Taxonomic and ecological remarks on Solenopsisbivonae species complex (Campanulaceae).

The populations usually attributed to Solenopsisbivonae (Tineo) M.B.Crespo, Serra & A.Juan are investigated from a taxonomical and morphological viewpoint. Within this species complex, four new subspecies occurring in Sicily and Calabria are recognized, such as subsp. bivonae, subsp. madoniarum, subsp. peloritana and subsp. brutia. In addition, a new species from Cyprus described as S.meikleana and S.bacchettae from Sardinia must be included in this group. The synonymy, typification, description, seed testa morphology, chorology, ecology, illustrations, conservation status, and examined specimens for each taxon are provided. Besides, the analytical keys, distribution maps, and phytosociological arrangement regarding these taxa are given too.

[Preliminary study on the expression of Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 in bladder urothelial tumors]. / Studio preliminare sull'espressione dei Toll-like receptors 7 e 8 nel tumore uroteliale della vescica.

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-8 and to confirm the expression of TLR-7 on bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) analyzing the changes in expression between low-grade (LG) and high-grade (HG) and between non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive (MIBC) bladder cancers. In our study, 25 patients who underwent transurethral resection (TURB) for bladder TCC have been selected. Thirteen of those had an LG form,while the other cases were classified as HG; the lesions were NMIBC in 18 patients and MIBC in the others seven. The analysis of TLRs expression has been performed by immuno histochemistry. TRL-8 expression seems to be higher in MIBC (85%) than in NMIBC (78%), but it is associated with a reduced percentage of immuno reactive cells and with a lower intensity. The expression had a large nuclear localization in NMIBC (80%), althoughit was mainly cytoplasmic in MIBC (72%). TLR-7 was expressed in all NMIBC samples (where the localization was mainly nucleo-cytoplasmic) and in the 71% of MIBC samples (mainly in the nucleus). A higher expression of TRL-8 in HG TCC had been observed, while TRL-7 seems to be more expressed in LG forms. Our study allowed to document the immunohistochemical expression of TLR-8 in TCCs, confirm the immunohistochemical expression of TLR-7, and suggest an increased expression of TLR-7 in LG TCC and NMIBC, and a prevalent expression of TLR-8 in HG TCC and MIBC.

[Compliance to therapy with Dapoxetine in patients affected by Premature Ejaculation]. / Eiaculazione Precoce: compliance, effetti collaterali e benefici della farmacoterapia con Dapoxetina e un tradizionale inibitore del reuptake della serotonina (Citalopram) in 59 pazienti.

INTRODUCTION: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a sexual dysfunction with high prevalence. According to some reports, it is present in about 20-30% of the male population. Since 2009 PE has been treated with a novel inhibitor of serotonin re-uptake, Dapoxetine, which has been reported to be specifically active for PE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 59 patients have been selected among the patients affected by PE observed at the outpatient department of Urology and Andrology of the "Paolo Giaccone" University Policlinic Hospital of Palermo. Diagnosis was confirmed unequivocally in all patients, who were suitable for drug treatment and accepted to participate in the study. They were divided in 2 groups: one receiving Dapoxetine (41 patients), another (18 patients) receiving Citalopram. Patients were followed up by telephone at monthly intervals, in order to compare compliance, efficacy and side effects: RESULTS: Compliance to treatment was obtained in 56% of patients treated with Dapoxetine and in 61% of those treated with Citalopram. In the Dapoxetine group side effects were reported in 14.6% versus 38.4% in the Citalopram group. Benefit from the treatment was reported in 82% and 69.2%, respectively.