Genetic divergence in the cave cricket Troglophilus neglectus (Orthoptera Rhaphidophoridae): mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data.

In this study we used sequence polymorphisms at one mitochondrial and one nuclear gene (Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1, respectively) to assess the degree of genetic divergence among 21 populations of the cave cricket Troglophilus neglectus (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae), a species whose currently known range extends from the Balkan Peninsula to Southern Bavaria. Nineteen populations were sampled in Northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while two populations came from Germany (Lower Saxony) and Czech Republic, thus well outside the species range. Molecular data revealed a high level of fragmentation, with most of the study populations bearing exclusive haplotypes, the sole exception being the German and Czech specimens, which carried haplotypes also occurring at Slovenian locations. Spatial distribution of genetic heterogeneity and pattern of genetic divergence argue in favor of a recent origin of the two Central European populations, possibly through man-mediated dispersal event(s). These populations being not considered, our data are in remarkable agreement with a previous study based on allozymes conducted on a subset of populations of the same species and, more generally, with what is known on the population genetics of peri-Mediterranean Rhaphidophorids

Relationship between cervical dilation and time to delivery in women with preterm labor

Background: Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) is important in order to establish treatment. Our aim was to determine the relation between cervical dilatation and time interval from admission to delivery in women with preterm labor. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 83 singleton gestations admitted for preterm labor between 24 weeks and 34 weeks, who subsequently delivered preterm. Women were categorized into three groups of cervical dilatation (0-2 cm, 3-6 cm, >6 cm) and the time interval from admission to delivery was compared. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the association between cervical dilatation and time interval from admission to delivery. The other variables examined were gestational age (GA) at admission and length of the cervix, when performed. Results: The time interval from admission to delivery was significantly shorter in women with higher dilatation of the cervix (p < 0.02) and in those admitted at a more advanced gestational age (p < 0.05). Forty-eight percent of women with cervical dilatation 0-2 cm delivered in the first 48 h compared to 85% of the women with a dilatation of 3-6 cm. No significant association was found between the length of the cervix and the time interval to delivery. Conclusion: Dilatation of the cervix and gestational age at admission are associated with the time interval to delivery in women with preterm labor. The assessment of the length of the cervix is unlikely to add clinical information in women with an already dilated cervix

Molecular divergence and evolutionary relationships among Aemodogryllinae from Southern China, Laos and Thailand (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae)

In this study we screened for sequence polymorphisms at one mitochondrial (Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I) and one nuclear (Internal Transcribed Spacer 1) gene 33 populations of the cave cricket genera Diestrammena, Paradiestrammena, Eutachycines and Paratachycines from Southern China (three Provinces: Jiangxi, Guangdong and Guizhou), Laos and Thailand. Twenty-five of these populations were assigned to the genus Diestrammena, subgenus Gymnaeta, while the remaining eight belonged to the genera Paradiestrammena (3), Eutachycines (3) and Paratachycines (2). The degree of troglomorphosis varies among them; some populations are blind and depigmented, some have fully developed eyes, while some others show intermediate characteristics. Phylogenetic searches carried out on the two gene partitions separately revealed multiple cases of incongruence but only three of them were statistically significant and were hence removed from the subsequent analyses based on the combined data set. Our data do not support Diestrammena as monophyletic while representatives of Paradiestrammena, Eutachycines and Paratachycines were clustered together; the validity of some nominal species was confirmed molecularly but we also revealed a large number of deeply divergent lineages. Populations with the same degree of troglomorphosis do not cluster together. We identified five major clades; divergence among them (and in a few circumstances also within them) is always higher than the DNA barcode threshold for intraspecific comparisons in insects. In two circumstances, the same clades (III and V) are co-distributed in geographically distinct areas (Provinces). This geographical distribution might be explained by envisioning an evolutionary scenario based on zones of secondary admixture following epigean dispersal among lineages that diverged in allopatry

Short-Term and Two-Year Rate of Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Patients with Acute Cerebral Ischemia of Undetermined Aetiology, with and without a Patent Foramen Ovale

Purpose. We investigated stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke of undetermined aetiology, with or without a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Methods. Consecutive stroke patients underwent to Transcranial Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiography for PFO detection. Secondary stroke prevention was based on current guidelines. Results. PFO was detected in 57/129 (44%) patients. The rate of recurrent stroke did not significantly differ between patients with and without a PFO: 0.0% versus 1.4% (1 week), 1.7% versus 2.7% (1 month), and 3.5% versus 4.2% (3 months), respectively. The 2-year rates were 10.4% (5/48) in medically treated PFO and 8.3% (6/72) in PFO-negative patients (P = 0.65), with a relative risk of 1.25. No recurrent events occurred in 9 patients treated with percutaneous closure of PFO. Conclusion. PFO was not associated with increased rate of recurrent stroke. Age-related factors associated with stroke recurrence in cryptogenic stroke should be taken into account when patients older than 55 years are included in PFO studies

Nephron-sparing surgery in multiple renal cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, nephron-sparing surgery has largely supplanted the radical approach for the treatment of small renal masses. More recently, ablative technologies have been discussed as alternative in patients that are not eligible for surgical approach.CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old Caucasian man was referred to our Urology Clinic for multiple renal masses. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed three contrast-enhanced lesions located in the upper pole, middle renal, and in the lower pole of the left kidney 20 mm, 25 mm, and 45 mm long, respectively. The patient underwent laparoscopic tumorectomy of two lesions and cryoablation of the left renal mass by the transperitoneal approach, performed without clamping the renal vessels. At the end of the procedure the operator posed a reno-ureteral ipsilateral stent to tutor the urinary tract. Tumor enucleation and cryoablation were chosen to preserve renal function.CONCLUSION: This case report shows that in young patients with multiple renal tumors, cryoablation treatment is feasible and outcomes are promising as well. However, risk of complications should be considered and discussed with patients

Comparison of Intralesional Hyaluronic Acid vs. Verapamil for the Treatment of Acute Phase Peyronie's Disease: A Prospective, Open-Label Non-Randomized Clinical Study

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Longitudinal prospective anthropometric evaluation in Caucasian prepubertal children with lactose intolerance

IntroductionThe health consequences of lactose intolerance remain unclear. We studied the association of lactose intolerance with growth in children.MethodsIn this prospective case–control study, we compared Caucasian prepubertal children with lactose intolerance (LI) [n = 30, median age = 7.87 years (3.00–12.75)] to healthy controls [(n = 75, median age = 2.25 years (2.00–7.25)]. A lactose tolerance test was performed for lactose intolerance diagnosis. The gastrointestinal symptom score was administered at baseline and after a lactose-free diet for a median period of 9.0 months [range 5%–95% (6.0–24.0)]. The anthropometric parameters were measured at baseline and follow-up. All the anthropometric data were converted into standard deviation scores (SDS). A linear regression model was used to investigate the association of lactose intolerance with growth parameters.ResultsWe found no difference in height velocity SDS between the LI and control groups [SDS difference (95% CI): 0.52 (−1.86 to 2.90)]. In addition, we found a significant reduction in the clinical score of the LI group after a lactose-free diet [median (5%–95%): 7.5 (4.0–15.0) and 3 (0.0–8.0); p-value &lt;0.001].ConclusionsThe LI group exhibited no difference in height velocity compared with the control group. Nonetheless, due to the small sample size, the results on the anthropometric profile of the LI group require careful interpretation. More large-scale studies in the pediatric population are required to better understand the association of LI with anthropometric and metabolic profiles

Sleep habits and pattern in 1-14 years old children and relationship with video devices use and evening and night child activities

Background: Sleep in childhood and adolescence is crucial for mental and physical health; however several researches reported an increasing trend towards a sleep deprivation in this age. Due to the lack of recent epidemiological studies in Italy, the aim of our study was to depict sleep habits and patterns in Italian children aged 1-14 years and to evaluate their relationships with video devices use (TV, tablet, smartphone, PC) and evening/night child activities. Methods: A structured interview was conducted during 2015 by 72 Family Pediatricians in 2030 healthy children aged 1-14 years by a cross-sectional survey named "Ci piace sognare". Total sleep duration was calculated, 2015 National Sleep Foundation Recommendations were used as reference. Optimal sleepers were defined children sleeping in own bed all night without awakenings. Multivariable median regression was performed to identify predictors of sleep duration and multivariable logistic regression for predictors of optimal sleep. Results: Total sleep duration and numbers of awakenings decreased with age. Only 66.9% of children had sleep duration in agreement with Recommendations (50% in 10-14 years group). Before sleeping 63.5% of children used video devices (39.6% at 1-3 years), 39.1% read, 27.5% drank and 19.5% ate. Bottle users at bedtime were 30.8% at 1-3 years, 16.6% at 3-5 years and 4.9% at 5-7 years. Overall, 23.4% of children changed sleeping place during the night, 22.4% referred sleeping problems in the first year of life. Video devices use was negative predictor of sleep duration (-0.25 h [95% CI:-0.35,-0.14], p &lt; 0.001). Optimal sleep was inversely related with bedroom TV (OR 0.63 [0.50,0.79], p &lt; 0.001), with sleeping disorders in the first year (OR 0.62 [0.48,0.80], p &lt; 0.001)), with bottle use (OR 0.64 [0.44,0.94], p &lt; 0.05) and posivively related with high mother's education level (OR 1.44 [1.11,1.88], p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: About one third of 1 to 14 year Italian children sleep less than recommended, one half in teenage. Modifiable risk factors for sleep abnormalities such as video devices use, bedroom TV and bottle use should be target of preventive strategies for a correct sleep. Pediatricians should give priority to the identification of sleep disorders early in life

Perspectivas para la utilización de la biomasa de cianobacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno como fertilizante orgánico y acondicionador de suelos

Introducción y Objetivos:El incremento de la población mundial genera una demanda creciente de alimentos, y para cubrir esta demanda, la utilización de mayores cantidades de fertilizantes, especialmente nitrogenados, ha sido una de las estrategias más utilizadas para incrementar los rendimientos de las cosechas. No obstante, el manejo inapropiado implica consecuencias perjudiciales para el medio ambiente y la salud humana. Promover la fijación biológica del nitrógeno (FBN) puede significar un aporte reduciendo la dependencia de fertilizantes nitrogenados, sin embargo, este proceso sólo podría cubrir una parte de la demanda requerida en la agricultura intensiva. La obtención de biomasa a partir de microorganismos que realicen la FBN para su utilización como biofertilizantes, es una alternativa promisoria especialmente si se puede acoplar al reciclado y mejoramiento de desechos agroindustriales. En este estudio se propone producir un biofertilizante orgánico y acondicionador de suelos, utilizando la biomasa de una cianobacteria fijadora de nitrógeno, obtenida a partir del reciclado y mejorado de la composición nutricional de un desecho agroindustrial.Materiales y Métodos:La cianobacteria fijadora de nitrógeno Nostoc sp. M2 se cultivó a partir de la vinasa residual de la fermentación alcohólica de un sacarificado de biomasa algal. Las deficiencias en nitrógeno y fósforo en la vinasa pudieron ser suplementadas mediante la FBN y el agregado de harina de hueso respectivamente. La biomasa obtenida fue desecada y molida para su análisis como fertilizante de plantas de interés agronómico en suelos con diferentes contenidos de materia orgánica y diferentes regímenes hídricos. Además, se evaluó la persistencia de nutrientes y capacidad de retención de agua.Resultados:El cultivo de Nostoc a partir de la vinasa alcanzó rendimientos similares a los obtenidos en medios de cultivo de referencia, y permitió la liberación de una considerable cantidad de expolisacáridos en el medio (superiores al 20% de la biomasa celular). La biomasa pudo sustituir la urea como fertilizante en suelos con bajo contenido de nutrientes, sosteniendo el crecimiento de plantas de trigo, maíz y poroto, especialmente en condiciones de riego esporádico. Adicionalmente, se comprobó que la liberación de nitrógeno de la biomasa es más lenta que la urea, mejorando el aprovechamiento del mismo. La aplicación de la biomasa en suelos proporciona una mayor capacidad de retención de agua, previniendo el marchitamiento en plantas de trigo y permitiendo que puedan soportar periodos de estrés hídrico en sequía.Conclusiones:Este estudio apoya la conveniencia de la producción de biomasa como biofertilizante de plantas y acondicionador de suelos, mejorando las condiciones del mismo especialmente en suelos pobres en materia orgánica y/o expuestos a condiciones de desecación o regímenes de precipitaciones semiáridas. A su vez, propone un procedimiento para reciclar y revalorizar desechos agroindustriales acoplándolo a plataformas de producción de microalgas y cianobacterias.Fil: Do Nascimento, Mauro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Battaglia, Marina Esther. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Sánchez Rizza, Lara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Ambrosio, Rafael. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Arruebarrena Di Palma, Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Curatti, Leonardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Biotecnología; ArgentinaXIV Congreso Argentino de Microbiología General (SAMIGE) y XV Congreso Argentino de Microbiología (CAM)Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos AiresArgentinaSociedad Argentina de Microbiología GeneralAsociación Argentina de Microbiologí