Clinical and radiographical outcome after surgical treatment of periprosthetic type B proximal femur fractures: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Periprosthetic fractures after hip prosthesis represent a constantly increasing clinical problem and a challenging complication to treat surgically. Among these, type B proximal femur fractures should be diagnosed correctly to be treated surgically. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the type of surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures.

METHODS

We examined the cases treated between January 2012 and February 2018, classifying them according to the U.C.S. AO/OTA. We evaluated the radiographic outcome according to the Beals and Tower criteria. Patients still alive were also re-evaluated according to the H.H.S. and the WOMAC score.

RESULTS

We treated 48 patients (12 men, 35 women, average age 81 years), divided into 24 type B1, 14 type B2 and 10 type B3 fractures. The overall consolidation rate was 95.4%, while the major complication (implant dislocation, pseudoarthrosis and deep infection) rate was 12.5%. Clinically, it was possible to reassess 34 patients with a mean follow-up of 38.4 months, an average HHS of 75.89 and a mean WOMAC score of 79.93.

CONCLUSIONS

Periprosthetic type B fractures are difficult to manage and require careful preoperative planning and appropriate intraoperative management. However, the overall clinical and radiographic result was satisfactory, although patients should still be aware of the risk of complications associated with this type of fracture.

Local structural distortions in SnTe investigated by EXAFS

Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) has been measured at theKedge of Sn in SnTe in the temperature range from 5 to 480 K. EXAFS results are consistent with the presence of a local rhombohedral distortion in the full temperature range from 5 to 300 K, even well above the ferroelectric transition temperature, suggesting a partial order-disorder character of the transition. At and above 300 K, the anomalous behaviour of the third and fourth EXAFS cumulants reveals a modification of the anharmonicity of the effective pair potential, possibly connected with the softening of high frequency modes or to the presence of multiple phases.

Intravenous vitamin K1 normalises prothrombin time in 1 hour in dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis

Four dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis were treated with intravenous vitamin K₁ in lieu of plasma transfusion due to client cost constraints. Two dogs experienced a suspected anaphylactoid reaction, necessitating cessation of the treatment in one dog. Prothrombin time was rechecked 1 h after treatment in the remaining three dogs and all results were within the normal reference range. All four dogs were discharged from hospital within 48 h of presentation. Intravenous vitamin K₁ rapidly reverses the coagulopathic state in dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis. It is a viable alternative therapy to plasma transfusion if circumstances preclude its use; however, patients must be monitored for anaphylactoid reactions.

Single-use, patient-specific instrumentation technology in knee arthroplasty: a comparative study between standard instrumentation and PSI efficiency system

Patient-specific instrumentation is a surgical technique that was created to improve the accuracy of implantation, surgical time and workflow in total knee arthroplasty. This study is a single-center, single-surgeon randomized clinical trial. The aim of this work was to evaluate clinical efficacy of PSI versus standard surgical instrumentation in malalignment risk and blood loss reduction. From April 2015 to September 2016, 40 patients for a total of 40 knees were included in the randomization process. Each patient underwent CT scan of the lower limb including hip, knee and ankle joint with the realization of the PSI system and the TKA with Medacta GMK Primary^®. Patients were evaluated 1 month after surgery with X-ray and after 2 months with clinical examination and assessment by Knee Society Score (KSS). Blood loss was detected by adding the values calculated in the operative room and the blood loss in the vacuum systems. In the study group, mean value of KSS was 85.2 (IC 95% 81.2-88.5), mean blood loss was 657 ml (IC 95% 580.6-735.4), and mean value of femorotibial angle was 178.8° (IC 95% 178.5-179.3). In the control group, mean value of KSS was 87.2 (IC 95% 85.3-89.4), mean blood loss was 866.5 ml (IC 95% 763.3-972.5), and mean value of femorotibial angle was 178.9°(IC 95% 177.6-180.3). The Student t test detected a significant difference in blood loss between groups (p < 0.05), and no differences were found between KSS. The single-use instrumentation should improve precision, operative time, turnover time, sterilization and maintenance costs and could help to reduce infection risks. Our results confirm only the improvement on reducing blood loss. In our opinion, this technique should be used in selected patients when the surgeon could have some difficulties to perform femoral cuts on coronal plane or when patients need to have a very little blood loss due to other conditions.

Tuning Pt and Cu sites population inside functionalized UiO-67 MOF by controlling activation conditions

The exceptional thermal and chemical stability of the UiO-66, -67 and -68 classes of isostructural MOFs [J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2008, 130, 13850] makes them ideal materials for functionalization purposes aimed at introducing active centres for potential application in heterogeneous catalysis. We previously demonstrated that a small fraction (up to 10%) of the linkers in the UiO-67 MOF can be replaced by bipyridine-dicarboxylate (bpydc) moieties exhibiting metal-chelating ability and enabling the grafting of Pt(ii) and Pt(iv) ions in the MOF framework [Chem. Mater., 2015, 27, 1042] upon interaction with PtCl₂ or PtCl₄ precursors. Herein we extend this functionalization approach in two directions. First, we show that by controlling the activation of the UiO-67-Pt we can move from a material hosting isolated Pt(ii) sites anchored to the MOF framework with Pt(ii) exhibiting two coordination vacancies (potentially interesting for C-H bond activation) to the formation of very small Pt nanoparticles hosted inside the MOF cavities (potentially interesting for hydrogenation reactions). The second direction consists of the extension of the approach to the insertion of Cu(ii), obtained via interaction with CuCl₂, and exhibiting interesting redox properties. All materials have been characterized by in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Pt L₃- and Cu K-edges.

XAS/DRIFTS/MS spectroscopy for time-resolved operando investigations at high temperature

The combination of complementary techniques in the characterization of catalysts under working conditions is a very powerful tool for an accurate and in-depth comprehension of the system investigated. In particular, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) coupled with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and mass spectroscopy (MS) is a powerful combination since XAS characterizes the main elements of the catalytic system (selecting the absorption edge) and DRIFTS monitors surface adsorbates while MS enables product identification and quantification. In the present manuscript, a new reactor cell and an experimental setup optimized to perform time-resolved experiments on heterogeneous catalysts under working conditions are reported. A key feature of this setup is the possibility to work at high temperature and pressure, with a small cell dead volume. To demonstrate these capabilities, performance tests with and without X-rays are performed. The effective temperature at the sample surface, the speed to purge the gas volume inside the cell and catalytic activity have been evaluated to demonstrate the reliability and usefulness of the cell. The setup capability of combining XAS, DRIFTS and MS spectroscopies is demonstrated in a time-resolved experiment, following the reduction of NO by Rh nanoparticles supported on alumina.

Use of autologous bone marrow cells concentrate enriched with platelet-fibrin on extensor mechanism allograft reconstruction for extensor mechanism failure following total knee arthroplasty

Allografts techniques remain the best reconstructive strategy for chronic extensor mechanism lesions after total knee arthroplasty (3) but outcomes depend strictly on the host tissue-allograft junctions healing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if modern techniques of adding autologous bone marrow cells concentrate enriched with platelet-rich fibrin, provide better healing of the allograft. We present the case of an 86 years old patient affected by patellar tendon rupture after TKA. A whole extensor mechanism allograft was performed adding a bone marrow cells concentrate enriched with platelet-rich fibrin on the host tissue-allograft junctions. Preoperatively and at each follow-up the value of Knee Society Score and radiographic consolidation signs were recorded. Radiographic controls showed clear signs of consolidation already at 1 months follow-up and a solid fusion at 3 months. This case report describes a valid method to improve healing using a tissue-construct engineered with stem cells and growth factors.

Insights into Cr/SiO2 catalysts during dehydrogenation of propane: an operando XAS investigation

In situ and operando XAS spectroscopic methods were applied to monitor the variations in the oxidation state and in the local structure of the chromium sites in a 2.0Cr/SiO_2-DHS catalyst during propane dehydrogenation under non-oxidative and different oxidative conditions.

The duality of UiO-67-Pt MOFs: connecting treatment conditions and encapsulated Pt species by operando XAS

XAS study of Pt-functionalized UiO-67 MOFs shows that 2 types of catalytically active sites can be formed in MOF cavities isolated Pt-complexes and Pt nanoparticles.

The Time-resolved and Extreme-conditions XAS (TEXAS) facility at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility: the energy-dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy beamline ID24

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility has recently made available to the user community a facility totally dedicated to Time-resolved and Extreme-conditions X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy--TEXAS. Based on an upgrade of the former energy-dispersive XAS beamline ID24, it provides a unique experimental tool combining unprecedented brilliance (up to 10(14) photons s(-1) on a 4 µm × 4 µm FWHM spot) and detection speed for a full EXAFS spectrum (100 ps per spectrum). The science mission includes studies of processes down to the nanosecond timescale, and investigations of matter at extreme pressure (500 GPa), temperature (10000 K) and magnetic field (30 T). The core activities of the beamline are centered on new experiments dedicated to the investigation of extreme states of matter that can be maintained only for very short periods of time. Here the infrastructure, optical scheme, detection systems and sample environments used to enable the mission-critical performance are described, and examples of first results on the investigation of the electronic and local structure in melts at pressure and temperature conditions relevant to the Earth's interior and in laser-shocked matter are given.

A comprehensive approach to investigate the structural and surface properties of activated carbons and related Pd-based catalysts

Activated carbons and related Pd-based catalysts are investigated with a multi-techniques approach, which allows correlating structure and performance.

Renal artery stenosis due to fibromuscular dysplasia in a transplanted kidney from a deceased donor: a difficult diagnosis at color Doppler ultrasonography

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is a frequent cause of arterial hypertension and/or allograft dysfunction after kidney transplantation and is usually located at the iliac artery anastomosis. Fibromuscular dysplasia is a less frequent, nonatherosclerotic, vascular disease, inducing stenosis at the proximal/mid-distal part of the renal artery. We report the case of a 44-year-old woman, in whom serum creatinine concentration increased and arterial hypertension developed 3 months after renal transplantation. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed a low arterial resistance index and prolonged acceleration time in the interlobar arteries, and a significantly increased peak systolic velocity at the mid third of the renal artery, demonstrating hemodynamically significant stenosis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty allowed stenosis correction and was followed by creatinine concentration and arterial blood pressure normalization.

A preliminary phylogeny of the genus Cunila D. Royen ex L. (Lamiaceae) based on ITS rDNA and trnL-F regions

Cunila species are aromatic and medicinal plants commonly employed in folk medicine. This genus is distributed in North America and in southern South America. The species that occur in southern South America are classified into three botanical sections: Incanae, Incisae and Spicatae. The present study uses a phylogenetic approach to study the genetic relationship among the South and North American Cunila species, aiming to test the monophyly of the genus in its traditional circumscription. The results based on sequencing from nuclear (ITS rDNA) and chloroplast (trnL-F) sets did not agree with the traditional circumscription of the genus. These data, based on maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses, point to the non-monophyletic status of Cunila, since the genus was separated into three segregated clades: (1) A South American subshrub clade formed by the species of the botanical section Spicatae, (2) a South American shrub clade that includes the species of the botanical sections Incanae and Incisae, and (3) a North American Cunila clade.

Supercritical extraction from vinification residues: fatty acids, α-tocopherol, and phenolic compounds in the oil seeds from different varieties of grape

Supercritical fluid extraction has been widely employed in the extraction of high purity substances. In this study, we used the technology to obtain oil from seeds from a variety of grapes, from vinification residues generated in the Southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This work encompasses three varieties of Vitis vinifera (Moscato Giallo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon) and two of Vitis labrusca (Bordô e Isabel), harvested in 2005 and 2006. We obtained the highest oil content from Bordô (15.40%) in 2005 and from Merlot (14.66%), 2006. The biggest concentration of palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids was observed in Bordô, 2005, and in Bordô, Merlot, and Moscato Giallo, 2006. Bordô showed the highest concentration of oleic acid and α-tocopherol in both seasons too. For the equivalent of procyanidins, we did not notice significant difference among the varieties from the 2005 harvest. In 2006, both varieties Isabel and Cabernet Sauvignon showed a value slightly lower than the other varieties. The concentration of total phenolics was higher in Bordô and Cabernet Sauvignon. The presence of these substances is related to several important pharmacological properties and might be an alternative to conventional processes to obtain these bioactives.

[Language disorders in children with morphologic abnormalities of the hippocampus]

PURPOSE

Morphologic abnormalities of the hippocampal formations (MAHF) are more frequently observed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We wished to specify the types of disorders associated with these malformations based on a retrospective case series by studying the language of the children presenting these abnormalities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From the data of all the MRIs taken in the neuroradiology ward of our center over 16 months in patients under 18 years of age, we retrospectively selected the children with an MAHF, isolated or associated with other malformations. The MAHFs were defined and described according to criteria of shape or orientation defects of the hippocampal formations. We studied the files of the patients with isolated MAHF again. Those whose clinical presentation was compatible with language assessment were tested in a prospective approach.

RESULTS

Out of 2208 MRIs from 1 January 2007 to 30 April 2008, 96 (4.3%) showed an MAHF, including 61 (64%) boys and 35 (36%) girls, aged from 2 months to 17 years. Eighty-two (85%) had associated abnormalities, mainly including cerebral atrophy, corpus callosum agenesis or defect, and abnormal ventricular frontal horns. Fourteen (15%) had an isolated MAHF: 2 on the left hemisphere, 2 on the right hemisphere, and 10 on both. Of these 14, 9 were compatible with language assessment. From the test results, we divided these children into 2 groups, depending on the type and severity of the impairment. Four had very serious language disorders as part of mental retardation or autistic disorders; 4 others had language disorders predominantly in expression and phonology, with weak to pathological visual memory. This study showed no potential relation between the lateralization of MAHF and language disorders, nor between the existence of epilepsy and the severity of the language disorders. Of these 14 children, 9 had behavior and autism spectrum disorders and 7 were epileptic.

CONCLUSION

Even though language disorders are often part of a larger deficiency presentation, the results we obtained suggest that isolated MAHFs are not only causes of amnestic disorders, but they could also directly underlie language disorders, particularly in expression.

Pd-supported catalysts: evolution of support porous texture along Pd deposition and alkali-metal doping

Adsorption of N2 at 77 K and scanning electron microscopy have been used to measure the changes in the support morphology, at nano- and microscale level, along the processes involved in the preparation of a supported Pd catalyst: Pd deposition, doping, and thermal treatments. Among the investigated supports, viz., activated carbons, gamma-Al2O3, SiO2, and SiO2-Al2O3 (SA), the SA one was found particularly sensitive to these processes, as a result of its high plasticity and reactivity. Involved processes can be summarized as follows: (i) During the Pd deposition, the support itself is partially dissolved and removed as a result of both the basicity of the precipitating agent and the final washing. (ii) When the undoped sample is thermally treated up to 823 K, only modest phenomena are observed. (iii) Upon doping with potassium carbonate, the support dissolution continues, and the greater the carbonate concentration, the greater the dissolution extent. In this case the dissolved material is not removed, but reprecipitates (partially outside the pores), during the subsequent drying at 393 K. (iv) When doped samples are thermally treated, the reaction between carbonate and support causes the mobilization of the support itself, with sintering phenomena that can reach the total collapse of the porous structure. The starting temperature of the pore collapse decreases with increasing potassium carbonate concentration. The modification of the support influences, directly or indirectly, the surface properties and the availability of Pd particles that can be doped or even covered by materials from support and made more or less accessible or even inaccessible by pore narrowing, widening, or blocking.

[Technopathic hearing loss and open fitting]

The purpose of this study is to value the advantage of open fitting ear-moulds in tecnopathic ipoacusies. The study was conducted on a sample of 70 tecnopathic ipoacusics with a hearing loss in the high wave frequencies (4000-8000 Hz) ammounting to at least 50 dB; 20 of which already using ear-moulds. To all of them was applied, for three weeks, an open fitting ear-mould. At the beginning and at the end of the study, the sample was given a questionary to fill out. The analysis of the questionnaries has proven that among the 20 tecnopathics already using ear-moulds: A) 16 subjects have a marked preference for the open fitting ear-moulds, B) 3 did not encounter differences between the two types of ear-moulds, C) 1 declared a better adaptability to the previous ear-moulds. Over all, in the 70 subjects examined, this research's results allow us to conclude that: the use of open fitting ear-moulds improves the quality of the natural sound of one's own voice, the natural quality of sounds, and the hearing of speech in the presence of other noises, while reducing irritation of the auditory cortex.

Correlation between the chemical and genetic relationships among commercial thyme cultivars

The essential oil composition and genetic variability of six commercial cultivars of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), a Mediterranean medicinal and aromatic plant, were analyzed by GC-MS and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), respectively. All evaluated cultivars belong to the thymol chemotype, with differences in the concentrations of thymol, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, and other minor components. The comparison of the oil components concentration by multivariate analysis allowed separation of the cultivars into two groups. All of the cultivars exhibited characteristic RAPD patterns that allowed their identification. On the basis of the RAPD patterns, the cultivars could be divided into two clusters, which coincides with results obtained by oil GS-MS analysis, with a correlation coefficient of -0.779.

Persisting obesity starting before puberty is associated with stable intraabdominal fat during adolescence

OBJECTIVES

To observe the evolution of intraabdominal adipose tissue (IAT) in obese prepubertal children, who did not change their degree of obesity during adolescence and to evaluate its relationship with metabolic risk indexes (RI).

DESIGN

Longitudinal study of 16 obese adolescents (eight male and eight female) in whom relative body weight (RBW) did not change significantly and pubertal development was completed during the study period.

MEASUREMENTS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at lumbar level (L4) three times during a 4 y period. At basal and at four years biochemical assays for metabolic indexes.

RESULTS

IAT did not differ significantly over the three measurement times and showed significant correlations between first and second (r = 0.66, P < 0.005), first and third (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) and second and third values (r = 0.84, P < 0.0001). Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) increased significantly from basal to third evaluation (P < 0.002). At baseline, IAT correlated significantly with lipids (total and LDL cholesterol r = 0.72, P < 0.004), while at the end of the study, IAT correlated positively with insulin (fasting insulin r = 0.55, P < 0.008, insulin area after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) r = 0.60, P < 0.03, fasting insulin/glucose r = 0.67 P < 0.006) and negatively with high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r = -0.55, P < 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity achieved before puberty, and stable during adolescence, showed a relatively stable amount of IAT. In post pubertal children the relationship of IAT to clinically significant risk factors resemble the pattern in obese adults.

[Active properties and therapeutic effects of San Giovanni Spa mud (Portoferraio, Elba Island)]

The authors describe the most important chemical-physical characteristics of the slime of the Terme San Giovanni in Elba Island, both with reference to the inorganic component, and especially to the organic one. The latter principally comes from the presence in the extraction basin of green algae of Caulerpa genus and of two sea plants, Zoostera marina and Posidonia oceanica. The presence of sulphur, in the organic components of slime, and of iron, in the inorganic one, provide the peloid peculiar properties which are very interesting in the treatment of dermatological diseases.

Insulin regulation of glucose turnover and lipid levels in obese children with fasting normoinsulinaemia

To evaluate the early metabolic alterations induced by obesity, we studied glucose turnover and lipid levels in obese children with fasting normoinsulinaemia. Two experimental protocols were carried out. Protocol I consisted of a euglycaemic glucose clamp at two rates of insulin infusion. Protocol II was similar to protocol I except for a variable lipid infusion used to maintain basal non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. During protocol I, the glucose disappearance rates were lower in obese children, while no differences were found in hepatic glucose release. NEFA response to insulin was not substantially altered in obese children either at low or high insulin infusion. During protocol II, the NEFA clamp induced a 25% reduction in peripheral insulin sensitivity in control children whereas no changes were observed in obese children. Interestingly, lipid infusion in control children was not sufficient to reproduce the same degree of insulin resistance observed in obese children, suggesting that NEFA are only one of the determinants of insulin resistance at this stage of obesity. In conclusion, the present study provides a portrait of glucose metabolism and lipid levels in normoinsulinaemic obese children. Our results document that peripheral insulin resistance is the first alteration at this stage of obesity, whereas an increase in insulin secretion and a defect in the inhibition of hepatic glucose release by insulin may develop at a later stage. In addition, primarily receptor and post-receptor defects and some alterations of NEFA metabolism are likely to coexist in the induction of insulin resistance at this stage of obesity.

[Universal dermatophytosis (tinea incognito) caused by Trichophyton rubrum]

An 84-year-old male presented with a dermatophyte infection that had spread over nearly the entire body surface. The first signs had developed 48 years before. After treatment with galenic and corticosteroid preparations for diagnoses of "eczema" and "psoriasis", the lesions gradually extended over the body and to the nails. The cutaneous symptoms had worsened in recent year after the patient had started systemic cortisone treatment for bronchial asthma. He also developed diabetes mellitus, papulonodular lesions on the face and limbs, thinning of his hair and eyebrows and hyperkeratosis of the soles and palms.

A well resolved ODMR triplet minus singlet spectrum of P680 from PSII particles

An ADMR T-S spectrum of the primary donor (P680) of photosystem II (PSII) was obtained from anaerobically photoreduced particles. The spectrum is the best resolved obtained so far having a main bleaching band at 684 nm with a linewidth of only 100 cm-1. The view that this spectrum is produced by native homogeneous P680 unlike those obtained before is defended. A small bleaching observed at 678 nm is discussed in terms of the reaction center structure. One possible interpretation of the observations is that P680 is a very loose dimer with an exciton splitting of only 144 cm-1 corresponding to a dimer center-to-center distance of roughly 11.5 A.

Epidemiology of the dermatophytoses in the Florence area of Italy: 1985-1990. Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum gypseum infections

Between 1985 and 1990 we observed 2085 cases of dermatophytoses in the Florence area of Italy. Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis were the major etiological agents. 126 cases of dermatophytoses observed during this period were caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Most of the patients came from rural areas or they kept pets. Epidermophyton floccosum ranked fourth in frequency (95 cases). The patients were adults and mainly males, most of whom engaged in sports or lived in group environments. Microsporum gypseum was isolated in 31 cases. Infections occurred directly from contact with soil or domestic animals. We report the principal clinical data concerning these last three dermatophyte infections.

[Intravenous immunoglobulins. General features and the main clinical applications]

Intravenous immunoglobulins are stable pooled human IgG preparations for therapeutic use. Intravenous immunoglobulins are used for replacement therapy for patients with primary or secondary antibody immunodeficiency, and they are also beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus pneumonia and Varicella-Zoster; they may also have a synergistic effect with antibiotics in some bacterial diseases. Intravenous immunoglobulins have also been used successfully in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Kawasaki disease and other autoimmune diseases such as Graves ophthalmopathy. Disadvantages of intravenous immunoglobulins include some frequent (10%) but usually not serious side effects and high cost; rarely has transmission of viral infections been reported.

[Preliminary results of intravenous immunoglobulins in treating patients with vasculitis]

Four patients affected with vasculitis syndrome (1 systemic vasculitis, 3 cutaneous vasculitis) were treated with "intravenous immunoglobulin" (IVIG). Two patients (1 systemic vasculitis, 1 cutaneous vasculitis) presented an improvement of clinical syndrome, while the other 2 patients presented a stable remission; in all patients biochemical amelioration or normalization was observed too. These data confirm that IVIG may be useful in treatment of systemic vasculitis and, for the first time to our knowledge, suggest that IVIG may be an effective treatment in cutaneous vasculitis.

[Immunoglobulins in the treatment of herpes zoster]

We have treated 20 patients with Herpes Zoster with "hyperimmune anti-Zoster immunoglobulins" (Uman-VZIG) by intralesional administration, 20 patients with Uman-VZIG by intramuscular administration and 23 patients with acyclovir by intravenous administration. The results of treatment in both groups of patients treated with Uman-VZIG were clinically satisfactory with disappearance of fever, local pain and amelioration of cutaneous lesions after two days from the start of treatment and with a mean duration of disease of five days. In patients treated with acyclovir, signs and symptomatology of disease ameliorated slowly and we have observed a longer mean duration of disease (about 8 days). We concluded that Uman-VZIG, both by intralesional and intramuscular administration, is effective and safe in Herpes Zoster treatment.

Dermatophyte infection in ichthyosis vulgaris

A 31-year-old male who had been suffering from ichthyosis vulgaris developed hyperkeratosic lesions on the palms and soles and ungual alterations of both hands and feet. These lesions were resistant to topical corticosteroid and emollient cream treatments and were found to be caused by Trichophyton rubrum. Association of ichthyosis vulgaris and dermatophytosis--both very common disorders--is to our knowledge a very rare event.

[Clinical experience with the use of Amorosa, a low-mineral water, in athletes]

Nine semi-professional football players have been studied during a pre-championship retreat in a hilly area with their team. The nine athletes drank "Amorosa" oligo mineral water for three weeks and various haematochemical parameters (such as uricaemia, creatinemia, azotemia, sodium content) both before and after the retreat, have been evaluated. Furthermore, LDH and CPK were monitored before and after an exertion test on an exercise bicycle after hydropinic ingestion. The results obtained fully confirm the diuretic and cathartic properties of the water and its property of mobilization of hydroelectrolytic system which are even more useful in subjects needing a rapid elimination of metabolic wastes accumulated during muscle fatigue.