Multiple congenital ocular anomalies in three related litters of Jack Russell Terrier puppies

OBJECTIVE

To describe multiple congenital ocular anomalies in three litters of Jack Russell Terrier puppies.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Seven purebred Jack Russell Terrier puppies from three related litters and their four parents.

PROCEDURES

Medical records of the puppies and their parents were evaluated. All dogs underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, followed by bilateral ocular ultrasonography in two of the puppies with complete corneal opacity. One eye from an affected puppy was subjected to histopathology. A complete database of pedigrees was built, and individual inbreeding was evaluated.

RESULTS

The most commonly diagnosed ocular anomalies in the puppies were: various anomalies of the fundus (12/14 eyes); microphthalmia (10/14 eyes); sclerocornea (8/14 eyes); and persistent pupillary membranes (7/14 eyes). Six out of seven puppies had at least two ocular abnormalities, and only one puppy was normal. Four out of seven puppies had sclerocornea, a particular corneal opacity to date described only in Spanish Podenco dogs. No ocular abnormalities were found in the parents examined (4/4). Analysis of the pedigrees showed that all the puppies and two parents were inbred, and the individual values of the inbreeding puppies were greater than 6.25% in two litters.

CONCLUSIONS

Inbreeding with closely related Jack Russell Terriers may result in severe congenital eye abnormalities in puppies.

Intractable diarrhea in infancy and molecular analysis: We are beyond the tip of the iceberg

BACKGROUND

Intractable diarrhea (ID) could be defined as a syndrome of severe chronic diarrhea associated with malnutrition not easily resolved by conventional management.

AIMS

To provide an overview on etiology and management of ID patients in Italy in the last 12 years.

METHODS

The members of Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) enrolled all ID patients seen between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2022.

RESULTS

69 children were enrolled (49 M, 20 F; median age at ID onset 9.5 days) from 7 tertiary care pediatric centers. Overall 62 patients had genetic diseases; 3 had infantile Inflammatory Bowel Disease and 1 autoimmune enteropathy in absence of genetic mutations; 2 undefined ID. Defects of intestinal immune-related homeostasis caused ID in 29 patients (42 %).

CONCLUSION

ID is a rare but challenging problem, although the potential for diagnosis has improved over time. In particular, molecular analysis allowed to identity genetic defects in 90 % of patients and to detect new genetic mutations responsible for ID. Due to both the challenging diagnosis and the treatment for many of these diseases, the close relationship between immune system and digestive tract should require a close collaboration between pediatric immunologists and gastroenterologists, to optimize epidemiologic surveillance and management of ID.

Structural rearrangements as a recurrent pathogenic mechanism for SETBP1 haploinsufficiency

Chromosomal structural rearrangements consist of anomalies in genomic architecture that may or may not be associated with genetic material gain and loss. Evaluating the precise breakpoint is crucial from a diagnostic point of view, highlighting possible gene disruption and addressing to appropriate genotype-phenotype association. Structural rearrangements can either occur randomly within the genome or present with a recurrence, mainly due to peculiar genomic features of the surrounding regions. We report about three non-related individuals, harboring chromosomal structural rearrangements interrupting SETBP1, leading to gene haploinsufficiency. Two out of them resulted negative to Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA), being the rearrangement balanced at a microarray resolution. The third one, presenting with a complex three-chromosome rearrangement, had been previously diagnosed with SETBP1 haploinsufficiency due to a partial gene deletion at one of the chromosomal breakpoints. We thoroughly characterized the rearrangements by means of Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), providing details about the involved sequences and the underlying mechanisms. We propose structural variants as a recurrent event in SETBP1 haploinsufficiency, which may be overlooked by laboratory routine genomic analyses (CMA and Whole Exome Sequencing) or only partially determined when associated with genomic losses at breakpoints. We finally introduce a possible role of SETBP1 in a Noonan-like phenotype.

Treatment of fever and associated symptoms in the emergency department: which drug to choose?

OBJECTIVE

Fever is a frequent cause of admission to the Emergency Department (ED) worldwide. Although it can be caused by a wide range of conditions, the most effective treatment based on its etiology is still undetermined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective, single-center, observational study enrolled adult patients who accessed the ED for fever. Physicians were free to administer paracetamol 1,000 mg (P), the combination paracetamol 500 mg/ibuprofen 150 mg (PI) or Ibuprofen 600 mg (I). The primary endpoint was both 1-degree and 1-point reduction in body temperature for all associated symptoms on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) after 1 hour (T1). The secondary endpoint was the reduction of at least 2 points on the NRS after two hours (T2). Adverse events, the need for rescue therapy, and the response based on the underlying etiology (bacterial, viral, or immune/neoplastic) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

324 patients (170 males, mean age 71±6 years) were enrolled: 187 had bacterial, 80 viral, and 57 neoplastic/inflammatory fever. Fever was treated with Paracetamol 1,000 mg (P) in 189 patients and with Paracetamol/Ibuprofen 500/150 mg (PI) in 135 subjects, while none of the patients were primarily treated with I. Based on the fever etiology P was administered to 113 patients with bacterial fever (59.8%), 48 patients with viral fever (25.4%), and 28 subjects with neoplastic/inflammatory fever (14.8%). PI was administered to 74 patients with bacterial fever (54.8%), 32 patients with viral fever (23.7%), and 29 subjects with neoplastic/inflammatory fever (21.5%). The primary endpoint was achieved by 126 patients, 70 of them (37.0%) were treated with P and 56 (41.5%) with PI (p=0.418). The secondary endpoint was achieved by 295 patients, 171 (90.5%) of them treated with P and 124 (91.9%) treated with PI (p=0.669). No significant differences were found between groups treated with P and PI concerning rescue therapy (15 vs. 6 patients; p=0.893). Interestingly, PI was more effective than P in patients with bacterial fever at T1 (P 33.6% vs. PI 48.6%; p=0.040), while efficacy of P and PI was similar at T2 for all kind of fever.

CONCLUSIONS

Paracetamol 1,000 mg represents the first choice for the treatment of fever in the ED, followed by Paracetamol/Ibuprofen 500/150 mg. Interestingly, Paracetamol/Ibuprofen combination resulted in being more effective in patients with bacterial fever one hour after its administration.

Socioeconomic position and self-rated health among adolescents: the mediating role of the family

Background

Although health inequalities in adolescence are well documented, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Few studies have examined the role of the family in explaining adolescents’ health inequalities. The study aimed to explore whether the association between socioeconomic position and self-rated health (SRH) was mediated by familial determinants.

Methods

Using data from wave 2 of the KiGGS study (1,838 female and 1,718 male 11- to 17-year-olds), linear regression analyses were conducted to decompose the total effects of parents’ education, occupation, income, socioeconomic position index, and adolescents’ subjective social status on SRH into direct effects and indirect effects through familial determinants (family cohesion, parenting styles, parental well-being, stress, obesity, smoking and sporting activity).

Results

A significant total effect of all socioeconomic position indicators on SRH was found, except for income in male adolescents. In female adolescents, more than 70% of the total effects of each socioeconomic position indicator were explained by familial mediators, whereas no significant direct effects remained. The most important mediator was parental well-being, followed by family cohesion, parental smoking and sporting activity. In male adolescents, the associations of parental education, the socioeconomic position index and subjective social status with SRH were also mediated by familial determinants (family cohesion, parental smoking and obesity). However, a significant direct effect of subjective social status remained.

Conclusions

The family appears to play an important role in explaining health inequalities, particularly in female adolescents. Reducing health inequalities in adolescence requires policy interventions, community-based strategies, as well as programs to improve parenting and family functioning.

A PEDIATRIC CASE OF TEK-RELATED MALFORMATIONS AND MARFANOID HABITUS: AN INCIDENTAL FINDING OR A FEATURE?

Vascular malformations encompass a wide range of complex vascular lesions. Due to the extreme variability of clinical presentation, classification and their related syndromes presents a challenge. Here we describe a case of a boy presenting with Marfanoid habitus, cutaneous vascular malformations, and severe acute anemia due to ileal venous malformations. Although a panel of genetic markers for the Marfan phenotype was negative, we identified a de novo mutation in the TEK gene in the patient. This case supports expansion of the phenotypic spectrum of TEK-related vascular malformations.

Prevalence of copy number variants (CNVs) and rhGH treatment efficacy in an Italian cohort of children born small for gestational age (SGA) with persistent short stature associated with a complex clinical phenotype

PURPOSE

Multiple factors influence intrauterine growth and lead to low birth sizes. The impact of genetic alterations on both pre- and post-natal growth is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CNVs in an Italian cohort of SGA children with persistent short stature and complex clinical phenotype. rhGH treatment efficacy was evaluated according to the different genotypes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four SGA children (10F/14M) with persistent short stature associated with dysmorphic features and/or developmental delay underwent CNV evaluation.

RESULTS

CNVs were present in 14/24 (58%) SGA children. Six patients had a microdeletion involving the following regions: 3q24q25.1, 8p21.2p12, 15q26, 19q13.11, 20q11.21q12, 22q11.2. In three females, the same microdeletion involving 17p13.3 region was identified. In two different patients, two microduplications involving 10q21.3 and Xp11.3 region were observed. A further female patient showed both an 11q12.1 and an Xq27.1 microduplication, inherited from her mother and from her father, respectively. In a boy, the presence of a 12p13.33 microdeletion and a 19q13.43 microduplication was found. GH treatment efficacy, expressed by height gain and height velocity in the first 12 months of therapy, was similar in subjects with and without CNVs.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that pathogenic CNVs are common in SGA children with short stature associated with additional clinical features. Interestingly, the involvement of 17p13.3 region occurs with a relative high frequency, suggesting that genes located in this region could play a key role in pre- and post-natal growth. rhGH therapy has similar efficacy in the short term whether CNVs are present or not.

A pediatric case of TEK-Related malformations and marfanoid habitus: an incidental finding or a feature?

Vascular malformations encompass a wide range of complex vascular lesions. Due to the extreme variability of clinical presentation, classification and their related syndromes presents a challenge. Here we describe a case of a boy presenting with Marfanoid habitus, cutaneous vascular malformations, and severe acute anemia due to ileal venous malformations. Although a panel of genetic markers for the Marfan phenotype was negative, we identified a de novo mutation in the TEK gene in the patient. This case supports expansion of the phenotypic spectrum of TEK-related vascular malformations.

Congenital heart defects in the recurrent 2q13 deletion syndrome

The recurrent 2q13 deletion syndrome is a rare genetic disorder associated with developmental delay, cardiac and urogenital malformations, and minor facial anomalies. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most frequent malformations associated with del2q13. Experimental studies in zebrafish suggest that two genes mapping within the 2q13 critical region (FBLN7 and TMEM87B) could confer susceptibility to congenital heart defects in affected individuals. We reviewed the cardiac characteristics in four patients with 2q13 deletion admitted to our hospitals, and in published patients. Two of our patients had congenital heart defects, consisting in partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, ostium secundum atrial septal defect ostium secundum, and small muscular ventricular septal defect in one of them, and aortic valve insufficiency with partial fusion of two commissures (incomplete bicuspid aortic valve) and mitral valve insufficiency due to trivial mitral valve prolapse in the other. The anatomic types of CHD in del2q13 syndrome are highly variable and distributed widely, including laterality defects, complex atrioventricular septal defect, septal anomalies, and cardiomyopathies. Cardiac evaluation should be part of the clinical workup at diagnosis of 2q13 deletion.

[Mutation c.3037G>A in the FBN1 gene associated with neonatal Marfan syndrome variant]

Marfan syndrome ([MS], OMIM 154700) is a connective tissue disorder that exhibits an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, whose clinical characteristics can affect multiple systems or organs in a variable way. It is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene (OMIM 134797) located at 15q21.1. Neonatal MS is an uncommon variety of the entity associated with missense mutation between exons 23-33 and truncating mutations, exhibits a more severe phenotype and high percentage of mortality in the first years of life. The case of male adolescent with neonatal MS and missense mutation (c.3037G> A; p.Gly225Arg) in exon 24 of the FBN1 gene is presented. Given these findings, interfamilial phenotype variation, the early interdisciplinary medical evaluation necessary for the management of possible complications, as well as the appropriate family genetic counseling were studied.

Immunofluorescence mapping, electron microscopy and genetics in the diagnosis and sub-classification of inherited epidermolysis bullosa: a single-centre retrospective comparative study of 87 cases with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a heterogeneous group of skin fragility disorders, classified in four major types based on skin cleavage level, i.e. EB simplex (EBS), junctional EB (JEB), dystrophic EB (DEB), Kindler EB, and in more than 30 subtypes defined by the combination of laboratory and clinical data, including disease course.

OBJECTIVES

Our aims were to address whether, in the age of genomics, electron microscopy (TEM) has still a role in diagnosing EB, and whether the genotype per se may be sufficient to sub-classify EB.

METHODS

A thoroughly characterized single-centre EB case series was retrospectively evaluated to compare the power of TEM with immunofluorescence mapping (IFM) in establishing the EB type, and the ability of TEM, IFM and genetics to predict selected EB subtypes, i.e. severe dominant EBS (DEBS), severe JEB, severe recessive DEB (RDEB) and DEB self-improving, using genetic and final diagnosis, respectively, as gold standard.

RESULTS

The series consisted of 87 patients, including 44 newborns, with a median follow-up of 54 months. Ninety-five mutations were identified in EB-associated genes, including 25 novel variants. Both IFM and TEM were diagnostic in about all cases of JEB (21/21 for both) and DEB (43/44 for IFM, 44/44 for TEM). TEM sensitivity was superior to IFM for EBS (19/20 vs. 16/19). As to EB subtyping, IFM performed better than genetics in identifying severe JEB cases due to laminin-332 defect (14/14 vs. 10/14) and severe RDEB (eight/nine vs. seven/nine). Genetics had no role in self-improving DEB diagnosis; it almost equalled TEM in predicting severe DEBS (eight/nine vs. nine/nine) and enabled to discriminate dominant from recessive non-severe DEB phenotypes and to identify special subtypes, e.g. DEBS with KLHL24 mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

Transmission electron microscopy remains relevant to the diagnosis of EBS. IFM and genetics are essential and complementary tools in the vast majority of EB cases.

Theoretical and experimental study of peroxy and alkoxy radicals in the NO3-initiated oxidation of isoprene

Under atmospheric conditions, nitrate-RO₂ radicals are equilibrated and react predominantly with HO₂, RO₂ and NO. The nitrate-RO chemistry is affected strongly by ring closure to epoxy radicals, impeding formation of MVK/MACR.

Experimental and theoretical study on the impact of a nitrate group on the chemistry of alkoxy radicals

The chemistry of nitrated alkoxy radicals, and its impact on RO₂ measurements using the laser induced fluorescence (LIF) technique, is examined by a combined theoretical and experimental study.

Caspofungin PK in critically ill patients after the first and fourth doses: suggestions for therapeutic drug monitoring?

We describe caspofungin pharmacokinetics (PK) after the first and fourth doses in 20 critically ill septic patients. Monte Carlo simulation was used to analyze the probability of target attainment (PTA) (AUC/MIC > 865) for Candida spp. Caspofungin concentrations were analyzed by HPLC in plasma and urine. A great variability in PK parameters was observed after both doses. Patients were divided in two groups according to their AUC values (AUC ≤ 75 mg h/L cut-off). In the low-AUC group Cmax, Cmin and AUC were lower, while Vd and Cl were higher than in the high-AUC group (p < 0.05, both at day 1 and 4). The mean 24-h urinary recovery of the drug was 8 ± 6.3% (day1) and 9.8 ± 6.3 (day4). Monte Carlo simulation analysis (0.03-1 mg/L MIC-range) showed that PTA was guaranteed only for MICs ≤ 0.03 mg/L in the low-AUC group, and for MICs ≤ 0.06 mg/L in the high-AUC group. No group had a PTA ≥ 90% for 0.125 mg/L MIC (the epidemiological cut-off). Mortality was higher in low-AUC group (p < 0.01). In our 'real-world' population, no clinical data can predict which patient will have lower, suboptimal caspofungin exposure, therefore we suggest TDM to optimize caspofungin therapy and reduce the risk of selecting resistances (CEAVC, 32366/2015; OSS.15.114, NCT03798600).

Correction to: Structural modeling of a novel TERC variant in a patient with aplastic anemia and short telomeres

The original version of this article contained a mistake in the affiliation of E. Bellacchio. Correct affiliation is presented here.

Unimolecular decay strongly limits the atmospheric impact of Criegee intermediates

Stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCI) are reactive oxygenated species formed in the ozonolysis of hydrocarbons. Their chemistry could influence the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere by affecting the HO_x and NO_x cycles, or by the formation of low-volatility oxygenates enhancing atmospheric aerosols known to have an important impact on climate. The concentration of SCI in the atmosphere has hitherto not been determined reliably, and very little is known about their speciation. Here we show that the concentration of biogenic SCI is strongly limited by their unimolecular decay, based on extensive theory-based structure-activity relationships (SARs) for the reaction rates for decomposition. Reaction with water vapor, H₂O and (H₂O)₂ molecules, is the second most important loss process; SARs are also proposed for these reactions. For SCI derived from the most common biogenic VOCs, we find that unimolecular decay is responsible for just over half of the loss, with reaction with water vapor the main remaining loss process. Reactions with SO₂, NO₂, or acids have negligible impact on the atmospheric SCI concentration. The ambient SCI concentrations are further characterized by analysis of field data with speciated hydrocarbon information, and by implementation of the chemistry in a global chemistry model. The results show a highly complex SCI speciation, with an atmospheric peak SCI concentrations below 1 × 10⁵ molecule cm^-3, and annual average SCI concentrations less than 7 × 10³ molecule cm^-3. We find that SCI have only a negligible impact on the global gas phase H₂SO₄ formation or removal of oxygenates, though some contribution around the equatorial belt, and in select regions, cannot be excluded.

Expanding the clinical and molecular spectrum of PRMT7 mutations: 3 additional patients and review

Protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7) is a member of a family of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosyl-l-methionine to nitrogen atoms on arginine residues. Arginine methylation is involved in multiple biological processes, such as signal transduction, mRNA splicing, transcriptional control, DNA repair, and protein translocation. Currently, 7 patients have been described harboring compound heterozygous or homozygous variants in the PRMT7 gene, causing a novel intellectual disability syndrome, known as SBIDDS syndrome (Short Stature, Brachydactyly, Intellectual Developmental Disability, and Seizures). We report on 3 additional patients from 2 consanguineous families with severe/moderate intellectual disability, short stature, brachydactyly and dysmorphisms. Exome sequencing revealed 2 novel homozygous mutations in PRMT7. Our findings expand the clinical and molecular spectrum of homozygous PRMT7 mutations, associated to the SBIDDS syndrome, showing a possible correlation between the type of mutation and the severity of the phenotype.

Use of the parenteral antibiotic Ertapenem as short term prophylaxis in bariatric surgery: a pharmaco-kinetic-pharmacodynamic study in class III obese female patients

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of Ertapenem in extremely obese female patients (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m²) undergoing bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Ten patients received 1 g intravenous Ertapenem 0.5 h prior to surgery as short term prophylaxis. Serum Ertapenem concentrations were determined at baseline, at the end of infusion (30 minutes), then at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours postinfusion. In patients in whom a liver biopsy was necessitated by clinical need, Ertapenem liver concentrations were determined through intraoperative biopsies at 1 and 2 h postadministration. Peritoneal Ertapenem concentrations were determined in drainage fluid samples collected during the 4-8, 8-12, and 12-24 h intervals after Ertapenem administration. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to estimate the probability of achieving free drug levels above the minimum inhibitory concentration (fT>MIC) for at least 20% and 40% of the dosing interval as PK/PD targets.

RESULTS

Peak drug concentration and 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were found to be 191.9 ± 37.4 mg/L and 574.3 ± 110.5 mg·h/L, respectively. Ertapenem liver/serum concentration ratios were 6% at 1 h and 5% at 2 h. Drug concentrations in peritoneal fluid were 28.2 ± 6.4 mg/L at 4-8h, declined to 15.2 ± 5.9 at 8-12h and fell further to 4.79 ± 0.2 mg/L at 12-24 h post-administration. The probability to reach the desired PK/PD targets were never reached at any MICs >0.25 µg/mL with a 90% probability.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that in extremely obese female patients, the standard dose of 1 g i.v. Ertapenem as short term prophylaxis may not provide optimal clinical levels of free drug for prevention of surgical site infections.

Treatment options for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection: Where are we now?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection continues to be a substantial global problem with significant associated morbidity and mortality. This review summarises the discussions that took place at the 4th MRSA Consensus Conference in relation to the current treatment options for serious MRSA infections and how to optimise whichever therapy is embarked upon. It highlights the many challenges faced by both the laboratory and clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of MRSA infections.

Direct observation of OH formation from stabilised Criegee intermediates

The first direct observation of OH radicals from syn-CH₃CHOO Criegee intermediates decomposition suggests it affects tropospheric chemistry and ambient OH measurements.

Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Caspofungin in a Renal Transplant Patient withAspergillus flavusLung Infection: Case Report

Organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for severe invasive aspergillosis, and amphotericin deoxycholate has been the standard treatment for many years. Currently, however, lipid formulations are preferred due to their few side effects. Also, a number of new antifungal drugs have been developed including new azoles and echinocandins. Caspofungin is the first of the echinocandin derivatives patented to treat patients with invasive aspergillosis who are refractory or intolerant to other therapies. A renal transplant patient on immunosuppressive treatment with chronic hepatitis B virus infection was admitted with fever, hemophthisis and lung consolidation, diagnosed to be probably caused by Aspergillus flavus. The patient developed cholestatic hepatitis most likely related to itraconazole. Clinical failure and in vitro itraconazole resistance of the isolate was also documented while the patient was receiving itraconazole at a reduced dosage. Caspofungin was administered once a day as ambulatory treatment and was well tolerated. Clinical improvement was observed after 6 weeks of treatment and no hepatic toxicity was documented. Caspofungin seems to be a potentially useful antifungal agent in renal transplant patients with invasive aspergillosis. Further evaluation of the efficacy of caspofungin is needed.

Another patient with 12q13 microduplication

Interstitial duplication of the long arm of chromosome 12 is a rare cytogenetic condition. While several reports describe distal 12q duplication, only one case report of homogeneous, non-mosaic interstitial 12q13 duplication has been documented to date. The authors of that observation proposed that the associated phenotype represented a phenocopy of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome [Dallapiccola et al., 2009]. Only a few other recorded patients with deletion 12q13 → 12q21 involved mosaicism. We describe a new patient with homogeneous 12q13 duplication in a 6-year-old girl who, in early infancy, presented with dysmorphic features suggesting Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. What is potentially significant about this patient is that her facial phenotype evolved with age, suggesting a different gestalt in older patients.

The role of nitrite and nitrate ions as photosensitizers in the phototransformation of phenolic compounds in seawater

Nitrite and nitrate are known to be involved in photochemical processes occurring in natural waters. In this study we have investigated the role played by these photosensitizers towards the transformation of xenobiotic organic matter in marine water, with the goal of assessing the typical transformation routes induced in seawater by irradiated nitrite/nitrate. For this purpose, phenol was chosen as model molecule. Phenol transformation was investigated under simulated solar radiation in the presence of nitrite (in the range of 1 × 10(-5)-1 × 10(-2)M) or nitrate ions, in pure water at pH 8, in artificial seawater (containing same dissolved salts as seawater but no organic matter), and in natural seawater. In all experiments, phenol degradation rate and formation of intermediates were assessed. As expected, phenol disappearance rate decreased with decreasing nitrite concentration and was slightly reduced by the presence of chloride. Other salts present in artificial seawater (e.g. HCO(3)(-), CO(3)(2-) and Br(-)) had a more marked effect on phenol transformation. Analysis of intermediates formed in the different matrices under study showed generation of hydroxyl-, nitro- and chloroderivatives of phenol, to a different extent depending on experimental conditions. 1,4-Benzoquinone prevailed in all cases, nitroderivatives were only formed with nitrite but were not detected in nitrate-spiked solutions. Competition was observed between halogenation and nitration of phenol, with variable outcome depending on nitrite concentration. The most likely reason is competition between nitrating and halogenating species for reaction with the phenoxyl radical. A kinetic model able to justify the occurrence of different intermediates under the adopted conditions is presented and discussed.

The reaction of Criegee intermediates with NO, RO2, and SO2, and their fate in the atmosphere

The reaction of Criegee intermediates (CI) with NO and RO(2) radicals is studied for the first time by theoretical methodologies; additionally, the reaction of CI with SO(2) molecules is re-examined. The reaction of CI with NO was found to be slow, with a distinct energy barrier. Their reaction with RO(2) radicals proceeds by the formation of a pre-reactive complex followed by addition of the RO(2) radical on the CI carbon over a submerged barrier, leading to a larger peroxy radical and opening the possibility for oligomer formation in agreement with experiment. The impact of singlet biradicals on the reaction of CI with SO(2) is examined, finding a different reaction mechanism compared to earlier work. For larger CI, the reaction with SO(2) at atmospheric pressures mainly yields thermalized sulfur-bearing secondary ozonides. The fate of the CI in the atmosphere is examined in detail, based on observed concentration of a multitude of coreactants in the atmosphere, and estimated rate coefficients available from literature data. The impact of SCI on tropospheric chemistry is discussed.

Microarray application in prenatal diagnosis: a position statement from the cytogenetics working group of the Italian Society of Human Genetics (SIGU), November 2011

A precise guideline establishing chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) applications and platforms in the prenatal setting does not exist. The controversial question is whether CMA technologies can or should soon replace standard karyotyping in prenatal diagnostic practice. A review of the recent literature and survey of the knowledge and experience of all members of the Italian Society of Human Genetics (SIGU) Committee were carried out in order to propose recommendations for the use of CMA in prenatal testing. The analysis of datasets reported in the medical literature showed a considerable 6.4% incidence of pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) in the group of pregnancies with sonographically detected fetal abnormalities and normal karyotype. The reported CNVs are likely to have a relevant role in terms of nosology for the fetus and in the assessment of reproductive risk for the couple. Estimation of the frequency of copy number variations of uncertain significance (VOUS) varied depending on the different CMA platforms used, ranging from 0-4%, obtained using targeted arrays, to 9-12%, obtained using high-resolution whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. CMA analysis can be considered a second-tier diagnostic test to be used after standard karyotyping in selected groups of pregnancies, namely those with single (apparently isolated) or multiple ultrasound fetal abnormalities, those with chromosomal rearrangements, even if apparently balanced, and those with supernumerary marker chromosomes.