 2.6%, and from 1.0% to 0.6%, respectively; p<0.001), which were mainly those related to the insertion/manipulation of peripheral vascular access devices (from 7.2% to 4.8%; p=0.05). We conclude that the benefits of HAART have changed the complexity of care required and therefore, the number and type of procedures performed on HIV patients that place the HCW at risk of injury.

Effect of polydeoxyribonucleotides on human fibroblasts in primary culture.

The effects of a mixture of oligo- and polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) on the growth and protein secretion of cultured human skin fibroblasts were investigated. Both intact and DNAase-digested PDRN stimulated cell proliferation to a similar extent. When cultured fibroblasts were incubated with radioactive amino acids in the presence of intact or digested PDRN the incorporation of the tracer into secreted proteins increased significantly. This stimulation appears to be specific for certain protein components, including fibronectin. These results are interpreted assuming that PDRN and the nucleotides and nucleosides resulting from its degradation, can act as signal transducers or, alternatively, can be internalized and utilized to provide purine and pyrimidine rings for the salvage pathways.

Characterization of hepatitis C virus genotypes in an hemodyalisis unit Paysandú, Uruguay

Los genotipos del virus de hepatitis C fueron investigados utilizando muestras seroactivas-PCR positivas provenientes de 8 pacientes que concurrieron a nuestra Unidad de Diálisis en Paysandú, Uruguay. Con posteridad a la detección de HCV RNA por reacción de transcripción reversa y reacción de polimerasa en cadena, la genotipificación fue llevada a cabo por ampliación tipo "nested PCR" de la región core de HCV, utilizando sondas genotipo-específicas. Los resultados obtenidos fueron a su vez confirmados por metodología basada en hibridización reversa que detecta los productos ampliados a través de sondas genotipo-específicas marcadas, dirigidas contra porciones de la región 5UTR. Los genotipos de HCV fueron asignados según la clasificación de Simmonds. Cinco pacientes observaron genotipo 1b, uno presentó tipo 3a y uno no fue clasificable. Un paciente negativizó su PCR en el momento en que se llevó a cabo la genotipificación(AU)

Characterization of hepatitis C virus genotypes in an hemodyalisis unit Paysandú, Uruguay

Los genotipos del virus de hepatitis C fueron investigados utilizando muestras seroactivas-PCR positivas provenientes de 8 pacientes que concurrieron a nuestra Unidad de Diálisis en Paysandú, Uruguay. Con posteridad a la detección de HCV RNA por reacción de transcripción reversa y reacción de polimerasa en cadena, la genotipificación fue llevada a cabo por ampliación tipo "nested PCR" de la región core de HCV, utilizando sondas genotipo-específicas. Los resultados obtenidos fueron a su vez confirmados por metodología basada en hibridización reversa que detecta los productos ampliados a través de sondas genotipo-específicas marcadas, dirigidas contra porciones de la región 5'UTR. Los genotipos de HCV fueron asignados según la clasificación de Simmonds. Cinco pacientes observaron genotipo 1b, uno presentó tipo 3a y uno no fue clasificable. Un paciente negativizó su PCR en el momento en que se llevó a cabo la genotipificación

Characterization of hepatitis C virus genotypes in an hemodialysis unit in Paysandú, Uruguay.

Hepatitis C virus types were investigated by using samples from eight sero-reactive and PCR positive patients attending our Hemodialysis Unit en Paysandú, Uruguay. After HCV RNA detection by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction, HCV genotyping was carried out by a nested PCR amplification, using type specific primers of HCV core region. These results were confirmed using a method based upon reverse hybridation of amplified products by enzyme-labeled type-specific probes to portions of the 5' UTR region. HCV genotypes were assigned according to Simmonds' classification. Type 1b was found in five patients, type 3a was found in one and one patient was not classified. There was a patient who became PCR negative at the moment the genotyping was carried out.

Characterization and quantitation of the active polynucleotide fraction (PDRN) from human placenta, a tissue repair stimulating agent.

The polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) fraction is an extract which forms the active component in a new formulation of the drug Placentex (a tissue repair stimulating agent), obtained from human placenta through an original proprietory extraction method. From a comparison of the UV, NMR and IR spectra of this fraction (before and after nuclease treatment) with that of a similar standard (Sigma D1501), it was shown that the active substances in the PDRN fraction mainly consist of a mixture of DNA fragments. By gel electrophoresis, the molecular weights of the DNA fragments were shown to range from 50 to 2000 base pairs. Finally, an HPLC method is described, based on an anion-exchange material capable of determining the amount of PDRN in different batches of the extract, which varied from 80 to 90%.

Device-specific risk of needlestick injury in Italian health care workers.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the types of medical devices causing needlestick injuries among Italian health care workers, to document the device-specific injury rates and time trends for different hollow-bore needles, and to compare injury rates from these devices with those reported in the United States. DESIGN: Longitudinal survey. SETTINGS: Twelve Italian acute care public hospitals. METHODS: Data were obtained from a multihospital surveillance database on the number of total injuries reported in each device category. Hospitals provided the corresponding number of devices used annually for each needle type. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Number of needlestick injuries by type of hollow-bore needle per 100,000 devices used per year. RESULTS: A total of 2524 injuries from hollow-bore needles were reported. Disposable syringes/hypodermic needles accounted for 59.3% of injuries, followed by winged steel needles (33.1%), intravenous catheter stylets (5.4%), and vacuum-tube phlebotomy needles (2.2%). Intravenous catheter stylets had the highest needlestick injury rate (15.7/100,000 devices used), and disposable syringes had the lowest needlestick injury rate (3.8/100,000). In contrast to the other devices, the injury rate from winged steel needles increased from 6.2 per 100,000 in 1990 to 13.9 per 100,000 in 1992. CONCLUSIONS: The device-specific needlestick injury rates in Italy are similar to those reported in the United States, suggesting similar exposure experience in two countries. However, in contrast to the United States, needleless intravenous access is standard practice in Italy and thus eliminates one potential risk to Italian health workers. Implementation of safer equipment, such as shielded or retracting needles, and continuing training programs are needed to further reduce the hazards that health care workers face.

[Effectiveness of ketanserin in the treatment of light-to-moderate arterial hypertension]. / Efficacia della ketanserina nel trattamento dell'ipertensione arteriosa lieve-moderata.

The above study was undertaken in order to demonstrate the efficacy of ketanserin in mild to moderate essential arterial hypertension. Twenty-two patients, mean age 49.7 yrs., were studied during 36 months. After a 15-day washout period with clinical and instrumental assessment of basal conditions, treatment with 40 mg ketanserin every 12 hrs. was started. Pressure, blood chemistry and instrumental investigation were carried out systematically and showed the hypotensive action of ketanserin as well as a significant (about 12%) rise in HDL-cholesterol.

Community control of hypertension at the worksite in a metallurgical factory: results of 1-year follow-up.

This study was designed to assess advantages and cost-effectiveness of community control of hypertension at the worksite in a metallurgical factory in Pavia. Under consent of managers and trade-unionists, a screening program was undertaken. 2701 subjects (95% of the total number of employees) were screened: 277 (10.2%) were hypertensive, 101 (38%) did not know to be hypertensive, 56 (22%) knew to be hypertensive but they were untreated and only 20 (8%) of those under treatment were adequately treated. Of the 277 essential hypertensives, 262 (94%) adhered to the program. They were assigned to beta-blocking or diuretic treatment following WHO rules. Then an aggressive follow-up was started (the hypertensives were periodically called to control at the worksite). 257 (98%) were participants 1 year later. Our worksite hypertension control program allowed us to identify many cases of undiagnosed or untreated hypertension and to start an early treatment. One year after entry, the percentage of hypertensives achieving a normal blood pressure (85%) was almost twice as that obtained by conventional clinical approach employing the same type of treatment. Besides, more than 95% of hypertensives remained under control at 1 year. Regarding the costs, it is difficult to generalize, but our study suggests that, if there is the will, it is possible to realize programs of hypertension community control at a very low cost (in our experience: 43 dollars per hypertensive per year).