Simple, inexpensive, and rapid approach to detect changes in the structure of soil free-living nematodes

A general limitation of ecological investigations based on nematodes is related to the difficult and time-consuming taxonomic identification of species. Therefore, nematologists are investing many efforts to develop alternative approaches as proxies applicable in biomonitoring assessment. Recently, an alternative method that combines morpho-functional traits was proposed for detecting assemblage changes of marine nematodes. In view of the promising results, it was tested the same approach to document taxonomic structure changes of soil free-living and plant parasitic nematodes. Specifically, this attempt was carried out using three data sets that include studies from various European regions and different types of ecosystems: forests, grasslands and maize crops. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the simple combination of the four traits (i.e., buccal cavity cuticularization occurrence, amphideal fovea size and shape, morphology of the cuticle and pharynx) in a single code number perfectly mirrors the taxonomic structure trends of the nematode assemblage at genus level. Therefore, we predict that similar results can be also obtained by directly encoding nematode specimens with the selected traits and we point to new important advances if this procedure can be coupled with advanced machine learning.

Phase II study of capecitabine-based concomitant chemoradiation followed by durvalumab as a neoadjuvant strategy in locally advanced rectal cancer: the PANDORA trial

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by durvalumab as neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced rectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The PANDORA trial is a prospective, phase II, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of preoperative treatment with durvalumab (1500 mg every 4 weeks for three administrations) following long-course radiotherapy (RT) plus concomitant capecitabine (5040 cGy RT in 25-28 fractions over 5 weeks and capecitabine administered at 825 mg/m2 twice daily). The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate; secondary endpoints were the proportion of clinical complete remissions and safety. The sample size was estimated assuming a null pCR proportion of 0.15 and an alternative pCR proportion of 0.30 (α = 0.05, power = 0.80). The proposed treatment could be considered promising if ≥13 pCRs were observed in 55 patients (EudraCT: 2018-004758-39; NCT04083365).

RESULTS

Between November 2019 and August 2021, 60 patients were accrued, of which 55 were assessable for the study's objectives. Two patients experienced disease progression during treatment. Nineteen out of 55 eligible patients achieved a pCR (34.5%, 95% confidence interval 22.2% to 48.6%). Regarding toxicity related to durvalumab, grade 3 adverse events (AEs) occurred in four patients (7.3%) (diarrhea, skin toxicity, transaminase increase, lipase increase, and pancolitis). Grade 4 toxicity was not observed. In 20 patients (36.4%), grade 1-2 AEs related to durvalumab were observed. The most common were endocrine toxicity (hyper/hypothyroidism), dermatologic toxicity (skin rash), and gastrointestinal toxicity (transaminase increase, nausea, diarrhea, constipation).

CONCLUSION

This study met its primary endpoint showing that CRT followed by durvalumab could increase pCR with a safe toxicity profile. This combination is a promising, feasible strategy worthy of further investigation.

Antifungal γ-pyrone and isoprenylated cyclohexanoids from the fungus Beenakia informis

Chemical investigation of the extract of the macroscopic fungus Beenakia informis led to the isolation of a previously unreported γ-pyrone  and two new isoprenylated cyclohexanoids, together with speciocin N. Their structures were elucidated spectroscopically and the absolute configuration was determined by comparison of the experimental vs calculated ECDcurves. Three of the compounds showed very good to moderate activity against phytopathogenic fungi.

Solid-state bioprocessing of sugarcane bagasse with Auricularia fuscosuccinea for phenolic compounds extraction

Sugarcane bagasse is a natural source of phenolic compounds. However, these compounds are bound to lignocellulose components, reducing their ability to function as good antioxidants. These linkages are hydrolyzed by enzymes like β-glucosidases, increasing free phenolics. Auricularia is a food-grade genus capable of producing β-glucosidases. The aim of this work was (I) to determine naturally occurring species of Auricularia and (II) to obtain phenolic compounds through the solid-state bioprocessing of sugarcane bagasse. We have successfully isolated five strains that were assigned to the taxon A. fuscosuccinea. We determined β-glucosidase activity by fluorescence plate assay of the five isolated strains and adjusted an optimal temperature for mycelial growth at 30 °C. A. fuscosuccinea LBM 243 was chosen for solid-state bioprocessing of sugarcane bagasse. β-glucosidase activity (12.2 ± 0.62 U l^-1) and protein content (51.58 ± 6.26 mg l^-1) were highest on day 20 of culture. The maximum value of total phenolic content (507.5 ± 9.05 mg l^-1) was obtained at day 20 and antioxidant capacity (34.44% ± 11.20) was highest at day 10, both in ethanolic extracts. The best performance of ethanol against methanol extraction in this work is highlighted considering ethanol to be a safe, efficient, and low-cost solvent.

First contribution to the genus Gymnopilus (Agaricales, Strophariaceae) in Paraguay

Abstract Gymnopilus is characterized by its ferruginous-yellow basidiomata and lamellae, ferruginous spore print, ellipsoidal basidiospores with warty and rough ornamentation, and lacking a germinative pore. Here, novel data on the Gymnopilus species of Paraguay is presented, macro and microscopic morphological characteristics, distribution, and ecology are described, and a taxonomic discussion is provided. Gymnopilus imperialis is recorded in the Alto Paraná Department, G. lepidotus in the Central Department, G. luteofolius in the Cordillera Department, G. peliolepis in the Paraguarí Department, and G. purpureosquamulosus in the Central Department and Boquerón, all as new records for Paraguay. Photographs of the fresh basidiomata and some microscopic structures such as basidia and basidiospores are attached.

Searching for novel multimodal treatments in oligometastatic pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Metastatic pancreatic cancer has a median overall survival of less than 12 months, even if treated with chemotherapy. Selected patients with oligometastatic disease could benefit from multimodal treatments connecting chemotherapy and surgical treatment or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of metastases.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a patient with oligometastatic pancreatic cancer recurrence who was successfully treated with a multimodal therapeutic approach. A 57-year-old male initially presenting with resectable pancreatic cancer underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. The histopathological diagnosis revealed ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma with positive surgical resection margins and negative lymph nodes. He completed six cycles of adjuvant therapy with gemcitabine (1000 mg/mq 1,8,15q 28), followed by external radiotherapy (54 Gy in 25 fractions) associated with gemcitabine 50 mg/mq twice weekly. Three years later, the patient developed multiple liver metastases, and he started FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/mq, irinotecan 180 mg/mq, leucovorin 400 mg/mq and fluorouracil 400 mg/mq given as a bolus followed by 2400 mg/mq as a 46 h continuous infusion,1q 14) as a first-line treatment. The CT scan showed a partial response after 6 cycles. After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient underwent a laparotomic metastasectomy of the three hepatic lesions. After additional postsurgical chemotherapy with 4 cycles of the FOLFIRINOX schedule, the patient remained free of recurrence for 12 months. A CT scan showed a new single liver metastasis, which was treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). A second radiofrequency ablation was performed when the patient developed another single liver lesion 12 months after the first RFA; currently, the patient is free from recurrence with an overall survival of 6 years from the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case has benefited from successful multimodal treatment, including surgical and local ablative techniques and systemic chemotherapy. A multimodal approach may be warranted in selected patients with oligometastatic pancreatic cancer and could improve overall survival. Further research is needed to investigate this approach.

Biodiversity and threats in non-protected areas: A multidisciplinary and multi-taxa approach focused on the Atlantic Forest

Along many decades, protected environments were targeted by the scientific community for ecological research and for the collection of scientific information related to environmental aspects and biodiversity. However, most of the territory in hotspot regions with weak or even non legal protection has been left aside. These non-protected areas (NPA) could host high biodiversity values. This paper addresses how scientific effort on a NPA (CIAR) of 700 ha from the Atlantic Rain Forest, generates new information and tools for large-scale environmental and biodiversity management in NPAs. Information published during the last decade was summarized and complemented with subsequent novel data about biodiversity (new species, first records, DNA and chemical analyses, etc.). The results showed: 1 new genus (arachnid), 6 new species and several putative new species (fish and arthropod), 6 vulnerable species (bird and mammal) and 36 first records for Argentina (fish, arthropod, platyhelminth and fungi). When compared with protected natural areas of the same biome, the CIAR showed highly valuable aspects for fauna and environment conservation, positioning this NPA as a worldwide hotspot for some taxa. Indeed, when compared to international hotspots in a coordinated Malaise trap program, the CIAR showed 8,651 different barcode index numbers (∼species) of arthropods, 80% of which had not been previously barcoded. Molecules like Inoscavin A, with antifungal activity against phytopathogens, was isolated for the first time in Phellinus merrillii fungi. The study of major threats derived from anthropic activities measured 20 trace elements, 18 pesticides (i.e. endosulfans, chlorpyrifos, DDTs, HCHs) and 27 pharmaceuticals and drugs (i.e. benzoylecgonine and norfluoxetine) in different biotic and abiotic matrices (water, sediment, fish and air biomonitors). This integrated data analysis shows that biodiversity research in NPA is being undervalued and how multidisciplinary and multi-taxa surveys creates a new arena for research and a pathway towards sustainable development in emerging countries with biodiversity hotspots.

Pluteus Fr. (Pluteaceae, Agaricales) in Paraguay: morphological studies and new records

Four species of Pluteus Fr. are documented based on recently collected specimens from Alto Paraguay and Central Department, which correspond to the Pantanal and Humid Chaco ecoregions, respectively. Pluteus fibulatus Singer, P. longistriatus (Peck) Peck, P. petasatus (Fr.) Gillet, and P. triplocystis Singer are newly recorded species of the mycobiota of Paraguay; P. triplocystis is also a newly recorded for South America. Descriptions and photographs of both macro- and microscopic features of each species are included along with a brief discussion on their taxonomy, ecology, and distribution.

Influence of light on lignin-degrading activities of fungal genus Polyporus s. str

Six strains belonging to five species of Polyporus (P. arcularius, P. arcularioides, P. tricholoma, P. cfr. tricholoma, and P. varius), collected from an Atlantic Forest area in Misiones (Argentina), where species usually grow exposed to high temperatures and humidity, were identified by morphological and molecular analyses. P. tricholoma (BAFC 4536) and P. arcularioides (BAFC 4534) were selected by their lignin-degrading enzyme production, their ability to produce primordial of basidiomes under submerged fermentation, and the decrease in lignin content caused in Poplar wood (up to 29% after 45 days). Among several variables evaluated with a Plackett-Burman design (glucose, copper, vanillic acid and manganese concentration, incubation period, and light incidence), the most important factor affecting laccase and Mn-peroxidase (MnP) production by both strains, was light incidence. Light induced fruit body development but diminished laccase and MnP production. Moreover, a modified isoenzymatic laccase pattern was observed, showing additional isoenzymes when fungi were cultivated under darkness and differences in optimal temperature. Although the studied strains did not produce high laccase and MnP titers (uppermost detected 4230 and 90 U L^-1 , respectively), their laccases showed thermal stability and optimal temperature above 70 °C, representing an interesting source in the search of thermo-tolerant enzymes for biotechnological applications.

Decrypting the Polyporus dictyopus complex: Recovery of Atroporus Ryvarden and segregation of Neodictyopus gen. nov. (Polyporales, Basidiomyocta)

Polyporus dictyopus, with a large number of heterotypic synonyms, has been traditionally considered a species complex, characterized by wide morphological variation and geographic distribution. Thus, neotropical specimens previously identified as P. dictyopus from Amazonia, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes were studied based on detailed macro- and micromorphological examination and phylogenetic analyses, using distinct ribosomal and protein-coding genomic regions: the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU), and RNA polymerase II second subunit (RPB2). Two unrelated generic lineages, each one represented by different species, are reported: Atroporus is recovered and re-circumscribed to include A. diabolicus and A. rufoatratus comb. nov.; Neodictyopus gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate N. dictyopus comb. nov. and two new species, N. atlanticae and N. gugliottae. Our study showed that at least five distinct species were hidden under the name P. dictyopus. Detailed descriptions, pictures, illustrations, and a key are provided for Atroporus and Neodictyopus species.

Quantitative comparison between the commercial software STRATOS(®) by Philips and a homemade software for voxel-dosimetry in radiopeptide therapy

BACKGROUND

Targeted radionuclide therapy is a rapidly growing modality. A few commercial treatment planning systems are entering the market. However, some in-house systems are currently developed for a more flexible and customized dosimetry calculation at voxel-level. For this purpose, we developed a novel software, VoxelMed, and performed a comparison with the software STRATOS.

METHODS

The validation of both of them was undertaken using radioactive phantoms with different volume inserts. A cohort of 10 patients was also studied after a therapeutic administration of (177)Lu-labelled radiopeptides. The activity, number of disintegrations, absorbed dose and dose-volume histogram (DVH) were calculated for the phantoms and the kidneys in patients, which were the main critical organs at risk in this study.

RESULTS

In phantoms the absorbed doses computed with VoxelMed and STRATOS agree within 5%. In patients at the voxel-level the absorbed dose to kidneys (VoxelMed: mean 0.66 Gy/GBq) showed a limited difference of 5%, but with a remarkable range (-40%, +60%) between the two software packages. Voxel-dosimetry allows to estimate the dose non-homogeneities in volumes, which may be evaluated through DVHs.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that a fully 3D voxel-dosimetry with multiple SPECT images is feasible by using home-made or commercial software package and absorbed dose results obtained are similar. The main difference between the studied tools was observed in the activity integration method (effective vs physical half-time to time activity curve tail). We believe that an effective half-time integration method produces a more accurate approximation of clinical uptake and resultant dosimetry.

Grape stalks as substrate for white rot fungi, lignocellulolytic enzyme production and dye decolorization

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of grape stalks, an agroindustrial waste, for growth and lignocellulolytic enzyme production via solid-state fermentation, using the following three white rot fungi: Trametes trogii, Stereum hirsutum and Coriolus antarcticus. The decolorization of several dyes by the above mentioned cultures was also investigated. Similar values of dry weight loss of the substrate were measured after 60 days (33-43 %). C. antarcticus produced the highest laccase and Mn-peroxidase activities (33.0 and 1.6 U/g dry solid). The maximum endoglucanase production was measured in S. hirsutum cultures (10.4 U/g), while the endoxylanase peak corresponded to T. trogii (14.6 U/g). The C. antarcticus/grape stalk system seems potentially competitive in bioremediation of textile processing effluents, attaining percentages of decolorization of 93, 86, 82, 82, 77, and 58% for indigo carmine, malachite green, azure B, remazol brilliant blue R, crystal violet and xylidine, respectively, in 5 h.

PET/CT and radiotherapy : data transfer, radiotherapy workflow and quality assurance

The development of new technologies in radiation therapy has made it possible to introduce more sophisticated techniques that can deliver the prescribed dose with more conformation and accuracy and to apply dose escalation protocols without increasing the risk of healthy tissue damage. This has consented the simultaneous delivery of different dose levels to different parts of the target, making it possible to boost those tumour sub-volumes that are considered more radio resistant. The use of PET for radiotherapy planning purposes has become increasingly important in the last few years, because of its ability to provide valuable biologic and functional data. PET imaging can affect the treatment strategy definition and improve the target delineation and the assessment of therapy response. The most attractive aspect is the perspective to deliver differential doses inside target volumes for areas of different biologic behaviour based on functional imaging, moving closer to the goals of biologically conformal radiation therapy. Each single step of PET/CT-guided radiotherapy workflow, needs to be performed following high standard procedures, within a rigorous and appropriate quality assurance protocol to minimize the sources of errors and to maximize the efficacy of PET imaging in radiation therapy, ensuring safe and effective use of the technology. The present paper focuses on aspects concerning the use of PET/CT in radiation treatment process, with the aim to delineate different possible approaches to its clinical application and to highlight the critical aspects of the various subprocesses.

Purification by ozonolysis of 18O enriched water after cyclotron irradiation and the utilization of the purified water for the production of [18F]-FDG (2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-d-glucose)

The high cost of virgin (18)O-enriched water has forced many researchers to study methods to purify and recycle enriched water after the first irradiation for the production of radiopharmaceuticals. In our study, [(18)O]H(2)O was purified by ozonolysis and distillation. Analyses showed a large decrease in impurities after this treatment. The purification procedure was carried out after the production of 94 batches of [18F]-FDG, which were manufactured using a GE Minitrace cyclotron and a GE Mx TracerLab synthesizer. Saturation yields after bombardment, using virgin and re-purified water were, respectively, 2864+/-204MBq/muA and 2727+/-167MBq/muA, a decrease of 5.5%. The decrease in [18F]-FDG yield, from 67.2+/-0.7% to 65.5+/-0.9%, can be ascribed to the irradiation step only.

Quality of life and aphasia. Multicentric standardization of a questionnaire

AIM

It is important to assess aphasics' quality of life in order to plan a rehabilitation treatment. To date such a tool is still missing for Italian patients. This paper reports normative data of the Italian version of SAQOL-39, a British questionnaire aimed to assess aphasics' quality of life. It consists of 39 items, divided into 4 subdomains (Physical, Communication, Psychosocial and Energy).

METHODS

Forty-two patients coming from 3 different Speech Therapy Services were enrolled. All patients completed speech therapy before examination. They were submitted to the Italian SAQOL-39 and 2 screening tests for aphasia: 1) Communication Assessment Scale according Goodglass and Kaplan; 2) Franchay Aphasia Screening Test (FAST). A receptive FAST score of 7 out of 15 was used as a cut-off score for SAQOL-39 administration.

RESULTS

The Italian SAQOL-39 showed good internal consistency (full scale Cronbach's alpha 0.939). Cronbach's alpha for every subdomains ranged from 0.950 (Communication) to 0.720 (Energy). Fluent aphasics gave significantly higher scores than nonfluent ones on full scale, and all out of Energy subdomains. Furthermore gravity of aphasia correlated with both full scale and Communication subdomain scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In authors' opinion, the Italian SAQOL-39 shares many psychometric features with the English one. This questionnaire seems to be suitable for clinical practice.

Aphasia quality of life: reliability of the Italian version of SAQOL-39

AIM

In recent times there has been an increasing interest in assessing the quality of life (QOL) in stroke clinical trials. To our knowledge, an Italian tool suitable for this purpose is still missing. So we adapted to Italian language the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 (SAQOL-39), that is a British questionnaire recently validated with aphasic subjects. The aim of this paper is to validate our version of SAQOL-39.

METHODS

To determine the matching of our version, we requested a native English speaker to translate the Italian version into English. Twelve patients (7 male, 5 female; mean age 66.4 years) were submitted to our test. All subjects were interviewed twice by 2 raters, at 24 h of distance. Neither examinator knew results of the other interview. Statistical analysis was performed by determining Cronbach's a and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

Comparing the original SAQOL-39 to the English translation of our Italian version, we found only a low percentage (10%) of minimal semantic variations. As for test-retest reliability, ICC for global score was 0.898 (ICC(2,39)). ICC range for SAQOL-39 subdomains was 0.816 to 0.969. Cronbach's a for full scale scores was 0.916 (subdomains ranged 0.767 to 0.976). Results seem good as for usefulness, reliability and acceptability of the Italian version of SAQOL-39, like the original version of this test.

CONCLUSIONS

Our Italian version of SAQOL-39 seems suitable for clinical use. A multicentric study aiming to compare our data to original English ones is in progress.

Genetic diversity of bacterial communities of serpentine soil and of rhizosphere of the nickel-hyperaccumulator plant Alyssum bertolonii

Serpentine soils are characterized by high levels of heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cr), and low levels of important plant nutrients (P, Ca, N). Because of these inhospitable edaphic conditions, serpentine soils are typically home to a very specialized flora including endemic species as the nickel hyperaccumulator Alyssum bertolonii. Although much is known about the serpentine flora, few researches have investigated the bacterial communities of serpentine areas. In the present study bacterial communities were sampled at various distances from A. bertolonii roots in three different serpentine areas and their genetic diversity was assessed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. The obtained results indicated the occurrence of a high genetic diversity and heterogeneity of the bacterial communities present in the different serpentine areas. Moreover, TRFs (terminal restriction fragments) common to all the investigated A. bertolonii rhizosphere samples were found. A new cloning strategy was applied to 27 TRFs that were sequenced and taxonomically interpreted as mainly belonging to Gram-positive and alpha-Proteobacteria representatives. In particular, cloned TRFs which discriminated between rhizosphere and soil samples were mainly interpreted as belonging to Proteobacteria representatives.

Genetic diversity of bacterial communities of serpentine soil and of rhizosphere of the nickel-hyperaccumulator plant Alyssum bertolonii

Serpentine soils are characterized by high levels of heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cr), and low levels of important plant nutrients (P, Ca, N). Because of these inhospitable edaphic conditions, serpentine soils are typically home to a very specialized flora including endemic species as the nickel hyperaccumulator Alyssum bertolonii. Although much is known about the serpentine flora, few researches have investigated the bacterial communities of serpentine areas. In the present study bacterial communities were sampled at various distances from A. bertolonii roots in three different serpentine areas and their genetic diversity was assessed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. The obtained results indicated the occurrence of a high genetic diversity and heterogeneity of the bacterial communities present in the different serpentine areas. Moreover, TRFs (terminal restriction fragments) common to all the investigated A. bertolonii rhizosphere samples were found. A new cloning strategy was applied to 27 TRFs that were sequenced and taxonomically interpreted as mainly belonging to Gram-positive and alpha-Proteobacteria representatives. In particular, cloned TRFs which discriminated between rhizosphere and soil samples were mainly interpreted as belonging to Proteobacteria representatives.

Contribution of GABAergic cortical circuitry in shaping somatosensory evoked scalp responses: specific changes after single-dose administration of tiagabine

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether conventional as well as high-frequency somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) to upper limb stimulation are influenced by GABAergic intracortical circuitry.

METHODS

We recorded SEPs from 6 healthy volunteers before and after a single-oral administration of tiagabine. Conventional low-frequency SEPs have been obtained after stimulation of the median nerve, as well as after stimulation of the first phalanx of the thumb, which selectively involves cutaneous finger inputs. Median nerve SEPs have been further analyzed after digital narrow-bandpass filtering, to selectively examine high-frequency responses. Lastly, in order to explain scalp SEP distribution before and after tiagabine administration, we performed the brain electrical source analysis (BESA) of raw data.

RESULTS

After tiagabine administration, conventional scalp SEPs showed a significant amplitude increase of parietal P24, frontal N24 and central P22 components. Similarly, BESA showed a significant strength increase of the second peak of activation of the first two perirolandic dipoles, which are likely to correspond to the N24/P24 and P22 generators. By contrast, no significant changes of high-frequency SEPs were induced by drug intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the view that both N24/P24 and P22 SEP components are probably generated by deep spiny cell hyperpolarization, which is strongly increased by inhibitory inputs from GABAergic interneurons. By considering the clear influence of inhibitory circuitry in shaping these SEP components, conventional scalp SEP recording could be useful in the functional assessment of the somatosensory cortex in different physiological and pathological conditions. By contrast, intrinsic firing properties of the cell population generating high-frequency SEP responses are unaffected by the increase of recurrent GABAergic inhibition.

Maurice Ravel and right-hemisphere musical creativity: influence of disease on his last musical works?

The problem of finding correspondence between a particular neuronal organization and a specific function of the human brain remains a central question of neuroscience. It is sometimes thought that language and music are two sides of the same intellectual coin, but research on brain-damaged patients has shown that the loss of verbal functions (aphasia) is not necessarily accompanied by a loss of musical abilities (amusia). Amusia without aphasia has also been described. This double dissociation indicates functional autonomy in these mental processes. Yet verbal and musical impairments often occur together. The global picture that emerges from studies of music and its neural substrate is by no means clear and much depends on which subjects and which aspect of musical abilities are investigated. An illustration of these concepts is provided by the case of the French composer Maurice Ravel, who suffered from a progressive cerebral disease of uncertain aetiology, with prominent involvement of the left hemisphere. As a result, Ravel experienced aphasia and apraxia and became unable to compose. The available facts favour a clinical diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), with the possibility of an overlap with corticobasal degeneration (CBD). In view of Ravel's clinical history, we propose that two of his final compositions, the Bolero and the Concerto for the Left Hand, include certain patterns characteristic of right-hemisphere musical abilities and may show the influence of disease on the creative process.

Music and cerebral hemodynamics

Previous studies performed by positron emission tomography and Transcranial Doppler (TCD) found a different cerebral activation during musical stimuli in musicians compared to non-musicians. The aim of our study is to evaluate by means of TCD, possible different pattern of cerebral activation during the performance of different musical tasks in musicians, non-musicians and lyrical singers. Our findings show a left hemispheric activation in musicians and a right one in non-musicians. Preliminary data on lyrical singers' activation patterns need further confirmation with a larger population. These data could be related to a different approach to music listening in musicians (analytical) and non-musicians who are supposed to have an emotional approach to music.

Lack of SOD1 gene mutations and activity alterations in two Italian families with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive fatal disorder, which results from the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 20% of the inherited autosomal dominant cases are due to mutations within the gene coding for Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), a cytosolic homodimeric enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of toxic superoxide anion. We investigated the presence of SOD1 gene mutations and activity alterations in two unrelated families of ALS patients from Elba, an island of central Italy. No mutation in SOD1 exon 1 to 5 and no activity alteration were observed in all members of the two analyzed ALS families (FALS). These data show an apparent heterogeneous distribution of ALS patients with SOD1 gene mutations among different populations and suggest that another genetic locus could be involved in the disease.

Risperidone in idiopathic and symptomatic dystonia: preliminary experience

Risperidone is a heterocyclic neuroleptic with prominent antiserotoninergic (5HT2) as well as antidopaminergic (D2) activity. We studied the efficacy of risperidone in the treatment of idiopathic and symptomatic dystonias in seven patients using the Fahn and Marsden rating scale for torsion dystonia before and after four weeks of treatment (2-6 mg/day). The twisting and involuntary movements with abnormal postures decreased in all the patients treated, with a statistically significant mean improvement (41%; p = 0.009, CI 95%). Our results suggest that risperidone is useful in idiopathic and symptomatic dystonia.

Spatial working memory in asymptomatic HIV-infected subjects

Many clinical and research findings converge to indicate that frontal lobe, basal ganglia, and related neuronal connections are primarily involved in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; frontal lobe, mainly the prefrontal cortex, has a specialized role in working memory processes. This study focused on neuropsychological evaluation of the spatial component of working memory in a sample of 34 asymptomatic HIV-infected subjects as compared with 34 age- and sex-matched seronegative control subjects. A computer-administered test assessing spatial working memory was used for the neuropsychological evaluation. The findings did not show any spatial working memory impairment during the asymptomatic phase of HIV infection.

Confirmation of association between expanded CAG/CTG repeats and both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Recent studies have suggested that expanded CAG/CTG repeats contribute to the genetic aetiology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, the nature of this contribution is uncertain and difficult to predict from other known trinucleotide repeat diseases that display much simpler patterns of inheritance. We have sought to replicate and extend earlier findings using Repeat Expansion Detection in an enlarged sample of 152 patients with schizophrenia, 143 patients with bipolar disorder, and 160 controls. We have also examined DNA from the parents of 62 probands with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Our results confirm our earlier, preliminary findings of an association between expanded trinucleotide repeats and both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, our data do not support the hypothesis that trinucleotide repeat expansion can alone explain the complex patterns of inheritance of the functional psychoses neither can this mechanism fully explain apparent anticipation.

No evidence of linkage between schizophrenia and D2 dopamine receptor gene locus in Italian pedigrees

Our purpose was to test the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2), the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and the monoamino oxydase A (MAO-A) gene for linkage to schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. We have analyzed seven Italian families with schizophrenia and four families with bipolar disorders for a total of 68 individuals; 32 individuals were affected. Diagnoses were made using the structured clinical interview Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, Lifetime version (SADS-L). The results of our study provide no evidence of linkage between alleles at D2 dopamine receptor loci and schizophrenia or bipolar disorders. The markers TH gene and MAO-A gene give slightly positive or negative results suggesting the utility of further analysis on more informative families.

[Bronchography in children. Methodologic, statistical and functional findings]

The value of bronchography in the various respiratory diseases of childhood is examined. After a brief critical review of the historical development of bronchography, 10 cases encountered in the Pneumology Unit of Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin are examined in order to compare the indications to and results of bronchography. In the light of the results obtained guidelines for the selection of bronchography as a diagnostic procedure are presented, specifying the situations in which stratigraphy, CAT scans or NMR are not adequate substitutes and suggesting what should be the current role of bronchography in paediatrics.

Release of leukotrienes, induced by the Ca++ ionophore A23187, from human lung parenchyma in vitro

When chopped human lung is stimulated with the Ca++ ionophore A23187 (0.25-10 microM) leukotriene (LT) B4, LTD4 and LTE4 are found in the incubation medium according to different patterns. LTD4 is released promptly and its levels increase up to 45 min after the stimulus (A23187, 10 microM) and decline later (120 min); LTE4 formation follows a sigmoidal shape and continues to accumulate even 2 hr after the challenge; LTB4 levels reach a plateau at 45 min. LTC4 was undetectable in most experiments but it was found to accumulate when reduced glutathione (10 mM) was added. Addition of exogenous LTC4 to unstimulated fragments of human lung shows that an effective interconversion to LTD4 and LTE4 takes place: A23187 stimulates formation of LT and cyclo-oxygenase products dose dependently; a statistically significant formation of LT occurs at A23187 concentration of 1 microM whereas thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-K-prostaglandin F1 alpha levels increased significantly only at 2.5 microM A23187. Pretreatment with U-60257 (100 microM) prevented formation of LT without a concomitant increase of TXB2 levels. Indomethacin (1.5 microM) blocked the release of 6-K-prostaglandin F1 alpha and TXB2 without a shift of arachidonic acid towards LT-like activity. Addition of exogenous LTC4 did not trigger synthesis of TXB2 or 6-K-prostaglandin F1 alpha. Our results indicate that reduced glutathione levels and the activity of the enzymes involved in LT biosynthesis and/or metabolism play an important role in controlling the pattern of LT release from human lung.

Action of amiodarone over the extension and reversibility of experimental myocardial infarction in pigs

The purpose of the present work is to evaluate the action of a benzofuran derivative, Amiodarone, on an experimental acute infarction model. Six pigs were intravenously administered 1 mg/kg Amiodarone (A) 20 minutes before inducing ischemia (I) by occlusion of the anterior descending coronary artery, which was maintained for 90 minutes. A similar dose level was repeated 20 minutes before ligation release (R). Similarly, another six animals received a placebo and formed the Control Group (C). The extent of myocardial injury was assessed by summations of ST segments (Sigma ST) and R (Sigma R) and Q (Sigma Q) waves of electrocardiographic epicardial mappings, as well as by serum levels for SGOT and LDH. Systemic blood pressure, pulmonary pressure, right atrial pressure, systemic resistance and cardiac output were also controlled. Two hundred and ten minutes after R, the animal was sacrificed for the purpose of carrying out morphological and histochemical studies. No significant differences were observed in the blood pressure of either group. During I, systemic resistance values suffered a drop in the Amiodarone Group A, whereas they increased in both groups after reperfusion. Pulmonary pressure was higher in Group A. Cardiac output showed a similar behavior in both groups up to R, when it significantly decreased in animals receiving Amiodarone. The Sigma ST and the Sigma Q were higher in the Control Group C, whereas the Sigma R was higher in Group A. The SGOT and LDH levels were higher during R in Group C. Histochemistry showed a higher activity for SDH and LDH in treated animals. Due to its action on afterload, its contractility and its direct myocardial action, Amiodarone limited the extent of necrosis and increased the recoverable amount of myocardium.

Loss of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity in vitro in the presence of bivalent metal ions and by dialysis of rat liver microsomes

A loss in cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity [cholesterol 7 alpha-monooxygenase; cholesterol,NADPH:oxygen oxidoreductase (7 alpha-hydroxylating), EC 1.14.13.17] was seen when rat liver microsomes were incubated in the presence of Ca2+, Mg2+, or Mn2+. The loss in enzyme activity was complete within only 5 min of incubation with Ca2+ and Mn2+, whereas Mg2+ required 10 to 15 min of incubation with microsomes to produce a similar inhibition. This effect of metal ions could be blocked if the incubations were carried out in phosphate buffer. Similarly, preincubation of microsomes in the presence of NaF completely prevented the loss in enzyme activity due to Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, but only partially the loss due to Mn2+. These results suggest metal ion activation of an endogenous microsomal phosphatase, which in turn may inactivate cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase through its dephosphorylation. Further, a dialyzable microsomal factor appears to be essential for stabilizing the enzyme, because dialysis of a microsomal suspension results in a considerable loss of enzyme activity.

Effect of detergents on in vitro 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol formation by rat liver microsomes

Formation of 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol by rat liver microsomes was quantitated using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS) operated in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Microsomes from normal rat livers incubated for different periods were found to yield increased 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol with time. This was also true when incubations contained Tween-80, but in this instance, the rate of 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol production was lower and dependent on the concentration of Tween used. Similarly, Triton X-100, Renex-30, Kyro EOB, Cutscum, and Emulgen 911 all lowered the formation of 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol by rat liver microsomes, whereas Triton WR-1339 stimulated its production. Analysis of data obtained from following the enzyme reaction over an extended period using an integrated Michaelis-Menten equation indicated the enzyme possesses a very significant affinity for the product (Ks greater than Kp). Similar analysis shows that Tween-80 is a noncompetitive inhibitor of the enzyme.

Measurement of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity with selected ion monitoring

Formation of 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol by rat liver microsomes was quantitated using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer operated in selected ion monitoring mode. This procedure measures the mass of 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol formed and does not require addition of labeled cholesterol to monitor the reaction, since endogenous microsomal cholesterol serves as substrate for the enzyme cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase. The method requires only the extraction of lipids from microsomal incubations and injection of a small fraction of this extract into the apparatus. Microsomes from normal rat livers incubated for different periods were found to yield increased 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol with time.

Carrier detection in Duchenne muscular dystropy

We investigated the number of echinocytes, the serum hemopexin level, and spectrin band II phosphorylation in the blood of normal subjects, patients, and carriers of Duchenne dystrophy. The patients and carriers exhibited quantitatively significant differences with respect to controls.