Global COVID-19 lockdown highlights humans as both threats and custodians of the environment

The global lockdown to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic health risks has altered human interactions with nature. Here, we report immediate impacts of changes in human activities on wildlife and environmental threats during the early lockdown months of 2020, based on 877 qualitative reports and 332 quantitative assessments from 89 different studies. Hundreds of reports of unusual species observations from around the world suggest that animals quickly responded to the reductions in human presence. However, negative effects of lockdown on conservation also emerged, as confinement resulted in some park officials being unable to perform conservation, restoration and enforcement tasks, resulting in local increases in illegal activities such as hunting. Overall, there is a complex mixture of positive and negative effects of the pandemic lockdown on nature, all of which have the potential to lead to cascading responses which in turn impact wildlife and nature conservation. While the net effect of the lockdown will need to be assessed over years as data becomes available and persistent effects emerge, immediate responses were detected across the world. Thus, initial qualitative and quantitative data arising from this serendipitous global quasi-experimental perturbation highlights the dual role that humans play in threatening and protecting species and ecosystems. Pathways to favorably tilt this delicate balance include reducing impacts and increasing conservation effectiveness.

Safety and efficacy of low intensity shockwave (LISW) treatment in patients with erectile dysfunction

The primary goal in the management strategy of a patient with ED would be to determine its etiology and cure it when possible, and not just to treat the symptoms alone. One of the new therapeutic strategies is the use of low intensity extracorporeal shockwave (LISW) therapy. The mechanism of shockwave therapy is not completely clear. It is suggested that LISW induces neovascularization and improvement of cavernosal arterial flow which can lead to an improvement of erectile function by releasing NO, VEGF and PCNA.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of pro-drugs of GW196771, a potent glycine antagonist acting at the NMDA receptor

GW196771 is a potent antagonist of the modulatory glycine site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor exhibiting outstanding in vivo profile in different animal models of chronic pain. With the aim to maximize the drug delivery to the target organs a suitable "pro-drug approach" was attempted; in this regards two conjugates of GW196771 with nutrients actively transported into the brain, namely adenosine and glucose, were prepared and investigated. These compounds, were evaluated in vitro in terms of their stability in rat plasma and in vivo on rats. Although an improvement was observed in terms of brain penetration of the esters vs. the parent compound, the amount of the latter did not increase significantly, probably due to some degradation events in the brain, different from the expected ester hydrolysis, resulting in a reduced availability of GW196771.

Development and validation of a column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of sanfetrinem in rat and dog plasma by direct injection

A direct injection column-switching HPLC method was developed and validated for quantification of sanfetrinem in rat and dog plasma. Following dilution with buffer, samples were directly injected onto the system. The analyte was retained in an enrichment column while endogenous plasma components were eluted to waste. Sanfetrinem was then back-flushed to the analytical column for separation and quantification with an ultraviolet detector. Sample batch size was increased by adding a washing phase of the enrichment column and by alternating the injections between two enrichment columns. The method is very simple and sample preparation is minimal. The method has been fully validated and shown to be specific, accurate and reproducible.

Overexpression of H ferritin and up-regulation of iron regulatory protein genes during differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes

The role of iron-dependent oxidative metabolism in protecting the oxidable substrates contained in mature adipocytes is still unclear. Because differentiation increases ferritin formation in several cell types, thereby leading to an accumulation of H-rich isoferritins, we investigated whether differentiation affects iron metabolism in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. To this aim, we evaluated the expression of the genes coding for the H and L ferritin subunits and for cytoplasmic iron regulatory protein (IRP) during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells in adipocytes induced by the addition of isobutylmethylxanthine, insulin, and dexamethasone. Differentiation enhanced ferritin formation and caused overexpression of the H subunit, thus altering the H/L subunit ratio. Northern blot analysis showed increased levels of H subunit mRNA. A gel retardation assay of cytoplasmic extract from differentiated cells, using an iron-responsive element as a probe, revealed enhanced an RNA binding capacity of IRP1, which correlated with the increase of IRP1 mRNA. The observed correlation between differentiation and iron metabolism in adipocytes suggests that an accumulation of H-rich isoferritin may limit the toxicity of iron in adipose tissue, thus exerting an antioxidant function.

Oxalomalate, a competitive inhibitor of aconitase, modulates the RNA-binding activity of iron-regulatory proteins

We investigated the effect of oxalomalate (OMA, alpha-hydroxy-beta-oxalosuccinic acid), a competitive inhibitor of aconitase, on the RNA-binding activity of the iron-regulatory proteins (IRP1 and IRP2) that control the post-transcriptional expression of various proteins involved in iron metabolism. The RNA-binding activity of IRP was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility-shift assay of cell lysates from 3T3-L1 mouse fibroblasts, SH-SY5Y human cells and mouse livers incubated in vitro with OMA, with and without 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). Analogous experiments were performed in vivo by prolonged incubation (72 h) of 3T3-L1 cells with OMA, and by injecting young mice with equimolar concentrations of oxaloacetate and glyoxylate, which are the precursors of OMA synthesis. OMA remarkably decreased the binding activity of IRP1 and, when present, of IRP2, in all samples analysed. In addition, the recovery of IRP1 by 2-ME in the presence of OMA was constantly lower versus control values. These findings suggest that the severe decrease in IRP1 RNA-binding activity depends on: (i) linking of OMA to the active site of aconitase, which prevents the switch to IRP1 and explains resistance to the reducing agents, and (ii) possible interaction of OMA with some functional amino acid residues in IRP that are responsible for binding to the specific mRNA sequences involved in the regulation of iron metabolism.

Detection of human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I in archival tissue specimens

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

To develop a method for the detection of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) in archival biopsy specimens. A polymerase chain reaction-based gene amplification method was developed to detect HTLV-I proviral DNA in paraffin-embedded specimens. The specificity of the polymerase chain reaction products was controlled by Southern blot analysis using a nested oligonucleotide probe and by nucleotide sequencing. The nucleophosmin gene and the T-cell receptor-gamma gene were used as controls for the integrity and adequacy of total DNA and T-cell DNA, respectively. This study was conducted with patients referred to an academic medical center. Biopsy specimens were obtained from lesional skin or lymph node from Japanese patients with HTLV-I seropositive adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. The main outcome measure was the ability to detect HTLV-I pX region proviral DNA.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis of DNA extracted from fresh samples of the HTLV-I infected MT4T-cell line demonstrated that formalin fixation and paraffin embedding resulted in a 100-fold reduction in sensitivity of the assay. Nevertheless, HTLV-I pX sequences were still readily detectable in paraffin-embedded samples of MT4 T cells and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma specimens. Both formalin and B5 fixation were suitable for the assay that was 100% specific for HTLV-I-infected tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of this method should greatly facilitate investigation of the role of HTLV-I in human diseases by allowing analysis of a wide variety of archival tissue specimens. In addition, the controls designed for the current study can be used in a variety of other polymerase chain reaction-based studies of T cells to ensure against false-negative results caused by DNA degradation or inadequate T-cell density.

The Angelchik prosthesis in the surgical therapy of reflux oesophagitis. Short and long term results

The authors report the results acquired from 1981 to 1985 using the Angelchik prosthesis in 22 patients with reflux oesophagitis resisting medical therapy for more than 6 months. Clinical evaluation has been done using Visick scale, as modified by Deakin. Clinical and instrumental controls have been done at 1 month, 12 months and 5-10 years after the operation. Intraoperative mortality and morbidity were zero. Complications directly related to the operation were: transitory dysphagia in 4 cases, persistent dysphagia in 3 cases, transitory gas bloat syndrome in 1 case and persistent gas bloat syndrome in another, persistent stenosis in 1 case and prosthesis dislocation in 6 cases. Clinical results were satisfactory (success rate: 90.9%) only in patients with a short term follow-up (30 days). The full rate of success has come down to 84.2% and 66.6% in patients having follow-ups respectively of 1 year and 5-10 years. The results are truly disappointing and the authors conclude that this procedure is not to be employed.

[Isolated thrombosis of the left brachiocephalic venous trunk]

Only Flower (1976) has reported an isolated obstruction of the left brachiocephalic venous trunk following the observation of a unilateral distension of the left superior jugular vein secondary to compression of the homolateral innominate vein during a type I dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. The rarity of the finding is the reason for the report of two cases of isolated thrombosis of the venous trunk in question observed almost simultaneously some 19 months earlier. In both cases it was possible to identify the aetiopathogenic causes as congenital or acquired constriction of the "aortosternal strait" associated with thrombophilic alteration to the blood coagulation system.

[A case of splenic abscess in a drug addict with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

The complex diagnostic procedure involved in a case of splenic abscess in a young drug addict as a result of septicaemia caused by streptococcus fascalis is described and discussed with an examination of the criteria in support of a more aggressive approach to the removal of septic foci in such patients with AIDS. It is concluded that such criteria are valid even when, as in the case described, splenectomy further depresses the immune system.

[Enzymatic reaction of the follicular cell population in the human appendix]

Histochemical techniques were employed to determine acid phosphatase and alpha-naphthylesterase activities in follicular cells from the mucosa of surgically removed human appendixes. These very reactive cells are found in two areas: in the middle of the light centre and in the surroundings of this centre. The former are globose, arranged with a certain degree of order, and have a reticular anchorage that does not appear to be particularly affected by the physiological and pathological events that occur in the appendix, whereas those of the border vary in number or may even be absent. They have an elongated shape and are also anchored in a reticulum that in this case is more consistent. The result is that in certain forms of appendiceal disease the pale centre of the follicle is closed in a kind of shell formed of very reactive cells. The identification and significance of these two groups of cells of the light centre are discussed.

[Medical management of reflux esophagitis]

When the cause of oesophagitis has been discovered, patients for whom surgical management is impossible may be successfully treated by improving oesophageal peristalsis, increasing the tone of the LES, and speeding up the emptying of the stomach. The best results are obtained in peptic oesophagitis, since the latest secretion-inhibiting drugs ensure constant reduction of the acidity of the gastric juice, as has been demonstrated by continuous pH monitoring.

[Notes on the use of the Angelchik-Cohen ring]

Results obtained by using Angelchik and Cohen's ring prosthesis in 10 patients with hernia due to sliding through the oesophageal hiatus of the diaphragm are reported. In 8 patients, the ring was perfectly tolerated and performed its antireflux and hernia containment functions. In the 2 other patients, however, the prosthesis rose to the mediastinum, causing hernia to recur in one case and leading to recurrence of symptomatology in the other.

[Personal experience in the treatment of serious hepatic insufficiency]

Personal clinical experience and the results obtained in the treatment of patients suffering from severe hepatic insufficiency observed in the last seven years, out of a total of some 200 cases, are reported. The modalities employed in the application of intensive basic care and special treatment in 50 cases of initial or clear hepatic coma of various aetiological origin are reviewed. Whereas basic treatment involves more purely medical measures, such as reintegrative and nutritional treatment by the venous route, activation of renal function, the prophylaxis of infectious complications and reinfusion of ascitic fluid, that applied to cases of clear coma involves a more properly surgical technique. It makes use of an original biological clarification technique in extracorporeal circulation by means of isolated and perfused heterologous liver, and an isovolaemic exsanguinotransfusion technique. Indications and features are illustrated in detail.

[Criteria for intensive treatment of hepatic coma]

Results observed over a period of two years in the intensive care of hepatic coma at the University of Genova surgical pathology department are briefly surveyed. A set of practical suggestions is offered for the management of patients whose prognosis is not open to change by the administration of conventional forms of treatment. A critical appraisal of the results achieved is presented along with the general series.

Inhibition by oxalomalate of rat liver mitochondrial and extramitochondrial aconitate hydratase

1. The effect of oxalomalate on the oxidation of citrate and cis-aconitate in rat liver mitochondria, and on the activity of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic aconitate hydratase, has been investigated. 2. Oxalomalate that was added to intact rat liver mitochondria at high concentrations (2mm) produced complete inhibition of citrate and cis-aconitate oxidation, but lower concentrations (0.1-0.25mm) inhibited oxidation of citrate more than that of cis-aconitate. 3. Aconitate hydratase that was either extracted from mitochondria or soluble in the cytoplasm, was strongly inhibited by low concentrations of oxalomalate (0.01-0.2mm), the mitochondrial enzyme being more sensitive than the soluble one. 4. Oxalomalate, when added together with citrate, produced competitive inhibition; the K(i) values calculated were 1x10(-6)m for the mitochondrial and 2.5x10(-6)m for the cytoplasmic enzyme. 5. With both the enzymic preparations oxalomalate added together with the substrates inhibited the initial rate of the reaction citrate-->cis-aconitate more than that of the reaction isocitrate-->cis-aconitate. 6. After 2min of preincubation of the inhibitor with either of the enzymic preparations the inhibition increased tenfold and became irreversible; under these conditions both the reactions were inhibited to the same extent. 7. The inhibition by oxalomalate of aconitate hydratase appeared to be similar in many respects to that produced by fluorocitrate on the same enzyme.

Control of the citric acid cycle by glyoxylate. The mechanism of inhibition of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and aconitate hydratase

1. The effects of glyoxylate on partially purified preparations of aconitate hydratase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase were compared with those of oxalomalate and hydroxyoxoglutarate (obtained by condensation of glyoxylate with oxaloacetate and pyruvate respectively). 2. Glyoxylate (1mm) did not affect aconitate hydratase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, whereas oxalomalate (1mm) inhibited the enzyme activities completely. 3. Glyoxylate (0.025mm) inhibited oxoglutarate dehydrogenase irreversibly, whereas the same concentrations of oxalomalate and hydroxyoxoglutarate were ineffective. This inhibitory effect was prevented if oxoglutarate, pyruvate or oxaloacetate was mixed with the enzyme before the glyoxylate. 4. Incubation of oxoglutarate dehydrogenase with radioactive glyoxylate produced radioactive carbon dioxide; radioactivity was also recovered in the portion of the enzyme identified with thiamin pyrophosphate. 5. The behaviour of glyoxylate in producing multiple inhibitions of the citric acid cycle, either by direct interaction with oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, or by means of its condensation compounds which inhibit aconitate hydratase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, is discussed.