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Objective: Serum markers measured early in pregnancy have been associated with the later diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aims to explore the performance of a panel of first-trimester biochemical markers for the prediction of GDM. Methods: A case-control study was performed that included 12 women who developed GDM and 60 controls matched for maternal and gestational age at blood collection. Levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), soluble endoglin, pregnancy protein 13, and adiponectin (Adipo) were measured on residual sera used in first-trimester screening for Down syndrome. Data were analyzed by nonparametric methods. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the detection rate (DR) obtained with a panel of significant predictors for GDM. Results: Multiples of the median values for Adipo and PAPP-A were significantly reduced in GDM cases versus matched controls. Combination of Adipo and PAPP-A yielded a DR of 63.6% at a false-positive rate of 10%. Addition of body mass index (BMI) to this panel increased DR to 72.7%. Conclusion: This study suggests that first-trimester screening with Adipo, PAPP-A, and BMI may effectively identify women at high risk for the development of GDM.

Background: Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Rho-kinase (ROCK) play an important role in regulating the expression of inflammatory mediators, immune cell recruitment, hyper-responsiveness, tissue remodeling, and oxidative stress. Modulation of IL-17 and ROCK proteins may represent a promising approach for the treatment of this disease.Objective: To study the effects of an anti-IL17 neutralizing antibody and ROCK inhibitor treatments, separately and in combination, in a murine model of chronic allergy-induced lung inflammation.Methods: Sixty-four BALBc mice, were divided into eight groups (n = 8): SAL (saline-instilled); OVA (exposed-ovalbumin); SAL-RHOi (saline and ROCK inhibitor), OVA-RHOi (exposed-ovalbumin and ROCK inhibitor); SAL-anti-IL17 (saline and anti-IL17); OVA-anti-IL17 (exposed-ovalbumin and anti-IL17); SAL-RHOi-anti-IL17 (saline, ROCK inhibitor and anti-IL17); and OVA-RHOi-anti-IL17 (exposed-ovalbumin, anti-IL17, and ROCK inhibitor). A 28-day protocol of albumin treatment was used for sensitization and induction of pulmonary inflammation. The anti-IL17A neutralizing antibody (7.5 μg per treatment) was administered by intraperitoneal injection and ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) intranasally (10 mg/kg), 1 h prior to each ovalbumin challenge (days 22, 24, 26, and 28).Results: Treatment with the anti-IL17 neutralizing antibody and ROCK inhibitor attenuated the percentage of maximal increase of respiratory system resistance and respiratory system elastance after challenge with methacholine and the inflammatory response markers evaluated (CD4+, CD8+, ROCK1, ROCK2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 IL-13, IL-17, TNF-α, TGF-β, NF-κB, dendritic cells, iNOS, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, FOXP3, isoprostane, biglycan, decorin, fibronectin, collagen fibers content and gene expression of IL-17, VAChT, and arginase) compared to the OVA group (p < 0.05). Treatment with anti-IL17 and the ROCK inhibitor together resulted in potentiation in decreasing the percentage of resistance increase after challenge with methacholine, decreased the number of IL-5 positive cells in the airway, and reduced, IL-5, TGF-β, FOXP3, ROCK1 and ROCK2 positive cells in the alveolar septa compared to the OVA-RHOi and OVA-anti-IL17 groups (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Anti-IL17 treatment alone or in conjunction with the ROCK inhibitor, modulates airway responsiveness, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and oxidative stress in mice with chronic allergic lung inflammation.

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of IgM Western blotting (WB), IgA enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and DNA amplification by real-time PCR on Guthrie cards to retrospectively establish the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). To this purpose, Guthrie cards were collected from 18 infants born to mothers with primary Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy. Moreover, the analytical sensitivity of T. gondii PCR was assessed by testing mock dried blood specimens set up with several known DNA dilutions. IgM WB was demonstrated to be the most sensitive method. When the results of T. gondii DNA detection and specific IgM recovery were combined, retrospective CT diagnosis by using Guthrie cards was established in 3 out of 6 infected infants (sensitivity, 50%; 95% confidence interval, 26.8% to 73.2%). No positive PCR or serologic results were found in the group of 12 uninfected infants, demonstrating the excellent specificity of the three methods (95% confidence interval, 78.1% to 99.5%). The findings of the present study suggest that, in cases of missed diagnosis of CT at birth, analysis of Guthrie cards for children with compatible clinical findings after the perinatal period, in particular the combination of recovery of specific IgM antibodies and T. gondii DNA amplification, could be helpful. Nevertheless, since suboptimal conditions of storage of dried blood specimens can seriously affect sensitivity, negative results cannot rule out CT diagnosis. In contrast, because of the excellent specificity shown by IgM serologic testing and T. gondii DNA amplification on Guthrie cards, positive results obtained by either of the two methods should be considered diagnostic.

Since 2009 a network of VLF (20 - 60 kHz) and LF (150 - 300 kHz) radio receivers is operating in Europe in order to study the disturbances produced by the earthquakes on the propagation of these signals. In 2011 the network was formed by nine receivers, of which three are located in Italy and one is in Austria, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Russia and Turkey. On May 19, 2001 an earthquake (Mw = 5.7) occurred in western Turkey, that is inside the “sensitive” area of the network. The radio data collected during April-May 2011 were studied using the Wavelet spectra, the Principal Component Analysis and the Standard Deviation trends as different methods of analysis. Evident anomalies were revealed both in the signals broadcasted by the TRT transmitter (180 kHz) located near Ankara and in a VLF signal coming from a transmitter located in Western Europe and collected by the receiver TUR of the network located in eastern Turkey. Evident precursor phases were pointed out. Some differences in the efficiency of the three analysis methods were revealed.

Objective To determine the performance of screening for late pre-eclampsia (PE) by maternal characteristics, uterine artery Doppler and a set of biochemical markers at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. Methods Prospectively enrolled women at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks. Maternal characteristics, highest UtA pulsatility index and serum placental biomarkers including pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, P-selectin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were recorded. Results The rate of PE was 2.5% (13/528). Four (0.8%) had severe PE. A combined screening model that included placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin could detect 77% of PE at a 10% false-positive rate. Mean risk for mild PE was 8.8% ± 6.4, mean risk for severe PE was 38.6% ± 4.3. Mean risk for controls was 2% ± 4.1. Conclusion This combination of maternal biochemical variables in the first trimester can detect a consistent number of late PE. Further studies on a new and independent series of data could confirm the presented results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hyperspectral remote sensing can support exploration activities helping in the recognition of lithologycal outcrops over extended areas. This is mainly due to the nature of the mineral reflectance spectra which feature very narrow absorption peaks, therefore requiring hyperspectral sensors to be assessed. In this work, the capabilities for geolithology recognition of aerial hyperspectral data have been tested to map outcrops in an Alpine carbonates test basin, located in the North-Eastern part of Italy. Two hyperspectral datasets, from MIVIS and SASI sensors, have been classified to retrieve the geolithological map of the test basin. The classification procedure was based on a decision tree approach, in order to combine different spectral and morphological features, in a flexible, robust and scalable solution. Despite the geological complexity of the study area (Alpine environment, spread vegetation cover, strong presence of shadow areas and presence of transitional geologic formations) the results, as compared to reference geological maps, prove satisfactory mapping capabilities, particularly for carbonatic rocks. In fact, the use of aerial hyperspectral data not only allows their accurate detection, but also the distinction between dolostones and limestones. The main classification issues are related to the outcrops' extent which, in a such lithology-fragmented area, avoids the detection of many small outcrops.

A new class of radiation detectors based on carbon nanostructures as the active photosensitive element has been recently developed. In this scenario the optimization of the device, both in dark and on light irradiation, is a crucial point. Here, we report on electrical measurements performed in dark conditions on carbon nanofibers and nanotubes deposited on silicon substrates. Our experimental results were interpreted in terms of a multistep tunneling process occurring at the carbon nanostructures/silicon interface.

Hyperspectral remote sensing can support exploration activities helping in the recognition of lithologycal outcrops over extended areas. This is mainly due to the nature of the mineral reflectance spectra which feature very narrow absorption peaks, therefore requiring hyperspectral sensors to be assessed. In this work, the capabilities for geolithology recognition of aerial hyperspectral data have been tested to map outcrops in an Alpine carbonates test basin, located in the North-Eastern part of Italy. Two hyperspectral datasets, from MIVIS and SASI sensors, have been classified to retrieve the geolithological map of the test basin. The classification procedure was based on a decision tree approach, in order to combine different spectral and morphological features, in a flexible, robust and scalable solution. Despite the geological complexity of the study area (Alpine environment, spread vegetation cover, strong presence of shadow areas and presence of transitional geologic formations) the results, as compared to reference geological maps, prove satisfactory mapping capabilities, particularly for carbonatic rocks. In fact, the use of aerial hyperspectral data not only allows their accurate detection, but also the distinction between dolostones and limestones. The main classification issues are related to the outcrops' extent which, in a such lithology-fragmented area, avoids the detection of many small outcrops.

CRR, the Venetian Reference Laboratory for Environmental Radioactivity, is developing a map of the areas in Veneto with elevated indoor radon levels. Classification is based on analysis of the territorial distribution of radon concentration in dwellings recorded by means of CR-39 track detectors. Regional territory has been divided in 6.5 × 5.6 km 2 grid rectangles, in each of which at least five houses are monitored yearly. For each rectangle the geometric mean (GM) of five detections and the percentage of dwellings exceeding the reference level (assuming log-normal distribution) are evaluated. Measurements are normalised to ground floor condition, thus not being dependent on distance from soil but on geology and geography only; the ground floor radon value is then referred to the average house type using housing stock data. The methodology adopted is being tested through experimental assessments. Radon levels seem to be fairly well correlated with geology.

Detection of 210Po embedded in glass in principle permits assessment of historical indoor radon exposures. A methodology to assess 210Po in glasses which is based on the use of passive detectors (CR-39 - allyl diglycol carbonate - detectors) and on their spectroscopic analysis is presented in this paper. These two aspects permit achievement of good versatility and accuracy compared with the standard adopted techniques. Spectroscopic analysis of α-tracks on CR-39 detectors was carried out by an automatic image digitizer to assess 210Po concentration in a sample of ten glass surfaces belonging to four different houses. Simultaneously long-term 222Rn level detection was carried out based on passive dosimeters for testing correlation with 210Po. Linear regression between 222Rn exposures, obtained multiplying 222Rn detected levels by the glass age, and 210Po concentration values, taking into account room specific surface to volume ratios, gave a r2 value of 0.91. Spectroscopic analysis made background subtraction of naturally occurring α-emitters in glass possible: on average, this background value appeared to be higher than the 210Po signal (about a factor of 10 for the detected glasses), making suppression of the natural glass background necessary.

Long-term radon daughter concentration detection is of great interest in lung dose studies. An automatic image analysis system to carry out α-spectroscopy by tracks analysis on CR-39 (allyl diglycol carbonate) detectors was developed. Identification and separation of 222Rn, 218Po, and 214Po contributions to the α-tracks in CR-39 exposed inside an open dosimeter were possible using the system. The calibration of the dosimeters with regard to 218Po and 214Po was performed through an exposure in the National Radiological Protection Board (U.K.) radon chamber. In four houses, long-term 218Po and 214Po concentrations were measured by means of open dosimeters; 222Rn levels were simultaneously assessed with permeation dosimeters. Estimates of the equilibrium factor, F, were made using theoretical equations giving F values as a function of radon daughters to radon gas concentrations ratios. Based on the most sensitive of those relations, F values varying between 0.2 and 0.5 were obtained, in good agreement with data recorded by an active Equilibrium Equivalent Concentration (EEC) detection instrument used for comparison.

In 2008, a radio receiver that works in very low frequency (VLF; 20-60 kHz) and LF (150-300 kHz) bands was developed by an Italian factory. The receiver can monitor 10 frequencies distributed in these bands, with the measurement for each of them of the electric field intensity. Since 2009, to date, six of these radio receivers have been installed throughout Europe to establish a ‘European VLF/LF Network’. At present, two of these are into operation in Italy, and the remaining four are located in Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Romania. For the present study, the LF radio data collected over about two years were analysed. At first, the day-time data and the night-time data were separated for each radio signal. Taking into account that the LF signals are characterized by ground-wave and sky-wave propagation modes, the day-time data are related to the ground wave and the night-time data to the sky wave. In this framework, the effects of solar activity and storm activity were defined in the different trends. Then, the earthquakes with M ≥5.0 that occurred over the same period were selected, as those located in a 300-km radius around each receiver/transmitter and within the 5th Fresnel zone related to each transmitter-receiver path. Where possible, the wavelet analysis was applied on the time series of the radio signal intensity, and some anomalies related to previous earthquakes were revealed. Except for some doubt in one case, success appears to have been obtained in all of the cases related to the 300 km circles in for the ground waves and the sky waves. For the Fresnel cases, success in two cases and one failure were seen in analysing the sky waves. The failure occurred in August/September, and might be related to the disturbed conditions of the ionosphere in summer.

This paper presents an optimization procedure for the definition of the gas turbine load profile during the hot start-up of Combined Cycle Power Plants (CCPP). First a dynamic model of CCPP is briefly described, together with its implementation in the Modelica language. Then, an identification procedure is developed to determine a simplified model to be implemented in Matlab/Simulink and to be used for the solution of the optimization problem. This simplified model is built by interpolating a number of linear estimated models with local validity. The load profile is assumed to be described by a suitable function, whose parameters are optimized by solving a minimum time problem subject to the plant (simulator) dynamics and to a number of constraints to be imposed on the main plant variables, such as temperatures, pressures, thermal and mechanical stresses. A number of simulation experiments is reported to witness the performance of the proposed approach.

A semi-automatic method of image analysis was used to characterize the evolution of the microstructure of a polycrystalline alumina in terms of grain size and grain shape during different thermomechanical treatments. This study showed that for this material normal grain growth occurs during compressive creep and annealing; in addition, during creep under certain conditions grains flatten in the direction of the applied stress. Three-dimensional estimation of the grain shape was performed by analysing differently oriented plane sections of the specimens.

Therapeutic hypothermia is defined as controlled cooling of body temperature for therapeutic purposes. At present, the use of mild-moderate hypothermia (32 to 34°C) in patients with neurological damage is increasing in the ICU. In this regard, recent studies suggest that it is able to improve the neurological outcome in patients with anoxic cerebral damage following sudden cardiac death (SCA) [1]. The aim of this study is to assess the role of therapeutic hypothermia on neurological outcome in patients who experienced SCA with ensuing return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Objectives The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate if the elevation of maternal serum α-feto protein (MSAFP) and pregnancy-associated placental protein-A (PAPP-A) in the maternal blood after chorionic villous sampling (CVS) is associated with a higher preeclampsia (PE) rate and (2) to verify the clinical utility of the analytes elevation for predicting PE. Methods A prospective study on 106 subjects who underwent CVS was performed. At the time of CVS, two blood samples were obtained for MSAFP and PAPP-A dosage, the first just before the procedure, and the second one 30 min after the procedure. Cases with abnormal karyotype, major anomalies or preterm delivery were subsequently excluded. The ratio between the two samples was calculated as Σ (MSAFP or PAPP-A post-CVS/MSAFP or PAPP-A pre-CVS) and it was related to subsequent occurrence of PE. Results The rate of PE was 5.7% (6/106). Both MSAFP and PAPP-A levels were higher after than before CVS (median ratio = 8.33 and 1.08, respectively). Cases developing PE had significantly higher MSAFP ratio (11.6 vs 7.4, p-value = 0.04) and PAPP-A ratio (1.13 vs 1.08, p-value = 0.009) than those who did not develop PE. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that PAPP-A ratio was a better predictor of subsequent PE than MSAFP ratio: at a fixed false positive rate of 10%, the detection rates for MSAFP and PAPP-A ratios were 33 and 50%, respectively. Conclusion The elevation of MSAFP and PAPP-A observed with CVS is associated with increased risk of subsequent PE. The ability of such increases to predict PE appears to be modest. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Serum growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), insulin and C-peptide were measured by RIA in fetal blood collected in utero by umbilical cord puncture performed for a variety of indications. Eighty-four fetuses were aged 19-25 weeks and 14 were 26-37 weeks. IGF-I values were lower than the sensitivity of the method. The range for GH was 3-197 micrograms/l (GH-micrograms/l x 2 = mU/l), for insulin 14.3-117 pmol/l, for C-peptide 66.2-827.5 pmol/l. GH significantly increased from week 19 to 25; insulin and C-peptide levels increased from week 19 to 37. GH levels at 19-25 weeks were significantly higher in fetuses with femoral length less than the 5th compared with those with femoral length greater than the 95th centile for that age. GH and insulin levels did not correlate with weight at birth or with maternal hormone levels. These data provide evidence for a presence in living fetuses, from the 19th week, of high levels of GH and of insulin levels not very different from those in adults but these hormones do not seem to be directly responsible for fetal growth.

Grass allergy is the most common pollinosis in Northern Italy. Some patients with grass allergy show polysensitization against other pollens and plant-derived foods. In these patients oral allergic syndrome (OAS) is frequently associated. To evaluate the correlation between food allergy or food sensitization and specific IgE against panallergens such as Bet v 1 and Bet v 2, we studied 56 children (mean age: 8 years 5 months) suffering from respiratory allergy due to grass pollens were enrolled. Specific IgE against the most important food, inhalant allergen and Bet v 1, Bet v 2 were performed by ImmunoCAP technology (UniCAP 1000, Pharmacia Diagnostics, Uppsala, Sweden). We found 14 children (25%) sensitized to Bet v 1 and 13 (23%) to Bet v 2; in 24 cases (42.3%) a sensitization to at least one of the 2 panallergens was observed. Five of the 14 cases (36%) sensitized to Bet v 1 showed food allergy and 8 (57%) food sensitization; 6 (46%) of the 13 children sensitized to Bet v 2 showed food allergy and 7 (54%) food sensitization; only one case of Bet v 1 specific IgE without food allergy or sensitization was seen. Sixteen subjects (29%) showed food allergy (group A); 20 children (35.5%) multiple sensitizations to inhalant and at least one plant-derived food (group B); 20 subjects (35.5%) only inhalant allergens (group C). Sensitization to Bet v 1 (P

The placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) is now common practice. Control of the seat of the tip occurs through the antero-posterior radiograph of the chest (RX). New techniques have been developed to control the seat of the CVC, to avoid complications during the procedure and the RX control post insertion. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the ECG's P-wave amplitude (PWA) increases as we approach the atrio-caval junction (ACJ) by recording the intracavity and show that this method is more sensitive and specific compared with RX control. To confirm this, we use the direct view of the tip by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), a method which has the most recognized high sensitivity and specificity [1].

The correct assessment of volume status and prediction of response to filling fluid challenge is of crucial importance in the patient with septic shock. A patient is a fluid responder if there is an increase in cardiac index (CI) >15% in response to the fluid challenge. Identifying which patient will be a fluid responder is crucial. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate which patient is a fluid responder in septic shock using dynamics echocardiography with the distensibility index of the inferior vena cava (DIIVC), which has been shown to be predictive of an increase in CI [1].

In a previous study, an apparatus generating 1.8 GHz electromagnetic radiation for ``in vivo'' biomedical study was designed and implemented. The apparatus consisted of a reverberation chamber and it reproduced a habitat similar to the usual one for the laboratory animals. Plexiglas boxes with 300 cc physiological liquid were utilized as simple phantoms. For the measurements a small Electric Field Probe was used. The maximum SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) and average Power Efficiency Pe (SAR/input power) values obtained were quite low (``in vivo experiments'') and this was the drawback of the apparatus. In the present work, different modifications introduced in order to increase SAR and Power Efficiency are presented. In the new configuration, the dosimetry for the previous phantoms and for oil-in-gelatine phantoms was investigated and quite satisfactory SAR and Power Efficiency values were obtained, overcoming the previous drawback. In the first case the sensor was waterproofed, as in the previous study; in the other case a Plexiglas box with inside a tight shaped allocation for the measurement probe was realized. These measurement technologies could be applied to other media used for the phantoms.

Obesity is associated with various alterations in lung function in adults. These alterations appear to be proportional to the degree of EP and the beneficial effect of weight loss on respiratory function has been reported. Therefore, in 35 children and adolescents affected by essential obesity of medium-severe degree, we have evaluated the following parameters: FVC (forced vital capacity), PEF (peak expiratory flow), FEV1 (forced expiratory volume), FEV75, FEV50, FEV25, before and after six months of dieting. Twelve subjects (34%) showed at least a pathologic value of PEF and/or FEV50 before dieting. All the female patients normalized their parameters after six months of dieting, whilst 5 out of 7 males still showed pathologic respiratory indexes, although a similar weight loss was obtained in the two groups of patients. Our study enhances the presence of respiratory functions derangements in a significant percentage of children with medium-severe degree of obesity. A careful monitoring of these subjects is therefore necessary, in order to prevent further progression of the lung function damage. After dieting the pulmonary function improved in female patients only, suggesting that factors other than the EP are involved in the pathogenesis of the respiratory alterations.

The aim of this study is to assess the role of therapeutic hypothermia on neurological outcome in patients who experienced sudden cardiac death (SCA) with ensuing return of spontaneous circulation.

The effect of a one month treatment with flunarizine (5 mg/day) on pituitary responsiveness to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) and arginine infusion was assessed in 17 adolescents (11 M, 6 F) treated with the drug to prevent migraine attacks. Basal prolactin concentrations as well as the prolactin response to TRH were significantly (p less than 0.05) increased after flunarizine treatment. Flunarizine had no effect on the folliclestimulating and luteinising hormone response to GnRH stimulation, growth hormone response to arginine infusion or thyrotrophin response to TRH stimulation. Our data suggest that flunarizine may interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-prolactin axis decreasing dopaminergic inhibitory tonus.

We evaluated basal somatomedin-C (SmC) levels in 98 subjects 2 to 16.6 years of age, with height less than 3rd centile (Tanner), and in 274 healthy controls 2 to 15.8 years, with height greater than 10th centile. Growth-retarded subjects were defined as short-normal when they had normal GH release (greater than 8 ng/ml) in at least one of three tests: arginine, L-dopa, and sleep. In control subjects, there was a significant positive correlation between SmC levels and chronologic age, bone age, and pubertal stage (pubic hair, breast or testicular volume). The same correlations were present in short-normal subjects, but SmC levels were significantly lower than in normal children. The percentage of subjects with very low SmC values (less than or equal to 0.25 IU/ml in those older than 6 years, and less than 0.1 IU/ml in those younger than 6 years) was higher in the short-normal group of children older than 6 years. In growth-retarded subjects, SmC values were significantly higher (P less than 0.005) in subjects with normal GH response in at least one of the two pharmacologic tests, compared with those with normal GH response only during sleep. We conclude that short-normal subjects have, on average, low SmC values, which might indicate insufficient GH release. Therefore, current criteria to define GH deficiency and children needing treatment may be too restrictive.

Capillary blood samples on filter paper were assayed by means of an RIA method (Kit Nichols Institute USA) from 1096 newborns divided into full term, preterm and small-for-date infants. The somatomedin-C (Sm-C) mean value, which did not differ in the three groups, was 0.15 +/- 0.09 IU/ml. One hundred and ten (10%) showed Sm-C disc values less than or equal to 0.075 IU/ml, the minimum value measurable by our method. The day of life and birth weight had a significant influence on Sm-C levels. Gestational age did not have any significant effect. No significant interaction was found among the parameters considered. All the groups presented a progressive increase of Sm-C. Unlike preterm and small-for-date infants, in full term infants the latter increase seemed already to be evident from 5th day of life and reached higher levels from the 7th day of life onwards. In conclusion, Sm-C rates were reduced in the neonatal phase of life, but showed a tendency to rise later.

We used the radioimmunoassay (RIA) method to determine somatomedin-C (SmC) basal values in 59 diabetic children and adolescents (20 prepubertal and 39 pubertal subjects; age range 2.75–20.16 yr; duration of diabetes 0.08–15.83 yr) and in 274 control subjects. In comparing diabetic subjects with controls, we considered only those 50 diabetic subjects who were age matched with the controls, i.e., those not over 16 yr chronological age. SmC basal levels in pubertal diabetic patients were no different from those of pubertal age-matched control children, whereas in prepubertal diabetic patients SmC was significantly lower than in the respective control children (P < .001). No correlation was found between the z score for SmC (i.e., the number of standard deviations each SmC level is from the age- and sex-normalized mean) and duration of disease, velocity standard deviation score, severity of fluoroangiographic retinal changes, basal C-peptide values and HbA, levels. No differences were encountered in mean SmC and SmC z-score values in the separate groups of poorly, fairly, and well-controlled diabetic children, in the groups with and without residual pancreatic activity, and in the group with and without retinal changes. In 16 of the pubertal diabetics and in 15 pubertal controls, serum glucose, growth hormone (GH), and SmC concentrations were determined during the night. The integrated nocturnal secretion of SmC was no different in diabetics than in controls, whereas the integrated nocturnal secretion of GH was significantly (P < .025) higher in diabetics than in controls. These data suggest a partial block in somatomedin production, which would be compensated by a hypersecretion of GH through a negative-feedback relationship. On the other hand, it may be that GH hypersecretion is primary and that the normal or low SmC secretion is a response to low-efficiency GH.

The effect of 30-days of flunarizine (5 mg/day) therapy on pituitary, B-pancreatic, gonadic and adrenal function was studied in five adolescents with common migraine. Baseline concentration of growth hormone was significantly reduced after flunarizine therapy. The response of prolactin to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone was significantly increased after flunarizine therapy. The percentages of HbA1 and HbA1c were significantly higher after flunarizine therapy. The drug had no apparent effect on gonadic and adrenal function. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of flunarizine on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and glucose tolerance.

4 GH-RF deficient children (1 with isolated GH-deficiency, 2 with GH-TSH deficiencies, 1 with GH-TSH-ACTH-deficiencies) were administered s.c. hGH (after the previous hGH treatment had been discontinued 1 week before the study) at a dose of 0,1 UI/Kg, according to usual substitutive therapy, at times 0 and 48 h. After a further week without therapy the subjects were administered i.v. GH-RF at a dose of 3 μg/Kg at times 0,8,16,24,32,40,48,56,64 h. SmC blood samples were collected at time 0 and, after hGH and GH-RF administrations, at times 4,8,12,16,24,28,32,36,40,48,52,56,60,64,72 h. In all patients a significant GH-response (> 4 ng/ml) was attained after each GH-RF administration. In 3 subjects a SmC increase was observed after both hGH and GH-RF administrations. In 1 case there were no changes in SmC levels after both hGH and GH-RF administrations. By calculating the integrated areas of the SmC curve, the values obtained after hGH and GH-RF administrations were higher in 2 cases after the GH-RF injection, higher in 1 case after the hGH injection, and in 1 case the areas were similar. In our patients and in our experimental conditions we did not find differences in the SmC release between the usual hGH therapy and GH-RF administration.

20 prepubertal GH-deficient children (C.A. 4.88-17.75yrs) were studied; 15 patients had isolated GH-deficiency, 5 had multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, such as GH-ACTH-TSH (1 case), GH-TSH (2 cases), GH-LH-FSH-TSH (1 case) and GH-LH-FSH (1 case). In all patients synthetic human GH-RF (1-40) was administered i.v. at a dose of 3 μg/Kg at time 0 and blood samples for GH and HPRL were taken at -15,0,15,30,45,60,90,120 and 180 min; samples for TSH and ACTH were taken at 0,30,60,90 and 120 min, and for SmC at 0,30,60,120 and 180 min after injection. A significant GH-response (> 4ng/ml) was attained in 13 patients (11 with isolated GH-deficiency and 2 with multiple hormone deficiencies); GH levels increased at 15 min and reached a peak at 30 min. In these patients a significant increase in HPRL levels was observed after 15-30 min. In the whole group there were no changes in ACTH, TSH and SmC levels. The 7 patients who did not respond to GH-RF were not different with regards to age, sex, duration of treatment and response to the latter, from those who did respond. In our study a hypothalamic deficiency was present in 65% of the subjects. These data suggest that GH-RF could be useful in the treatment of a high percentage of GH-deficient patients.

Previous studies in diabetic patients have reported elevated normal and reduced somatomedin levels.We used RIA method to determine Somatomedin C (SMC) in 57 diabetic children and adolescents(29 f. and 28 m.;age range 2.75-20.16 yrs; duration of disease 0.08-15.85 yrs)and in 274 control subjects of the same age. SMC behaviour was not seen to be different from that of controls concerning those differences related to sex(SMC levels higher in f. than in m.,p

The role of growth factors in fetal development is not clear. Fetal blood was obtained from 61 fetuses aged 19-25 weeks during the course of funicolocentesis performed for: suspected thalassaemia, fetal malformations, chromosomal abnormalties, suspected fetal infections. Plasma samples were assayed for growth hormone (GH), somatomedin-C (Sm-C), prolactin (hPRL), insulin and C-peptide concentrations by radioimmunoassay. GH levels were 53.3±30.8 ng/il (13.3 - 194), Sm-C levels were all unieasurable (

Viene riconosciuta la presenza a Sulmona di Walter Munich, attivo anche nel duomo di Milano, identificandolo con il Gualtieri d'Alemagna che firma la tomba Caldora nella Badia Morronese. A Giovanni Tedesco, uno scultore ampiamente attivo con la sua bottega in tutta Italia, viene restituito un crocifisso ligneo in Santa Maria del Soccorso all'Aquila.