Convulsant Doses of a Dopamine D1 Receptor Agonist Result in Erk-Dependent Increases in Zif268 and Arc/Arg3.1 Expression in Mouse Dentate Gyrus

Activation of dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) has been shown to induce epileptiform activity. We studied the molecular changes occurring in the hippocampus in response to the administration of the D1-type receptor agonist, SKF 81297. SKF 81297 at 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg induced behavioural seizures. Electrophysiological recordings in the dentate gyrus revealed the presence of epileptiform discharges peaking at 30–45 min post-injection and declining by 60 min. Seizures were prevented by the D1-type receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, or the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist, CP 55,940. The effect of SKF 81297 was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK), in the granule cells of the dentate gyrus. This effect was also observed in response to administration of other D1-type receptor agonists, such as SKF83822 and SKF83959. In addition, SKF 81297 increased the phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 and histone H3, two downstream targets of ERK. These effects were prevented by genetic inactivation of D1Rs, or by pharmacological inhibition of ERK. SKF 81297 was also able to enhance the levels of Zif268 and Arc/Arg3.1, two immediate early genes involved in transcriptional regulation and synaptic plasticity. These changes may be involved in forms of activity-dependent plasticity linked to the manifestation of seizures and to the ability of dopamine to affect learning and memory

Scrotal angiokeratoma (Fordyce): histopathological and ultrastructural findings

Bioptic findings related to four cases of scrotal angiokeratoma-Fordyce, were studied under light and electron microscopy. A particular heterogeneity of the structural and ultrastructural patterns typical of this lesion was thus observed. Light microscopy study pointed out, in particular, different degrees of dilation of papillary vessels, whereas ultrastructural study highlighted marked alterations of endothelial cells with structural and quantitative modifications of cytoplasmic organelles

Scrotal angiokeratoma (Fordyce): histopathological and ultrastructural findings.

Bioptic findings related to four cases of scrotal angiokeratoma-Fordyce, were studied under light and electron microscopy. A particular heterogeneity of the structural and ultrastructural patterns typical of this lesion was thus observed. Light microscopy study pointed out, in particular, different degrees of dilation of papillary vessels, whereas ultrastructural study highlighted marked alterations of endothelial cells with structural and quantitative modifications of cytoplasmic organelles

Myomectomy during cesarean section

Fibroleiomyoma is the most common benign tumour of the uterus and sometimes it may also be present during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to report 11 pregnant pazients with fibroleiomyomas larger than 5 cm submitted to myomectomy during cesarean section. No complications were observed and blood transfusion was given to only two patients with thrombocytopenia. This retrospective investigation would indicate that myomectomy during cesarean section can be performed without significant morbidity by expert surgeon and adopting careful and rigorous technique. © Copyright 2012, CIC Edizioni Internazionali

Intrauterine fluid collection in postmenopause

Introduction. During routine vaginal ultrasound in postmenopausal women it is frequently to find fluid collections in uterine cavity. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical significance of this find, using as diagnostic methods hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. Materials and methods. Twenty postmenopausal patients (mean age 60.6±8.9 years) with endometrial fluid collections diagnosed by intravaginal ultrasound have been studied. Endometrial thickness was less than 5 mm in 16 patients, greater than 5 mm in the other 4 patients. All patients underwent to hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. Results. Histological examination of patients with endometrial ultrasound <5 mm showed atrophy of the endometrium, while that of patients with endometrium >5 mm deposed for endometrial hyperplasia. At ultrasound follow-up performed after one month, three months and six months from hysteroscopy, patients that showed endometrial atrophy had no more fluid collections, respectively, in 37.5%, in 43.75% and in 56, 25% of cases; in patients with endometrial hyperplasia, however, the fluid collection remained. Conclusion. Ultrasonographic finding of endometrial fluid collections when endometrium had not preneoplastic characteristics can presumably be attributed to impaired motility of the uterus and / or cervical stenosis. © Copyright 2012, CIC Edizioni Internazionali

Occurrence of intestinal parasites among asylum seekers in Italy: a cross-sectional study

Background: In recent years Europe has experienced a dramatic increase in migration flows. Nevertheless, limited data is available about the occurrence of neglected parasitic diseases among migrant population. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal and urinary parasites in newly arrived asylum seekers. Methods: A total of 364 newly arrived migrants hosted at the Asylum Seekers Centre of Castelnuovo di Porto (Italy) were screened during 8 months period for intestinal and urinary parasites. Each enrolled subject was interviewed using a standardized questionnaire, with focus on socio-demographical data and risk factors of parasitic infections. Results: Stool analysis showed a prevalence of intestinal parasites of 20.6%. The travel route did not affect the prevalence of intestinal parasites (p = 0.096), while a significant negative correlation was found between the length of travel and the prevalence of parasite infection (p = 0.019). No statistically significant correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and the presence of intestinal parasites was detected. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis reported in asylum seekers does not necessarily reflect the prevalence of the parasitosis in the motherland. An anamnestic and syndromic approach may not be sufficient to highlight the problem of intestinal parasitic infestations in a screening setting

MYH9-related disease: May-Hegglin anomaly, Sebastian syndrome, Fechtner syndrome, and Epstein syndrome are not distinct entities but represent a variable expression of a single illness.

MYH9-related disease: May-Hegglin anomaly, Sebastian syndrome, Fechtner syndrome, and Epstein syndrome are not distinct entities but represent a variable expression of a single illness. Medicine (Baltimore). 2003 May; 82(3):203-1