Biofilm extracellular-DNA in 55 Staphylococcus epidermidis clinical isolates from implant infections.

Biofilm formation is broadly recognized as an important virulence factor in many bacterial species implicated in implant-related opportunistic infections. In spite of a long history of research and many investigative efforts aimed at elucidating their chemical composition, structure, and function, the nature of bacterial biofilms still remains only partly revealed. Over the years, different extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) have been described that contribute functionally and structurally to the organization of biofilms.

Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene detected in Staphylococcus aureus strain isolated from a knee arthroprosthesis infection.

This report focuses on the molecular characterization of a Staphylococcus aureus strain isolated from a knee arthroprosthesis infection and recognized retrospectively as a carrier of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene. The stored microbiological isolate, which belonged to the strain collection of the Research Unit on Implant Infections of the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, was retrieved for molecular analysis. Genotyping was carried out, revealing an interesting profile.

Bone mass evaluated by calcaneous ultrasound and radial peripheral computed tomography in 726 youngsters.

Aim: To compare the results of ultrasound and computed peripheral tomography in evaluating bone mass in a population of normal children.

Methods: Seven hundred and twenty-six healthy school children (260 males; age 8.3-20.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor/transferrin fusion protein: in vivo production and functional evaluation as a potential therapeutic tool for lowering plasma LDL cholesterol.

A soluble form of human low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) fused in frame with rabbit transferrin (LDL-Rs(hu)/Tf(rab)) is assessed in vivo as a therapeutic tool for lowering plasma LDL cholesterol. The cDNA encoding LDL-Rs(hu)/Tf(rab) is expressed in mice, using a hydrodynamics-based gene transfer procedure. The transgene is transcribed in the liver of transduced animals and the corresponding protein is secreted into the bloodstream.

[Peripheral quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT), broad ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of ultrasound (SOS) in a normal population (426 females) aged 8 to 20 years].

Purpose: To evaluate, in a population of young healthy females aged from 8 to 20 years the bone mass peak (or density), the normal ranges versus age and menarche-age using two methods: pQCT (peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography) and ultrasound absorptiometry.

Material And Methods: From 1998 to 2000 selective measurement of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) of trabecular bone at the ultradistal radius using pQCT, BUA (Broad Band Attenuation) and SOS (Speed of Sound) was carried out on 426 healthy females (aged from 8 to 20 years) in north Italy. BMD was measured using a single photon miniaturized tomographic scanner in the ultradistal radius, SOS and BUA were measured at the same time, using a water bath device obtaining parametric bidimensional images of BUA and SOS.

How gender and age affect iodine-131-OIH and technetium-99m-MAG3 clearance.

The relationship between age and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) results, as measured in nuclear medicine, is well known. This paper explores the relationships among gender, age, and ERPF measurements. After reading this paper, the nuclear medicine technologist should be able to: (a) discuss the importance of establishing normal range values for ERPF that include age and gender variables; (b) state how age affects ERPF results; and (c) state how gender affects ERPF results.

pQCT (quantitative peripheral tomography) and data evaluation of phosphocalcic metabolism in thalassaemic patients.

pQCT is a method which allows the separate determination of cortical and trabecular bone mineral density in the peripheral skeleton. 21 thalassaemic patients (8 females, 13 males) aged from 10 to 32 years, were examined using pQCT at the ultra distal radius to evaluate SSI (Stress-Strain Index). ALP, serum calcium, hydroxyproline, magnesium, IGF-I, and body surface were determined.