Active breaks: a strategy to counteract sedentary behaviors for Health Promoting Schools. A discussion on their implementation in Italy

Abstract

School Active Breaks are short bouts of physical activity (5-15 minutes) conducted by appropriately trained teachers and delivered during or between curricular lessons. They are a good strategy to counteract sedentary behaviors, and a growing body of evidence shows that they can represent also a tool to promote and improve health, school wellbeing and academic achievements. On 19 February 2022, the Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health organized an Awareness Day on the effectiveness, usefulness and feasibility of School Active Breaks, opened to teachers, educators, school leaders, pediatricians, personnel from Departments of Prevention and Public Health and Health Policy-makers. During the event, the testimonies about the experiences already carried out in Italy showed that School Active Breaks are an effective intervention that each school can easily include in its educational offer and apply in any context.

Responding to a school SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: Insights and policy implications emerging from the pandemic

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected also the school environment. Prolonged closures and the weakness of available data prevent a definitive answer to the question of school transmission. We report our experience of responding to COVID-19 cases in the school setting, presenting a case study of the management of an outbreak in a large school.

Methods

The LHA/ASL Roma 1 has organized the School Units with a structure firmly rooted in the territory. At the local level, the District Unit mainly manages the relationship with schools, while the Hygiene and Public Health Service of the Prevention Department holds a coordinating and facilitating role. The HPHS carries out contact tracing activities facilitated by the schools, through the figure of the COVID-19 Contact Person, who is specifically trained to manage the preliminary stages of the reports.

Results

Following several reports of COVID-19 suspect cases from two schools and, after a complex phase of contact tracing, it was possible to identify the major transmission chains. Furthermore, we performed a population-based screening on the entire school. Beyond the known transmission chains, for which quarantine was already in place, only five additional cases emerged, all asymptomatic, out of 1,231 swabs tested with RT-PCR.

Conclusions

Our experience confirms that an active interaction between the school and the School Unit made it possible to quickly control a potentially dangerous outbreak. The large-scale screening test demonstrated the substantial absence of collateral transmission chains. Effective contact tracing allowed to set forth a successful response. Our model of intervention can be used to support public health protocols regarding school outbreaks.

A dynamic GIS space-time diffusion model to tackle COVID-19 emergency

Background

Surveillance and containment of the spread of COVID-19 requires the use of advanced geographic information science and technology (GIS&T) to map the spread and eventually to guide interventions. A dynamic space-time diffusion model in a GIS environment was developed and succesfully tested in Rome, Italy.

Methods

Information on cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by molecular diagnostics from Feb 25 to Sep 26 2020 (collected by a large Local Health Unit of Rome, Italy) was used to test a GIS simulator model able to monitor the spatial diffusion and temporal evolution of the spread of the disease. Data included information on: sex, date and place of birth, healthcare facility of hospitalization, date of notification, start date and end date of isolation, date of recovery (both clinical and laboratory confirmed), residence address.

Results

Globally, 3,056 cases were geocoded and analysed. The spatio-temporal analysis of the first 45 days since 25 Feb 2020 shows that the spread of COVID-19 was very fast (1,230 cases recorded on 11 Apr) and spatially widespread. Number of cases was highest in the city centre with clusters, thickets and axes in different sub-municipal areas. A slowdown occurred the following month, confirming the positive effect of the lockdown. This effect continued until 11 Jun with a small increase in the number of cases (+10.9%). The period up to 26 Sep is paradigmatic of the second wave, with a continuous increase in cases that spread from the city centre to the suburbs.

Conclusions

Using geocoding process and a detailed GIS mapping it is possible to identify streets, buildings and census sections where the number of cases is high and tends to increase rapidly and, at the same time, it is possible to distinguish clusters and axes that should be kept immediately under special observation as potential pools of super-diffusion. Development of its use in near-real time could bring significant advantages in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Key messages

The use of GIS technology is fundamental for mapping the spread of COVID-19.

A greater effort should be made by institutions to increase the digitisation of health data and the possibility of using them for both research and surveillance purposes.

Nose-pharyngeal swabs as a screening test for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with scheduled elective surgery: the experience of the Hygiene Service of the Local Health Authority Roma 1

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 (COrona Virus Disease 2019), due to the SARS-COV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) has been an unprecedented global challenge for the healthcare systems (1).

Swimming Pool safety and prevention at the time of Covid-19: a consensus document from GSMS-SItI

Public health measures to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, imposed also a shutdown of sports facilities and swimming pools. Safety issues related to recreational waters were emerging during the lockdown, rising concerns on how and when reopening pools and on how improve their management while SARS-CoV-2 is circulating in the population. The GSMS-SItI, Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health of the Italian Society of Hygiene Preventive Medicine and Public Health, discussed and summarized some indications for a suitable preventive approach. Several measures are highlighted, including social distancing, optimized water management, airflow and microclimatic parameters in the pool as well in the annexed rooms, verification of sanitation procedures. The GSMS-SItI underlines that prevention should be based on monitoring of the local epidemiological situation and on the constant collaboration with the local health authority and the national health service.

Erice 2018 Charter on the role of the National Health Service in the prevention of doping

The Erice 2018 Charter was unanimously approved at the conclusion of the 53rd Residential Course of the International School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine “Adapted Physical Activity in Sport, Wellness and Fitness; the role of the Departments of Prevention and of the National Health Service in doping prevention and health promotion”, held on 15-19 May 2018 in Erice, Italy, at the “Ettore Majorana” Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture, and promoted by the Study Group on “Movement Sciences for Health” of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health. The event was part of a larger project supported by the Ministry of Health aimed at preventing doping in the general population involved in sport and physical activities. After an intense discussion the participants focused on ten statements involving the following critical issues: responsibility, priority, message, alphabetization, networks and alliances, school promoting health, player and opportunities, competences, know-how, programming and acting. These statements provide hints to approach doping within a public health frame and summarize the role of the Departments of Prevention and NHS in promoting and coordinating preventive actions with other institutions and stakeholders. Doping represents a complex phenomenon related to cultural, social, economic and legal issues. In addition to regulatory or repressive actions, education to health and legality is proposed as the fundamental strategy to contrast doping by promoting healthy lifestyles, based on scientific knowledge and respect for legality.

Strategies for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in Urban Areas: The Erice 50 Charter

The Erice 50 Charter titled "Strategies for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion in Urban Areas" was unanimously approved at the conclusion of the 50th Residential Course "Urban Health. Instruments for promoting health and for assessing hygienic and sanitary conditions in urban areas", held from 29th March to 2nd April 2017 in Erice, at the "Ettore Majorana" Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture and promoted by the International School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine "G. D'Alessandro" and the Study Group "Building Hygiene" of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (SItI). At the conclusion of the intense learning experience during the Course, with more than 20 lectures, workshops and long-lasting discussions between Professors and Students, the participants identified the major points connecting urban features and Public Health, claiming the pivotal role of urban planning strategies for the management of Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion activities. The Erice 50 Charter is configured as a Decalogue for Healthy Cities and as a Think Tank for designing effective strategic actions and best practices to develop urban regeneration interventions and improve the urban quality of contemporary cities. The Decalogue is structured into the following key strategic objectives: 1. Promoting urban planning interventions that address citizens towards healthy behaviours; 2. Improving living conditions in the urban context; 3. Building an accessible and inclusive city, with a special focus on the frail population; 4. Encouraging the foundation of resilient urban areas; 5. Supporting the development of new economies and employment through urban renewal interventions; 6. Tackling social inequalities; 7. Improving stakeholders' awareness of the factors affecting Public Health in the cities; 8. Ensuring a participated urban governance; 9. Introducing qualitative and quantitative performance tools, capable of measuring the city's attitude to promote healthy lifestyles and to monitor the population's health status; 10. Encouraging sharing of knowledge and accessibility to informations. Finally, all the participants underlined that a multidisciplinary team, composed of Physicians specialized in Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Technicians as Architects, Urban planners and Engineers, is needed to deepen the research topic of Urban Health.

Suspected transmission of tuberculosis in a maternity ward from a smear-positive nurse: preliminary results of clinical evaluations and testing of neonates potentially exposed, Rome, Italy, 1 January to 28 July 2011

We report preventive measures adopted after tuberculosis(TB) transmission from a nurse to a newborn assessed in late July 2011. All exposed neonates born between January and July 2011 were clinically evaluated and tested by QuantiFERON TB gold in-tube; newborns testing positive were referred for prophylaxis.Of 1,340 newborns, 118 (9%) tested positive and no other active cases of TB were found. Active surveillance for TB will be continued over the next three years for all those exposed.

CONTINUOUS APOMORPHINE INFUSION (CAI) AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED PARKINSON’S DISEASE: A FOLLOW-UP OF TWO YEARS

This study was performed to assess whether patients with Parkinson's disease (PD)develop cognitive and psychiatric impairments more frequently during therapy with continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CAI) compared to the standard oral treatment. Thirty consecutive PD patients with severe motor fluctuations were included. Of them, 12 patients received the CAI treatment, while the remaining 18 continued the treatment with oral dopaminergic drugs. The two groups were evaluated with neuropsychological,psychiatric and motor tests at baseline and after two years. The off-awake daily duration and the levodopa dosage were significantly reduced in the patients infused with apomorphine.In comparison with the baseline evaluation, the neuropsychiatric assessment did not change in either of groups at the follow-up, except for a significant improvement of mood in the CAI treated group.

High incidence of G9P181 rotavirus infections in Italian children during the winter season 1999-2000

We report a significant high incidence of infection with G9P[8] rotavirus in Italian children during the winter epidemic season 1999-2000. The study was carried out on 439 children < 4 years hospitalized with acute diarrhea in Palermo. G9P[8] strains constituted 19% of all rotavirus identified and were not associated with more severe forms of gastroenteritis.

[Multicentric survey on hygienic aspects in private dental practice]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the knowledge of cross-infection hazards in private dental practices, and their control procedures. The survey, carried out by questionnaire in 11 Italian cities, showed that dental personnel do not completely follow the main procedures for infection control. The interviewed subjects usually wear gloves (95.5%), masks (90.1%) and glasses (91.2%), less frequently caps (23.9%) and coats (54.9%). They use steam sterilizers (92.9%) and periodically check the effectiveness (80.6%). Regarding individuals protection, 20.5% is not vaccinated against HBV and only 55.2% of those previously vaccinated has checked their immunity. Moreover, the majority of subjects underestimate the infection hazards especially for air-transmitted diseases.

Clinical evaluation of St Jude Medical Hemodynamic Plus versus standard aortic valve prostheses: The Italian multicenter, prospective, randomized study

OBJECTIVE

Hemodynamic and clinical performances of 21-mm and 23-mm St Jude Medical Hemodynamic Plus aortic valves (St Jude Medical, Inc, St Paul, Minn) were compared with those of 21-mm and 23-mm St Jude Medical standard cuff aortic valves in the first such multicenter, prospective, randomized study. Hemodynamic Plus valves are mechanical, bileaflet prostheses suitable for the small aortic anulus.

METHODS

Patients with 21-mm and 23-mm anulus diameters were randomized to receive either a Hemodynamic Plus or a standard cuff valve. Postoperatively and at 6 months after the operation, patients underwent 2-dimensional Doppler echocardiography. Ejection fraction, cardiac output, peak gradient, mean gradient, effective orifice area, effective area index, and performance index were calculated. Postoperative and 6-month echocardiographic measurements and their variations across observation times were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Of the 140 patients enrolled, 5 died at operation and 1 died of aortic dissection during the follow-up period. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. A total of 125 patients completed the study. In 1 patient a sewing cuff escaped intraoperatively. At 6 months the 21-mm and 23-mm Hemodynamic Plus valves showed significantly lower peak gradients and mean gradients than those of the 21-mm and 23-mm standard cuff valves. The 21-mm Hemodynamic Plus valves had gradients similar to those of the 23-mm Hemodynamic Plus valves. The effective orifice area did not differ significantly between the Hemodynamic Plus and standard cuff valves at either measurement. No valve mismatch was found in the 4 groups of patients. A more enhanced decrease of peak gradients and mean gradients and a more enhanced increase of effective orifice areas, effective area indices, and performance indices were found across observation times for patients with Hemodynamic Plus valves compared with those with standard cuff valves.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical hemodynamic performances of 21-mm and 23-mm St Jude Medical Hemodynamic Plus valves correspond closely with those of standard cuff valves, and gradients are substantially better than those of standard cuff valves of the same diameter. Therefore, use of this valve may minimize the need for aortic anulus enlargement. Early follow-up results with the Hemodynamic Plus valves were excellent, although more time is required to confirm this outcome.

Primary cardiac tumors: early and late results of surgical treatment in 91 patients

BACKGROUND

Between March 1980 and September 1997, 91 patients underwent evaluation and treatment for primary cardiac neoplasms.

METHODS

Tumors were grouped into three categories: atrial myxomas, benign nonmyxomas, and malignant tumors. Survivors were contacted; no one was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up for this series is 7 +/- 5 years.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients were diagnosed with atrial myxomas (Male/Female: 29/54), average age 55 +/- 13 years. The hospital mortality was 3.6% (3/83), the late mortality was 6.5% (5/80). No recurrent myxomas have been identified clinically or by echocardiography in any patient. Three patients were diagnosed with benign nonmyxoma tumors. (Male/Female: 2/1), average age 64 +/- 8 years. There were no perioperative deaths and 1 patient died 4 years postoperatively from fibroma, with no linked causes. No recurrent tumors have been identified. Five patients were diagnosed with malignant tumors. (M/F: 1/4), average age 53 +/- 16 years. The hospital mortality was 20% (1/5); in 3 patients a redo-operation was necessary after 8, 11, and 12 months because of tumor recurrence. All patients died within 3 years of the first operation (mean 13 +/- 14 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical resection, when possible, is the treatment of choice for all primary cardiac tumors. Patients with benign tumors are probably cured by resection and in our experience there was no known tumor recurrence. Effective palliation is possible with resection of malignant tumors, but more effective adjuvant therapy will be necessary to improve long-term prognosis.

Aortic arch aneurysms: surgical results and follow up in 56 patients

From January 1989 to December 1994, 56 patients, 43 male and 13 female, mean age 61.21 +/- 10.05 years, underwent surgical procedures on the aortic arch at our institution. Forty-six patients underwent emergency or urgent operations, fourty-four of them presented acute aortic dissections involving the aortic arch. All operations were performed in cardiopulmonary by-pass, 39 operations in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, 10 in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and hypothermic retrograde cerebral perfusion. The overall hospital mortality was 17.9% (10 patients). The main causes of hospital mortality were: multiorgan failure (3 patients) and major neurological damage (2 patients). In the group of patients that underwent hypothermic retrograde cerebral perfusion there was no major neurological damage. In the follow up there were no deaths and 4 reoperations related to the aortic pathology. The cerebral protection represents the main problem in the aortic arch surgery. The deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is an effective method to reduce the cerebral and visceral ischemia, in particular in acute dissection; nevertheless this method leads to more bleeding complications and lengthening of the cardiopulmonary bypass in time. In our experience, the hypothermic retrograde cerebral perfusion associated with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest appears to be a useful method to prevent cerebral damage. However this procedure needs further investigation.

[Correlation between malfunction of a bioprosthesis and deformation of a valve stent. Comparison of three different vale models]

BACKGROUND

Stent deformation seems to be effective in the long term performances of bioprostheses.

METHODS

The Inward Banding Angle (IBA) of three different models of bioprostheses explanted during the period 1991-1992 at our Division of Cardiac Surgery in 45 different patients (26 males; 9 females; mean age 59.71 +/- 10.74, range 26-75) has been measured. Explanted valves were as follow: Hancock, (H = 13); Carpentier-Edwards (C = 14) e Xenomedica (X = 18). Primary tissue failure was the most common cause of re-operation (n = 30; 66.7%) but also endocarditis (n = 6; 13.3%) and paraprothetic leak (n = 10; 22.2%). A semi-quantitative score (0-4) was used to assess calcifications (1.51 +/- 1.56); tears (0.41 +/- 0.98); vegetation's (0.51 +/- 0.99) and fibrosis (2.7 +/- 1.27). The mean follow-up was 7.77 +/- 3.79 years (range 1.5 +/- 16 years). The mean IBA evaluated after explantation was 3.34 +/- 2.29 degrees.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed a significance in term of IBA in the Hancock group vs Carpentier (P < 0.02); a less duration in the Xenomedica group vs H and C (p < 0.001) and an increased susceptibility to vegetation's and fibrosis in the Xvs C (p < 0.01) and H (p < 0.05) respectively. A suggestive correlation between IBA and time and between IBA and diameter was found but no statistical significance was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusions, it is suggested that all materials tends to deform during time and a possible explanation of stent deformation can be the different material used in the stent fabrication. Moreover, mechanical stress and compression around the ring can be another mechanism of creep.

Ventricular septal rupture after a myocardial infarction: clinical features and long term survival

BACKGROUND

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents a serious complication after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with an incidence of 1-2%. Surgical treatment is often mandatory in the early period after AMI because of the worsening of the hemodynamic and clinical conditions.

METHODS

We reviewed 34 patients complicating AMI who underwent surgical treatment at our Institution from January 1988 to December 1994 (23 males, 11 females, mean age 64.2+/-7.96, range 45-78). The localization of the AMI was anterior in 47.05% but inferior in 52.95% of the patients (p=NS). The mean time between AMI and VSD was 5.24+/-9.31 days. The preoperative NYHA functional class was III-IV in 93% of the patients. QP/QS ratio was 2.7+/-0.65 and the diameter of VSD ranged from 1 to 8 (mean 2.5+/-0.35). In 26 patients (76.4%) an intraortic balloon pump (IABP) was inserted before surgery. Surgical treatment was done after 10+/-17.7 days after VSD appearance through a left ventriculotomy. Ten patients received a concomitant myocardial revascularization.

RESULTS

Overall surgical mortality was significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients operated on in the early period after AMI (1+/-1.4 days) and with VSD complicating an inferior AMI. A complete follow-up was possible in all the survivors with a cumulative FU of 1453 month/patients. Two patients received a redo procedure after 30 and 40 days after the first correction because of a residual shunt. We observed 3 late deaths for re-AMI and one for complications after bronchial pneumonia. The actuarial survival rate is 70% at 1 year, 68% at 2 years and 65% at 7 years. NYHA functional class after operation is 1-11 in 91% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The major determinant of hospital survival in VSD after AMI in our patient population was the anatomical localization and the early timing of the operation. We believe that a prompt diagnosis and immediate cardiac support (IABP or ventricular assist device) is recommended to obtain a hemodynamic stabilization and to achieve the shaping of stronger cicatricial tissue before surgery. Nevertheless surgical repair of VSD is mandatory when clinical and hemodynamic condition becomes unacceptable. The results in the long term assessment are very satisfying.

Heart valve replacement with CarboMedics bileaflet prosthesis: surgical results and clinical evaluation. A medium term follow-up

From March 1990 to July 1991, 110 patients (44 males, 66 females; mean age 54.44 +/- 8.8 years) underwent hearth valve replacement with a CarboMedics bileaflet prosthesis (CarboMedics Inc, Texas, USA). Preoperative pathophysiologic conditions were: aortic stenosis in 32 patients, aortic regurgitation in 22 patients; mitral stenosis in 27 patients and mitral regurgitation in 14 patients. Mitroaortic disease was present in 14 patients but 1 had triple valve disease. NYHA class was III or IV in 91 patients (83%). Operative mortality rate was 0.91% (1 patients). Actuarial survival rate is 95% at 58 months. Actuarial freedom from thromboembolic events in 95% at 58 months. Actuarial freedom from hemorrhage is 100%. Endocarditis befell in 2 patients; actuarial freedom from this complication at 58 months is 95%. Actuarial freedom from reoperation in 99%. We conclude that the low incidence of valve related events and the low mortality supports the use of the bileaflet valve CarboMedics.

An unusual myxoid leiomyosarcoma of the heart

We report a case of myxoid leiomyosarcoma originating from the interventricular septum in the outflow tract of the right ventricle. Although the gross features suggested a benign myxoma, histologic examination demonstrated features of a smooth muscle tumor, which was characterized by low mitotic index and a bland degree of atypia with few cells immunoreactive for cell cycle-associated Ki-67 antigen. The tumor relapsed twice, and the patient (a 61-year-old woman) died 18 months after the first diagnosis. This case demonstrates that myxoid leiomyomatous proliferations of the heart must be considered potentially malignant, even when the gross features and degree of cellular atypia seem to suggest otherwise.

Anaerobic bacteria in postsurgical infections: isolation rate and antimicrobial susceptibility

Three hundred clinical samples, obtained from post-surgical infections, were evaluated. 37% of samples were positive for anaerobes, 99 samples (33%) for aerobes and anaerobes in mixed culture, and 13 (4%) only for anaerobes. One hundred forty-nine anaerobic strains were isolated: Bacteroides and Clostridia occurred most frequently (34% and 23% respectively). Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was tested by means of a commercial broth microdilution method. In addition, the standardized agar dilution method was performed to evaluate the susceptibility to 8 antibiotics of the 51 Bacteroides strains.

DSM-III-R brief reactive psychosis and personality disorders

DSM-III and DSM-III-R defined the diagnostic criteria of brief reactive psychosis (BRP) identifying some personality disorders (PDs) as predisposing factors: up to now no experimental data support this hypothesis. In this research, the authors studied the link between BRP and PDs, assessing axis II diagnosis (SIDP-R), after recovery of BRP in a group of 23 patients. Eighty-seven percent of the patients (n = 19) received at least one diagnosis of PDs. The widespread presence of PDs and, particularly, the high prevalence of cluster C (n = 11, 47.8%), are only partially in accordance with the hypothesis of DSM-III. A possible alternative model of interaction is suggested.

Effect of pleurotomy on pulmonary function after coronary artery bypass grafting with internal mammary artery

Coronary artery by-pass grafting with internal mammary artery (IMA) has become the graft conduit of choice, due to improved survival and its long term patency rate. However, some studies have shown that, in comparison with saphenous vein grafts, after IMA grafting, there is increased postoperative impairment of pulmonary function, possibly due to the frequent performance of pleurotomy. In 57 consecutive patients, admitted for elective CABG with IMA, we prospectively evaluated the early (2nd and 6th day) postoperative chest X-ray complications and the late (2 months) respiratory function tests changes. Thirty-two patients had been subjected to pleurotomy (group 1) and 25 not (group 2). The incidence of pulmonary atelectasis and pleural effusion in 2nd and in 6th postoperative days was not different in the two groups: 22 vs. 19%, 74 vs. 52% in 2nd, and 29 vs. 19%, 48 vs. 38% in 6th postoperative day respectively. The incidence of elevated hemidiaphragm in 6th postoperative day was not different in the two groups (18.5 vs. 14%). Two months after surgery the mean values of spirometric tests were significantly lower than the preoperative values: VC from 88.5 +/- 1.26 to 80 +/- 1.65% of predicted, P < 0.001, FEV1 from 96.1 +/- 1.27 to 84.7 +/- 1.73% of predicted, P < 0.001, MEF50 from 84.9 +/- 3.14 to 69.2 +/- 3.18% of predicted, P < 0.001. No significant changes were detected in RV and in AaPO2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

High-level aminoglycoside resistance among enterococci: evaluation of an agar screen susceptibility test

Seventy-five enterococci from infected (63 isolates) and colonized (12 isolates) patients hospitalized in various divisions of the Policlinico Umberto I, University of Rome, were in vitro studied for high-level resistance (HLR) to gentamicin (HLRG) and streptomycin (HLRS) with adoption of a standard broth dilution and an agar screen test. The employed procedures provided equal results for 100% of the 75 isolates. Of these, 21 (28%) showed HLRG and 43 (57%) HLRS. Combined HLRG and HLRS were found in 18 (24%) isolates, whereas HLRS or HLRG alone were found in 25 (33%) and 3 (4%) isolates respectively. It is concluded that HLR to aminoglycosides may represent a major problem in Italian institutions. Along with other established procedures, the agar screen test employed in the study may be used to detect this antibiotic resistance in enterococci.

The De Vega tricuspid annuloplasty. Perioperative mortality and long term follow-up

One hundred and fifty-three patients undergoing De Vega tricuspid annuloplasty, with or without other associated cardiac procedures between January, 1979, and June, 1987, were evaluated. There were 136 hospital survivors. The follow-up was 98.1% complete for a mean of 3.7 years/patient. Operative mortality was 11.1%; preoperative NYHA class and length of CPB were significant risk factors of perioperative mortality. The actuarial survival of operative survivors at 9 years was 73.5 +/- 11.8%. There were 7 late cardiac deaths among a total of 12 late deaths. Eleven patients required reoperation (2.1 +/- 0.6% patient-year). In seven patients it was necessary for recurrence of tricuspid regurgitation; six of these had also a mitral prosthesis malfunction or a periprosthetic leak. Residual tricuspid regurgitation was judged as mild, moderate or severe in 29.9%, 11.9% and 4.3% of the patients respectively. De Vega tricuspid annuloplasty is the method of choice for mild and moderate tricuspid insufficiency; in selected cases, with a more severe degree of regurgitation, better results could be achieved with a different surgical approach.

[Brucella meningitis: a case report]

The authors report a case of genuine brucellar meningitis etiology. Emphasis was given on endemic and epidemiologic factors in our country as well as on contradictory clinical and complementary immunological tests in lower age groups. The CT scan ruled out possibilities of tissue damage. The case had good clinical evolution. The treatment was based on dimethyl-chlortetracycline associated with trimetropin-sulfametoxazol.

[Polymioclonia-opsoclonus: Kinsbourne's syndrome. Report of a case]

Case report of a 9 years old boy with Kinsbourne's syndrome. This condition was characterized by the subacute onset of polymyoclonia, cerebellar ataxia and opsoclonus that set later, following an herpes zoster infection. Steroid therapy resulted in rapid dramatic improvement of neurological symptoms.

[Dejerine-Roussy syndrome: report of a case]

The Déjérine-Roussy syndrome was not revised for several years by neurologists, although it has been known since 1906. The authors describe a typical case involving thalamic ischemic and calcarine other side cortex lesions emphasizing its study by computed axial tomography and by using new drugs on a vasodilatation, inhibition of platelet aggregation and tiapride base.