SURVEY FOR ORGANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH DYER’S WOAD, ISATIS TINCTORIA L. (BRASSICACEAE), IN CENTRAL ITALY, AND PRELIMINARY HOST SPECIFICITY TESTS FOR SOME POTENTIAL CONTROL AGENTS (INSECTA)

A survey conducted in central Italy found 126 species of phytophagous insects from five orders and 25 families on dyer’s woad, Isatis tinctoria L., a biennial or short-lived perennial. About 75% of the species found attacking this weed were polyphagous, 20% were restricted to the family Brassicaceae, and only 5% were restricted to the genus Isatis. Four of the one hundred twenty six species recovered were specific enough to merit further research as candidates for biological control of I. tinctoria L. in the United States. Preliminary host range tests were conducted for the weevils Ceutorhynchus rusticus Gyllenhal, Ceutorhynchus peyerimoffi Hustache, Aulacobaris fallax (H. Brisout), and the fleabeetle Psylliodes isatidis Heikertinger. All tests were conducted at the USDA-ARS-EBCL Rome substation from 2003 to 2006 and are reported herein

Unusual brain lesion in a case of restrictive anorexia nervosa.

We describe clinical features and Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings of an adolescent affected by Restrictive Anorexia Nervosa. This first report on ischemic lesion in Anorexia Nervosa suggest the importance of brain MRI in order to demonstrate the brain sufferance and to understand how cerebral tissue responds to blood flow droop in AN

Clinical and pharmacological approaches of status epilepticus in children: Personal experience. Minerva Psichiatrica

Background: Status epilepticus is a neurological emergency that require a prompt treatment following steps of more aggressive therapy. We analysed efficacy of treatment protocol in paediatric SE. Methods: We present a retrospective study in 29 patients (age range: 3mm-18yy) affected by status epilepticus (SE) of whom 16 patients had a previous diagnosis of epilepsy (symptomatic or idiopathic) while, in 13 cases, SE was the first epileptic event. Protocol of treatment suggests a first treatment with intravenous Diazepam followed by a bolus of Phenytoin (PHT) in case of non-response. All patients were carefully monitored, electroencephalographic activity (EEG) and vital signs, particularly respiratory depression. When the patients were classified as refractory or suffered from respiratory insufficiency, they were transferred into ICU where anesthetic drugs ( propofol or pentothal) could be administered. Results: Seventeen children were treated in neurological unit: 7 (24%) children responded to intravenous Diazepam. 10 (35%) children required an additional bolus of Phenytoin at the variable dose of 15-20 mg/Kg/bolus. 12 patients (41%) were admitted to Intensive Unit Care (ICU): 3 for respiratory insufficiency and 9 for treatment with anaesthetics drugs. Conclusions: In our experience so as in literature there is no Gold Standard in the treatment of SE. Nearly half of patients needed ICU support thus, the best approach still remains multidisciplinary