Infection dynamics in a traveller with persistent shedding of Zika virus RNA in semen for six months after returning from Haiti to Italy, January 2016

We describe the dynamics of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a man in his early 40s who developed fever and rash after returning from Haiti to Italy, in January 2016. Follow-up laboratory testing demonstrated detectable ZIKV RNA in plasma up to day 9 after symptom onset and in urine and saliva up to days 15 and 47, respectively. Notably, persistent shedding of ZIKV RNA was demonstrated in semen, still detectable at 181 days after onset. This article is copyright of The Authors, 2016

Crystal and Molecular Structure of (S)-a-(p-Bromobenzenesulphonamido)-B-propiothiolactone

(S)-a-(p-Bromobenzenesulphonamido)-{J-propiothiolactone, C9H8N03S2Br, crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with a = = 1.0125(2), b = 1.2439(1) and c = 0.9304(3) nm, Z = 4 in space group P212121• The compound is isostructural with the analogous chloro derivative. The crystal structure has been refined from diffractometer data to conventional R and Ra values of 0.045 and 0.048 for 2277 reflections with I ~ 2a (I). The heterocyclic four-membered ring has a puckering angle of 8.9(4) 0 • The dihedral angle between the best planes of the /)-propiothiolactone and benzene rings is 84.1(2) 0 • The structure consists of discrete molecules connected along the a axis by intermolecular hydrogen bonds N-H ... O of 291.9(7) pm

Crystal and Molecular Structure of (S)-a-(pCyanobenzenesulphonamido)-B- propiothiolactone, C10H8N203S2

Crystals of the title compound are monoclinic, space group P21, with a = 1.0018(2), b = 0.9722(2), c = 0.6262(1) nm, fJ = 102.32(1)° and Z = 2. The structure was solved by direct methods using 1113 reflections with I 2\u27: 20 (I) and refined to a conventional R index of 0.051. The heterocyclic four-membered ring is bent and has a puckering angle of 18.7(7)°. The dihedral angle between the best planes of the B-propiothiolactone and benzene ring is 70.2(3)°. Discrete molecules are connected along the b axis by intermolecular hydrogen bonds N--H ... O of 309.5(9) pm

A regional audit system for stillbirth: A way to better understand the phenomenon

Background: Implementation of high-quality national audits for perinatal mortality are needed to improve the registration of all perinatal deaths and the identification of the causes of death. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of a Regional Audit System for Stillbirth in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy. Methods: For each stillbirth ( 65 22 weeks of gestation, 65 500 g) occurred between January 1, 2014 to December 1, 2016 (n = 332), the same diagnostic workup was performed and a clinical record with data about mother and stillborn was completed. Every case was discussed in a multidisciplinary local audit to assess both the cause of death (ReCoDe classification) and the quality of care. Data were reviewed by the Regional Audit Group. Stillbirth rates, causes of death and the quality of care were established for each case. Results: Total stillbirth rate was 3.09 per 1000 births (332/107,528). Late stillbirth rate was 2.3 per 1000 (251/107,087). Sixteen stillbirths were not registered by the Regional Birth Register. The most prevalent cause of death was placental disorder (33.3%), followed by fetal (17.6%), cord (14.2%) and maternal disorders (7.6%). Unexplained cases were 14%. Compared to local audits, the regional group attributed different causes of death in 17% of cases. At multivariate analysis, infections were associated with early stillbirths (OR 3.38, CI95% 1.62-7.03) and intrapartum cases (OR 6.64, CI95% 2.61-17.02). Placental disorders were related to growth restriction (OR 1.89, CI95% 1.06-3.36) and were more frequent before term (OR 1.86, CI95% 1.11-3.15). Stillbirths judged possibly/probably preventable with a different management (10.9%) occurred more frequently in non-Italian women and were mainly related to maternal disorders (OR 6.64, CI95% 2.61-17.02). Conclusions: Regional Audit System for Stillbirth improves the registration of stillbirth and allows to define the causes of death. Moreover, sub-optimal care was recognized, allowing to identify populations which could benefit from preventive measures

Successful prophylaxis with valaciclovir for relapsing HSV-1 in a girl treated with infliximab for moderate Crohn's disease

Biological agents such as inhibitors of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-\u3b1 ) are associated with the development of opportunistic infections. Although there are no international recommendations for the management of opportunistic infections, their prevention is a key safety issue for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We report that chemoprophylaxis with oral valaciclovir was effective in preventing Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) reactivation in a girl treated with infliximab for Crohn's disease