Measuring trunk orientation with a CMOS camera: feasibility and accuracy

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a new tool to objectively quantify trunk orientation at the bedside, especially dedicated to the measurement of the lateropulsion in acute and subacute stroke patients. We developed software to analyze 2D movement with a CMOS camera (Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000) and to calculate the orientation of a segment defined by two color markers. First, the accuracy, reproducibility and noise when measuring segment orientations were evaluated with the CMOS camera placed in different positions, and second trunk orientation was measured in static and in dynamic conditions both with a CMOS camera and with a gold standard 3D video system (BTS SMART-e). Results showed that the measurement was accurate (mean error=0.05+/-0.12 degrees), reproducible (S.D. over five measurements=0.005 degrees ) and steady (noise signal=0.02 degrees ). The data obtained with the CMOS camera were highly correlated with those obtained with the 3D video system both in static and in dynamic conditions. However, the CMOS camera must be relatively well centered on the measured segment to avoid error due to image distortion. The parallax error was negligible. In conclusion, this could be an important step in the postural assessment of acute and subacute stroke patients. The CMOS camera, a simple, portable, compact, low-cost, commercially available apparatus is the first tool to objectively quantify lateropulsion at the bedside. This method could also support the development of a rehabilitation program for trunk orientation based on biofeedback using the real-time signal provided by the device.

Identification of hidden allergens: Detection of pistachio traces in mortadella

An analytical method based on the detection of specific DNA was developed and applied to mortadella samples with and without pistachio (Pistacia vera). The method is proposed for the detection of traces of pistachio deriving from previous processes or from accidental contamination, since in predisposed individuals pistachios can cause allergic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock. Three pairs of primers were identified and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on mortadella samples prepared with pistachio. Accidental contamination was also simulated. The optimized PCR was able to detect the presence of pistachio, even at low concentrations. The primers pair PSTC 1-2 is suggested for unambiguous identification of pistachio in mortadella. The limit of detection for this primers pair was 100 mg kg-1. No interference was observed from other spices or ingredients utilized in the formulation of the mortadella. The method enabled the identification of possible traces of pistachio remaining in the production plant after less than thorough washing.

Efficacy of a 0.15% benzydamine hydrochloride and 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinse on 4-day de novo plaque formation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of a mouth-rinse formulation combining benzydamine hydrochloride and cetylpyridinium chloride (BNZ+CPC) in preventing de novo plaque formation, in comparison with CPC and placebo mouth rinses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a controlled, observer-blind, cross-over study. In this model of plaque re-growth, subjects received a session of oral prophylaxis and were directed to withdraw oral hygiene measures for the next 4 days, using only the mouth rinse assigned. The outcome parameters were the plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI). In addition, microbiological evaluation of the subgingival microflora, by means of culture, was performed, as well as patient-based variables. Data analysis was carried out using anova for Latin-square design.

RESULTS

The analysis of variance showed a significant statistical difference between the BNZ+CPC association and placebo (p<0.0001). No differences between CPC and placebo were detected considering multiple comparisons between treatments. The 90% confidence interval of the differences between BNZ+CPC and CPC showed no equivalence between treatments, being the PlI lower in the BNZ+CPC group. No significant difference between groups in GI was observed. Mean anaerobic colony-forming units (CFU) demonstrated a significant increase between visits in all groups (p<0.001) and differences among groups were not significant. Subjects treated with BNZ+CPC frequently reported "tingling mouth" and "numbness mouth".

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the study model, the BNZ+CPC combination showed a statistically significant plaque-inhibitory capacity, as compared with the placebo mouth rinse, and an additive effect as compared with CPC. No relevant clinical or microbiological adverse effects were detected.

Parotid secretory protein is expressed and inducible in human gingival keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Parotid secretory protein (PSP) is a major salivary protein that is thought to possess both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. A major question is whether PSP expression can be regulated by humoral factors and bacteria. Periodontitis is an inflammatory lesion initiated by interaction between gingival keratinocytes and periodontopathogenic microorganisms such as the Gram-negative anaerobe Porphyromonas gingivalis. Cytokines and sex hormones have been implicated in the progression of various forms of periodontal diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the expression of PSP and its regulation in primary cultures of human gingival keratinocytes (HGK). HGK at the third or fourth passage were exposed to heat-killed P. gingivalis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and 17beta-estradiol. The PSP mRNA levels were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The protein expression of PSP was confirmed by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Heat-killed P. gingivalis, TNF-alpha and 17beta-estradiol all resulted in increased HGK levels of mRNA for PSP as determined by real-time PCR analysis. Immunofluorescence demonstrated increased PSP localized within the cytoplasm of HGK following exposure to killed P. gingivalis.

CONCLUSION

The present study has demonstrated for the first time that PSP is expressed in keratinocytes and that it can be up-regulated by bacteria and humoral factors. Thus PSP may have a role in the innate defense system at the gingival epithelial surface.

Diffusive and convective transport through hollow fiber membranes for liver cell culture

For an efficient membrane bioreactor design, transport phenomena determining the overall mass flux of metabolites, catabolites, cell regulatory factors, and immune-related soluble factors, need to be clarified both experimentally and theoretically. In this work, experiments and calculations aimed at discerning the simultaneous influence of both diffusive and convective mechanisms to the transport of metabolites. In particular, the transmembrane mass flux of glucose, bovine serum albumin (BSA), APO-transferrin, immunoglobulin G, and ammonia was experimentally measured, under pressure and concentration gradients, through high-flux microporous hydrophilic poly-ether-sulphone (PES-HFMs) and poly-sulphone hollow fiber membranes (PS-HFMs). These data were analyzed by means of a model based on the mechanism of capillary pore diffusion, assuming that solute spherical molecules pass through an array of solvent-filled cylindrical pores with a diffusive permeation corrected for friction and steric hindrances. Additionally, resistances to the mass transfer were taken into account. Convective permeation data were discussed in terms of morphological properties of the polymeric membranes, molecular Stokes radius, and solute-membrane interactions according to information given by contact angle measurements. The observed steady-state hydraulic permeance of PS-HFMs was 0.972 L/m2hmbar, about 15.6-fold lower than that measured for PES-HFMs (15.2 L/m2h); in general, PS-HFMs provided a significant hindrance to the transport of target species. Diffusion coefficients of metabolites were found to be similar to the corresponding values in water through PES-HFMs, but significantly reduced through PS-HFMs (D(Glucose)(Membrane)=2.8x10(-6)+/-0.6x10(-6)cm2/s, D(BSA)(Membrane)=6.4 x 10(-7)+/-1 x 10(-7)cm(/s, D(Apotransferrin)(Membrane)=2.3 x 10(-7)+/-0.25 x 10(-7)cm2/s).

Age and growth of the porthole shovelnose catfish (Hemisorubim platyrhynchos) in the Pantanal

The Porthole Shovelnose Catfish, Hemisorubim platyrhynchos, is the sixth largest pimelodidae of the Pantanal. Its age and growth were studied using pectoral fin-spines from fish collected in the Cuiabá river basin, Pantanal. The fish, which came from commercial and experimental fisheries, were all caught with hook and line. Growth-ring formation time could not be defined through the Kruskal-Wallis test on marginal increment (H = 4.142; p = 0.247). Nevertheless, decrease in the marginal increment index occurring as waters recede suggests this as the probable time when growth rings form. Estimation of the parameters of von Bertalanffy growth curve, adjusted through nonlinear regression to observed fork lengths, with L<FONT FACE=Symbol>¥</FONT> fixed at 64 cm, were: k = 0.222 year-1; t o = -2.149 years. Individual life span was estimated at 11.4 years. The results suggest that fork length is a good predictor of age for individuals of this species.

Defective class II transactivator expression in a B lymphoma cell line

Loss of MHC class II expression in B-cell lymphoma has been associated with a higher tumorigenicity resulting from lower titers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. This report aims towards the identification of the molecular mechanism leading to defective MHC class II expression in a B-cell lymphoma cell line, Rec-1. We evidenced a coordinated alteration of HLA-D gene transcription, reminiscent of B lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with MHC class II deficiency. Genetic complementation performed between these cell lines and the lymphoma cells indicated that Rec-1 is altered in the MHC2TA gene. MHC2TA encodes the class II transactivator (CIITA), the master regulator of HLA-D gene expression. However, the coding sequence of the Rec-1 CIITA transcript did not reveal any mutation that could hamper the activity of the encoded protein. In agreement with the genetic complementation analysis, we evidenced a highly residual CIITA protein expression in the Rec-1 cell line resulting from a transcriptional defect affecting MHC2TA expression. Anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibody treatment has proved efficient in the destruction of B lymphoma cells. Our data indicate that the appearance of variants losing CIITA, and thereby HLA-DR, expression will require a thorough monitoring during such immunotherapy protocols.

Age and growth of the Duckbill Catfish (Sorubim cf. lima) in the Pantanal

The Duckbill Catfish, Sorubim lima, is a predator of large South American rivers. The age and growth of S. lima were studied based on the pectoral fin-spines of samples collected from the Cuiabá River, Pantanal. The samples were taken from commercial and experimental hook-and-line fishing. An analysis of the marginal increment suggests that the growth rings are formed once a year during the dry season, from July to September (ANOVA type I: F = 4.183; g.l. = 3 and 104; p = 0.008). The estimate of the parameters that describe von Bertalanffy's growth curve by nonlinear regression of the observed lengths in the age were: L<FONT FACE=Symbol>¥</FONT> = 56.0 cm (fork length); k = 0.245 year-1; t o = -2.605 years. The animals were estimated to have a life span of 9.6 years. The findings indicate that the fork length is a good predictor of the age of individuals of this fish species.

[Progress of studies promoted by the MODS collaborative group]

In industrialised countries, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered an epidemic work-related disease. We have set up the MODS (Malattie Occupazionali Da Sovraccarico biomeccanico, biomechanical overload-related occupational diseases) collaborative group, formed by epidemiologists, ergonomists and occupational physicians to investigate CTS in Italy, applying the methods that epidemiologists commonly use to understand epidemics. Several studies are already ongoing. Two different descriptive studies based on current hospitalisation data are in the reporting phase. A pilot case-control multicentre study (260 cases and 520 controls in 13 centres) is in the final phase of data collection. A longitudinal study on a cohort of 3000 subjects exposed to different risk factors has reached the third year of follow-up. Moreover, a surveillance system has been set up to cover selected districts of the Emilia Romagna region. These studies will generate new information about the prevalence and incidence of CTS in Italy, along with identification of regional, high-risk job titles and work sectors, and the relative influence of non-occupational factors.