Evans Syndrome Presented with Marginal Zone Lymphoma and Duodenal Neuroendocrine Tumor in an Elderly Woman

Summary Evans syndrome (ES) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by simultaneous or sequential development of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and/or neutropenia. ES can be classified as a primary (idiopathic) or secondary (associated with an underlying disease) syndrome. We report a case of ES in an elderly patient in the presence of multiple trigger factors such as recent influenza vaccine, marginal zone lymphoma, and neuroendocrine tumor G1. Whether this association is casual or causal remains a matter of speculation. It is however necessary to have a thorough work-up in a newly diagnosed ES and a more accurate search of miscellaneous factors especially in elderly patients

A “strange” case of COPD

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a rare syndrome, characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and limited antibody responses due to either impaired B-lymphocyte development or B-cell responses to T-lymphocyte signals. CVID is frequently associated with bacterial infections, particularly against respiratory tract, that could determine a permanent organ damage (COPD, asthma), increased incidence of both autoimmune diseases and cancer, high prevalence of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease), lymphoproliferative and granulomatous diseases. Given that the gastrointestinal tract is the largest lymphoid organ in the body, it’s not surprising that intestinal diseases are common in immunodeficiency. CVID is considered a congenital condition but it is usually diagnosed in adulthood. We describe the case of a 43-year-old man affected by recurrent infections of respiratory tract with CVID, celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. With the exclusion of gluten from the diet, patient achieved an improvement of serum level of immunoglobulins and a reduction of recurrent infections. This fact suggests that the interruption of the gluten stimulus could have a positive influence on the other diseases, improving the metabolic compensation and stabilizing the immune system

Diabetes mellitus and clopidogrel “resistance”

In our Department arrives a 75-year-old patient with hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) treated with hypoglycaemic drugs, dyslipidaemia and ischaemic heart disease post-acute myocardial infarction treated with triple coronary artery bypass surgery and subsequent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). After a new PTCA and positioning of medical stent he is discharged with a double antiplatelet therapy. But after one month two thrombotic events occur in this patients almost simultaneously. Antiplatelet therapy such as clopidogrel and aspirin in combination, is the current gold standard for reducing cardiovascular events in patients with DM, providing a synergistic platelet inhibition through different platelet activation pathways, but platelets of DM patients are characterised by disregulation of several signalling pathways which may play a role not only in the higher risk of developing cardiovascular events and the worse outcome, but also in the larger proportion of DM patients with inadequate response to antiplatelet drugs compared to non DM subjects

Expression of c-erbB receptors and ligands in human nasal epithelium

Background: The epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors plays an important role in maintenance and repair in a variety of epithelial tissues. However, very little is known about coexpression of these factors and their receptors, the c-erbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, in human nasal epithelium. Objective: We sought to investigate the expression of these molecules in cultured nasal epithelial cells and nasal mucosa from healthy individuals. Methods: Identification of c-erbB receptors and their ligands was sought by using reverse transcription PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Results: Messenger RNA encoding the EGF receptors (EGFR) c-erbB2 and c-erbB3, but not c-erbB4, was detected in primary cultures of human nasal epithelial cells. Transcripts encoding EGF, heparin-binding EGF, transforming growth factor (TGF) ?, and amphiregulin were also detected. Receptor and ligand expression was confirmed by using immunocytochemical staining of the cells and Western blotting of the cell lysates. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections obtained from biopsy specimens of nasal mucosa revealed intense membrane staining for the EGFR within the respiratory nasal epithelium, which was predominantly localized at the level of the columnar epithelial layers. Similar staining patterns were observed for c-erbB2 and c-erbB3 in the respiratory nasal epithelium. Evidence for EGF, transforming growth factor ?, heparin-binding EGF, amphiregulin, and betacellulin immunostaining in the nasal epithelium was also obtained; their staining patterns paralleled that of EGFR immunostaining. Conclusion: Colocalization of c-erbB receptors and ligands establishes a basis on which to investigate c-erbB receptor– mediated effects in human nasal epithelium

Synecology of Lagoecia cuminoides L. in Italy and evaluation of functional compounds presence in its water or hydroalcoholic extracts

Lagoecia cuminoides L. is a very rare and threatened taxon in Italy, never studied before for its ecology and potential use for human consumption. Furthermore, few data are available on the biological activities of its metabolites. A phytosociological study was carried out in the only two Italian sites, and its state of conservation was also evaluated according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) protocol. The collected plant material was used to make two types of extracts: hot water infusion to evaluate the use of this plant as tea and hydroalcoholic extraction to evaluate the use of it in herbal liqueur preparation. The presence of functional compounds in the extracts were investigated by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry techniques. Ten non volatiles compounds were identified in the extracts, most of which derivatives of quercetin. Thirty-five volatiles compounds were also identified in the plant aerial part and extracts belonging to the chemical class of terpenoids, and among them beta-farnesene, thymol, gamma-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The species is characterized by compounds known for their health effects and for its potential applications for human consumption, being this species already used as decoction in some countries of Middle East. Thanks to its characteristic behaviour to grow in limiting pedoclimatic conditions this species can be potentially used in organic farms situated in rural marginal areas

Short-term changes caused by fire and mowing in Brazilian Campos grasslands with different long-term fire histories

Questions: What are the main short- term changes in vegetation structure after fire and mowing in Campos grasslands? Are there differences in functional vegetation group responses between sites with diverse fire histories and different treatments (fire andmowing)? Location: Subtropical grasslands in Porto Alegre, Brazil, 30 03' S, 51 07' W. Methods: In two sites with different fire histories: FB - frequently burned grasslands and E - exclusion of fire for 6 yr, seven pairs of plots were examined. In each pair, fire and mowing treatments were established. Bare soil and litter cover were estimated. Vegetation releve ' s were conducted, plants identified, their cover estimated and stems counted (except for graminoids). Later, plants were grouped according to their functional group (graminoids, forbs and shrubs) for statistical analyses. Observations were conducted 30, 90 and 360 d after treatments. Results: Burned plots always showed a higher percentage of bare soil, whilst mowed plots had higher litter cover. Fire enhanced graminoid and forb cover, but did not affect shrubs. Species turnover was very high, mainly in burned plots in site FB and in mowed plots in site E. Species diversity in burned plots was the same in sites FB and E 1 yr after treatments, contrary to our hypothesis. However, in mowed plots, the number of species tended to decrease 1 yr after treatments for both sites FB and E. Conclusions: The most important short- term effect was the removal of litter and consequent opening of gaps, mostly by fire. This stimulated vegetation regeneration and provided microsites for the establishment of new species. However, fire did not enhance plant diversity, as we had hypothesized. Moreover, the disturbance history of sites should be considered, since vegetation in these sites responded differently to fire andmowing.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Synecology of Lagoecia cuminoides L. in Italy and evaluation of functional compounds presence in its water or hydroalcoholic extracts

Abstract Lagoecia cuminoides L. is a very rare and threatened taxon in Italy, never studied before for its ecology and potential use for human consumption. Furthermore, few data are available on the biological activities of its metabolites. A phytosociological study was carried out in the only two Italian sites, and its state of conservation was also evaluated according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) protocol. The collected plant material was used to make two types of extracts: hot water infusion to evaluate the use of this plant as tea and hydroalcoholic extraction to evaluate the use of it in herbal liqueur preparation. The presence of functional compounds in the extracts were investigated by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry techniques. Ten non volatiles compounds were identified in the extracts, most of which derivatives of quercetin. Thirty-five volatiles compounds were also identified in the plant aerial part and extracts belonging to the chemical class of terpenoids, and among them β-farnesene, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The species is characterized by compounds known for their health effects and for its potential applications for human consumption, being this species already used as decoction in some countries of Middle East. Thanks to its characteristic behaviour to grow in limiting pedoclimatic conditions this species can be potentially used in organic farms situated in rural marginal areas

Fire intensity and severity in brazilian campos grasslands

Brazilian Campos grasslands are rich in species and the maintenance of its diversity and physiognomy is dependent on disturbance (e.g. fire and grazing). Nevertheless, studies about fire intensity and severity are inexistent. The present paper describes fire parameters, using 14 experimental burn plots in southern Brazil (30º02’ to 30º04’S, and 51º06’ to 51º09’W, 311masl). Two sites under different fire histories were chosen: frequently burned and excluded since six years. Experimental burning was performed during summer (2006-2007), when most burning takes place in these grasslands. The following parameters were measured: air temperature and moisture, vegetation height, wind speed, fuel (fine, coarse), fuel moisture, fire temperatures (soil level and at 50cm), ash, residuals, flame height, fire duration; burning efficiency and fire intensity were later calculated. Fuel load varied from 0.39 to 1.44kg·m-2, and correlated positively with both fire temperature and fire intensity. Fire temperatures ranged 47 to 537.5°C, being higher in the excluded site. Fire intensity was low compared to grassland elsewhere (36.5- 319.5kW·m-1), differing significantly between sites. Fine fuel was the variable that best explained fire intensity. The results on fire intensity and severity in Campos grasslands can be considered a pilot study, since plots were very small. However, the data provided can help other researchers to get permission for experimentation using larger plots. The results provide support for further studies about the effects of fire on grassland vegetation and for studies involving fire models and fire risk prediction.Os pastiçais ou Campos Sulinos do Brasil se caracterizam pela grande riqueza de espécies, e a manutenção de sua diversidade e fisonomia depende de perturbações como fogo e pastoreio; no entanto, não existe estudos sobre intensidade e severidade de fogos. Descrevem-se parâmetros do fogo, usando 14 parcelas de queimadas experimentais no sul do Brasil (30º02’-30º04’S, e 51º06’- 51º09’O, 311msnm). Elegeram-se dois locais com diferentes histórias de queimadas: uma frequentemente queimada e outra com seis anos de exclusão de queimadas. Realizaram-se queimadas experimentais durante o verão (2006-2007), quando ocorre a maior parte dos incêndios. Mediram-se temperatura e umidade do ar, altura da vegetação, velocidade do vento, acumulação de material combustível (fino e grosso), umidade do material combustível temperatura do fogo (a nível do solo e a 50cm), quantidade de cinzas e resíduos, altura da chama e duração do fogo. Calcularam- se a eficiência de queimada e intensidade do fogo. As temperaturas do fogo (47-537,5°C) foram maiores no sítio com historia de exclusão de fogo. As intensidades do fogo foram baixas (36,5- 319,5kW·m-1) comparadas com outros pastiçais, diferindo entre as duas localidades. A acumulação de material combustível fino é a variável que melhor explicou a intensidade do fogo. Os resultados apresentados são preliminares, devido ao tamanho pequeno das parcelas. No entanto, podem servir de base para a obtenção de licença para realizar quemadas experimentais em parcelas maiores, e proporcionam apoio a estudos sobre os efeitos do fogo no pastiçal e de modelagem e predição de risco.Los pastizales o Campos Sulinos del Brasil se caracterizan por gran riqueza de especies, y el mantenimiento de su diversidad y fisonomía depende de perturbaciones como fuego y pastoreo; sin embargo, no hay estudios sobre intensidad y severidad de fuegos. Se describen parámetros del fuego, usando 14 parcelas de quemas experimentales en el sur de Brasil (30º02’-30º04’S, y 51º06’-51º09’O, 311msnm). Se eligieron dos sitios con diferentes historias de quemas: una frecuentemente quemada y otra con seis años de exclusión de quemas. Se realizaron quemas experimentales durante el verano (2006-2007), cuando ocurre la mayor parte de los incendios. Se midieron temperatura y humedad del aire, altura de la vegetación, velocidad del viento, acumulación de material combustible (fino y grueso), humedad del material combustible, temperatura del fuego (anivel del suelo y a 50cm), cantidad de cenizas y residuos, altura de la llama y duración del fuego. Se calcularon la eficiencia de quema e intensidad de fuego. Las temperaturas de fuego (47-537,5°C) fueron mayores en el sitio con historia de exclusión de fuego. Las intensidades de fuego fueron bajas (36,5-319,5kW·m-1) comparadas con otros pastizales, difiriendo entre las dos localidades. La acumulación de material combustible fino es la variable que mejor explicó la intensidad de fuego. Los resultados presentados son preliminares, debido al tamaño pequeño de las parcelas. Sin embargo, pueden servir de base para la obtención de permisos para realizar quemas experimentales en parcelas mayores, y proveen respaldo a estudios sobre los efectos del fuego en el pastizal y de modelado y predicción de riesgo

Fire intensity and severity in brazilian campos grasslands

Brazilian Campos grasslands are rich in species and the maintenance of its diversity and physiognomy is dependent on disturbance (e.g. fire and grazing). Nevertheless, studies about fire intensity and severity are inexistent. The present paper describes fire parameters, using 14 experimental burn plots in southern Brazil (30º02’ to 30º04’S, and 51º06’ to 51º09’W, 311masl). Two sites under different fire histories were chosen: frequently burned and excluded since six years. Experimental burning was performed during summer (2006-2007), when most burning takes place in these grasslands. The following parameters were measured: air temperature and moisture, vegetation height, wind speed, fuel (fine, coarse), fuel moisture, fire temperatures (soil level and at 50cm), ash, residuals, flame height, fire duration; burning efficiency and fire intensity were later calculated. Fuel load varied from 0.39 to 1.44kg·m-2, and correlated positively with both fire temperature and fire intensity. Fire temperatures ranged 47 to 537.5°C, being higher in the excluded site. Fire intensity was low compared to grassland elsewhere (36.5- 319.5kW·m-1), differing significantly between sites. Fine fuel was the variable that best explained fire intensity. The results on fire intensity and severity in Campos grasslands can be considered a pilot study, since plots were very small. However, the data provided can help other researchers to get permission for experimentation using larger plots. The results provide support for further studies about the effects of fire on grassland vegetation and for studies involving fire models and fire risk prediction.Os pastiçais ou Campos Sulinos do Brasil se caracterizam pela grande riqueza de espécies, e a manutenção de sua diversidade e fisonomia depende de perturbações como fogo e pastoreio; no entanto, não existe estudos sobre intensidade e severidade de fogos. Descrevem-se parâmetros do fogo, usando 14 parcelas de queimadas experimentais no sul do Brasil (30º02’-30º04’S, e 51º06’- 51º09’O, 311msnm). Elegeram-se dois locais com diferentes histórias de queimadas: uma frequentemente queimada e outra com seis anos de exclusão de queimadas. Realizaram-se queimadas experimentais durante o verão (2006-2007), quando ocorre a maior parte dos incêndios. Mediram-se temperatura e umidade do ar, altura da vegetação, velocidade do vento, acumulação de material combustível (fino e grosso), umidade do material combustível temperatura do fogo (a nível do solo e a 50cm), quantidade de cinzas e resíduos, altura da chama e duração do fogo. Calcularam- se a eficiência de queimada e intensidade do fogo. As temperaturas do fogo (47-537,5°C) foram maiores no sítio com historia de exclusão de fogo. As intensidades do fogo foram baixas (36,5- 319,5kW·m-1) comparadas com outros pastiçais, diferindo entre as duas localidades. A acumulação de material combustível fino é a variável que melhor explicou a intensidade do fogo. Os resultados apresentados são preliminares, devido ao tamanho pequeno das parcelas. No entanto, podem servir de base para a obtenção de licença para realizar quemadas experimentais em parcelas maiores, e proporcionam apoio a estudos sobre os efeitos do fogo no pastiçal e de modelagem e predição de risco.Los pastizales o Campos Sulinos del Brasil se caracterizan por gran riqueza de especies, y el mantenimiento de su diversidad y fisonomía depende de perturbaciones como fuego y pastoreo; sin embargo, no hay estudios sobre intensidad y severidad de fuegos. Se describen parámetros del fuego, usando 14 parcelas de quemas experimentales en el sur de Brasil (30º02’-30º04’S, y 51º06’-51º09’O, 311msnm). Se eligieron dos sitios con diferentes historias de quemas: una frecuentemente quemada y otra con seis años de exclusión de quemas. Se realizaron quemas experimentales durante el verano (2006-2007), cuando ocurre la mayor parte de los incendios. Se midieron temperatura y humedad del aire, altura de la vegetación, velocidad del viento, acumulación de material combustible (fino y grueso), humedad del material combustible, temperatura del fuego (anivel del suelo y a 50cm), cantidad de cenizas y residuos, altura de la llama y duración del fuego. Se calcularon la eficiencia de quema e intensidad de fuego. Las temperaturas de fuego (47-537,5°C) fueron mayores en el sitio con historia de exclusión de fuego. Las intensidades de fuego fueron bajas (36,5-319,5kW·m-1) comparadas con otros pastizales, difiriendo entre las dos localidades. La acumulación de material combustible fino es la variable que mejor explicó la intensidad de fuego. Los resultados presentados son preliminares, debido al tamaño pequeño de las parcelas. Sin embargo, pueden servir de base para la obtención de permisos para realizar quemas experimentales en parcelas mayores, y proveen respaldo a estudios sobre los efectos del fuego en el pastizal y de modelado y predicción de riesgo