Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.20 ppm

We present a new measurement of the positive muon magnetic anomaly, a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2, from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment using data collected in 2019 and 2020. We have analyzed more than 4 times the number of positrons from muon decay than in our previous result from 2018 data. The systematic error is reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to better running conditions, a more stable beam, and improved knowledge of the magnetic field weighted by the muon distribution, ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, and of the anomalous precession frequency corrected for beam dynamics effects, ω_{a}. From the ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with precisely determined external parameters, we determine a_{μ}=116 592 057(25)×10^{-11} (0.21 ppm). Combining this result with our previous result from the 2018 data, we obtain a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 055(24)×10^{-11} (0.20 ppm). The new experimental world average is a_{μ}(exp)=116 592 059(22)×10^{-11} (0.19 ppm), which represents a factor of 2 improvement in precision.

P143 EDOXABAN EFFECT IN A BREAST CANCER PATIENT WITH LIVER ARTERIAL INFUSION CHEMOTHERAPY (LAIC) AND BOTH JUGULAR VEIN AND HEPATIC ARTERY THROMBOSIS. A UNIQUE CLINICAL CASE

 

41 y–o woman, without cardiovascular risk factors, was diagnosed with breast cancer (pT2N1aMx, G3, ER:70%, PgR:30%, HER–2/NEU:2+, Ki67:60%). Treated (2010) with adjuvant antracyclines, taxanes and hormonal therapy. Subsequently, developed (2012) bone lesions treated with radiotherapy and hepatic metastases (2016) treated with systemic infusions of bevacizumab and taxanes. Started (2017) chemoembolization (CE), due to further liver severe progression configuring a main hepatic disease. Started LIVER ARTERIAL INFUSION CHEMOTHERAPY (LAIC) with 5fluoruracil and concomitant venous systemic chemotherapy (CT) with taxanes and bevacizumab. Developed (2020) arterial catheter–related thrombosis (ACRT) recurrent after urokinase, clopidogrel and enoxaparin, in spite of thromboprohylaxis with aspirin/clopidogrel. LAIC was discontinued and CT with taxanes and trastuzumab was administrated by systemic route. Left jugular deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occured (2021), treated for 8 months with low–molecular–weight heparin (LMWH): firstly with enoxaparin 100 IU/kg twice a day and secondly, because of lack of efficacy and patient’s request for a more manageable therapy, with parnaparin 6400 IU once a day. After 8 months the patient refused any more injectable anticoagulant drugs, asking for oral root of administration. LMWH were replaced by direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), edoxaban 30 mg/die (weight: 43 kg). After 3 months of edoxaban a duplex ultrasound showed an almost total DVT regression; neither bleedings nor dru–drug interactions with the ongoing CT were detected. Instead, the 3 months follow–up CT–scan revealed persistence of the ACRT, despite of edoxaban.

Conclusions

Thromboembolism is the second leading cause of death in malignancy. Venous thromboembolic events are prevalent compared to the arterial ones. However, in active cancer hypercoagulable burden is common to both kind of thrombosis and sometimes occur simultaneously. In this case, a young woman with advanced breast cancer treated with CE and LAIC developed both DVT and ACRT. According to inefficacy and patient’s preference, we replaced LMWH with edoxaban. Arterial thrombosis was persistent although treated with several antithrombotic agents, whereas edoxaban resulted effective in the DVT regression. The take home message of this case report is that DOACs could be a feasible, efficient and safe anticoagulant choice for venous cancer related thrombosis.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.46 ppm

We present the first results of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) Muon g-2 Experiment for the positive muon magnetic anomaly a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2. The anomaly is determined from the precision measurements of two angular frequencies. Intensity variation of high-energy positrons from muon decays directly encodes the difference frequency ω_{a} between the spin-precession and cyclotron frequencies for polarized muons in a magnetic storage ring. The storage ring magnetic field is measured using nuclear magnetic resonance probes calibrated in terms of the equivalent proton spin precession frequency ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'} in a spherical water sample at 34.7 °C. The ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with known fundamental constants, determines a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 040(54)×10^{-11} (0.46 ppm). The result is 3.3 standard deviations greater than the standard model prediction and is in excellent agreement with the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) E821 measurement. After combination with previous measurements of both μ^{+} and μ^{-}, the new experimental average of a_{μ}(Exp)=116 592 061(41)×10^{-11} (0.35 ppm) increases the tension between experiment and theory to 4.2 standard deviations.

Evidence of superfluidity in a dipolar supersolid from nonclassical rotational inertia

A key manifestation of superfluidity in liquids and gases is a reduction of the moment of inertia under slow rotations. Nonclassical rotational effects have also been considered in the context of the elusive supersolid phase of matter, in which superfluidity coexists with a lattice structure. Here, we show that the recently discovered supersolid phase in dipolar quantum gases features a reduced moment of inertia. Using a dipolar gas of dysprosium atoms, we studied a peculiar rotational oscillation mode in a harmonic potential, the scissors mode, previously investigated in ordinary superfluids. From the measured moment of inertia, we deduced a superfluid fraction that is different from zero and of order of unity, providing direct evidence of the superfluid nature of the dipolar supersolid.

[Risk stratification nomogram for COVID-19 patients with interstitial pneumonia in the emergency department : A retrospective multicenter study]

Hintergrund

Es gibt zurzeit noch keine zuverlässige Methode zur Früherkennung von COVID-19-Patienten in der Notaufnahme, deren Krankheitsverlauf sich rapide verschlechtern und zum Tod führen kann.

Ziel

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Untersuchung prädiktiver Risikofaktoren für die 30-Tage-Mortalität bei COVID-19-Patienten mit interstitieller Pneumonie anhand anamnestischer, klinischer und labortechnischer Parameter und die Entwicklung eines Nomogramms zur Risikostratifizierung in der Notaufnahme.

Methode

In den Notaufnahmen der Krankenhäuser von Meran und Brixen wurde im Zeitraum vom 01. März 2020 bis zum 31. März 2020 eine retrospektive multizentrische Studie an einer Kohorte von 164 Patienten mit COVID-19-Pneumonie durchgeführt. Die Patienten wurde mittels Fluoreszenz-Reverse-Transkriptions-Polymerasekettenreaktion (RT-PCR) positiv auf SARS-CoV‑2 getestet. Anhand der untersuchten Parameter wurde ein Nomogramm zur Risikostratifizierung der 30-Tage-Mortalität von COVID-19-Patienten entwickelt.

Ergebnisse

35 (21,3 %) der 164 COVID-19-Patienten mit interstitieller Pneumonie verstarben innerhalb von 30 Tagen nach Aufnahme in die Notaufnahme. Die multivariate Analysemethode ergab, dass kognitive Veränderungen (OR: 8,330; p = 0,004), Lymphozytopenie (OR: 4,229; p = 0,049), Veränderung der Nierenfunktion (OR: 4,841; p = 0,028), periphere Sauerstoffsättigung < 93 % (OR: 17,871; p = 0,002), Alter > 75 Jahre (OR: 2,925; p = 0,032), erhöhtes C‑reaktives Protein (OR: 6,504; p = 0,005), niedrige Monozytenwerte (OR: 0,504; p = 0,004) und Komorbidität (OR 5,862; p = 0,019) mit der 30-Tage-Mortalität assoziiert waren. Anhand dieser 8 Parameter wurde ein Nomogramm entwickelt, das eine gute Diskriminierung mit einer Fläche unter der ROC-Kurve von 0,937 ergab.

Schlussfolgerung

Die erste Auswertung der in der Notaufnahme erhobenen anamnestischen, klinischen und labortechnischen Daten liefert wichtige prognostische Informationen für die Risikostratifizierung von COVID-19-Patienten in der Notaufnahme und für die Früherkennung von kritischen Verläufen.

Distribution and risk factors of canine haemotropic mycoplasmas in hunting dogs from southern Italy

Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR 3.72; CMhp: OR 2.74), hound (Mhc: OR 5.26; CMhp: OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc: OR 3.38; CMhp: OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc: OR 12.58; CMhp: OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc: OR 8.73; CMhp: OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc: OR 2.82; CMhp: OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc: OR 2.96; CMhp: OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc, while adult age (2-7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections.

Hepatozoon canis in hunting dogs from Southern Italy: distribution and risk factors

Hepatozoon canis is a hemoprotozoan organism that infects domestic and wild carnivores throughout much of Europe. The parasite is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of infected ticks containing mature oocysts. The aims of the present survey were to determine the prevalence of H. canis in hunting dogs living in Southern Italy and to assess potential infection risk factors. DNA extracted from whole blood samples, collected from 1433 apparently healthy dogs living in the Napoli, Avellino, and Salerno provinces of Campania region (Southern Italy), was tested by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to amplify H. canis. Furthermore, the investigated dog population was also screened by qPCR for the presence of Ehrlichia canis, a major tick-borne pathogen in Southern Italy, in order to assess possible co-infections. Two hundred dogs were H. canis PCR-positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 14.0% (CI 12.2–15.9). Breed category (P < 0.0001), hair coat length (P = 0.015), and province of residence (P < 0.0001) represented significant risk factors for H. canis infection. The presence of H. canis DNA was also significantly associated with E. canis PCR positivity (P < 0.0001). Hunting dogs in Campania region (Southern Italy) are frequently exposed to H. canis, and the infection is potentially associated with close contact with wildlife. Further studies are needed to assess the pathogenic potential of H. canis, as well as the epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same habitats in Southern Italy.

Microbiological survey of sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) kept as pets in Italy

The sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) is a small, arboreal, nocturnal, gliding mammalian possum belonging to the marsupial infraclass. Exotic marsupials, including sugar gliders, are becoming popular companion pets and, consequently, the risk of potential infections that can be transmitted to humans should be investigated. Data on the role of the sugar glider as a possible carrier of pathogenic and zoonotic bacteria are scarce and fragmentary. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of potentially zoonotic bacteria (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica) in 64 sugar gliders kept as pets in Italy. The highest prevalence of infection pertained to members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, in particular Citrobacter spp. (50%), Enterobacter spp. (28·1%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (15·6%); Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 10 out of 64 samples (15·6%). All strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited some level of resistance to multiple antimicrobials (ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and doxycycline). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results of this study show that sugar gliders may act as carriers of potentially pathogenic agents for humans and other animal species, therefore caution should be exercised in the handling and contact with these animals.

Validation of the Chronic Tinnitus Acceptance Questionnaire (CTAQ-I): the Italian version

Tinnitus is a widespread symptom that is chronically experienced by approximately 10% of the adult population. While the vast majority of individuals do not feel impaired by their ear noise, about 0.5-3% of the adult population develops severe distress and feels impaired in everyday life. The severity of the distress experienced can only partially be explained by the characteristics of the ear noise itself (e.g. objective tinnitus loudness or duration). Psychological variables such as tinnitus acceptance are being increasingly investigated by tinnitus research. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric quality of the Italian version of the “Chronic Tinnitus Acceptance Questionnaire” (CTAQ-I). The CTAQ-I is an adaption of the Italian “Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ)” and altered for the study of tinnitus acceptance. This cross-sectional multicentre questionnaire study included 141 outpatients with chronic tinnitus. Sociodemographic and clinical data were assessed with the Tinnitus Sample Case History (TSCH), tinnitus acceptance with the Italian “Chronic Tinnitus Acceptance Questionnaire” (CTAQ-I), tinnitus distress with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Tinnitus Questionnaire Short Form (TQ 12-I). Furthermore, we assessed the patient’s general psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory - BSI) and Health Related Quality of Life (SF-36). Psychometric and factorial evaluation of the CTAQ-I were carried out. To investigate the influence of sociodemographic and numerous clinical variables on tinnitus acceptance we calculated correlation coefficients, analysis of variance and independent sample-t-tests. The factor analysis revealed a two-factor solution (“activity engagement” and “tinnitus willingness”), accounting for 41.1% of the variance. Good internal consistency for the total score (α = 0.84) and both factors (α = 0.80-0.88) was found. Moderate negative correlations with tinnitus distress indicated good validity. Tinnitus acceptance was further correlated with lower psychological distress and subjective tinnitus loudness, as well as increased emotional well-being. Tinnitus acceptance is considered to be an important source of therapeutic change in behavioural-based treatments as well as in professional counselling for tinnitus. Our study shows that the CTAQ-I is a reliable and valid instrument to measure the acceptance of patients suffering from chronic tinnitus.

Observation of a Dipolar Quantum Gas with Metastable Supersolid Properties

The competition of dipole-dipole and contact interactions leads to exciting new physics in dipolar gases, well illustrated by the recent observation of quantum droplets and rotons in dipolar condensates. We show that the combination of the roton instability and quantum stabilization leads under proper conditions to a novel regime that presents supersolid properties due to the coexistence of stripe modulation and phase coherence. In a combined experimental and theoretical analysis, we determine the parameter regime for the formation of coherent stripes, whose lifetime of a few tens of milliseconds is limited by the eventual destruction of the stripe pattern due to three-body losses. Our results open intriguing prospects for the development of long-lived dipolar supersolids.

Occurrence of enteropathogenic bacteria in birds of prey in Italy

The importance of wild birds as potential vectors of disease has received recent renewed empirical interest, especially regarding human health although information regarding the enteropathogenic bacteria in birds of prey continue to be scant. This study was performed with the aim to evaluate the occurrence of enteropathogenic bacteria (i.e. Campylobacter spp. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp.) in birds of prey carcasses in Southern Italy. The results of the present study showed a prevalence of 33·1% (49/148) for Campylobacter spp. where all positive isolates (49/49) were identified as Campylobacter jejuni, and among these positive 12/49 were also identified as Campylobacter coli. Thus, 12/49 birds of prey showed mixed infections for both Campylobacter species. Differences in Campylobacter spp. prevalence between diurnal and nocturnal birds were statistically significant (P = 0·016). Escherichia coli showed a prevalence of 6·8% (10/148) and were serogrouped as O26 (n = 3), O55 (n = 2), O145 (n = 5). Salmonella spp. showed a prevalence of 6·8% (10/148) and were serotyped as S. Napoli (n = 4), Salmonella salamae (n = 3) and S. Typhimurium (n = 3). Although wildlife disease outbreaks have often been underreported in the broader context of global epidemiology, results of the present study suggest that birds of prey may serve as a reservoir of pathogens for livestock and human health, acting at the animal-human-ecosystem interface.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study confirms the role of birds of prey as a reservoir of enteropathogenic bacteria (i.e. Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp.). Wild birds can contaminate environment with their faeces and play a crucial role in the transmission of pathogens to poultry and livestock farms and aquifers supplying water to humans. Furthermore, wild birds could disseminate pathogens within rescue and rehabilitation centres where they are admitted.

Salmonella serotypes isolated in geckos kept in seven collections in southern Italy

OBJECTIVES

Reptiles are considered an important reservoir of Salmonella species. This study evaluated the prevalence of Salmonella species in different species of gecko kept as pets in Italy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Faecal swab samples were collected from 70 clinically healthy geckos and examined for Salmonella species by culture that were then serotyped.

RESULTS

Salmonella species were isolated from 24 of 70 (34·3%) samples. Eighteen isolates expressed resistance to ceftazidime and four isolates to ampicillin.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Salmonella spp. can be isolated from apparently healthy captive gecko which should be considered as a potential source of infection for humans and other companion animals.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of single tantalum dental implants: a prospective pilot clinical study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective pilot clinical case series report was to evaluate, through a clinical and radiographic analysis, the peri-implant bone resorption of the tantalum dental implants (TMT) (Zimmer TMT, Parsippany, NJ, USA) one year after prosthetic rehabilitation.

METHODS

Twenty tantalum dental implants were placed in both maxillas and mandibles of 20 patients. Patients were asked to attend a radiographic and clinical follow-up and their previous clinical records and X-rays were assessed. Bone levels were calculated by digitally measuring the distance from the implant shoulder to the first bone-to-implant on periapical radiographs taken at surgery and after 6 and 12 months of functioning. The Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess it there was a correlation between the measurement of the marginal bone loss (MBL). The Anova Test with a post-hoc analysis using Bonferroni's test was used to compare the three group (0, 6 months and 12 months).

RESULTS

The mean total MBL for the group 0 months was 0.84 mm (SD 0.21), 6 months was 0.87 mm (SD 0.22) and for 12 months was 0.89 mm (SD 0.23). The values of the Pearson's coefficients showed that the data measurement were positively correlated. The Anova test showed a statistically significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss can be considered physiological. Within the limits of this study it can be concluded that TMT implants have an excellent bone crest's stability, however, to have most accurate information, will be necessary extend the sample.

Ion microscopy based on laser-cooled cesium atoms

We demonstrate a prototype of a Focused Ion Beam machine based on the ionization of a laser-cooled cesium beam and adapted for imaging and modifying different surfaces in the few-tens nanometer range. Efficient atomic ionization is obtained by laser promoting ground-state atoms into a target excited Rydberg state, then field-ionizing them in an electric field gradient. The method allows obtaining ion currents up to 130pA. Comparison with the standard direct photo-ionization of the atomic beam shows, in our conditions, a 40-times larger ion yield. Preliminary imaging results at ion energies in the 1-5keV range are obtained with a resolution around 40nm, in the present version of the prototype. Our ion beam is expected to be extremely monochromatic, with an energy spread of the order of the eV, offering great prospects for lithography, imaging and surface analysis.

Oral flora of Python regius kept as pets

This study was aimed at evaluating the oral bacterial flora of 60 Python regius kept as pets by culture and biochemical methods. All isolates were also submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method. The oral cavity of snakes sampled harboured a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria mainly constituted by Pseudomonas spp., Morganella morganii, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, but also by Salmonella spp. Staphylococcus spp. was the commonest Gram-positive isolates, and various anaerobic Clostridium species were also found. The most effective antimicrobial agents were enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, followed by doxycycline and gentamicin.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The oral cavity of snakes sampled harboured a wide range of bacteria. Our results suggest that people who come in contact with snakes could be at risk of infection and should follow proper hygiene practices when handling these reptiles.

Rovibrational cooling of molecules by optical pumping

We demonstrate rotational and vibrational cooling of cesium dimers by optical pumping techniques. We use two laser sources exciting all the populated rovibrational states, except a target state that thus behaves like a dark state where molecules pile up thanks to absorption-spontaneous emission cycles. We are able to accumulate photoassociated cold Cs(2) molecules in their absolute ground state (v = 0, J = 0) with up to 40% efficiency. Given its simplicity, the method could be extended to other molecules and molecular beams. It also opens up general perspectives in laser cooling the external degrees of freedom of molecules.

Observation of a resonant four-body interaction in cold cesium Rydberg atoms

Cold Rydberg atoms subject to long-range dipole-dipole interactions represent a particularly interesting system for exploring few-body interactions and probing the transition from 2-body physics to the many-body regime. In this work we report the direct observation of a resonant 4-body Rydberg interaction. We exploit the occurrence of an accidental quasicoincidence of a 2-body and a 4-body resonant Stark-tuned Förster process in cesium to observe a resonant energy transfer requiring the simultaneous interaction of at least four neighboring atoms. These results are relevant for the implementation of quantum gates with Rydberg atoms and for further studies of many-body physics.

Deeply bound cold caesium molecules formed after 0(-)(g) resonant coupling

Translationally cold caesium molecules are created by photoassociation below the 6s + 6p(1/2) excited state and selectively detected by resonance enhanced two photon ionization (RE2PI). A series of excited vibrational levels belonging to the 0(-)(g) symmetry is identified. The regular progression of the vibrational spacings and of the rotational constants of the 0(-)(g) (6s + 6p(1/2)) levels is strongly altered in two energy domains. These deviations are interpreted in terms of resonant coupling with deeply bound energy levels of two upper 0(-)(g) states dissociating into the 6s + 6p(3/2) and 6s + 5d(3/2) asymptotes. A theoretical model is proposed to explain the coupling and a quantum defect analysis of the perturbed level position is performed. Moreover, the resonant coupling changes dramatically the spontaneous decay products of the photoexcited molecules, strongly enhancing the decay into deeply bound levels of the a(3)Σ(+)(u) triplet state and of the X(1)Σ(+)(g) ground state. These results may be relevant when conceiving population transferring schemes in cold molecule systems.

Role of connexin-43 hemichannels in the pathogenesis of Yersinia enterocolitica

Connexin (Cx) channels are sites of cytoplasmic communication between contacting cells. Evidence indicates that the opening of hemichannels occurs under both physiological and pathological conditions. In this paper, the involvement of Cx-43 hemichannels is demonstrated in the pathogenesis of Yersinia. Parental HeLa cells and transfected HeLa cells stably expressing Cx-43 (HCx43) were infected with Yersiniaenterocolitica, and bacterial uptake was measured by the colony-forming unit method. Bacterial uptake was higher in HCx43 cells than in parental cells and was inhibited by the Cx channel blocker, 18-alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA). The inhibitory effect of AGA was more pronounced on the Y. enterocolitica uptake by HCx43 cells than by parental cells. The ability of HCx43 cells to incorporate the permeable fluorescent tracer Lucifer Yellow (LY) was assessed. Dye incorporation was inhibited by AGA, whereas Y. enterocolitica infection of HCx43 cells increased LY incorporation. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that Y. enterocolitica infection of HCx43 cells induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Cx-43, thus supporting a critical role for Cx-43 in the strategies exploited by bacterial pathogens to invade non-phagocytic cells.

Survey of Campylobacter jejuni in stray cats in southern Italy

AIM

To evaluate the presence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in stray cats in southern Italy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One hundred and thirteen animals were trapped in two different environments (urban area, harbour area) of the city of Naples. From each cat, rectal swabs were collected. The samples were processed in order to detect thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. by culture methods. The positive samples were then confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 19/113 (16.8%) stray cats, whereas Campylobacter coli was not isolated. The cat data (age, environment and sex) were analysed by two statistical analyses using the C. jejuni status (positive/negative) as a dependent variable. As regards statistical regression model results, age and environment were risk factors for C. jejuni positivity. In particular, cats older than 1 year had a significantly higher risk of being positive for C. jejuni than cats aged up to 1 year (OR = 10.440; P = 0.000). Moreover, cats living in the harbour area had a significantly higher risk to be a carrier of C. jejuni than cats living in urban area (OR = 17.911; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present survey confirm stray cats as potential carriers of C. jejuni.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study on the prevalence of C. jejuni in stray cats in Europe.

Presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in living layer hens

AIMS

To evaluate the presence of Shiga toxin-producing strains of Escherichia coli (STEC) of the O157:H7 serotype in living layer hens so as to analyse the role of this avian species as potential reservoir.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cloacal swabs were collected between November 2004 and November 2005 from four intensive management layer hen farms and analysed for STEC O157:H7 by immunomagnetic separation methods and multiplex polymerase chain reaction for stx1 and/or stx2, the E. coli attaching and effacing (eae) and hly genes. STEC was detected in 26 of the 720 samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The layer hens analysed were shown to carry STEC O157:H7. The presence of this bacterium in living layer hen farms investigated did not result in any detectable increase in gastrointestinal disease in this species.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Living layer hens are a novel potential reservoir of E. coli O157:H7.

Changes in the haemagglutinin and the neuraminidase genes prior to the emergence of highly pathogenic H7N1 avian influenza viruses in Italy

Outbreaks of avian influenza due to an H7N1 virus of low pathogenicity occurred in domestic poultry in northern Italy from March 1999 until December 1999 when a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus emerged. Nucleotide sequences were determined for the HA1 and the stalk region of the neuraminidase (NA) for viruses from the outbreaks. The HPAI viruses have an unusual multibasic haemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site motif, PEIPKGSRVRRGLF. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the HPAI viruses arose from low pathogenicity viruses and that they are most closely related to a wild bird isolate, A/teal/Taiwan/98. Additional glycosylation sites were present at amino acid position 149 of the HA for two separate lineages, and at position 123 for all HPAI and some low pathogenicity viruses. Other viruses had no additional glycosylation sites. All viruses examined from the Italian outbreaks had a 22 amino acid deletion in the NA stalk that is not present in the N1 genes of the wild bird viruses examined. We conclude that the Italian HPAI viruses arose from low pathogenicity strains, and that a deletion in the NA stalk followed by the acquisition of additional glycosylation near the receptor binding site of HA1 may be an adaptation of H7 viruses to a new host species i.e. domestic poultry.

Depression but not anxiety influences the autonomic control of heart rate after myocardial infarction

AIMS

It has been previously hypothesized that the adverse outcome observed in depressed patients after myocardial infarction might be due to an imbalance in autonomic nervous system activity. The aim of this study was to define the role of depressive and anxious symptoms in influencing autonomic control of heart rate after myocardial infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The SD of RR intervals, baroreflex sensitivity, and depression and anxiety (Zung's scales) were assessed before discharge in 103 patients with acute myocardial infarction; 32 were found to be depressed. Among the patients who were not taking beta-blockers, those with depression had significantly lower SDs of RR intervals and baroreflex sensitivity than did those without depression (96.3 +/- 22.2 ms vs 119.5 +/- 37.7 ms, P =.016; 8.6 +/- 6.2 ms vs 11.8 +/- 6.5 ms/mm Hg, P =.01, respectively). No differences were found when anxiety was considered or when beta-blockers were given. Among the patients not taking beta-blockers, there was a significant correlation between depression levels and both the SD of RR intervals (r = -0.47) and baroreflex sensitivity (r = -0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with myocardial infarction, depression but not anxiety negatively influences autonomic control of heart rate. Beta-blockers modify these influences.

Age effect on phase relations between respiratory oscillations of the RR interval and systolic pressure

Spectral analysis may allow the evaluation of (baroreflex) gain and phase between the RR interval and systolic pressure oscillations synchronous with respiration but, unlike baroreflex gain, the determinants of phase are not completely understood. We evaluated the correlates of spectral phase in 92 healthy subjects (44 men) aged 10-80 years. To do so, the cardiorespiratory signals during paced breathing at 16 breaths/min were continuously recorded and analyzed. In addition, respiratory sinus arrhythmia and baroreflex gain (two indices of cardiac vagal activity) and phase were calculated by using an autoregressive spectral technique. At univariate analysis, the phase correlated with age (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), the RR interval (r = 0.32, P < 0.01), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (r = -0.3, P < 0.01), baroreflex gain (r = -0.29, P < 0.01), and body mass index (r = 0.25, P < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, age was the most important physiological correlate of phase, accounting for 23% of interindividual phase variation. Cardiac vagal activity measures (which were higher in women than men) and the RR interval were also significant independent correlates of phase. We conclude that in addition to the RR interval and cardiac vagal activity, age has a significant impact on the phase relationship between respiratory related oscillations of the RR interval and systolic blood pressure. This spectral measure may contain additional information concerning the mechanisms that influence cardiovascular rhythms.

Cold rubidium molecules formed in a magneto-optical trap

We report the first observation of translationally cold ( approximately 90 &mgr;K) Rb2 molecules. They are produced in a magneto-optical trap in their triplet ground state. The detection is performed by selective mass spectroscopy after two-photon ionization into Rb+2, resonantly enhanced through the intermediate a (3)Sigma(+)(u)-->2 (3)Pi(g) molecular band. The two rubidium isotopes present very different types of behavior that are interpreted in terms of their respective collisional properties.

Respiratory systolic pressure variability during atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm

Previous studies have found that respiratory variations of ventricular response in atrial fibrillation are infrequent and inconsistent. This asynchrony between heart rate and respiration may characterize the physiological mechanisms coupling heart rate and systolic blood pressure oscillations in the respiratory band. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether synchronous variations in systolic blood pressure and respiration depend on a simultaneous change in heart rate. Univariate and bivariate spectral analyses were made of the R-R interval, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory signals during controlled respiration (16 breaths/min) in 24 patients with atrial fibrillation before and after efficacious electrical cardioversion and in 24 age- and sex-matched control subjects. During atrial fibrillation, the spectral coherence between respiration and heart rate was low (0.18+/-0.03), but there was a high level of coherence between respiration and systolic blood pressure (0.67+/-0.05). After cardioversion, the coherence between respiration and heart rate increased to 0.86+/-0.04, whereas the geometric mean values of the concomitant respiratory systolic blood pressure oscillations decreased by 72% (from 21.1 to 5.9 mm Hg(2), P<0.001), which was similar to that observed in the control group (5. 7 mm Hg(2)). These results confirm the inconsistent effect of respiration on heart rate response during atrial fibrillation and demonstrate that respiratory sinus arrhythmia is not a prerequisite for systolic blood pressure oscillations but may play an antioscillatory role in respiratory systolic blood pressure variability, which is probably mediated by arterial baroreflex mechanisms.

Photoassociative Spectroscopy and Formation of Cold Molecules in Cold Cesium Vapor: Trap-Loss Spectrum versus Ion Spectrum

We report on the experimental spectra of all the optically accessible long-range attractive molecular states of the Cs2 dimer below the 6s2S1/2 + 6p2P3/2 dissociation limit by molecular photoassociation of cold Cs atoms. The spectra are obtained by the usual trap-loss method as well as by pulsed-laser photoionization of Cs2 molecules into Cs+2 ions. The two spectra present markedly different features. While the 1g, 0(+)u, and 0(-)g vibrational progressions are present in the trap-loss spectrum, the Cs+2 ion spectrum presents only the 0(-)g and 1u vibrational progressions. Those states (0(-)g and 1u) lead to the formation of the translationally cold Cs2 ground state molecules at temperatures in the 100 µK range, to our knowledge the lowest molecular temperature reported up until now. The C3 asymptotic coefficients for the 0(+)u and 1g states are determined through a fit of the experimental energy levels. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

An outbreak of Pacheco's parrot disease in psittacine birds recently imported to Campania, Italy: isolation of psittacid herpesvirus 2

The authors describe an outbreak of Pacheco's Parrot Disease (PPD) which occurred in Italy in recently imported psittacine birds and was caused by Psittacid Herpesvirus type 2 (PsiHV2). The authors stress the different susceptibility to the disease in the species involved. This outbreak showed the failure of the vaccine prophylaxis that had been administered to the birds with ordinary commercial preparations containing Psittacid Herpesvirus type 1. The authors emphasize the necessity of producing a vaccine containing inactivated viruses of all known serotypes.

Chromatographic and radioimmunological methods for the determination of 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine in biological fluids

Two specific methods for the determination of 5'-deoxy-5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA) in biological samples have been developed. The chromatographic procedure requires a preliminary step on a phenylboronate column to remove non-cis-diol compounds. The sample is then analysed using a high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with a reversed-phase column. 5'-Deoxy-5'-methyl-thio[2-3H]adenosine with high specific activity was synthesized and employed as an internal standard. An alternative radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedure has also been developed. The RIA method is based on competition between the unlabelled thio-ether and 3H-labelled MTA for the binding to a specific antiserum. Anti-MTA antibodies were obtained from rabbits immunized with the nucleoside covalently linked to carrier proteins. Both the chromatographic and RIA procedures gave identical results when employed to determine MTA in human urine.

A preliminary vaccine potency trial of a Newcastle disease virus inactivated with binary ethylenimine

Inactivation of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) by binary ethylenimine (BEI) is reported. The activity of an oil vaccine prepared with BEI-inactivated NDV was compared to a vaccine prepared with formalin-inactivated NDV. The BEI inactivated vaccine had almost twice the efficacy.

Effects of long-term ticlopidine treatment on platelet function and its tolerability in cerebrovascular disease

A trial was performed on thirty-two patients with cerebrovascular disease (transient ischaemic attack and stroke) to assess the effect of ticlopidine, a new inhibitor of platelet aggregation, on some platelet functions and coagulation, and its safety in long-term use (6 months). The results show that ticlopidine was highly effective in inhibiting ADP-induced platelet aggregation, platelet adhesiveness and circulating platelet aggregates, but it had no effect on fibrinogen levels. No serious side-effects were observed. Ticlopidine may therefore prove to be a useful antiplatelet drug in the management of patients with cerebrovascular disease.

[Platelet aggregation in vasomotor headache]

Employing optical density methods, platelet aggregation in response to increasing concentration of ADP was tested in 24 patients with migraine and 15 controls. The migraine patients don't demonstrate platelet hyperaggregability when compared with controls. Platelet aggregate ratio (P.A.R.) was measured in 13 patients and 15 controls by the method of Wu and Hoak: a significant difference was found between and controls. The hyperaggregability found here, even if only for the P.A.R., may help explain the increased incidence of stroke and heart attack in migraine patients that has been reported elsewhere.

Macrophage Characteristics of a Cell Line Isolated in Vitro from a Moloney Lymphoma

A new cell line, LM-A, established in vitro from a murine Moloney lymphoma, is described. The line shows the cytologic, adherence, and phagocytic properties of normal macrophages. It forms specific rosettes with antibody-coated erythrocytes. The cells mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity as assayed by release of radioactivity from 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes. The cytolytic reaction proved to be functionally distinct from the phagocytic process as demanstrated by enhanced cytolysis in the presence of iodo-acetamide, an inhibitor of phagocytosis. The line has Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related antigens as detected by membrane immunofluorescence. The LM-A line is useful for the study of macrophage functions and also provides an interesting tool for investigating the antigenic and immunogenic properties induced by MLV in a cell as relevant as the macrophage in the immune response.

["Vacuum petrosum" in the pneumatized petrous portion of temporal bone and associated disturbances of cranial nerve functions (author's transl)]

Authors observed in cases of kryptogenetic diseases of cranial nerves V, VII and VIII a significant higher frequency of well pneumatized petrous portion of the temporal bone than in normal population. They suppose that, parallel to the symptoms of Eustachian tube occlusion in the middle ear region, the "Vacuum Petrosum" causes these disturbances of cranial nerve functions and try to interpret the mechanism in the particular cases.

Use of gel precipitin test in the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infections

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody was detected in human sera by the gel precipitin test. The results were closely related to those obtained by complement fixation. The simplicity of the test makes it useful for the routine serological diagnosis of CMV infection.