Search

Rhabdomyomas are rare mesenchymal benign tumors of striated muscle origin that can be classified into cardiac and extracardiac types. Cardiac rhabdomyomas are considered as hamartomatous lesion because of their association with phacomatosis. Extracardiac type is further classified into adult, fetal and genital form, depending on the individual tumor's degree of differentiation. Adult head and neck rhabdomyomas are rare pathologies of adult patients, with a male predominance. The occurrence of multifocality is a rare manifestation of this uncommon lesion. Presenting symptoms are related to the location and dimension of the tumors and they include upper airway obstruction, Eustachian tube dysfunction, dysphagia and mucosal and neck mass. Because of their high rate of recurrence, radical resection is the treatment of choice of this kind of tumors. In this article is reported a rare and particularly large case of head and neck adult rhabdomyoma, presenting with an history of sleep apnea and night-time stridor.

Objective: The DSM-III-R anxiety disorders section includes both panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. To evaluate the relationship between these two disorders, subject responses to inhalation of a 35% CO2 and 65% O-2 mixture were assessed. Method: Twenty-three patients with panic disorder, 23 with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 12 with both obsessive-compulsive and panic disorder, and 23 healthy comparison subjects were given a single vital capacity inhalation of 35% CO2 and 65% O-2 or a placebo mixture of compressed air. A double-blind, random, crossover design was used. Results: Patients with panic disorder and patients with both panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder showed similar strong anxiogenic reactions to 35% CO2 while patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder alone did not differ from comparison subjects. Conclusions: These results confirm that obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder are two distinct syndromes and that patients with these disorders have different sensitivity to CO2 inhalation.

Pathogenesis induced by SARS-CoV-2 is thought to result from both an inflammation-dominated cytokine response and virus-induced cell perturbation causing cell death. Here, we employ an integrative imaging analysis to determine morphological organelle alterations induced in SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung epithelial cells. We report 3D electron microscopy reconstructions of whole cells and subcellular compartments, revealing extensive fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus, alteration of the mitochondrial network and recruitment of peroxisomes to viral replication organelles formed by clusters of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs). These are tethered to the endoplasmic reticulum, providing insights into DMV biogenesis and spatial coordination of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Live cell imaging combined with an infection sensor reveals profound remodeling of cytoskeleton elements. Pharmacological inhibition of their dynamics suppresses SARS-CoV-2 replication. We thus report insights into virus-induced cytopathic effects and provide alongside a comprehensive publicly available repository of 3D datasets of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells for download and smooth online visualization., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • Integrative imaging approaches reveal SARS-CoV-2-induced cellular alterations • SARS-CoV-2 extensively remodels the cellular endomembrane system • Pharmacological inhibition of cytoskeleton remodeling restricts viral replication • We provide a comprehensive repository of virus-induced ultrastructural cell changes, Cortese et al. use integrative imaging techniques to generate a publicly available repository of morphological alterations induced by SARS-CoV-2 in lung cells. Accumulation of ER-derived double-membrane vesicles, the viral replication organelle, occurs concomitantly with cytoskeleton remodeling and Golgi fragmentation. Pharmacological alteration of cytoskeleton dynamics restricts viral replication and spread.

Summary A global concern has emerged with the pandemic spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections that can cause severe neurological symptoms in adults and newborns. ZIKV is a positive-strand RNA virus replicating in virus-induced membranous replication factories (RFs). Here we used various imaging techniques to investigate the ultrastructural details of ZIKV RFs and their relationship with host cell organelles. Analyses of human hepatic cells and neural progenitor cells infected with ZIKV revealed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane invaginations containing pore-like openings toward the cytosol, reminiscent to RFs in Dengue virus-infected cells. Both the MR766 African strain and the H/PF/2013 Asian strain, the latter linked to neurological diseases, induce RFs of similar architecture. Importantly, ZIKV infection causes a drastic reorganization of microtubules and intermediate filaments forming cage-like structures surrounding the viral RF. Consistently, ZIKV replication is suppressed by cytoskeleton-targeting drugs. Thus, ZIKV RFs are tightly linked to rearrangements of the host cell cytoskeleton., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • ZIKV induces ER membrane invaginations similar to Dengue virus • ZIKV induces profound alterations of the cytoskeleton • Microtubules and intermediate filaments surround the ZIKV replication factory • ZIKV replication is sensitive to cytoskeleton-targeting drugs, Cortese et al. show that ZIKV infection in both human hepatoma and neuronal progenitor cells induces drastic structural modification of the cellular architecture. Microtubules and intermediate filaments surround the viral replication factory composed of vesicles corresponding to ER membrane invagination toward the ER lumen. Importantly, alteration of microtubule flexibility impairs ZIKV replication.

Background Metacognition is a multi-facet psychological construct; deficits in metacognitive abilities are associated to low social functioning, low quality of life, psychopathology, and symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe and develop a valid and reliable interview for assessing metacognition. Methods The semi-structured interview, based on the author's theory model of the metacognition construct, is described. The Metacognition Assessment Interview (MAI) is an adaptation of the Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS) and evaluates how the subject is interviewed used metacognition during his own real life experiences elicited by the interviewer. A user manual was developed to assist the interview and scoring procedure. Results Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis revealed preliminary evidence of a two factor-hierarchical structure, with two lower-order scales, representing the two main theoretical domains of the metacognitive function, “the Self” and “the Other”, and one single higher-order scale that we labelled metacognition. Contrary to the authors' prediction the existence of the four distinct dimensions under the two domains was not confirmed. The MAI and its two domains demonstrated acceptable levels of inter-rater reliability and internal consistency. Conclusions The MAI appears to be a promising instrument for assessing metacognition. Future psychometric validation steps and clinical directions are discussed.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of maxillo-mandibular advancement (MMA) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), even those without skeletal anomalies, indicating the possibility of extending this procedure to more patients. Two groups with different skeletal patterns were studied pre- and post-surgery. Group 1 (11 patients) had severe or moderate OSAS and maxillo-mandibular hypoplasia and/or mandibular deformities (SNA angle 78° or less or SNA angle > 78° but with SNB < 65° and severe skeletal class II malocclusion). Group 2 (11 patients) had severe or moderate OSAS without maxillo-mandibular hypoplasia or deformity (SNA angle > 80°, dental class I occlusion). Analysis comprised: apnea hypopnea index (AHI), posterior airway space (PAS), SNA and SNB angles, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), body mass index (BMI), and a subjective standardized questionnaire about aesthetic appearance. All patients had increased PAS width and complete remission of objective and subjective OSAS symptoms evaluated by AHI and ESS. Results in both groups are comparable. Data were analysed using t-test; p < 0.005 was statistically significant. All patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic results. MMA is effective in patients with severe or moderate OSAS, even in those without skeletal and/or occlusal anomalies and can be considered in more patients. © 2010 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Background Hepatic resection of liver metastases of non-colorectal, non-neuroendocrine, and non-sarcoma (NCNNNS) primary malignancies seems to improve survival in selected patients. The aims of the current review were to describe long-term results of surgery and to evaluate prognostic factors for survival in patients who underwent resection of NCNNNS liver metastases. Methods We identified 30 full texts (25 single-center and 5 multicenter studies) published after year 1995 and published in English with a total of 3849 patients. For NCNNNS liver metastases, 83.4 % of these subjects were resected. Results No prior systematic reviews or meta-analyses on this topic were identified. All studies were case series without matching control groups. The most common primary sites were breast (23.8 %), genito-urinary (21.8 %), and gastrointestinal tract (19.8 %). The median 5- and 10-year overall survival were 32.3 % (range 19–42 %) and 24 % (indicated only in two studies, range 23–25 %), respectively, with 71 % of R0 resections. Conclusions There is evidence suggesting that surgery of NCNNNS metastases is safe, feasible, and effective if treatment is part of a multidisciplinary approach and if indication is based on the prognostic factors underlined in literature analysis.

Data on central dopamine (DA) function in patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) are contradictory. To tentatively clarify the brain secretory state of the amine and its relationship with the nutritional impairments and/or the psychopathological aspects of the two disorders, we measured the responses of growth hormone (GH) to acute stimulation with apomorphine (APO), a selective D-1 and D-2 receptor agonist, in 16 AN patients, 8 restricted (AN-R) and 8 bingeing-purging (AN-BP), in 7 BN patients and in 8 healthy controls (CTR). Interference of impairment of the somatotropic axis in the GH response to APO stimulation was excluded by measuring the GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) basal levels and GH responses to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulation. Psychological aspects of patients and controls were investigated by the rating scales Eating Disorder Inventory (E.D.I.), Bulimic Investigation Test Edinburgh (B.I.T.E)., and Yale-Brown Cornell Eating Disorder Scale (YBC-ED). Basal GH levels were significantly higher and those of IGF-1 lower in AN-R than in AN-BP, BN and CTR subjects. GH responses to GHRH stimulation were significantly higher in AN-R than in AN-BP and BN patients and in CTR. GH responses to APO stimulation were significantly lower in AN-R and AN-BP than in BN and CTR subjects, suggesting that at the hypothalamic level there is a subsensitivity of postsynaptic D-2 receptors and possibly a presynaptic DA hypersecretion. The altered GH responses to APO stimulation did not correlate with the Body Mass Index, while they correlated negatively with E.D.I. scores. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Z8 0 ZR 0 ZS 0 ZB 23

Previous reports have stressed the implication of Personality Disorders as predictors of a poorer treatment outcome in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was to see whether or not Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may be predictive for a poorer outcome to antiobsessive pro-serotonergic pharmacological treatment. For this purpose, 30 OCD patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. Ten-week standardized treatments with oral SRI drugs were given to look for different outcomes between the two groups in Obsessive-Compulsive symptom severity. At the end of the study we found that the presence of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, along with the total number of Personality Disorders, did predict poorer response to pharmacological treatment in OCD. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Z8 0 ZR 0 ZS 1 ZB 23

Immune-mediated refractoriness to platelet transfusion is a major problem in patients undergoing HSCT. In a cohort of 50 pediatric patients affected by beta thalassemia coming from Middle East countries, we experienced a high incidence of refractoriness because of anti-HLA antibodies during post-HSCT aplasia. In a risk factors analysis, factors predicting a negative transfusion outcome were presence of spleen and the number of anti-HLA antibodies. We adopted a policy to select platelet donors by avoiding HLA antigens against which the patient had specific antibodies. Transfusion of dedicated units resulted in 26% refractoriness compared to 74% to random units (p < 0.0001). When dedicated transfusions were used, the presence of spleen did not influence transfusion outcome. Analyzing transfusion outcome depending on the degree of HLA match and ABO compatibility, 76% successful transfusions were obtained with HLA-matched- ABO compatible followed by 67% in HLA-1mismatch- ABO compatible or HLA-matched- ABO incompatible and by 46% in HLA-1mismatch- ABO incompatible. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the selection of platelet donors according to patient characteristics, anti-HLA antibodies and ABO matching, is successful in reducing platelet refractoriness in heavily alloimmunized thalassemia patients undergoing transplantation. Immune-mediated refractoriness to platelet transfusion is a major problem in patients undergoing HSCT. In a cohort of 50 pediatric patients affected by beta thalassemia coming from Middle East countries, we experienced a high incidence of refractoriness because of anti-HLA antibodies during post-HSCT aplasia. In a risk factors analysis, factors predicting a negative transfusion outcome were presence of spleen and the number of anti-HLA antibodies. We adopted a policy to select platelet donors by avoiding HLA antigens against which the patient had specific antibodies. Transfusion of dedicated units resulted in 26% refractoriness compared to 74% to random units (p < 0.0001). When dedicated transfusions were used, the presence of spleen did not influence transfusion outcome. Analyzing transfusion outcome depending on the degree of HLA match and ABO compatibility, 76% successful transfusions were obtained with HLA-matched- ABO compatible followed by 67% in HLA-1mismatch- ABO compatible or HLA-matched- ABO incompatible and by 46% in HLA-1mismatch- ABO incompatible. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the selection of platelet donors according to patient characteristics, anti-HLA antibodies and ABO matching, is successful in reducing platelet refractoriness in heavily alloimmunized thalassemia patients undergoing transplantation.

Le successioni carbonatiche tardo-cretaciche affioranti in Italia centro-meridionale e in Istria furono depositate su piattaforme aperte con morfologie di tipo rampa, dominate da associazioni bentoniche foramol. Le rudiste colonizzarono tutti gli ambienti fornendo, per bioerosione, la maggior parte del detrito scheletrico, prevalentemente calcitico e pertanto non coinvolto in significativi processi di cementazione precoce. L’arrangiamento sedimentario dei risultanti fondali mobili fu controllato da onde e correnti indotte da venti e tempeste. Differenti associazioni bentoniche, geometrie deposizionali e attributi tafonomici dei litosomi a rudiste caratterizzarono contesti idrodinamici di bassa e alta energia. Per meglio verificare queste caratteristiche su tutte le successioni studiate, è stato importato in MS ACCESS il database sulle rudiste proposto da STEUBER AND LÖSER (2000) e STEUBER (2003), aggiornato con dati inediti e implementato con dati relativi alla stratigrafia delle concentrazioni a rudiste, secondo gli schemi di KIDWELL (1991), e alle caratteristiche distintive dei due settori idrodinamici. La gestione dei dati in un progetto GIS può consentire anche considerazioni paleogeografiche e regionali.