Extrafloral-nectar-based partner manipulation in plant-ant relationships.

Plant-ant interactions are generally considered as mutualisms, with both parties gaining benefits from the association. It has recently emerged that some of these mutualistic associations have, however, evolved towards other forms of relationships and, in particular, that plants may manipulate their partner ants to make reciprocation more beneficial, thereby stabilizing the mutualism. Focusing on plants bearing extrafloral nectaries, we review recent studies and address three key questions: (i) how can plants attract potential partners and maintain their services; (ii) are there compounds in extrafloral nectar that could mediate partner manipulation; and (iii) are ants susceptible to such compounds? After reviewing the current knowledge on plant-ant associations, we propose a possible scenario where plant-derived chemicals, such as secondary metabolites, known to have an impact on animal brain, could have evolved in plants to attract and manipulate ant behaviour. This new viewpoint would place plant-animal interaction in a different ecological context, opening new ecological and neurobiological perspectives of drug seeking and use.

A novel technique to close large perforation of sinus membrane.

Maxillary sinus floor elevation is generally accepted as a regenerative procedure to facilitate dental implants placement in the posterior atrophic maxilla. Although the sinus lift procedure is relatively safe, some potential problems could be occur. The most prevalent intraoperative complication is perforation of sinus membrane, which can lead to graft infection and early failure. THE AIM OF THIS WORK: Is to present a new technique to repair large perforation of sinus membrane. THIS CASE REPORT: Is focused on a 10 mm perforation of sinus membrane occurred during preparation of the sinus window. The obliteration of the perforation was obtained by means of suturing sinus membrane with a resorbable material to the bone directly lateral to the osteotomy site. Sinus augmentation procedure could complete and the insertion of a graft was permitted.

Four impacted fourth molars in a young patient: a case report.

The occurrence of supernumerary teeth is a relatively uncommon dental anomaly and it's rare for patients to have impacted fourth molars in all quadrant. Aim of this work is to describe the presence of bilateral fourth molars in the maxilla and the mandible in a young male patient aged 22 years came to our hospital with acute pericoronal infection around unerupted third inferior molars. Routine radiographic examination revealed impacted inferior third molars but also unerupted bilateral upper and inferior fourth molars. The acute infection was treated by local measures and the patient was subsequently admitted for removal of third and fourth impacted upper and lower molars under general anesthesia.

In-patient rehabilitation in haemophilic subjects with total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a major orthopaedic surgery intervention, indicated for severe haemophilic arthropathy. The aim of our study was to analyse rehabilitation outcome in haemophilic patients after TKA. A consecutive series of 21 patients (23 knees) was retrospectively evaluated. The mean age was 37 ± 8 years (range 22-55). Physiotherapy treatment was performed twice a day for 5 days week⁻¹, for 3 h day⁻¹. Assessment included knee range of motion (ROM), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain evaluation, Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) Score for functional outcome, Medical Research Council Scale (MRC) for quadriceps muscle strength evaluation, incidence of adverse events and a self-reported questionnaire. The patients'data were recorded before surgery (t0), at Rehabilitation Unit admission (t1), before discharge (t2) and at follow-up (t3), 11-48 months after rehabilitation. Western Ontario and McMaster University Score (ref. score: 0-96) was 56.7 ± 12 at t0 and 6.2 ± 6 at t3 (t3 vs. t0: P < 0.001). Visual Analogue Scale (ref. score: 0-10) decreased from 5.0 ± 2 at t1 to 2.1 ± 2 at t2 (t2 vs. t1: P < 0.05) and to 0.1 ± 0 at t3 (t3 vs. t2: P < 0.05). Flexion degrees increased from 43.4 ± 21° at t1 to 80.2 ± 15° at t2 (t2 vs. t1: P < 0.001) and to 95.0 ± 15° at t3 (t3 vs t2: P < 0.05). According to MRC (ref. score: 0-5), quadriceps muscle strength increased from 2.3 ± 0.6 at t1 to 3.6 ± 0.5 at t2 (t2 vs. t1: P < 0.05). Adverse events were found in four patients. Patients' satisfaction on their outcome at follow-up was referred as good by 72% of patients or excellent by 28% of patients. Postsurgical intensive rehabilitation in haemophilic patients resulted effective, safe and feasible.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of the electrical network activity in the root apex.

The study of electrical network systems, integrated with chemical signaling networks, is becoming a common trend in contemporary biology. Classical techniques are limited to the assessment of signals from doublets or triplets of cells at a fixed temporal bin width. At present, full characteristics of the electrical network distribution and dynamics in plant cells and tissues has not been established. Here, a 60-channels multielectrode array (MEA) is applied to study spatiotemporal characteristics of the electrical network activity of the root apex. Both intense spontaneous electrical activities and stimulation-elicited bursts of locally propagating electrical signals have been observed. Propagation of the spikes indicates the existence of excitable traveling waves in plants, similar to those observed in non-nerve electrogenic tissues of animals. Obtained data reveal synchronous electric activities of root cells emerging in a specific root apex region. The dynamic electrochemical activity of root apex cells is proposed to continuously integrate internal and external signaling for developmental adaptations in a changing environment.

Maxillary cyst: description of a clinical case.

AIM OF THE WORK: Aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of the Partsch I surgical technique which is considered to be first choice in the treatment of cystic lesions according to the international literature and also to evaluate the regeneration capacity of the bone tissue without any grafting procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient reported pain in the second quadrant. The objective intraoral examination showed a swelling which was of a hard-elastic consistency and, the x-ray, opt and ct scan exams showed an osteolitic lesion which expanded from the element 2.3 to the elment 2.6 involving the maxillary sinus, too. The lesion was removed by the Partsch I method after disinfecting and shaping the radicular canals of the 2.3 element. It was assessed that the maxillary sinus requested no treatment for the presence of a thin cortical layer residue. The removed neoformation was then sent to the Anatomy and Histology Pathology Service. RESULTS: The histologic test confirmed the radicular origin of the odontogenic neoformation containing a necrotic-hemorrhage. Clinically the post-operative course showed no complications, with a good healing of the bone tissue and there was no oral-antral communications. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical results obtained confirmed the validity of the enucleation technique in the treatment of cystic neoformations. Such approach has always to be preferred because it presents no intraoperative risks, especially for what it concerns the post-operative course. It has also been confirmed the great capacity for the bone tissue to regenerate following the organization of the hematic coagulum.

Monoclonal antibody c262 counteracts the stimulatory effect of progesterone on sperm-oocyte fusion.

Some evidence suggests that the non-genomic effects exerted by progesterone (P) on human spermatozoa are mediated by membrane receptor(s) displaying the C-terminal domain, but not the N-terminal domain of the genomic P receptor (PR). This study aimed at determining whether the monoclonal antibody (mAb) c-262, directed against the C-terminal domain of the genomic PR, counteracts the stimulatory effect of P on the human sperm ability to fuse with oocytes. Sperm/oocyte fusion was evaluated by means of the hamster egg penetration test. The brief exposure of capacitated spermatozoa to P produced a stimulatory effect on sperm/oocyte fusion. mAb c262 counteracted this stimulatory effect in a dose-dependent manner. No counteraction was observed when capacitated spermatozoa were pre-exposed to PGR-312, a mAb directed against the N-terminal domain of the genomic PR. These results reinforce the hypothesis that the non-genomic effects exerted by P on human spermatozoa are mediated by membrane receptor(s) displaying the C-terminal domain, but not the N-terminal domain of the genomic PR.

Expression of gp20, a human sperm antigen of epididymal origin, is reduced in spermatozoa from subfertile men.

gp20, a sialylglycoprotein of human sperm homologous to CD52, is present everywhere on the surface of the freshly ejaculated sperm but is prevalently localized in the equatorial region of the head of capacitated sperm. In the present study, we confirmed this feature on large scale and correlated equatorial exposure of the antigen to the presence of serum albumin (SA) in the capacitation medium. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between the presence of the antigen and its equatorial exposure after capacitation and fertility, by comparing immunostaining for gp20 in the motile fraction of spermatozoa from fertile and subfertile men. A significantly higher percentage of nonimmunostained spermatozoa before capacitation (38.5% +/- 23 vs. 12% +/- 7, P < 0.0001) and a lower increase in the percentage of sperm with equatorial localization after capacitation (19.3% +/- 25 vs. 34.6% +/- 22, P = 0.039) were observed in subfertile men (n = 60) compared to fertile men (n = 15). In the whole study group, a positive correlation was also found between the percentage of spermatozoa exhibiting equatorial localization in capacitated samples and normal head forms (R = 0.50; P < 0.0001).

The orexigram in patients affected by morbid obesity: a preliminary report on daily hunger sensation before bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the orexigram, the time-qualified self-rated estimate of hunger sensation (HS), in patients affected by morbid obesity (MO) with the aim of detecting how daily HS behaves before morbidly obese patients (MOP) undergo bariatric surgery (BS). This article is therefore a preliminary report as it is necessary to make subsequent comparisons with post-BS orexigrams. Preoperative orexigrams may be helpful in selecting the MOPs who are candidates for surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten MOPs (five males and five females, with a mean age of 34 +/- 11 yr and a mean BMI of 49.32 +/- 7.26 kg/m2), and 19 clinically healthy control subjects (CHS: nine males and ten females, with a mean age of 24 +/- 2 yr and a mean BMI of 21.00 +/- 1.70 kg/m2) gave their informed consent to participate in the study. All of the study participants were asked to compile a 24-h orexigram, which was then biometrically analysed by means of: 1) conventional methods for parametric statistics; 2) rhythm analysis for their circadian rhythms; and 3) spectral analysis for their harmonic structure. RESULTS: The orexigrams of the MOPs had significantly increased mean daily levels (daily hyperorexia), retained their circadian periodicity despite an increase in mesor, and were consistently modified in their ultradian spectral harmonic components. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the studied MOPs complain of a daily hyperorexia that is still perceived circadically. This perception is a structured abnormality, as demonstrated by the consistent changes in the spectral analysis, and so MOPs can be diagnosed as being affected by so-called "hyperorectic obesity". It will be interesting to see whether or not presurgical hyperorexia in MOPs is corrected by BS: if so, hyperorexia may become an additional indication, and presurgery orexigrams could be suggested as an additional means of selecting the hyperorectic MOPs who are candidates for surgical treatment.

Evaluation of the effect of 17alphaOH-progesterone and 17beta-oestradiol on human sperm ability to fuse with oocytes: comparison and possible interference with the effect of progesterone.

The demonstration of a stimulatory effect of progesterone (P) on the sperm/oocyte fusion has provided the most relevant biological evidence of the effect of P on sperm functions involved in fertilization. Some evidence exists that 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17alphaOH-P) and 17beta-oestradiol (17beta-E2), could also exert non-genomic effects on human spermatozoa and a role for 17beta-E2 as a possible physiological modulator of P action on spermatozoa has been suggested. This study aimed to determine the effect of the exposure of human spermatozoa to 17alphaOH-P and 17beta-E2 on sperm/oocyte fusion as well as the possible interference of 17beta-E2 with the effect of P. The effect of steroids on sperm/oocyte fusion was assessed by means of the hamster egg penetration test (HEPT). The exposure of capacitated sperm suspensions to scalar doses of 17alphaOH-P produced a significant enhancement of penetrations/oocytes with a dose/response effect. It was equal to 75.3% of that produced by equimolar doses of P. Conversely, 17beta-E2 (from 100 nM to 50 microM) did not produce any significant effect when added either before or after capacitation. Moreover, the sperm pre-incubation with 17beta-E2 did not interfere with the stimulatory effect of P. These results support a physiological role for 17OH-P in the process of fertilization, but not a role for 17beta-E2 as a possible physiological modulator of P action on spermatozoa.

Circadian rhythm of hunger sensation in patients affected by cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the daily pattern of hunger sensation (HS) in patients affected by a non-advanced form of cystic fibrosis (CF) in order to detect how the orectic stimulus (OS) behaves in fibrocystic patients (FP) who are obliged to eat frequently because of their pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 27 out-patients (13 males and 14 females; mean age 18 +/- 4 years; mean BMI 18.77 +/- 2.17 kg/m2) with a non-advanced form of CF, and 19 clinically healthy subjects (CHS, 9 males and 10 females; mean age 24 +/- 2 years; mean BMI 21.00 +/- 1.70 kg/m2). The FP were used to eating frequent small meals between the three main meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner. All of the participants were asked to compile an "orexigram"' which was chrono-biometrically analysed by means of: 1) conventional statistical methods; 2) rhythmometric analysis of circadian rhythm (CR); and 3) spectral analysis of the harmonic structure substantiating the within-day variability of HS. RESULTS: HS in FP had 1) a significantly increased daily mean level; 2) a well-established CR, with a significantly increased oscillatory mesor and amplitude; and 3) a modified orexigram power spectrum affecting the ultradian harmonic components. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the orectic perception of CF patients is characterised by "daily hyperorexia", with the maintenance of HS CR. This condition seems to be a structured abnormality insofar as there are visible changes in the orexigram spectral resolution, particular in the ultradian harmonic components whose oscillatory frequency is responsible for the diurnal pattern of HS. The hyperorexia of the investigated FP indicates that their frequent small meals are not sufficient to satisfy their HS, which may cause a vicious circle leading to progressively disrupted mealtime behaviour.

Quantification of sub-clinical anxiety and depression in essentially obese patients and normal-weight healthy subjects.

The aim of this study was to quantify the degree of sub-clinical anxiety and depression in essentially obese patients (EOP) and normoponderal healthy subjects (NHS) in order to identify quantitative differences based on mean scores and percentages (the latter in cases showing a tendency towards pathological anxiety and depression indicated by a score of > or = 8). The study involved 69 EOP (age: 13-72 years; BMI: > 25.0 and < 35.0 kg/m2) and 66 NHS (age: 18-68 years; BMI: > 18.5 and < or = 25.0 kg/m2). The scores, expressed in Anxiety Units (AU) and Depression Units (DU), were computed using ad hoc questionnaires (the ASQ and CDQ) validated for the Italian population. The mean scores of sub-clinical anxiety and depression in the EOP were significantly higher (both p = 0.001) than those of the NHS (6.33 +/- 2.38 vs 5.02 +/- 2.22 AU; 6.42 +/- 2.42 vs 5.02 +/- 2.03 DU), as were the percentages of cases with a tendency towards pathological anxiety and depression (42% vs 18%, and 43% vs 12%) (both p = 0.001). The significantly higher mean sub-clinical anxiety and depression score in the EOP indicate that a worse mood status is associated with obesity in a non-random manner. The significantly higher percentages of EOP with a tendency towards pathologic anxiety and depression indicate that obesity is a clinical condition that predisposes to the development of clinically relevant affective disorders.

The ambulatory monitoring documents a more elevated blood pressure regimen (pre-hypertension) in normotensives with endothelial dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the blood pressure (BP) 24-h values in normotensives with and without endothelial dysfunction (ED). The scope is to detect differences in BP regimen supporting the hypothesis that the ED is associated with vasopressant effects that can cause a condition of "pre-hypertension". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight normotensives were investigated in their endothelial function by mean of the non-invasive post-ischemic brachial artery vasodilation test (endothelium-dependent vasomotricity). Their were also automatically and non-invasively monitored in their systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP over the 24-h period in order to confirm that they were not hypertensive. RESULTS: Eight of the investigated normotensives were found to show an ED. A significantly higher daily mean level as well as a more prominent nychtohemeral variability in SBP and DBP 24-h values were observed in the normotensives with ED as compared to the normotensives without ED. The higher BP regimen in the normotensives with ED was found to maintain a circadian rhythm. However, a significant amplification the second harmonic component, with a 12-h period, was observed. The different structure of the BP 24-h pattern in the normotensives with ED was confirmed by the detection of additional ultradian components at the linear-in-period spectral analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study documented a significant elevation of BP 24-h values in normotensives with ED that is the reflex of consistent changes in the frequency organization of the BP circadian pattern. The elevation of BP regimen suggests that the ED is associated with vasopressant effects even in normotensives. Such a condition of higher BP in normotensives with ED can be regarded as a status of "pre-hypertension".

Circadian rhythm of hunger sensation in patients affected by dysthymic disorder.

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the daily pattern of hunger sensation (HS), namely orexia, in patients affected by "Dysthymic Disorder" (DD). The aim is to detect whether there are changes in the circadian rhythm (CR) of HS, herein investigated as a "marker rhythm", that can reveal a dysfunction of the "circadian biological clock" (CBC). In such a circumstance, one could be authorised to suggest a resynchronizing therapy, via antidepressant chronizing drugs and/or morning exposure to bright light, as it is currently done in other types of human depression, having a documented dysfunction of the CBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Volunteered with informed consent for the study 6 women (age = 34-56 years; mean BMI = 22.7 +/- 4.8 kg/m2) affected by DD. 10 clinically healthy women (CHW, age = 21-52 years; mean BMI = 24.0 +/- 0.5 kg/m2) were recruited as the controls. Both of the dysthymic patients (DP) and CHW were asked to compile the "orexigram", which was chronobiometrically analyzed by means of the 1. conventional statistical methods; 2. rhythmometric analysis for the CR; 3. spectral analysis for the harmonic components of the orexigram. RESULTS: The DP were found to be characterized by a normal daily level of HS, with 1. the CR of the orectic stimulus to be preserved and well located in its acrophase, and 2. the spectrogram of the orexigram to be substantially well configured. CONCLUSIONS: The above-cited results suggest that the DP show no alterations in the HS marker rhythm that can be taken as an evidence for declaring that the DD is not characterized by a relevant dysfunction of the CBC. Lacking in particular a phase-shift in HS marker rhythm, it can be argued that the DD is an affective disorder for which a resynchronizing therapy (exposure to bright light or pharmacological chronizers) seems to be "a priori" not indicated.

Higher blood pressure load (baric impact) in normotensives with endothelial dysfunction: a paraphysiological status of "pre-hypertension".

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the blood pressure (BP) load (L), namely Baric Impact (BI), in normotensives with and without endothelial dysfunction (ED). The aim was to detect baric differences supporting the thesis that the ED is associated with vasopressant effects that are responsible for a paraphysiological condition of higher BP (pre-hypertension) even in normotensives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight normotensives were investigated in their endothelium-dependent vasomotricity by mean of the non-invasive post-ischemic brachial artery vasodilation test. Additionally, their underwent a non-invasive ambulatory (A) BP monitoring (M) over the 24-h span in order to confirm that they were not hypertensive. The ABPM served also to compute the systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BI. RESULTS: The ED was detected in eight normotensives of the investigated group. These cases with ED were found to show a significantly higher SBI and DBI as compared to the normotensives without ED. CONCLUSIONS: The significant elevation of the SBI and DBI in normotensives with ED is an evidence convincing that a dysfunctional endothelium is responsible for vasopressant effects that cause a paraphysiological status of "pre-hypertension".

[Noonan's syndrome associated with cerebral hemorrhage. Report of a case]. / Sindrome di Noonan associata ad emorragia cerebrale. Descrizione di un caso.

The prevalence of Noonan syndrome has been estimated at between 1 out of 1000 and 1 out of 2500 live births; it is often confused with Turner syndrome because the two conditions display a common phenotype. Even if Noonan syndrome is typically associated with congenital heart diseases, prognosis is generally good. We describe the case of a female patient, deaf from infancy, in whom the presence of obstructive cardiomyopathy had been previously demonstrated angiographically at 29 years of age. A diagnosis of Turner syndrome had been made on the basis of her physical features. One year later she began to complain of accessional headache with nausea; seizures occurred at 48 years of age. The patient suddenly died during a hospital stay for investigation of these symptoms. Autopsy evidenced multiple cerebral hemorrhages due to vascular anomalies. She had normal female genitalia. This case demonstrates that Noonan syndrome is still misdiagnosed, and that it may have various clinical symptoms. In particular, it underscores the opportunity of carrying out systematic research on cerebrovascular abnormalities in these patients because they are potentially fatal.

Acromegaly associated with a granular cell tumor of the neurohypophysis: a clinical and histological study. Case report.

Acromegaly is usually caused by a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma, and hypersecretion of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) from a hypothalamic or neuroendocrine tumor accounts for other cases. The authors report on the unusual association of acromegaly with a granular cell tumor of the neurohypophysis. A 42-year-old woman with a 10-year history of acral enlargement, headache, and menstrual abnormalities was referred to our department for a suspected GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. The patient's basal GH levels were mildly elevated at 4.8 microg/L, were not suppressed in response to an oral glucose tolerance test, and increased paradoxically after administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone. The patient's insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level was elevated at 462 microg/L, whereas a magnetic resonance image of the sella turcica revealed an intra- and suprasellar lesion that was compatible with a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma. A transsphenoidal approach to remove the lesion, which was mainly suprasellar, was successful during a second operative attempt, resulting in the clinical and biochemical regression of the patient's acromegaly. Four months postoperatively, the patient's basal GH level was 0.9 microg/L and her IGF-1 level was 140 microg/L. Histological analysis of the operative specimen demonstrated a granular cell tumor of the neurohypophysis, which when stained proved negative for pituitary hormones and GHRH. This case represents the first reported association between a granular cell tumor of the neurohypophysis and acromegaly. Granular cell tumor of the neurohypophysis could be added to the restricted list of neoplastic causes of acromegaly secondary to hypersecretion of a GH-releasing substance.

Prospective study of strongyloidosis in patients with hematologic malignancies.

Immunocompromised individuals infected with Strongyloides stercoralis may develop severe hyperinfection or disseminated disease with high mortality. Patients with hematological malignancies are at risk because of immunodepression produced either by the disease or its treatment. A prospective study was undertaken at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, from July 1994 to July 1995. Seventy-two (HIV negative), had 3 stool samples collected at different days and had not received recent anthelmintic therapy. Larvae, isolated in a modified Baermann method, were found in 6 patients, with a resultant prevalence of 8.3%. No complicated strongyloidosis was documented. The positive result for S. stercoralis larvae was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with eosinophilia. Knowledge of prevalence figures and incidence of severe disease is important to adequate guidelines for empirical treatment besides the rigorous search for strongyloidosis in patients with hematological malignancies.

Prospective study of strongyloidosis in patients with hematologic malignancies

Immunocompromised individuals infected with Strongyloides stercoralis may develop severe hyperinfection or disseminated disease with high mortality. Patients with hematological malignancies are at risk because of immunodepression produced either by the disease or its treatment. A prospective study was undertaken at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, from July 1994 to July 1995. Seventy-two (HIV negative), had 3 stool samples collected at different days and had not received recent anthelmintic therapy. Larvae, isolated in a modified Baermann method, were found in 6 patients, with a resultant prevalence of 8.3%. No complicated strongyloidosis was documented. The positive result for S. stercoralis larvae was significantly associated (p < 0.001) with eosinophilia. Knowledge of prevalence figures and incidence of severe disease is important to adequate guidelines for empirical treatment besides the rigorous search for strongyloidosis in patients with hematological malignancies.

Indivíduos imunocomprometidos infectados com Strongyloides stercoralis podem desenvolver quadros severos de hiperinfecção ou doença disseminada com elevada mortalidade. Pacientes portadores de neoplasias hematológicas tem imunodepressão causada pela doença básica ou pelo seu tratamento. Um estudo prospectivo foi desenvolvido no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, entre julho 1994 e julho de 1995. Setenta e dois pacientes (HIV negativos), tiveram 3 amostras de fezes coletadas em diferentes dias e não tinham recebido medicação antihelmíntica recentemente. Larvas, isoladas por método de Baermann modificado, foram encontradas em 6 pacientes, resultando em prevalência de 8,3%. Não foi documentado nenhum episódio de estrongiloidose complicada. O resultado positivo para pesquisa de S. stercoralis estava significativamente associado (p < 0,001) com eosinofilia. O conhecimento das taxas de prevalência e incidência de doença grave é importante para adequar as recomendações para tratamento empírico além da rigorosa pesquisa da estrongiloidose nos pacientes com neoplasias hematológicas.

[Lipoprotein(a), parameters of lipid metabolism and hemostasis in obese patients]. / Lipoproteina(a), parametri del metabolismo lipidico e dell'emostasi in pazienti obesi.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is increasing in the population of industrialized countries and this condition is today considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases because, at least partly, it represents a prothrombotic state. METHODS: For this reason we have studied plasma lipid concentrations (C, TG, HDL-C), Lp(a) and some parameters of haemostasis (PAI-1, t-PA, D-dimer) in 41 non diabetic obese patients (38 females and 3 males) and in 36 healthy normal weight subjects. RESULTS: Lipid pattern has resulted in overlapping both in the two studied populations and in the two subgroups of pre- and postmenopausal women, while greater concentrations of Lp(a), (p < 0.001) and t-PA (p < 0.05) have been found in obese populations vs controls, but not different between the two subgroups; in particular, Lp(a) has resulted > 30 mg/dl in 34.14% of obese patients and in no case in the control group. Finally, Lp(a) concentrations have been found for the first time to be positively related to C and negatively to HDL-C in the obese population. CONCLUSIONS: As Lp(a) is believed to be a pathogenetic linkage between atherogenesis and thrombosis and can be affected by weight loss, the efficacy of the reduction of high plasma levels of Lp(a) needs to be considered with longitudinal studies.