Severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C/A) after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection: a report of four adult cases

BACKGROUND

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) triggered by a recent SARS-Cov-2 infection has been recognised worldwide. Although predominantly affecting children (MIS-C), similar presentations have been reported among adults (MIS-A).

METHOD

A retrospective case series describing four critically ill patients with MIS-C/A diagnosed between January and April 2021 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Clinical presentation, laboratory and radiological findings, treatment and outcome are reported.

RESULTS

Cases occurred in previously healthy patients with a history of laboratory-confirmed mild SARS-CoV-2 infection four to seven weeks earlier. The median age was 24 years (range 19-43) and 3/4 were male. All fulfilled suggested MIS-C/A criteria according to the US Centre for Disease Control and all required care at an intensive care unit. Treatment was initiated with intravenous immunoglobulin, interleukin-1-receptor antagonists, and pulse steroids in 3/4 cases which resulted in rapid clinical improvement. No severe complications were noticed in any case during a three-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

MIS-C/A should be considered, irrespective of age, in patients with fever, hyperinflammation and multiple organ system involvements emerging weeks after COVID-19. Previously suggested treatment regimens for MIS-C seem to be applicable also for MIS-A.

Ovotoxicity of smoking and impact on AMH levels: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Our study aims to analyze the correlation between the decrease of ovarian reserve and lower oocyte quality produced by the follicle associated with use of tobacco. In particular, the study analyzed the potential effects of cigarette smoking on hormonal dosages in infertile patients and patients with recurrent miscarriages.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 61 women with a history of infertility and recurrent miscarriage between March 2016 and March 2019 selected at the clinic of poly-abortivity and infertility at the ASL Roma 2 - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “S. Eugenio” Hospital. Patients’ medical history (familiar, physiological and pathological with particular attention to smoking habits and nutrition), the obstetric history, gynecological examination and ultrasound were recorded. The serum concentration of FSH, AMH, Inhibin B were examined between the second and third day of the period.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients between 25 and 43 years of age admitted into our clinic were identified; 42 patients with a history of recurrent abortion (more than two abortions) and 19 patients with a history of infertility were selected. A total of 31 non-smokers women (50.82%) (G1) and 30 (49.18%) (G2) smokers were included. No differences were detected between the two groups under examination; the parameter that did appear discordant is the AMH value; this value scored higher in non-smokers than in smokers. Specifically, in smoker patients with recurrent abortions.

CONCLUSIONS

The connection between nicotine, combustion material, and oocyte quality is an important and controversial research topic. Further studies are needed to clarify the influence of nicotine and combustion on the ovarian reserve in order to identify the main risk factors.

New digital tools for assessing neuropsychological executive functioning in old and new addictions. an exploratory study

Introduction

Nowadays new tools suitable for exploring executive functioning (EF) of behavioral addicted individuals are needed.

Objectives

This study tests a novel digital assessment battery that can be easily and remotely adopted by neuropsychologists working in the field of addiction.

Methods

Twenty-three participants were divided into two groups, balanced for age and education: an experimental (EXP) group of 13 patients with gambling behavior, and a control (CNT) group of 10 healthy subjects. A neuropsychological battery including 5 neuropsychological tests (measuring long- and short-term verbal memory, working memory, cognitive flexibility, verbal and non-verbal fluency, attention), and a behavioral task (modified Go/NoGo task with addiction-related stimuli) was digitally administered. Anxiety, depression, and impulsivity levels were collected before the evaluation.

Results

Significantly higher scores were found for repetition errors in the short-term verbal memory test, in the EXP subjects compared to controls. Higher reaction times were found in the Go/No-Go task for the EXP compared to CNT, with significant differences for neutral and addiction-related (cocaine, THC) stimuli. Furthermore, EXP showed higher impulsivity scores.

Conclusions

Although the study was only exploratory, the significant results could support the validity of this new digital tool. Besides, we could conclude that memory impairment and attentional bias in inhibitory control tasks could cover a significant role in new and old addiction and that impulsivity could represent a critical factor in explaining the relationship between EF impairment and addiction. Lastly, this study contributes not only to the understanding of EF impairment in addictions but also in the delivery of remote suitable digital neuropsychological testing.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Monitoring testosterone replacement therapy with transdermal gel: when and how?

PURPOSE

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is recommended for the treatment of most cases of male hypogonadism. Transdermal testosterone (T) gels are commonly used in clinical practice; however, there is little evidence concerning how to monitor dosage to bring and maintain serum T levels in the normal physiologic range.

METHODS

We examined 30 hypogonadal patients undergoing treatment with 40 mg/day transdermal 2% testosterone gel. After a week from treatment onset, all patients underwent a total of four measurements to assess serum total T, bioavailable T and free T at + 2 h (samples A and A') and + 23 h (samples B and B').

RESULTS

No significant difference was found concerning total, free and bioavailable T between the two samples taken at the same time points (A vs A' and B vs B'). A repeated-measures mixed effects regression model showed significantly lower serum levels of total, free and bioavailable T at + 23 h compared to + 2 h (total T, β = - 3.050 ± 0.704, p < 0.001; free T, β = - 85.187 ± 22.746, p < 0.001; bioavailable T, β = - 1.519 ± 0.497, p = 0.003) without a significant between-sample variability. Serum T > 3.5 ng/ml at + 2 h was reached in 21/30 patients (70%), but only 11 (36.7%) still had adequate serum T at + 23 h.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of TRT with transdermal gels at its peak and at its minimum could be useful in providing a finely tailored treatment for hypogonadal men, both preventing supra-physiological levels and maintaining adequate concentrations through the day.

Pathological Findings in Lowland Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) Killed by Motor Vehicle Collision in the Brazilian Cerrado

The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the largest land mammal in South America. The species faces steady population decline due to poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, road-kill, pesticide pollution, competition with domestic livestock and fires, among other threats. The lowland tapir is currently listed as vulnerable to extinction. Little information is available about natural disease processes for the species. This study aimed to report the pathological findings recorded in a cohort of 35 lowland tapirs killed by motor vehicle collision (MVC) on highways of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between 2015 and 2018. The main gross pathological findings were those associated with MVC, primarily involving skeletal fractures and internal multiorgan damage with extensive bleeding and/or severe central nervous system injury. The most prevalent concurrent histopathological findings, unrelated to the cause of death, were: adrenal gland degeneration, necrosis and loss of fascicular and reticular cells with replacement fibrosis and cortical atrophy (9/15; 60%); interstitial pneumonia (20/34; 59%); glossitis (9/24; 38%); pulmonary anthracosis (12/34; 35%); colitis (9/28; 32%); and cholangitis/pericholangitis (9/35; 26%). The aetiopathogeneses and clinicopathological significance of some of these findings are unclear; however, parasitic infections appear to be common. Our results highlight the importance of wildlife health information obtained through the study of carcasses of roadkills.

Atazanavir and darunavir in pregnant women with HIV: evaluation of laboratory and clinical outcomes from an observational national study

Background

Atazanavir and darunavir represent the main HIV PIs recommended in pregnancy, but comparative data in pregnant women are limited. We assessed the safety and activity profile of these two drugs in pregnancy using data from a national observational study.

Methods

Women with atazanavir or darunavir exposure in pregnancy were evaluated for laboratory measures and main pregnancy outcomes (e.g. preterm delivery, low birthweight, non-elective caesarean section and neonatal gestational age-adjusted birthweight Z-score).

Results

Final analysis included 500 pregnancies with either atazanavir (n = 409) or darunavir (n = 91) exposure. No differences in pregnancy outcomes, weight gain in pregnancy, drug discontinuations, undetectable HIV-RNA, haemoglobin, ALT, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were observed between the two groups. At third trimester, exposure to darunavir was associated with higher levels of plasma triglycerides (median 235.5 versus 179 mg/dL; P = 0.032) and a higher total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (median 4.03 versus 3.27; P = 0.028) and exposure to atazanavir was associated with higher levels of plasma bilirubin (1.54 versus 0.32 mg/dL; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this observational study, the two main HIV PIs currently recommended by perinatal guidelines showed similar safety and activity in pregnancy, with no evidence of differences between the two drugs in terms of main pregnancy outcomes. Based on the minor differences observed in laboratory measures, prescribing physicians might prefer either drug in some particular situations where the different impacts of treatment on lipid profile and bilirubin may have clinical relevance.

High incidence of MTHFR, CBS, and MTRR polymorphisms in vitiligo patients. Preliminary report in a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Vitiligo is a multifactorial polygenic disorder with a complex pathogenesis. It is related to both genetic and no genetic factors. The role of genetics is currently studied with several analytical approaches, such as genetic linkage, candidate gene association studies, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), deep DNA re-sequencing and gene expression studies. To date, there are no genetic traits directly related to vitiligo pathogenesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

43 cases of vitiligo patients and 30 healthy donors recruited as control, were screened by assaying the biochemical molecules involved in the self-cells cytotoxicity (haptoglobin and homocysteine) and candidate genes involved in the regulatory process of the re-methylation cycles and transsulfuration. Candidate genes and their polymorphisms screened are methylene-tetrahydrofolate-reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C; cystathionine-beta-synthase enzyme (CBS) I278T and Ins68bp; and methionine-synthase-reductase (MTRR) A66G.

RESULTS

A peculiar genetic profile in vitiligo patients are defined: 11.6% of vitiligo patients shown polymorphic variant MTHFR 677TT vs. 3.3% of healthy donor MTHFR 677CC profile (p=0.0017); 14.0% of vitiligo patients shown CBS polymorphic variant 278TT vs. 3.3% of healthy donor 278II profile (p=0.0012); and 11.6% of vitiligo patients shown MTRR 66GG vs. 3.3% of healthy donor MTRR 677AA profile (p>0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study reporting the correlation between the polymorphic status of MTHFR C677T, CBS I278T, and MTRR A66G and vitiligo. The genetic screening of these polymorphisms could be useful for early detection of the inheritance risk factor in a subject carrying relatives with vitiligo. Although these data could suggest a kind of dysregulation, genetically based, of thiols production mechanisms. Based on these results, we have not been able to get hypothesis about the putative pathogenesis of vitiligo, and the precise cause remains unclear.

Molecular characterization of a nosocomial outbreak of influenza B virus in an acute care hospital setting

Aim

To describe a hospital outbreak of influenza B virus (InfB) infection during season 2015/2016 by combining clinical and epidemiological data with molecular methods.

Methods

Twenty patients diagnosed with InfB from a hospital outbreak over a four-week-period were included. Nasopharyngeal samples (NPS) positive for InfB by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction were sent for lineage typing and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for data regarding patient characteristics, localization, exposure and outcome, and assembled into a timeline. In order to find possible connections to the hospital outbreak, all patients with a positive NPS for influenza from the region over an extended time period were also reviewed.

Findings

All 20 cases of InfB were of subtype B/Yamagata, and 17 of 20 patients could be linked to each other by either shared room or shared ward. WGS was successful or partially successful for 15 of the 17 viral isolates, and corroborated the epidemiological link supporting a close relationship. In the main affected ward, 19 of 75 inpatients were infected with InfB during the outbreak period, resulting in an attack rate of 25%. One probable case of influenza-related death was identified.

Conclusion

InfB may spread within an acute care hospital, and advanced molecular methods may facilitate assessment of the source and extent of the outbreak. A multi-faceted approach, including rapid diagnosis, early recognition of outbreak situations, simple rules for patient management and the use of regular infection control measures, may prevent nosocomial transmission of influenza virus.

Parotid Salivary Gland Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma in a Big-eared Opossum (Didelphis aurita)

The opossum (family Didelphidae) is a marsupial endemic to the Americas. Apart from the South American short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) and the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), there is considerable lack of knowledge about the health and diseases of most opossum species. Among these, the big-eared opossum (Didelphis aurita) is found in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Natural and experimental studies have shown this species to be susceptible to infectious agents with zoonotic potential and the animals may play a role in transmission of such agents. However, neoplasia appears to be uncommon in this species. We describe the gross, microscopical and immunohistochemical features of a parotid salivary gland basal cell adenocarcinoma in a free-living big-eared opossum. This case represents the first report of salivary gland neoplasia in opossums.

Gender in Endocrine Diseases: Role of Sex Gonadal Hormones

Gender- and sex- related differences represent a new frontier towards patient-tailored medicine, taking into account that theoretically every medical specialty can be influenced by both of them. Sex hormones define the differences between males and females, and the different endocrine environment promoted by estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, and their precursors might influence both human physiology and pathophysiology. With the term Gender we refer, instead, to behaviors, roles, expectations, and activities carried out by the individual in society. In other words, "gender" refers to a sociocultural sphere of the individual, whereas "sex" only defines the biological sex. In the last decade, increasing attention has been paid to understand the influence that gender can have on both the human physiology and pathogenesis of diseases. Even the clinical response to therapy may be influenced by sex hormones and gender, but further research is needed to investigate and clarify how they can affect the human pathophysiology. The path to a tailored medicine in which every patient is able to receive early diagnosis, risk assessments, and optimal treatments cannot exclude the importance of gender. In this review, we have focused our attention on the involvement of sex hormones and gender on different endocrine diseases.

Supra-physiological rhGH administration induces gender-related differences in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in healthy individuals

PURPOSE

The use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a common habit among athletes. While the effects of rhGH administration have been described with contrasting results in males, no data exist in females to date. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of rhGH administration on TSH, FT₄ and FT₃ levels and the time requested to return to baseline values after treatment withdrawal.

METHODS

Twenty-one healthy trained male and female athletes were treated with 0.03 mg rhGH/kg body mass 6 days/week for 3 weeks. We collected blood samples immediately before the first daily rhGH administration, at 3, 4, 8, 15 and 21 days of treatment and at 3 and 9 days after rhGH withdrawal.

RESULTS

In males, rhGH administration induced a significant (p < 0.01) early and stable TSH decrease and IGF-I increase, and a delayed FT₄ reduction without FT₃ modification, suggesting a central regulatory mechanism. In females, rhGH administration induced a significant (p < 0.01) early and transient TSH decrease and IGF-I increase, and a transient reduction in FT₄ without any changes in FT₃ concentrations. rhGH withdrawal was associated with a prompt normalization of TSH and FT₄ levels in males, while in females the effects of rhGH treatment had already disappeared during the last period of treatment.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that rhGH inhibits TSH at central level both in males and females. The pattern of normalization was different in the two genders probably due to gonadal steroids modulation on GH-IGF-I axis.

Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling in HIV-infected pregnant women: a multicentre case series

OBJECTIVES

To assess in pregnant women with HIV the rates of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and the outcomes associated with such procedures.

DESIGN

Observational study. Data from the Italian National Program on Surveillance on Antiretroviral Treatment in Pregnancy were used.

SETTING

University and hospital clinics.

POPULATION

Pregnant women with HIV.

METHODS

Temporal trends were analysed by analysis of variance and by the Chi-square test for trend. Quantitative variables were compared by Student's t-test and categorical data by the Chi-square test, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rate of invasive testing, intrauterine death, HIV transmission.

RESULTS

Between 2001 and 2015, among 2065 pregnancies in women with HIV, 113 (5.5%) had invasive tests performed. The procedures were conducted under antiretroviral treatment in 99 cases (87.6%), with a significant increase over time in the proportion of tests performed under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (100% in 2011-2015). Three intrauterine deaths were observed (2.6%), and 14 pregnancies were terminated because of fetal anomalies. Among 96 live newborns, eight had no information available on HIV status. Among the remaining 88 cases with either amniocentesis (n = 75), CVS (n = 12), or both (n = 1), two HIV transmissions occurred (2.3%). No HIV transmission occurred among the women who were on HAART at the time of invasive testing, and none after 2005.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings reinforce the assumption that invasive prenatal testing does not increase the risk of HIV vertical transmission among pregnant women under suppressive antiretroviral treatment.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

No HIV transmission occurred among women who underwent amniocentesis or CVS under effective anti-HIV regimens.

Lipid Profile During Pregnancy in HIV-Infected Women

PURPOSE

We investigated the evolution of serum lipid levels in HIV-infected pregnant women and the potential effect of antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy using data from a national surveillance study.

METHOD

Fasting lipid measurements collected during routine care in pregnancy were used, analyzing longitudinal changes and differences in lipid values at each trimester by protease inhibitors (PIs) and stavudine use. Multivariate analyses were used to control for simultaneous factors potentially leading to hyperlipidemia. Study population included 248 women.

RESULTS

Lipid values increased progressively and significantly during pregnancy: mean increases between the first and third trimesters were 141.6 mg/dL for triglycerides (p < .001), 60.8 mg/dL for total cholesterol (p < .001), 13.7 mg/dL for HDL cholesterol (p < .001), and 17.8 mg/dL for LDL cholesterol (p = .001). At all trimesters, women on PIs had significantly higher triglyceride values compared to women not on PIs. The effect of PIs on cholesterol levels was less consistent. Stavudine showed a dyslipidemic effect at first trimester only. Multivariate analyses confirmed these observations and suggested a potential role of other cofactors in the development of hyperlipidemia during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

The changes observed point to the need to further explore the causes and the clinical correlates of hyperlipidemia during pregnancy in women with HIV.

Rate, predictors, and consequences of late antenatal booking in a national cohort study of pregnant women with HIV in Italy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and consequences of late antenatal booking (13 or more weeks gestation) in a national observational study of pregnant women with HIV.

METHODS

The clinical and demographic characteristics associated with late booking were evaluated in univariate analyses using the Mann-Whitney U test for quantitative data and the chi-square test for categorical data. The associations that were found were re-evaluated in multivariable logistic regression models. Main outcomes were preterm delivery, low birthweight, nonelective cesarean section, birth defects, undetectable (<50 copies/mL) HIV plasma viral load at third trimester, delivery complications, and gender-adjusted and gestational age-adjusted Z scores for birthweight.

RESULTS

Rate of late booking among 1,643 pregnancies was 32.9%. This condition was associated with younger age, African provenance, diagnosis of HIV during pregnancy, and less antiretroviral exposure. Undetectable HIV RNA at third trimester and preterm delivery were significantly more prevalent with earlier booking (67.1% vs 46.3%, P < .001, and 23.2% vs 17.6, P = .010, respectively), whereas complications of delivery were more common with late booking (8.2% vs 5.0%, P = .013). Multivariable analyses confirmed an independent role of late booking in predicting detectable HIV RNA at third trimester (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3; P < .001) and delivery complications (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Late antenatal booking was associated with detectable HIV RNA in late pregnancy and with complications of delivery. Measures should be taken to ensure an earlier entry into antenatal care, particularly for African women, and to facilitate access to counselling and antenatal services. These measures can significantly improve pregnancy management and reduce morbidity and complications in pregnant women with HIV.

Testosterone responses to standardized short-term sub-maximal and maximal endurance exercises: issues on the dynamic adaptive role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis

BACKGROUND

Few and conflicting data on the acute adaptive role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis to sub-maximal endurance exercise exist.

AIMS

To investigate the acute HPT axis responses to standardized endurance exercises in a laboratory setting and the correlations between testosterone and classic adaptive hormones variations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

12 healthy male volunteers were recruited for this experimental study. Serum PRL, GH, ACTH, LH, cortisol, DHEAS, testosterone [total (TT), calculated free (cFT) and bioavailable (cBioT)], SHBG, and respective ratios, were evaluated before and after a 30-min sub-maximal exercise on cycle ergometer at individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) and a maximal exercise until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected before exercise (30, 15 min and immediately before), immediately after and at different time points during recovery (+15, +30 and +60 min) for hormones assays. Oxygen consumption and lactate concentration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Testosterone (TT, cFT and cBioT) acutely increased in all volunteers after both exercises. Testosterone increased in parallel to GH after both exercises and to cortisol only after maximal exercise. Differently from other increased hormones, testosterone increases were not correlated to exercise-intensity-related variables. The anabolic/catabolic steroids ratios were higher after sub-maximal exercise, compared to maximal.

CONCLUSIONS

A 30-min sub-maximal endurance exercise acutely increased serum testosterone similarly to maximal exercise, but without cortisol increases. Exercise-related testosterone peaks should be considered adaptive phenomena, but few data on their short- and long-term effects exist. Investigations on the mechanisms of adaptation to exercise in active individuals with physiological or pathological hypo-testosteronemia are warranted.

Birth defects in a national cohort of pregnant women with HIV infection in Italy, 2001-2011

OBJECTIVE

We used data from a national study of pregnant women with HIV to evaluate the prevalence of congenital abnormalities in newborns from women with HIV infection.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

University and hospital clinics.

POPULATION

Pregnant women with HIV exposed to antiretroviral treatment at any time during pregnancy.

METHODS

The total prevalence of birth defects was assessed on live births, stillbirths, and elective terminations for fetal anomaly. The associations between potentially predictive variables and the occurrence of birth defects were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for exposed versus unexposed cases, calculated in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Birth defects, defined according to the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 1257 pregnancies with exposure at any time to antiretroviral therapy were evaluated. Forty-two cases with major defects were observed. The total prevalence was 3.2% (95% CI 1.9-4.5) for exposure to any antiretroviral drug during the first trimester (23 cases with defects) and 3.4% (95% CI 1.9-4.9) for no antiretroviral exposure during the first trimester (19 cases). No associations were found between major birth defects and first-trimester exposure to any antiretroviral treatment (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.51-1.75), main drug classes (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.51-1.76; non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.56-2.55; protease inhibitors, OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.43-1.95), and individual drugs, including efavirenz (prevalence for efavirenz, 2.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds further support to the assumption that first-trimester exposure to antiretroviral treatment does not increase the risk of congenital abnormalities.

Rhinovirus infections in western Sweden: a four-year molecular epidemiology study comparing local and globally appearing types

Human rhinovirus (HRV) is a highly prevalent pathogen and a major cause of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). HRV express less seasonality than other viral ARTIs, which typically appear as seasonal epidemics lasting for 1–2 months. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal patterns of HRV types over four consecutive years in one geographic region. HRV identified in respiratory samples from 114 patients over a four-year period were analysed by VP4/VP2 sequencing. HRV-A was found in 64, HRV-B in 11 and HRV-C in 37 cases. Overall, 33 different HRV-A types, nine B types and 21 C types were found. As many as 21 of the HRV types appeared during several seasons, with a maximum time-span of four years. Some types appeared during successive seasons and, in some cases, phylogenetic analysis indicated extended periods of circulation locally. Most of the strains were closely related to HRV identified in other parts of the world during the same time period. HRV strains that circulate locally represent many types and seem to reflect that HRV infections are highly globalised. The existence of simultaneous or successive epidemics with different HRV types in combination with the ability of each type to remain in the local population over extended periods of time may contribute to explaining the high rate of HRV infections.

Nifedipine-morphine interaction: a further investigation on nociception and locomotor activity in mice

Nociception and locomotor activity were tested in mice (C57BL/6 and DBA/2 strains), receiving the dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker nifedipine, alone or combined with morphine. The calcium antagonist did not change the reaction time to thermal stimulation (tail-flick test), when administered alone, but combinations of nifedipine and morphine prolonged tail-flick latencies less than did the opiate alone. Nifedipine decreased locomotion in both strains, reduced the hypermotility induced by morphine in C57 mice, and enhanced the locomotor depression induced by the opiate in DBA mice. A comparison of the effects of nifedipine with those of the non-calcium antagonist vasodilator, hydralazine, suggests that the interactions with morphine were not exclusively related to neuronal changes produced by calcium channel blockade, but also to haemodynamic factors. In fact, except for the lack of interference with morphine-induced hypermotility in C57 mice, hydralazine, given alone or in combination with morphine, produced effects similar to those of nifedipine.

Similar effects of nifedipine and hydralazine on anaesthesia and hypermotility induced by pentobarbitone in mice

Nifedipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, and hydralazine, a non-calcium channel antagonist vasodilatator, enhanced pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and reversed locomotor hyperactivity induced by a subhypnotic dose of the barbiturate in mice. The similarity of the behavioural effects, exerted by nifedipine and hydralazine, suggest that haemodynamic factors may play an important role in the interaction of calcium channel antagonists with barbiturates.

Prevalence and characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic tuboovarian masses in women with HIV: an ultrasonographic study

HIV-positive women with pelvic inflammatory disease have been reported to have an increased prevalence of tuboovarian masses (TOMs). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic ultrasonographic TOMs in women with HIV and to identify associated factors in order to formulate a selective ultrasonographic screening strategy. Two-hundred and four HIV outpatients underwent transvaginal ultrasonography. Eight (3.9%) had a diagnosis of TOM (5 were asymptomatic). Two profiles of patients at risk for TOM were identified who could be considered for selective screening strategies: the 'long-term infected' (age>35 years, diagnosis of HIV infection more than 5 years ago, HIV clinical category C, CD4 counts below 200/mm(3), >5 lifetime partners and on antiretroviral therapy) and the 'recently diagnosed with HIV' (African ethnicity, age 25-35, HIV diagnosis in the previous year, >5 lifetime partners, HIV clinical category C and not on antiretroviral therapy).

Foetal heart rate power spectrum response to uterine contraction

Cardiotocography is the most diffused prenatal diagnostic technique in clinical routine. The simultaneous recording of foetal heart rate (FHR) and uterine contractions (UC) provides useful information about foetal well-being during pregnancy and labour. However, foetal electronic monitoring interpretation still lacks reproducibility and objectivity. New methods of interpretation and new parameters can further support physicians' decisions. Besides common time-domain analysis, study of the variability of FHR can potentially reveal autonomic nervous system activity of the foetus. In particular, it is clinically relevant to investigate foetal reactions to UC to diagnose foetal distress early. Uterine contraction being a strong stimulus for the foetus and its autonomic nervous system, it is worth exploring the FHR variability response. This study aims to analyse modifications of the power spectrum of FHR variability corresponding to UC. Cardiotocographic signal tracts corresponding to 127 UC relative to 30 healthy foetuses were analysed. Results mainly show a general, statistically significant (t test, p<0.01) power increase of the FHR variability in the LF 0.03-0.2 Hz and HF 0.2-1 in correspondence of the contraction with respect to a reference tract set before contraction onset. Time evolution of the power within these bands was computed by means of time-varying spectral estimation to concisely show the FHR response along a uterine contraction. A synchronised grand average of these responses was also computed to verify repeatability, using the contraction apex as time reference. Such modifications of the foetal HRV that follow a contraction can be a sign of ANS reaction and, therefore, additional, objective information about foetal reactivity during labour.

Three-dimensional sonography and hysterosalpingosonography in the diagnosis of uterine anomalies

Uterine anomalies implicated in female subfertility, implantation failure and miscarriages can often be detected often by two-dimensional transvaginal (2D TV) ultrasound scanning. When used as a screening test TV ultrasound has provided sensitivity rates of up to 100% about uterine anomalies. Improved depiction has been achieved with the development of hysterosalpingosonography (HSSG). The anechoic interface provided by the saline solution allows the examiner to determine whether an abnormality is intracavitary, endometrial, or submucosal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of 2D TV contrast sonography and 3D TV ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital uterine anomalies in comparison with their appearance of hysterosalpingosonography findings.

Opposite effect of simple tetrahydroisoquinolines on amphetamine- and morphine-stimulated locomotor activity in mice

Endogenous tetrahydroisoquinolines, such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) and 1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (salsolinol), were tested for their interaction with motor effects of amphetamine and morphine in C57BL/6 mice. TIQ binding to cortical adrenergic alpha1, alpha2 and beta receptors, striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors and cortical L-type calcium channels in the Wistar rat was also studied. Both compounds in high doses reduced the mouse locomotor activity, and in doses not affecting activity inhibited the motor stimulation induced by amphetamine, 2 or 3 mg/kg i.p., but facilitated the hyperactivity induced by 10 mg/kg of morphine. TIQ did not displace ligands that are antagonists for several receptor sites (including D1 and D2 receptors), but displaced an agonist of alpha2-adrenoceptor, clonidine. It is proposed that TIQ and salsolinol specifically antagonize the agonistic conformation of dopamine receptor and that endogenous 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines may play a role of natural feedback regulators of the activity of dopaminergic system.

Y chromosome-specific short tandem repeats in forensic casework

Several case examples are presented to illustrate the usefulness of Y chromosome specific human DNA markers in a forensic setting. The markers used are the tetrameric short tandem repeats (STR's) DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, and DYS390. The main advantage of the Y-STR approach is the ability to detect the male component in a mixture of male and female DNA. It is also useful for the determination of the number of semen donors for mixtures of two or more male individuals.

Automatic recognition of vertebral landmarks in fluoroscopic sequences for analysis of intervertebral kinematics

Intervertebral kinematics closely relates to the functionality of the spinal segments. Direct measurement of the intervertebral kinematics in vivo is very problematic. The use of a fluoroscopic device can provide continuous screening of the lumbar tract during patient spontaneous motion, with an acceptable, low X-ray dose. The kinematic analysis is intended to be limited to planar motion. Kinematic parameters are computed from vertebral landmarks on each frame of the image sequence. Landmarks are normally selected manually in spite of the fact that this is subjective, tedious to perform and regarded as one of the major contributors to errors in the computed kinematic parameters. The aim of this work is to present an innovative method for the automatic recognition of vertebral landmarks throughout a fluoroscopic image sequence to provide an objective and more precise quantification of intervertebral kinematics. The recognition procedure is based upon comparing vertebral features in two adjacent frames by means of a cross-correlation index, which is also robust despite the low signal-to-noise ratio of the lumbar fluoroscopic images. To provide a quantitative assessment of this method a calibration model was used which consisted of two lumbar vertebrae linked by a universal joint. The reliability and accuracy of the kinematic measurements have been investigated. The errors are of the order of a millimetre for the localisation of the intervertebral centre of rotation and tenths of a degree for the intervertebral angle. Error analysis suggests that this method improves the accuracy of the intervertebral kinematic calculations and has the potential to automate the selection of anatomical landmarks.

Shuttle-box avoidance learning in mice: improvement by glucose combined with stimulant drugs

Glucose was tested alone or in combination with two stimulant drugs, amphetamine and nicotine, in mice of the CD-1 strain subjected to five daily shuttle-box training sessions. Pretraining intraperitoneal administration of glucose (50 or 100 mg/kg) had no effect, while amphetamine and nicotine, given alone, significantly improved avoidance acquisition at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, but not 0.025 mg/kg. Significant improvement of avoidance learning was also produced by a combination of glucose with the lower dose of amphetamine or nicotine. This enhancing action, produced by a combination of glucose and stimulant drugs, at doses ineffective by themselves, might be due to a concomitant cholinergic and dopaminergic activation, induced by glucose and stimulant drugs, respectively.

Attenuation by nimodipine of amitriptyline-induced avoidance impairment in mice

The effects of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nimodipine on avoidance impairment induced by the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline were assessed during shuttle-box training and in previously trained mice of the DBA/2 strain. Nimodipine (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg) had no effect alone, but attenuated the avoidance impairment induced by 5 mg/kg amitriptyline on avoidance acquisition, as well as on a previously learned avoidance response. The avoidance improving action of the calcium channel blocker was less evident in mice receiving a larger dose (7.5 mg/kg) of the antidepressant drug. The effect of nimodipine did not appear to be specifically related to the avoidance impairment induced by amitriptyline, because the calcium antagonist also attenuated the avoidance impairing action of the neuroleptic chlorpromazine. The avoidance impairment induced by amitriptyline and chlorpromazine, and the related ameliorating action of nimodipine, seem imputable to drug effects on the performance of the avoidance response, rather than to interferences with learning processes. The results suggest that, in the case of concomitant administration, nimodipine could alleviate adverse side effects of tricyclic antidepressant, i.e., psychomotor disturbances.

Shuttle-box avoidance learning in mice: improvement by combined glucose and tacrine

Glucose and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor tacrine were tested, alone and in combination, in mice of the CD-1 strain subjected to five daily shuttle-box training sessions. Pretraining intraperitoneal administration of glucose alone (50-400 mg/kg) had no significant effect, while tacrine alone (0.5-3 mg/kg) improved avoidance acquisition at the dose of 2 mg/kg only. Significant avoidance learning improvements were instead produced by 50 or 100 mg/kg glucose combined with 0.5 or 1 mg/kg tacrine. The effects on shuttle-box avoidance acquisition produced by glucose combined with a cholinomimetic agent support the hypothesis that cholinergic mechanisms may be involved in the action of glucose on learning and memory. However, the main finding of the present study is related to the enhancement by glucose of the learning improving action of a drug clinically used as cognitive enhancer.

Prevention of amitriptyline-induced avoidance impairment by tacrine in mice

The effects of two cognition enhancers on avoidance impairment induced by the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline were assessed during shuttle-box avoidance acquisition and in previously trained mice of the DBA/2 strain. The nootropic agent piracetam (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, i.p.) had slight or no effect in mice receiving amitriptyline (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Conversely, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor tacrine (0.5, 1, 2 or 3 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented the avoidance impairment induced by 5 mg/kg amitriptyline on shuttle-box avoidance acquisition as well as on a previously learned avoidance response. The avoidance disrupting action produced by 10 mg/kg of the antidepressant drug was not affected by the anticholinesterase drug. The preventing action of tacrine seems specifically related to the avoidance impairment induced by amitriptyline, since the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor did not reduce, but enhanced the avoidance impairing action of the neuroleptic chlorpromazine. Taken together, the results indicate that amitriptyline-induced avoidance impairment, and the related preventing action of tacrine, may be ascribed to drug effects on the performance of the avoidance response, rather than to interferences with learning processes.

Nimodipine on shuttle-box avoidance learning in mice: no impairment but slight improvement

The dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist nimodipine was tested in mice of CD-1, C57BL/6, and DBA/2 strains subjected to shuttle-box avoidance training. In contrast with some findings of other authors showing impairment of shuttle-box avoidance learning by low doses of the drug in rats, nimodipine given IP before each training session at doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg never impaired avoidance acquisition in mice. On the contrary, one dose of nimodipine (1 mg/kg) significantly improved avoidance acquisition in mice of the DBA/2 strain. The drug failed to impair avoidance performance in DBA/2 mice even if given acutely in the middle (third session) or at the end (fifth session) of the training period. The results contradict studies showing cognitive impairment induced by calcium channel blockers, and may provide some limited evidence in support of improved cognitive function in normal animals, although this effect is much less evident than in aged or brain-damaged subjects.

Effects of low doses of physostigmine on avoidance learning and EEG in two strains of mice

The effects of the cholinomimetic drug, physostigmine (0, 0.01, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), on shuttle-box avoidance learning and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity were investigated, in two separate studies, in mice belonging to the inbred C57BL/6 (C57) and DBA/2 (DBA) strains. The results of the behavioral investigation showed a consistent, significant enhancement of avoidance performance, on the whole of 5 daily training sessions, in C57 mice treated with the lowest dose (0.01 mg/kg) and in DBA mice treated with the highest doses (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) of the drug. Doses higher than 0.01 mg/kg, in C57 mice, and lower than 0.05 mg/kg, in DBA mice, had no significant effect. The avoidance improvements induced by physostigmine cannot be ascribed to general behavioral activation, since the doses that increased avoidance responses did not affect or even depressed spontaneous locomotor activity. The same doses of treatment which increased avoidance responding, also induced, in the same strains, consistent enhancement of 4-7 Hz (theta) EEG band power and decrease of 7-12 Hz (alpha) band power. Results suggest that the effects induced by physostigmine on the EEG and on the shuttle-box performance of mice are related to the same neurochemical systems, and are dependent upon the interaction of the dose with specific strain sensitivity.

Locomotor activity pattern induced by diazepam in control and caffeine-treated mice

The effect of diazepam on locomotor activity was tested by measuring the number of crossings between two compartments of a toggle-floor box, in control mice (water drinking) and in mice receiving caffeine solution (0.5 g/I) instead of drinking water. In control mice, diazepam did not produce any significant change in total activity measured on the whole 60-min test, but animals showed phases of increased activity broken by periods of immobility. After chronic ingestion (18 days) of caffeine, doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg ip diazepam significantly increased total locomotor activity. Caffeine slightly reduced diazepam-induced immobility and increased the frequency of crossings in active periods. Taken together, these two effects may explain the significant increase in total activity induced by diazepam in caffeine-treated mice. Mixed stimulatory-depressant action was also produced by 3 mg/kg diazepam, a dose that slightly decreased the total activity.

Enhancement by nifedipine of cholinergic-induced depression of locomotor activity in mice

The dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nifedipine did not affect spontaneous locomotor activity in mice when given alone but enhanced the depressant effects of the muscarinic receptor agonist oxotremorine and of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine. Such a behavioral depression might be due to neuronal changes induced by central calcium channel blockade combined with cholinergic activation. However, an involvement of hemodynamic factors, related to peripheral vasodilatation, cannot be excluded as locomotor depressant effects were also exerted by combinations of the two cholinomimetic agents with hydralazine, a non-calcium antagonist vasodilator.

Minaprine, but not oxiracetam, prevents desipramine-induced impairment of avoidance learning in mice

The tricyclic antidepressant desipramine impaired shuttle-box avoidance acquisition in mice of the CD-1 strain. The nootropic drug oxiracetam was unable to prevent the desipramine-induced learning impairment, while a protective action was exerted by minaprine, a psychotropic agent regarded as an atypical antidepressant drug, possessing dopaminergic and related memory-enhancing properties. It seems likely that the dopaminergic action of minaprine played a determinant role in its avoidance improving effects in desipramine treated mice, because similar effects were produced by amphetamine. However, in contrast to amphetamine, minaprine did not enhance locomotor activity and did not show signs of general behavioral stimulation.

Effect of caffeine and nicotine on avoidance learning in mice: lack of interaction

Tested alone, nicotine (0.25 or 0.5 mg kg-1) improved shuttle-box avoidance learning in mice of the CD-1 strain. Caffeine had no effect at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg kg-1 and impaired performance at a dose of 10 mg kg-1. Combinations of the two drugs did not increase avoidance responses more than nicotine alone, nor was nicotine able to attenuate performance depression induced by the highest dose of caffeine. Lack of drug interaction in the avoidance test contrasts with the occurrence of interactive effects of the two drugs in a locomotor activity test. When given in combination, caffeine and nicotine increased locomotor activity at doses ineffective by themselves. The results seem to indicate no advantage in combining caffeine and nicotine to improve active avoidance learning.

Reversal of chlorpromazine-induced avoidance depression by the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, dizocilpine, in mice

The non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist MK-801 (dizocilpine) was tested, alone or in combination with chlorpromazine, in mice previously trained in the shuttlebox. The lowest doses of dizocilpine (0.02 and 0.04 mg kg-1) attenuated the disrupting action of the neuroleptic (1.5 mg kg-1) on avoidance-performance, while avoidance depression induced by 1.5 and 2 mg kg-1 chlorpromazine was completely or almost completely reversed by 0.08 mg kg-1 NMDA antagonist. The highest dose (0.16 mg kg-1) of dizocilpine did not ameliorate avoidance-performance of mice receiving 2 mg kg-1 chlorpromazine, perhaps because of ataxic effects produced by the drug combination, at these doses. The results support suggestions for a potential use of NMDA antagonists in the treatment of extrapyramidal side-effects of neuroleptics.

Shuttle-box avoidance behavior of mice treated with nifedipine in combination with nicotine or physostigmine

Nicotine and physostigmine, given alone, slightly improved shuttle-box avoidance acquisition in mice. the dihydropyridine calcium channel inhibitor nifedipine, ineffective alone, enhanced the avoidance facilitating action of nicotine, but prevented the slight improving action of physostigmine. The results confirm that calcium channel blockers can interfere with the effects of centrally acting drugs and may augment the facilitation of learning induced by some of them. However, a comparison of the effects of nifedipine with those of the noncalcium antagonist vasodilator hydralazine suggests that hypotensive action of calcium channel blockers may interfere with the behavioral action related to specific neuronal changes due to calcium channel blockade. This may be particularly important in cases in which hypotensive action is exerted by the agent used in combination with the calcium channel blocker.

Attenuation of cholinergic analgesia by nifedipine

Nociception was tested in mice receiving oxotremorine or physostigmine either after the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker nifedipine or the non-calcium antagonist vasodilator hydralazine. Nifedipine did not change the reaction time to thermal stimulation (tail-flick test), but attenuated the prolonging action on tail-flick latencies exerted by the two cholinomimetic agents. Hydralazine had no effect alone nor modified the action of cholinomimetics. The results suggest that attenuation of cholinergic analgesia by nifedipine might be related to not yet defined neuronal changes produced by calcium channel blockade, but changes in the pharmacokinetics of oxotremorine and physostigmine cannot be ruled out.