Real-time measurement of glucose using chrono-impedance technique on a second generation biosensor.

Chrono-impedance technique (CIT) was implemented as a new transduction method for real time measurement of glucose in a biosensor system based in carbon paste (CP)/Ferrocene (FC)/glucose oxidase (GOx). The system presents high selectivity because the optimal stimulation signal composed by a 165mV DC potential and 50mV(RMS) AC signal at 0.4Hz was used.

Oxidative stress in Rett syndrome: natural history, genotype, and variants.

Objectives: Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked autism spectrum disorder caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene in the great majority of cases. Evidence suggests a potential role of oxidative stress (OS) in its pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the potential value of OS markers (non-protein-bound iron (NPBI) and F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs)) in explaining natural history, genotype-phenotype correlation, and clinical heterogeneity of RTT, and gauging the response to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs).

Efficacy of the "body movement and perception" method in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: an open pilot study.

Objectives: Group exercises may be useful in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The 'Body movement and perception' (BMP) method is based on low impact exercises, awareness of body perception and relaxation, aimed at treating small groups of patients following the Resseguier method (RM) and integrating RM with exercises derived from soft gymnastics. We assessed the effects of BMP method on FMS.

[Diagnosis of deficit and attention/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) in patients with bipolar or unipolar depression: an experimental study].

Introduction: The present research study starts up from the current scientific and academic interest concerning Deficit and Attention/Hyperactivity Disorders, which in this period seems to have an "epidemic" diffusion. Some authors have proved how the Deficit and Attention/Hyperactivity Disorder may predispose to the development of other psychopathological attitude in adulthood. A recent study has underlined a common comorbidity between ADHD in childhood and Bipolar Disorder.

F₄-neuroprostanes mediate neurological severity in Rett syndrome.

Background: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a pervasive development disorder, mainly caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene. No reliable biochemical markers of the disease are available. Here we assess F₄-neuroprostanes (F₄-NeuroPs), lipid peroxidation products of the docosahexaenoic acid, as a novel disease marker in RTT and correlate it with clinical presentation, MeCP2 mutation type, and disease progression.

Electrophysiological characterization of texture information slip-resistance dependent in the rat vibrissal nerve.

Background: Studies in tactile discrimination agree that rats are able to learn a rough-smooth discrimination task by actively touching (whisking) objects with their vibrissae. In particular, we focus on recent evidence of how neurons at different levels of the sensory pathway carry information about tactile stimuli. Here, we analyzed the multifiber afferent discharge of one vibrissal nerve during active whisking.

Prenatal diagnosis of OEIS (omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus, clubfeet) variant associated with increased nuchal translucency and OEIS complex with ambiguous genitalia associated with corrected transposition of the great arteries: case series and review of the literature.

Introduction: The OEIS complex refers to a combination of defects consisting in omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus and spinal defects and represents a rare nosologic entity (from 1:200,000 to 1:400,000 pregnancies). The defect probably occurs in early blastogenesis or in mesodermal migration during the primitive streak period.

Materials And Methods: Two cases of OEIS complex diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound are reported.

Erythrocyte caspase-3 activation and oxidative imbalance in erythrocytes and in plasma of type 2 diabetic patients.

An increased oxidative stress and a decreased life span of erythrocytes (RBCs) are reported in patients with diabetes. Aim of this study was to assess in RBCs from patients with type 2 diabetes whether downstream effector mechanisms of apoptosis, such as activation of caspase-3, is operative, and whether an iron-related oxidative imbalance, occurring inside RBCs and in plasma, could be involved in caspase-3 activation. In 26 patients with type 2 diabetes and in 12 healthy subjects, oxidative stress was evaluated by means of different markers; non-protein-bound iron, methemoglobin and glutathione were determined in RBCs, and non-protein-bound iron was also determined in plasma.

Prenatal ultrasound and histological diagnosis of fetal nasal glioma (heterotopic central nervous system tissue): report of a new case and review of the literature.

Introduction: Nasal glioma is a rare, benign congenital midline facial lesion.

Materials And Methods: Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis performed at 2nd trimester of pregnancy revealed a right-sided mass at the level of the fetal face extending from the right internal canthus to the nasal bridge.

Conclusion: Differential diagnosis of facial mass in the fetus represents a critical issue because is essential in guiding the prenatal counselling of the couple and in guiding the prenatal and/or postnatal management.

Increased levels of 4HNE-protein plasma adducts in Rett syndrome.

Objective: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder and a leading cause of mental retardation in females. It is caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene and more rarely in cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and forkhead box protein G1 (FOXG1) genes. Increased oxidative stress (OS) has been documented in MeCP2-RTT patients.

[Temperament and attachment in alcohol addicted patients of type 1 and 2].

Objectives: Our study first objective is the evaluation of the attachment to partner and affective temperamental traits in alcohol addicted patients; the second objective is the evaluation of differences between alcohol addicted patients of type 1 and 2 according to Cloninger and Sullivan.

Methods: The sample is composed of 40 adult patients with a alcohol addiction diagnosis enrolled at the Alcoholic Service of the Viterbo "Villa Rosa" Nursing Home. Patients have been submitted the semistructured interviews SCID I and SCID II and the self submitted TCI-R test.

The efficacy of the Rességuier method in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: In fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) defined rehabilitation guidelines are yet to be validated. Our aim is to evaluate the efficacy of the Rességuier method (RM) in FMS.

Methods: Forty-one patients were randomly assigned to Interventional (22 pts) and Observational (19 pts) Group (IG and OG).

Bio-recognition capability of Streptomyces sp. M7 evaluated in adverse conditions for use as a biological transducer in a Lindane biosensor.

Bio-recognition devices have captured special attention because they combine biological specificity and selectivity with electronics to perform environmental and biomedical analysis. Lindane is a recalcitrant pesticide considered potential carcinogen that has caused serious pollution problems. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate Streptomyces sp.

Evaluation of EMG processing techniques using Information Theory.

Background: Electromyographic signals can be used in biomedical engineering and/or rehabilitation field, as potential sources of control for prosthetics and orthotics. In such applications, digital processing techniques are necessary to follow efficient and effectively the changes in the physiological characteristics produced by a muscular contraction. In this paper, two methods based on information theory are proposed to evaluate the processing techniques.

A generalized calibration procedure for in vivo transit dosimetry using siemens electronic portal imaging devices.

A practical and accurate generalized in vivo dosimetry procedure has been implemented for Siemens linacs supplying 6, 10, and 15 MV photon beams, equipped with aSi electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs). The in vivo dosimetry method makes use of correlation ratios between EPID transit signal, s (t) (0) (TPR,w,L), and phantom mid-plane dose, D (0)(TPR,w,L), as functions of phantom thickness, w, square field dimensions, L, and tissue-phantom ratio TPR(20,10). The s (t) (0) (TPR,w,L) and D (0)(TPR,w,L) values were defined to be independent of the EPID sensitivity and monitor unit calibration, while their dependence on TPR(20,10) was investigated to determine a set of generalized correlation ratios to be used for beams with TPR(20,10) falling in the examined range.

[Influence of prolonged treatment with octreotide on GH, IGF I, insulin, ACTH, cortisol, T3, T4 and TSH secretion in a case of congenital chylothorax].

Congenital chylothorax is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of lymph fluid in the pleural space that causes respiratory and circulatory dysfunctions, immune deficiencies, hypoalbuminemia, electrolyte imbalance and alterations of the coagulation. Mortality rates are elevated and can rise to 50%. Therapy consists in conservative treatment based on thoracic drainage combined with total parenteral nutrition or use of low-fat high-protein diet supplemented with medium chain triglycerides.

Thanatophoric dysplasia type I associated with increased nuchal translucency in the first trimester: Early prenatal diagnosis using combined ultrasonography and molecular biology.

A case of thanatophoric dysplasia (TD) type I associated with severely increased nuchal translucency at first trimester screening for Down syndrome is reported. A 38-year-old woman, G2P1, with previous uneventful pregnancy, was referred for amniocentesis at 16 weeks due to positive first trimester integrated test. Amniocentesis revealed a 46,XX fetus.

Determinants of nosocomial infection in 6 neonatal intensive care units: an Italian multicenter prospective cohort study.

Background: Nosocomial infections are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of nosocomial infections in NICUs and to assess the risk of nosocomial infection related to the therapeutic procedures performed and to the clinical characteristics of the neonates at birth and at admission to the NICU, taking into account the time between the exposure and the onset of infection.

Design: A multicenter, prospective cohort study.

Evaluation of chrono-impedance technique as transduction method for a carbon paste/glucose oxidase (CP/GOx) based glucose biosensor.

The chrono-impedance technique (CIT) for real time determination of glucose concentration in a first generation glucose oxidase/carbon paste electrode was implemented. The biosensor was polarized with a signal composed of 900 mV DC potential and 50 mV(RMS) AC signal at 0.4 Hz.

Prenatal diagnosis of severe epignathus in a twin: case report and review of the literature.

A prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of epignathus in a dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy is reported. A complex mass protruding from the fetal face was seen at week 19. Amniocentesis resulted in a 46,XX fetus with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (α-FP).

New biological agents for the treatment of the "high risk" IBD patients.

Background: Several new biological drugs have been introduced in the last decade or are under investigation for the treatment of IBD. They include anti TNFalpha agents, anti adhesion molecules, anti IL-12/23, anti IL-6R and others. Their role in IBD therapy will be discussed in regard of the association of chronic inflammation and cancer in the gut.

Cervical and oral teratoma in the fetus: a systematic review of etiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to produce a systematic review about etiology, pathology, diagnosis, prognosis and clinical management regarding oral and cervical teratomas.

Materials And Methods: A systematic review of Pubmed/Medline using the following keywords was made: epignathus, cervical teratoma, fetus, oral teratoma, prenatal diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, ultrasound.

Conclusion: The following clinical conclusions can be reached: (1) teratomas are rare, usually benign congenital tumors which recognized multifactorial etiology; (2) prenatal ultrasound diagnosis can be made early in pregnancy (15-16 weeks); (3) 3D ultrasound and MRI may enhance the accuracy of the antenatal diagnosis (location, extension and intracranial spread) and may aid in the selection of patients requiring treatment; (4) prenatal karyotype and search for associated abnormalities is mandatory in all teratomas; (5) delivery should involve elective Cesarean section with ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure or resection of the tumor mass, which may be performed on placental support operation on placental support procedure to increase the chances of postnatal survival.

Role of low-mechanical index CEUS in the differentiation between low and high grade bladder carcinoma: a pilot study.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of low-mechanical index contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the differentiation of a series of histologically proven bladder lesions identified via conventional cystoscopy and biopsied.

Materials And Methods: 36 patients (mean age: 62 years; range 45 - 72 years) with bladder lesions previously detected by color power Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) were prospectively examined with low-mechanical index contrast-enhanced US after bolus administration of 2.4 ml of Sonovue (Bracco, Milan, Italy).

Cephalothoracopagus, janiceps, disymmetros, monoomphalian conjoined twins undiagnosed until early second trimester.

Introduction: Cephalothoracopagus is the less common type of conjoined twins (CTs) with an incidence estimated at one in three million births or one in 58 conjoined twins. Maternal gene Vg1, a member of the TGF-beta family of cell-signalling molecules which are implicated in dorsoanterior development, and specific actions of Hox and Pax genes that are implicated in very early embryogenesis may be identified as aetiologic factors.

Materials And Methods: A prenatal diagnosis of cephalothoracopagus CTs diagnosed at 17 weeks in a woman undergoing amniocentesis for advanced maternal age is reported.